If you're reading this letter, it's for two good reasons. 

One is that you've supported me in past campaigns with a donation, or by posting a yard sign or writing a letter to the editor.  Your encouragement and contributions make it possible to reach voters through campaign mailings, public media and advertising.  Ultimately, your generosity makes my service on the Kalamazoo City Commission possible.  So that's one good reason you're reading this letter. 

The other equally important one is that you care about Kalamazoo and pay attention to what goes on in the city and surrounding communities.  Like me, you feel the connection between Kalamazoo and the well being of the region - and you know that good governance requires steady attention, a willingness to listen and learn, and the ability to respond to immediate situations without losing track of what's important in civic life. 

Since 2005, I've spent countless hours in meetings, reviewing background materials, listening to neighborhood residents and local business owners, and in discussion with other elected officials, civic leaders and city employees.  Even after six years on the Kalamazoo City Commission, I continue to learn from these face-to-face connections and my respect for our community, its residents and the people who serve Kalamazoo has grown deeper as a result. 

This kind of working knowledge and broad network will be of critical importance to city decision-making in the next few years.  If you saw the "Viewpoint" written in conjunction with my fellow City Commissioners (Kalamazoo Gazette, August 26, 2011), you know about the projected budget deficit that is the result of declining revenues from property taxes and state revenue sharing.  The next Commission will be making some painful choices in order to maintain city services with shrinking resources.  As you can imagine, it will take great care and civic collaboration to work through this process and preserve what is essential and vibrant in Kalamazoo. 

I'm asking for your support because I think you understand that cities are more than balance sheets and numbers - that choices made on the City Commission and in other governing bodies are directly related to quality of life, safety, and opportunity in our communities.  I would very much like to continue working on your behalf on the Kalamazoo City Commission.  Please consider making a donation. 

With appreciation for your support,