Inspiring DC

My apologies for being away for so long. As hectic as campaigns are, the aftermath is equally so, though in a much different way. The new commission is getting up to speed and we have a draft 2008 budget for the city to review and eventually adopt.

My work at the American Red Cross took me to Washington DC for the first time in my life. How odd, I think, for me to have not been there before now, but that was the case. Following a mid-week two-day training, I stayed on through the weekend and packed in as much as I could.

Of course I didn't even scratch the surface, but there were some definite highlights - the Capitol Rotunda, the Washington and Lincoln Memorials, the National Archives and looking at the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. It was inspiring and re-energizing, to say the least. Much more to go back for.

Commissioner McCann at Swearing-in Ceremony

The 47th Kalamazoo City Commission was sworn in this evening at City Hall. Sean McCann was re-elected with a total of 5803 votes, placing him third after Hopewell (6118) and McKinney (6064).
Photo: Dominick Gladstone

Sean McCann quoted in Monday's Gazette Editorial

From the Kalamazoo Gazette:

"Last week, Kalamazoo City Commissioner Sean McCann urged the administration to shed more light on the departures. 'There's the notion all of this is tied to the 2003 prostitution investigation,' he said. 'If this is not the case, we owe it to the public to offer an explanation.'

"We agree."

To read the whole editorial, click here.

Tour a Norman Carver, Jr. house in Parkwyn Village

Loads of Letters to the Editor

Check out Sunday's slew of letters in the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Arnold ... campaign mascot

My girlfriend, Priscilla, has an Akita-Shepherd mix dog named Arnold. She recently equipped him with a special 'sandwich board' for his walks around the neighborhood. A passing van slowed when we were taking this picture and shouted out the window "He's got my vote!"

We weren't sure if the driver meant Arnold or me.

Highlights of Sean at the Second Candidate Forum

Thank you Friends!

I'm pleased to report that tomorrow the Friends of Sean McCann candidate committee will file Campaign Finance Reports reflecting $12,110 raised from more than 250 contributors during January 1 to October 21, 2007. My sincerest thanks to everyone who has put their time, talent and treasure behind this effort.

UPDATED 10/27/07: Here are the reported amounts raised by candidates per The Kalamazoo Gazette:

Bobby Hopewell -- $20,548
Sean McCann -- $12,110
Hannah McKinney -- $9,087
Barbara Miller -- $7,930
David Anderson -- $6,937
Tammy Barnard -- $1,674
Aaron Davis -- Filed waiver, expects to raise or spend less than $1,000
Brian Shaff -- Filed waiver; expects to raise or spend less than $1,000
Angie Suarez -- Filed waiver; expects to raise or spend less than $1,000
Don Cooney -- No filing*
Angela Jackson -- No filing
Stephanie Moore -- No filing
* Said Friday that he intends to file Monday.

Open for business

The city recently celebrated a great accomplishment - the opening of our Davis Creek Business Park. We cleaned up a huge "brownfield" - an old oil refinery, and prepared the land for new business ventures. This action filled a void in our economic development strategy by offering up new "greenfield" develop-able space. Photo is the City's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Chairman Bob Miller and me cutting the ribbon.

Preliminary Survey Results

A few months ago, we began distributing a short survey with four multiple-choice questions about City issues and how the City was doing in addressing them. What follows is an overview of the results to-date.

Surveys distributed
7000 (100.00%)
Surveys returned to date
343 (4.90%)

Male
135 (39.36%)
Female
138 (40.23%)
M/F (two voters)
31 (9.04%)

Age
18-30--21 (6.12%)
31-55--106 (30.90%)
56-75--136 (39.65%)
76-95--45 (13.12%)

Question 1--City Met or Exceeded Expectations
1 Downtown Revitalization 183 (53.35%)
2 Parks & Recreation Programs 126 (36.73%)

Question 2--City Aspects or Services Need Improvement
1 Economic Development 186 (54.23%)
2 Neighborhoods 161 (46.94%)

Question 3--City's most pressing concerns (check two)
1 Jobs 215 (62.68%)
2 Poverty 137 (39.94%)

Question 3--City's least pressing concerns (check two)
1 Historic Site restoration 162 47.23%
2 Parking 140 40.82%
_____________________________________________

Obviously, these are early numbers. We'll be getting more data in the weeks ahead. We promise to publish more comprehensive results soon.

Chamber of Commerce

Here are the responses I gave to the questionnaire from the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce:

1. What is your experience interacting with city employees to start or expand a business (have you ever applied for a permit?). If so, could that process be improved?

I operate a small business in Kalamazoo and have sought various permits from the city. However, my primary interaction with city staff is through my years of serving as the commission’s liaison to our Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

The city has worked hard to create a “one-stop shop” for assisting businesses as efficiently as possible. This is working well to my knowledge, but we should always seek to improve our services. One way to do this is make sure that commissioners hear directly about how well this is running. I will propose this to the City Manager.

