About the Candidate:

I am a lifelong resident of the area and care deeply about Traverse City. As a commissioner for eight years I have worked hard to keep Traverse City the beautiful place it is while also giving it a future. I hope to continue that work as Mayor in November.

 

Why are you running for office?

I am running for Mayor because I think the City Commission needs to ensure every voice is heard- on the dais and in the public. As someone born and raised here, I think Traverse City has become a vital, progressive town, but we have to ensure we are doing it sustainably and making decisions for today and the future.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

I am a strong proponent for sustainable environmental stewardship supporting Green Energy goals both as a City Commissioner and Light & Power board member. In Traverse City we have an actual vote of the people supporting equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people and I proudly stand by that and want Traverse City to be seen as a safe place for all people to live, work, and thrive. I support women's reproductive freedom- though it is not usually a City issue, it is something I will always stand for. At the end of the day, I find Democratic Party values to be the values for best governance in a country created to give equal opportunities to all.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

Housing is a huge issue everywhere and Traverse City is no exception. While there is no one policy that will solve the problem here, I want us to pursue all avenues that will continue to make Traverse City a great place to work, raise a family, retire to, and live for everyone.

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We also must never lose sight of the importance of our natural resources. In addition to the Green Energy goals set by the City and Light & Power, I am excited for the new path forward presented by the Climate Action Plan Light & Power is wrapping up this year. We will be able to use it as a guiding document at the City as well.

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We also need to focus on the nuts and bolts of the City. We have a lot of retirements coming up so good pay and labor practices need to be at the heart of that process to ensure Traverse City continues to have the best, most professional,  and dedicated employees to advise and enact all of the Commission's policies.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

Watch a Commission meeting and you will see there is no one issue we can focus on. The reality is all of the issues I mentioned- and so many more- will be on the agenda frequently for the next Commission. We will have to work together on solutions (probably multiple solutions for some issues) and if I am elected mayor I will lead those discussions with fairness and an open mind.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?’

Yes, for at least 8 years.

 

Education/Experience:

BA International Relations, Michigan State University

Eight Years on City Commission, Six as Mayor Pro-Tem

Eight Years on TC Light and Power Board

 

Current Working Situation:

Book Awards Director, Jenkins Group

 

Contact:

amyshamroe@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

Mitchell Treadwell grew up in Traverse City, went to our local schools, and has great respect for the neighborhoods, businesses, and scenic beauty that make our corner of the world special. He strives to be an engaged and informed leader for the City, listening to the issues of residents, learning what has worked in other communities, and partnering with outside organizations and governments to accomplish shared goals. He is a proud advocate for local waterways, working on clean-ups and paddling to protect the natural resources we all depend on. 

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

There are multiple City projects underway that I'd like to see completed--front rewriting our Master Plan, to filling vacant senior staff positions, to getting FishPass build and replace a failing dam.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

I support a diverse and inclusive community, where workers have fair pay and labor conditions, the environment is respected, and the dignity of every human is respected.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

We need to address the need for more affordable housing and work to end chronic homelessness in the Traverse City area. We should work for a regional focus on transportation, rebuilding the roads we have so they're in good shape and improving the network for people who walk, bike, or take the bus. The City should strive to protect our water and critical habitats--completing FishPass, passing the Riparian Buffer Ordinance, and working to better manage stormwater and reduce pollution running off into our lakes and streams.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

The lack of affordable housing is a crisis in our community, and makes it much harder for Traverse City to be a place where people live, work, and go to school.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

Yes, Since 2021

 

Education/Experience:

NMC/MSU--Environmental Biology

Currently serve on the City Commission and Planning Commission, as well as multiple other roles

 

Current Working Situation:

City Commissioner, Fish Wrangler

 

Contact:

mitchell.treadwell@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

I will place as much value on the people who already live in TC as the new visitors and residents we wish to attract. Growth must be balanced with the character and quality of life that attract and keep our families in Traverse City. 1. Affordable housing is needed, but studies show that eliminating single-family zoning will only create higher housing prices and higher property taxes. 2. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is like a contract between government and residents for how to spend tax dollars. Future TIF agreements must be voted on by TC citizens. 3. The tourism industry is a foundation of our economy, but it should contribute more to the cost of city infrastructure. After decades of experience, my philosophy is to be a "servant leader:" Hire the best people; remove barriers that prevent success; model and teach better decision-making; measure what you care about; be transparent; hold yourself and others accountable for results. Today, there is a leadership void in Traverse City, with critical staff positions empty and a "rubber-stamp" mentality among elected representatives. Our community deserves better. With four positions open in November 2023, this is the right time for a fresh start. 

