Amplify Kalamazoo - City of Kalamazoo Commissioner Candidate Forum

Updated 3 days ago

The Kalamazoo League of Women Voters hosted a public forum on Tuesday, September 16, at the Douglass Community Association (1000 W. Paterson St.). The event promoted civic engagement and provided residents an opportunity to verify their voter registration. Seven Commissioner candidates shared their perspectives on questions regarding social, economic, and environmental issues facing Kalamazoo. The forum was moderated by Dr. Regena Nelson, a member of the League of Women Voters, and Jessica Thompson, Sara Schlack, Jacqueline Slaby, Stephanie Hoffman, Drew Duncan, Keshia Dickason, and Bernard Dervan III were the Commissioner Candidates in attendance.

Chapters

Introduction by Moderator Regina Nelson (00:00:08)
Regina Nelson introduces the Kalamazoo City Commission forum and mentions Chris Kie as the timekeeper.

Regina Nelson, a member of the League of Women Voters of the Kalamazoo Area, introduces the forum for the Kalamazoo City Commission. She mentions that Chris Kie, a former president of the league, will be keeping time for the candidates during the event.
Forum Sponsors and Purpose (00:00:34)
The sponsors of the forum are listed, and the purpose of the forum is explained as a service to the community.

The sponsors for the forum include the Douglas Community Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, El Concilio, NAACP, Western Michigan University Student Association, and the YWCA. The forum is promoted for online viewing as an important service to the community, and public media network will be recording it.
League of Women Voters' Role and Mission (00:01:05)
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed citizen participation and influences public policy.

The League of Women Voters is described as a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The league does not support or oppose political parties or candidates but supports issues after careful study.
Forum Format and Rules (00:01:57)
The forum format is outlined, including opening statements, questions, and closing statements, with audience rules.

The forum will start with an opening statement from each candidate, followed by questions posed to the candidates, alternating who responds first. Questions come from the forum sponsors and the league. Each candidate will have a closing statement. Audience members are asked not to clap, cheer, or boo during the forum.
Introduction of Candidates (00:02:53)
Eight candidates for Kalamazoo City Commissioner are introduced, with two not participating.

The candidates for Kalamazoo City Commissioner are introduced: Bernard Durant, Keisha Dixon, Drew Duncan, Stephanie Hoffman, Sarah Sch Slack, Jacqueline Slaby, and Jessica Thompson. Kizzy Bradford and Thomas Durick are not participating tonight. Candidates will address each other by first names.
Opening Statement: Sarah Schlock (00:03:31)
Sarah Schlock shares her background in law and her reasons for running, emphasizing community and justice.

Sarah Schlock started her career in the federal government and worked as a prosecutor before returning to Michigan for indigent defense. She chose Kalamazoo for its inclusive environment but is concerned about current government decisions affecting the community. She is running to address issues like small business struggles and rising gun violence.
Opening Statement: Keisha Dixon (00:05:49)
Keisha Dixon talks about her deep ties to Kalamazoo, her community work, and her campaign pillars.

Keisha Dixon stayed in Kalamazoo after college and has raised five children here. She is involved in downtown development and community events. Her campaign focuses on community first, sustainable solutions, and inclusive economic growth to uplift all of Kalamazoo.
Opening Statement: Bernard Durant (00:07:42)
Bernard Durant owns an auto repair business and is concerned about unaddressed community voices.

Bernard Durant owns an auto repair business in the Edison neighborhood and is running because he feels many community voices are not being heard. He is concerned about the decisions being made by the current administration and wants to see change.
Opening Statement: Stephanie Hoffman (00:08:37)
Stephanie Hoffman discusses her experience and focus on housing, environment, and redevelopment.

Stephanie Hoffman has served on the Kalamazoo County Road Commission and the Oshtemo Planning Commission. She emphasizes her focus on housing, environment, and redevelopment, advocating for people over politics.
Opening Statement: Drew Duncan (00:09:43)
Drew Duncan highlights his work in economic development and his motivation to restore integrity in government.

Drew Duncan works in workforce and economic development and wants to address issues like homelessness and lack of compassion in the current government. He emphasizes the importance of local elections and wants to bring integrity, hard work, and accountability to City Hall.
Opening Statement: Stephanie Moore (00:11:08)
Stephanie Moore reflects on her journey as a city commissioner and her commitment to transparency and equity.

Stephanie Moore currently serves as a city commissioner and reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of the role. She is committed to transparency, equity, and being beholden to the community that elected her, even if it means standing alone on issues.
Opening Statement: Jacqueline Slaby (00:13:12)
Jacqueline Slaby focuses on accountability, innovation, and safety, backed by community endorsements.

Jacqueline Slaby wants Kalamazoo to be the easiest place to move to and start up. She emphasizes accountability, innovation, and safety, with endorsements from local leaders and organizations. She is committed to engaging with the community and addressing emerging needs.
First Question: Equitable Access to City Resources (00:15:10)
Candidates discuss how they will advocate for equitable access to city resources across neighborhoods.

The first question asks how candidates will ensure equitable access to city resources, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Candidates share their approaches, including better communication, community engagement, transparency, and addressing specific neighborhood needs.
Second Question: Anti-Racist Work in Government (00:24:52)
Candidates discuss steps to pursue anti-racist work within Kalamazoo's government, emphasizing inclusion and accountability.

