What's in this Guide
Portage City Council
Kalamazoo City Transit Authority Proposal
Kalamazoo City Referendum on Ordinance No. 1856
Portage City Council
- 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]
- How well prepared is the city to provide services that address the needs of school-age children and senior residents? Explain why you think so. [90 words]
Portage City Council
Four-year term Vote for not more than 3
Cory Bailes
Age 50. 2309 Beethoven Ave. Inside sales and technical support, Purity Cylinder Gases, Inc. Kellogg Community College, Lakeview H.S., Battle Creek. Portage Planning Commission; chair, Human Services Board; 2007 candidate, Portage City Council.
1. Strategies that include retaining existing businesses and helping them grow, while attracting new business that will expand the economic vitality of Portage. Creating a distinct City Center with mixed-use development and working to expand mixed use with home occupation regulation changes would help allow expansion. These strategies translate to other municipalities which would increase vitality throughout the region.
2. I feel that the city’s administration and management is its biggest asset. They have managed to maintain all services and reduce debt without increasing taxes. I would like to preserve the positive dialog between the City Council, City Manager and the citizens of Portage to keep Portage above the norm in these challenging economic times.
3. Through my experience as the Human Services Board Chair and 2025 Visioning Chair, I have developed skills in bringing divergent ideas and opinions together to focus on one common goal. I have used this ability to help create a grading worksheet to disperse funds to Human Services organizations. These skills are important to a council member. Fresh new ideas and a different point of view are often the catalyst for progress, forward movement and problem resolution.
4. I believe the city is well prepared to address the needs of school-age children and senior residents through resources available at the District Library, Portage Community Center and the Senior Center. All of these resources have had a long-lasting and positive relationship with the city and its residents.
Claudette Reid
Age 56. 1524 Dogwood Dr. Occupational therapist, specializing in ergonomics and technology accommodations in vocational settings. B.S., Occupational Therapy, WSU, 1975. Portage Council Member, 2005–present; Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study (KATS) representative, 2005–present; Kalamazoo County Community Action Agency Board, 2005–present; campaign co-chair, Citizens for Community Transportation, 2006–present; chair, Concerned Citizens of Portage, 2001–05. Board member, Michigan Occupational Therapy Association, 1978–present, past president. Michigan’s representative, American Occupational Therapy Association, 2004–present. Website—www.reid4portage.com
1. My strategies are not new, but are proven, common sense approaches: (a) Provide exemplary education, including K-12, postsecondary and retraining adult learners. (b) Provide infrastructure for business including great roads, public transit, and reliable water and power. (c) Offer prospective citizens and businesses a safe, livable community while maintaining our low tax rate. There are no functional boundaries between municipalities; we need to recognize our interdependence. Success anywhere in the region will have a positive effect in Portage; difficulties in other municipalities will be felt here as well.
2. Portage’s assets include: (a) An educated workforce for a knowledge-based economy. (b) Excellent parks and recreational opportunities to encourage citizen health and wellness. (c) A state-of-the-art, sustainable infrastructure system (transit, power, sewer and water). (d) A diversified and balanced tax base (commercial/retail, industrial and residential) that provides more financial stability. (e) Informed and active citizens. I would continue to encourage a high level of citizen civic engagement on a range of issues to maintain and improve the assets of our city. The 2025 Strategic Planning initiative is one example.
3. My skills include: (a) analytical thinking, (b) creative problem solving, (c) ability to work well as part of a team, (d) organized and detail-oriented. Developing an alternative method to special assessments for the funding of city roads required a great deal of creativity in collaboration by the City Council team and local citizens; I am proud of my role in this process. My ability to work well with others locally and in other governmental and municipal units throughout the region will help us meet the challenges in our future.
4. Portage recognizes that the youth in our community have much to offer; the City Council has set up a Youth Council to advise the Council on issues they identify. In addition, we have added a youth member to several standing Advisory Boards. A broad-based coalition of citizens tackled youth substance abuse issues, providing parents with tangible supports and increasing awareness of the resources available. The Senior Center is an exemplary program that provides our seniors with a wide range of social and recreational services, counseling and other supports.
Ed Sackley
Age 57. 10314 Archwood Dr. District representative, Congressman Fred Upton; Mayor Pro-Tem, Portage City Council. U of Illinois, Business Administration. Mayor Pro-Tem (2 yrs), Council member (4 yrs), Portage City Council. Rotary Club, Portage & Kalamazoo, 20 yrs. Prior boards: Economic Development Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, United Way, Gateway Services. Owner and General Manager, WRKR-FM/WKFR-FM/WKMI-AM radio stations. Resident 31yrs; married 34 yrs; 2 adult children, Portage Public Schools grads.
