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Kalamazoo City Commission
Two-year term Vote for not more than seven

  1. Why are you running for Kalamazoo City Commissioner? What is the most significant accomplishment you hope to make during your term on the Commission? [100 words]
  2. What are the most positive characteristics or qualities of Kalamazoo—ones that attract people and businesses and keep them here? How should the Commission capitalize on them? [90 words]
  3. What are the roles of the city and commissioners to ensure that children residing in the community are safe, healthy and educated? [90 words]
  4. What is the condition of the city infrastructure—basic physical structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, utilities, etc.)? What actions are needed by the Commission in the coming two years to protect or improve them? [90 words]

David Anderson
Age 60. 513 Stuart Ave. Director, Housing and Facilities for Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. B.B.A., accountancy, WMU, 1991; Kalamazoo Central, 1969. Kalamazoo City Commissioner since 2005; decades of volunteer service in the City including in Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo neighborhoods and area organizations. Currently Chair of the Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission and of the LIFT Foundation, a countywide organization that focuses on affordable housing. www.anderson4kzoo.com

  1. I am running for re-election to the Kalamazoo City Commission because I believe that cities are more than balance sheets and numbers—that choices made on the City Commission and in other governing bodies are directly related to quality of life, safety and opportunity in Kalamazoo and in our region. It will take great care and civic collaboration in the next few years to make responsible choices for Kalamazoo and preserve what is essential and vibrant in our community—and doing so will represent a significant accomplishment for the next Commission. I believe I can contribute to this process.
  2. Kalamazoo’s bounty includes its strong neighborhoods, beautiful homes, parks and green spaces; its educational institutions, arts community, philanthropic institutions; and especially the people who volunteer time and talent to effectively support a wide range of nonprofits that strengthen our community. Elected officials enhance these civic strengths by managing infrastructure and resources; supporting the provision of friendly, efficient city services; encouraging private development and investment in the city and region; promoting collaboration and partnerships; and spotlighting at every opportunity the tremendous assets in Kalamazoo and the region.
  3. The traditional role of Kalamazoo City government is to provide for safe streets, parks, public lighting, public safety and public transportation; to address issues of blight; to appropriately allocate HUD, CDBG and HOME resources; to enforce zoning, rental and building code compliance; and to sponsor summer youth work and recreation programs. The City of Kalamazoo actively partners with KPS, WMU, Kalamazoo College, nonprofits, businesses, neighborhoods and individuals in order to improve opportunities for young people. The “Learning Network” announced by the Kalamazoo Foundation is one example of youth-focused collaboration.
  4. Right now the basic City of Kalamazoo infrastructure is functional but suffering from ongoing budgetary limitations. Some public properties (City Hall and city parks in particular) have benefited recently from rehabilitation funding received through federal and state grants. But our investments in upkeep and improvement of local streets are falling behind. Given projected budget challenges in the next few years, elected officials and City of Kalamazoo staff must carefully manage the maintenance and capital improvement budget for key infrastructure elements (parks, streets, water/sewer) within existing constraints.

Stephanie Bell
Age 39. 414 W. Paterson St. Kalamazoo City Commissioner since 2007. Graduate, Kalamazoo Public Schools; currently enrolled in KVCC. Liaison, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Corporation and Friends of Parks & Recreation. Board member, Mothers of Hope and Equality Michigan. Participant, Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force. 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.ReElectStephanieBell.com

