What's in this Guide
Kalamazoo City Commission
Kalamazoo City Transit Authority Proposal
Kalamazoo City Commission
Two Year Term. Vote for not more than seven
- What strategies do you advocate to promote the economic vitality of the city? How do those strategies relate to the vitality of the region? [90 words]
- What are the city’s strongest assets? How would you use those assets to address the city’s most pressing issues? [90 words]
- What are the primary skills or talents you would bring to the office? Give an example of how you’ve used one or more of them and describe why are they especially important at this time in the history of the city. [90 words]
- Do you support or oppose the city ballot proposals? Explain why. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance; (b) Transit millage [90 words for both proposals]
David Anderson
Age 58. 513 Stuart Ave. Director, Housing and Facilities, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Bachelor’s degree, Accountancy, WMU; Kalamazoo Central graduate. Kalamazoo City Commission, 4 yrs. Chair, Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission, 8 yrs. Member and chair, LIFT Foundation, 10 yrs. Former chair, City of Kalamazoo Housing Board of Appeals, President of the West Douglas (Fairmont) Neighborhood Association, and President, Hillside and Kalamazoo Central PTSO.
1. If our streets are not safe, or if they are crumbling, it will be impossible to attract development. So the most fundamental strategy to promote Kalamazoo’s economic vitality is to maintain core services within budget constraints. In addition, I advocate Kalamazoo’s continued partnership with regional cooperative entities, such as Southwest Michigan Alliance and Southwest Michigan First. And city tax abatements must be used to create opportunities and leverage brownfield, Neighborhood Enterprise, and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act resources to expand strategic investment that is tied to broad community goals.
2. Kalamazoo’s strongest asset is the can-do spirit of its people and their commitment to making this community more vibrant. Here volunteer-driven efforts are the norm and often spark positive change, leverage resources and spur collaboration. For instance, a group like CAPS, formed to tutor children at Interfaith Homes, now includes working and retiree volunteers plus local college students. Their collective efforts set the stage for attracting funding that brought wireless connections to all residents. Creativity and determination like this can help us build even in tough economic times.
3. I bring finance and collaborative management skills to the City Commission based on decades of volunteer and professional work in Kalamazoo. In my four years on the City Commission, I’ve used that experience to address community challenges in a way that supports respectful dialogue on issues such as panhandling and housing, Freedom of Information Act processes and the anti-discrimination ordinance. The political environment, even at the local level, encourages people talking at rather than with each other. Civic leaders have an active role to play in fostering community conversations.
4. (a) I support the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance. It was developed in response to a group of city residents and shaped by a community process. By prohibiting discrimination against people based on all the protections currently in state and federal law, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity, it represents a community commitment to equal treatment. (b) Transit millage. I support the public transit millage. Public transportation is a necessity for many city residents and this levy does not represent a tax increase for city property owners, but a small decrease from the current rate.
Jimmy Dean Ayers
Age 48. 710 Collins St., Apt. 314. Currently on disability. High school education. I have lived in Kalamazoo almost all my life. I know what people want and need.
1. I would like to bring in new high-paying jobs to the area, which would help the city and the region. I would also like to help the homeless people in Kalamazoo who can’t go to the Gospel Mission when it’s full, by repairing the old adult bookstore on Portage St. and turning it into a place for them to keep warm.
2. The city’s strongest assets are the college students that live here and the downtown mall. We can try to keep some of the students here to help revitalize the city and bring in good paying jobs. I would like to help them achieve this.
3. I can listen to situations and resolve them, and this is important now because current city commissioners don’t answer questions at meetings. They say we will get back to you and never do.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. Yes. They are human beings like the rest of us and deserve to be treated as such. (b) Transit millage. Yes, with the gas prices today, a lot of people depend on the Metro Transit buses.
Birleta Bean-Hardeman
Age 51. 949 Austin St. Transportation, B&W Charters, Inc. Education: Administrative medical assistant; nurse aide; phlebotomist. Life-long Kalamazoo resident. Wife of James L. Hardeman, mother of Steven Rìchàrdè and Terrill Shìavonè (deceased). Have lived out all trials, tribulations and many obstacles of life with success. Have lived in the shoes of many, which enables me to have great knowledge of Kalamazoo City/community needs and prominent resources to meet needs. Woman of change—I live, welcome, encourage and seek change with perseverance. . . .