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

This is my first foray into local politics. I prepared by attending meetings, making public comments, and writing to city leaders. I was energized by the density zoning discussion, when I saw just how far apart City staff/commissioners are from the views of City residents. Our neighborhoods deserve someone who will listen thoughtfully and use their input to put residents first. When residents thrive, our whole community succeeds.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

I am socially liberal, a strong supporter of equality under the law, especially the abortion and LGBTQ+ rights that are currently under attack. I believe that government has an obligation to support its citizens in basic human rights such as housing, health care, education, and a sustainable environment. Unrestrained capitalism has created a historic level of economic inequality; Democrats are the only party fighting to restore a balanced level of support and well-being for all.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

1. Workforce housing is a top priority. We need a regional solution, linked directly to better transportation options. 

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2. Tax Increment Financing for downtown projects carries both benefits and risks. TIF proposals should be voted on by Traverse City residents. 

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3. Growth in TC must be balanced with our need for clean water, clean air, reliable infrastructure, safe streets, top-notch schools and overall quality of life.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

My focus is supporting attainable/affordable housing for our workforce and the unhoused, while preserving the sense of community in neighborhoods that make TC unique.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

Yes. I began canvassing for Democratic candidates in 2016.

 

Education/Experience:

A Traverse City resident for 23 years, Jackie Anderson, 71, is a retired businessperson and professor with an MBA from Michigan State. She is an organizer of the new Indian Woods Neighborhood Association; served as board member of the grassroots campaign to save Easling Pool; and volunteered for 5 years as a SCORE mentor for local business owners.

 

Current Working Situation:

Retired

 

Contact:

jackie.anderson@davenport.edu

About the Candidate:

I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. My father was a veteran of two foreign wars, instilling in our family a sense of honor in public service.
 

I attended NMC, falling in love with Traverse City immediately. NMC was great to me; I was an R.A. and secured a grant and scholarship to attend MSU. My first job was for a political consulting firm and I became hooked on public policy, working in the State Senate and then for the Michigan Municipal League for many years.
 

Recently I formed the Indian Woods Neighborhood Association with another neighbor and was amazed by the turnout of more than 80 people at our first meeting. What a reward that was!
 

My husband, Mark, and I have been married 24 years. I am the stepmom to two young ladies working in Lansing. We also have two boys adopted from India. One is attending NMC and one is a senior playing varsity football for CHS.
 

I love beaching all day, especially with our rescue dogs. I enjoy all seasons outdoors, exploring our region and then heading to downtown TC to hang at a favorite place, or maybe find a new one!

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

I have spent my career in local government and state policy arenas because I am passionate about improving the quality of life for all Michigan residents, strengthening communities through building relationships, working collaboratively with our partners, and by proactively setting goals and implementing them with benchmarks and accountability. My 30+ years of skills and experience make me uniquely qualified for service to our city and that is my motivation. I understand council-management form of government and the appropriate role of the elected official and their accountability to residents. I am experienced with how government works locally, as well as with state and federal partners, non-profits and residents. I want to get to work for the city I love and the people who live here. As elected officials, we also need to assess our ability to effect change. We need to set attainable benchmarks and focus on where and how we can be effective.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

Communities are healthier when residents are of diverse economic, social and ethnic backgrounds. It is my goal to promote that diversity, as we grapple with increased land and housing prices which threaten to shrink our economic and social diversity. This could present challenges for equity and for justice that we must be proactively prepared to help manage. I support environmental stewardship and conservation of our natural resources. I worked on a large project with the Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay when I was in Elk Rapids to keep our bay clean. I am alarmed at the rate of sprawl around our city and know we need many partners to wisely handle development going forward. Most importantly, where we live is what impacts our daily quality of life for the community as a whole and for individuals. We should govern by viewing each decision through the lens of whether it improves the lives of our residents and our futures.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

The housing and daycare crises are economic, not social issues. I would like to address these so our residents and businesses have the workforce we need to thrive. These issues also cause inequity among socio-economic classes. I believe building stronger intergovernmental relationships and additional partnerships are necessary for solving problems that are larger than our city. Homelessness is in large part a mental health issue, so our city needs to be a strong advocate for change in that system.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