  1. For the past 12 years, I have been actively involved in social issues and concerns of Kalamazoo as a community organizer, building future community leaders, and advocating on behalf of those whose cries are loud, but often ignored. As a candidate for re-election, knowing that one person cannot be all things to all people, I feel the current strengths of those on the City Commission, coupled with my experiences, will create a well-rounded team which would benefit our entire community. I have the experience, connections, and energy to continue promoting Kalamazoo to Southwest Michigan and beyond. Job creation and access.
  2. The overall spirit of the community is what I believe is one of our city’s strongest assets. Experienced city staff cooperatively work together for the best results. The city supports and emphasizes the importance of education—evident by the abundance of educational facilities and support for the Kalamazoo Promise. We are a regional hub with possibilities for advancement of public transportation options. City-owned assets such as parks, trailways and golf courses that with enhancement will assist in the attraction of needed economic development opportunities.
  3. The city must continue to support, collaborate with and initiate conversations with agencies and organizations whose mission is to ensure children residing in our community are safe, healthy and educated. I’m committed to continue this work by supporting groups like the Poverty Reduction Initiative, the Hispanic American Council, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools, the Family Health Center, churches and neighborhood associations just to name a few. More importantly we should work to ensure that jobs and access to jobs are available for all citizens as well as provide decent and affordable housing to families.
  4. Significant progress strengthening our infrastructure by improving streets, installing the green roof on City Hall, adding GPS systems to our public transportation and making changes to the city commission chambers bringing it up to the 21st century in regard to technology. Regionally, the top priorities would be addressing the long-term maintenance of the current road and water/sewerage systems. Our region is not projected to have a high level of growth of the next ten years, so the protection and retention of the infrastructure that we have is key.

Nicholas Boyd
Age 28. 1129 Berkshire Dr. Business Owner, United Lawn Service, B-United Office Solutions; licensed life insurance representative. Graduate, Kalamazoo Central H.S. and KVCC. My public and private work experience includes: current Vice-President, Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals; chairperson, Precinct 2; City Election Inspector since 2004; local business owner; 7 yrs in the banking industry; licensed life insurance representative. Married for 4 yrs; two wonderful children. www.NickBoyd.net

  1. I’m running for the office of Kalamazoo City Commissioner to offer my ideas and exuberance as a young man. Also, my knowledge and experience as a hard worker and business owner. I have a ready ear to hear those who need to be heard, and a loud voice to fight for their cause. Success for me will be measured by the number of jobs created through the support and advertisement of entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community and the prioritization of funding for every education program such as the lunch and learn program.
  2. The People, the Promise, the possibilities. The diverse population racially, ethnically, religiously and socially makes Kalamazoo a place anyone would be comfortable calling home. The Kalamazoo Promise gives me hope for the future and something worth working for today. Thanks to the people in Kalamazoo and selfless efforts like the Kalamazoo Promise, the Possibilities are endless. We must capitalize on these benefits with investors and entrepreneurs to show Kalamazoo is open and ready for business and that this is the best place for a family to live and learn.
  3. As a city commissioner, being an advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves is a top priority. I will advocate for early childhood education and college preparatory effort as well as partner with KPS whenever possible and fight for every federal and state dollar. I believe we must fight to keep community policing so the first time young people see a cop it isn’t at the time of an offense, which will give an opportunity for citizens to trust the people that keep them safe.
  4. A few things I love about Kalamazoo and often hear about from people from out of town are our architecture, public libraries and that our roads are better maintained than other urban areas. Unfortunately due to budget cuts, much of the road upkeep will be slowed or halted in the next few years. Infrastructure affects quality of life and whether or not businesses choose to invest in our community. I believe creative actions and partnerships will need to be formed to avoid the deterioration of roads and infrastructure.

Jonathan David Braun (write-in)
Age 33. 1410 James St., Apt 1. Unemployed. Some college. Michigan Organizing Project board, 2010 to present. Kalamazoo Homeless Action Network/Michigan People’s Action board member/community organizer, 2003–2010. People United to Secure Housing Board, 2010 to present. Local Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Kalamazoo City, 2010 to present. HOMES coalition member/steering committee, 2010 to present. Jonathan Braun for City Commission in 2011! (Facebook group).

