MyWHaT

~ Guest Contributor James Bruckbauer, transportation specialist at MLUI brings MyWHaT readers the first look at sweeping new recommendations for BATA. Bruckbauer also writes about transit for the MLUI blog, Our Voices, where a version of this post will appear. 

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The Bay Area Transit Authority unveiled on Wednesday a groundbreaking study aimed at improving our region’s largest bus system. Working with transit consultants Vlecides-Schroeder, recommendations are now in place that, if implemented, will help people get from their homes to jobs and stores. It will help visitors and tourists better connect to and enjoy the region. At the same time, BATA will continue to be a vital service for hundreds of families for daily needs. It could will transform transportation in the region.

It’s called the Transit Service and Coordination Study and it could be one of the most significant pieces to implementing the Grand Vision to date.

You can view it here or in the embed below.

The following recommendations are worth noting:

• Reorganize the Cherriot system: for example, straightening routes, getting rid of inefficiencies, and increasing speed.
• Provide a “campus connector”: create a  service that circulates the city (replacing the Express Route) connecting NMC’s main campus, the University Center, and Munson Hospital.
• Improve Village Connectors: BATA’s “fixed-schedule routes that connect to cities and towns outside TC every hour, possibly extending the hours, and running on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Add Village Connectors: develop two more Village Connectors that would connect Traverse City to Interlochen and the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme.
• Introduce Technology: upgrade the fare system to use card-swipe technology.
• Miscellaneous: other perhaps more obvious recommendations include improving bus stops and their connections to sidewalks and trails, redesigning the agency’s website, and improving overall marketing.

The plan is not perfect; a few lingering questions remain about Cherriot routes in town. For example, Why not run a bus on Division? Is there a strong need to run on Oak St.?

Still, most of the changes would be a dramatic improvement. With these changes, the system would become more attractive for those who want to get around the region without depending on a car, including many commuters.

But we need to be patient; this will take some time. In fact, the agency will still have to turn the recommendations into a solid 5-year plan before it can implement. However, I trust we can get this done.

This study supports the way we want to grow in this region. Our towns and villages will be better shaped and connected to each other, commuters will have more choices, our streets will have less congestion, and our neighborhoods will be healthier.

I’ll try to keep you informed in the coming months on the plan, some of the changes, and what they will mean to you.

Go ride a bus! 

• Village Connector Schedule

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3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

Sleeping Bear National Dunes Lakeshore

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

auto to work; walk everywhere else

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

I’m always running late so I drive to work (1 mile). If I need to travel to a meeting during the day, I have acess to quick auto transportation. Other than that, I try to walk most places unless the weather or distance is prohibitive. Since I live in downtown TC I am close to most of the services I need.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

Large events need to be managed given the proximity to location. Events in or on the edges of neighborhoods need to be sensitive to the time of day, the noise levels, and the degree to which length of the event or type of event disprupts the neighborhood. Events that create vitality are healthy but need to be balanced with the demands put on city services.

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Effective leadership is demonstrated in many ways. The quiet competence and supportive atmosphere demonstrated by Ben Bifoss is an example to all. As a result, a competent and service-focused culture is evident in many city services. Leadership is also demonstrated by those who lead the hundreds of volunteers in the TC region responsible for the many charitable, service organizations, and city boards and commissions dedicated to everything from environmental and historic preservation to health and human services.

10. What are you for?

I am for people living cooperatively in a community that values the diversity and value of each individual. That individualtiy must be directed outwardly in the best interests of the community (think global, act local). I recently ran across a quote from FDR that succinctly communicates this. FDR said “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little”.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

Traverse City is blessed with a number of resources both human and natural that fear for its future does not occupy much of my focus. My fears are from those forces over which we have less control. They are climate change and the world economy.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we ran responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These ran in the order responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and, finally, Jeanine Easterday. 

