Downtown Development Key Issue in Nov. 5 Mayoral Election

Downtown development is emerging as a key issue in Tuesday’s municipal election as two candidates – two-term incumbent Mayor Larry Smith and challenger John Dupray – vie for the city’s top leadership post, the Macomb Daily reports.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place here.

Smith, a retired Fraser police officer, was first elected in 2009 and then ran unopposed in 2011. Dupray has twice been appointed to fill unexpired terms, but has never sought election.

Dupray is a leader in several local organizations, including Bay-Rama and the new Baltimore Farmers Market, and is a former Citizen of the Year recipient. He said his experience both on the council and as a business owner for more than 20 years have equipped him with the organizational, management and negotiating skills necessary for New Baltimore’s top elected office.

Smith is president of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge, a position he has held for many years. He cited a long list of accomplishments during his four years as mayor, including several related to public safety, such as the completion of a new police station, appointment of a new police chief and development of a K-9 unit.

On the issue of downtown development, Smith said better utilization of the waterfront is a key issue.

“We have to take advantage of our waterfront and must keep an open mind to development and a goal,” he said in the Macomb Daily story.

Dupray thinks the Downtown Development Authority should  be appropriately funded to spur development.

“The steps for downtown are clear. Use leadership and community based decision making to form a single vision for the area. Our Downtown Development Authority is full of smart residents but lack funds,” he said.

Also on Tuesday's ballot, three incumbents – Susan Burkhardt, Jeff Christie and Karl Rutledge – and one newcomer – Greg Thompson – are running for three four-year terms on the city council.

Two candidates, Frank Krause and Tom Hepp, are locked in a two-way race to fill the remaining two years in an unexpired term.

New Baltimore voters will also be asked to approve a 10-year, 1-mill road levy that is expected to bring in about $320,000 annually to repair and improve roads.

To be eligible to vote in the election, residents must have been registered for 30 days.