1. First and foremost, we must continue to recognize that revenues we manage are not ours—they belong to our citizens. To be good stewards of those resources, we must continually reflect upon input provided by our residents (Portage 2025, Annual Community Survey, Volunteer Boards and Commissions) as we craft policies, initiatives, service levels and budgets. Taxes must be kept as low as possible to help ensure that we remain a city of strong families, neighborhoods and job creators. Portage’s health and economic vitality pays dividends for the entire region.
2. Aside from our residents, the strongest assets are our schools, infrastructure, natural resources and fiscal policies. In combination, those strengths have enabled Portage to attract investment that continues to provide opportunities for our citizens and stability for local government. We are blessed with a diversity of cultures amongst our citizens and classification diversity within our tax base. City government is well-supported by our citizens and that enables us to govern proactively, consistently and confidently. These qualities are especially important as we deal with current and future financial challenges.
3. Volunteerism and community service are lifelong passions—including Leadership Kalamazoo, United Way, Gateway Services and Chamber boards, Planning Commission and City Council. Current position involves constituent service for the 6th Congressional District, exposure to citizen concerns, effective problem resolution. Past employment includes information technology, accounting and management in human services, healthcare, construction and telecommunication for profit and non-profit organizations. Started successful Portage business, went without a paycheck, met hundreds of payrolls and repaid debt. My substance abuse services background provides valuable insight in dealing with teen drug problems.
4. Portage operates 16 parks and 50+ miles of trails that are enjoyed by “kids of all ages.” We have an extensive range of year-round multi-generational recreational and cultural activities. Our commitment to safe neighborhoods, liaison police officers in our high schools, sponsorship of the Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force, creation of a Youth Advisory Council and other initiatives underscore Portage’s commitment to our youth. The Portage Senior Center is an award-winning, accredited City service. And for young and old alike, we keep our taxes low!
Terry R. Urban
Age 50. 211 Cherryview Dr. Research scientist. B.S., U of Illinois. Portage resident since 1980. Member, Portage Park Board, 8 yrs. Member, Portage Zoning Board of Appeals, 8 yrs; chair, 6 yrs. Member, Portage City Council, 3 terms. Serve or served on numerous committees and boards including Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Long Lake Governmental Board, City Manager Evaluation Committee. Married to wife, Susan; 2 children, Mackenzie and Kaley.
1. It is important to be ready to seize opportunities when they present themselves. Having several projects ready to go meant that Portage was able to take advantage of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for several projects. This preplanning, along with our dedicated capital improvement millage, means that we can maintain our infrastructure at a superior level. Being attractive to business and citizens has always been an important strategy for Portage. But state and national issues will need addressing before budget concerns ease.
2. Our biggest asset is our administration and employees. They have been asked to do more and maintain service levels with decreasing staff. The planning and analysis that they do and provide to the Council have allowed Portage to be in better financial shape during these difficult times. We will have to look to our public administration professionals to guide us through this difficult time and present options for the Council to consider. Also, our dedicated capital improvement millage has allowed Portage to have funds to maintain and improve the infrastructure.
3. I am willing to bring the unspoken and uncomfortable issues of any debate to the table. An example of this is the discussion of the South County Sewer and Water Authority flow-through agreement. Along with needs in Schoolcraft Village, the project also allows commercial development to occur along US 131. In bringing this into the open and discussing whether Portage should influence that development, I moved the discussion forward. These are not the times for hidden or political agendas. Frank discussion of the issues and challenges is needed.
4. Bond issues to expand the Senior Center and develop a community center have failed over the years. This has made serving these needs more difficult. I was committed in the current budget to preserving the current senior services. State funding decisions, unknown as I write this, may make serving these residents more difficult. The City and Council have been fully supportive of the Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task force efforts to educate youth and parents about substance abuse. A new federal grant will allow those programs to continue and expand.
Partial term, ending Nov. 15, 2011
Vote for not more than 1
Tom Fox
Age 66. 1330 E. Osterhout Ave. Director of Finance and Personnel, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA). Master’s degree, MSU; Bachelor’s degree, Albion College; Loy Norrix H.S. Active duty United States Air Force, 27 yrs; finance; KIA, 15 yrs. Community volunteering: United Way, Portage Community Center, Gryphon Place, Kiwanis, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, Kalamazoo Country Day School. City volunteering: Portage Planning Commission, Portage Human Services Board, Portage 2025. Married 43 yrs; 4 children, 6 grandchildren.
