Candidate Profile: Cathi Waun, Farmington City Council Member

FARMINGTON, MI — There are three open seats for Farmington City Council Member 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.

Cathi Waun is running for Farmington City Council Member. Here's how she filled out her profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

55

Position Sought

Farmington City Council Member

Party Affiliation

This is a non partisan city council position

Family

Husband Todd Craft, family residing in Farmington: Jim Waun - brother, nieces Nicole and Melissa Waun, nephews Jeff & Alex Waun, parents Virginia & Guido Capaldi

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science - Western Michigan University, Real Estate Licensing - Middleton Real Estate Training

Occupation

Broker/Owner City Life Realty. Full time realtor since 1993

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Appointed to Planning Commission in 2015. Currently serving 3rd term.

Campaign website

CathiWaun.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for city council because I believe it is important to have a wide range of voices and perspectives represented. The ability to work with differing viewpoints is crucial to reaching common goals, as outlined in the City’s Master Plan. We need members with proven experience in their careers and on boards and commissions. I believe the answer to long term financial viability, maintaining the level of services provided and increasing the rate at which we replace our aging roads and sewers, cannot always be met by increasing the taxpayer burden. Development of our Grand River corridor, as outlined in the City’s Master Plan, is imperative to increase revenue.

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

Increasing revenue -.Replacement of over 4 mil dollars in. water and sewers are addressed in the 2021-2026 Capital Improvement plan. The current budget line item for water and sewer is $400,000 per year. Typical funding sources are voter- approved levies or increase in water/ sewer rates. I would prefer to promote development opportunities to increase revenue. Given the choice, I believe most taxpayers would choose to see redevelopment of properties that have not been maintained, were designed in the 50’s and have outlived their usefulness over an increase in their taxes. Increased revenue will allow us to move beyond a mode of just keeping up to a position where there is money to invest in the amenities our citizens value and enjoy like our parks and the Warner Mansion.

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

The critical differences between me and the other candidates include level of experience managing large budgets, experience on boards and commissions, and vision for future growth. Since moving here in 2009 I have served on the planning commission for 5 ½ years,
I am experienced with working on boards and commissions to meet common goals as President of the Farmington Friends of the library for the past 2 years, KickstArt Farmington, public art and as President of Professional women in building for 2 years.
In my career I have been responsible for managing projects up to 500 million dollars in 8 communities. I understand the value of implementing our cities Master Plan. As a business owner and citizen I am dedicated to the growth and economic future of this community, and I will bring an open mind, open ear and a common-sense, fact-based approach to a seat on city council.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I believe the candidates that are current members of the council failed when they selected the wrong project for Maxfield Training Center. Outside consultants were paid over $30,000 to recommend the project that would best fit that location and would bring the city the largest benefit in economic growth. Maria Taylor and David Delind voted based on what was best for the adjacent neighborhood, ignoring the recommendations of consultants, the Economic Development Director , the Downtown Development Authority - who is a partner in that project and the city manager; all who favored other projects. The citizens outside of the several blocks surrounding this project are dismayed a decision was not based on what is best for all of the citizens of this community. The project selected is 3 story townhome which is not inclusive for older residents and people with mobility issues.

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

I am satisfied with the response of local officials.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I place a strong emphasis on the fact that the citizens are hiring us to do a job. They deserve candidates with a lot of experience who bring a variety of skills and talents to the position. In addition we deserve candidates that have demonstrated a level of commitment to the community through extensive volunteerism.

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

I was reappointed for 2 additional terms on the planning commission. Over the past 28 years builders and developers have entrusted me with managing projects up to 500 million dollars based on results. I was elected by my peers as president of Professional Women in Building and Farmington Friends of the Library due to my common sense approach, ability to work well with others to reach common goals, and problem solving skills.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

That my degree in interior design with a minor in architecture would be a great fit for selling new homes for builders, and it was. I started my career with builders in 1993 and since then have opened my own brokerage working with buyers and sellers.

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

I am not a politician. A position on Farmington City Council is not a stepping stone for a future political career. I believe my commitment to volunteerism in our community, investment in locating my business here and moving here to live blocks from my family demonstrates the level of passion and commitment I have in seeing Farmington thrive and remain a great place to live for generations to come.