Economic growth is at the core of nearly every local decision, and the next slate of local leaders will directly influence how our community attracts talent, supports small businesses, and invests in quality of place. As a regional economic catalyst, Southwest Michigan First, in collaboration with Sean Moscynski, Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives, has invited all candidates for mayor, city commission, and related municipal offices to respond to a questionnaire focused on practical strategies for regional prosperity.

This feature spotlights responses from local candidates who replied to our outreach and marks part one of two in our election coverage. Each candidate shared their experience, motivation for running, and top priorities, along with how they plan to serve within the responsibilities of their office. Candidates also reflected on their vision for economic growth in Southwest Michigan, key opportunities and challenges, and approaches to collaboration, civility, and community engagement. Our goal is to inform—not endorse. Responses appear in the candidates’ own words, listed alphabetically by last name.

We will publish candidate responses in the weeks leading up to Election Day on November 4, 2025. If you are a candidate for mayor, city commission, or any municipal office who did not receive a questionnaire or wish to submit your responses, please reach out to us.

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

A University of Michigan alumna and current Portage City Councilmember, I bring extensive leadership in legislation, budget oversight, strategic planning, and advocacy. My service on the Human Services Board, county committees, and community organizations reflects a deep commitment to Portage’s growth and success. A lifelong learner, active listener, and proactive leader, I value collaboration and partnership. As a wife and mother, I bring firsthand understanding of the needs and aspirations of the residents I serve.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

Inspired by my family’s legacy of civic engagement, I am passionate about continuing that tradition through intentional, thoughtful leadership and active community service. As a wife and mother, serving the community I call home is both an honor and a responsibility. I want every constituent to know their voice matters. Together, we’ve accomplished much —but there’s more to do, and I am committed to driving progress, lifting up every voice, and ensuring Portage thrives.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

Supporting Small Business • Neighborhood Engagement • Farmer’s Market Development

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

Small Business: As a member of the Portage Small Business Committee, I’ll continue collaborating closely with local businesses to expand shopping initiatives, develop targeted incentive programs, and reduce financial impacts from construction projects. By leveraging partnerships, city programs, and clear communication, we can strengthen Portage’s economic foundation while staying within the responsibilities of City Council—promoting policies, approving budgets, and ensuring accountability in implementation.

Neighborhood Engagement: As an active Portage resident and City Councilmember, I will support neighborhood engagement by promoting mixed-use and workforce housing, welcoming new residents, and building trust through consistent outreach programs. Through neighborhood chats, community events, and partnerships with local organizations, we can foster meaningful connections and ensure residents feel heard. These efforts align with Council’s role of setting priorities, guiding policy, and supporting city staff in implementation.

Market Development: As a Farmers Market Committee member, I’ve worked collaboratively to provide input for our new multi-million-dollar market opening in 2026. Backed by $2 million in grants and private donations, this environmentally sound, financially responsible project will create a vibrant, year-round destination. Within Council’s responsibilities, I’ll continue providing oversight, ensuring transparency, and community collaboration to deliver a lasting community cornerstone that strengthens both local business and civic life.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

Yes, I support policies that drive economic growth, job creation, and workforce development. Collaboration with community partners is key to attracting businesses and developing sustainable housing so young professionals can live and work locally. Targeted incentive packages keep businesses competitive, while strategic, cross-municipal planning expands opportunities and strengthens our regional economy. I’m proud to collaborate with Southwest Michigan First on the Shop Local Greater Kalamazoo initiative to help Portage businesses thrive and grow.

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

Smart, balanced growth strengthens neighborhoods, boosts our economy, and preserves community character. My re-election will support strategic, inclusive development through early collaboration with developers and residents to create a shared vision. Serving on the Portage Small Business Committee provides firsthand insight into what local businesses need to thrive. By partnering with organizations like Southwest Michigan First, we can expand sustainable housing, attract talent, and offer competitive incentives, ensuring economic growth and quality of life advance together.