1. (a) Invest in infrastructure, e.g., water, sewer, roads, sidewalks. With these in place when prospects search, city demonstrates it is business-friendly and reduces startup costs. (b) Provide PA 198 industrial tax incentives for construction and real property. (c) Zoning flexibility, e.g., allow a business to be on first floor and residential upstairs. Also willingness for mixed use in planned development: retail, office, residential like Moorsbridge. Region benefits—Strategies bring jobs to Portage; Workers and family members may live in Kalamazoo, shop in both cities, buy car in Oshtemo or Comstock, and enroll in local schools.
2. Assets: diverse tax base; diverse citizenry who help each other; city appearance. Make available low-cost loans and grants to low-income homeowners to make home improvements which improve living conditions and self pride. Neighborhood appearance improves which encourages future home buyers. Citizen volunteers can help with property improvements. Volunteers can help fill needs of children and poor families through Portage Community Center by giving time as after-school tutors and helping with the food pantry, clothes bar and other programs. Attractive city appearance, in-place infrastructure, industrial tax breaks and strong schools will bring jobs.
3. Working within a small group of individual thinkers to reach solutions; 35 years managing budgets of many $millions. Nine-person Planning Commission tasked with resolving disagreements on whether to approve Special Land Use Permits including large sheds, child care centers and a mega church. Make final determination on site plans and recommend zoning changes. Four months into fiscal year, revenue projected 22% short. Identified expense changes needed. Year ended with a slight surplus. Today City Council needs my proven small group decision-making ability and proven financial management skills.
4. City well-positioned to help youth and seniors when total city considered, not just government. Portage Community Center provides supervised after-school activities and tutoring, plus emergency funds and need-based food and clothes, often to seniors. Portage citizens and organizations contribute, enabling PCC to provide services. Each Portage school has a Parent-Teacher Organization which provides assistance to children and programs. The Portage Senior Center provides a place to gather and programs for self sufficiency, learning and enjoyment. Kalamazoo-based Meals-on-Wheels provides warm food to senior shut-ins.
Jim Pearson
Age 53. 3004 E. Shore Dr. Research scientist, Pfizer. Ph.D., Biochemistry, Purdue; B.S., U of California at Davis. Portage Planning Commissioner; former Chairman, Portage Zoning Board of Appeals; Portage 2025 Visioning participant for Economic Development. Board member, Austin Lake Association; member, Kalamazoo County Water Safety & Recovery Association. Special deputy diver, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Dept. Website—www.Pearson4Portage.com. Email—Pearson4Portage@gmail.com
1. (a) Economic development strategy: High-paying knowledge jobs are key for tax-base growth. These “new” economy companies locate and expand in cities that make infrastructure investments, zone proactively, provide tax breaks, and have enhanced quality-of-life destinations and services to retain those workers and their families. Portage needs to make sure we continue to provide these elements for economic vitality. (b) Redevelopment strategy: Planning Commission has targeted three city areas for economic redevelopment. Infrastructure improvements and re-zoning within these areas to mixed-use will encourage revitalization. (Portage Road across from airport, south of Centre; Sprinkle south of Zylman).
2. The South Westnedge business corridor is our strongest asset. The City Centre plan will create a friendly walkable “downtown” district integrating new shops, restaurant and businesses with existing commercial/retail district along South Westnedge. The new City Centre should be a gathering place with day/night life and vertical focal point for sense of community. There should also be mixed-use zoning so people can start a small business where they live. This can be a vibrant destination point. Importantly, it can raise the tax base which is our most pressing issue.
3. Consensus builder on the Planning Commission. My goal is to always incorporate good ideas of others, compromise when necessary and strive for unanimous decisions by the Commission. My top strength according to the StrengthsFinder® profile is Ideation. I’m attracted to new ideas and concepts. For example, our current residential garbage collection system with multiple trucks on the same street promotes wasteful diesel fuel consumption and increases overall costs of garbage pick-up. My Viewpoint article (see www.Pearson4Portage) outlines how we can save money for citizens by using privatized sub-regional competitive bidding. . . .
4. We are well-prepared to address the needs of school-age children and seniors. The Youth Advisory Board has been a huge success in getting teens involved with City Boards. Our Senior Center recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and has over 2,000 members with an average daily participation of 200. I asked employees earlier this summer if they encourage interaction of seniors with kids. There is a 4th grade pen pal program that is fulfilling for both seniors and youth alike. I think we can build upon this successful program to encourage. . . .
