Meet City Council Candidate Frank Krause

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch is profiling all the candidates for city council running in the Nov. 8 election. Today, we hear from Frank Krause who is seeking an open four-year seat on council. Check back with us over the next several days to learn about the other candidates.

Name: Frank E. Krause

Age: 68

Years lived in New Baltimore: 13 Years

Occupation: Retired-General Motors Corporation

Have you ever held a seat on this council? No

What inspired you to seek a seat on council?

For the 13 years I've lived in New Baltimore not much as changed. The city has so much potential, especially the downtown area. I want to work with the Mayor and council to help this city realize it's potential. It has been clear for some time that there needs to be new ideas and people who are willing to get down to work. I am running because I know that I can work with everyone and together can help New Baltimore become the great city it should be.

If elected, what specifically would you like to see done during your term?

• Expansion and development of the recreation department.

• Bring businesses to the downtown/waterfront area so that it is a place that people can spend the day shopping/eating/relaxing.

• Working cooperatively with the Mayor and City Council so that business gets done.

• Continued development of programs for seniors and exploration of potential funding sources for senior programs.

• Continue to look to find ways to lower water costs for residents.

• Address resident concerns regarding the conditions of their neighborhood streets.
  

What do you think the city’s biggest challenges are and how can the community overcome them?

• The city's biggest challenge is no cooperation between council and administration therefore nothing gets accomplished.

• The inability of current council to make timely and unpopular decisions.

• The lack of vision as it relates to downtown development. More needs to be done to attract and keep business in the downtown area.
  

How would you improve the city’s downtown?

• Attract more business specifically retail/restaurants, etc.

• Better advertising and planning for existing events.

• Increase parking spaces downtown by having pull-in parking versus parallel.

• Recruiting/advertising more downtown activities/events.

• The addition of food/beverage vendors and/or concession stands available throughout the summer season.
  

How would you make changes, if any, to the ?

Move the recreation department to another location that has room to expand and offers more of a variety of venues for various activities. This would also free up the current location which would be prime for a retail business. Offer more programs for families and for seniors. Consolidation of recreation department job positions. Review current procedures/bylaws with regard to job requirements/descriptions to allow more flexibility in hiring practices.

How do you describe yourself?

I am a people person who is not afraid to voice his opinion but am also able to listen to the concerns that people have. I am very generous, I love to help others, and will stand up for what I believe is right. I am a devoted family man who wants the city in which I live to be the best that it can be.

What are your hobbies/causes your passionate about?

The hobbies I am most passionate about are woodworking and music. I love to build and make things from wood. My interest in music goes back to my childhood and continues to be a very important part of my life. I am passionate about my family and their happiness.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?

I wrote a song when I was 15 that was later recorded by a group called The Students. I was in a do-wop group in which I was lead singer.

Additional:

I have been married to my wife Dr. Michelle Krause for 23 years. I have two adult children, a son and a daughter. I have two granddaughters who attend Anchor Bay Schools.