1. My intent/my visions are to employ, communicate, plan and develop with the community. I support and will work with: birth control programs, educational programs, programs eliminating employment barriers for felons, programs which help prevent jail/prison returns, programs for the homeless. Insurance programs for low-income residents. Community and police interacting. All developments of youth programs. Programs for drug addiction/drug abuse. Parks and recreation programs. Metro Transit and our new trailways.
2. I believe that the city’s strongest assets are the residents, the community as a whole. I will interact with residents, with employing panels/ boards. I find that when someone is an actual part of something, and not just a voice, they tend to feel more apart of, as if they truly belong. This causes them to help in times where they can’t seem to find a reason to want to help. This gives a person a reason to want to help. To be an actual part of can bring about many openings.
3. I have people skills. I am a people person. My education and my work experience incline my interacting and working to help people. As stated above, people are the city’s greatest asset. I have went into the community and selected a handful of residents whom are often looked down on, looked at as being different and/or homeless. I put them to work, with me (volunteer). This automatically caused these residents to feel important, it gave them not only a lift in their lives, it also gave them insight/knowledge of things. . . .
4. I support both ordinances. Both are self-explanatory. I see them as necessities to building a better, stronger community.
Nicholas Boyd
Age 26. 1129 Berkshire Dr. Home Loan Closer. Associate of Arts, KVCC, 2005. Former business owner. Vice-Chair, Kalamazoo Community Relations Board; election inspector and precinct chairperson since 2004.
1. Lowering business taxes from the state allowed maximum of .21 to a more attractive rate would be step one for long-term economic growth instead of short-term fixes with currently have with maximum amount of temporary tax abatements. I believe whole heartedly that a strong downtown will make a stronger city. A downtown that is bursting with jobs and business development will mean increased city tax revenue which will mean there will be more money created to help revitalize the neighborhoods.
2. Education, from early childhood to higher education, and The Kalamazoo Promise. Without the plethora of educational resources and facilities, Kalamazoo would be a less attractive place to potential residents and business investors. Kalamazoo must use its superior education system to spark interest and promote business growth to create new jobs.
3. Like it or not, the City Commission isn’t a one-man job, there are 7 commissioners that will be working together to do what they feel is best for the community. As the youngest of four children, I have learned well lessons of working with a team and knowing when to make sure my opinion has been heard. As business owner, I learned how to make tough decisions. The decisions the commission makes affect me directly and I believe I can be an active voice in making sure our city moves forward. . . .
4. (a) I am happy to see the anti-discrimination ordinance has gone to a vote and I believe voters will make their choice on November 3rd. (b) I do support the transportation millage request and looking forward to working on behalf of citizens to make our transportation system the best.
Kyle Boyer
Did not respond in time for publication.
Don Cooney
Age 72. 1221 Vassar Dr. Professor, WMU. Ph.D., Bryn Mawr; M.A., Fordham; B.A., M.Div., Mary Immaculate Seminary. City Commissioner, 12 yrs. Teaching courses on social policy, race and ethnicity, community organizing and social justice, 32 yrs, WMU. Local, national, international experience organizing; lived and worked more than a dozen years in culturally diverse inner city in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Managua (Nicaragua).
1. Economic vitality of the City should not be measured primarily by GNP, but the opportunity for all our people to achieve a decent life. For young people that means providing support to get through school with the talents they need to realize the Promise. For families, making available support and skills for living wage jobs. Economic vitality of City and region is tied to national policies for universal health care, rebuilding infrastructure, education, environmentally responsible energy policy.
2. City’s strongest assets: talented, compassionate people; excellent schools and colleges; outstanding hospitals; world class companies; extensive social services; rich cultural life; natural beauty. We need to link our great resources to our problems. School and church buildings should be open into the night and on weekends. There business leaders, teachers, social service providers, health professionals, skilled workers, talented students should work with young people and families to help them succeed.
3. (a) Through 45 years working in diverse communities, ability to work well with all people. (b) Through excellent education, extensive knowledge of best practices in social policy, community development. (c) 12 years experience working on the City Commission. Example of utilizing talents: With then Commissioner Ed Gordon initiated Communities in Schools program which under exceptional leadership of Pam Kingery now provides extensive supports for youth and families in 15 Kalamazoo schools.