Patricia M. Randall
Age 46. 6702 Oleander Ln. Community volunteer; process of launching three sons. B.B.A., Finance, WMU; Mattawan H.S., 1981. Lived in and around the Portage area; moved to Stockholm, Sweden and New Jersey before finally relocating back to Michigan with Upjohn, Pharmacia and then Pfizer. I worked in both the banking and mortgage industries in business development, management, appraising and lending. Married 24 yrs, 3 sons (ages 18, 19 and 20 yrs).
1. New industry, new business, new jobs and new people will add to the vitality of the city and the region. We need to develop and nurture a reputation that courts new business and offers them support, not new taxes, when they come to our city. We must make sure our industrial tax break programs are competitive with surrounding communities and global market. It is critical that the city is viewed as a friendly place to conduct business and a great place to live.
2. The citizens are the city’s strongest asset. The strong families that thrive in Portage are evident in the pride people take in their homes. Children’s success is mirrored in the success of the schools. The passing of recent school millages ensures that our academic facilities will be top notch. Community pride is visible in our well-maintained, well-used parks and bike paths. Portage is a great place to live and work and raise a family! Hopefully, these qualities will help attract future development, both residential and commercial.
3. I would bring strong financial background, willingness to learn, and a lot of common sense to the office. On September 8, 2009, my husband and I settled a 44-month-long battle with the city over an unfair 60% property tax increase to our home. Motivated to find answers, I researched property assessing laws, Board of Review manuals, building codes, and interviewed a dozen experts to learn appropriate methods to assess properties. We won our case! I believe that inappropriate assessing methods are being practiced throughout Portage, and I want to help others. . . .
4. I think that our community places a high priority on the needs of both the students and the seniors. Our new well-maintained schools offer excellent facilities for the youth. Our new Senior Center offers a safe and stimulating meeting place for seniors. The Portage library offers many free programs and events for both of these age groups. The local YMCA is a wonderful place to exercise and socialize. Many classes have become popular with the seniors, and the Y has tailored these classes to fit the needs of seniors. . . .
Phil Stinchcomb
Age 47. 1607 Bellaire Ave. Sales representative, Geneva Liberty Steel, selling precision steel blanks to west Michigan and Indiana manufacturers. B.S., Marketing, Indiana U, 1987. Sales management experience, have been in manufacturing for over 20 yrs, negotiating with small and large businesses, providing excellent service, offering cost saving plans, finding innovative solutions, proactively persuading on the need to turn their inventory and increasing the value of the money spent on obtaining goods to make their product. Married, 3 children and 1 dog; lived in Portage for 12 yrs. Please visit www.philstinchcomb.com for more detail.
1. I believe that Portage should adjust property taxes to today’s property values and advocate to abolish business surcharge tax. I believe our government should be lean, continue to work towards being debt-free, and be responsive and proactive to the needs of our businesses and entrepreneurs. I am meeting with Southwest MI First and pledge to work with them and others to promote our city. We should be shouting from the rooftops to businesses in other states—“relocate to Portage.” Our work force is educated and talented, our schools are great. . . .
2. Our strongest assets are our talented, skilled work force, our family values and our location. Our schools teach and actually graduate our children; we have colleges and universities; our natural resources are practically unlimited; we are located half way between Chicago and Detroit with major highways. Our infrastructure to lure businesses is already in place. We have an ocean of fresh water less than 45 minutes away. Portage is a great place to raise your family. We are prepared for this day. I will promote this city.
3. I will use my experience and talents to work with business and government to promote and enhance the livelihood of the people of Portage. Jobs are number one! I will cut costs internally and make the government lean, push it towards being debt-free. We can use the foundation already laid to promote our city as a great place to have a business, improve efficiencies and enhance the vitality of our city. Portage’s unemployment is 9.2%, Kalamazoo’s is 16%, Michigan is 15.2%. Time to reverse that course.
4. Portage has many opportunities available for school-age children and seniors. Our community has successfully provided sports programming, including AYSO, Little League, YMCA, Rocket Football. Portage has partnered with many organizations to provide sports camps, activities and programs. Portage provides monetary support to the Portage Community Center, a place that helps families and children in need. The city also operates the Portage Senior Center, which offers recreational, educational and health services to our seniors. Together, Portage working with private entities ensures maximum, cost-effective services for our children and seniors.