2. In your opinion what is the overall perception of customer service within the City?

I think the perception of our customer service is good, overall. One thing that might improve our services in various departments would be to always seek to provide accurate timelines on how long processes and projects are going to take. For example, the South Street/W. Michigan/Oakland intersection sewer improvements caused road closures, but our engineering department gave an end date for the construction and held to it. An “Open Door” dialogue and communication policy between business and government is the key to building relationships.

3. What policies would you enact to improve customer service and foster improved government/business relationships?

The message needs to go out from the Commission and resonate through every level of the organization that we are here to serve the people of this community. I think we should have a system for tracking complaints so that if someone with a legitimate issue has made multiple calls on the same problem, the issue is automatically flagged and moved to the front of the line.

4. Under what circumstances would you definitely support tax abatements?

Any employer who creates good jobs for the people of this community should be eligible for tax abatements under the existing guidelines. Likewise, tax abatements should be used as a tool for retention and attraction of good jobs.

5. Under what circumstances would you definitely oppose tax abatements?

An employer who fails to meet the terms of their existing tax abatement agreement should not receive another (or have it revoked) until they have rectified the situation. If jobs are promised, they must be delivered. I also would not support tax abatements to employers who clearly do not demonstrate how they will add substantial value to the local economy through their workers wages and benefits.

6. What economic development tools does the city have that are ‘essential services’ on par with tools the police department has to ensure citizen safety?

It is difficult to point to any city service that is not, at this juncture, an essential service that contributes to the ability of the city to promote economic development. Many of our most basic services have been reduced too far as it is. Street repair is chronically behind, however we are catching up as the gateway roads into the city are looking much better today than in the past, and it is challenging to properly maintain important amenities that the city provides (parks, cemeteries, etc.). A safe, enjoyable community is a critical economic development tool.

7. What economic development tools are luxuries that we are lucky to be able to afford, but may have to do without some day?

Due to consistent city commission support over the years, funds have been annually budgeted to promote and support critical economic development activities. These take the form of loans and financing assistance, tax abatements, Brownfield redevelopment credits, and forgivable loans. It would be short-sighted to eliminate the budgeting of these funds and I remain committed to these allocations due to their ability to leverage jobs and investment in Kalamazoo. It is very difficult to identify any luxuries that might be removed from the budget after many years of shrinking city budgets.

8. What parts of city government have been cut far enough, and/or too far, and should be considered for additional resource allocations?

We have many infrastructure needs, some of which will be crucial to fund if we are to continue providing a decent level of service to, and investment in, the community. For example, there is a great, ongoing need to replace our sewer and water lines. As well, most people would agree that we can’t reduce funding for street maintenance any further. It is always a challenge to balance limited resources among the many important needs of the community.

9. What parts of city government can be looked at to provide more efficiencies?

We should always be examining and evaluating the operations of local units of government to see where we can reduce redundancies and provide better services to the community at the current cost level (or lower). Intergovernmental cooperation provides the best opportunity to discover new ways to become more efficient and there are many areas where this is currently being explored and pursued. For example, “back office” administrative operations and public safety operations hold good potential. Local units of government might consider summits or quarterly round table meetings to give greater attention to the need to cooperate.

10. Understanding that Stryker and Pfizer are the marquis job providers in the area, what role as a city leader would you play to maximize their investment in the community?

We must continue to make it clear to the corporate leaders of all major employers that we value their presence in our community and want to ensure their employees have a good quality of life. We must remain responsive and aggressive in ensuring that these employers are able to operate here. Further, we must cooperate with organizations such as the Chamber, Southwest Michigan First, and Downtown development entities are all working in partnership to realize the most supportive community possible.

11. What opportunities do you see for fostering greater cooperation between the Cities of Kalamazoo and Portage and other local units of government?

Our recent success toward implementing county-wide transit represents an excellent step, but needs continued support to be fully realized. Another good example of cooperation is our county-wide first-responder agreements for fire and EMS, although there remains room to do more. Other cooperation may be feasible by fusing administrative functions among governments (potentially saving tax dollars). County-wide land-use planning would help control sprawl and reduce infrastructure costs. An inclusionary housing compact would enhance county-wide housing affordability.

12. As a City leader what will you do to grow enrollment in WMU and other local higher educational institutions?.

We must continuue to improve the brand of our community outside the immediate area and promote these institutions within the community. High school graduates in Southwest Michigan should find the choices in their own back yard as attractive as schools in other cities and states. Also important, parents must know their son or daughter will be safe in our neighborhoods and our community when they consider entrusting their child to our care. The city must partner with educational institutions to provide the best experience possible for all those attending school to advance themselves—and enjoy Kalamazoo in the process.

13. What single issue, above all others, drives you to run for this office?

Improving our neighborhoods and the quality of life they provide for our citizens. Economic development, supporting The Promise, street maintenance, snow removal, water quality, youth programs are but some of the parts that help the whole objective: to cultivate and sustain a place people want to call their home.

What's this?

Coming soon ... a lot of interesting feedback from the voters!

Great conversations

Dr. David Hougton of the WMU Political Science Department had me as his guest speaker for his Urban Politics class today. I had a wonderful discussion with the students about being a city commissioner. They asked well thought out questions and the time flew by too fast.

Later in the evening was the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party's Candidates Forum. This was also a nice chance for everyone to talk about our community's future.

