Paul Grondin St. Ignace voters will go to the polls Tuesday, February 28, to elect a mayor from among seven candidates, Susan Tamlyn-Massaway, John Becker, Dean Baker, William LaLonde, Steve DuFresne, Patrick Rickley, and Paul Grondin. It will be the first time in 22 years the title will belong to someone other than Bruce Dodson, who stepped down this past fall.

The St. Ignace News, in cooperation with the candidates, asked the candidates to provide readers with some biographical information and to share their feelings about several issues they feel are important to St. Ignace residents. Their responses, in their own words, are printed here.

Susan Tamlyn-Massaway, 48, is a part-time coordinator for the Mackinac County Health Access Coalition Development and is copublisher of AWoman’s Perspective magazine. She has a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University.

Mrs. Tamlyn-Massaway is a member of the St. Ignace City Council, the St. Ignace Planning Commission, and the St. Ignace Kiwanis Club. She is treasurer of the St. Ignace Area Community Foundation, board secretary for Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and serves on the board of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

Dean Baker She and her husband, Daryl, have four daughters, Angela, Melisa, Jenny, and Jessica.

John “Zeke” Becker, 42, a 1982 graduate of LaSalle High School, is a maintenance employee with the First National Bank of St. Ignace. He has five brothers, Terry, Tim, Greg, Kevin, and Brian, and said he has been an active community volunteer and regularly attended city council meetings a few years ago.

Dean Baker, 64, a 1960 graduate of Byron Center High School, is a retired construction worker and carpenter, earning an associate’s degree in architectural drafting and design from North Central Community College in Petoskey in 1993. Mr. Baker moved to St. Ignace from Byron Center in 1984. He retired in 2003 owing to arthritis.

Mr. Baker is a member of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and is a former member of the St. Ignace City Council, serving from 1989 to 1993.

Steve DuFresne He has a wife, Gwen, a daughter, Jacquelyn Baker, a stepdaughter, Bridgett Pfeiffelmann-Anzlon, and a stepson, Karlton Pfeiffelmann.

William “Willie” LaLonde, 43, a 1981 graduate of LaSalle, is a Mackinac County deputy sheriff. He has been on the St. Ignace City Counci for six years and is a 19year veteran volunteer firefighter with St. Ignace Fire Department. Mr. LaLonde is also a member of the Lions Club and volunteers as a coach for youth softball, baseball, and soccer.

Mr. LaLonde and his wife, Donna, have three daughters, Kayley, Mallory, and Lydia.

Steve “Frenchy” DuFresne, 41, is originally from Fenton and was graduated from Fenton High School in 1982. Mr. DuFresne is a barber at the St. Ignace Barber Shop. He has a wife, Barbara, and two daughters, Carlie Levi, and Margaret.

Mr. DuFresne’s civic involvements include being vice president for Mackinac County Off-Road Vehicle Association, he is a master mason, and he is a member of the Straits Area Sportsmen’s Club. Mr. DuFresne also volunteered to develop and constructed a free disc golf course at Silver Mountain.

William LaLonde Patrick Rickley, 42, is a 1981 graduate of LaSalle High School and served in the United States Army for four years. While in the military, he completed the Primary Noncommissioned Officers Course and the Primary Leadership Development Course. He was honorably discharged as an E-5 sergeant.

He is a bridge safety officer (toll collector) for the Mackinac Bridge Authority.

Mr. Rickley is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He said he enjoys attending many local events and is always willing to volunteer his help when it is needed.

He has a daughter, Erica Marie Rickley, a son, Trevor Matson, and a dog named Sampson.

Paul Grondin, 49, a 1974 graduate of Battle Creek Pennfield High School, is a 17-year employee of the Michigan Department of Corrections as a sergeant on the day shift at Kinross Correctional Facility. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Kellogg Community College in 1976, and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, with a minor in political science, from Western Michigan University in 1981.

John Becker Mr. Grondin has been a city council member since 2002. He serves on the city’s Recreation Advisory Committee, Golf Course Committee, and the St. Ignace Library Board.

He has served on the St. Ignace Area Schools Board of Education from 1993 to 2001, with four of those eight years as board president. He is also a member of Relay for Life and the St. Ignace Lions Club.

Why are you running for mayor of St. Ignace?

JOHN BECKER: I was always interested in running as mayor of St. Ignace and how the mayor and council decide on things. I am running to help the people of St. Ignace. I am interested in deciding things to help the tourist economy of St. Ignace.

