Candidate Profile: Lynda Schrenk, Birmingham Commissioner

BIRMINGHAM, MI — There are three open seats for Birmingham Commissioner in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Lynda Schrenk is running for Birmingham Commissioner. Here's how she filled out her profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

60

Position Sought

Birmingham Commissioner

Party Affiliation

independent

Family

Elyse Vitale
Bryanna Vitale

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

BS Marketing Oakland University

Occupation

Real Estate Agent for 23 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

na

Campaign website

na

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a real estate agent I get a lot of calls from my clients and neighbors with questions or concerns about plans being proposed or implemented at the City. I decided I should run for Commissioner so I can be their eyes and voice and share their viewpoints.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I am very excited about the 2040 Plan, however, it is of great concern for the many residents I have spoken with as I walk our neighborhoods. There is a movement on a national level to take zoning decisions from the local municipalities and centralize theses plans. I want to keep the voice of our residents and small business owners in our town and I will work toward this goal by creating awareness on this issue and working with city planners and commissioners.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My real estate career has taught me what draws people to Birmingham and why they stay!
I will use that insight to direct city plans that maintain and grow our property values.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I was hugely supportive of outdoor dining for our restaurants this past winter. It was a creative way to help them survive continual state mandated restrictions. I was a frequent patron of this outdoor concept and really enjoyed the new perspective during the winter months. I would like to see it continued.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I support developments that benefit our local businesses creating vibrancy and relevance in our Downtown. I will also work toward fiscal responsibility that will give our homeowners value for the taxes they pay.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a business woman for over thirty years and it has taught me to look for common ground in times of conflict to bring solutions to problems and disagreements. This has been a winning ability of mine.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be a good listener. Nothing is learned by talking.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe community involvement is important. I have enjoyed working on the Community House Tour fundraiser and Jazz Festival, being part of the team that built Booth Park, and implementing the much needed improved streets in my neighborhood