  1. I am running for Kalamazoo City Commission so that those who are in the same boat I am (homeless, poverty stricken, returning citizens) have the opportunity to vote for someone who is like them on various levels. It’s nice to have hope in the system every once and awhile. At the city level, the major accomplishment I want to see done in my term as a commissioner is a Wage Theft Ordinance.
  2. The first positive aspect of Kalamazoo is the diversity we have—culturally and religiously. The commission should capitalize on this by doing what it has been doing—embracing this diversity with open hearts, minds, and arms. The second positive aspect of Kalamazoo is there is always something going on in the downtown area. The commission can capitalize on this by actually partaking in these activities to see what the citizens want more or less of.
  3. The roles of the commissioners to ensure the children are safe, healthy and educated are simple. Safety—More community policing and after school programs so that the children have something to do and somewhere to go while the parents might be/are at work. Health—Once again, more after school and extracurricular programs (sports) where our children can run, laugh, and play while getting exercise. That’s what we did when I was a kid, and my younger siblings continue to do. Education—More community support and involvement in the Kalamazoo Promise.
  4. The city’s infrastructure depends on where you go. The inner city and historic neighborhoods are beautiful and booming, with very little blight or eyesore. However, on the side of town where I live, as well as several other neighborhoods where low income and poverty is a norm, this isn’t the case. Abandoned, tax-delinquent and condemned housing/industries dot the landscape. The commission needs to look into rehabbing these buildings. It would create jobs for those who are qualified, possibly community service for those who choose to do this, etc.

Robert Cinabro
Age 63. 2525 Frederick Ave. Attorney, private practice; Civil Case Evaluator, federal and state courts. Juris Doctor, Cornell Law School, 1973; B.A., Cum Laude, Kalamazoo College, 1970; High Honors Diploma, Kalamazoo Loy Norrix H.S., 1966. Kalamazoo Assistant City Attorney, 1974–1977; Deputy City Attorney, 1977–1988; City Attorney, 1988–2005. Member, Kalamazoo Historic District Commission, 2008–2010; Member, Kalamazoo Hospital Finance Authority and Kalamazoo Election Commission, 1988–2005. Past president, Kalamazoo Humane Society. Bobcinabroforkalamazoo.com

  1. I was appointed in September of 2010 to the City Commission to serve the unexpired term of the late Terry Kuseske. We now find ourselves at a critical time in regard to our budgetary situation. I do not shirk from the challenges facing my hometown. I believe I can continue to lend balance to the Commission. The times are calling for an experienced approach to the issues facing us. If elected this November, I hope I can be a part of a renaissance of our city, bringing jobs back and keeping Kalamazoo a place to live and work of choice.
  2. To name but a few special qualities of this great city: we have a wonderful educational community led by three great higher education institutions; we have major global industries; we have a state of the art wastewater plant; we have a caring community of leaders whose philanthropic efforts have brought national renown; we have a vibrant cultural life that is the envy of even larger cities. We must continue to nurture our businesses so that they can be made to feel welcome in these challenging economic times.
  3. The city must continue to partner with the leaders of our public and private secondary schools, and with non-profits, to nurture a community of hope for our kids. A significant example is found in Communities in Schools, which is a key organization that can leverage results. The city must continue to play an active partnership role in this effort. Public Safety, and keeping our streets, playgrounds, and parks safe for our children, is an absolute priority. Maintaining an atmosphere of hope for future generations must be the perpetual goal.
  4. The condition of some of our streets and sidewalks is not optimum, but our buildings are generally adequate. We have a capital improvement plan in the budget to meet our most pressing needs. In the Viewpoint article published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on August 21, 2011, the community was advised that we will be challenged to maintain and repair existing facilities, and we will not have, for some time, the resources to fund major new construction. In these times, our city must be vigilant to prioritize for capital improvements.

