Park voters to choose council candidates for general election

In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, Grosse Pointe Park voters will decide during the Aug. 8 primary election which six candidates will compete for three Park City Council seats in November. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim except where material is omitted due to personal attacks or items we know to be false or that are blatant misrepresentations. (I) denotes an incumbent.

 

Grosse Pointe Park City Council
Seven candidates are running for six openings on the November ballot. The city charter mandates that a primary be held if the number of candidates is more than twice the number of seats; in this case, voters will be eliminating one candidate.

 

Brent Dreaver

Age: 38

Occupation: Senior Business Analyst

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 8 years

Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/DreaverForGPP

Education: M.B.A., University of Michigan Ross School of Business (Corporate Strategy and Operations Management); B.A., University of Michigan (Philosophy).

Previously and currently held elected offices: n/a

Top goals: If elected, my top goals revolve around transparency and elevating the voice of our community within council. It is my strong belief that a government that is open and accountable in its decisions is imperative for building trust and ensuring effective decision making.

I will work towards measures that encourage citizen participation. I believe that together we can create a more accountable and responsive council that best serves the needs of our community.

 

Jay A. Kennedy

Age: 68

Occupation: Attorney

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: I have lived in Grosse Pointe Park for a total of over 50 years

Online campaign information: jkennedyforgppcitycouncil.org

Education: Bachelors in Business Administration with honors from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration (now the Ross School of Business); Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: My overall goal is to maintain Grosse Pointe Park as a city of choice for young families. We must work together to preserve, and enhance, a safe, clean environment with excellent schools, parks and other amenities. Public safety is a top priority. We must also complete the EERV and carefully review our other infrastructure needs, including water mains, the marina and others. I also hope to help shape the best possible outcome for Trombly School.

 

Timothy Kolar

Age: 42

Occupation: State Office Administrator – State of Michigan

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 6 years

Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/kolargpp

Education: MBA – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Gies College of Business. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science International Studies – Indiana University Bloomington, Kelley School of Business.

Previously and currently held elected offices: None

Top goals: Public Safety. Infrastructure. Promoting Our City. Community Engagement. We focus on those goals through proper budgeting and a process of educating, evaluating, and communicating. Budget sets priorities and must be balanced. Educating ourselves and our neighbors about issues and finding real solutions. Evaluating the options for sustainability and fiscal integrity. Communicating to get community feedback on decisions and outcomes, with those communications done on a regular and frequent basis through numerous channels.

 

Marty McMillan (I)

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired Owner/Vice President of McMillan Bros. Office Furniture and Supply Company

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 60 years

Online campaign information: www.MartyMcMillan4GPPCouncil.com

Education: Wayne State University

Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Grosse Pointe Park Councilmember –  Appointed in 2021

Top goals: 

• Ensure that GPP’s Public Safety Department has the resources and staffing needed to provide for the safety and security of our residents.   

• Continue proactive and fiscally responsible upgrades to our infrastructure including our sanitary and storm sewer systems.

• Find cost-effective upgrade solutions to ensure that our parks and marina remain the treasured amenities that they are.

• Working with the GP Public School System, return Trombly School to being a vibrant educational asset for the community.

 

Kirk Merametdjian

Age: 55

Occupation: Consultant, Project Management

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 7 years

Online campaign information: Facebook: Kirkforgppcouncil

Education: BSB Finance, MBA

Previously and currently held elected offices: none.

Top goals:

1. Advocate that city management and City Council focus on devising and executing a long-term plan to properly staff the Public Safety Department.

2. Improve the process and procedures for City Council decision making, allowing robust debate and discussion and allowing adequate opportunity for resident input.

3. Maintain GPP community quality of life by ensuring our infrastructure systems, Parks, and DPW, are funded appropriately.

 

Elvis Torres

Age: 41

Occupation: Infrastructure Consulting Services Business Owner

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: 3 years

Online campaign information: www.elvisgpp.com

Education:

• Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan

• Bachelor of Sciences in Electronics Engineering Technology from the University of Puerto Rico Bayamón

• Diploma Signal Officer Basic Course from the US Army Signal School

• Diploma Radio and Communication Security Repairer from the US Army Ordnance School

• Certificate of Project Management Professional from Project Management Institute

• Certificate of Industrial Electronics Antonio Luchetti Vocational High School

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: I want to continue serving the community as a member of GPP Public Safety Advisory Committee, I understand the importance of supporting the department and fostering community engagement. If elected, I will work alongside the new Director and Councilmembers to enhance our PS ability to patrol and ensure our community’s peace of mind. Additionally, my experience and education will enable me to contribute to infrastructure improvement planning and effectively balance budgets by working with stakeholders.

 

Heather Ulku

Age: 52

Occupation: Realtor Higbie Maxon Agney

Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park

For how long: total of 36 yrs. Born and raised, moved back to the Park in 2005

Online campaign information: heatherulkugpp.com

Education: Grosse Pointe South class of 1989, Humboldt State University, Arcata California

Previously and currently held elected offices: No elected public offices held.

Top goals: Fiscal responsibility along with public safety are the cornerstones of a strong community. Maintaining property values, addressing economic development, and making Grosse Pointe Park a desirable place to work are the issues that I am committed to. I will come to the table informed, prepared, and ready to do the work.