Last stop for the night was the Friends of Historic East Campus's Legislative Forum featuring area state lawmakers. I wasn't able to catch the whole event, but it certainly is abundantly clear that there are a lot of needs that remain to be addressed in our state. Helping universities and core urban cities are right up there.

A Hero's Tribute

Kalamazoo County Sheriff Department Lt. Terry VanStreain's funeral service was today and I attended. The man was a hero to many and received a fitting farewell by hundreds of citizens and law enforcement officers. He will leave a lasting impact on the community, particularly now that the Kalamazoo Holiday Food Drive will be named in his honor. I'm already making plans to help the food drive again this year - one of the best warm feelings you can give yourself in December - try it!

Highlights of Sean at the First Candidate Forum

If you don't have your health ...

Here's the well known Kalamazoo Rotarian Karl Sandelin kicking off the Fit 2007 walk in celebration of the conclusion of this year's fitness calendar.

From the brochure: Fit 2007 is a free self-directed fitness program designed to help you increase your level of physical activity. Fit 2007 is for individuals, worksites and other organizations. Fit 2007 is supported by events and recognition awards to make it FUN for all. Fit 2007 will help us become a healthier community.

Another commitment kept me from walking along today, but I'm certainly in no deficit of walking for the time being.

Spaghetti Friends

This austere group gathered at the Edison Neighborhood Association anxiously awaiting spaghetti with sauce and garlic bread. This was a nice fundraiser for the ENA and will support their various improvement programs.

What's New...

The Northside Ministerial Alliance held their annual Community Prayer Breakfast this morning. It was a room full of great people who care about Kalamazoo's future. An uplifting message was delivered by the President of the Detroit NAACP, Wendell Anthony.

This evening was a meeting of Vine Neighborhood residents about traffic and parking concerns around Oakland Drive and Wheaton. Briefly put, the long-time residents in the area are rightly concerned about potential changes in roads and traffic on WMU's campus and how it may negatively impact their quality of life. A chain of events has left them with the symptoms of a parking and campus planning problem. A positive, considerate solution needs to be sought or the situation will be resolved unsatisfactorily as a win/lose outcome. We can do better than that in Kalamazoo.

Coming up: Candidate Forums! First one is the Downtown Retailers Association/Downtown Kalamazoo Restaurant Association this Thursday at 6:00. Watch this space for video highlights and more!

Interacting with students

Last night I spoke with some students in an KVCC Urban Sociology class in Downtown Kalamazoo. We had a great conversation about all kinds of urban issues, challenges and successes. I was invited because of my viewpoint that ran in the Kalamazoo Gazette several weeks ago (and appears earlier in this blog).

Today was a day that makes you feel good about being a commissioner. I started out at 7 AM helping Washington Writer's Academy elementary students walk safely to school - an annual tradition of the SAFE KIDS Coalition. We ask kids about safety and talk about hazards they might encounter on their way to and from school.

Wrapping up the day was a chance to speak for a couple minutes at the regular meeting of the Western Student Association on WMU's campus. Visiting a WSA meeting always brings back great memories of my days when I was active in student government. It's an honor to speak with college students there now and let them know that their servant leadership is what will make the world a better place. (Photo by Chris Praedel, WSA President)

Catching up...

Sorry if you've been waiting for a new post. We're proud of our videos and wanted to let friends see the latest one before it gets buried down the blog. The next one is underway with great new stuff.

Preston's Private Police Force (and other tales)

LWVKA Questionnaire responses

Below are the responses I submitted today to the League of Women Voters - Kalamazoo Area Voter's Guide questionnaire. The guide will be published in mid-October.

It's always a challenge giving comprehensive and thorough responses when limited to 70 words per question, but those are the understandable limitations of the publication. If you'd like to discuss any issue further or have a greater explanation, please feel free to contact me.

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Questions on Selected Issues:
Please be brief; use phrases where possible; adhere to word limits.

1. Citizens and elected officials often cite the need for improved intergovernmental cooperation. What progress has been made and where would you target other specific areas as opportunities for our local governments to work together in order to improve services and/or save costs? [70 word limit]

Our recent success toward implementing county-wide transit represents an excellent step, but needs continued support to be fully realized. Another good example of cooperation is county-wide first-responder agreements for fire fighting, although there remains room for improvement. Other cooperation is feasible by fusing administrative functions among governments (potentially saving tax dollars). County-wide land-use planning would help control sprawl. An inclusionary housing compact would enhance county-wide housing affordability.


2. Describe the three most important steps that should be taken in Kalamazoo to meet the commitments made through the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which is intended to combat global warming? [70 word limit]

A. Reduce energy consumption by expanding county-wide transit, increasing alternative fuel usage in buses, synchronizing traffic signals to reduce vehicle idling, and expanding bike paths.

B. Conserve resources through strengthening curbside recycling, practicing healthy urban forestry, and pursuing land-use planning that preserves open space and reduces sprawl.

C. Operate and build smarter by supporting green building practices, purchasing energy-efficient equipment and vehicles, and broadening internal recycling practices.