Workforce housing is key for the continued health of our community. As just one illustrative example, assistant living and nursing homes are a declining industry here. It's not because of demand; it's the lack of workforce. This does not bode well for our high population of seniors/retirees--including the continuing influx of this population. I have personally experienced the lack of quality, available care for an aged loved one who had excellent long-term care insurance. The best financial planning is to no avail when there is a lack of nursing, training, and quality facilities to meet demand. That is just one example of how the lack of housing for critical workers is not only crippling our economy, but directly impacting our quality of life in a negative way.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

No

 

Education/Experience:

Master of Public Administration degree; 17 years with Michigan Municipal League (3 of those as an advocate for local government at the State Capital, and 14 as the Manager of Field Operations providing outreach to 104 cities and villages in the Upper Peninsula and northern-lower Michigan); 10 years in the Michigan State Senate on session staff (7 years) and communications staff (3 years); 4.5 years as Assistant Village Manager in Elk Rapids working on projects with many of our local non-profits (TART, Watershed Center of Grand Traverse Bay, Norte, Paddle Antrim); served on the City of Gladstone Parks & Recreation Committee and was instrumental in the formation of the Little Bay de Noc non-motorized trail. I have additional experience with communities working on PlaceMaking projects, providing resources and providing education to elected officials and department heads on Parliamentary Procedure, Council-Manager Form of Government, Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.

 

Current Working Situation:

YMCA membership services and volunteering

 

Contact:

cwkennedy200@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

I have lived, worked and learned in Traverse City my entire life. I have devoted my free time to volunteering in the community and advocating for a better place for us all. It’s because of this and my service on the Sarah Hardy Farmers Market Board, the Active Transportation Committee and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority that I believe I am a good candidate for City Commission. I’m for keeping the promise we made to the region of having a thriving city that attracts people to live, work, and visit here. I’m for giving our working class families and people the opportunity to live here by expanding our housing options. I’m for redesigning our corridors beyond West Front Street like Garfield Avenue and Fourteenth Street to be more than thoroughfares, but thriving destinations. These are all priorities for me because I am a product of similar successful past projects. If we hadn’t redesigned what we wanted for our downtown corridor, then we’d never have the vibrant Front Street we have now. Without a thriving downtown, I never would have gotten my first job at Burritt’s Fresh Market. My parents wouldn’t have been able to give me the childhood I had in the Traverse Heights neighborhood if there was no accessible housing. Traverse City made me who I am and now it’s time for me to return the favor.

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

I have lived, worked and learned in Traverse City my entire life. I have devoted my free time to volunteering in the community and advocating for a better place for us all. It’s because of this and my service on the Sarah Hardy Farmers Market Board, the Active Transportation Committee and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority that I believe I am a good candidate for City Commission. I’m for keeping the promise we made to the region of having a thriving city that attracts people to live, work, and visit here. I’m for giving our working class families and people the opportunity to live here by expanding our housing options. I’m for redesigning our corridors beyond West Front Street like Garfield Avenue and Fourteenth Street to be more than thoroughfares, but thriving destinations. These are all priorities for me because I am a product of similar successful past projects. If we hadn’t redesigned what we wanted for our downtown corridor, then we’d never have the vibrant Front Street we have now. Without a thriving downtown, I never would have gotten my first job at Burritt’s Fresh Market. My parents wouldn’t have been able to give me the childhood I had in the Traverse Heights neighborhood if there was no accessible housing. Traverse City made me who I am and now it’s time for me to return the favor.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

Inclusivity. Climate resiliency. Intentional planning. Bettering worker's lives.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

Realistic goal setting for city staff and how best to support them in achieving them. Creating intentional policies for staff to follow. Extending TIF97 and the ramifications of not extending it.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

TIF97 extension and adding to the goals therein.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

No. However, while I am not a member of the GT Dems, I have always voted Democrat.