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

A thriving community depends on the ability to speak, be heard, and engage safely. I will continue to model this through transparency, respectful listening, and open dialogue, allowing residents to express differing views peacefully. In Portage, I’ve set a tone of respect, treating colleagues and residents with dignity. When leadership listens, acts, and cares, we navigate challenges together. Informed and engaged residents strengthen our shared future, fostering unity and meaningful progress.

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

A key opportunity for elected officials is increasing awareness of how City Council operates, as some residents may be unclear about the decision-making process. Hosting meet-and-greet sessions alongside council workshops allows us to explain procedures, answer questions, and foster transparency. Encouraging citizens to join boards and commissions strengthens collaboration, ensures diverse perspectives, and broadens access to economic and civic opportunities. The challenge is shifting perspectives, but open, collaborative dialogue can break down barriers and build trust.

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I believe open communication between residents and elected officials is essential. I provide opportunities for constituents to share concerns through their preferred methods—email, phone, or in-person. Serving citywide allows me to connect with every resident, every time. I listen actively, explain how I can assist, and lead with logic, empathy, and a strong ethical compass. Being present and engaged outside City Hall shows that I am a Portage resident who truly cares.

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

Public service is more than what I do—it is part of who I am. At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to constituent engagement, equity, transparency, and long-term community resilience. I am dedicated to policies that lift people up and ensure all voices are represented. There is more work to do, and I plan to continue serving my community to foster progress, inclusivity, and shared opportunity for all.

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, watching U of M Football, NFL, playing & coaching soccer, cooking, singing and taking relaxing car rides.

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: Marvel Movies, Lord of The Rings, Grimm, Gladiator, Into The Woods, Sci-Fi, Music, Musical Theater.

Favorite Literature: To Kill a Mockingbird, A Time to Kill, Mystery and History Fiction/Non-Fiction.

Favorite Food: Ruben, Pizza, Nachos

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

My experience as Mayor Pro Tem and member on the Portage City Council as well as County Commissioner on various county and city boards…

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

The Portage City Council’s decision to ignore the voice and choice…

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

I want to address high property taxes, higher crime rates…

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I will control taxes by diversifying, managing spending and forming cost-saving partnership…

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

I have always supported and advocated for a strong tax base…

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

My election as Mayor will have a positive impact on workforce and economy…

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

I strongly favor inter-governmental cooperation and long range planning…

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

As a Mayor, I will leverage personal connections and technology to build trust…

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

Will build trust with open forums and active citizen engagement…

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

I intend to serve my community in whatever capacity…

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: None

Hobbies: Pickleball, pool, golf and ping pong.

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: Sight

Favorite Literature: Bertrand Russel books

Favorite Food: All food.

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I bring 20 years of experience serving on the Parchment City Commission including the past 8 years as Mayor. I have held leadership positions on various Boards and Committees for public, private and community organizations. I also bring 39 years of business experience from my career in the professional real estate management industry, where I am currently President of Midlink Business Park.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I am running for re-election because I care about the City of Parchment. I want to use my experience and knowledge to help shape our city’s future.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

1. Economic Development-To continue providing essential services at a high level, we must expand our tax base by developing the mill property and attracting sustainable businesses.
2. Infrastructure- We must adequately plan for the proper maintenance of our public utilities and streets.
3. Quality of Life – Public safety, ordinance enforcement and well-maintained public spaces are most important to the quality of life for our residents.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I plan to accomplish these goals by leveraging my experience, business acumen, institutional knowledge and relationships with Federal, State and Local officials.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

Yes. I strongly believe in Southwest Michigan First’s Motto that “the greatest force for change is a job”. It is important for our community to support policies that attract and/or retain job creators.

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

I am and will be a cheerleader for the City of Parchment and Southwest Michigan. I have cultivated many relationships throughout the region in both my professional and public life. I will leverage those relationships to help attract and retain sustainable businesses to our communities.

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

Leadership sets the tone. If we focus together on solutions rather than politics, we can accomplish great things.

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

I think we can inspire community engagement and broaden access by providing civics education about local government. As evidenced by relatively low voter turnouts for local elections, I think we need to better educate our communities on how local government works and the opportunities to get involved.

