Cadillac voters have an important election on Nov 7. Mark Lagerwey is a candidate for City Council and I highly endorse this thoughtful, intelligent, kind, generous candidate. I have known Mark for many years, both professionally and personally and I can honestly say he is one of the most driven, hardworking, and ethical people I know.

Since January, Mark and I have worked side by side shepherding the Alliance for Economic Success, Wexford and Missaukee counties economic development organization, through a transition period. I have seen him approach projects head on, making connections, seeking solutions, bringing people to the table as needed to help ensure continued prosperity for the greater Cadillac area. As a leader, when the Cooley School rehabilitation project was stalled due to insufficient funding to make it a successful project for local developers, Mark introduced community stakeholders to a developer from the Grand Rapids area to see if a collaboration was possible and profitable for all parties. This connection resulted in our local developer receiving a Rehabilitation and Placemaking (RAP) grant of $2.7 million after Mark worked hard behind the scenes securing letters of support from partners that are integral to the success of this rehab. This project is now back on the table and Cadillac will benefit from the increase of 20-plus additional housing units.

This is just one example of the talents and connections Mark has. He understands community and economic development, and is a loyal Cadillac resident that has worked, lived, and played here for many years. In his “retirement” years he is dedicated to making Cadillac a better place to live.

Mark is the best candidate for Cadillac City Council, Ward 1. Robert Engels is the best candidate for Ward 3.

Shari J. Spoelman

Cadillac

Thank you, Mr. Elenbaas, for being one of the only two council members to question things. You are not just a rubber stamp for non-city wide priorities supported by special interest groups and individuals.

Thank you, Mr. Elenbaas, for pushing for transparency and accountability for all council members and city officials.

Thank you, Mr. Elenbaas, for your courage to be one of only two Council members who did not participate in the block voting on non-transparent spending of our tax dollars.

Douglas W. Mellema

Cadillac

With the election coming Nov. seven, I believe it’s time for a change in our City Council. Tara Horton is a great candidate to fill the seat on the council.

Instead of a follow the leader candidate like Mr. Engles, who talks about transparency, but was par of the scheme to give the city manager a raise with also a new car and a credit card that was unlimited with an evaluation that was mediocre at best. Tara Horton is a good listener who is willing to work together, but also be a good leader who will put her feet firmly on the ground and her hands in the mud to make Cadillac a better place, a transparent and honest council.

Cadillac voters, I urge you to please vote for an honest and transparent candidate who will work for the whole city and be a great council member for our city. Vote for a change and elect Tara Horton to the council, we deserve it.

Ritche M. Harris

Cadillac

Speak Out letters are the opinions of the letter writer and should be construed as opinion only. The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily the opinions of the Cadillac News or its employees. We remind writers to limit their letters to one per topic.

Reminder: The deadline for letters regarding the Nov. 7 election is noon Thursday, Nov. 2.

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