3. How would you ensure that city residents have confidence in the public safety department? [70 word limit]

We recently developed a “Public Safety Improvement Plan,” which I will ensure is implemented. I did not support issuing a “D” grade to the entire department—this action discounts the good work of the vast majority of our officers. Most people have confidence in most of the work being done. However, we must strengthen connections to all parts of the community, and place a renewed emphasis on community policing.


4. What are the two most important quality of life issues in Kalamazoo? How should the Commission address them? [70 word limit]

A. Building and maintaining strong, vibrant neighborhoods. Improve neighborhood vitality by empowering citizens and neighborhood associations as first responders to issues.

B. Retaining and creating jobs in Kalamazoo. Do everything in our power to support The Kalamazoo Promise. Preserve and expand the city’s local bid preference policy—a program that helps keep Kalamazoo dollars in Kalamazoo and doesn’t cost taxpayers one dime more. Continue Brownfield redevelopment to create jobs.


5. Which of your strengths or talents especially qualify you to be a City Commissioner? [70 word limit]

For the past eight years, I’ve served as a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, during which time I have demonstrated a commitment to studying city policies and issues carefully, remaining accessible and being responsive. I have extensive experience guiding neighborhood revitalization efforts and strengthening our downtown. Above all, I am dedicated to our community and am a champion for all our neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for all our citizens.

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Biographical Information 70-word limit for this section; the words – “present occupation, education, background & experience” – are not included in the 70-word count. Use phrases where possible; include campaign website address, if applicable.

Present Occupation: Director of Development, American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan.
Education: BA, Western Michigan University.
Background & Experience: Four-term Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 1999 - present. Currently serving as commission liaison to the Economic Development Council, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Audit Committee, and Convention & Visitors Bureau. Member of Rotary Club of Kalamazoo, Irish-American Club of Kalamazoo, several community boards and committees. Former Vine Neighborhood Association Executive Director.

Website: www.seanamccann.com
Blog: www.seanamccann.blogspot.com
Email: mccanns@kalamazoocity.org
Phone: (269) 349-0654

Irish Fest

Today is day two of Kalamazoo's Irish Fest, put on by the Irish-American Club of Kalamazoo. It's a great stop to include in your busy day. For more information, go to www.kalamazooirish.org

Affordable Housing--Right Now!

Just about every year I manage to take a few minutes to stand in awe and watch the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat For Humanity "Fast-Built House" underway. Essentially, an entirely new home is built within 26 hours - from foundation slab to house with landscaping - in a symphony of logistics among local builders and trades who come together to complete the project. This year's FBH is actually just a block outside the city on Filimore, but the second photo of a yellow house with a gray house in the background are two more HFH homes on Phelps inside the city.

Endings and Beginnings

Today I attended the funeral of Jasmine Bloodworth, the young woman who recently suffered an untimely death in our city. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church was packed and it was an intense service. I left with conviction that our community will work harder than ever to stop the violence. It was too soon an ending to a young life.

So it seems a bit serendipitous that this same day saw the grand opening of the new Program and Training Center for the Girl Scouts of Glowing Embers Council. Girl Scouting is one of the many activities that young women of all backgrounds can participate in to put their lives on a better track. This fantastic gift to the community, located in the city, will postively affect the lives of many young women well into the future.

The weekend...

This Saturday was the Downtown Kalamazoo Historic Homes Tour - a great showcase of alternatives to suburban living. My friend Martha Cohen invited me to help at the home of Jeff Weisman and Mary Wassink, a converted industrial building on W. Kalamazoo Avenue. I'm holding a photo that's hard to read - it says "you are here" and points to the building as it looked in the late 1800's.

Sunday included a nice open house at Lakeside For Children on Oakland Drive. Good things are happening here at a place that has helped children for decades. More about them at www.lakesidetlc.org

United Way Campaign Kick-Off

Today was the kick-off for the 2007 Greater Kalamazoo United Way campaign. Kalamazoo is a very generous community. Last year, residents gave over $10 million to the GKUW, which in turn distributes those funds to a variety of local agencies that help people in need. The picture tells the story--one community, one goal. For more information, go to www.kalamazoounitedway.org.

WMU and KPS

This morning started out with a talk by new Western Michigan University President Dunn. He spoke with a number of alumni about his priorities for WMU and his substantial concern about how the Governor and some in the legislature are considering changing the funding formula for higher education institutions to WMU's detriment.

The day wrapped up with a beautiful salute to Dr. Janice Brown, outgoing Superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, by the Kalamazoo Junior Girls Organization. As most people know, 'it's all about The Promise,' and Dr. Brown has left a fantastic legacy for our community.

Historic Hike

Lynn Hougton, local historian extraodinaire, offers "Historic Hikes" around Kalamazoo's neighborhoods with support from Gazelle Sports, the Gilmore Foundation and the Kalamazoo County Historical Society. I went along on Lynn's downtown walk today and here we are in Bronson Park with the Ianelli Fountain in the background. Lynn is a fountain of knowledge as well and has quite a following for these healthy and informative walks. They are great ways to learn a lot about Kalamazoo's wonderful neighborhoods.

