Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2009

October 25, 2009

Our recommendations for TC Commission

Traverse City voters will be asked to choose among four candidates for three seats on the city commission Nov. 3.

Commissioner Chris Bzdok is running unopposed for mayor.

-- In the commission race, the Record-Eagle endorses incumbents JODY BERGMAN and DENI SCRUDATO and newcomer MIKE GILLMAN.

Although they have very different political philosophies, Bergman and Scrudato represent significant constituencies within the city.

Scrudato, 57, a longtime advocate for neighborhoods and those without a lot of political clout, is seeking her second term. She enhanced her reputation as a maverick during the 2006 Federated Properties parking deck debate. She was the lone commissioner to challenge the project, which was soundly rejected by city voters.

She recently voted "no" on the proposed Old Town deck.

Scrudato made a disparaging comment to city manager candidate Tom Menzel about Menzel's father last year; she said she's learned to think before she speaks.

Bergman, 55, a fifth-generation Traverse City native who works for Comstock Construction, often represents the interests of businesses and longtime residents. She is seeking a second term.

Begman said she wants to see the city enhance its revenue by being "a little more friendly" to developers. "If you feel someone doesn't want you" you'll go elsewhere, she said. She supported the Old Town deck.

The 70-year-old Gillman is a retired attorney who in 2007 joined the Citizens Operational and Financial Analysis Committee.

He said his aim is to help enact some COFAC recommendations, including reducing legacy (employee retirement) costs and reducing police and fire expenses. He said residents of surrounding communities often use city amenities like the Hickory Hills ski area, the senior center and Oakwood Cemetery but don't pay to support them.

-- The 38-year-old Bzdok, an environmental attorney, was elected to a partial term in 2007. He was mayor pro tem this year.

Bzdok has set up a Web site, www.planfortc.com, to gather public input and ideas for the city. He has also proposed using up to $3 million from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to pay for bayfront improvements.

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