1. Please provide background information and relevant experience.
Portland Government and Community Activities: Portland City Council; member 2001-2005, elected Mayor Pro Tem by fellow council members, 2003-2005. Portland Planning Commission; 1998-2001, Chairman 1999-2001. Habitat for Humanity/Portland, Inc.; board of directors 1991-1996, President 1994-1996. Portland resident; 1991-present. Wonderful children; 3.
Extensive State Government Legal Experience: Practicing attorney 27 years; Michigan Assistant Attorney General 1984-1999 and 2005 to present, Deputy Legal Counsel to Governor John Engler 2000-2002, Michigan Office of Regulatory Reform, Director 2003-2005. State Bar of Michigan Administrative Law Section; board of directors 2000-2009, Chairman 2006-2007.
Adjunct Professor of Law: Taught “State and Local Government Law” and “Administrative Law.” University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 2005-2006.
2. Why are you running for a position on the Portland City Council?
The recent economic down-turn has forced a new set of priorities. Just as we must show greater restraint and wisdom in our personal spending, city government must show better judgment in its own budgeting.
I have a proven track record of getting things done in government, and of being open to new and innovative means to accomplishing difficult tasks. I am committed to hearing all sides, but equally committed to taking decisive action.
I offer the city my experience in government and my willingness to explore creative solutions as a means of guiding us through these tougher times.
If the people of Portland desire these qualities in a councilmember, I would be honored to serve.
3. What are your thoughts on the current state of the City of Portland?
Times are tough. At rates never seen in our lifetimes, Portland is experiencing unemployment, housing foreclosures, and widespread economic stagnation.
Portland has the highest combined income and property taxes in the county, and our families and wage earners are suffering for it.
Portland must adjust its taxing and spending priorities.
We are not without hope. We have a strong, cohesive community and citizens brimming with talents and resourcefulness.
As individuals we have adjusted our priorities, tightened our belts, and lent our hands to help our neighbors in response to our times.
We should expect no less of Portland city government than we expect of ourselves. It must utilize our resources and abilities to pull us through difficult times, and build for our children’s future.
4. What are your thoughts regarding the city income
tax? If eliminated, how would you suggest street repairs and maintenance
be paid for?
Twenty-six years ago, Portland’s citizens voluntarily accepted an income tax upon Council’s assurance that it would be a temporary measure; all the roads would be paved within 10 years, or the people would receive income or property tax relief at a time of their choosing.
We now know that Council’s assurance was both legally and factually wrong. And after 26 years, it is indisputable that the income tax has proven to be 1)
an unnecessary impediment to economic growth, 2) detrimental to
property value within the city limits, and 3) a regrettable incentive
for poor economic prioritization by a Council that still hasn’t managed to pave all the roads.
Here’s how we can eliminate the income tax:
Compare Tax Structure of Similar Cities: Portland is the smallest of only Michigan 22 cities that impose a personal income tax. Obviously, many successful cities - bigger and smaller - are able to manage their finances and keep their streets paved without an income tax. Let’s learn from their experience.
Plan a phase-out, not an immediate elimination: Prioritize and complete current projects, budget for the future. City property values will immediately improve – ask your realtor.
Improve Planning Tools: Better government is a direct result of better planning and greater openness. Begin triennial budgeting and the open posting of all city contracts and spending information (discussed below) – reforms I will champion.
5. What do you see as the challenges facing Portland in the near future?
Paving streets without an income tax: Can be achieved through a simple, logical plan (discussed above). But don’t be mislead by those who have never before worked on a city budget - this will not be easy.
Adjusting to the Loss of State Revenue Sharing Dollars: Like all Michigan cities, Portland will lose state money. After a decade of unprecedented public spending, we must prioritize to make the most of decreasing payments.
Providing Sound Fiscal Management: Our individual and collective financial well-being requires better management and lower taxation.
6. If elected, what issue or issues would you like to address?
Income Tax – Must be phased-out over a reasonable period of time.
Triennial - or three-year – budgeting: A great success in Oakland County, it promotes long-term planning, giving more time and opportunity to avert a financial crisis.
Transparency, Accountability, and Public Participation in Budgeting: City government is your servant, not your master. Council publishes informative pages, like the recent income tax mail inserts, only when challenged. I’ll make all contracts and all budget information readily accessible, so that you can control how your money is spent.
Promote Economic Growth: Whether
through public or private means, we should develop underutilized city
assets, such as our lands and recreational facilities. Portland could be
a sports and recreation center for west Michigan, with benefits for
all.