Thank you to the League of Women Voters for holding this candidate forum. You can watch me and the other candidates for City Council talk about some of the ideas we have for the city.
One of the attributes that makes me unique amongst the city council candidates is my deep expertise in the area of municipal budgeting and funding.
I have outlined a lot of ideas and a lot of investments I believe will keep moving Ferndale Forward. So the question becomes “How are we going to pay for all of this?” Well, with other people’s money of course! Ferndale taxpayers do not have to be on hook for every investment we make in this City.
Ferndale needs a place where residents can gather together. I have experience building, and paying for, the construction of new rec centers. Together, we'll build a new facility to serve Ferndale for generations to come.
Ferndale's seniors and working families have built this city into what it is today. We must, and will, support these critical members of our community. Know a senior? Share this video with them to spread the word.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of Ferndale. I have plans that will help new businesses just starting up, and existing small businesses looking to improve.
Community engagement is crucial in decisions made by City government and I’m honored I’ve had the chance to speak to so many of you already. If you’d like to get in touch with me leave me a message under the Support tab or find me on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.
It's no secret that housing is a hot topic for Ferndale residents. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Fortunately, I have plans to begin solving this problem. Check out this video to learn more.
If elected to City Council, I’ll work to implement a community benefits ordinance. This ordinance will mean that if a developer comes into our community, they need to do it in a way that benefits the quality of life for residents. Learn more about what this could look like here in Ferndale.
“Donnie, why do you keep talking about Detroit? Ferndale isn’t the same as Detroit.” No, of course it’s not the same. But the principles of municipal budgets are pretty universal and that means I’m ready to hit the ground running.
In 2022, Ferndale published our first ever Climate Action Plan. The goals are big, but we can work together to achieve them.
I’ve heard from many residents who have experienced flooding in their homes, and I’ve been there myself. Losing the contents of your basement and the time and expense of cleaning up after a flood can be devastating. To reduce the incidents of flooding, here are a few steps I will take as a council member.
Last year I served as the chair of the resident-led Facilities Task Force. This group of Ferndale residents given a big task. Like many communities in Michigan, the repairs needed for our buildings is a long list. Given the limits of the City’s budget, what do residents want to prioritize?
A history of volunteerism in our community and my professional experience has lead me to the next step in serving Ferndale - running for City Council. Learn more about why I’m running.
When people ask why I'm running for council, I often say it's the next logical step in my track record of local volunteerism.
People ask me “what’s up with all those books in your office?” Well, Ferndale, let me tell you how much I love books - particularly science fiction and history.