4. (a) I strongly support non-discrimination ordinance. The history of the nation has been the struggle to realize the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all are created equal with inalienable rights to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Our city has the opportunity to ensure this promise to many who have been excluded from it. (b) I strongly support the transit millage. Public transit plays invaluable role in helping vulnerable people to a higher quality of life.
Aaron Davis
Age 41. 2408 S. Rose St. Manager, Greenleaf Hospitality Group. Operating engineer graduate; KVCC M-Tec graduate; American Hotel Lodging certificate. Yrs of experience as owner/operator in private and public sectors of business.
1. I would help the city maintain a healthy balanced budget that would put money back into the taxpayers’ pockets and that would be a model for the region to follow.
2. Public safety and the general community should be able, must be able, to work together as one entity. The community has to be safer. We need someone like James Ray who was a trusted Kalamazoo police officer.
3. My ability to focus on solutions, not problems, plus many years of experience in dealing with the general public. Plus my heart and passion and courage to make tough decisions.
4. (a) I support equal rights, not special rights. The ordinance must be clearly understood because there is already laws on the book about discrimination. If this ordinance passes that would mean a man that feels he’s a woman could enter the women’s restroom, so I say “no”! I have children. They don’t need to see that madness. (b) I say no because the transit system has already had fair increase. They didn’t manage that right. They need to find a better way.
Bobby Hopewell
Age 45. 525 Stuart Ave. Director, Hospitality Services, Borgess Medical Center. B.S., Public Service Administration/EMS Administration. Kalamazoo City Commission, 2003–present; Mayor, 2007–present, Vice Mayor, 2005–2007. Planning Commission, 6 yrs, 2 yrs as chairperson; Zoning Board of Appeals, 4 yrs; chairperson, Charter Review Committee. Current board member, Douglass Community Association, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, Eastside Community and Youth Center, Downtown Development Authority. Member, Kalamazoo Public Schools Literacy Task Force, Kalamazoo Public Schools Friends of KPS. Website—www.bobbyhopewell.com
1. First, economic vitality starts with our current businesses. We need to continue to build a city environment that has good roads, great neighborhoods, great schools, good public transportation and other services, and a thriving downtown. Second, we should continue to work with our current partners (Southwest Michigan First and our higher education institutions, to name a few) to develop next generation jobs for our community. Third, we need to do a better job at coordinating community assets to help our children and The Kalamazoo Promise succeed.
2. The Kalamazoo Promise is the most wonderful asset ever bestowed on any community. Yet, it is only one of many valuable assets in the City, which include WMU, Kalamazoo College, KVCC, our K-12 schools, neighborhoods, popular downtown festivals, the KIA, the Civic and the Symphony. Truly, our greatest asset is the people of Kalamazoo. We have a long history of citizen involvement in addressing community needs. This is what inspired me to create the Kalamazoo Action Covenant, a developing initiative to strengthen and better coordinate community involvement.
3. My greatest skills include: (a) the ability to bring citizens and commissioners together and involve people to tackle the challenges at hand; (b) being thoroughly involved in the community; and (c) the ability to work with our outstanding city staff to get the job done. Examples of how I have used these skills include the team efforts to bring jobs to our community over the last several years, and more recent initiatives to work closely with several individuals and organizations to coordinate actions to help our youth succeed.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. I support this ordinance. Everyone should be free from all aspects of discrimination. Voters will decide on amending existing city ordinances (Chapter 18) to also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Please vote yes! (b) Transit millage. I support this millage. Public transportation is critical in our community. If approved, voters will pay 1.0 mills for combined city and county millages to support public transportation, equaling prior levels, while still less than the 1.38 mills we paid in 2008. Please vote Yes!
Michael Kilbourne
Age 34. 438 Ranney St. Outreach worker, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health. Pursuing B.S.W. I experienced homelessness and poverty first-hand as a child. I have worked to advance affordable housing and the rights of the disadvantaged. I helped to establish Kalamazoo County’s Local Housing Assistance Fund. I have worked for organizations such as Ministry with Community, Americorps, and have sat on many boards. My wife, Presbyterian minister Ericka Parkinson Kilbourne, and I are expecting our first child in November.
