VOTER GUIDE – NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR Tuesday, November 4, 2014 POLLS ARE OPEN 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OAKLAND AREA Website: www.lwvoa.org E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 248-594-6602 3 Candidates for CITY COUNCIL for TWO 3-year terms CANDIDATES for CITY COUNCIL TWO 3-year terms Vote for no more than TWO ROBERT KALMAN 2830 Stennett Keego Harbor, MI 48320 Question 1 (150 Words or less): Provide biographical information and explain why you are running for City Council and relevant qualities and skills you would bring to the position. Question 2 (150 Words or less): What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your city and what actions would you, as a city official, take regarding each of them? Robert Kalman and his wife Jennifer are Keego Harbor homeowners. He owns a successful consulting business. 1) When I was elected seven years ago Keego Harbor had no financial plan – so we created a long term financial plan. I’m thankful we did because while the City’s revenue has decreased by close to 33% since 2008, that plan has guided us well. I used my business experience to work constructively with the council and I will continue to develop sound financial strategies, with a vision for the future, so we can provide essential services. A lifelong Oakland county resident, Robert Kalman: graduated from the University of Michigan, earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University, interned at the EX-IM Bank in Washington, DC, and graduated from the FBI Citizen's Academy. Robert has volunteered for the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Habitat for Humanity, and numerous other organizations. He has completed several Detroit Free Press marathons. Kalman is running for re-election to the city council so he can provide positive leadership and help complete important projects. Robert Kalman describes himself as: • A well educated, articulate business owner • Someone who understands FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY • Someone who will emphasize community services • Someone who won’t waste money on foolish projects • Someone you can trust to make good decisions • Someone who will work hard for all residents Copyright League of Women Voters Oakland Area 2014 Page 1 of 3 2) I continuously work with the council to bring costs inline and find affordable, creative solutions to our city infrastructure challenges. We have repaved large portions of our roads and revitalized parts of our water and sewer system without raising taxes. We strive for efficiencies. 3) When I’m re-elected I will push for a greater sense of community. Let's encourage active participation of all residents in enhanced cultural and recreational activities. Visit www.KalmanForKeegoHarbor.com Published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR (Continued) CANDIDATES for CITY COUNCIL TWO 3-year terms Vote for no more than TWO SIDNEY RUBIN 1550 Cass Lake Road Keego Harbor, MI 48320 Question 1 (150 Words or less): Provide biographical information and explain why you are running for City Council and relevant qualities and skills you would bring to the position. Question 2 (150 Words or less): What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your city and what actions would you, as a city official, take regarding each of them? Founder of Circus World Toy Stores (KB Toys). Chairman of The States Waterways Commission. Business advisor to Michigan Governor Blanchard. Member of Municipal Leagues Legislative and Finance Committee. Member of Oakland County Economic Development Board. Named Michigan Entrepreneur of the year by Inc Magazine. Recognized by the Statute of Liberty-Ellis Island for my involvement in building The People of America Center. Complete the multi-year capital improvement funding plan that addresses the road and drainage issues without the need of raising taxes. The plan provides for equipment needed for cost effective essential services. Chairperson of Business Operations for The Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority. Our mission is to support the advancement of social equity and improved quality of life for several thousand adults and children with serious mental health issues. First elected 2005 I served three terms as Mayor and four terms as Mayor-Pro-Tem, Keego Harbor has been a primary focus of mine for the past ten years. I have a clear understanding of the issues. Together we did what's right for the community and the results show it. Copyright League of Women Voters Oakland Area 2014 Page 2 of 3 Develop a walking / bike plan while encouraging more private sector investment. Continued residential and a commercial downtown redevelopment program will take the tax burden off the homeowners. Under the threat of diminishing revenues, we introduced a long term financial plan called "pro-active management". The mission is to find creative ways of collaboration with people who want to be part of an exciting resurgence of Keego Harbor. Protecting the cities financial assets is critical. We successfully completed several dollar saving debt reductions while positioning the city to a safe and manageable position. More needs to be done. I'm a person who doesn't get caught up in the politics of issues. I get caught up in solutions. Published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR (Continued) CANDIDATES for CITY COUNCIL TWO 3-year terms Vote for no more than TWO PHILLIP A. TRZOS 3252 Bulwer Street Keego Harbor, MI 48320 Question 1 (150 Words or less): Provide biographical information and explain why you are running for City Council and relevant qualities and skills you would bring to the position. Question 2 (150 Words or less): What are the top 3 Priority Issues facing your city and what actions would you, as a city official, take regarding each of them? 69 years old, and proud resident of Keego Harbor for 55 years. Happily married to Joyce for 42 years, father of Peter Trzos, M.D., Susan Trzos BSMEPE, and companion to his poodle, Tiger. Served on the planning commission, zoning board of appeals and construction board of appeals. #1-Transparency in government. Citizens shouldn't have to make F.O.I.A. requests to know what's going on. Keego is currently named in several law suits, some criminal, which will cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars. I will do everything to find and stop the illegal practices that are causing these lawsuits! These are our tax dollars being wasted; lets use them to improve our community! I'm running for city council to provide transparency in all city affairs, and ensure equal treatment for everyone in our community. I feel that after a term or two, it's time for existing council members to step down and go back to their personal lives, so we can keep the politics out of government. Decades of operating small businesses has given me strong management skills, and allowed me to interact with thousands of people whom all agree; I'm a people person, someone who does what's right, and treats people fairly. My office is at 3101 Orchard Lake Rd. #2-Fair treatment - everyone should be treated equally, and city codes need to be enforced. #3-Enhance the overall quality of life in Keego Harbor by adding access for kayaks and stand up paddle boards at Fran Leaf Park, and the Dollar Lake boat launch. We can increase public safety by fixing our street lights, and making crosswalks operate after school hours. I'm sure their are many more bright ideas out there, bring them in, let's talk! I'm Phil Trzos, and I'm for The People. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan national organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League never supports or opposes any candidate or political party. Candidate responses are included as submitted and have not been edited except in cases where the replies have exceeded the stated word limitations. Spelling and Grammar were not corrected. The inclusion of candidates’ statements and opinions is solely in the interest of public service and in no way is to be construed as an endorsement by the League of Women Voters which takes no responsibility for any views or facts stated by the candidates. Copyright League of Women Voters Oakland Area 2014 Page 3 of 3 Published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund