Economic growth and how to achieve it are at the top of the platform for most candidates running for government office — whether it be for local, state, or national seats of representation. Regional economic catalyst, Southwest Michigan First, reached out to the 2023 candidates running for office to get their take on growing the economy. From now until the election, we’ll share the answers of those who responded to our questions in alphabetical order by last name, regardless of position sought.
This week we’ll share the responses from the first four candidates:
- John Allen | Candidate for City of Kalamazoo Mayor
- David Anderson | Candidate for City of Kalamazoo Mayor
- James Ayers | Candidate for City of Kalamazoo Commissioner
- Chris Burns | City of Portage Councilmember
Position Seeking: Mayor
District Position Represents: City of Kalamazoo
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
Mayor David Anderson’s experience in local government is far greater than mine. David is a fine public servant. I do not match his experience. In 50 years of law practice, I represented local cities and townships. Recent experience in Kalamazoo Streets projects. See Facebook: Bronson Blvd. Preservation Association
What is your motivation for running for office?
To obtain better transparency and accountability from city government, learned from recent experience about deficiencies in Kalamazoo Streets projects. See Facebook: Bronson Blvd. Preservation Association city’s refusal to consider adverse environmental effects of “traffic calming” on air and water.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
To provide a voice that is pro-motorist, pro-police, and pro-business. To obtain better communication to the city from neighborhoods, about neighborhood street projects. To compel a full disclosure of raw metrics data for each street project, mandated by the City Streets Policy, and to use those metrics in street redesign.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
By the City Charter, Kalamazoo is a “weak mayor” form of government. Mayor has few real powers, other than “voice and vote.” That voice and vote must be better used to promote views and perspectives that are pro-motorist, pro-police, and pro-business.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
*“Permit Streamlining” process like Florida and Texas. Time limit (three weeks) on city response to permit application with certifications of compliance by licensed professionals. If no deficiencies cited, the permit is considered as granted. Limited discretion by city administrators to extend timelines and deficiencies. *Ombudsman, advocates for applicant throughout process.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
Businesses need stronger “voice and vote’ pro-motorist, pro-police, and pro-business. City of Kalamazoo does not have that. Example: City Bike Registration Ordinance would provide better metrics data on bike ownership and use, need for bike lanes on some streets. Deters theft, aids police enforcement, protects purchasers/dealers from accepting stolen goods.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
People must be safe, especially downtown. More funding for police. Mall surveillance cameras installed. Public urination and defecation stopped. City—too many employees, too much property. Private marketplace should do more things. Kalamazoo County needs government consolidation, not “cooperation”. Too many government units, funds wasted by needless duplication of administration.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
Biggest challenge: more “diversity and inclusion” of views and perspectives to include pro-motorist, pro-police, and pro-business. Funding for police, space for jail and mental health treatment. “Affordable housing” not tents and encampments. Private incentives—automatically more total housing units if a development includes proportion of units at lower offering price.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
In person meetings are fine, but the internet is the best method in 2023. Provide real public comment TO the city by citizens. Not “fake” unverified and misleading “surveys” (like those used in the Streets Projects) that permit no real public comment with different approaches or “none of the above.”
What are your long-term political/career goals?
None, other than to be a good citizen. And to support others who have the courage to put their name on a ballot—we need more of those brave persons who are pro-motorist, pro-police, and pro-business.
Campaign Song: Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (Scherzo)
Favorite Movie: Many- I like movies, lots of them. Favorites are “Casablanca,” “ The Legend of Bagger Vance,” and “Road House”.
Favorite Book: Bible (King James), Book of Common Prayer
Favorite Food: Anything my wife serves. (I was born at night, but not last night).
David Anderson
Position Seeking: Mayor
District Position Represents: City of Kalamazoo
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
After starting out in neighborhood and public-school organizations, I have served for 18 years on the Kalamazoo City Commission, including as Vice Mayor and Mayor, directed federal and state monies for streets and bridges, and was founder and member for 21 years of the Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I care deeply about the City of Kalamazoo and the people who live here.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My priorities are investments in infrastructure, including water, sewers, the storm water system, streets, and parks. We need a functioning and fair public safety system that provides responsive fire and first responder services, and continuing partnerships with local nonprofits to improve the lives of Kalamazoo’s residents.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
By supporting a functioning and innovative city commission, approving budgets that address our priorities, supporting city staff, and listening to input from all residents of the city.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
The City of Kalamazoo is a member of Southwest Michigan First and is very supportive of its activities. As Mayor, I attend nearly all Southwest Michigan First events and look forward to continuing our affiliation and teamwork to advance our shared goals and aspirations.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
To encourage employers and residents to want to stay in Kalamazoo, there must be a functional, effective, efficient, responsive city government in place that takes care of its responsibilities. This is work I have been attending to for years and intend to continue.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
By demonstrating positive, energetic leadership, being an active cheerleader for the community, reaching out to those with disparate interests, and working to bring people together to seek agreement and common ground in shared values.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
Kalamazoo has created and staffed a Department of DEI. It is important that city services, particularly policing and public safety, are seen as providing fair and balanced enforcement. Actively knowing your community and being involved in organizations and faith-based communities is important in helping people live their best lives.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Constituents have multiple opportunities to connect with the Mayor and City Commissioners. They regularly text, email, and call me because I share my personal cell phone number. I attend multiple community events every week and often talk to individuals about concerns in their neighborhood, downtown, or their own personal challenges.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
I have no political aspirations beyond the office for which I am running, Kalamazoo’s Mayor. I still work full time as Director of Housing and Facilities at Integrated Services Kalamazoo and plan to continue that for some time. I do this work because I care about the community.
