Candidate Profile: Michele Hodges, Grosse Pointe Park Mayor

GROSSE PONITE PARK, MI — Voters will elect a new mayor in Grosse Pointe Park 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.

Michele Hodges is running for mayor of Grosse Pointe Park against Lauri Read. Here's how she filled out profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position Sought

Grosse Pointe Park Mayor

Party Affiliation

N/A

Family

I have enjoyed 31 years of marriage with my fellow Spartan alum, Matt Hodges. Our 20 year old daughter Sylvia is also a Spartan, and our 17 year old daughter Effie is a senior at Grosse Pointe South, and is considering becoming a Spartan. We have cherished our 22 years living in the City of Grosse Pointe Park.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Urban Planning Degree, Michigan State University; Institute for Organizational Management; Economic Developers Institute; Institute for Public Administration; and Michigan Political Leadership Program.

Occupation

President and CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy since 2012

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently serving as a member of the Grosse Pointe Park City Council since 2019, and as an appointee to the Grosse Pointe Park Planning Commission. I also serve as a Gubernatorial and Mayoral appointee to the Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee.

Campaign website

www.hodgesformayor.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Put simply, my primary goal is to make great things happen for our community in a non partisan manner. I’ve been a builder of communities and community my entire career, and am perfectly prepared to lead at this important moment. I have the credentials, the track record, the experience, the grit, and the grace to lead us forward.

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

We have challenges ahead including huge infrastructure needs, underfunded liabilities, an obsolete marina, an underutilized school, and more. We must be diligent about addressing them. If our team isn’t strong, nor will our results be. I will build an organizational culture that empowers our community to tackle these big issues, and I will ensure that our city administration is armed with the necessary tools to push solutions to the finish line. I will work to protect and grow the general fund in order to address liabilities, and I will leverage public private partnerships to solve challenges like the marina and school.

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

My skillset and experience are in direct alignment with the mayoral role, and I know how to build trust. Further, I have the demeanor and can speak a language we all can hear, which is essential at this crucial moment. I know how to bridge divides and advance change we can all be proud of.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In addition to our most urgent issues, we must also continue to invest in and support our neighborhoods, well maintained alleys and thoroughfares, strong financial management, public safety, a vital business community, donor relationships, parks right sized for our community, core services, solid planning tools, respect for the city manager form of government, good contractor and right of way management, vibrant relationships with neighboring communities, day care, good policy, and a strong housing stock.

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

My resume features a number of acknowledgements, including WJR's Class of 2021 "Women who Lead", Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40, Crain's Detroit Business Notable Women in Nonprofits, WDIV Everyday Hero, and the Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan's One Tough Cookie.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do the right thing, all the time, no matter what.

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

It would be an honor to serve for and with my community