Eleven candidates will compete to fill a vacancy on the Traverse City commission created by the recent resignation of Commissioner Ross Richardson.

Interested candidates had until 5pm Friday to submit their resumes and letters of intent. The broad field of candidates who met the deadline – almost evenly divided between male and female applicants, ranging in age from 24 to 75 – could require commissioners to take two nights instead of one to conduct interviews and make an appointment. A first night of interviews is scheduled for December 8 at 7pm; a second could be scheduled for December 14. At their Monday meeting, commissioners will finalize an interview process and schedule.

In the meantime, The Ticker spoke to all 11 candidates to provide a brief snapshot of those vying to become the next city commissioner.

Tyler Bevier, 24
Resume Highlights/Strengths: BATA Transportation Planner; former Bellaire Downtown Development Authority Director; studied urban studies and political science at Wayne State University. “I’d bring knowledge of our local stakeholders…as well as TIF and brownfield funding and how they play a role in our community.”
Reason For Applying: “I think our city is a great place to live, work and prosper. I’d like to be part of the continued momentum to attract families and newcomers to our city.”
Priority Issues: “To have our city invest in green infrastructure and continue to build a walkable, bikable, livable community…to work with local stakeholders to address our housing concerns…to create more unity through community events.”

Bryan Boettcher, 36
Resume Highlights/Strengths: MacUpdate Content Editor/Sales; former teacher and technology coordinator for The Greenspire School; Master of Education from Walden University. “I have the ability to comprehend complex issues and understand the long-term consequences and impacts of decisions.”
Reason For Applying: “I’ve been interested in working in city or local government as a way to get my foot into politics, and this opportunity came up."
Priority Issues: “The one that’s caught my attention would be technology infrastructure: getting high-speed fiber in here and improvements to Internet (access)."

Janet Fleshman, 58
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Traverse City Planning Commissioner; former president of Old Town Neighborhood Association; Bachelor of Arts – Economics from Michigan State University. “One of the hardest things for a lot of people to do is listen hard to everyone, even the people who didn’t support you…I’ve learned (to do) that through my experience.”
Reason For Applying: “Primarily the same reason I volunteered to serve on the planning commission: I think community service is a worthwhile endeavor…and our citizens all deserve to be represented.”
Priority Issues: “I did not (apply) driven by a particular issue. So many of our issues are so intertwined. That’s where I think my experience at the planning commission will be very helpful.”

Christina Gonzales, 29
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Account Executive at Lighthouse Group; Traverse City Young Professionals Advocacy Steering Committee Vice-Chair; Bachelor of Science – Allied Health from Ferris State University. “I’ve got a lot of experience working with a diverse group of people…I’m comfortable with outreach and getting to know people and their needs.”
Reason For Applying: “I love this community and am very passionate about it. I think there’s a lot of potential here, some of it untapped, and it’d be great to be part of the growth and opportunity here.”
Priority Issues: “I think the two big ones are housing and the wage gap. Especially being involved in Young Professionals…we want people to live and stay and raise families here.”

Ross Hammersley, 40
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Partner at Olson, Bzdok & Howard; board member at TART Trails and Conflict Resolution Services; Doctor of Law from Michigan State University College of Law. “I’ve had a lot of municipal law experience…from development proposals and zoning disputes to municipal financing and litigation.”
Reason For Applying: “I’ve always been interested in service. I just thought there was an opportunity for me to step up and do more to help the community however I could.”
Priority Issues: “Obviously there are a lot of contentious issues, like the tall building referendum. What I’d like to do is tone down some of the rhetoric…another focus of mine is environmental concerns and protections…I’m also big on smart commuting and updating our infrastructure.”

Michele Howard, 46
Resume Highlights/Strengths: NMC Government Documents Librarian; former PTO President Central Grade School; Master of Information and Library Studies from University of Michigan. “In my career as a librarian for 23 years, I’ve done a lot of research and helped people research creative solutions to problems…I also participate in lots of volunteer events and work with different groups of people.”
Reason For Applying: “I’ve always been drawn to politics. I love volunteering and participating in Traverse City, and I see the commission as the next level of being involved and making a difference.”
Priority Issues: “We struggle with making affordable housing. I’ve been in higher education for over 14 years and I see young people who want to live here, but it’s really expensive…we need to balance the needs of our tourism economy with the people who live here.”