1. For many years the City of Kalamazoo has given out tax abatements to local businesses. I am in support of assisting local business by giving them tax breaks, but we need more accountability. We can bring down the poverty rate by ensuring jobs in the city. I want these businesses to focus the majority of their hiring on Kalamazoo citizens, allotting a percentage for the disadvantaged, by doing this we can start to drive down the poverty rate in Kalamazoo and help to stimulate the economy.
2. Goodwill and cooperation are the city’s strongest assets. The City Commission is a non–partisan position, and I will use this platform to create greater communication and cooperation between groups that would normally not work together. I will do this to address most issues the city faces. As a community organizer and activist, I have sought cooperation between liberals and conservatives on community issues; I have often found this strategy to be successful.
3. I grew up in poverty and homelessness, and this gives me a unique perspective on the economic changes we are going through. I have been trained in community organizing, and I have used these skills to build relationships with people of widely different economic standing in the city. It is important that we maintain our focus on the poor, especially during a recession. I will always be diligent about reducing the poverty rate.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. I will stand up and support the Kalamazoo Non-Discrimination ordinance in its entirety, and I will not be bullied, coerced or misled to do otherwise. My dedication to social justice does not stop there; when there is discrimination of any sort in Kalamazoo, I want to know about it. (b) Transit millage. More than 50% of Metro Transit riders are below the poverty line. I will support the millage because we have to take action to keep fares affordable for riders. Without a millage, bus fares would be raised.
Terry L. Kuseske
Age 60. 4509 Starlite Ave. Retired teacher. M.A., MSU; B.S., WMU. I have committed my life to being involved in the community I live in. Since moving to Kalamazoo, I have been active in many organizations including currently serving on the Kalamazoo City Planning Commission, currently serving as the chairman. For the past four years, I have served on the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority, as the chair of the Budget Review Committee.
1. I will advocate for the following strategies: (a) Good planning; (b) Continual updating and maintenance of infrastructure; (c) Ongoing investment in neighborhoods; (d) Strong housing inspection program; (e) Investment and development of our Brownfield; (f) The Kalamazoo Promise; (g) The economic downturn and how the economy grows in Kalamazoo. As City Commissioner, I will support review of programs which are in place, determine their impact—make sure that goals for the program have been met, set benchmarks for measurement of their success. One of the most important strategies, which I believe will make a difference, is completing Comprehensive Planning. . . .
2. Our biggest asset is our community and business leaders who have had foresight over the years to plan for the future. These leaders have dedicated themselves to our community. This work shows as we continue to be an example across the state of a vibrant and growing local community. Our current employment is 12.8%, well below the state rate of 15%, and this is due in great part to the fact that we have continued to diversify our local economic base. A great example of this is the Business Technology and Research Park.
3. (a) Ability to build relationships; (b) Commitment to what I decide to be involved in; (c) Trustworthy; (d) Understanding of how to connect community issues with proposed solutions. During times of crises a good leader can mediate opposing points of view and take the information they gather to come up with a resolution which is best for the organization or community that is in crisis. Most recently, I have used my talents to work on Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority as we dealt with the defeat of the county-wide millage in November 2008. It was important. . . .
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. Yes, support. I believe that all citizens should be treated fairly and equally when it comes to employment, housing and accommodations. Discrimination focused on any individual or group is wrong. (b) Transit Millage. Yes, support. I have served on the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority for the past four years and know that this millage is crucial to the operation of Metro Transit. Public transportation is a key to economic development and provides a necessary service to those who need it if they are to be employed and participate in our economy.
Hannah J. McKinney
Age 54. 1425 Grand Ave. Professor of Economics and Business, Kalamazoo College. Ph.D., U of Pennsylvania; B.A., U of North Carolina. Economist specializing in local public finance, policy and urban economics. Consultant to city and community leaders across country helping them work in these areas. Locally, in last two years have helped create Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, County Landbank, city 4-year budget process, short run rolling budget process.
1. Create city budget that preserves core services and helps to promote future vitality. Cooperation between local governments and other entities to restructure how public services are delivered. Community-wide jobs initiative to keep young talent in Kalamazoo. Better link job development to The Kalamazoo Promise. Continue to link higher education community to downtown. Use local agriculture and buy local campaigns. Emphasize entrepreneurship, especially in research and development activities. We need the next “friable pill” (the invention that led to the Upjohn Company) to be discovered in Kalamazoo.