School's back in session

I always enjoy the opportunity to be a "Celebrity Greeter" for the Kalamazoo Public Schools first day back. Tuesday morning I mixed with kids and parents all full of energy and excitment that the start of the new school year brings. Pictured are two of my favorite Winchell students Claire and Joseph Domanick. Claire always likes to say "If were old enough to vote, I'd vote for Sean McCann."

Time to walk!

Labor Day is just about finished and let the campaigning begin! I'm out walking in our neighborhoods meeting voters. I hope my shoes will last, but if not, I'll be at Gazelle Sports before November 6th.

If you'd like to join us in voter outreach, just drop me an email. If it's for health, activism, meeting people or just being outdoors, we'd love to have you along.

Strong, diverse neighborhoods key to safe city

The following is an excerpt from Sean's viewpoint in today's Kalamazoo Gazette:

All our streets must be safe, and part of ensuring that lies in keeping the roots of our community strong. Empowering citizens and neighborhoods to engage in these matters is critical to securing both our economic and social futures. This is a fundamental way to begin addressing some of the illnesses at the cause. There's no quick and easy cure, but there certainly is a need to bring all our resources to the table. One broken window in a building quickly becomes many if left unattended.

Safe, inclusive and successful communities are created from the bottom up, not the top down. That was Jane Jacobs' message more than 40 years ago, and it is no less true today. Diversity sparks creativity, the seed from which all great social and economic enterprises grow. Investing resources in strengthening our neighborhoods and empowering our residents is never wasted.

To read the whole article, go to:
McCann_VP_KG_083107

Friends of Woods Lake

Friends of Woods Lake (FOWL) have been working on improving Kalamazoo's only public beach for the past two (or more?) years. The park is in the southern part of the Winchell Neighborhood.

On Sunday, Sean presented the Volunteer Appreciation Award to Chris Bartley (second from left), who talked about the work which had been accomplished and plans for future improvements. One of FOWL's major accomplishments is the removal of invasive plant species. Volunteers replace these with native plants.

Pictured, left to right, are Ruth Olmsted, Bartley, Gary Wager, Frank Wolf, and Sean McCann.

Rats! We lost the Cup ...

Alas, in the second year of the Celery Cup Soccer Shoot-out between the Kalamazoo City Commission and the Portage City Council, the Cup (with real celery) went to Portage this year.

I also lost the "MVP status" (ha ha) I gained last year by giving up two goals in net and, even worse, missing my own shot. (For you soccer experts out there, yes, my form for shooting may look incorrect--I was using a pass shot for accuracy rather than a strike. So much for accuracy.)
[PHOTO: MARTIN C. BURCH]

Fierce Storm Hits Kalamazoo

(VINE NEIGHBORHOOD)
A massive burr oak fell during the storm on Thursday, barely missing the houses that border Pioneer Park on Westnedge Ave. In the background, one resident can be seen putting his flag back up after first round of wind and rain.

Kalamazoo County residents had more power outages than anywhere else in West Michigan, with 35,000 homes without electricity at this writing.

Thanking, grieving and listening...

After a five-hour City Commission meeting last night, today included stops to appreciate long-serving City employees; attend the funeral service for a soldier killed in Afghanistan; and taking in a very-well attended meeting of Westwood residents concerned about public safety.

Every year we get the privilege of participating in the ceremony that recognizes the fantastic employees of the City of Kalamazoo who are out there working hard every day. Milestones were acknowledged as well - with employees having as many as 35 years of service. The range of jobs that are done by city workers is amazing.

The service this afternoon for Cpl. Jordan Goode, killed in Afghanistan, was a sad one. A young person's life cut short by war. Going to only one of these is more than enough for me. It's very hard to know that many go on around the country continually. May he rest in peace.

The evening wrapped up listening to Westwood neighbors concerned about their safety and looking to the city to help them as they become more organized to deal with potential threats to their quality of life. It's amazing how an effective email can bring out so many similarly-minded residents. The meeting was a good step towards addressing neighborhood concerns, and the city clearly needs to do more to support thier efforts.

A brief hiatus

Apologies for the lack of updates the past few days. I spent my weekend looking after my father who is recovering from some surgery. More soon!

National Night Out--plus the Dunk Tank

Baseball Camp

Today I was privileged to be a guest at the commencement picnic of Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation Baseball Camp, which ran for the past four days at Mayor's Riverfront Park and operated in partnership with the City of Kalamazoo's Parks and Recreation Department. Photos are (1) under the tent with all the baseball campers and their parents, and, (2) the motivational speaker, Kevin Carroll, author of the book "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" - he gave an excellent talk with a great message for the many youth present.

Give Blood, Save Lives!

Today I donated my 24th pint of blood - three gallons! I started giving blood regularly after I began working at the American Red Cross. Quick facts: blood supply can only be created through donations - science can't reproduce it; if every blood donor who gave once a year gave twice a year, there would never be any shortages; products derived from a pint of blood can save up to three lives.

National Night Out

National Night Out is always a fun, encouraging (and hot!) night. Many of Kalamazoo's neighborhoods host parties for residents working on proactive crime prevention. Here's a crowd from Milwood, one of our City's best organized watch groups.

