Editor’s note: Danielle Moreland is running as a write-in candidate against Lucas Allen, who is on the ballot, for the at-large city commission seat left vacant by outgoing Commissioner Daryl Griffith. Mr. Allen was also sent a questionnaire but has yet to submit one.
Name: Danielle Moreland
Age: 45
Address: Three Rivers
Party affiliation: n/a
Are you an incumbent? Nope, write-in candidate
Family (optional): My husband and I have two wonderful sons.
Background/Bio:
I have been the Executive Director/GM of the Riviera Theatre & Bar for the last 15 years. I graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from WMU with a concentration in Public Policy. I was a Kalamazoo County Precinct Delegate while in college. I interned in MI Rep. Don Gilmer’s office. I worked for the United States H.O.R. for the Committee on Commerce, then was hired by Senator Abraham, Congressman Joe Schwartz, President G. W. Bush, and Dr. Benac’s campaigns.
My husband and I came back home to be near our families. I have spent many years on the DDA board and chaired it for a while, I still am a member of the DDA Promotions Committee, the Chair of the H.D.C., and sit on the Three Rivers Promise Board.
Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?
Delegate in Kalamazoo County, DDA Board Member & Chair, HDC Board Member & Chair.
How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?
My family moved to the Three Rivers area when I was three-years-old.
In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area you are seeking to represent and its constituents, and why?
I believe Three Rivers’ infrastructure, safety, and accountability are some of our most important issues. Infrastructure is significant because without good infrastructure (water, roads, the housing stock) we will continue to have a business and investment drain in town. Safety is also important because it feeds into so many aspects of our everyday lives. Every single citizen should feel safe and protected in our community. Lastly, accountability, I hear from many in our community that believe that the city works by two sets of rules.
What measures will you pursue to address those issues?
These are complex issues that do not have a simple answer to address them. If they did, they would not exist, and if I said I had all of the solutions, I would not be telling you the truth. My first step would be to immerse myself in the history of the issues to see how they have been addressed in the past, and weigh their successes and failures. Then create both short-term and long-term goals to enact solutions as soon as possible but the real key is to have a plan to stay ahead of the future deterioration. Finally, communicate back to the residents over and over again throughout the entire process. Encouraging them to participate in the process to make Three Rivers a better place for all.
Why did you choose to run for the position that you did?
I like to follow the advice of “when you are faced with a dilemma you can either complain about it or you can do something to make it better.” When I heard Daryl Griffin was stepping down, I knew it would be a huge loss for the City, so he was the first one I asked to sign my petition to be on the ballot.
What would you say is your leadership style, and how will you utilize its strengths in your position?
I am very fact driven in my decision making, and always push for a reasonable solution that can make the most people satisfied.
How will you know that you’re accurately representing your community?
I believe working in the community will allow me to hear from a variety of different constituents. I will continue to make myself available for anyone who would like to discuss a new idea, address a concern or propose a solution for one. We have a resourceful community that needs to be tapped because if we work together we will leave this space a little better than we got it.
Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?
As a business owner, I know the struggles facing our businesses with inflation, product shortages & labor shortages. As a local, I know the frustration with the water situation and the quality of the roads. As a parent, I know the concerns about wanting to keep our children safe. I think I can relate to most of the concerns the citizens face and be a voice for them.
