Plymouth Gears Up for City Commission Election with Seven Candidates
Plymouth, a vibrant suburb with a strong sense of community, is preparing for an exciting election day on November 7. This year, there are seven dynamic candidates competing for four coveted seats on the City Commission. Each candidate is vying for a four-year term, and the enthusiasm they bring could shape the future of Plymouth. Let’s meet the contenders and explore their visions for our wonderful city!
Meet the Candidates
First up, we have Catherine Coburn, a 51-year-old resident who has passionately served her community through numerous volunteering opportunities. With a rich background in the hospitality industry, she has also coached youth sports and organized community gardens. Coburn believes in preserving the family-friendly atmosphere of Plymouth and enhancing its unique charm. You can reach her at CatForCommish@proton.me.
Suzi Deal, an incumbent and longtime resident of Plymouth, has been actively involved in civic activities for 35 years. With over eight years of experience on the city commission, Deal emphasizes the importance of community connectivity and wants to continue supporting Plymouth’s historical essence while encouraging growth. Contact her at sdeal@plymouthmi.gov.
Linda Filipczak, 63, is another incumbent candidate and a dedicated healthcare professional. With degrees in nursing and business administration, she has served on the City Commission since 2021 and wants to enhance the city’s historical aspects while implementing changes for improvement. You can reach her via email for more information on her campaign.
Next is Brock Minton, 31, who is new to Plymouth but deeply values community involvement. With a background in materials science and engineering, he’s passionate about fostering a welcoming environment for all residents. Through organizations like the Plymouth Democratic Club, Minton aims to bring his collaborative spirit to the commission. He can be reached at Minton4Plymouth@gmail.com.
Kelly O’Donnell, another incumbent, has been serving the city for several years. As a marketing consultant and a passionate advocate for maintaining Plymouth’s character, O’Donnell is particularly focused on parks and recreation. She believes that creative solutions can help Plymouth thrive even amid challenges. Reach her at odonnellkelly@yahoo.com.
Ron Picard, who moved to Plymouth in 2010, has demonstrated his commitment through volunteer efforts in youth sports and church activities. With a background in computer engineering, Picard aims to enhance community support while tackling local issues. He welcomes communication via email at voteronpicard@proton.me.
Finally, we have Joshua Rimatzki, the youngest candidate at 26, who is eager to give back to the community. His experience in corporate development positions him to address challenges like rising infrastructure costs while maintaining a strong focus on public safety and community values. You can connect with him at jrimatzki@gmail.com.
Key Issues and Perspectives
As the election approaches, the candidates focus on various vital issues affecting Plymouth. A common topic is the city’s parks and recreation system, which many agree requires immediate attention and funding. A parks and recreation millage is on the ballot, which aims to improve local parks and activities. Candidates like Kelly O’Donnell and Brock Minton endorse this proposal, recognizing its potential to create diverse recreational opportunities.
Another hot topic is the future of outdoor dining and parking regulations in downtown Plymouth. Many candidates, including Catherine Coburn and Linda Filipczak, express concerns about changes that could deter visitors. They emphasize the need for solutions that maintain the city’s charm while facilitating accessibility and community engagement.
Moreover, the discussion surrounding marijuana dispensaries has sparked various opinions. While Catherine Coburn firmly opposes their presence in the city, others like Ron Picard advocate for informed discussion around the regulations surrounding them, focusing on their impacts on the community.
Wrapping Up
The upcoming election promises to be an exciting time for Plymouth as these seven candidates bring their unique backgrounds, visions, and community commitment to the table. Each candidate offers different perspectives on how to enhance the city’s charm while addressing pressing issues. Mark your calendar for November 7 and take the time to support your community by voting!