DEAN BAKER: I enjoyed my tenure on city council back in the early 1990s and have wanted to get back involved again. I had considered running for mayor several years ago but could not define my reasons well enough to feel comfortable with it; also, I didn’t have the time that I felt the position deserved if I should win. Being retired, it gives me that time.

Susan Tamlyn-Massaway I have talked to many people in town over the past few years and especially in the last two weeks going door to door. I tried to listen to their feelings and concerns and I have come to the conclusion that many people feel a huge disconnection from their local government.

I love clichés, and one of my favorites is, “You can please some of the people all the time, and all the people some of the time, but you can’t please all the people all the time.”

If elected, I will try and start a once-a-month or perhaps bimonthly open meeting in the council chambers. These meetings would be open to the public to come and discuss with me, and any public official who would like to attend, any concerns that they might have about the city.

I will try and encourage more people to run for council seats. I will try and encourage more people to attend council meetings and participate in the public comment time. I will maintain an e-mail address and I will be available by telephone at my home or through City Hall. We continually need new faces, ideas, and input.

Patrick Rickley WILLIE LaLONDE: I was raised in a family of public service to this great city and county. My great-grandfather, Charles Machia, was mayor of St. Ignace, my father, Norman, was a member of city council for more than 25 years, and my mother was an employee for Mackinac County Register of Deeds for more than 15 years, and the local draft board clerk for more than 13 years. So I have seen what a great pleasure it is to serve the public.

I have been a member of council for six years now, and I am ready to go to the next level. Even before I ran for council, my goal was to some day be the mayor of our city. I believe I am ready for that honor.

STEVE DuFRESNE: I am running because I think I can bring some new ideas to St. Ignace and to make sure its citizens are heard with better lines of communication between citizens and City Hall.

I believe the people should be the driving force behind city government. St. Ignace has a lot of potential and I feel that I am the person to bring the city together to reach it.

PAT RICKLEY: I am running for mayor because people said I should, even my daughter said I should be mayor. I received votes in the last election, and I didn’t even run.

I don’t know if St. Ignace has ever had a Native American as its mayor.

PAULGRONDIN: I am running for the position of mayor because we are at the start of a new beginning in city government here in St. Ignace. I am looking forward to working with our new city manager, Eric Dodson, to implement new ideas and to promote the city and surrounding area, in a positive manner.

We have had many positive improvements to our city in the past few years and I want to see this continue in the future. I believe the potential is here for more improvements to occur in the future. Currently, the boardwalk is going to be expanded to include access to the Chief’s Dock. Also, a new lighthouse, a navigational light for our marina, is going to be completed in 2006.

I believe it is important to have a person as mayor who has the ability to communicate with and listen to what people have to say. With my past experience on the school’s board of education, and my current experience on city council, I am the candidate who has the experience and qualifications to be a mayor who can represent and promote this city.

SUSAN TAMLYN-MASSAWAY: I enjoy being involved in my community and working for the citizens to make this a better city. As the mayor, I will be able to have a more hands-on approach with the different city committees (i.e. recreation, Downtown Development Authority, Harbor Authority, and Golf Course Committee, etc.). It will also allow me the opportunity to attend St. Ignace’s Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau meetings.

As mayor, I will be more visible to hear from the citizens. One of my professors taught us that running a city is a business and the citizens are your customers, and I believe in that concept. On a personal note, my family has owned businesses and worked in this city since the early 1900s and I feel a personal obligation to continue the growth of this city.

What are the major issues facing the city?

DEAN BAKER: There are four issues that come to mind right away, however, they are not intended to be all inclusive. Because I intend to address them in an open letter in this newspaper next week, I will just mention the first three; and the fourth, I would like to elaborate on briefly.

Number one, I believe, is our state’s economy and how it affects us. Second is our road repair and maintenance program, or, if you will, our lack of one. The third issue is Little Bear East Conference Center and Ice Arena program. I don’t presume to have answers here or in my open letter for these three issues, but by prioritizing and cooperation through our different civic organizations, city council, and the public at large, we can resolve these issues. I believe that is important that we hammer out some plans and set them in motion so we are not always reacting to crises after crises.

Voter turn-out is the fourth issue I am concerned with. We have a fairly good percentage of eligible voters turn out on federal and state issues but our local issues record is dismal. A 20 percent to 25 percent turn-out is about the norm. If elected, I pledge to you to do the very best I can, whether the turn-out is 20 percent or 80 percent, to listen and convey your ideas concerns to council for public discussion and debate.

