Mayor's Perspective

Family History

Richmond is a great place to live! My father's and mother's sides of the family have been in this area for over 175 years. Growing up in Richmond, my parents were actively involved in the community. Much like a son who would follow in his "father's footsteps" in business, I followed my parents' footsteps in civic involvement.

Political Involvement

Since 1979, I have served on various committees and boards within our community. My first political experience was in 1988, when I was elected to serve on the Richmond Community School Board of Education, and was reelected in 1992. In 1995, I sought a position on, and was elected to, the Richmond City Council. During my community involvement with the schools and the City Council, I have served on several sub-committees.

Community Involvement

I also served, from 1983 to 1996, as secretary / treasurer of the Richmond Girls Fast Pitch Association, and managed / coached state champion travel teams. My community involvement also includes chairing the Good Old Days Festival in Richmond, which attracts approximately 100,000 visitors to our city during the weekend immediately following Labor Day. My service as a board member of the new Columbus County Park has been enjoyable, and I look forward to working on the advisory board through the development of the park so all of our citizens can enjoy the park.

Personal Goals

Serving also as mayor of the City of Richmond, from 1997 to 2001, fulfilled a personal goal of mine. I was re-elected to a four-year term in 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017, serving as mayor again since 2003. I am proud of my involvement and appreciate the support that I have enjoyed from family and friends over the more than 40 years. I look forward to the many challenges and service on the City Council.

Growth of Richmond

Richmond is growing faster than at any time in its history:

Council, commissions, and administration have worked very hard to attain a growth management plan for the city
Plans have been updated for every facet of the city, and a new Community Master Plan incorporating all of these plans has been completed
Capital planning efforts are underway to ensure funding for needed projects throughout the city
Council has taken a very active role in the budget process, working cooperatively with administration to maintain the good financial standing of the city

Millage Rates

We have been successful in lowering the property tax millage rate while maintaining high quality city services. It is of utmost importance that we, as elected officials, continue to monitor ways to reduce the millage rate for our taxpaying property owners. The addition of light industrial and commercial development and tax base to the city will help reduce the tax burden on residential properties. This is a major goal for the city.

Macomb Orchard Trail

The city continues to take a leadership role in the ongoing development of the Macomb Orchard Trail. This project, along with our strong commitment to maintaining Richmond's small town quality of life, goes hand in hand with our commitment to work cooperatively with surrounding townships on farmland preservation and smart growth. Urban sprawl threatens to detract from our way of life, and we are aggressively seeking ways to control growth in a way which will continue to complement and enhance, rather than detract from the unique characteristics of our great community.

Downtown

The completion of our downtown streetscape is especially important to me. The "gas light" theme along our historic Main Street will truly enhance the quality of life and business environment of the community. Three phases of Main Street have been completed. Working with our Chamber of Commerce and businesses, we can truly make Richmond a destination and a proud place to live.

Issues Facing City Council

There are many issues facing our City Council. Working with the administration, we will continue to address these issues aggressively but with great thought and study. We must continue to protect our citizens and businesses and preserve our quality of life.

Communication & Innovation

Communication and education are very important for public officials to be effective as representatives of the people. I continue to enjoy the educational opportunities that the Michigan Municipal League offers through their Elected Officials Academy (EOA), and I look forward to obtaining certification through the EOA. I recommend and encourage other elected and appointed officials to take advantage of such educational opportunities.

Quality of Life

Richmond is an exciting community in which to be an elected official. We have many challenges before us. Every effort should be made to maintain our quality of life and to work with our community to ensure the success of our endeavors! I will continue to strive to protect our quality of life and retain our traditions while looking to the future.