Four years ago, I conceived of the idea of a youth masterplan for children and teens. I argued that we have a masterplan for building and
Development. But we needed an official commitment to our youth. Through the Office of Our Community’s Children, that plan has been developed with help from local university research departments.

When Phil Balkema retired and we needed an interim attorney, I fought for Janice Bailey since she was the deputy attorney. The mayor wanted Dan Ophoff (who is no longer with us). Janice got the position.

The mayor favored the national search for a new city manager. I favor promoting from inside to save money by eliminating the position and because we have excellent staff to chose from. It would be better for morale and would encourage us to reorganize the departments and the senior staff.

At the last meeting, the commission approved a three-year renewal of a contract with our lobbying firm in Lansing. I argued that are well represented and we get legislative updates from Dean. We are also members of the Michigan Municipal League a lobbying organization on behalf of all cities. And we have Roy Schmidt who served for many years on the city commission and who understands our needs. The contract was renewed in a 5-2 vote.

Helped to develop and promote Project COOL. Project COOL has provided part-time summer jobs in law offices, architectural offices, supermarket, gas station and in City Hall for hundreds of teens ages 14-18. This project has been running for six years and this summer has 100 teens employed at minimum wage.
By meeting with state legislators and working with a national public transit organization I assisted in acquiring $30 million for the creation of the Silver Line.
Supported the establishment of the mobile police command unit at Hall and Cass resulting in a significant reduction in crime in that neighborhood.
I served on the original committee to develop a sustainability plan for our county. Working with universities, corporation and government agencies, I have promoted the “Triple Bottom Line” of sustainability, environmental friendliness, and social justice.
I expanded the Peacemaker Project to reach out to teens at the street level.

Worked with organizations like Neighborhood Ventures and the Lighthouse Community to develop the SouthTown Development Authority (check the name!) to apply innovative approaches to business development through a state authorized Small Business Corridor Program.