Seven candidates run for three seats on Belleville City Council

Four candidates are running for mayor and three candidates are seeking two Belleville City Council seats in the Nov. 3 election. All the terms are for four years.
The absentee ballots are out and some voters already are casting votes.
Mayor Kerreen Conley is seeking reelection. She is challenged by Phillip Miller and Conley and Miller are on the ballot. Write-in candidates Bob Balderston and Carol Sundell are also seeking the mayor’s position and those seeking to vote for them must write their names on the ballot.
The Independent sent out candidate questionnaires and following are their responses.
Kerreen Conley for mayor
Kerreen Conley, 48, of 629 Light Tower Drive is running for reelection as mayor.
She has lived in the city for 19 years. She has been married to Jeff Conley for 18 years and they have two children Austin, 11, and Carson, 8.
Conley is employed as Civil Service Director for the Charter Township of Redford. She said she has over 25 years of municipal experience in the area of finance, city management, development, human resources, and utility management.
She holds a Bachelor of Sciene degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and a Masters of Human Resources in Organizational Development.
Conley currently holds the office of mayor, being elected in 2011. She also served a four-year term on the Belleville City Council, 2001-5, and was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the council in 2007.
As mayor, she serves on the Belleville Downtown Development Authority and Senior Transportation Committee. She is the president of the Edgemont Eagles Team (PTO), a member of the Belleville Area Council for the Arts, serves on the Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board and co-hosts the Mayors’ Charity Ball that raises thousands of dollars for the Boys and Girls Club.
She also is a Belleville Lacrosse and V-Ball sports mom and the co-chair of the annual Power of the Purse charity fundraiser which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and local non profits.
“I am a member of St. Anthony’s parish. I enjoy quiet days on the lake, watching my children’s latest sports, running, and investing in a community I love!” she said.
Conley said she is running for office because, “Over the past four years I have had the privilege to lead this community. I have known firsthand the historical challenges that have faced the City of Belleville. I have maintained and improved service levels, required accountability, and helped to retain and attract businesses in our downtown during down economic times and I have remained committed to keeping the Library in our downtown.
“With the stabilization of the economy, the leveling out of property taxes, and solid planning and partnerships, we have prepared the city to flourish.
“I am running for Mayor because I am the best candidate to lead this community into the future. There are many challenges and opportunities facing the city. On the immediate horizon is the potential changes to the Wayne County operated sewer system that could place significant costs on our residents. I have the background and experience to look after our community’s interests. In the future we will face the challenges of implementing long-term capital and infrastructure improvements required to improve the quality of life in Belleville. We have built the foundation for the future to embrace the opportunities that a stable economy brings. With the input from the community we have direction for a District Library with a new approach. We have developed a master plan, development plan, zoning and ordinances, road improvement plan and have a staff with a new attitude focused on making and creating the community we want. It is time to build upon it!” Conley said.
Goals after election?
“With a stable economy, property values moving upward and solid planning and partnerships in place, my goal is to keep building. Building the Downtown on the Lake Community we call home begins with a solid foundation, much like building a house. We have put in the foundation, my goal is to build upon it. I will continue to strengthen the collaborations and partnerships that have made our projects and events successful, yielding thousands in our business district.
“I will continue to ensure that quality public services are provided to the community to ensure safety and quality. I will work to ensure that the new Library is reflective of our residents’ interests and in partnership promote such a proposal. And finally my goal is to have developers and business owners see development and re-development as attractive and possible in this beautiful Belleville Downtown on the Lake,” Conley concluded.
Phillip Miller for mayor
Phillip Miller, 44, of 243 N. Liberty Street is married to Rasheda Devaney and his stepdaughter is Maria Devaney.
He has lived in Belleville for 1.5 years, but he is a lifelong resident of the 48111 zip code, minus a few years of college.
Miller is a Business Development and Public Affairs Consultant and general contractor. He earned a bachelor of science in Public and Business Administration from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in Public Administration – Local Government and Finance, also from WMU.
He ran unsuccessfully for trustee of the Belleville Area District Library as a part of the Common Cents Library Slate.
Miller was appointed to the Van Buren Open Spaces Committee and served as chairperson. He also has held numerous positions in local governments, including Contracts and Grants manager, Detroit Recreation Department; Senior Budget Analyst, City of Detroit; Senior Financial Analyst, Management Services Department, City of Kalamazoo; and Deputy Finance Director, Oak Park, MI.
Miller is past president and past treasurer of the Belleville Area Council for the Arts, and serves as director of the Belleville Rotary Club.
When asked why he was running for office, Miller said: “Having a long history in public affairs and administration and a solid, well-documented history of advocating to keep the library in downtown Belleville, I decided to run for mayor to provide key leadership to support the publicly stated goals of developing an improved library facility in the city and to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors through new ideas and proven principles with smart policies and practices, by providing key leadership and guidance.”
As to goals?
“Goals, once elected, including proving a solid partner with regional organizations, including BADL, VBT DDA and other groups to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. One key objective to meeting that goal will be to increase opportunities for new residents to develop leadership skills by being invited to serve on boards and commissions so that the participants in public affairs reflect the diversity of the city and broader community.”
