Information on each of the candidates running for Charlotte City Council At-Large is listed below in alphabetical order — Chris Bahmer and Branden Dyer.
Chris Bahmer
Age:
Occupation: Mechanic at Tim’s Auto Repair
Family:
Why are you running for this position?
A draw for me to get in the race is that I believe everyone fortunate enough to be an American is indebted to serve our country. The logical place where this can be achieved is in the local community.
Another primary reason is that, being a lifelong resident, I am passionate about Charlotte’s future wellbeing. I want to give residents a clear choice this election. I disagree with many of Mr. Dyer’s votes on critical issues and believe the people should have the option to take a different path.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Charlotte?
Serving on the planning commission has taught me to a lot about city zoning, governmental procedure, and firm, yet proper etiquette for a board member. It has enabled me to be ready to take the next step to city council.
What are the three key concerns facing your district and how can they be addressed?
- Prioritizing our tax dollars so that we are funding the core responsibilities of municipal government. This issue is fairly straightforward. Essentially, city council needs to conduct its finances in the same manner as a private household — wants subjugated to needs.
- Economic stagnation in Charlotte. Everyone is aware that the downtown district is struggling, but it’s important to note that development at the industrial park has been slow also. To reverse this course it’s paramount to not overlook something simple: the most powerful tool an entrepreneur has is investment capital. Whenever a tax increase is proposed, we must look past the short-term revenue boost those dollars will generate and understand that for every dollar taken from private hands, that’s one less dollar that can be invested in business around Charlotte.
An idea to help aid our businesses would be for council to establish a sub-committee to partner with the Chamber of Commerce. The members of the chamber are successful entrepreneurs, so let’s listen to their ideas about what environment produces the best results for business.
- Lack of trust the people of Charlotte have in their government. The fix to this will be in demonstrating that a new council listens to the people, thoroughly questions the direction of administration, and exudes independence. If council uses common sense, eventually the trust of the populace will return.
How can people learn more about your campaign?
I’m available at Tim’s Auto Repair on Munson Street throughout the week. For those who want to talk via phone, I am usually either at (517) 543-9949 or (517) 543-7679. And finally, for Internet users, I am on Facebook or can be emailed at the-deer-hunter@att.net.
Branden J Dyer
Age: 25
Occupation: VISTA Member though Michigan Nonprofit Association AmeriCorp Program
Family: Single
Why are you running for this position?
I have enjoyed my time on council and want to continue to serve the residents of Charlotte. I want to move my community forward though innovative policies and programs that encourage citizen engagement, leverage technology and promote sustainability and efficient government operations. I love community service and development work. I enjoy being an active participate in the positive change that is taking place in Charlotte.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Charlotte?
I have served the public and held many elected positions — my previous four years on city council, and three years as Olivet College Student President. I am active in the community and serve on many boards, such as treasurer for Eaton County United Way, Alumni Council of Olivet College, City Sustainability Committee and Recycling Center Advisory Committee.
What are three key concerns facing your district and how can they be addressed?
- Roads — use county funds effectively, explore budget reductions or other financing options.
- Citizen Engagement — utilize technology to make city information more accessible to residents and easier for residents to provide input on city issues.
- Downtown Revitalization — leverage grants and community funds, develop policies and programs to encourage growth and improvement downtown.
How can people learn more about you and your campaign?
Find me on Facebook: Councilmen Dyer, or email vote4dyer@gmail.com.
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