Voters to decide city council in Orchard Lake, marijuana proposals in Keego Harbor

In the West Bloomfield Beacon’s coverage area, voters will decide one contested City Council race and marijuana proposals Nov. 7.

Below are profiles of the candidates and the exact proposal language as it will appear on the ballot. 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. An (I) represents an incumbent. The answers are printed verbatim.

 

Orchard Lake City Council
Three candidates are running for one three-year term.

Tony Castiglione
Age: 41
Occupation: President/Executive
Municipality of residence: Orchard Lake
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: I envision a council that prioritizes the needs and values of its residents, one that meticulously balances growth with the preservation of the unique attributes that define Orchard Lake Village. I am prepared to leverage my background in business and community service to forge policies that are not only grounded but crafted with a vision for a sustainable future.

 

Kelly Mandel
Age: 46
Occupation: Clinical Social Worker
Municipality of residence: Orchard Lake
For how long: 5 years
Online campaign information: “Kelly Mandel for Orchard Lake” on Facebook
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Michigan-Dearborn, Master of Social Work from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My goals if elected would be to:
-inspire others to not be afraid to get involved
-always make residents feel validated and supported and host regular coffee chats to connect
-work with WB Parks to eliminate “non-resident” fees for our families
-broadcast council meetings for accessibility and transparency
-keep our Orchard Lake businesses up and running
-assess and address internet connectivity issues
-keep our beautiful lakes clean
-honor our history while moving us toward the future

 

David Steuer
Age: 62
Occupation: Real Estate Investment, Management, Brokerage, Construction & Development
Municipality of residence: City of Orchard Lake Village
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: University of MIchigan Ross School of Business
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Preserve and enhance the quality of life for the residents. We have a small number of total households relative to the traffic count on the roads,  making us a “pass through” community. We have one of the highest average home values yet most of our commercial buildings and businesses need the commuters to be viable. It is imperative that our commercial corridors are thoughtfully managed to maintain their aesthetics and relevance for the long run.

 

Marijuana proposals

Keego Harbor City Charter Proposed Amendment to Allow a Marihuana Retailer by Ordinance & Prohibit Establishments:
Currently, the City of Keego Harbor Charter does not regulate marihuana within the City of Keego Harbor. The City Council proposes a Charter provision to regulate up to one marihuana retailer by ordinance, and prohibit all other forms of marihuana establishments from operating within the City of Keego Harbor. This Charter provision will nullify other Charter provisions regulating marihuana establishments. Shall the amendment as proposed be adopted?

 

Open Stores Ordinance:
An ordinance to provide for the number of adult use retail marihuana establishments allowed within the city limits to be submitted to the electors of the city at the next regular election pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, MCL 333.27956(1). By promulgating the proposed “Open Stores Ordinance,” Keego Harbor Ordinance 19-03, the Adult Use Marihuana Opt-Out Ordinance enacted on August 15th, 2019 and any existing ordinances, parts of ordinances or sections in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance would be repealed only to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect.

 

Cannabis Licensing Charter Amendment:
Summary of Ballot Question: This proposed charter amendment, if adopted, would establish an application process, selection criteria, licenses, fees, and regulations for two adult use retail cannabis establishments in the City. Shall the Proposal be Adopted?