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

The most memorable park experience for me was Isle Royal National Park in Lake Superior. The awe inspiring beauty the rustic nature of the hiking trails as well as the sense of real isolation made it a truly memorable experience.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

My primary mode of transportation is a 1995 Pickup.

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

Most of my activities involve meetings with groups or boards at separate locations and at varying times of the day and evening. The necessity to be punctual and have the flexibility to stay as long as necessary without regard to the lateness of the hour or the weather conditions requires that I drive to most activities in my personal vehicle.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

Much of our economy is tourist based. These types of events when properly managed and supported by the community enhance the positive perception of our community and bring in outside revenue that many of our businesses and residents depend on. The thing that we must not lose sight of is that these events must also offer a diversity of activities that not only provide entertainment and revenue opportunities but adds to the livability of Traverse City and the surrounding communities.

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Effective leadership requires communication and commitment to meet the goals and responsibilities to the constituency that is served by the organization. All this must be done in an open and honest way. Community members that have demonstrated Effective Leadership: -Ross Biederman with the Traverse City-Garfield Recreation Authority. -Brian Crough , Dirctor, Traverse City DDA. -Tim Hinkley, Director of the National Cherry Festival. -Doug Luciani, President of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. -Ben Bifoss, Traverse City, City Manager.

10. What are you for?

Providing and maintaining a high level of city services that will preserve the quality of life for residents and visitors.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

The lack of sustainable and diverse economic activity that is required to generate the jobs and revenues needed to support responsible growth.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

Yellowstone, over New Years backpacking for a week on x-country skis. As for a city park, Caras Park in Missoula Mt. with a lunch-time concert on a summer weekday. We stopped for several hours on a bike trip from Salt Lake City to Spokane.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

In non-snow months it is bicycle. In snow months is is a mix of walking and automobile.

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

Missing sidewalk sections in the winter. Kids are too young to bicycle safely in the streets when there is snow.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

In general I think they are great for Traverse City. I think it is important that they act as responsible “corporate citizens” by paying for any extra costs to the city – such as extra police, street clean up, lawn repair. Maybe even a donation to the city now and then for a specific project or improvement?

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

For me a great example is Becky Mang; with her fantastic leadership by example and engagement in organizing and motivating volunteers for the Safe Harbor homeless shelter.

10. What are you for?

Building connections, designing for people, applying best practices, thinking broadly, and promoting sound economics.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

I fear that we will miss the opportunity to make wise investments in infrastructure (complete streets) now.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

My most memorable park is Sequoia National Park in the Sierra Nevada range of California. This is the home to Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states at 14,505’. I’ve hiked this mountain twice in the last six years, the second time with my two sons, Joe and Ben. The scenery is spectacular, and the single day 22 mile round trip from the trail head to the summit is strenuous, but worth the effort.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

I’m fortunate that my work is located downtown on Park Street so riding my bike is my primary mode of transport around town during the good weather months. Once the weather precludes any more riding, sometime around Thanksgiving, I’ll be driving my Subie.

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

I don’t feel I have any substantial obstacles to my transportation options other than the Northern Michigan weather which has a way of dictating my choice of transport on any given day.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

Because I work downtown and I’m otherwise very downtown oriented I experience all the major events by virtue of being in close proximity even if I’m not directly involved. While they admittedly pose some inconveniences I really like the energy they impart to the City. While the company I work for is not tourism oriented I do appreciate the economic benefit these events provide to local businesses and their employees

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

TC leadership qualities: • A person who has the ability to listen, and understand that they represent everyone and not just a small special interest group or vocal minority. • Somebody who applies common sense to all problems, and doesn’t get caught up in the cause de jour. • Someone willing to carry on the conservative financial tradition that’s been a hallmark of our community, and has kept out us out of financial difficulty. This also requires someone able to manage the expectation of citizens because the City can’t afford to meet everyone’s needs at the same time.