Don Cooney
Age 74. 1221 Vassar Dr. Associate Professor, Associate Director Lewis Walker Institute for Race and Ethnic Relations at WMU. M.Div., Mary Immaculate Seminary; M.A., Fordham; Ph.D., Bryn Mawr. City Commissioner, 14 yrs; community development work, 47 yrs. Teach and research Social Policy, Community Development. Co-founder, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools and Poverty Reduction Initiative. Board Member: Mothers of Hope, Public Media Network, Community Action Agency. Active volunteer, Hispanic American Council and in Edison neighborhood. cooney4kzoo.com

  1. I believe Government can be a vehicle to help people to a high quality of life. I work to create policies that help people achieve the life they deserve. I want to keep issues of working people and the disadvantaged high on the public agenda. I want to be the voice of those without power and to use my education, experience and skills to help build a city which is a national model for compassion, care and opportunity for all.
  2. The greatest resource of Kalamazoo is its people. The Commission should empower them and work to assure they have access to the resources they need for their own development and for the development of the City. The people of this city have made it a wonderful place for employment, political involvement, education, music, the arts, exercise and athletics. The area has beautiful parks and natural beauty, the Gilmore festival, excellent institutions of higher learning and of course the Promise. The Commission should act to preserve and enhance these treasures.
  3. Children are our great treasure and our future. The Commission should use its resources to protect them and their families and foster their full development. We do this through our Public Safety’s program of Community policing, our Parks and Recreation Department’s rich and innumerable programs, our Community Planning Department’s neighborhood development work, our Economic Development Department’s work bringing jobs, our Public Works Department’s enhancement of our infrastructure. We continue to support the work of the neighborhoods, the non-profits, and schools especially through Communities in Schools. Finally, we advocate for them.
  4. Despite seriously diminishing resources we do all we can to be good stewards of our infrastructure. We have an excellent Director of Public Works and our City Manager is a Civil Engineer dedicated to preserving and enhancing our infrastructure. We work to make city buildings more energy efficient. We just received a grant to install new windows in City Hall and put a green roof on the building. Certainly many roads need serious attention. We continue to service them with what resources we have and seek new resources for the unmet needs.

Bobby J. Hopewell
Age 47. 525 Stuart Ave. Director of Hospitality Services, Borgess. B.S., public service administration/EMS administration. Mayor, City of Kalamazoo since 2007; Vice Mayor, 2003–2007. Prior board experience: the Kalamazoo Planning Commission, Charter Review Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce Board. Current board service:  the Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo, Douglass Community Association, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, Kalamazoo Center for Youth and Community, Downtown Development Authority, and United Way Campaign Cabinet. www.bobbyhopewell.com

  1. I want to continue to see our city and region thrive and improve, even in difficult times. And I believe that can best be accomplished by my style leadership, which is experienced, balanced, bold, passionate, and which reaches out to all corners of the community. My top priorities for the coming term will be to: (a) maintain fiscal stability of the city budget; (b) continue to build strong neighborhoods; (c) ensure public safety; (d) create an environment where economic growth can occur; and (e) consolidate local governmental services when it makes sense for efficiencies and effectiveness.
  2. Our community has a wealth of assets that create a vibrant thriving community. First among these is our history of innovation that has allowed us to build a community of opportunities. Second is our belief in a strong education system, as evidenced by our strong Kalamazoo Public Schools, KVCC, K College and WMU, and the remarkable Kalamazoo Promise. Third, we have strong cultural organizations which offer enriching experiences. Finally, we reinvest in community through volunteerism, local charities, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and public support of schools and public transportation.
  3. One of the primary responsibilities of the City to our children is to provide public safety so we have safe neighborhoods where children can learn and thrive. My primary role as a commissioner and Mayor is to make sure that public safety is adequately funded. In order to ensure a healthy and educated community, the city has and will continue to make sure that all the assets possible are available to our youth, whether that is public transportation or our support of essential community organizations, such as Communities in Schools.
  4. Kalamazoo is not unlike other mid-size older urban cities. We definitely have infrastructure challenges ahead of us. Right now, there are about $67 million dollars of road reconstruction projects that need to occur in the city. Although we continue to make steady progress on road improvements, roads will continue to be our number one infrastructure focus over the coming years. In contrast, most city buildings are in pretty good shape, and will not require anything more than regular maintenance over the next 10 years or so.

