Empire, Michigan
We all want Empire to thrive.
The question isn't whether we need change — it's how we get there, together.
Empire
The values that should guide every decision.
These are the values Empire residents defined in the 2024 Master Plan
Protecting Our Natural Resources
The dunes, the forests, the shoreline — these are not amenities. They are our inheritance, and they demand our stewardship. Every decision should be weighed against what it means for the land and water that define us.
Building Community
Empire is not a collection of households. It is a network of neighbors, and the strength of those bonds is the strength of the Village. We invest in the places and moments that bring people together.
Thoughtful, Managed Growth
Growth is not the enemy. Thoughtless growth is. Progress that arrives with a plan, a purpose, and a deep respect for what residents want and to build on what already exists — growth that serves the community not our own personal interests.
Respecting History, Looking to the Future
The Empire was built by those who came before us. The Empire your children inherit will be shaped by the choices made today. The past is honored not by freezing it, but by carrying its best lessons forward.
Common Ground
How does that work in Empire?
Everyone wants positive change for the Village. That's not a controversial statement — it's a starting point. Whether you've lived here for six months or sixty years, whether you run a business on the main street or hike the dunes every weekend, you want to see Empire continue to thrive as this amazing small-town community where neighbors caring about neighbors is a priority.
As you read the campaign literature and meet the candidates, ask for specifics:
If you hear the words "move forward," ask, "What does that mean?"
If they say they embrace change, ask, "What is the change you want to see?"
Throwing out a sound bite is easy. What is their plan? Is it achievable in a Village of 375 people?
Finally, ask, "All this moving forward and change, what is the problem you are trying to solve?"
What is the evidence being used to support change or moving forward? Do they have a record of finding ways to unite the community, not divide it?
Stewardship
The careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.
Change vs. Noise
Demanding difference without a plan is not advocacy. It is noise.
Real progress requires patience. It requires listening — to the longtime resident who remembers what the Village was, and to the newcomer who sees what it could become. It requires respecting the work of those who came before you, even as you look for ways to improve upon it.
The Long View
A community is not built in a single election cycle. It is built across generations.
What moves a community forward is thoughtful, grounded, collaborative leadership — the kind that honors Empire's past while carefully building its future.
FAQ
Common questions, direct answers.
Do Your Homework
How to vet candidates.
Residents can get information about the candidates by reviewing meeting minutes, looking at old newspaper articles, and even asking a candidate to stop by and chat with them!
Check public records
Look at Village Council minutes, look at archives of the Leelanau Enterprise.
Attend meetings
Observe how candidates answer unscripted questions and interact with community members.
Current community role
What role does the candidate have now in the community?
Match plans to needs
Check if their stated plans match your community's needs on local issues such as recreation or infrastructure.
Track record
Look at past professional, civic, or public service experience for evidence of follow-through and thoughtful leadership.
Communication style
Assess whether they listen to opposing views and provide fact-based answers.
Integrity and transparency
Look for consistency in their public statements and accountability for past positions.
Qualifications
What should you look for in a candidate?
Before you vote, consider whether the people asking for your trust have what it takes to serve.
Qualifications?
What does that mean? Not every council person is going to be a planner or knowledgeable about creating ordinances (that is why the Village hires people to do that — to provide advice and counsel). Well, you might say, if they don't have to be experts, what are the qualifications? Read on.
Understanding of Village Government
Does the candidate understand their duties? Can they read statutes and law? Can they critically think about the policy issues they face? This is not a club. There are laws and rules in place to ensure equity and equality of service. Parties and social events are for the Community Center, the Lions Club, and the Historical Museum. Council members set policy and allocate tax dollars to provide services to residents (roads, water, sidewalks, parks).
Willingness to Listen
Will they listen to longtime residents and newcomers alike? Public office is a responsibility to all constituents, not a platform for a personal agenda.
Practical Problem-Solving
Can they distinguish between real needs and personal wants? Do they base decisions on evidence and data rather than assumptions and rumor?
Ability to Collaborate
Can they work with other Council members, the Township, and community organizations to find common ground and shared solutions?
Four traits that matter most.
- 01
Active listening — genuinely hearing all residents, not just the ones who agree with them. Attend a council meeting; watch the council members when others (the public or their fellow council members) are talking. Are they looking at the speaker? Are they making eye contact? What is their body language saying?
- 02
Ability to prioritize community needs over personal interests — putting Empire first, every time.
- 03
Authority — an effective council member respects the roles and functions of the public, Village staff, and professional experts. The most common problem is when boundaries (and the law) are not honored. Do they know the limits of their authority?
- 04
Adherence to the law — an effective council member puts the law, code, and citizens first, regardless of personal benefit or bias.
“Public office is a responsibility, not a popularity contest.”
Ask Them
Questions to ask your candidates.
Don't settle for slogans. Ask for specifics — and listen carefully to the answers.
Residents are often confused about the role of the Village Government. What are the actual duties of the Village President and Trustees? How will you help residents gain a greater understanding of your role?
Why are you running for public office? Each candidate should be able to articulate not only a vision for their community but also the role they will play in contributing to that vision. Most important is whether their vision is shared by a majority of residents,
Residents, regardless of their views on STR, agree that the process of researching, the committee meetings and the inability to compromise was incredibly divisive. What went wrong? What could have been done differently? What will you do to ensure better committee outcomes in the future?
What does living in Empire mean to you? What do you like best about living in Empire?
What do you believe the top priority is for Village residents? (Please take STR and Wastewater off the table for a moment). What is the basis for your answer?
We all make mistakes - when was the last time you admitted to a mistake at a Council meeting, changed positions on an issue, or faced an ethical dilemma?
How do you handle criticism and opposition?