Question 1 of 8
Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to run for City Council/Mayor?
Community. Harbor is a vibrant, engaged, multi-faceted, fantastic community. I have had a great life here. I now have time and hopefully skills to contribute back so the best of us continues into the future. Experience supporting many different organizations both professionally and as a volunteer have given me a view into what works. Dogs like me, usually.
Question 2 of 8
If you have been involved in the past, please list how here -- feel free to list anything from attending City Council meetings to serving on boards or commissions, volunteering for events, etc.
I have attended and/or listened to city meetings either in person or online periodically for a long time. I have volunteered on non-profit boards, as an ambulance attendant, a ski patroller, at T-ball, youth soccer, swim meets, community construction projects and more.
I have served on the Harbor Commission continuously since 1987.
Question 3 of 8
What are the biggest challenges the City is facing in the next five years, and do you have ideas on how you’d like to see those challenges addressed?
Internal challenges always include balancing available resources with needs, wants and demands of the community. Infrastructure will always need attention and we have some substantial projects on the horizon that require thoughtful planning and community engagement. Attracting and retaining talent, both in house staff and supporting professionals, is always a priority.
External challenges are not always forseeable, although many are obvious. We are less insulated from the rest of the world with each passing day. Allowing the community to flourish without losing the commons we share is a challenge, holding to the ideal while remaining pragmatic is also about balance.
Question 4 of 8
In a community that includes year-round and seasonal residents, as well as an increasing tourism market, how do you think about balancing economic drivers, natural resources, community well-being, and infrastructure needs? What concerns and opportunities do you see in our town’s unique makeup?
As the question implies, balance.and proportion are important. City council does not determine the market forces that result in business decisions at a granular level, but does have a hand in creating an environment where people want to be. There are only so many places to put more cars, only so many seats in the restaurants, only so many cooks.
"The City" has powers and limitations as to what we can do. Best is to anticipate and adapt. For example, no one saw the web-based short-term rental issue coming until it arrived. Best practice is to seek balance, scale, proportionality. The bathwater is a problem, but the baby is the priority.
We can learn a lot from the experiences of other fine communities dealing with the same issues we face; maintaining balance between individual and community interests. I will seek wisdom wherever I can find it,
Question 5 of 8
Is there anything you think is being under or over funded in the City’s current budget? If so, please describe the changes you’d like to see
I'd start by saying that perfect is just a concept and that reasonable people can disagree. For example I believe that in recent years the City has improved roads overall, but there are certainly areas that still need attention. "Opportunity cost" is part of any such decision, to spend more on any one thing means less somewhere else, unless the community is willing to provide additional revenue. Budgetary flexibility throughout the year is important as issues arise, trade-offs will sometimes need to be made on the fly. Inflation turns "just right" into underfunded, this is likely to be more of an issue.
Question 6 of 8
Are there any changes you’d like to see made to the structure of boards and commissions in the City? If so, please describe and note why
City staff cannot be experts in everything, boards provide valuable insight and perspective that lead to better decisions. As the ratio of year around residents decreases, the pool of potential volunteers shrinks. Some have complained that non-residents cannot serve on some boards but I'd point out that suggestions and observations are always welcome and that one can participate without a reserved seat at the table. Term limits have been suggested but I think Council should be able to appoint whomever they like.
Question 7 of 8
There has been a lot of division in this town over the last few years. How would you leverage your position as a local leader to help heal the community? Be specific about ideas you would bring to the table.
Healthy debate is a good thing, and I encourage input that is factual and sensible. If you can't make a point in 3 minutes, write it down and send it in. Council is there to listen and make the best decisions based on facts. Insults and hyperbolic ranting at a public meeting is beyond inappropriate and I won't tolerate it.
Question 8 of 8
What brings you the most joy, when you think about Harbor Springs?
The range- Warm summer nights with fireflies and meteors overhead, the stillness and silence of winter, the controlled madness of the 4th of July, the cheering at Ottawa stadium, raspberries and sweet corn at the market, dancing in the street, books, boats, and bands, history and potential. The FACT that all of this and more was conjured out of thin air by the folk you see around you everyday. A tip of the hat to all y'all.