Antwon J. Hunter
Age 22. 703 Reed Ave. Unemployed; community volunteer. Currently seeking higher education. Attended Kalamazoo Public Schools; Kalamazoo Central graduate. Born in Kalamazoo; life-long Kalamazoo resident. During high school was an active member in Peace Jam and DALT (diversity awareness leadership training); stepped up as a youth ambassador in junior yr. Peer educator. Believes that every trial and error in his own life has gained him knowledge in understanding in how to properly assist the residents of Kalamazoo.

  1. There are several reason why Antwon Hunter is running for Kalamazoo City Commission. The biggest factor in his run is to be a light that the younger generation needs and to be a voice for the muted, to be the voice that young people need.
  2. The Promise is a huge factor, but we need a lot more in the city to bring not only people but jobs.
  3. To ensure that every child in our community is safe, healthy and educated as a commissioner would be by taking our equal part in the community and being a role model of success and guiding the children on the right path in life.
  4. [Did not respond to question.]

Fred Lawrence II
Age 41. 1724 Krom St. Graphic Packaging LLC. Kalamazoo Central H. S.; Michigan Career & Technical Institute; KVCC. I have written editorials to the Kalamazoo Gazette; lifelong resident of the north side of Kalamazoo. Evolved early with the (N.E.P.G.) learning how to start a small business. https://www.facebook.com/#!/fredlawrenceii

  1. I love Kalamazoo. To create an environment that will attract future business to Kalamazoo. Reducing the number of non-profit corporations in Kalamazoo by eliminating duplicate services. Currently non-profits own 45% of the tax base.
  2. We have beautiful parks and recreation division. Music can help bring people downtown. The Arts in Kalamazoo is the best around and we need to promote it more. Our colleges and donations to K.P.S. are outstanding.
  3. (a) We need community policing and our police to take any child under the age of graduation to the city jail. Citation could be parent will show their high school diploma to get their kid back or set up classes to get their high school diploma or G.E.D. and show proof within 7 days. (b) We need to utilize the Family Health Center in every school teaching nutrition and having an on-call nutritionist to help kids make healthy choices. (c) All adults in Kalamazoo need to be educated. If teacher is sending homework and parents can’t understand it, how can children learn? 
  4. Bring back the idea of a .5% and 1% tax that only voters can change if needed. The City of Kalamazoo is on muck. That means all the roads have to be de-mucked so they will quit crumbling. This will be a 10-year project.

Hannah J. McKinney
Age 56. 1425 Grand Ave. Professor, Economics and Business, Kalamazoo College. Ph.D., economics, U of Pennsylvania; B.A., economics, U of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Published, taught, lectured, consulted about local public finance and urban economics. Vice mayor, 12 yrs; Mayor in Kalamazoo, 2 yrs. Twenty yrs at Kalamazoo College. reelecthannah.com

  1. Minimize the impacts of declining revenues on service delivery while maximizing the delivery of the kinds of services that can undergird long term economic growth. By (a) Continue to work to stabilize the city’s fiscal health; (b) Increase collaborative service delivery in the region by partnering with other jurisdictions and organizations.
  2. We value lifelong educational opportunities and have the institutions through which to deliver wide range of educational programs. Gives us a young population. Need to find ways to keep more college graduates here. Commission should endorse programs and activities that create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  3. Provide core public safety services; partner with other organizations in recreation and education. Continue emphasis on community policing.
  4. Infrastructure is in pretty good shape right now but requires continual investment. Even with budget problems, can not stint too much on physical investments. Need to be smart about consolidating utilities with other jurisdictions to minimize the increased cost to city residents. Focus on improved service delivery rather than form of service delivery (separate authorities, merged operations, etc.)

