Here Are The 2023 Lowell City Council Candidates

Five people will be vying for three spots on Lowell City Council during this November’s election. Two are incumbents, and three are challengers.

In alphabetical order, here are the names City of Lowell voters will see on the ballot this fall.

Eric Bartkus

A product design engineer focusing on commercial furniture and weaving tools, Eric Bartkus is running for public office for the first time. He owns his own firm, Bartkus Engineering, and co-owns Ability Weavers with his wife. He is also a member of the Downtown Development Authority.

Jake Davenport

Jake Davenport is a district representative for U.S. Representative John Moolenaar. He is a member of the Downtown Historic District Commission and has been an active volunteer with the Lowell Area Community Center committee and Boy Scout Troop 102. Davenport previously ran for Lowell City Council in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

Mike DeVore

Lowell’s current mayor, Mike DeVore, has served three terms on the council and was first elected in 2015. He works as a 911 dispatcher and is the council representative on the Lowell Area Fire and Emergency Services Authority Board, the Downtown Development Authority and the Lowell Vision Council, which is a group of city, township, business and school leaders.

Jim Salzwedel

Jim Salzwedel is a current councilmember and a retired sales executive from a security firm. He was first elected in 2017 and is the council representative on the Lowell Light & Power Board, Arbor Board and LCTV Endowment Fund Board. Salzwedel is also acting president of the non-profit that manages Lowell Showboat VI.

Sharon Shah

A newcomer to local government, Sharon Shah is an independent residential cleaner who also volunteers for Alpha Care Center, Kids Hope USA and Impact Church.  Shah is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College with a degree in architectural technology and has plans to continue her studies after her daughter’s graduation from Lowell High School.

The term for Councilmember Cliff Yankovich ends this year, but he did not submit petitions to be placed on the ballot. Lowell’s First Look emailed Yankovich regarding his decision not to run for reelection but did not receive a response as of publication. This article will be updated with additional information, if received.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated at 8am on April 26, 2023 with additional information about Sharon Shah.