 

Education/Experience:

Associates Degree

 

Current Working Situation:

Teacher Support Staff

 

Contact:

shea.m.obrien@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

Chris Minkin is an investment advisor and attorney who is running for city commission to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Traverse City residents. Originally from the Upper Peninsula, Chris has called the Grand Traverse area home for over a decade. He is focused on making housing and living here more affordable, opposing the renewal of TIF 97, environmental protection, and increasing transparency in government. He has over a decade of working with governmental organizations, helping employers and employees with retirement planning, as well as working for the Michigan House of Representatives in a non-partisan capacity. Chris has a bachelor's degree in political science education, a law degree, and numerous licenses and certifications in the financial and insurance industries. In his free time he enjoys mountain biking, trail running, and roaming around Sleeping Bear National Park. He is also an active member of the Traverse City Curling Club and has helped run a young professionals group in the area for nearly ten years.

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

Wanting to make a difference in our community and make it a better place to live for everyone who wants to call it home. The middle class in this city and country is being squeezed out and I want to focus on priorities that make it easier for working class individuals to live and retire here. The current city commission has not done enough and I figured I would step up and try to make a difference.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

I come from a small town in the Upper Peninsula, and my mom was a union nurse for 25+ years. I believe in helping shape a local economy that benefits everyone, not just a privileged few. That a thriving middle class depends on treating workers with dignity and giving them their fair share so that they can be financially secure and enjoy a long and healthy retirement. I'm a strong union supporter, knowing they can improve the lives of not only union members, but also raising standards of living and worker protections for everyone else. I believe in transparency of government and accountability to preserve our democracy at all levels. Over the past several years bad faith actors have been actively trying to attack and weaken our institutions to cling on to power they lost in fair, democratic elections. By being transparent and open to good faith discussions, we can deprive those individuals of any potential talking points and bad faith arguments. Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing our world and it's only going to get worse. I acknowledge that climate change is real and a very real threat to everyone on the planet. Promoting the use of green technology, building communities that integrate with the local environment instead of building over it, and passing policies that protect the environment are some of my most important objectives in running for city commission. We owe future generations everything we can do to better protect the environment so they don't pay the cost for our inaction.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

The biggest issues are housing, environmental protection, and affordability. Current zoning and building laws favor development of luxury condos and short-term rentals which prevents long-term apartments and housing from being prioritized. This makes it harder for working class individuals, particularly those in the service industry, to live and work in this community. Environmental impact will continue to be an issue as long as the area's main focus continues to be tourism and drawing in as many visitors as possible, to the detriment of people who work and live here and also the environment. Increased traffic (both ground and air) will result in worse air quality, more pollution to our water, and an overall decrease in quality of life for local residents.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

Preventing the renewal or expansion of TIF 97. It served its purpose and its time for that money to go into the city general fund instead of being locked away for a small part of the city for another thirty years. That money could be used to possibly lower taxes, improve and expand services, instead of subsidizing a small handful of wealthy business owners, out-of-town condo owners, and developers.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

No

 

Education/Experience:

Associate of Arts (Pre-Law) - Gogebic Community College; Bachelor of Science (Secondary Education Political Science & History) - Northern Michigan University; Juris Doctor - Thomas M. Cooley Law School Attorney at Law Licensed investment advisor representative Licensed insurance producer Certified Retirement Counselor

 

Current Working Situation:

Client Relationship & Project Manager for a Fortune 500 retirement plan company. 11+ years financial industry experience.

 

Contact:

chris.minkin@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

Born and raised in Glen Arbor, Michigan, Merek Roman has a deep-rooted bond with the Traverse City region. After extensive travels as an upstream engineer, Merek chose to boomerang back to Traverse City as a homeowner in 2017. Recently married and deeply embedded in the community, Merek serves as the Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scout troop, participates in Toastmasters, and is the Vice President of the Slabtown Neighborhood Association. Notably, Merek completed the inaugural Traverse City, City Academy, a leadership seminar enlightening prospective city residents about city government operations. Additionally, Merek actively serves on the City's Board of Zoning Appeals. Merek currently works for the Federal Government as an Energy Economist. 

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

I believe that everyone should have an equitable opportunity to having the American Dream in Traverse City.

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

To bring regional solutions to alleviate the housing situation, a compassionate strategy for our homeless community and to build a sustainable Blue Economy for our region.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

Affordable Housing - figuring out a bed tax that would disincentivize short term rentals and having long term rentals for people to live and work. We need developers to build housing for people who want to live here rather than just vacation. Economic Development - Our downtown has some glaring commercial building vacancies, we need to encourage more economic development that will bring in better paying jobs. This includes having a vibrant downtown. Homeless Community - I want to work with local, County and State partners to develop a strategy that provides both public safety and resources for our homeless community.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

Economic development - I believe that our community is more than just a tourist town, we have an opportunity to take advantage of being the hub for the freshwater economy. Whether that is mapping the lake floor with drones or pursing a future with blue hydrogen. I want to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and bring those opportunities here.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

No.