Barbara Hamilton Miller
Age 58. 2523 Winchell Ave. Kalamazoo City Commissioner, community volunteer. B.S., EMU. Serving third term as a Kalamazoo City Commissioner; Kalamazoo Public School Board, 8 yrs. Current board member: Community Healing Centers, Residential Opportunities, Inc., Kalamazoo Center for Youth and Community. Capital campaign for Pretty Lake Vacation Camp and a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer. Past service: YMCA board, Kalamazoo Communities in Schools board among other volunteer activities. www.barbmiller.com

  1. I love Kalamazoo and I believe in this city. We are a caring community. I would like to see Kalamazoo continue to grow and thrive. I enjoy working with city staff, they are dedicated and hard working. They are our greatest asset. Accomplishments over the next two years would be to work towards consolidating services (where we can) county-wide, and continue my work to keep our Parks and Recreation doing the good work they already do. Both of these issues need strong commitment and dedication and I am willing to do the tough work it will take.
  2. Kalamazoo is a generous town. We have WMU and K College, the Kalamazoo Promise, our foundations and the arts. Successful small and large businesses contribute to local jobs, taxes and goodwill. The communities in the county are coming together to find ways to work together, we can be a shining beacon for other communities to follow our lead. These qualities make it easy for us to let new people and companies know all that we have to offer. We can capitalize on attracting new businesses by streamlining regulations.
  3. We can and do support our children of all ages through various Parks and Recreation programs. We have summer youth camps, leadership training and a summer work program. I am working on a committee to get more youth services on the eastside of Kalamazoo, it is exciting and much needed work. I support our public schools and Communities in Schools and the great work that they do. Commissioners should be present and encouraging of the work these organizations are doing.
  4. Most of the city’s structures are in fine shape. We have been good stewards when it comes to maintaining our buildings. The water and wastewater system pays for itself over time. Our biggest problem is our sidewalks and roads. Winters are tough on our roads, our capital improvement monies often fall short of our actual need. Decreasing the capital improvement monies causes us to patch instead of replace which hurts in the long run. We must no longer start new projects unless they are funded through grants, donations, etc.

Robert Patterson
1415 Park Place.

  1. I love Kalamazoo tho’ I am new to public service politics. I can think of no better way to serve the community and learn. I feel I am part of the grass root? Unlike the tea party? Kalamazoo is a special place with wonderful people, long in history. (Knowing there will always be the little yellow bus) other ways then the traditional, people committed to ensuring that every citizen is treated fairly. Kalamazoo took its hits just as every other city lost a lot of jobs and this is what we need now and in the future, Jobs. Kalamazoo at one time was in the front. . . .
  2. [Did not respond to question]
  3. [Did not respond to question]
  4. [Did not respond to question]

Michael A. Perrin
Age 38. 2728 Wellington Rd. Westside Beer Distribution/Sales, Special Events. M.A., clinical psychology, WMU; Psi Chi National Honor Society. Long-time interest in politics; first-time candidate. Believe that life experiences, passion for people, and love of country will guide me in making good decisions. College internship, home for high-risk teen boys. Volunteer, Assistant Probation Officer, 8th District Court; helped low-income children learn computer skills. Married; two children. Born, raised in Sturgis; Kalamazoo resident since 1996; bought first home 11 yrs ago.