Art Hops and Whiskey Before Breakfast

Art Hops used to be well-kept secrets, but once it got out how fun they are, they have become one of Kalamazoo's great success stories. They often feature art, entertainment and food - here's my favorite local band, Whiskey Before Breakfast, playing an outdoor venue. Art Hops have been a big factor in downtown's revitalization and are great opportunities to see neighbors and friends.

McCann to Video-blog from Neighborhoods

McCann Announces Fifth Run

A Mixed Day...

Today was one of those mixed days, with good things and sad things happening.

It started with "Bagels & Books," a Kalamazoo Communities in Schools / Kalamazoo Public Schools event where community volunteers come in to a school to read to kids for an hour. There were lots of our community's leaders participating and demonstrating the importance of being involved in the lives of our kids. Alas, I forgot my camera.

Late the prior evening, a large fire burned out approximately 38 residents at the Ravine Apartments. No one was hurt, and my employer, the American Red Cross, is responding admirably. This is a terrible disaster for those it affects, but it is heartening to see the Red Cross and community response to helping people out in the aftermath.

Also today was the funeral service for the daughter of one of our Public Safety officers - a terrible loss of a young child. However, the support of the officer's colleagues on the department was immensely uplifting and the service was beautiful.

FOHEC Hosts New WMU President

Friday afternoon, the Friends of Historic East Campus (FOHEC) hosted a reception for new WMU President John Dunn and his wife, Linda. FOHEC is a fantastic group of dedicated people who want to see the original buildings of WMU's East Campus restored for adaptive reuse. For more information, visit www.wmich.edu/foec/.

(Photo by Sean McCann)

Korean War Service

There was a commemorative memorial service for the Korean War in Bronson Park today. Dozens of veterans and other interested people attended to remember those fallen. My uncle Gerard (Jerry) Marquis served in the Korean War and has a brick in his honor at the Veterans Memoral Park at E. Michigan and King's Highway.

Block Party at Kings Game

Today, the community-wide Block Parties culminated at a Kalamazoo King's baseball game. Pictured here are Louie and Lulu (Kings mascots), Michael Seals (A. Philip Randolph Institute), me, King's owner Bill Wright, Vice-Mayor Hopewell, and Commissioner Juarez.

Speaking to WMU students

Commissioner David Anderson and I spoke to students in Dr. Susan Hoffmann's Urban Politics class at Western Michigan University. We discussed the ins and outs of serving on the city commission.
Startling fact: Among those students present, almost none get their news from newspapers.

A new hispanic/english magazine has launched. You can check it out at www.enterarmagazine.com.

Must-See Movie

I viewed Michael Moore's movie "Sicko" the other day. I strongly encourage people to see it.

Do-Dah Parade 2007

Sean McCann and his Tin Can Telephone Operators, Saturday, June 2nd (Photo courtesy of Creed Stegall)

A Nickname No One Wants

by Sean McCann

Over the years, Kalamazoo has had several nicknames—the Burr Oak City, the Celery City, and the Debt-Free City, to name a few. By the 1930’s, the area was home to over fifteen paper mills, and Kalamazoo was dubbed the Paper City.

Around this time, the Swann Chemical Company began commercial production of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. In 1935, the Monsanto Industrial Chemical Company purchased Swann and continued PCB production until 1977. They were used in production of power transformers, capacitors, heat transfer systems, hydraulic fluids, pigments, adhesives, liquid-cooled electric motors, fluorescent lights, plasticizers, and in de-inking carbonless copy paper.

It is this last use that now concerns us in Kalamazoo. Even decades before their ban, some knew that PCBs posed serious health risks with even minimal exposure. Others saw the tremendous commercial potential, hailing polychlorinated biphenyls as a break-though substance. According to legend, one Monsanto engineer declared PCB’s to be “as perfect as any industrial chemical can be.” Unfortunately, the very attributes for which mid-twentieth century industrialists valued polychlorinated biphenyls are the same that now pose a threat to us and the environment—high resistance to thermal and chemical breakdown.

Certainly, it is past time to begin river cleanup efforts and re-routing the river to dry-dredge the contaminated soil is currently the best option. Biological solutions—such as bacteria that eat PCBs—are at least a good ten years away from viable use. As of this writing, one key question about the plan that remains unanswered is this: If the proposal to dump sediment in the middle of three residential neighborhoods is merely phase one—approximately two percent of the total known contaminated sediment— where is the remaining sediment going to end up? In other words, if another Superfund containment site will eventually be needed, should it not be built now, closer to the contaminated area in Allegan County to minimize risks in transporting the toxins?

The EPA also seems uncomfortable answering this question: When is the eventual clean-up of the existing toxins going to occur at the Alcott/Cork site since it is ostensibly supposed to have been a temporary location? We should all be wary of Orwellian replies like, “We have to call it ‘temporary’ because it hasn’t been classified as ‘permanent’ yet.” It is also yet unclear what effects this plan will have on our municipal water system.