I pledge to you to do the very best I can to hold our council and administrators accountable, as I hope they will do with me. However, think of the impact it would have on all our elected officials and administrators, if with a new city manager, a new mayor were elected with an 80 percent or 90 percent voter turn-out.

A democratic system is not a spectator sport. When you participate, you may not get what you would like, but by not participating, you definitely get what you ask for.

WILLIE LaLONDE: As a tourist area, I believe we have to find more family-oriented things to do, so families will want to stay here longer and make St. Ignace their destination. We also need to find more year-around employment, with good pay.

To a lesser degree, we still have to get our water and sewer departments on solid ground, and we are headed that way. By the end of May, we will be able to lower our water rates, as promised.

We also need some infrastructure improvements, such as some of our local streets, and some work also needs to be done to the City Hall building. We also have to think about a new Fire Hall, as we have outgrown our present location.

STEVE DuFRESNE: Major issues facing St. Ignace are a lack of economic growth, a lack of communication between people and city government, Little Bear is not being used to its full potential, and there is not enough for families to do here.

PAT RICKLEY: One issue I think is a priority is finding ways to keep the doors open to Little Bear, and address what potential it has to hold events and how to fund them.

PAUL GRONDIN: One of the major issues facing the city is our continuing effort to move our city government to a solid financial standing. In this area, we are very close to reaching this goal owing to recent budget adjustments, which council has implemented.

The water and sewer rate increases council passed in May 2005 will be addressed again in May of this year. I believe we are in a position for council to look at decreasing those rates to some degree. We need to continue to schedule and host events which bring tourists into our area and make use of our surrounding natural resources and city facilities, including Little Bear East and its fitness center.

Currently, I serve on a recreation sub-committee, working to bring more events to the Little Bear and to make this facility more accessible to the public. I also believe council should look at the opportunities of more light industrial businesses to our area for the job potential, namely year-around jobs.

SUSAN TAMLYN-MASSAWAY: We have the same issues facing us as many other cities; financial and economic development. We need to work toward obtaining year-around employment for our residents. We need to promote the history and culture of our town. I think the bike path, the lighthouse project, and the addition to the boardwalk are all good things being added to the city.

JOHN BECKER: Major issues facing our city today are tourism, the local economy, our streets, and local events and entertainment.

What is the mayor’s role and how can you fill it?

WILLIE LaLONDE: The mayor’s main duty, according to the city charter, and required by statute, is the executive head of the city. He/she is the presiding officer of council. He/she also has the power, by his/her signature, to execute such instruments as council, the city charter, or any statute or law, shall require.

The mayor also makes proclamations and appoints various board members, with council approval. The mayor also has to be a good listener and study every issue that may come before him or her and council. I was raised watching city council meetings and have been a member of council. I believe I am ready to take the next step and become mayor of our great city.

STEVE DuFRESNE: The mayor’s role is to represent the city and promote a positive image, both locally and in the many functions he is asked to participate in that could be outside the city. The mayor also presides at city council meetings and has input at City Hall.

As mayor, I will bring a positive attitude and open mind. I will set goals and do what it takes to reach those goals. I work well with others and take responsibility for the decisions I make.

PAT RICKLEY: To be a good public relations person, listen to what the people have to say, and bring those concerns to meetings so the city can address them.

PAUL GRONDIN: Here in St. Ignace, we have a city manager form of government. The city manager runs the daily operations of the city, serves at the pleasure of council, and seeks input from council on issues.

The mayor is the leader of the seven-member council. Because of my past leadership experiences with the school board of education, and as a council member, I am the candidate who has the ability and qualifications to effectively lead council meetings and be a positive promoter and representative of our city.

SUSAN TAMLYN-MASSAWAY: The mayor’s major role is public relations. He/she must relate to the public in good times and in bad times. The mayor is the spokesperson for our city. The mayor will be representing the city at all meetings and events that he/she attends.

I feel I am a very good candidate to fill that position. I have the leadership skills needed and I have experience using them (i.e. maintaining a DARE officer for Mackinac County, established a resale shop for the Diane Peppler Resource Center for Mackinac County residents). I also owned and operated a business in St. Ignace for 10 years.

I also attend the Michigan Municipal League’s conferences each year as a representative of St. Ignace, where you learn new ideas from different cities and other government entities.

As the mayor, I will be able to share these ideas with council and make recommendations that will better our community.