Emily Jackson, 75
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Former real estate agent at Real Estate One (now retired); former case manager at Friend of the Court/Thirteenth Circuit Court; Doctor of Law from Thomas Cooley Law School. “I’m not afraid to speak my mind, ask questions and challenge people.”
Reason For Applying: “I ran for the county commission (this year) because I was very unhappy with how things have been going…I always worked on the county side of things, so I would like to learn the city side.”
Priority Issues: “I have much to learn about city issues…I’m not sure exactly what I could do to help, but I’d like to make a difference somewhere.”

Heidi Rehak Lovy, 47
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Community Health Specialist/Thomas Judd Care Center at Munson Heathcare; former Fund Development and Communications Director for Equality Michigan; Bachelor of Arts – Journalism from Wayne State University. “My experience is in journalism, public relations, and philanthropy, which all require a certain level of communication skills. I'm a quick study (and) very diplomatic.”
Reason For Applying: “It's important to me, and the people I know in TC, that the city remain on the inclusive, welcoming trajectory it's seen over the last 10 years or so. My family loves living here and I'd like to participate in the decision-making process that helps ensure the city stays on the right track.”
Priority Issues: “I wouldn't be joining the commission with a set agenda of issues I'm for or against. I have a keen interest in helping the city maintain its small town charm, with an eye toward growing in a smart manner.”

Matthew Missias, 40
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Owner/President of Cultivated Learning LLC; board member at Great Lakes Children’s Museum and The Greenspire School; Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching at Michigan State University. “Professionally I’ve had extensive education in a number of topics, as well as board experience…I like to work with people and I’m a data-driven person.”
Reason For Applying: “I feel like I have things to give back to the city. I’ve been blessed to be a resident here a long time; this is a good opportunity to give back.”
Priority Issues: “I’m not one of those people doing this because I want to have my hand in a particular issue. I think there are a lot of issues we face as a growing city, and we need people that will take on those challenges.”

Rebecca Rogan, 49
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Executive Director of Conflict Resolution Services; former legal client advocate at Women’s Resource Center; Master of Business Administration – Strategic Management from Davenport University. “I’m a trained mediator and facilitator, so I’d be able to assist in working through contentious issues. My background has also brought me in touch with a very diverse cross-section of our population, including a lot of marginalized individuals in our community.”
Reason For Applying: “There are a lot of city residents who feel like their voices are not heard or they don’t have any input on city issues. With my background as a mediator, I’m hoping folks will feel like their concerns are being heard and adequately addressed.”
Priority Issues: “The first one I know will (come up) is addressing the building height issue. It remains to be seen whether (Prop 3) is even legal. That will be a question that will need to be answered...then it will be, how are we going to address (residents’) concerns about building heights, while still allowing builders to build and make Traverse City the strongest community it can be?”

Wayne Workman, 68
Resume Highlights/Strengths: Principal of Strategic Advisors LLC; former Acting Executive Director at Michigan State House Development Authority (MSHDA); Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University. “I believe my experience working with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations over the last 40 years will provide a solid background for helping craft policies and decisions.”
Reason For Running: “I’ve spent most of my career interfacing with government; it feels like a comfortable area for me to do some civic public service. I’ve found myself continually more interested in contributing to what a great community this already is and keeping it on the right track.”
Priority Issues: “Getting more affordable and workface housing is right up near the top. I was an interim director of MSHDA for nine months and then on the board, so I have a background to know…that while we have issues, there are solutions that work.”

Candidates pictured L-R: (Top row) Tyler Bevier, Bryan Boettcher, Christina Gonzalez; (Middle row) Ross Hammersley, Michele Howard, Heidi Rehak Lovy; (Bottom row) Matthew Missias, Rebecca Rogan, Wayne Workman. Not pictured/photo not available: Janet Fleshman, Emily Jackson.