The EPA has insisted bringing the additional toxins into the community “poses no risk.” Perhaps. Let’s remember, though, in 1933, workers at the PCB manufacturing plant exhibited acne-like pustules, with some registering a loss of appetite, energy, and libido, as well as other skin ailments. Then, in 1936, scientists issued a report attributing the workers’ disease to “poor handling techniques” and the workers’ “natural laziness.”

Those in a position to profit from polychlorinated biphenyls and the products in which they were used, when faced with the choice of people and positive returns, far too often in the past opted for the latter. General Electric was not insensitive to the workers’ pain and disfigurement in 1937, and many executives at first concluded they had to “get rid of it—get it out of the plant.” This decision—easily said, not so easily done—would have forced the Wireworks to essentially close up shop. Ultimately, despite their personal ethics, the GE executives decided to continue using PCBs, understanding that doing so would mean problems would continue as well.

When the EPA first announced its intentions to truck and dump PCB contaminated soil from Plainwell in the middle of the City of Kalamazoo, there was no indication that the plan was anything other than a done deal.

The degree of organizing and outcry from our community thus far has been nothing short of amazing. Never before has a single issue galvanized all sectors of the community to fight what is so clearly a bad idea.

Now, in the face of mounting pressure, public backlash and some questions asked by high-level political officials, the EPA says they will conduct further “public dialogue” and communication about their plans. Yet they continue to stick to their talking points and give no sign of any serious reconsideration of their intentions. To date, none of the rationales the EPA has given for the plan can truly justify it. It continues to appear that they wish to truck the poison here because to save money for the potentially responsible parties, not because they should.

We must not let this happen. Kalamazoo will not accept the nickname “The Toxic City.”

McCann quoted in MSNBC (WOOD-TV) article

"You need to stand between them from now until we end this fight," said commissioner Sean McCann to cheers, "and keep this out of our community."

To read the whole article, go to:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17919805/

Sean's comments at the Monday afternoon rally

2007 State of City Comments

Thank you Mayor McKinney, and I want to say how much I appreciate this opportunity from the Mayor to make an “officially sanctioned campaign speech” in February. I’ll try to be brief, but, as is commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson in writing a letter to John Adams: “I apologize to you for the lengthiness of this letter; but I had no time for shortening it.”

But sincerely, it’s good that we take this time mid-term to reflect on where we’ve been, and think about where we’re going as a city. It’s a good chance to talk about some of our accomplishments, our immediate challenges, and our goals and vision for the short and long-term future.

So, briefly, I’d like to touch on the following:
• Where we’ve come since November 2005,
• The City’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program,
• What priorities the City should continue to promote,
• And, lastly, to talk a little about the future of our city.

2006 was the best budget process in my memory. I remember the 2005 elections and how some talked about how bleak the financial future of the City would be. But with the potential The Promise brings, as well as the hiring of Manager Collard who found a better way to do things, and the commission and staff support of that excellent effort, things took a positive turn. Though we will no doubt have financial challenges ahead, indeed, some not foreseen by the Five-Year fiscal plan, I think we will do OK, and continue to keep the city running effectively.

As well, let me just say how privileged I am to work with a great group of commissioners and appointees. We are lucky for the wonderful, dedicated city staff we have, (especially those who make it to our 7:30 Friday morning meetings)

On the topic of Brownfield Redevelopment, I see this activity much as an analogy to our own core-urban city. Using innovation, creativity and incentives, we clean, rebuild and strengthen ourselves – by reclaiming polluted sites, renovating and building anew, and thereby bringing jobs and a strengthened tax base to our city.

As I sat in the new downtown restaurant in the recently renovated United Building Saturday night with out-of-town guests, I talked with them about all of what was around us now compared to just ten years ago – the brownfields with new activity, the places to gather and live, the things to do that once were just ideas. It was amazing for all of us to see the amount of innovation and growth that Kalamazoo has realized.

The most notable recent accomplishments of the program include the 2006 completion of the new Parking Ramp at the corner of Portage and South Streets that can accommodate 220 parking spaces for the downtown area. And we know that this ramp is adjacent to the Rave Downtown Cinema a $30 million brownfield project that opened this fall.

Kalamazoo’s program has caused us to be seen as leaders in this endeavor and we can point to many great successes. We must continue and strengthen our efforts here.

Looking to the future, the City will continue development of the Davis Creek Business Park, clearing and visioning a future for the former Performance Paper site, continuing to push for riverfront mixed-use development along the former KTS site, and plan for the redevelopment of the former District Court/Public Safety site at Lovell and Rose

Our neighborhoods must be strong and healthy, now more than ever because of The Promise. Some of our neighborhoods will continue to need innovative thinking and resources devoted to them. We must strive to uphold a consistent standard of what is acceptable in our community, and we cannot accept as unchangeable that some Kalamazoo neighborhoods will always be challenged.

This very same sentiment applies to our citizens, from our most well off to those who are the most poor and vulnerable. I suggest this is a near-universal sentiment: that which to do to the least of us, we do to ourselves. In a time when compassion spoken does not always translate into action, it often falls to those of us closest to the challenge to do something about it, even though adequate resources may not be provided. We must continue to look for ways to create parity in the quality of life for the entire community. The Promise, as great as it is, will not benefit the child who drops out of school. We must address injustices at their root, not just their symptoms.

