11/04/2025
Tonight marked my final meeting on the Ferrysburg City Council. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served this community. Here’s what I shared in my closing remarks:
I want to take a moment to thank Mayor Rich Carlson, Mayor Pro Tem William Montgomery, and Councilmembers Bill Cate & Debbie Murdoch for voting YES to appoint me to city council nearly two years ago. It’s been a privilege to serve the citizens of Ferrysburg with all of you.
As a Councilman, my most rewarding moments came when residents reached out for help and I was able to make a difference. That’s really what public service is all about.
Despite some of the rhetoric we’ve heard in meetings lately, there are no financial emergencies or crises at City Hall. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Our City Manager, Craig Bessinger, does an outstanding job managing the city’s finances and keeping us on track. His professionalism makes it easy for city Councilmembers to do our jobs effectively.
I decided not to seek another term on city council because my wife and two young children deserve more of my time right now. But I’m confident this council will continue serving the community well. I’ve spoken with my likely successor, David Cook, a handful of times and I believe he’ll work hard for the people of Ferrysburg.
I’ll offer one word of caution – be wary of anyone who puts personal ambition above the city’s best interests. Ferrysburg needs leaders who serve to strengthen the community, not themselves. We need a city government that solves problems – not one that creates them. Mayor Carlson, Mayor Pro Tem Montgomery, Councilmembers Bill Cate and Debbie Murdoch are problem solvers – and we need more people like them serving in Ferrysburg city government.
Finally, while Ferrysburg is already a wonderful place to live and work, I encourage our leaders and staff not to grow complacent. Our city has incredible potential if we continue to imagine what’s possible and build on our natural beauty and community spirit.
To my fellow Councilmembers, thank you again for the opportunity to serve the residents of Ferrysburg . And to the citizens of Ferrysburg – thank you for your trust. It has truly been an honor.