10. What are you for?

I think we need to continue our economic development efforts throughout the City. I’d also believe we need to continue to emphasize infrastructure upgrades of at least the current pace, particularly in the neighborhoods. Finally, I personally appreciate that Traverse City is becoming more bicycle/pedestrian friendly, and I’d like to do what I can to encourage more of our residents and day-time residents to enjoy biking and walking around our community.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

With respect to the future I see the possibility for some strong upside growth over the long-term for Traverse City, but there’s also a reasonable probability of near-term financial struggles as we experience uncertain economic times. I’m very concerned about the country’s economy. I’m concerned for myself, my family and my community. If the nation slips back into a second recession, it will have a direct impact on Traverse City in many ways. We need to be prepared for this eventuality. It could come to pass that our City budget will be under considerable strain for several years running. In the longer term I’m optimistic about our continued growth prospects. For most of its history Traverse City’s economy has been somewhat constrained by its remote location, but with the emergence of eCommerce, which is really still in its early stages of development, people who want to live here will also be able to find a way to work here.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

God has blessed us with great beauty. Here are some of my favorites: Bryan Park, Traverse City, Yellowstone, Royal Rose Garden, Portland, OR, and Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

Car

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

All 1′s. I have established an efficient pattern in my life.  I have no obstacles.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

I like the events. They are geared for fun and draw local as well as out of town visitors to our great city.  The events are usually run by responsible organizers and volunteers. It is fun to participate and volunteer for these events.

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

The Rotary Club of Traverse City has funded and championed the needs of many organizations in our 5 county area through generous donation towards worth projects.

The TC Area Chamber of Commerce is a champion for private industry as they look t expand business, industry, local employment, and the creation of wealth in our community.

Tom Menzel should be recognized as a business turnaround champion. Tom and his team reengineered BATA into a self sustaining transpiration venture in a short amount of time.

10. What are you for?

I am for expansion of profitable business ventures providing high quality job opportunities for people of the greater Grand Traverse area.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

Traverse City has unlimited potential. It would be a shame to squander good business expansion opportunities.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

Central Park, due to its vast size,how many people use it on a daily basis and the numerous activities that go on there. My most memorable park is really F and M park. When we lived on Webster Street we spent hours a week there with my youngest daughter

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

car

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

moving traffic effectively with the least amount of disturbance to the neighborhoods

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

They are great for our city, however not every weekend

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Richard Weiler (Sheriff).He took care of the needs of the community and instilled pride in the people who worked for him

10. What are you for?

Having the left and right find some common ground so we can get out of the mess this country is in

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

Same as I fear for the world. That we will leave loads of debt for our children and grandchildren

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

Red Rocks Park in Colorado – contains red sandstone outcroppings that form a natural amphitheater (attended Carole King and Aretha Franklin concerts there)and offers fabulous hiking and biking trails. Second would be Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

private car

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

I broke my right ankle in 2001 and had surgery on it twice. It limits my ability to walk long distances, especially on uneven surfaces.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

I do not mind large events but it seems all we do in TC is host large events. Large events do not build community.

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Tom Menzel is an effective leader. He has brought BATA back from the brink of financial collapse and has created an organization with a cohesive mission, vision and program.

10. What are you for?

I am for Traverse City and the people who view it as a whole and work to preserve its unique character.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

I fear that Traverse City will become another large city with a busy, hectic downtown with no character, surrounded by dilapidated neighborhoods and defunct commercial corridors.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

I would have to say my most memorable park experiences have been hiking (3-week camping trip) in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, walking along the Great Wall in China (amazing!), trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (outstanding) in Peru and touring the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador (incredible!).

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

I balance my transportation within the city on foot, on my bike, motor scooter and economy car. Depending on the weather and my schedule. In winter. I admit, I drive a jeep for safety.

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

Convient times and routing for BATA. The ability to use BATA and get from point “a” to point “b” quickly and reliably.

