Two Rivers City Council Candidates Address Tourism, City Improvements, Life in the Cool City

1. I am running for city council to better the community I have always lived in. My goal has been to make sure we have a 1. great quality of life (parks, rec, programs, safe community with top-notch Fire and Police departments, Road crews, quality and reliable water department, as well as electric department.) 2. Business-friendly; keeping our downtown business thriving, increasing our businesses in the industrial park, and creating grants, TIF, and quality of life to get them here. 3. Listen to the resident, making sure they are heard. I answer my emails and messages to those who reach out. I am even willing to meet residents to go over issues when we can.
2. I am proud of the work we have done downtown. We transformed downtown significantly and it has paid off. Six years ago there were 13 vaccant buildings, that isnt the case anymore. We have seen major developments in downtown including million dollar investments like Taco Bell, Cool City Brewery, Starbucks and Violet Inn. We also saw updates to building like the Hook, Wichert Reality, GJs, Rissas and others. We also transformed the park downtown, including water fountains and art projects. This has all helped create new startup businesses in downtown. I would like to improve a few things. More aggressive on industrial park businesses and efforts to reduce our borrowing.
3. I don’t think the plan is just for tourism. Obviously, if a hotel were decided, that would be tourism only, but the rest, like a boardwalk, shops, apartments/condos that are being discussed, would be a vision for residents that tourists would also find to be a great local feature added here in Two Rivers.

1. I’m running at-large for City Council because I care deeply about Two Rivers and believe the city is ready for fresh ideas and practical, long-term leadership. I decided to run because I’m tired of seeing taxes and utility bills rise without enough transparency or long-range planning. If we want a city that’s financially responsible, open in its decision-making, and committed to strong services, we need leaders willing to step up and do the work. Two Rivers faces real choices on infrastructure, housing, and economic development, and I believe those choices require careful listening, honest discussion, and follow-through. I’ll bring a steady, community-first approach to City Hall that welcomes resident input, respects taxpayer dollars, and stays focused on solutions over politics. Local government works best when it’s accessible, accountable, and grounded in everyday realities. My goal is simple: keep Two Rivers strong, welcoming, and well-managed for current residents and future generations.
2. Two Rivers has done a lot right in recent years, especially in supporting public safety, which is the largest share of our budget, and reinvesting in several of our city parks. Those are core services that directly affect the quality of life and the day-to-day confidence residents have in their city. I also appreciate that the City has pursued grants to help fund park improvements and minimize the impact on taxpayers. That kind of outside funding matters, and I’d like to see us keep competing for grants, while being clear about long-term maintenance costs so we don’t create future budget surprises. What I want to see improved is long-term, citywide planning: a clearer vision for where we want to grow, how we attract new residents and investment, and how we pay for infrastructure without constantly shifting costs onto current homeowners. That means setting priorities, using multi-year budgeting, and communicating early and often so residents can understand the tradeoffs before decisions are made.
3. Having been part of the visioning sessions for the Hamilton property and the boardwalk discussion, my vision for tourism starts and ends with “will this make Two Rivers a better place to live year-round?”  I believe that if we invest in a vibrant, safe, walkable waterfront and downtown, strong parks, and reliable infrastructure, tourism will come. A boardwalk concept could be part of that, but it must fit our community, protect public access, and strengthen, not compete with, our existing downtown. Tourism should absolutely be a piece of a broader strategy to grow our year-round resident base and support retirees. But that needs to be balanced with more housing choices (including downsizing-friendly options), improved sidewalks/lighting/benches, and access to everyday services like healthcare, groceries, and recreation—amenities that benefit locals and visitors alike. In my opinion, the City should focus their time and budget on the fundamentals: public spaces, infrastructure, traffic and parking, and a predictable permitting process, while setting reasonable standards so neighborhoods stay livable. If public dollars are involved, I want clear metrics and regular reporting so we get sustainable, four-season benefits and protect the character that makes Two Rivers special.

1.  1. Most people on the council are from the North end of town.  I think that it is good to have representation from all parts of the city, so I run as one of the few representatives that are from a non-traditional side of town.  Don’t worry too much.  If I don’t think that an idea is good for my side of town, I won’t vote to put it on your side of town.
2. What do I like about Two Rivers?  Two Rivers has a lot of creative people. Many of our events have been started by individual citizens (the car show, ethnic fest, Kites  over Lake Michigan))  There are also a lot of other examples of creativity.  After all what other municipality wraps their light poles in yarn? Needs for improvement:  Enforcing our ordinances.  This may seem trivial, but if you are the one living near someone who is violating one, it is difficult.  You shovel your sidewalk, your neighbor does not.  Or cutting grass, storing junk items outside etc.  The latest complaint is about scattered debris (like what you might put into a recycling bin) which ends up in many yards on a windy day. People have several ideas; they may be right.  Any way, it is something that I want to look into.
3. Tourism.  We have a good tourism director.  I think that we are doing fine with tourism. A more important topic, for me, would be how to attract families.  A healthy community has a mix of young and old.

1. I admire this community’s resiliency and willingness to accept change and continue to progress, and I’d like to remain an active participant in its future achievements during my third term on the city council.  In addition to sitting on the city council, I have been on several committees focused on infrastructure, economic development, the environment, city vitality, historic preservation, and beautification.  I have also worked in the City’s Public Works Engineering Department so I have working knowledge of how the city operates.
2. Our storefronts are no longer dark. The variety of restaurants & drinking establishments has grown substantially. Small business owners and large corporations have recognized Two Rivers as a worthwhile location in which to invest. The City of Two Rivers is working hand in hand with developers to expand market-rate & workforce housing and new business opportunities. We’ve realized that there are several areas that need improvement. These areas have been identified and many from that list are in the process of being addressed – commitment to continued sustainability of taxpayer dollars, economic development in our downtown & Industrial Park & new residents to be housed in new workforce apartments.
3. We’ve recognized the interdependent relationship of housing, employment, economic development & tourism. We must be able to provide adequate housing for a larger workforce that will be necessary for the creation of new, small businesses that have the potential for growth. In turn the availability of new jobs will increase, but realistically this will take time. During the “now & then” gap, we must capitalize on our tourism strengths and build Two Rivers into a Class A destination spot. Today’s visitor may well become tomorrow’s resident.

I went to a listening session, and I really felt the citizens need more representation.  The Council should work for residents and not just tourists.  I felt that with the bus and the perpetual flowers, the city was looking to cut out citizens first. I love that the city has really started to try to take pride in our heritage and history.  Two Rivers is an absolutely beautiful place.  I want to see residency take priority over visitors.   You can’t have businesses succeed on just people visiting a few weeks a year. I honestly don’t think tourism should be the priority.  Don’t get me wrong tourism is nice.  But it should not be the main focus.  Tourism should be a bonus.  Not your only solution.  Residents are the backbone to a community.