2. Assets: the Promise, K College, WMU, KVCC, bio-tech and bio-med businesses, beautiful neighborhoods, great downtown, location on 94 and 131 intersection and on passenger rail system. Need population growth (or stability), more and better paying jobs, and retention and attraction of higher education graduates. City can continue to improve infrastructure to highlight the physical assets above. Do more outreach and have activities for current students to build ties with Kalamazoo. Figure out how to do a “stick around” campaign with incentives for grads.
3. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups, to bring groups together, analytical thinking, visionary thinking and financial skills. Last spring, along with K colleague, organized series of “seminars” with administrative leaders of city, county and Portage to help them understand implications of recession and the “new normal” economy on their current and future budgets, and to help them build a sense of camaraderie among them. Repeated the experience for the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners during their budget retreat. We are all in this together.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance—Yes. We should do what we can to ensure the civil rights of everyone in our country. I do not want to live in a city that denies specific classes of people rights that other classes can enjoy. (b) Transit millage—Yes. Transit is very important to many of the most vulnerable citizens in the county. We are creating a countywide system but we are not finished. This millage will fund the city portion of the system. Without it, many services will have to be eliminated.
Barbara Hamilton Miller
Age 56. 2523 Winchell Ave. Kalamazoo City Commissioner, community volunteer. B.S., Eastern Michigan U. Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 4 yrs. Kalamazoo Public School Board, 8 yrs. Currently serving on Residential Opportunities, Inc. board; CASA (Court-appointed special advocate) volunteer. Over the years, I have served on various boards—the YMCA, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools and several First United Methodist Church boards. Website—www.barbmiller.com
1. We need to continue our great working relationship with Southwest Michigan First. They are an invaluable resource in our community. They often work hand in hand with our city staff to encourage new businesses to move here and inspire businesses to stay. We can’t put too many stipulations on businesses; we may very well discourage them from becoming a part of our community. Successful communities need successful businesses. This strategy applies to the region as well.
2. Kalamazoo has always been a generous town. Look at our foundations, The Kalamazoo Promise, the arts that we have. Successful small and large businesses contribute to local jobs, taxes and goodwill. These assets help our city prosper in spite of the rest of the Michigan economy. We need to keep communication lines open with these wonderful groups and find ways to pool our resources for the betterment of the community.
3. I am organized, not afraid to ask tough questions, challenge the way we do business or how money is spent. We need to be results-driven. We must carefully, objectively look at how we do our work and where we can have high impact with our limited resources. I often question why resolutions should be made and if this is a good way to spend staff, commission time. Last year I questioned why we weren’t more aggressive in terms of cutting the 2009 budget in light of the economic outlook.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. As a city commissioner, I voted “yes” on the ordinance both times. I still support it. The stories I heard about discrimination against this group were heartbreaking. I would hope that everyone would feel welcome in Kalamazoo. Passing this ordinance is one way to do so. (b) Transit millage. Yes, I support this millage. This is a much-needed service in Kalamazoo for many of its most vulnerable citizens. For many citizens, it is their only way to get around. For others, it offers an economical, environmentally friendly way to get around town.
Stephanie Moore
Age 37. 414 W. Paterson St. Employment Specialist, Northside Association for Community Development. Kalamazoo Public Schools graduate. Kalamazoo City Commissioner, elected November 2007. Liaison to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Corporation and Kalamazoo Transit Authority, and Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force participant. The 10+ years experience I have as a Project Manager and Community Organizer have developed my leadership skills in managing, hiring, training, organizing, project implementation, working with volunteers and with people of diverse backgrounds. www.commishstephaniemoore.com
1. Collaboration with other municipalities within the region is essential in attracting businesses that will bring employment opportunities to our city and region. Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas have an abundance of assets that must be properly marketed in order to successfully attract these opportunities. For example, Kalamazoo’s closeness to Detroit and Chicago. In addition to building the economic base of our city, we must also demonstrate our abilities to positively affect the region’s best interests.
