Candidate Profile: Johnna Balk, Farmington City Council

FARMINGTON, MI — There are three open seats on Farmington's city council in November's general elections.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Johnna Balk is a Democrat running for Farmington City Council.

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Age (as of Election Day)

53

Position Sought

Farmington City Council Member

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Erik, kids are 27, 25, 21

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

BS Chemistry, CMU, MLIS Wayne State

Occupation

Faculty Librarian at OCC (25 years in public and academic libraries)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://johnnaforfarmington.co...

Why are you seeking elective office?

Twenty-five years ago, Erik and I chose Farmington to raise our family. My 3 kids swam at the Glen, grew up in Farmington schools and sports, and had their prom pictures taken at the Warner Mansion. These experiences have shown me what people love about Farmington, what keeps residents here, and what brings new families to our city. Today, with my kids grown, it’s my time to serve. I’m a faculty librarian at OCC. Prior to that, I worked for 10 years at the downtown branch of the Farmington Community Library. I come from a world of research. Of searching for facts — leading with logic — and making information easy to access, understand, and use. That’s the type of leadership I’ll bring to Council. I will look at our city and its growth through research, data, and by listening to the people we live with, work with, and serve. My desire is to ensure Farmington continues to be a community of great neighborhoods, a vibrant downtown, and neighbors of all ages, cultures, and walks of life.

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

Not only are our neighborhoods charming, they are diverse. My kids have friends, neighbors, and schoolmates of different ages and cultures, and that has given them a perspective that is so important as we send them out into the world. Keeping our neighborhoods thriving includes making sure that we invest in infrastructure: sidewalks, roads, and trees.

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

I come from a world of research, and will lead with logic. Researching the topics and projects for the city and making the best informed decision possible, keeping the people I represent in mind.

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

I don't want to speak against anyone currently on council. I think out city has a great momentum, and I want to be a part of helping it continue.

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

I think it was so well handled. Meetings via Zoom gave everyone a chance to participate safely. Also the options for dining outside all winter long and the syndicate were a boost to the establishments downtown.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Boosting downtown: The streetscape and Syndicate social district have created a new vibrancy downtown, and I am ready to work with our businesses to create solutions for continued momentum. As a librarian, I know the types of questions to ask when appointing library board members to ensure leadership has the best interests of the library at heart.

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

As a teacher, coach, and librarian I work with people. Communication is key.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be real. Lead with integrity.

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

If you give me this opportunity, I will give you my very best.