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

Any constituent wishing to contact me during the election season may do so at votebritigan@gmail.com. Additional contact information is available on the City’s website at www.parchment.org.

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

I hope to continue my public service in some capacity, but this will be my final run for office in the City of Parchment. I would consider a County Commission seat should the opportunity present itself. Otherwise, I plan to continue with my professional career at Midlink Business Park.

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey

Hobbies: Fitness and golf.

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: Crime Dramas and Spectator Sports

Favorite Literature: Non-Fiction/Inspirational, Thought Provoking and Biographical literature

Favorite Food: The meal before me.

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I have an extensive work history, I’ve worked with the public, almost 30 yrs as a cosmetologist…

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

As a long time resident I felt compelled to run because I believe our little city…

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

If elected I’d like to help the commission push forward with new and innovative ideas…

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I believe our city and board are ready for renewed interest in our mill site and its development…

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

Absolutely!

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

I’m a firm believer in, “find a need, fill the need”…

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

We are all elected officials, it’s our duty to represent our constituents…

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

Use digital tools (surveys, social media, livestreamed meetings) and in-person forums…

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I am always available to chat as I am a founding member of the Paper City Neighborhood Watch…

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

I’m here to make sure this little city that I love, has the future and legacy it deserves…

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: Man in the mirror

Hobbies: Arts & Crafts

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: I enjoy live music, I have a couple of series I keep up with…

Favorite Literature: I enjoy reading autobiography’s and as of late a lot of community master plans…

Favorite Food: I love Mexican food, but I’m also a big fan of a good cheese burger!

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I have 30 years in Business, manufacturing and leadership. I was on the UAW Executive Board for 28 years serving in several position including Bargaining Chair. I also did the Audits for 25 years. I’m a District Leader for Primerica Financial Services. I’m the Juneteenth Committee Co Chair. I’ve been a Commissioner for 4 years. I was also the Vice Chair for the BCDP Women. I serve on many Boards , Committees and Groups.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

Providing people a quality of life by meeting their primary needs. I meet them where they are with empathy and sympathy.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office:

My top priority is transparentcy, resources and ensure that the Charter is followed.

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I already speak with transparency, help provide resources and speak up when laws are not followed.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

Yes i will and do support policies for job growth and workforce.

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

It keep law makers like me in office and replaces the ones that are not.

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

We can create it by effective communication and togetherness.

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

Have more town halls and public hearings. The challenge is communication.

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I have Cleanups, Resource Fairs, Community giveaways and Senior Care Packages & Toy Givaways to bring everyone together.

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

I want my City, my Community and the world to know that we care and to make things better than they are.

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: I am the Champion.

Hobbies: Writing, teaching and helping others

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: War Room

Favorite Literature: Becoming

Favorite Food: Greens and cornbread

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I bring over a decade of experience in civic leadership, serving on nonprofit boards and leading local initiatives. As Business Solutions Coordinator at the Upjohn Institute, I partner with employers to address talent gaps and strengthen the workforce. My board service with the People’s Food Co-op and Can-Do Kalamazoo has strengthened my skills in collaboration, accountability, and results-driven leadership. These experiences have prepared me to serve effectively and make decisions that reflect community needs.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I’m running because our community need leaders who can bridge business and neighborhood priorities. Our region thrives when employers, workers, and residents all succeed together. My motivation is to ensure city decisions support economic growth while also addressing housing, safety, and equity. I want to make Kalamazoo a place where businesses can invest confidently and residents feel the benefits in their daily lives.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

1. Expanding affordable housing so every resident has a safe place to live
2. Strengthening transparency and accountability in city decision-making
3. Supporting small businesses and local economic growth

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

I will promote affordable housing by supporting zoning reforms, mixed-income developments, and working with developers on creative, affordable options that meet community and workforce needs. I will strengthen transparency by improving access to information, requiring clear reporting from developers and nonprofits, and ensuring residents have a voice in decisions. I will support small businesses by streamlining city processes, prioritizing local procurement, and partnering with organizations that drive growth and connect entrepreneurs to resources.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

Yes. I believe economic growth and workforce development go hand in hand with community well-being. If elected, I will support policies that expand housing options to attract and retain talent, streamline city processes to make it easier for businesses to grow, and strengthen partnerships with education and training providers to build a skilled workforce. By aligning city policy with regional needs, we can create quality jobs and ensure prosperity reaches every neighborhood.