2. Experienced city staff. Abundance of educational facilities such as colleges. Proximity to two major cities, east and west. Philanthropic community evidence by The Kalamazoo Promise. We’re a regional hub with possibilities for advancement of public transportation. We need to preserve and enhance city-owned assets such as parks, trail ways and golf courses. Create more opportunities for artist, artistic opportunities and look for redevelop areas for studio space. Take advantage of the statewide tax credit for film makers. Seek more opportunities for collaboration with the educational and medical communities.
3. My organizing skills have given me the ability to provide information at a grassroots level which encourages participation from residents who normally were not involved in democratic processes. My capability to explain economic development projects that benefit the entire city to the community thus allowing community stakeholders an opportunity to participate. I cherish my skills in being able to work with diverse people from different backgrounds and economic situations. This has been demonstrated in the recruitment of individuals to serve on various boards, commissions and to participate in community forums.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. Support—It is my belief that no person should experience the negative effects of discrimination in any area of their lives, especially in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodation. This ordinance will serve as a testament that our community will not stand for oppression based on real or perceived facts. (b) Transit millage. Support—This millage will help maintain public transportation at current service levels. Decrease tax. These services are vital to continued economic development. For some it is the only way. We have a responsibility to ensure services remain available.
Kai Phillips
Age 21. 1110 Homecrest Ave. My biggest experience lies in owning and managing different businesses. Up until the campaign, I was Managing Director of one of the largest and oldest software and web development companies in Michigan, and previous to that VP of Operations for an Angel Investment/Business Management company. I believe that with my experience in business I could bring the business acumen to the City Commission that is currently lacking.
1. Economic vitality is development that is tailored to our community. We need to attract businesses to Kalamazoo that use the skillsets and fulfill the needs of residents and businesses that could thrive using our current infrastructure, business climate and regional positioning. Currently, the City uses tax abatements to attract businesses, however, a tax break is not sustainable and not a good long-term solution for businesses to remain here. Additionally, too often we focus on attracting new businesses; we forget to care for residents and businesses already in Kalamazoo.
2. I believe the strongest assets to any city are the residents. A former president once said, “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what’s right with America.” I believe the same applies to the City of Kalamazoo. Yes, we have many problems, but also, our city possesses amazingly bright individuals who can help the City Commission solve those problems. From Southwest Michigan First, our Chamber, and Discover Kalamazoo, I believe by working together we can cure any problem that may come our way.
3. I believe my primary skillset lies in my extensive experience in owning and operating a wide array of businesses. With our City Commission facing challenges such as how to attract businesses and cut expenses, who better to have on the commission than someone with experiences needed to solve those challenges? The decisions our City Commission makes today shape our future tomorrow, and with a one-year-old son, I’m in this for him; it’s personal. We need a City Commissioner who represents everyone—not just themselves.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance: I favor equality. However, the crafters of this ordinance did a horrible job and so I oppose it. Two concerns I have are a fine for businesses which is impossible to enforce when it’s one’s word against another and religious organizations being left vulnerable because the ordinance doesn’t properly protect them. (b) Transit millage: Public transportation is important. The amount that would be raised by the millage is small enough I believe the amount should come from our budget and thus eliminate the need to further tax Kalamazoo; therefore, I must vote “no”.
Anna Schmitt
Age 23. 927 Clover St. Substitute teacher; server at Webster’s Fine Dining Restaurant. Michigan teaching license in English; minor in Communication, WMU, 2008. Raised in Kalamazoo, my background has not yet been through political form but it is through people. I have worked with students from 2nd–12th grade since 2002, and am excited to continue to do so. I also have five years of experience in service and hospitality.
1. We need to keep our citizens in Kalamazoo and ensure reasons why people should spend their time and money here. A large downtown arena gives Kalamazoo the ability to bring in larger performances, more downtown revenue and employment. Residents would be able to view performances they would normally drive up to 2 hours for. Residents in other regions will have more of an opportunity to enjoy our city. By having a 1% tax on meals and drinks in local restaurants for this arena, we have the opportunity to revitalize Kalamazoo.
2. WMU students and The Kalamazoo Promise are strong assets of Kalamazoo that should not be overlooked. Though the Promise was founded years ago, we need to remember why this idea is so special, and market its potential with the same excitement we did when it was first established. The Promise entices families to move to Kalamazoo when many are leaving. WMU students are another major asset. Each semester these students promote tourism and stimulate our economy. Our city needs to start building relationships with WMU students, not just the university.
