Question 1 of 8
Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to run for City Council/Mayor?
I grew up in Northern Michigan and 13 years ago moved to Harbor Springs full time, where I started working at The New York Restaurant. Over time I took on more responsibility, such as managing the beverage program, employees, and customers experiences; I now manage the day to day operations a successful downtown business.
I ran for City Council in 2022 (re-elected in 2024) because I live, work and enjoy my life here everyday. I got to know so many people who shared their opinions on the City of Harbor Springs. With that knowledge I decided to run for City Council then because I wanted to be a part of making sure that Harbor Springs would continue to be the community that we all know and love, and that is still true today. I listened, I learned, I did research and I have found my voice. It takes time to get up to speed in any job- I know the role of City Council, how meetings are run and I attended every meeting during my two terms. Now I am ready to step up as Mayor. Ready on day one to run efficient meetings where public comment is welcome and encouraged, rules are followed and decisions are made.
Question 2 of 8
If you have been involved in the past, please list how here -- feel free to list anything from attending City Council meetings to serving on boards or commissions, volunteering for events, etc.
I have been on the City Council for 4 years and the Council Representative on the Tree and Parks and Recreation Boards. I watch most Board and Commission meetings on Zoom or YouTube if I cannot be there in person. I led the Parks & Rec walking club this summer, where I have walked almost every inch of the city with residents and have volunteered at many other various city events.
Question 3 of 8
What are the biggest challenges the City is facing in the next five years, and do you have ideas on how you’d like to see those challenges addressed?
Infrastructure will always be a challenge, but always should remain a top priority. Therefore, I believe that separating our planning process for capital spending from the budget process will help us be able to prioritize projects and ensure there is funding so that our infrastructure can be maintained. We need to do this with preservation, charm, and strategic growth in mind.
Our City staff is an integral part of the everyday operations in Harbor Springs; with the anticipated upcoming staff turnover due to retirement, City Council will need to support the City Manager in assessing what positions are necessary to run the city well and within the confines of the budget. Ensuring policies are in place for recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training will need to be up to date to bring the right people on board.
Question 4 of 8
In a community that includes year-round and seasonal residents, as well as an increasing tourism market, how do you think about balancing economic drivers, natural resources, community well-being, and infrastructure needs? What concerns and opportunities do you see in our town’s unique makeup?
I live and work within this balance everyday. I work in a career that largely relies on seasonal residents, tourists and the various events that bring people to town for its success and I live in a neighborhood of year-round residents who are concerned about infrastructure and community well-being.
There are many policies that the City Council is working on right now that addresses some of this unique makeup. It is important that we are good stewards of our city’s resources and assets. The policies include Short Term Rentals and Events on City Property.
When it comes to Short Term Rentals- I believe that we need to have enforceable rules that ensure the neighbors to these operations maintain a quality of life, and not a headache. There needs to be capacity rules in place to address parking congestions and noise complaints. And most of all there has to be non compliance penalties.
As for events on City Property - there are more events than ever and the events are getting bigger. Therefore, I think that it’s time the City reevaluated the cost of these events to the City to create a new policy where the City is being reimbursed for services.
Question 5 of 8
Is there anything you think is being under or over funded in the City’s current budget? If so, please describe the changes you’d like to see
When it comes to the budget, I believe there are a lot of smaller line items that are often ignored because of too much information and not enough time. With an experienced City Manager as a new set of eyes, I hope that we are able to make the budget presentation easier to digest and make more room for discussion. Separating the capital budget from the operating budget will assist the City in better planning for the future.
Question 6 of 8
Are there any changes you’d like to see made to the structure of boards and commissions in the City? If so, please describe and note why
The structure, purpose and goals of Boards and Commissions should all be reassessed on a recurring basis to ensure that Council’s goals are aligned with what is going on at the advisory level. I would like to see less long standing sub committees, as I believe in transparency and that all decisions should be made where the public is aware and able to participate. I think working committees have a time and place, but the City Council has approved of the makeup of these Boards and Commissions and the work should be done to include the entire Board appointed by Council.
Question 7 of 8
There has been a lot of division in this town over the last few years. How would you leverage your position as a local leader to help heal the community? Be specific about ideas you would bring to the table.
We must preserve what we have, protect our investments and plan for the future. This takes the ability to ask questions, get community input and then make a collaborative decision.
Although there has been division, more people are involved than before, and that is a good thing. Through my job at The New York Restaurant I know how important it is to bring people together, communicate clearly, solve problems and keep a team focused on a common goal, even when there are different perspectives and competing priorities.
Question 8 of 8
What brings you the most joy, when you think about Harbor Springs?
At 41 years old, I am active and love that Harbor Springs provides a variety of activities in our 1.3 square miles. I spend my days walking my dog, Penny, to Zoll Beach where she can play with other dogs. I visit Washington Street access as a place to think or read a book in peace and quiet. If I want hustle and bustle I go downtown to the Farmer’s Market or meet up with friends at a local restaurant. I got to know my neighbors during the Ice Storm, where we all checked in on each other and offered a hand in cleaning up debris. As a member of the City Council I have experienced support and trust from neighbors I have come to know. Sometimes just having a cup of coffee on Main St. with residents is a great way to spend 60 minutes. All of these things go to show that the physical beauty of Harbor Springs is only matched by the warmth and kindness of those who live here; we are lucky to call Harbor Springs home.