JOHN BECKER: To make sure the running of St. Ignace is fair and to help the people and the city’s employees. Also, the mayor must make sure the city’s budget stays strong and he must make sure issues like emergency equipment are well up-to-date.

DEAN BAKER: Our city charter describes the mayor as the executive head of the city and the presiding officer of council. I believe that I can best fill that role by insisting that the council is provided the best, most complete, and latest information available so they can intelligently debate and vote on issues that affect us all. Also, I believe it is the mayor’s duty to ensure that all people are heard and their concerns are considered.

I have no special projects to pursue and my only agenda is to ensure that all the people are heard and that St. Ignace moves forward and prospers.

I also believe that it is every eligible voter’s duty to vote and to hold their elected officials accountable. If you do not believe that one for your elected officials is operating in your best interest or in the best interest of the community, they should be respectfully confronted.

What can the mayor do to promote the city and encourage economic growth?

STEVE DuFRESNE: Promote the many assets we already have, such as snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails in the National Forest, beautiful lake front, more events at Little Bear, work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

Working with the people is also important because the citizens of this community know better than government what is in their best interests. Tourism is the economic life-blood of our area, but we must not forget the people who live here.

PAT RICKLEY: Talk, talk, and talk to a lot of people. Invite people, organizations, and clubs to visit our area and try to invent more opportunities and entertainment for people while they are here.

PAUL GRONDIN: I have worked in a family-owned and family operated business from my youth up until age 30. I have experience and understand the hard work and dedication it takes to operate a business.

As a mayor, you are the ambassador of the community, providing a helping hand to businesses, community members, and visitors to St. Ignace. The mayor also fosters relationships, which encourages economic growth and is proactive in improvements to the city.

The mayor should recognize relationships with community organizations with similar goals the city shares. The importance of the city working with the Downtown Development Authority, Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is invaluable.

SUSAN TAMLYN-MASSAWAY: The mayor must promote the city wherever he or she travels, always speaking positively of our city and the people who reside there.

As co-publisher of a magazine that is distributed in seven counties, we have promoted St. Ignace in every issue, at no cost to the city. One magazine cover had the American Legion Park on it. As I travel to six other counties I am proud to say that the magazine originates in St. Ignace. I have met and talked to many other communities about St. Ignace and they have shared with me about their communities, as well.

My plan to encourage economic growth is to implement a focus group that will consist of all key players of our community (i.e. CEO of the local hospital, superintendent of schools, the Chamber of Commerce president, Visitors Bureau director, Senator Jason Allen, and Sault Tribe representatives). This group will take an active approach to looking at where we are and where we want to be in three years. These leaders will provide a community vision.

I have talked to people from Newberry that have such a group and they call themselves “Save, Restore, & Grow Newberry.” We can do the same; we need to think outside the box and listen to people who have experience with promoting sustainable rural development. This will be a working group that will be making contacts to those that can help us.

We need new sustainable businesses besides our tourism. We need to work closely with our neighbors (i.e. Sault Ste. Marie, Newberry, and Mackinaw City). All of these communities are working toward the same goal.

Frank Murphy from the west end of the Upper Peninsula is working on a plan to “market the Upper Peninsula.” We need to be a part of his plan. I plan on being a working mayor for the city of St. Ignace.

JOHN BECKER: The mayor can help the community’s tourism industry and its local economy stay stable. He can work to keep entertainment and events ongoing and plentiful so our community people and tourists have things to do. We need to help our hotels, stores, and restaurants prosper and stay strong all year.

DEAN BAKER: To promote the city and encourage growth. I believe the mayor must be an ambassador for the city. To do this, the mayor must be willing and able to travel perhaps to Lansing or area conferences and represent the city. The mayor must be willing to pursue the possibilities of bringing new business and residential concerns of the city.

The mayor must be willing to pursue the possibilities of bringing new businesses into town, such as industrial, retail, entertainment, and amusements. He or she must be willing to work with our Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau to promote the one thing going for us, and that is the tourist industry.

WILLIE LaLONDE: We have to promote our deep water port and our access to I-75. With our deep water port, we should be able to lure cruise ships here.

We have a beautiful harbor and bay and we should be taking advantage of that area. With our easy access to I-75, we should be able to lure some form of light industry here that would play a major role in this development. I believe these are major areas that we really need to look at and hopefully will become a reality. I am the person that can get the job done.

Editor’s note: Though her name will still be on the ballot, Elizabeth Brown announced last month she has dropped out of the race.