Lowell’s First Look met individually with each of the candidates running for City Council who will appear on the ballot on Tuesday, November 5. There are three seats up for election by voters. The two who receive the highest number of votes will receive a four-year term and the person who receives the third highest number of votes will receive a two-year term.
Each week leading up to the election we will publish a profile on one candidate as well as an answer to one of six questions surrounding issues. Each candidate was given the same set of questions. Their responses each week will be published verbatim.
What do you see as the role of council members within city government?
Marty Chambers
To be willing to look at new ideas to old problems to see if there is a better way to get things done at a lower cost. Being able to listen to all citizens concerns objectively and with an open mind.
Jake Davenport
Councilmembers are the top decision makers in our City. They are also the ones who represent the community. Any elected official is supposed to be a servant of the people and its important that stewardship and integrity is high on their list.
Mike DeVore
Our job is to be the voice of all the voters. All the members of the community as a whole. It’s really that simple. Every decision and policy we make needs to benefit the whole community. It’s our job to educate ourselves on what exactly that is.
Danielle Ettinger
The role of council members is to serve as legislative function within the City’s local government. The council address all city business – from finances, to property improvements. The council serves the citizens and supports the growth and development of the City’s core goals.
Cliff Yankovich
To look out for the interests of the people who live in Lowell and pay taxes here. To be a conduit between the voters and City Hall, i.e. the Police, DPW, and other City services. To keep an eye on the expenditures of our tax revenue. To do what I can to effect positive change and make Lowell an even better place to live and work. People complain about taxes in Lowell, but my goodness look what we get for our money – our water is safe to drink and just won “Best Tasting in Michigan” and will compete for national honors soon. Our electric rates are consistently 25 to 30% lower than Consumers Power and we rarely, if ever, lose power. We have a police department that many of us know by name and who work diligently to keep our families, homes, and businesses safe.
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