Eight years ago, as a newly elected member of the Berkley City Council, I raised my right hand to swear to uphold the United States Constitution, Michigan Constitution, and the Charter of the City of Berkley. In 2005 I was elected Mayor, and I repeated the oath. I will do so again on November 19th. I consider the oath of office a most serious obligation, and the Charter of the City of Berkley a document of great importance.
I look forward to my second term as Mayor of Berkley, thanks to the support of nearly 3,000 voters. Three incumbent council members, Eileen Steadman, Dan Benton and Michael Matthews-Pennanen; and newcomer Dan Terbrack were also elected to office earlier this month, and will join Dale GoodCourage and Phil O’Dwyer. It will be my privilege to serve with these members of Berkley’s 32nd Council.
During the past two years council members have put service to the city above petty whims. Granted there were disagreements, but as members engaged in thoughtful preparation and meaningful discussion, we developed a spirit of cooperation and the ability to disagree amicably. We have worked for positive change, and that is the course we must continue to pursue.
Our aging infrastructure calls for greater investment than our budget allows. Empty buildings and the many homes on the market call for attention. No one person or even the combined members of council have ready answers to the many needs and demands. Berkley is most fortunate that there are many volunteers who serve on commissions and boards of the city. Their talents and perspectives are invaluable as we work with the professional staff and employees of the city to improve the quality of life in our city.
During the campaign I received this message from a Berkley resident and business owner: “Thank you for your time and the classy way you run our city.” I will continue to work hard to deserve that accolade and the vote of support that I received. I am humbled by your confidence in me.
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