ICYMI: David Anderson announces reelection campaign
Last week, Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson announced he is running for reelection this November.
Here are some highlights from the announcement in Bronson Park. From MLive:
“Change takes persistence, grit, hard work, creativity, passion and effort,” Anderson said. “That is what’s required of us. The work is important and making sure we’re all included is important.”
The past 14 months has been difficult for all of us, Anderson said while announcing the campaign. He mentioned some of the challenges before the city including income inequality, inclusive economic development and wealth building, affordable housing, equitable public safety and the city’s response to climate change.
“But hard times serve a purpose,” Anderson said. “They are a wake up call and a clear reminder that we need to be present and aware and willing to be part of the solution.”
Anderson says they’ve made a lot of progress on inclusion and equity over the last two years, but the pandemic slowed some of that down. He says now is the time to dive into all the things they were unable to do over the last 14 months.
He said he was focused on the work ahead, especially neighborhood engagement, inclusive economic growth, and increasing the amount of affordable housing in the city.
"Our job is to create really the platform that people can take advantage of. That means giving tax breaks called pilots we've been doing that, that means incentivizing nonprofit developers, large and small, and that does mean working with regular for-profit developers to build housing, all that work needs to be done," Anderson said.
The November municipal election is just six months away, and current Kalamazoo Mayor Anderson said he's looking forward to running again and focusing on the work that is in front.
"I am proud of the many things we have accomplished, including One Kalamazoo, founding the City Foundation for Excellence, and just keeping the city working through hard times and good," said Anderson
Here is a full video of the announcement;