Grondin Runs Unopposed for Mayor
Paul Grondin Unopposed candidate for Mayor

Paul Grondin

Occupation: Kinross Correctional Facility day-shift sergeant.

Family: Partner, Betty Tracy.

Education/ qualifications: Earned Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University in 1981; was a member of the St. Ignace Schools Board of Education (1993-2001). He was board president for four of those eight years. Appointed to a vacant seat on Council in February 2002. Won election to Council in November 2003. Won a special election for mayor in February 2006.

1. Define the role of Mayor and Council member?

The most important role of council members and the mayor is to serve their constituents and the way we do this is with honesty, integrity, and fairness. The council members and mayor should make a special effort to be available to city residents when they have questions or concerns about the city's business. I encourage residents to contact me any time with concerns or questions.

The mayor and council members have been elected by the citizens to oversee the operation of their government. Particularly, the mayor must be a positive promoter of St. Ignace to those outside the community, and also promote and support events within the community. I have done this in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.

2. What are two major issues facing St. Ignace?

The city's finances are a major concern. We must continue to bring financial stability to the city and erase our debt and increase our general fund. We also need to explore opportunities to diversify our economy and explore ways to bring in light industrial jobs, which would provide needed year-around jobs.

We are a tourist-based economy, but year-around employment is a necessity.

We also have many positive things going on. We have had increased attendance at the car show in June, we have had a very good Fourth of July, and we hosted the 50th birthday of the Mackinac Bridge, which was very well attended. Other events were Movies Under the Stars, good attendance for its first time; Fish Feast, jet ski races, Bayside Live, traffic at the marina, and Labor Day. The Truck Show this year had the second-highest number of trucks registered for this event.

I have officiated at numerous weddings for couples who have visited St. Ignace in the past and have thought enough of our town to come back and get married. They bring family members with them, and they spend money, which is beneficial to our economy.

3. Who should protect the city charter? The citizens or City Council?

The charter is what governs us. Council members and the mayor have taken oaths to uphold and follow the charter, and we are obligated to do so. At the same time, citizens need to become involved, attend council meetings, familiarize themselves with the charter, and monitor the way Council conducts the city's business. City residents have the right and duty to question their elected officials when questions arise, or when they believe it to be necessary. By doing this, citizens are doing their part in protecting the charter. I strongly encourage our residents to attend council meetings and become involved with their government.

4. Besides taxes, how should city government be financed?

Because of diminished revenue sharing funds commitments from the state, St. Ignace and other communities in Michigan are experiencing financial hardships, which taxes are not covering. Citizens pay high taxes and user fees. I do not believe raising taxes is necessarily the answer. Citizens pay high enough taxes at this time, and increases will have a negative impact on senior citizens.

Council has, in the past, taken steps to pare down city government, and in the budget process, to take place in the near future, we will be looking at options. I believe city government has been slimmed down to the point of being at minimum staffing, in all departments. Any increase of taxes in the future should have the approval of the voters.

Projects undertaken by the city in the future are going to have to be funded by grants and private donations. The City of St. Ignace has benefited in the past from very generous contributions of its citizens in projects such as our beautiful library, lighthouse, and events support. By working together, which is vitally important, we are able to accomplish great things without raising taxes.

5. What can City Council do to stimulate economic development?

Council should be exploring opportunities to augment our tourist-based economy. As I stated before, year-around employment should be one of our top priorities, and to accomplish this goal, we do need to look at possibilities of bringing in business opportunities, which could provide the needed jobs. Our new hospital project, when completed, will bring added jobs to St. Ignace, which will have a positive impact on our community and surrounding area.

6. What should City Council do to protect the downtown waterfront?

I believe Council has expressed the idea, the waterfront and the marvelous views which are provided should be protected. At the same time, there are waterfront properties not owned by the city. These are properties the city could consider purchasing, but it must be noted that the city's finances do not permit this currently. If the city decides to purchase waterfront property, the raising of taxes or becoming involved with bonding issues will need to be taken to the voters for their approval. The argument on the other side is the city is owing property which is coming off the tax rolls. I believe our waterfronts have scenic views which need to be preserved. The question is, what is the value of those views?