3. My passions for teaching and building relationships are strong skills to bring to any office. Through my teaching experiences, I have used ideas such as co-operative learning to help students build on their strengths and their peer relationships. As a community, we need to take action in Kalamazoo’s pressing issues by effectively researching, communicating and being patient in finding the strategies that work in fostering our city’s success.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. I support the non-discrimination ordinance and its focus on equal rights for every Kalamazoo citizen. I believe the proposal has simple yet effective language that represents this idea and does not give special rights to any certain individual or group, yet gives equal rights for all. (b) Transit millage. I am in support of the Transit millage. By raising these funds, we are not only helping Transit promote a greener and more economic way to travel through our city, but extra funding may eventually lead to later hours, more jobs and more tourism.
Louis Cloise Stocking
Age 22. 910 Oak St., Apt. 1. KVCC student. Some college education. Born, raised and educated in Kalamazoo. Currently founder and director of the Kalamazoo Coalition for Pragmatic Cannabis Laws. We have been working on a charter amendment for the past year that will appear on the Nov. 2010 ballot. Also, like Detroit is voting on this Nov. I believe we need to create districts and elect representatives for each of them. This would be more democratic and more voices would be heard.
1. I believe we need to be more conservative with our spending. We are discussing building a new arena downtown. Why would we develop something that would raise our taxes when we could build something that would bring in revenue, like a casino? If a casino makes no sense, neither does an arena.
2. The most important asset this community has is its people. We need to attract more business growth in order to secure our citizens with careers.
3. I have lived in this city my entire life. I am a young visionary that would bring a fresh perspective to the city.
4. (a) Yes, I support human rights. All people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity no matter who they are. (b) Yes, I believe the city needs to support extending our public transportation. We need to make sure people have proper transportation when and where it’s needed.
Karen Wellman
Age 62. 1229 Whites Rd. Special education teacher. M.A., Education plus special education endorsements; M.A., Recreation and Parks Administration; B.S.B.A., Business Administration; B.S., Education, Behavioral Science. Experiences include: supervisor, manager and director of recreation; business experience in advertising, medical and real estate sales; legislating for election reform and serving on city and state housing, zoning and advisory committees and boards, in addition to teaching students ages 2–102 and organizing at grassroots, neighborhood and community levels. Website—www.KarenWellman.com
1. Kalamazoo should look at every opportunity to Go Green while looking for fiscally responsible decisions which will contribute to the long-range health of our community and region. This approach will strengthen our economy with local jobs and greater use of local resources. We must co-ordinate green efforts between departments and neighboring communities, while advocating for more incentives, Green Education and stimulus information residential and business levels. I support our farmers and community garden system expansion to reach more people across our community. I also want a self-funded “green” dogpark.
2. Kalamazoo is a beautiful, welcoming, progressive and diverse city hosting a university and colleges. Kalamazoo attracts businesses, manufacturing and research facilities because it is a strong city. With this strength and partnership with Southwest Michigan First, Kalamazoo continues to develop despite a faltering Michigan economy. Kalamazoo has been fiscally responsive, weathering tough economic times and positioning itself well with direction of strong leadership. But the strongest asset of all, is Kalamazoo’s generous people who have learned to give time, energy, money and input and promise to assure this community’s vitality.
3. I have demonstrated organization skills and follow through on difficult tasks. I negotiated reasonable solutions through compromise. During a period of neighborhood transition, I founded the North College Block Club in downtown Grand Rapids’ Heritage Hill. NCBC negotiated with encroaching colleges, churches and businesses to maintain a thriving, harmonious environment. We formed liaisons with city government, the neighborhood association and historic preservation groups. This community involvement is vital to any city. In current Kalamazoo Master Plan meetings, we continue to seek important community response and citizen input.
4. (a) Non-discrimination ordinance. I support the non-discrimination ordinance. I believe that we should not discriminate against anyone for any reason other than safety. I strongly believe in supporting all human rights. (b) Transit millage. Kalamazoo has a transportation service that offers dependable and affordable transportation to people with a wide variety of needs. Because of this service, Kalamazoo provides adult living to those who rely on this transportation. Without this service, many of our residents would not be able to live independently in our community. I therefore support a transit millage.