Two examples of this came to mind when a friend reminded me the other day that (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) spoke about how the “arc of justice” is long. I take solace in this truth when I recall my opposition to the two “Proposal Twos” – one of 2004 (same sex benefits) and one of 2006 (anti-affirmative action). Both proposals will represent steps backward in our society. But they are injustices and I will continue to spend my life working to overcome them. Someday, people will look back upon these as actions that did not help us move forward towards (as Pastor Felton often says) a Community of One.

I think the most important question to ask ourselves at this juncture in time is - what will our city look like in five to ten years? We’re using a Five-year Fiscal Plan, but I believe we also need a Five-year Future Plan. One that asks: Where can we go in 5 years? What do we want The Promise Community look like by then? Now that we may become a community of choice, what is the next level? What is “a role-model community” in respects besides education?

This visioning may be done with the knowledge and reality that many federal, state and local issues are out of our control. Federal resources continue to be mis-allocated. As well, we are starting to understand that health care costs are at the root of many of our other problems. I am hopeful that our country, state and local communities may undertake a national dialogue about the need for universal health care.

I’ve mentioned looking back and looking forward quite a bit because I’ve been privileged to serve seven-plus years now on the Commission. I like to say to people that because I can now be considered a long-time incumbent that if there are still any problems, then I can be blamed.

But, in all seriousness, I think that we as a community do an excellent job of putting our problems, mistakes and disagreements behind us quickly and move our focus back to where it belongs – moving Kalamazoo forward and working to be a successful, growing, and thriving community, with better quality of life for everyone.

As a personal experience, and from what I know from the many people who I call friends here in our community, we have a great community. And we are poised to go farther. Much farther, particularly with the help of The Kalamazoo Promise. We must continue to support The Promise any way we can.

I hope we’ll continue to engage in bold thinking and action about how we keep our community moving forward - and I’m proud and honored to be a part of it with all of the rest of us who desire the same thing.

Thank you.

Kalamazoo’s Downtown—How Far We’ve Come

by Sean McCann

Saturday night of New Year’s weekend started out no different than any other Saturday in Kalamazoo, but it ended up teaching me a very good lesson.

Some friends and I had made plans for dinner out followed by a movie downtown at the new Rave Theatre. We were to have dinner at 7:00 and then see the 8:30 showing of The Good Shepherd, which was released over a week before. We were running a few minutes late for dinner, but the newly expanded Martini’s was only a couple blocks away. Oops. When we got to Martini’s it was jam-packed, with people waiting. No way we would have time to eat and make it to the movie on time.

We went to “Plan B” and found a slightly less-crowded restaurant nearby. We managed to get through dinner with 10 minutes to spare before the show started, and we knew the theatre was close by. Hustling into the theatre during the previews, we found, to our surprise, a packed auditorium, compelling us to sit together in the second row. After the show I saw people I knew who remarked how nice it was to have the new theatre.

Later on, I reflected on my lesson learned. As a long-time patron of downtown, I have seen interest in what’s going on building slowly and steadily. Now, I suddenly realized, it’s getting very busy downtown. This is the wildest dream come true of a great many people.

In thinking about how far we’ve come downtown in just the past 10 years – I call it “remember when?” – I joke with anyone I meet who hasn’t been on an Art Hop yet that they were once well-kept secrets. Art Hops, which used to be nice, quiet affairs, are now practically automatic events on my calendar and the calendars of hundreds of others (thousands over the course of a year).

I also remark lately how much I love seeing the big crane downtown that is helping construct the new building by the Greenleaf Cos. for the Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone law firm. It is a symbol that downtown continues to have great forward momentum and is developing at a strong clip. But even the many smaller projects are critical – Martini’s being packed is a great example, as well.

Nothing exemplifies downtown’s progress more for me than when I show what’s new to Kalamazoo visitors, particularly those who haven’t been here in several years. The list is long: the Plazacorp redevelopments on the northeast of downtown, the renovations by Jon Stryker on the southeast, new entertainment venues by Ryan Reedy – including the soon-to-open Wild Bull; the City of Kalamazoo’s new Transit Center; the downtown mall and all its unique stores; the fantastic restaurants; the many renovated building facades; the museum and the library; helpful wayfinding signs; the Radisson renovations; the many lofts and housing opportunities; the Arcadia Festival Site; the State Theatre; the Civic Theatre; the Rave Theatre; and so much more.

I think the Rave Theatre bears special mention. How many other midsize urban cities have a brand-new, 14-screen multiplex movie theatre in their downtown? I continue to hear amazement from people who are unaware of it when I tell them about this downtown gem. When I take people there or ask those who have gone, the feedback is extremely positive. The Rave Theatre is such a tremendous accomplishment and asset to our downtown. I suspect it will, in hindsight, represent the point in time when Kalamazoo’s downtown took off and never looked back.

It also means that, from now on, I need to factor in a little more time when I want to take friends to dinner and a movie – downtown!

(City Commissioner Sean McCann lives in the historic Vine Neighborhood in Kalamazoo. A version of this artical was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette as a Viewpoint in January 2007.)