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

When I was on the Parks & Recreation Commission (8yrs) we developed a park usage plan the limited the number of large, multi day events to two while allowing smaller single day events. Since that time a number of smaller events have taken place. I have little problem with the smaller single or two day events as long as they do not limit the general public from using the parks and do not close of access. Managing large week long events is important and the number of these events should be limited in our premier parks.

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Increase discretionary spending on streets and sidewalks from $100K to $1M, Elmwood Ave, Barlow and Kelly Streets are a direct result of this policy. Single Hauler trash system for the city reducing truck traffic on streets and alleys and reducing waste hauling expenses to the citizens. Unanimously passed a non-discrimination ordinance. Division Street Steering Committee formation and Complete Streets policy. Build the Pedestrian Bridge over the Boardman River along the TART trail and working to expand the trail on the east side of Boardman lake and eventually around to the east side. Eliminate the 1% administrative fee and cut the tax rate by .5 mills.

10. What are you for?

Keeping our city government open and transparent. Supporting essential public services such as our police, fire and public works departments. Expand park use by moving the Bay Front Plan forward and supporting expansion at Hickory Hills. Protecting our unique neighborhoods and the small town atmosphere that makes Traverse City such a desirable place to live. Manage our growth based on development that makes sense.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

Loosing our city’s unique character is my biggest fear for our future. This includes the scale of our downtown, removing our historic features and buildings and the over development of just two blocks of our downtown, without expanding development to other blocks and streets in the urban core and to other business districts through out the City. By expanding other business areas, we can create more walkable features for all our neighborhoods such as along West Front Street, 8th Street, 14th Street and Garfield Ave. Also protecting our natural resources, fresh water and open space so as not to spoil either for future generations. We are the stewards of our land and water and we must protect them.

_

EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, one per day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday in the order of Michael Estes, Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday (names with embedded link have already been published).  

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask that we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy voting!

#TCVote: Candidate Survey

3. Name and describe the most memorable public park, anywhere in the world, that you’ve ever visited?

Grand Teton National Park when I scaled the summit at 13770 feet.

4. What is your primary mode of transportation within the City limits?

Auto

5. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most likely, how would you rate your likelihood to increase your use of the following personal transportation methods?

(Answers in Bold & Black)

6. In response to question 5, what is your biggest obstacle to more transportation options?

My residence in on one of the largest hills in the city

7. Please rate your level of participation in the following Traverse City activities:

8. What are your thoughts about large events, like those in question 7, in Traverse City?

In favor, with limits that contol duration, times and other factors that have a negative impact on our neighborhoods

9. Define, or give an example of, effective leadership that you have seen in Traverse City?

Three years ago the city commission reallocated expenditures and increased street and sidewalk spending from $100,000 to $1.1 million. Also the cooperative effort between the city and the country to begin the process of removing the Boardman dams.

10. What are you for?

Making Traverse City the best that it can be.

11. What do you fear for Traverse City’s future?

Electing individuals to public office who would either stagnate or reverse the positive changes that have occured over the last four years.

_

EDITOR’S NOTE: This November 8th there are 3 commission seats and a mayoral seat on the ballot in Traverse City. To help us prepare, throughout this week we are running responses from the 9 candidates (7 commissioner, 2 mayoral) to the MyWHaT survey. These will run in the order that responses were received, beginning with Michael Estes’ responses above. The remaining schedule will be one a day during the week and two each on Saturday and Sunday, in the order of Jim Carruthers, Barbara Budros, Robert Donick, David Ford, Patrick McGuire, Timothy Werner, Ralph Soffredine and Jeanine Easterday. 

Please note, the answers are published unedited without annotation. The questions were generated by the MyWHaT advisory council and this contributor. We chose a different path than asking straight-up positions on specific policy or issues. We wanted to get a sense of the person, their individual approaches to life, the public sphere and how they might make decisions.

Comments and endorsements are encouraged on any of these posts. You may even ask questions directly of the candidate, but I can not guarantee that they will respond or even see it. I just ask, we keep it friendly, brief and in-line with our comments policy. 

Happy Voting!