Campaign Song: N/A
Favorite Movie: N/A
Favorite Book: N/A
Favorite Food: N/A
James Ayers
Position Seeking: Commissioner
District Position Represents: City of Kalamazoo
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
Currently I’m the administrator/coordinator for the diagnostic physics department of a local radiation safety company. Previous to this, I was a laboratory technician for the materials testing department of a local engineering firm, and a supervisor/stock manager for a global retail corporation. I also served for two years in AmeriCorps.
What is your motivation for running for office?
There were less than two weeks until the filing deadline and only one candidate had been nominated for the three commission seats on the ballot. I saw a need and felt a call, even if only: I’ve got to be better than an empty chair.” And now here we are.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
1) Equitable housing 2) Clean air 3) Empowered neighborhoods
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
Using the power of the bully pulpit of elected office to cut past social media obfuscation and engage with residents directly at townhalls and the like. The neighbors of Kalamazoo have a wealth of good ideas waiting for someone to listen to them.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
This is a poorly worded question, but of course I want the people of Kalamazoo to flourish and prosper – that’s why I’m running for office.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
Let’s not overestimate the ability of a single commissioner to alter the economic engines that have been here for decades. But businesses are as much a part of neighborhoods as residents, and everyone will benefit if we don’t have to choose between livelihoods and dignity: ¿Por qué no los dos?
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
Get out of the way. By definition elected officials should be leading through service. This work is unglamorous and boring and requires eye-watering spreadsheets, but I think the future is worth it. Call me naïve.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion seem to be the zeitgeist of our time. You address the zeitgeist by saying ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ I say, Yes. The challenge is saying ‘yes’ in the right way. The challenge is fear. Fear of change, fear of saying the wrong thing. There are real consequences.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
Meet people where they are. I plan to walk the streets, knock on doors, host townhalls, take questions, and give answers. I’m available by phone or email as well.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
My political goal is to do my small part to foster a city of vibrant, flourishing neighborhoods. My career goal is to build a safe, stable home for my family. Really these aren’t so different; the good life has some universal qualities.
Campaign Song: “Stupid’s Song” by Utah Phillips, but I still believe in neighborhoods–and a city government should be serving its neighborhoods.
Favorite Movie: A Serious Man by the Coen Brothers
Favorite Book: Finnegans Wake by James Joyce because I’ll never finish reading it.
Favorite Food: Midtown Fresh Market’s house brand tortilla chips
Chris Burns
Position Seeking: Council Member
District Position Represents: City of Portage
What community/professional experiences do you possess that have prepared you for this position?
I have served on Portage City Council since 2017. As a CPA, CFP®, and CFA® charter holder, I am equipped for financial leadership. My roles as assistant director of investment research at Greenleaf Trust and volunteer leadership demonstrate my commitment to community service and strategic decision-making.
What is your motivation for running for office?
I am driven to continue Portage’s fiscal responsibility, foster job growth, and enhance economic development. I am passionate about using my financial expertise to deliver secure streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and quality job opportunities for the people of Portage.
Please list your top priorities within the responsibilities of this elected office.
My top priorities for the coming term include: delivering an improved farmer’s market facility in Portage; reviewing our codes and ordinances to ensure they do not serve as impediments to affordable housing; and ensuring we have long-term plans for any potential redevelopment opportunities in our commercial corridors.
How do you plan to accomplish these goals within the responsibilities and restrictions of the office?
The City Council will decide on a location and amenities for an improved farmer’s market facility and has secured $1.75 million in state funding to help defray costs to residents. Portage is also undergoing a Master Plan update which will touch on housing and commercial development in the city.
At Southwest Michigan First, our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. If elected, will you support policies that will lead to the economic needed to achieve our goal of greater job growth and workforce development?
Yes, in my tenure on Portage City Council we have partnered with and attracted significant investment from major employers like Pfizer, Stryker, FedEx, Kotobuki Seating, and others that have provided job and career development opportunities.
How will your election impact the region’s workforce and companies who call Southwest Michigan home?
Portage competes to draw the best employers and workers we can to the area. The City Council influences infrastructure, costs (taxes, fees), development incentives, and quality of life. Portage has a strong track record of attracting investment and I will continue our successful policies in my next term.
How can elected officials create a place where working together towards meaningful progress is the priority?
In Portage, the voters have been astute in choosing leaders who put the community first. The Portage City Council has historically served as a prime example of professionalism and effectiveness in Kalamazoo County. Honesty, fidelity, and transparency are all valuable traits in elected leaders.
What do you see as the biggest areas of opportunity for elected officials when it comes to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What is the biggest challenge?
The biggest opportunities for addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion center on community engagement, fostering representation, and considering policies and programs that create an inclusive community. The biggest challenge is overcoming barriers to full participation in community affairs.
In what ways do you plan to connect with constituents to receive their input?
I am always available to my constituents. My phone number and email are in the Portager every month and I am glad to chat with anyone. I have also hosted coffee hours in the past.
What are your long-term political/career goals?
I only have one long-term political goal: to leave Portage a little better than I found it.
Campaign Song: “Hometown” by Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers
Favorite Movie: Cool Hand Luke
Favorite Book: “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller
Favorite Food: Biscuits & gravy at the original Derks restaurant on Westnedge
