Many Lowell voters are probably familiar with Jake Davenport’s name. The 29-year-old lifelong resident of Lowell has run for Lowell City Council in the past three elections. He hasn’t been successful, but he is undeterred.
“I hope people will look at me as someone who won’t give up,” he says. Davenport adds that this level of tenacity and willingness to “keep on fighting the good fight” are traits he will bring to the council if elected.
For years, Davenport has attended virtually all city council meetings and says he is well-versed on the issues facing local leaders. Among his priorities are addressing infrastructure and housing needs, supporting Lowell Light & Power and strengthening ties with the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and state legislators.
Davenport is one of five people – two incumbents and three challengers — running for three spots on Lowell City Council during this year’s general election on Nov. 7, 2023.
Public Service and Problem Solving
A 2013 graduate of Lowell High School, Davenport has long been interested in the political realm. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ferris State University in 2017 and served as the chair of the college Republicans there for a year.
Since then, he has interned with the Michigan Republican Party and the Bill Schuette for Governor campaign. After a three-year stint at a flower bouquet company, Davenport was back to politics as first a campaign staffer for Congressman John Molenaar and now a district representative for the legislator.
In addition to attending various events on behalf of Congressman Molenaar, Davenport handles constituent service requests. This is part of the job he likes best.
“It’s an opportunity to help people solve problems,” he explains.
Many of the cases handled by Davenport involve concerns with Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, and he appreciates being able to help veterans who sacrificed on behalf of the country.
He’d like to use his problem resolution skills on behalf of Lowell residents too. “I see a lot of problems in our community that I’d like to help solve,” according to Davenport.
One way to address those problems, Davenport says, is through strengthening ties with state lawmakers. That’s one area in which he says he is uniquely positioned to be effective, noting that his years in the political sphere have allowed him to understand the “system in Lansing.”
Promises Proactive, Not Reactive, Government
Despite his work with one political party, Davenport says he will represent everyone equally if elected to Lowell City Council, which is a nonpartisan body. “I will always listen to (residents) regardless of their politics,” he explains. He adds that he will “listen to understand, not listen to respond.”
Locally, Davenport is a member of the Downtown Historic District Commission, has worked with the citizen-led Lowell Community Center Committee, is an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 102 and is active in his church, the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
When asked if he feels there needs to be a change on Lowell City Council, Davenport says he would like the body to become more proactive and less reactive. “I think there needs to be some change but not a tidal shift,” he shares.
Looking to the future, he would like to make Lowell more attractive for young families and see more of the upper floors in downtown buildings be converted to apartments.
“I’d like us to really solve this housing issue,” he says about the lack of affordable housing in the community. He also acknowledges that the city’s high property taxes are a challenge to many. “When the city runs a surplus, I’d like to give taxpayers some sort of refund or millage cut.”
Ultimately Davenport says he isn’t running for a title or personal gain. Instead, the former Boy Scout points to a scouting adage to leave places better than you find them. He says that is what motivates him to keep placing his name on the ballot.
“I see serving our city as a great opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” Davenport says.
For more information about Jake Davenport, you can visit his campaign Facebook page.
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