Why I Am Running for City Council

I'm a fan of Owosso. I grew up here and graduated from Owosso High School. After a career as a city planner and housing specialist I returned to Owosso to raise a family (the picture shows my children, Abbie and Gus, and my wife, Anna Owens, at the most recent river clean-up.) I believe we all have an obligation to serve the community and country in which we live, and I have done so for 15 years as a representative on various committees for the City, as a board member of local non-profits, and as a volunteer for several community causes. I now feel it is time for me to serve in elected local government.

The City of Owosso has a proud history and a future full of potential, but I believe we are at crossroads for our community. For the first time in 60 years, the population of Owosso has dipped below 15,000 residents. We are facing difficulty economic times with too many empty houses in our neighborhoods and too many empty storefronts in our downtown. However, we can take action to invigorate our local economy, improve the quality of life for our residents, and engage the community in building a better future. But a brighter tomorrow is not guaranteed. With new staff and new programs at City Hall, we need leadership and vision on the City Council in order to make the most of the opportunities. The community cannot afford new taxes, so it is also important that we have expertise in positions of responsibility to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently to most effectively deliver municipal services and promote growth.

I hope you will share your ideas about how to make Owosso better and join me in shaping the future of our community. Thank you for your support.