AS IS ALWAYS THE CASE, complaining about what has happened is a fruitless exercise. Sure, we can learn from our mistakes, but to dwell on them is wasted energy. In other words… what’s done is done, and all the Facebook posts in the world lamenting the fact that “this town isn’t the same town I grew up in,” won’t change a darn thing.
That sentiment isn’t lost on our new mayor, Jessica Hanley, seen above. “I am a firm believer that change is inevitable. Our town has grown and moved forward in many ways. It isn’t exactly what it was like years ago, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing.”
Though she downplays her newfound power, Hanley does have the ability to influence decisions made by the city commission. “We are all but one vote of seven no matter the extra title, and I believe I have spent my years learning from some great Mayors on how to do the job to the best of my ability.”
That modesty aside, the mere fact that she’ll be running the meetings, with the opportunity to “get in the last word” on every issue, lends itself to Hanley being able to sway the direction of the commission. Being elected Mayor shows her associates at the head table have a certain level of confidence in her instincts and abilities.
City Hall’s Challenges
Affordable housing is something that’s been on the commission’s plate for some time now, with notable successes here and there. “The commission has been making progress in bringing attainable housing to Marquette,” Hanley says. “We have multiple housing projects currently going in, such as the Black Rocks Crossing and new housing at Chippewa Square. We have also made many strides in conjunction with the planning commission to influence housing availability by reducing restrictions and red tape for homeowners and developers alike.”
Other big issues Hanley and the commission will be facing include our homeless population, public transportation, multi-use path congestion, and last but not least… taxes.
At a recent Coffee with a Cop… Police Chief Ryan Grim’s informal coffee klatch, special guest Hanley told those at the table that an income tax is something city leaders have taken a serious look at. Just what you wanted to hear, huh? Another tax.
As taxes go, this one might be something residents could stomach. Simply put, it would tax people who work in the city… whether they live here or not. The justification for taxing non-residents is that if they work in Marquette, they inevitably take advantage of all the city has to offer. Even if they just drive in and drive out, they use city streets maintained through Marquette property owners’ tax dollars.
An income tax isn’t going to happen right away, if it happens at all. But it’s at least worth consideration. And Hanley explained there would likely be adjustments to traditional property taxes in order to mitigate the obligation to residents.
Unless she ends up being re-elected to her post as mayor, Hanley has one year to put her stamp on actions that might affect the city for years to come. She’s served on the commission since 2020, and in that time she’s shown an inclination to push for what she thinks is right, regardless of popular or political opinion. For example, she was in the minority voting against the city covering the cost of utility infrastructure for the Hemlock Park development at the corner of McClellan and Division.
Other Voices
Lest you think nothing happens in this city unless our elected officials announce an official decree… or whatever, the city’s Office of Arts & Culture co-hosted a community forum the other night simply to give citizens the opportunity to share ideas, in a safe setting.
The theme of the event, called a Community Discussion Forum, was… how do we make Marquette an inclusive and welcoming place for all? Silly me, I already thought it was, but a number of comments suggested we’re not as welcoming as I had believed, particularly to those representing alternative lifestyles.
Arts & Culture staffer Amelia Pruiett told the attendees that the idea of such outreach is to “inform our work as city officials.” Huh. And here I was under the impression they just monitored Facebook comments and went and did what they wanted to do anyway. The open forum, a free exchange of concerns and concepts, illustrated that nothing could be further from the truth.
Pruiett also mentioned “intentional growth.” That approach tamps down the concerns of those who think Marquette is just careening down the slippery slope willy-nilly with no actual plan regarding how to handle our newfound popularity.
Yes, as acknowledged earlier, we’ve made mistakes. But, as I also pointed out, we can learn from those mistakes and do better. Identifying the demands and desires of residents is a step in the right direction.
Tiina Morin, who heads up the Office of Arts & Culture, recognizes the importance of such events. “Public conversations like these play a vital role in bridging divides, building empathy, and uncovering shared values—laying the foundation for a thriving, inclusive community.”
In addition to Arts & Culture, credit for the forum goes to co-sponsors: Innovate Marquette, Stone Hearth Consulting, and Siren, a Marquette public relations firm. Nice to see such a collaboration of influencers willing to serve as a conduit from citizens to city. The results may not always be what you want, but you can’t argue with the process.