Politics & Government

Meet the Candidates: John Newberry

During the countdown to the Nov. 6 local election, Patch is bringing you profiles of the candidates running for office in Keego Harbor.

John Newberry

Professional background

I’ve been working in the computer/internet industry over 20 years. I’m employed as a Hospital Field Service Technician for a global corporation serving the health care industry.

How long have you lived in town and where? Do you live with family?

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I have been a resident of Keego Harbor in Cunningham Park for over 10 years. I’m married and have two teenage children.

Affiliations or endorsements

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I’ve been an active member of the Keego Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals for eight years. I currently serve as the President of the Cunningham Park Subdivision Improvement Association, as well serve on the board for Team Keego. My wife and I are actively involved in community activities. We support and are members of the Keego Harbor Memorial Day Parade, Keego Skate Night, Holiday Tree Lighting, and the Easter Egg Hunt committees.

Explain why you're running for city council

I have, and have exhibited, a great amount of passion for the City of Keego Harbor. Since moving here, I’ve served on many community boards and commissions often as its President and Chairperson. For the past three years, my wife and I have attended many monthly study sessions, which included budget and finance meetings, as well the Council Meetings; I’m knowledgeable in all facets of our community affairs and exhibited a desire to play a more active role. I have the full support of each current City Council Member. When elected, I will take my position serious and offer my experience and passion to our community. The role of a Keego Harbor Council Member means dedication to all citizens and business leaders. I look upon this opportunity to give back to my community, county and state.

Could you share key points of your platform and any changes you'd like to make to accomplish your platform?

Collectively our City Council has performed well for our community. I share their passion for the many decisions that have to be made. I feel I can contribute to the many cost monitoring issues such as road repairs and maintenance, the County and City Water & Sewage plan, the all- important needs of our TIFA district, street lighting, communication systems, and the cities capital improvement funding. I don’t have a tax and spend mentality and will be a prudent manager of the cities funds.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing the city? How would you handle them? 

I would like to think that our city has no issues, but has challenges. The single biggest challenge our city faces, is the same one facing all cities; falling tax revenue, while producing better affordable services. Keego Harbor is not immune from falling taxable revenue.

A long term challenge we face is making a smart and proper resolution to the city owned property at the corner of Orchard Lake and Cass Lake Roads. I will work with the current council to determine the best plan of action to market this property so that Keego Harbor can add much needed tax revenue that will serve as a catalyst for new development.

In handling all challenges it is important to operate as a team. To date, my suggestions have been well received by Council. My record of making good decisions, together with my advanced knowledge of all challenges facing the community, will be a nice addition to a team effort.


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