  1. I have decided to run because I love my community and I believe that I can help change the community by bringing in new ideas and making changes to the current tax system. I am hoping to lower property taxes for the residents of Kalamazoo. I believe that this is the main reason people are leaving the area and moving to nearby communities. Lowering property taxes would be the most significant achievement I could do. I would also like to loosen restrictions on the historic district so they can become more “energy green”.
  2. Some of the most valuable qualities and characteristics of Kalamazoo are in the diverse population that it brings to the area. Western Michigan University, Stryker, and Pfizer are the great companies that contribute to Kalamazoo’s melting pot. Kalamazoo is also well-known for its development in behavioral psychology and has some of the best schools for individuals with developmental disabilities. The “Kalamazoo Promise” is another unique aspect of our city. It could be used to improve and develop our city by attracting families and businesses to stay and invest in the community.
  3. The city commissioner’s role in child development is to make sure there are available resources in the city for children to access. Enforcing and creating new and effective city ordinances are one step in ensuring the safety of our children. Law enforcement along with the City Commission can develop and implement some child safety programs for the community, creating new programs for kids, and encouraging healthy habits. I would like to see some of the city’s smaller parks become community playgrounds.
  4. The city’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repair especially our roads and utilities. Most of the city’s buildings are in good condition. A maintenance program may be needed if one is not in place. Federal, state, and private grants are one way to fix our streets and utilities. It is the duty of the Commission to apply and research funding without needing to raise taxes to our residents. It is their duty to also attempt to restructure city ordinances that can help protect and maintain the city.

Philip Royster
Age 57. 725 Academy, Apt. E. Volunteer Clinical Therapist. M.S.W., WMU, 1990. Work experience:  Community Mental Health, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek; Family and Children Services, Battle Creek. State of Michigan Standards Group, 2 yrs; helped push through policy for all Michigan Counties that a person with substance abuse addiction could have access to services 24 hours a day. Co-chair, Recovery Council, 2 yrs. An optimist; believe the glass is always half-full; believe that Kalamazoo needs the leadership I can offer as a public servant.

  1. I am running for office because it is time for a change in the way we have aligned our priorities. I want Kalamazoo to pass a city income tax. My hope is that I want to keep all KPS staff and purchase the best equipment possible for our police officers. If the city income tax passes, I want to revisit the jail and build the version which exceeds capacity so that we can rent it out to other counties in Michigan. I want to build a Booker T. Washington center downtown where they have proposed the sports arena to help the poor and felons. . . .
  2. What attracts people to Kalamazoo is The Promise for college, our colleges, arts and entertainment, and the ability to raise a family because we have such a broad safety net from churches feeding the poor and working poor. We have mental health assets that are leading the state in hiring disabled workers per capita via Recovery Institute. My hope is that the major churches can become surrogates for our children because we cannot wait on deadbeat dads and mothers who end up at this mission because the crack man has to be paid. . . . .
  3. The commission should appeal to our churches as surrogates to our children. “It takes a village to raise a child.” We should have games like ping pong, pool, computer games and chess. We should help create a culture of excellence. I would like the major churches to compete against each other in Spelling Bees and Bible Bowls. We should go to our vendors to reward our students for the excellence. We should encourage creative writing, art, poetry and witty inventions. Kalamazoo has the chance to lead the world.
  4. We are somewhat confined to the structure we have in place to fix roads, etc. I feel we are making progress in all these areas. However, roads and other infrastructure constantly need repairs. I hope the Obama plan passes so that we can accelerate the path to repairs. We need to collaborate with the County and other counties to get a better price for repairs. We should look at ways to make this so.

Nicholas Wikar
Age 24. 1213 Blakeslee St. Community organizer / environmental advocate, 6 yrs. B.S., community and regional planning, WMU, 2012; A.A., political science, GRCC, 2011; graduate, West Ottawa H.S., 2006. Resident, West Douglas Neighborhood. Former volunteer, Civil Air Patrol, 6 yrs. Graduate, Civic Leadership Academy, 2004. Recipient, General Ira C. Eaker Award. Graduate, CPL Progressive Candidate Training, 2009. President, GRCC Student Congress, 2011. Senator, Western Student Association, 2011. Alumnus, GRCC Foundation Board of Directors, 2011. Co-chair, Students for a Sustainable Earth. http://www.NicholasWikar.com

