A Note From Michele: My Vote on City-hood

When I launched my campaign for City Council, I did so with the fundamental belief that the City of Mulberry’s future was bright. Whether you voted for or against the charter for city-hood, we are now all neighbors in this new city and should come together to shape its future. Like most in our city, I was not involved in the legal efforts to form the city or stop the city from being formed - efforts that have caused many to harbor resentment. Not being a party to any of these efforts I felt that I was uniquely qualified as someone who voted no to represent the 53% of my district that voted against city-hood, but also as someone who shares many of the same values to represent the 46% who voted for city-hood. I’ve made it a point of this campaign to meet and engage with residents from both sides for this very reason. To ensure that they knew if I were to be elected to the city council, they could trust that I have the best interest of our city in mind - not any single movement.

I’m for smart growth. I’m frustrated by the daily traffic issues that we all face as a result of out-of-control growth and the lack of consideration for infrastructure and proper planning. As a prosecutor, I’m aware of how lack of proper zoning and planning can attract criminal elements and enterprises that make our communities less safe and less attractive to live in.

If my vision for Mulberry doesn’t align with yours and you feel another candidate better represents your views, I respect your decision. But if we do share the same vision and your concern is about my vote on cityhood, a vote I made to ensure that all voices were considered and that enough time was given for residents to process changes that will shape our future for generations, I invite you to have a conversation with me and take a second look at my plans.

If we begin building Mulberry’s future based on past divisions, I guarantee you those divisions will be cemented for years to come and will only hold us back from achieving the full promise of our new hometown.