What brings you the most joy, when you think about Harbor Springs?

It is the simple things. Enjoying a latte overlooking the harbor on a sunny day or walking my dog down main street after a heavy snow.

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.

Sunrises and sunsets, smell and beauty of and spring and fall. Small town character and feel majority of the time. Safety and friendships.

Being a life-long mariner, I would say that it is the Harbor that stands out to me as the pre-eminent attraction to Harbor Springs. But on reflection, being even more of a "people person" , I would have to admit that it is our fantastic community of individuals that really brings me the most joy as I think about my life in Harbor Springs!

The range- Warm summer nights with fireflies and meteors overhead, the stillness and silence of winter, the controlled madness of the 4th of July, the cheering at Ottawa stadium, raspberries and sweet corn at the market, dancing in the street, books, boats, and bands, history and potential. The FACT that all of this and more was conjured out of thin air by the folk you see around you everyday. A tip of the hat to all y'all.

Looking out the window at the bay, walking with our dog Bristol. We play in one of our parks twice a day, and I never tire of it. For a town of 1.3 square miles, we have a remarkable number of parks, and each has its own personality. Beyond that, it is security and belonging. This is a place where you can leave your front door unlocked, your car running at IGA during the winter while grocery shopping and count on neighbors to look out for each other. That feeling is the real infrastructure of Harbor Springs.

Keeping it that way takes effort. It would be an honor to do that work for everyone who calls Harbor Springs home.