Robert (Bob) Balderston for mayor
Robert (Bob) Balderston, 54, of 256 Second Street is running for mayor as a write-in candidate. He and his wife Cristina Balderston have lived in Belleville for almost eight years.
He is a self-taught abstract/pop artist. His favorite pastimes are reading and raising exotic birds. He was in management for almost 35 years.
Balderston ran unsuccessfully for city council in the last general election. He was appointed to the planning commission by then-Mayor Richard Smith.
“I am running for office to bring new and fresh faces and ideas to not only Belleville, but the tri-community as a whole. We need, no, demand, new leadership, not based entirely on past accomplishments or awards, but by action. Even at last night’s (Oct. 8) planning commission meeting, the poor audience was totally confused by the chatter and banter of the various board and commission members talking to each other, over the crowd.
“The so-called ‘family’ of continually elected officials spend more time worrying about shoe colors or eating later at the Bayou. Maintaining status quo is the name of the game here in town and elsewhere,” Balderston said.
“The local communities are rife with stories of elected officials who shout down the public, hold closed-door secret meetings, vet questions from the public, and the list goes on. Have these so-called elected officials forgotten who and why they ‘held’ the confidence of their voters? Why must we have to fight with, force FOIAs, as well as questioning each and every motive of these officials? This must stop: plain and simple. The voters need to come out in force and make the votes count for offices such as the mayor to make a real difference.
“Seems like every time we pick up the Independent we are treated to yet another case of public officials vexing the laws. We must make changes. Even if I am not elected, new faces will change the game; not the ‘family and friends’ attitude that exists today at 6 Main Street,” Balderston said.
“My goal as mayor of Belleville is not to ‘work’ with others. That is a cop-out that is repeated by each and every elected member of elected bodies. I intend to shake things up. I am not politically correct. I call things as I see it and I research each and every decision I make. I owe no one or companies my allegiance, with exception of my wife. Tough decisions are needed now, not steady as she goes.
“I have the ear of many of the technical companies here in the local area. They remind me that they need and want educated and motivated employees, not the ones that are being churned out by our public schools, who only create production-line fodder of ‘graduates.’ As long as we keep our mentality as such, with ‘just good enough’ is okay, our property values as well as the average income level will and has continued to fall further.
“Strong leadership is key here. I have what it takes to be that leader. If they are scared of me at city hall, or think I am nuts (both reported to me by high-level officials), so be it. My tenure is a season of change. Join me and reap the benefits for each and everyone here, as well as the rest of the community,” Balderston said.
Carol Sundell for mayor
Carol Sundell, 53, of 506 Harbour Pointe Drive is running for mayor as a write-in candidate.
She has lived in the city for five years and is a Registered Nurse and college graduate. This is her first time running for office.
She belongs to the International Association of Assistant Dog Partners and the AKC, and enjoys showing dogs.
She is running for office because she would like to see more businesses in Belleville, to fix up the community, and develop programs and resources for the seniors and physically challenged citizens.
Sundell wants to follow the Charter of the City of Belleville and extend business hours for the mayor. She also wants to review the no-parking signs put up by the city in Harbour Pointe Subdivision.
As far as goals, if elected: “I want a community that people can be proud of, want to open businesses and reside in.”
Jack Loria for council
Mayor Pro Tem Jack Loria, 68, of 118 South Edgemont is seeking reelection to the city council.
He has lived in the city for 67 years. He and his wife Rosemary have two children. Their son Michael Loria and his wife Jennifer have four children and their daughter Jaclyn Floro and her husband Ken have four children.
Loria retired from American Airlines in 2005. He has served as a para-professional in the Van Buren Public Schools since 2007. He retired from the Belleville Fire Department after serving as chief and fire fighter.
Loria has served on the Belleville City Council from 2012 to the present, and before that he was on the council from 1975 to 1981. He is a previous member of the Belleville Planning Commission, an appointed position.
Loria is a member of the St. Anthony Men’s Club, Van Buren F.O.E. #3996, and Belleville Moose Lodge 934.
When asked why he is running for office, he replied:
“I have lived in Belleville for over 65 years. I raised my family here. I am very proud of our little city. I expect Belleville to be my home for many years to come.
“As a member of the current city Council, I have taken this position seriously. Faced with many financial challenges, I have worked diligently with my fellow council members to keep the city operating within a balanced budget while still maintaining a fund balance.
“I would like to be reelected to the Belleville City Council to continue providing the residents and business owners within the city the essential city services they are accustomed to and so rightly deserve.”
As to goals, if elected: “My goal is simple. Always do the best job that I can for the benefit of the City. I will make no promises; I am but one voice on the council. I cannot do this job alone. I am currently serving alongside a dedicated group of individuals with the same goal – to continue to give our best effort within our abilities while utilizing the resources available. My one simple goal is to see Belleville continue to thrive and prosper as the warm and welcoming community it has always been.”
Tom Smith for council
Tom Smith, 56, is running for reelection to the Belleville City Council.
Smith has lived in the city all his life and graduated from Belleville High School in 1977. He and his partner of 35 years Mike Dacko live at 248 Roland Street.