 

Education/Experience:

B.S. Chemical Engineering (MSU 2010) M.S. Applied Economics (Johns Hopkins / 2018)

 

Current Working Situation:

Economist for the Federal Government

 

Contact:

merekroman@gmail.com

About the Candidate:

Heather Shaw is a partner and Director of Design and Production at Mission Point Press. She is married to Duncan Spratt Moran, and together they have five children, three stepchildren, and five delightful grands, or “sort-of” grands.

 

Why are you running for office of City Commissioner or Mayor?

I was born in TC and raised on a cherry farm in Yuba, MI. I've attended TC area schools, taught at TC area schools, worked at TC restaurants and retail, raised a family, and started a business. Over the last 60 years, I’ve witnessed the good, the great, and the ugly of growth. But what has remained a constant over the years is our infrastructure, our good bones, and by that I mean the structures in place to protect our residents, our property, and our environment. However, a number of stresses threaten this infrastructure. You could call them density stresses. We all know what happens, for example, when we get 6 inches of rain in an hour. What about two days in a row? How do we plan for and create desirable housing opportunities for an expanding workforce? How do we grow without sacrificing our natural stormwater systems (trees)? How do we prioritize and pay for City projects beyond the 4 blocks of downtown? A changing climate and its consequences, like migration, work-from-home, and increasing tourism, are challenging TC’s infrastructure. I would like to contribute to finding resilient solutions that put our good bones—our residents, property, and environment—first.

 

How do you represent the core values of the Democratic Party?

City Commissioners represent the voters who elected them, and listening and speaking to and for their concerns must continue after the election. This dialogue and debate between residents and their elected officials allows all individuals to gain knowledge about community affairs, and encourages the growth of a community that is both self-reliant and public-spirited.

 

Do you have specific issues that the city faces that you would like to find solutions for?

I am very concerned about the proposed upzoning amendments facing the current City Commission. They're being sold as a quick and easy fix to add housing to our neighborhoods. But, at what cost? And who will pay? Studies from the last 10 years show that the clear winners are wealthy residents, developers and real-estate investors -- those who can pay to play -- while lower income residents are forced out due to rising home prices, taxes, and rents. These amendments should be sent back to the Planning Commission for serious debate and dialogue. I'm also concerned by the lack of enforcement of our Landscaping and Tree Ordinance, and I'd very much like to see the Riparian Buffer Ordinance come before the City Commission. Traverse City's location on the shore of 21% of the world's fresh water resource during global rising temperatures and drought compels us to act as environmental stewards. Yes, we can grow and serve a year-round community, but we must do that in a way that protects our current quality of life, as well as those of our children and grandchildren. One other issue that often comes up is the extension of TIF97. The original urban regeneration financing measure was passed by voters with the promise to “Protect downtown small town character." Twenty-six years later, that promise has been obscured, and the DDA's intentions unclear. City residents deserve an open and transparent dialogue about the pros and cons of extending TIF97.

 

Of those issues, what is the main issue that you want to champion or fix?

I champion the river, the creeks, our lake shores, and the trees. A community that cares about its environment, cares about its future. We can strengthen our infrastructure -- our neighborhoods, stormwater, energy usage, and even the economic engine that is tourism -- by promoting sustainable, resilient, and local solutions to growth.

 

Are you a member of the Grand Traverse Democratic Party?

No, I do enjoy The Beacon, introduced to me by my mother, Sondra Shaw Hardy

 

Education/Experience:

I was appointed by Jim Carruthers to the TC Planning Commission in 2017, and served until July 2023. During that time, the Planning Commission studied, debated and voted on City-wide issues such as medical marijuana retail, zoning in the 8th Street corridor, Fishpass, parking minimums, the tree ordinance, vacation home restrictions, commercial setbacks, and street design.

 

Current Working Situation:

Partner at Mission Point Press; Treasurer of Shaw Investment Company

 

Contact:

Heatherleeshaw@gmail.com