council - WKTV Journal

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There are three seats that the City of Wyoming residents will be voting on at the Nov. 3 general election with only one race have more than one candidate.

With Wyoming Council member at-large Dan Burrill’s decision not to seek re-election, there are two newcomers running for the council member at-large seat: Rob Arnoys and John Fitzgerald.

Council member at-large

Rob Arnoys – Candidate

Occupation: Banker – SVP Retail Banking

Why did you decide to run for the at-large council seat for the City of Wyoming?

I have always been active in the community with a passion to make a contribution and serve. I have been involved in the City on committees and as a Planning Commissioner for Wyoming for the past 10-plus years and feel called to run for this seat on Council. I am a life long resident of the City of Wyoming and am both passionate about this city and have good knowledge of our history. I feel my experience with the City, my financial background, leadership skills and ability to collaborate will serve well as a council member. The city is going through rapid change and my experience as an executive leader can help us strategically navigate so that we continue to be a great place to live, raise a family and work!

What are a couple of issues you would like to focus on if elected and why?

I feel the city is very well run and is one of the best places to live. My objective is that we continue to make Wyoming the best city in Michigan. If elected, here are my key focuses:

1. Public safety – Our residents and constituents deserve to live in a safe and secure environment. In order to accomplish this we need to support our public safety team and show them our appreciation.

2. Fiscal responsibility – Our city does a great job of administering our budget. My background in finance will assist in the process to insure that we are stewards of the dollars our residents have entrusted the city. We are to maximize our benefits while wisely prioritizing our limited and valuable budget.

3. Represent our residents – As an at-large council candidate, I have knocked on well over a thousand doors and have had great conversations to make sure I hear what the citizens are seeing and needing. I vow to be available and visible in our community so that I can appropriately represent the interests of our residents.

John Fitzgerald – Candidate

Occupation: Commercial Insurance Broker

Why did you decide to run for the at-large council seat for the City of Wyoming?

I chose to run for this seat because I firmly believe and expect that local government should be the most accessible and truly representative level of government. So many critical areas of day-to-day life for Wyoming residents are impacted by the Council’s duties including infrastructure, tax rates, public safety, parks and wellness services, and community development. In order for each of these areas to be most effectively, efficiently, and equitably delivered, we need Council Members willing to listen to and learn from the experiences of residents to better respond to the needs, challenges, and expectations of community members. I pledge to be an objective, honest, and accountable public servant for all residents of Wyoming.

What are a couple of issues you would like to focus on if elected and why?

Wyoming has a number of areas of concern for residents which I will address during my term. First, I will examine strategic land use for both residential and commercial development. Housing development must be prioritized in order to attract new residents, as well as considering varying housing options for those wishing to downsize, who have varying financial resources, or those with accessibility needs wishing to remain in Wyoming. Second, public safety and the well-being of our community shall remain a priority. I support our public safety departments, and I will strive to have the city invest in services which proactively manage crime, allowing police and fire to more directly dedicate resources to critical areas of emergency response and community policing. Finally, I will work to strategically develop a plan to revitalize our business community and commercial districts. We must attract a robust and diverse business community with quality pay structures to effectively operate in our city, capitalizing on the economic growth in the region.

2nd and 3rd Ward Council Seats

Two of the council seats have candidates running unopposed. Marissa Postler is seeking a second term to represent the city’s 2nd Ward. The City of Wyoming’s 2nd Ward Council area covers the northern portion of the City of Wyoming from Chicago Drive in the north to Prairie Parkway down Burlingame Avenue over 36th Street and up along 32nd Street on the south. The 2nd Ward western border is Wentworth and the eastern border is the city limits.

Also seeking his second term is Rob Postema, who is currently serving as the 3rd Ward Council member. The City of Wyoming’s 3rd Ward Council area encompasses the city’s panhandle area that includes most of the western area of the city from Prairie Parkway on the north to 60th Street in the south. The 3rd Ward eastern border wraps around the city limits to Kenowa Avenue and its western border is Burlingame Avenue.

Wyoming City Council has two outdoor meetings planned. The first meeting is July 20 at Pinery Park Lodging Area. (WKTV)

by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

The Wyoming City Council is hitting the road again this summer with plans to host two meetings within the city’s neighborhoods.

“We’re hosting our City Council meetings in neighborhoods across Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll about the outdoor meetings. “My fellow council members and I are excited to meet you, your neighbors, and the businesses in your area. For us to make good decisions for the community, we need to hear from the people who live, work, and play in Wyoming!”

Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll with Wyoming City Clerk Kelli VandenBerg at previous outdoor council meeting. (WKTV)

The first outdoor meeting is set for July 20 at 7 p.m. at Pinery Park Lodging Area, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW. The second meeting is set for Aug. 17 with a location to be announced.

This is the fourth year the city council has opted to host meetings with in city neighborhoods. The goal of the meetings is to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with council members in their own neighborhoods. According to city leaders, this gives residents an opportunity to learn about how its council works along with talking about issues or concerns within their own neighborhood directly with council members.

At last year’s outdoor meetings, Poll said the council has found them to be very successful, “as it allows the City Council to meet people where they are and interact with them in different ways. In addition to educating residents about the City Council and how our meetings are conducted. These summer meetings also encourage council members to visit areas of the community that may be unfamiliar to them.”

Before the 7 p.m. meeting, there is a meet-and-greet with council members and city officials available to talk to residents, answer questions about the process, and enjoy a summertime treat. The council meeting will begin promptly at 7 p.m. and will follow the city’s meeting guidelines. Public comment time is provided during the meetings. Click here to see the official agenda for the meeting.

A Wyoming resident talks to the Wyoming City Council about traffic concerns at a previous outdoor summer city council meeting. (WKTV)

As with all the city council meetings, WKTV will be at the outdoor council meetings, broadcasting it live on Facebook and on the WKTV Government Channel 26.

The Wyoming City Council meets every first and third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. throughout the year. Regular meetings are at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. For more information about the Wyoming City Council or the various city committees, visit wyomingmi.gov.