For 30 years Smith has worked at AT&T Global Force Management. He earned a Bachelor of Arts at Concordia College.
His successful run for city council four years ago was his first bid for elective office. He has also served the city after appointments to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Smith is a member of BYC, Friends of the Library, Belleville Area Council for the Arts and the BACA Lakeside Concert Committee.
Once elected, Smith said his goals are: “To continue the redevelopment of the underdeveloped downtown business district.
“I would like the city council and DDA to be more proactive in the solicitation of businesses to develop the downtown into a walkable community with grocery, clothing, gift, and professional services.
“This, with the entertainment aspect that is already developing, will increase the tax base and increase the land/home values and city services offered to the community,” Smith said.
Jim Shrove
Jim Shrove, 75, of 525 Harbour Pointe Drive is running for council. He previously served on the city council in xx.
He and his wife Nancy L. Shrove have lived in the city for 10 years.
Shrove earned a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor Degree in Business Management. He is a retired municipal worker.
He serves as trustee on the Van Buren Township Eagles Aerie #3996, and belongs to the Friends of the Library, VBT Senior Center, Senior Olympics volunteer, member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee, former substitute teacher in the Van Buren Public Schools, and former Municipal Works’ Union Rep.
And, why is he running for office?
“Over the past few years I have had conversations with multiple residents of the city who indicated to me that they feel the majority of the members of the City Council are side-stepping many of the ongoing problems within the city. Members of City Council have had anywhere from two to six years to address many of the issues which are important to the residents of Belleville. I believe that when one is elected to a public office, the concerns and opinions of the voters need to be taken into account. Many city residents and business owners have told me that their concerns, opinions, and ideas are either routinely ignored or dismissed by the current administration.
“Fresh Eyes are needed to look at ongoing city issues; Fresh Ideas can help to take the city forward. Isn’t that what our community wants and, even more so, deserves? I would like to help spark an interest among council members to achieve resolutions to the city’s most urgent issues. To think outside the box. To ensure that our tax revenues are being used for what is important to the residents. To invite and engage a broader base of city residents to become involved in the various city boards and commissions.
“Reduced revenue sharing from the State coffers has had an obvious effect on the city if one looks at the line–items in the city’s budget over the past four years. Necessary services and staffing within the departments of the DPW, Police, and Fire have taken a large hit over the past few years. One glaring example is that the Belleville PD does not have a full-time, permanent police chief. However, Hal Berriman was appointed as the part-time “interim” police chief after Chief Gene Taylor retired. A new, permanent Chief of Police for Belleville has not been hired because the mayor and council never authorized the city manager to advertise that the PD Chief’s position was open.
“The City Charter requires that three residents of Belleville make up the Civil Service Commission (CSC). It is required by the City Charter to have a functioning CSC in place. The CSC is responsible for interviews and recommendations for hiring, disciplining, firing, and mediating any issues between the city and non-union city employees, such as the City Clerk, the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief, and the Director for the DPW.
“In an effort to circumvent the City Charter, Mayor Conley authored a ballot proposal last year in order to eliminate the CSC. Though authored by the mayor and supported by the city manager and city council, it was voted down by residents of the city, 2 to 1. Currently, there has been one person appointed to the CSC. At least five residents, who are more than qualified to serve on this commission, submitted applications more than six months ago for a position on the CSC. However, not one of them has been contacted by anyone at City Hall.”
As far as his goals, once elected:
“I want to improve the relations between City Hall and those who represent our tax base; both home owners and business owners. Residents and business owners alike have told me that they feel that their tax dollars are not being spent in the most judicious manner. Some residents have voiced concern that the Belleville Fire Department is being systematically phased out by the mayor and city manager.
“While the city and DDA have spread the mantra of ‘Downtown on the Lake,’ they have not done enough for a particular segment of our residents to get to ‘downtown’ or the ‘lake.’ One example is the seniors living in the high-rise on West Columbia. Some of those residents use scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, or canes to get around. Many of them find it very difficult to navigate in the city due to street corners that still have curbs rather than ADA compliant ramps and broken, uneven sidewalks.
“When elected to office, I will research multiple organizations and government sites to determine if grants are available that could help to improve the safe navigation of our downtown and neighborhood streets and sidewalks. Such as the DOT of Michigan that I researched and got for the streetscape on Main Street.
“I also will be actively pursuing all avenues and resources in order to bring more businesses to our town. ‘Downtown on the Lake’ is a great slogan, but it’s only a slogan when there are so many empty businesses along Main Street. In theory, the only businesses downtown that anyone can ‘shop’ in are the florist shop, the flooring store, the drug store, the hardware store, an antique store, the hydro-garden store, and two party stores. All other businesses between 5 Points and Liberty/Main streets only offer services or gasoline and not a particular product that you can take home with you. Also, why isn’t the city and DDA promoting the businesses that are on South Street, south of 5 Points. They help bring revenue into the city, too.
“Lastly,” Shrove said, “I want to restore compliance of the elected officials with the City Charter. The Charter was written for a reason. It needs to be followed as it was written.”