The second question focuses on steps candidates will take to pursue anti-racist work in Kalamazoo's government. Candidates emphasize the importance of addressing language barriers, ensuring representation, engaging in racial healing, and holding people accountable for equitable treatment.
Identifying and Removing Engagement Barriers (00:33:42)
Discussion focuses on identifying barriers that hinder community engagement and emphasizes proactive measures to address them.

The speaker stresses the importance of identifying barriers that prevent full community engagement, such as language issues, and the need to address them proactively without waiting for complaints. They highlight the need for accountability and diverse representation to ensure all community members are involved and engaged.
The Importance of Accountability and Representation (00:34:11)
Emphasizes accountability and the need for diverse representation on community boards and decision-making processes.

The speaker argues for the expansion of diverse representation across community boards and stresses the need for accountability from everyone involved. They highlight their experience on diverse boards and the importance of uplifting diverse voices during decision-making processes.
Facilitating Opportunities and Engagement (00:34:52)
Highlights efforts to create opportunities for community members to engage and succeed by holding doors open for them.

The speaker shares their efforts in helping friends and entrepreneurs gain access to spaces and opportunities in Kalamazoo, emphasizing that while they may hold the door open, it is the individuals who must step through and succeed on their own. They advocate for continuing such efforts to facilitate engagement and success for all community members.
Ensuring Inclusive Downtown Development (00:35:39)
Discussion on strategies to ensure downtown development benefits all residents without adverse impacts.

The speaker addresses the importance of inclusive downtown development that benefits everyone in Kalamazoo. They share their experience working with local leadership and emphasize the need for collaboration to ensure safe environments and equitable distribution of infrastructure benefits.
Addressing Wasteful Spending and Community Investment (00:37:20)
Critique of wasteful spending in city projects and advocacy for investing in community and youth programs.

The speaker criticizes the city's wasteful spending on projects like roundabouts and bike lanes, arguing that funds should be redirected towards community investment, such as youth programs to reduce crime and provide opportunities for advancement. They stress the importance of prudent spending for the benefit of the community.
Community Input and Developer Accountability (00:39:57)
Emphasizes the need for genuine community input and holding developers accountable in planning processes.

Speakers discuss the lack of genuine community engagement in city planning and the need to hold developers accountable for considering community needs before presenting plans. They advocate for updates to participation policies to ensure resident input is valued and developers do necessary groundwork.
Environmental Concerns: Water and Air Quality (00:46:01)
Discussion of significant environmental concerns, including water quality issues and air pollution in Kalamazoo.

Speakers highlight critical environmental issues facing Kalamazoo, such as poor water quality and air pollution impacting health and safety. They discuss the need for better infrastructure, accountability, and investment to address these problems, including initiatives for harm reduction and improved quality of life for residents.
Public Safety and Community Trust (00:58:33)
Strategies to build community trust in public safety departments through engagement, transparency, and accountability.

Speakers discuss ways to build trust in public safety departments, emphasizing community engagement, transparency, and accountability. They advocate for more visible police presence, community involvement, and better communication to foster trust and ensure safety for all residents.
Community Engagement and Neighborhood Events (01:05:30)
Discussion on enhancing community engagement through neighborhood events and collaboration with public safety.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of hosting more community events to engage residents and public safety officials. They recount an event in Kalamazoo where public safety leaders and the community united, highlighting the potential for positive interactions and transparency between business owners, residents, and local authorities.
Improving Citizen Oversight on Public Safety (01:06:49)
Proposing enhancements to the Citizen Review Board for better accountability of public safety officers.

As a commissioner, the speaker advocates for strengthening the Citizen Review Board (CRB) to better handle complaints against public safety officers. They share a story of a resident's concerning encounter with an officer and stress the need for mechanisms that allow citizens to hold law enforcement accountable, especially in serious situations where mistakes can lead to loss of life.
Candidate Closing Statements (01:08:15)
Candidates present their closing statements, outlining their visions and commitments if elected.

Each candidate is given one minute to deliver their closing statement. Jacqueline focuses on ensuring people feel heard and holding city staff accountable. Another candidate emphasizes the importance of listening, participating in community events, and building coalitions. They promise to engage with every neighborhood and to be a down-to-earth representative for the community.
Addressing Misconceptions and Building Partnerships (01:12:09)
Clarifying the role of city commissioners and the importance of partnerships and community engagement.

A candidate addresses the common misconceptions about the powers of city commissioners. They highlight the necessity of partnerships and collaborations to effectively serve the community. They commit to being a listener and a collaborator, bringing positivity and creativity to the role.
Environmental Accountability and Achievements (01:13:00)
Discussing accountability for local industries and highlighting achievements in community development.

Stephanie Hoffman talks about holding local industries accountable for environmental impacts and suggests ways for them to reinvest in the community. She reflects on her tenure, acknowledging the challenges but also celebrating the contributions to youth development and other community initiatives. She calls for continued efforts and invites voters to support her for future progress.
Conclusion and Voting Information (01:16:01)
Concluding the forum with reminders about voting and candidate information.

The forum concludes with thanks to the candidates and the audience. Organizers remind attendees about voting resources and the importance of visiting vote411.org for checking voter status and reviewing ballot information. The event emphasizes civic engagement and the power of informed voting.