Kenneth M. Funk

About Ken

I am a City firefighter and have lived in Traverse City since 2014. My wife is a teacher. We are raising our three daughters here in Traverse City. As a firefighter, I have a front row seat on the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

"As a longtime resident, public servant and parent, I am committed to making Traverse City a safe, connected and thriving place for all City residents."

Why I Am Running

• Focus on Residents

  I want to see a focus on using City residents' tax dollars toward improving the life of City residents. We have created a thriving downtown and tourist economy, but it is time to focus on the needs of the City residents who live here year-round. I believe that the residents' needs should come first.

• Fix the Streets

  We need to prioritize City infrastructure by fixing the streets. When a street is replaced, it is an opportunity to replace aging sewer systems, add storm water runoff, plant healthy new trees, add or replace sidewalks and finally add bicycle friendly and traffic calming amenities. A top issue for residents is addressed when we fix streets and alleys in our neighborhoods.

• Zoning

  We should address zoning amendments and changes as single issues to allow for complete understanding of how that change could affect our community. Commissioners should consider carefully the thoughts of City residents affected by the changes. We need zoning changes to help prepare our City for future growth, but they cannot come at the cost of the integrity of Traverse City neighborhoods.

• City Staff

  Prior to leaving, Interim City Manager Nat Geinzer reported that in five years one third of the City's workforce would be eligible for retirement. That was two years ago. Where are we at? Residents pay taxes with an expectation of services that will be provided. As a City employee, I see the changes firsthand and I am concerned that this will begin to affect City services for residents.

• Regional Cooperation

  I like to approach challenges with a growth mindset. Providing City service to areas outside our 8 square miles used to be common, but over time has diminished. Creating opportunities with our regional partners to expand service opportunities will ultimately provide better services to city residents. Working with the County and surrounding townships on a regular basis for mutually beneficial transactions sets the stage for partnerships on larger issues, like addressing the housing crisis in the region and providing shared compassionate assistance to the region's homeless population.

• DDA and TIFs

  For the last 28 years the DDA has turned the downtown into a vibrant and thriving area that has become a tourist destination. This came at the expense of the neighborhoods. Addressing the challenge of what comes next for the future of TIF97 will be decided by the voters. I support the principle that City voters should decide this.