Two candidates are seeking the village president’s seat on the Empire Village Council.
Incumbent village president Sue Palmer and former trustee and previous village president Dan Davis.
Palmer, a retired energy consultant and has been married 52 years and has two children. She is a past member of Planning Commission and the Council prior to her election as president.
Davis is a life-long resident of Empire. He served on the Village Council for several years and was elected President in 2020. Before his retirement jobs at Deerings Market and, today, the Friendly Tavern, Dan worked in management and sales for various electrical firms in Traverse City.
We asked the candidates three questions, asking that they keep responses to 75 words or less.
Here’s what they said: 1. The Village Council recently doubled the parking rates at Empire Beach, going from $1 to $2 and hour. The $1 hourly fee covered all costs related to the beach. How do you feel about the 100% increase in parking fees?
Davis: I am wondering if the State of Michigan approved this. It seems like doubling the rate if it is already covering the parking expenses is too high. However, I doubt that $1.00 per hour covers all of the Park’s expenses. I believe that if we could use the increase to cover all Village parks and green space used by the public, it could be justified.
Palmer: Since the implementation of the parking fee system in 2014, the rate of $1/hour has remained unchanged. The new $2/hour fee structure, supported by the DNR Trust Fund Grant, has been deemed fair and reasonable. The funds generated through this system play a vital role in maintaining our parks, allowing us to reduce reliance on local tax revenues. The new fee will support well maintained parks while minimizing the financial impact on our local community.
2. Empire recently bought property for a new office for upwards of $500,000, essentially draining its savings account.
Do you think this was the right move and why?
Davis: Empire has planned for additional office space in our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Paying out of our savings account would be wise if other daily maintenance needs such as road repair, park maintenance, and water needs are not compromised and if it leaves the Village with significant money for emergency repairs such as waterline breaks. I disagree with spending $70,000 with an outside contractor to find another office building in Empire.
Palmer: The village hired a consultant this year to assist in locating a new office space. During the search process, the property we ultimately purchased became available. After careful consideration, the entire council unanimously agreed to move forward with the acquisition. From the beginning our Clerk assured council we had adequate funds to purchase the building outright , allowing us to secure the new space without financial strain. Importantly, the village didn’t exhaust the General Fund.
3. The Empire Village Council has had a nearly year-long debate regarding a short term rental ordinance. What is your view on this and what do you think the village should do since this topic is so polarized within the community? Should the village scrap it all together?
Davis: This debate has been going on for years. The tough questions are still not answered. Are they driving up the cost of housing? Limiting full-time residents? Do they help local businesses? Do people who live here or those who vacation here be better for Empire and Empire’s economy? Can regulations be applied fairly? Maybe we should scrap it and let the State of Michigan decide, but would it be suitable for Empire?
Palmer: We are not the only community struggling with this issue. There was never any intention to ban short term rentals from Empire. Residents were asking for balance. Placing a cap on the number of STR’s is necessary to maintain the balance in the village between community and tourism. Recommendations by the Committee represent a strong starting point. In no way do I feel that the village should scrap the work that has been completed.