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

My election will support the region’s workforce and companies by advancing housing and infrastructure policies that make it easier to recruit and retain talent. I will strengthen training and apprenticeship partnerships to align local skills with in-demand jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and tech. I will also promote policies that attract and retain young and skilled workers, making Kalamazoo a more competitive region for investment and ensuring prosperity reaches both businesses and residents.

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

Elected officials can create a culture of progress by practicing transparency, listening to all stakeholders, and focusing on shared goals rather than political divides. Building trust through open communication and accountability allows residents, businesses, and nonprofits to see themselves as partners in solutions. By centering community voices, setting measurable goals, and following through on commitments, officials can shift the focus from competition to collaboration and make meaningful progress possible.

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

Elected officials can strengthen engagement by expanding access to public meetings, using plain language in communications, and meeting people where they are in schools, workplaces, and neighborhood events. They can broaden access to opportunities by supporting inclusive hiring, affordable housing, and small business growth. Challenges include overcoming distrust in government, addressing inequities that limit participation, and balancing competing interests. Success will require consistency, transparency, and partnerships that reflect the diversity of the community.

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I plan to connect with constituents through neighborhood meetings, open office hours, and community events. I have already hosted a town hall this summer and will continue using forums and listening sessions to gather input. I will also use digital tools like surveys, social media, and my campaign website to make sure residents can easily contact me. My goal is to create multiple channels so every resident feels heard and included in decision making.

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

My long term goal is to continue serving Kalamazoo in ways that strengthen our community and expand opportunity. I want to build a track record of effective leadership on housing, economic growth, and transparency while ensuring resident’s voices are central to decision-making.

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: Good As Hell – Lizzo

Hobbies: Volunteering, Archery, Reading

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: Parks and Recreation, Erin Brockovich, Pose

Favorite Literature: The Audacity of Hope

Favorite Food: Pho

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

• Lifelong Commitment to Kalamazoo: Proud resident of Kalamazoo for over 32 years, deeply rooted in the local community.
• Strong Academic Foundation: Graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering, with a minor in Food Science.
• Award-Winning Innovator: Holder of 25+ U.S. patents for innovations within Stryker Medical’s product portfolio, and recipient of the Stryker Global R&D Award, one of the company’s highest honors, recognizing the top-performing engineers among more than 53,000 employees worldwide.
• Community-Focused Fundraising: Organized and led community events that raised over $5,000 for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission (2014).
• Empowering Through Fitness: Provided running gear and training support to residents of the Gospel Mission, helping participants complete their first 5K race (2014).
• Hands-On Service to the Unhoused: Volunteered over 35 hours per weekend in 2021 preparing and serving meals in the Gospel Mission kitchen—feeding hundreds of community members daily.

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

I’m Thomas Durlach—a father, engineer, athlete, and proud resident of Kalamazoo. I believe our city has veered off course, and I’m stepping up to bring real leadership, grassroots energy, and practical solutions to the people of Kalamazoo. For over a decade, I’ve watched Kalamazoo decline—economically, socially, and operationally. Local businesses are struggling. Homelessness remains unaddressed. Traffic changes confuse more than they help. Construction projects drag on without clear benefit. Enough is enough. I’m running as a true independent. I refuse endorsements or money from political parties or special interests. I’m not owned by the Democrats or the Republicans. I don’t belong to any political machine. I believe in doing what’s right—and to me, that means doing what benefits everyone, not just a select few.

