My Priorities

​ Economic Development, Housing, Short-Term Rentals (STRs), and Zoning:  

• These matters are so interdependent that they must be addressed as one.  

• STRs:  We can find a balance to address most concerns to allow our community to put this STR discussion to rest and focus our energies elsewhere.

• Review and amend zoning laws to support housing that is affordable to our working families, that retains our neighborhood charm, and that protects our property rights.  This could be micro homes, duplexes, etc.  We are limited only by our creativity.

• Review and update the City Master Plan with focus on what can feasibly be accomplished in the City, what should be pursued jointly with surrounding communities (like South Haven Township), and what challenges exist to achieve each desired goal.

• Support our local schools and educational opportunities to ensure our graduates are prepared to enter the workforce whether they decide to pursue an advanced degree, enter a trade, take over the family farm, or enter the workforce right out of high school at one of our local businesses or become one of our new entrepreneurs.  

• Request the City create a full-time economic development position so there is one point of contact for elected officials, staff, and potential new entrepreneurs and businesses.  

• Over the last few years, I have been walking the community and listening to residents' concerns.  I am ready to do this as a City Councilperson.

Parks, including Beach Safety:

• Advocate for updates to our Beach Safety Program.

• The Park & Recreation Master Plan was recently updated; responses to the question of unmet need for parks and programs included centrally located public pickleball courts and a new dog park.  

• The City must prioritize our City’s Park & Recreation projects based on residents’ requests and concerns, our tourism, the projects within the updated Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and projects happening outside of the City.  I am ready to lead that charge.

Public Safety:

• Ensure our SHPD and SHAES have the funding needed to keep our community safe.

• Both SHPD and SHAES have increased calls year after year.

  • Chief Thompson provided an update of year-to-date and historical information to the City Council on August 21, 2023. The material starts on page 105 of the City Council Agenda Packet.

  • Chief Hinz provided an update at the September 5, 2023 City Council meeting.  An overview has since been provided to the public.

• Funding needs to be commensurate to support calls in our City.