To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming November 2, 2021, election, we asked candidates running for local seats to participate in our Candidate Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Robert D. Britigan III.

Public safety, infrastructure, placemaking, and economic development are key motivators in Robert D. Britigan III’s upcoming run for City Commissioner in the City of Parchment in the November 2, 2021, election. Getting specific, Robert says he plans to “continue our progress with redeveloping the former paper mill and attracting new businesses to our City. This will expand the City’s tax base to help fund necessary improvements to our sewers and roads.” His passion for infrastructure has roots in his background including roles with the Institute of Real Estate Management and Central County Transportation Authority and positions of President of Midlink Business Park and current Mayor for the City of Parchment. It also played out in real time back in 2018 when the City of Parchment’s municipal water was found to be contaminated with PFAS. “In a collaborative effort with other municipalities and agencies, we acted swiftly to communicate, investigate, and mitigate the crisis by finding a clean water supply and long-term solution. This involved staying positive and being open and honest with citizens, businesses, the media, and officials at all levels,” recalled Robert.

NAME
Robert D. Britigan III

POSITION SEEKING
City Commissioner

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
City of Parchment

EMAIL
VoteBritigan@gmail.com

WHAT ARE THE TOP ISSUES/CONCERNS THAT MOTIVATE YOU?
I am motivated by finding ways to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our City and doing so in a fiscally responsible way. This includes public safety, infrastructure, placemaking, and economic development.

SHARE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES OR SKILL SETS THAT MAKE YOU A GREAT FIT FOR THIS ROLE.
My experience and proven leadership capabilities make me uniquely qualified. I have held leadership roles with various professional and public organizations, including the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) and Central County Transportation Authority. I am President of Midlink Business Park and current Mayor for the City of Parchment.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THE KALAMAZOO REGION IS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK? 
The Kalamazoo region is a great place to live and work because of its location, affordability, and amenities.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING OUR COMMUNITY?
Economic development and infrastructure. If elected, I plan to continue our progress with redeveloping the former paper mill and attracting new businesses to our City. This will expand the City’s tax base to help fund necessary improvements to our sewers and roads.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?
If elected, I will support economic growth by working collaboratively with surrounding communities and make it easy to do business in Parchment!

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MEASURES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL?
Parchment is a welcoming community for all people.

OFFER AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN YOU PERSONALLY USED HONESTY AND INTEGRITY TO SOLVE A VITAL ISSUE.
In 2018, the City of Parchment’s municipal water was found to be contaminated with PFAS. In a collaborative effort with other municipalities and agencies, we acted swiftly to communicate, investigate, and mitigate the crisis by finding a clean water supply and long-term solution. This involved staying positive and being open and honest with citizens, businesses, the media, and officials at all levels.

HOW CAN ELECTED OFFICIALS CREATE A PLACE WHERE WORKING TOGETHER TOWARDS MEANINGFUL PROGRESS IS THE PRIORITY? 
Elected officials can bring a community together by listening and collaboratively focusing on solutions.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU PLAN TO CONNECT WITH CONSTITUENTS TO RECEIVE THEIR INPUT?
I always make myself available to connect directly in person, by telephone, or in writing.