A Look at the Saline Mayoral Race

The Saline Mayoral Race is winding down, and the winner will be elected on November 6.  Brian Marl and Glenn Law are in the running to replace Gretchen Driskell, who is running for State Representative in the 52nd District.

Residents can meet the candidates during an election forum on Oct., 22 at Liberty School. The event is hosted by Saline Coalition for a Quality Community.

Liberty School is located at 7265 N. Ann Arbor St. in Saline

Here’s a look at the two candidates in the running.  

Brian Marl

Web site:  http://brianmarl.com   

A lifelong resident of Saline, the candidate is presently serving his second term on the Saline City Council. Marl was the first candidate to officially file a nominating petition for Mayor in June. In addition, Marl is active on numerous boards and organizations in the community.

Experience:

- Vice President, Saline Area Schools Historic Preservation Foundation
- Instructor, Weber-Blaess School
- Member, Board of Directors for Evangelical Homes of Michigan
- Member, Saline Area Senior Center Executive Board
- Congregational President, St. Paul United Church of Christ in Saline
- Chair, Oakwood Cemetery Task Force
- Chair, Parish-Staff Relations Committee at St. Paul United Church of Christ
- Secretary, Michigan Municipal League Region 1
- Member, Recreation Center Task Force
- Member, Saline Historic Downtown Alliance Organizational Team
- Member, Planning Commission
- Member, City Special Projects Commission
- Mayor Pro-Tem (former)
- Chair, Saline Zoning Board of Appeals (former)
- Member, Local Development Finance Authority (former)
- Member, Tax Increment Finance Authority (former)
- Member, Economic Development Commission (former)
- Member, Cultural Arts Recreation Enrichment & Seniors Advisory Board (former)
- Member, Historic District Commission (former)
- Member, Fire Board (former)
- Graduate, Saline Leadership Institute

-Marl also served on Search Task Force, which was charged with hiring current Chief of Police Larry Hrinik. 

Issues:

Openness, Accessibility, and Communication: Marl said he values community input and takes resident opinions and concerns into consideration with every decision he makes. Marl says his door is always open to residents who have questions or concerns.

Support for Public Safety: Marl said he places high value on public safety, and said he is committed to, “maintaining a strong and independent police force.” Marl, who serves as an alternate on the Saline Fire Board, said he is dedicated to providing the tools necessary for firefighters to do their job, while remaining fiscally prudent.

Responsible Financial Stewardship: According to Marl, “Decision makers at all levels of government should do whatever possible to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and responsibly.” Marl said he believes in supporting services citizens most value, while keeping a “healthy fund balance” to protect against any future funding reductions.

Economic Development: Marl said he believes in fostering a strong economic development, and if elected would seek new businesses while nurturing relationships with key business groups in the area. Marl said he is also committed to new ideas to reward an encourage local business, and offer incentives to new business.

“Only by thinking carefully about economic development and its role in our community will Saline be able to continue to grow and thrive for years to come,” said Marl.

Investment in Infrastructural Systems: Marl said a well maintained infrastructure is key to the success of Saline. He said it is important for Saline to develop, “a responsible, forward-looking plan for consistent maintenance and improvements of our transportation infrastructure.” Marl said he is committed to increase connectivity of non-motorized walkways and paths, and also places importance on water and sewer facilities. The candidate previously worked with the Saline City Council to hire an outside consultant to study pollution control systems and identify methods and cost efficiency of the treatment of contaminated water.

Upcoming Events:

Fall Family Fun

Saturday, Oct., 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Mill Pond Park in Saline

Hosted by Marl, the event will feature free events like face painting, bounce house and refreshments.

Glenn Law

Web site: www.lawformayor.com

Law has lived in Saline for twelve years, and joined the Mayoral Race in July. Law served on Saline City Council for eight years before resigning to take a teaching job in Menominee, MI. Law has also served on several committees while living in Saline.

Experience:

- Served on the Saline City Council for eight years.

-Mayor pro tem in 2007

-Served on Planning Commission from 2005-2011

-Served on Parks and Recreation Commission from 2004-2005

-Youth Council 2011

-Celtic Festival Committee 2011

-Special Projects Commission 2005-2011

-Served on Zoning Board of Appeals 2005-2011

-Initiate Saline Wintefest in 2011

-Active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Saline. Served as congregation president and member of stewardship board at the church.

-Worked in radio for 16 years before becoming a preschool teacher.

Issues:

Financially stable: Law believes it’s important for the city to remain strong fiscally by preserving the General fund and capping spending.

Personal property tax: Law believes the elimination of personal property tax without an alternative replacement places a heavy strain on the city’s financial base. Law said if elected he would lobby legislators in Lansing to benefit Michigan citizens and  municipalities. Law said, “I am in favor of giving businesses the ability to grow and compete without additional taxation, but not without ensuring that cities and towns also thrive and survive.”

Police and Fire: Law said he is a strong supporter of police and fire services, and will continue to support effective and professional departments.

Strong and viable business community: Law said he will work to support all businesses throughout the community, not just businesses in the downtown area. Law said he would work to utilize resources like the city Web site, newsletters and the local cable channel.

Stay tuned to Patch for upcoming interviews with the candidates