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

1. Local economy & small business
2. Housing & homelessness
3. Public safety
4. Infrastructure (roads, water, grid)

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

We need to make smart decisions that deliver the biggest impact for Kalamazoo. Too often, choices are made in a vacuum—slowing growth, limiting access, and increasing frustration. As an engineer by trade, I bring the skills to analyze projects for effectiveness and I won’t hesitate to push back on consultants when better solutions are possible. Right now, it feels like whatever gets handed to us is simply implemented—the bike lane fiasco is a prime example. Kalamazoo deserves smarter planning, stronger accountability, and leadership that puts results first.

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

That is my primary focus. Without growing economic development and supporting the businesses we already have, everything else goes out the window. If we don’t build a thriving, sustainable economy, Kalamazoo risks turning into a ghost town.

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

My intent is clear: to grow Kalamazoo’s workforce by both attracting new businesses and supporting the ones we already have. Strong businesses mean more jobs, more opportunities, and a stronger community for everyone.

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

It is crucial that all of our elected leaders work together and make smart, impactful decisions for the greater good of Kalamazoo. We all need to succeed—because if we fail to act as one community, the whole city will fail.

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

Opportunities: Elected officials in Kalamazoo have a real chance to strengthen community engagement by ensuring residents, small businesses, and nonprofits all have a seat at the table. That means creating transparent decision-making processes instead of rubber-stamping consultant-driven projects, and actively listening to the people most affected. On the economic side, we can attract new investment while sustaining the businesses we already have, expand the workforce, and provide real support to local shops—not just big developers. This creates broader civic opportunity, because when the local economy thrives, everyone benefits—from housing stability to safer shared public spaces.

Challenges: The biggest challenge is overcoming the political gridlock and party influence that currently cloud local decision-making. Too often, projects are half-baked or rushed (like the “bike lane fiasco”), leaving residents frustrated and disengaged. There’s also the risk of celebrating small wins that don’t solve core problems—while homelessness, economic decline, and failing infrastructure remain unaddressed. Finally, implementing meaningful change requires balancing compassion with accountability—particularly in addressing homelessness and public safety—which can be politically difficult but absolutely necessary.

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I plan on connecting with the community by being transparent, accessible, and proactive. I will listen to people’s ideas and concerns directly—whether that’s going door-to-door, hosting neighborhood meetings, or engaging through social media. My goal is to make sure every voice in Kalamazoo has the chance to be heard.

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

One step at a time. This is my first opportunity to serve the City of Kalamazoo, and I don’t intend to be a career politician. I’m running because I want to see Kalamazoo thrive during these pivotal times — to deliver practical solutions, hold leaders accountable, and get real results for our neighborhoods and local businesses.

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: Rise Against – “Swing Life Away”

Hobbies: Running

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: Wall Street

Favorite Literature: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favorite Food: Pizza

1. What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?

I spent three years on the board of directors for the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association…

2. What is your motivation for running for office?

As a public servant, I believe that our elected officials need to act more like public servants…

3. Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.

My top priorities include increasing accessibility, accountability…

4. How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?

While many initiatives will rely on securing the appropriate funding…

5. At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all of Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to economic growth needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?

I will support policies that will focus economic growth within the region…

6. How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?

My focus is on the residents and workers in the city of Kalamazoo…

7. How can elected officials create a place where working together toward meaningful progress is the priority?

Meaningful progress will come when all shareholders are welcome at the table…

8. What opportunities do you see for elected officials to strengthen community engagement and broaden access to economic and civic opportunities? What challenges may arise?

There are opportunities to strengthen community engagement by utilizing modern technologies…

9. In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?

I plan on connecting with constituents by encouraging them to attend city commission meetings…

10. What are your long-term political/career goals?

My goal is to serve the people of Kalamazoo. I want to increase confidence…

Personal Interests

Campaign Song: When We Stand Together by Nickelback

Hobbies: Riding my motorcycle, kayaking, woodworking, and caring for my chickens

Favorite Movies and/or Entertainment: The Pursuit of Happyness

Favorite Literature: Red Rising by Pierce Brown, A Theory of Justice by John Rawls

Favorite Food: Chinese food, particularly crab rangoons