MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Marquette City Commission had two vacancies going in to last Tuesday’s election. We spoke to the winners in that race and asked what issues are most important to the city.
Jermey Ottaway won his seat after defeating two other candidates vying for a seat on the commission. Ottaway was appointed to the seat two years ago and has now won the seat outright after being voted in. Cary Gottlieb, a Marquette physician won the other vacant seat after serving on Marquette’s planning commission. I asked Gottlieb what issues he feels should be a priority
“The number one thing that I would like to see accomplish is bike path etiquette and speed limits and safety on the bike path. It is amazing how crowded it is and how fast people are going on their E bikes, and there’s no regard for the pedestrians who use the multi use path,” said Gottlieb.
Gottlieb also feels housing is a major concern, as well as finding a way for the city to cash in on the tourist trade.
“They are using our resources. They are using our bike path, they are using our waterfront. They are using our trail system to the extent that we need to start looking at them as a potential source for bringing back or giving back to our community,” Said Gottlieb.
Jermey Ottaway also feels that affordable housing is a critical issue facing residents.
“Things are becoming so much more expensive than they ever were. We have to do our part as elected officials to keep it as affordable as possible, and that that includes housing. We have to find ways, more creative ways to find more affordable housing and really get smarter with this subject than we have in the past,” said Ottaway.
Although the city does not meet the population requirements to implement a hotel or visitor tax, Ottaway believes the city should lobby Lansing to amend that requirement.
The makeup of the city commission will change slightly with commissioner Jenna Smith leaving office after many years serving the city.
Both Ottaway and Gottlieb will be sworn in at the next City Commission meeting on November 11th.