  1. While the encouragement from community members and peers served as my initial motivation to run for City Commission, the catalyst for my candidacy was the 2010 Census. As the population of children 0–17 has stabilized and the number of young adults 20–24 has grown, the city is at a critical moment. Full of potential, Kalamazoo needs a champion who anticipates what’s needed to support children and retain young adults. By encouraging the development of startups and welcoming innovation, my priority as Commissioner will be transitioning this potential into a reality that brings success, opportunity and economic prosperity to all residents.
  2. The character of Kalamazoo’s people, historic housing stock, and tree-lined streets are among the city’s most inviting and positive qualities. While residents can take advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise, KVCC, Kalamazoo College, and Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo’s location in the heart of Southwest Michigan, between Chicago and Detroit, brings businesses and patrons together naturally. The City Commission should encourage and adopt overlay districts. Allowing each neighborhood to embrace its heritage and develop a unique culture will attract people and businesses while increasing participation in civics, recreation, art, and entrepreneurship community-wide.
  3. Children in Kalamazoo deserve everything from adequate nutrition to a clean environment to ensure success. While the City provides opportunities through KDPS’s Youth Leadership Academy, more can be done to increase opportunities and access to resources for youth and expecting mothers. The City Commission reserves the ability to direct the City Manager to encourage the Department of Public Health and Welfare to explore community partnerships for programs supporting infant, child, and maternal health. Additionally, as a municipal concern, Commissioners can support the formation of a public board addressing youth achievement.
  4. Despite the fair condition of Kalamazoo’s infrastructure, priority must be given to enacting a coordinated plan aimed at consolidating regional resources, improving accessibility, and increasing connectivity. While in-depth traffic and timing studies are necessary to upgrade Kalamazoo’s distribution routes and commuter-corridors, PA 135 of 2010 requires the city make significant improvements supporting nonmotorized transportation. Equally as important, by supporting the development of high-speed, intercity passenger rail services and ultra-high speed information networks within Kalamazoo, the City Commission will encourage responsible growth and set a precedence of economic vitality and efficiency.

Andrew Worden
Age 47. 804 Dwight. Currently working at Wal-mart. Management and Organization Development, Spring Arbor U. My background and experience range from the over a decade at a paper factory, retail, medical, food services and farm work to the volunteer work that has been done with Residential Opportunities Incorporated, Deacons Conference, and Medical First Responder, etc. On the eastside we have had a parent forum to help make our families stronger; the stronger our families, the stronger our community.

  1. I hope when I get the honor of representing our families of Kalamazoo in the Kalamazoo City Commission: The city will run with a surplus in the budget instead of the current shortfall, also being more attractive for businesses as a result there will be good paying jobs for the average person and the beginning paying jobs may go to those who are just entering the work force instead of being unemployed. Therefore, we all may make a better life. Hopefully, those who had to move in with relatives may be able to be independent again.
  2. There are a lot of things that are attractive for Kalamazoo: the Promise, autism support structures (KARSA, ROI, etc.), schools of higher education (WMU, Kalamazoo College, Spring Arbor University, etc.), museums, forests nearby, art (museum, art hop, etc.). We have creative art centers, festivals year around which are encouraging for those who would like to have a nice family community. We also have the work force, and infrastructure to support businesses for our families. We even have an indoor waterpark in the county. Kalamazoo is a great place to raise a family.
  3. We vote in a school board to govern this but, as a parent, we all are responsible for the children to be safe, healthy and educated. That is why as a parent we are or by the time of the printing of this paper, we will have put on a parent forum to help have stronger families; the stronger our families, the stronger our community.
  4. The city’s infrastructure could use some help. As an example there are roads in which there are potholes still in them this fall. The maintenance of what we have is critical for the individuals or organizations using them. The main items that the Commission should spend on are the infrastructure and public safety. As an example, if you’ll like to go to the game, movie, etc. and you only have enough for gas to go to work, what should you do?