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.