Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to run for City Council/Mayor?

My husband and I have owned a house in Harbor Springs since 1995 and we moved here permanently in 2012. I retired in 2022 with 25 years in corporate retail leadership with responsibility for multi-million dollar stores/regions for Dillards Department Stores and Vera Bradley Inc. Once I retired, I struggled with the ‘what’s next’ question. Volunteering became my ‘what’s next’. In January 2023 I was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and for the last 3 years I’ve served as board chairperson..

I am running for Mayor because I believe Harbor Springs deserves leadership that listens to its residents, brings people together, and makes thoughtful decisions about the community’s future. Harbor Springs is both a community where people live, work, raise families, own businesses, volunteer, and invest in its future and a resort destination that contributes diversity and financial resources. As mayor, I will work to create an environment where residents both full-time and seasonal feel heard, businesses which depend on year-long patronage feel supported, and important decisions are made with an eye toward the long-term health of the entire community. I will bring a practical, collaborative approach to the Mayor’s office—one that respects different perspectives while keeping the focus on what matters most: the long-term strength, character, and quality of life of Harbor Springs.

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.

My name is Melissa Georges, and we bought our home in Harbor Springs 16 years ago after falling in love with the people and this charming town. Harbor Springs feeds your soul: the water, our church, the parks, the culture, our gardens. There is a deep sense of belonging.

My father was a first-generation American who raised his three children to love our country and instilled in us a strong work ethic. My brothers and I grew our small family pharmaceutical company into a national concern. At its core it remained a small family business focused on healthy mothers and babies. I did the books and I was always there, watching every penny: where it went and why.

Over the years Harbor Springs has become my cherished home. You don't count home in months. It's the place you never really leave. I'm running for everyone who calls Harbor Springs home. The measure of good government isn't how much it taxes or spends. It's whether each dollar does the best for its citizens and town. I would be honored to serve the town that has given me so much.

I have been a city resident for close to fifty years. During that period I have been actively involved in many city functions and outspoken regarding the directions that the city has evolved and where I see us heading. The last few years in particular have been alarming to me because of the rancor and contention I frequently see displayed at meetings of the City Council and of the boards and commissions. I would like the opportunity to do my best to try helping to reach a common solution to these issues.

My name is John Cupps (Jr), though most people know me simply as Chief or Jr. I was born and raised in Harbor Springs, went to Harbor Springs schools k-12, and attended Northern Michigan University. Today, I own and operate our family construction company alongside other members of my family and crew.

Over the years, I have served on several local boards and organizations, including the Home Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and Harbor Springs City Council. I have also volunteered for many community causes. For the past 36 years, I have served with the Harbor Springs Area Fire Department, including the last 10 years as fire chief.

I am seeking a return to City Council because I want to help bring people together, try and restore some balance and trust, and address some of the challenges facing our community. In recent years, too much negativity has affected Harbor Springs. Social media can be a valuable tool, but it can also become a weapon that divides people rather than bringing them together.

I believe in family, community, personal responsibility, and treating one another with respect if respect is given. My family’s roots in Harbor Springs go back well over 100 years, and I have seen a great deal of change. Some changes have been positive, while others have created new challenges. The community itself has changed and so has its balance. We have become a resort community and its difficult to manage that at times.

I do not claim to have all the answers. However, I know that what has been happening over the past several years is not sustainable. We need a more constructive path forward, and I hope my experience, commitment, and deep connection to Harbor Springs will allow me to help make that change.

Community. Harbor is a vibrant, engaged, multi-faceted, fantastic community. I have had a great life here. I now have time and hopefully skills to contribute back so the best of us continues into the future. Experience supporting many different organizations both professionally and as a volunteer have given me a view into what works. Dogs like me, usually.