Bloomfield Hills City Commission candidates

Two-year terms, non-partisan, vote for five

ALAN ACKERMAN

Alan T. Ackerman is a lawyer with bachelor and master degrees from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Bloomfield Hills Zoning Board of Appeals and a past member of the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees. Ackerman is an adjunct professor of law at Michigan State University and is a math tutor at Pasteur Elementary.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Bloomfield Hills, through the city’s website, provides some information relative to environmental issues but do you think the city should be more proactive, like some communities in Oakland, in terms of addressing sustainability and climate warming issues? Explain.

The environment is important to me, as it is to all our residents in the City of Bloomfield Hills. I understand that clean water and protecting the beautiful natural surroundings of this city are important reasons why people move and build a life here. It is important to keep it that way. We need to consider our impact on the environment while our city commission stays focused on the duties it is tasked to perform, assuring public safety, public works, and rational zoning rules. I want to make sure our residents can enjoy their property and lifestyle, while also requiring the city’s public contracting and services are provided in a fiscally responsible manner. Respecting the environment and providing good governance, grounded in local concerns, are both critically important and mutually supportive goals of mine.

CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY

Should the city provide the opportunity for residents to attend commission meetings and interact with officials through Zoom broadcast of meetings? Explain.

Yes. Transparency is mandatory for our local government. Over my 50 years as an attorney, I have represented a variety of local communities in the Detroit area. Some of my municipal clients have allowed local zoom meetings for many years. It is an effective and easy way for citizens to remain involved in their local government, interact with board members, and get responses to their questions and concerns.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS

Although city officials in the past have said that residents don’t support creating pedestrian or safety paths throughout the city, do you think on major roadways that pedestrian paths should be provided? Explain.

I believe there are sufficient pedestrian paths available to the city as they exist today. The city has low traffic and has spacious neighborhoods. Local residents are generally able to walk in their neighborhoods. I do not see any need for the city to seize parts of our beautiful lawns, potentially cut down trees and existing vegetation, and expend considerable public funds on a new and extensive sidewalk system.

TOP ISSUES

If elected what are your top issues that you would like to address as a commissioner?

It is vital that the city commission pursue transparency with the public, ensure effective provision of basic public services, and guarantee that funds from taxpayers are spent responsibly. Fiscal rationality and responsiveness in local matters to the actual needs and viewpoints of citizens is paramount. The commission must review and approve major city contracts, amendments to the zoning ordinances, and public use and construction regulations. I understand that these and other duties are very important for the lives and properties of residents. As commissioner, I will give these issues the seriousness they deserve, thoroughly review available records, and make informed decisions that protect the beauty, identity, and fiscal health of the city, without the need for additional taxes or assessments.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Why should voters select you in this election?

I have been a resident of Bloomfield Hills for decades. I love the city. It is where I raised my three children and built my career and life, all of which I am incredibly blessed to have. It is important that City of Bloomfield Hills continues to have knowledgeable, dedicated, and responsive city commissioners. I am a self-made professional with decades of experience in law, specializing in the representation of property owners and their conflicts with local government. I have been heavily involved in community organizations, including the Bloomfield Hills Zoning Board of Appeals. I know this city and its residents, and I believe I effectively represent their viewpoints, interests, and concerns. It would be a privilege to sit on the city commission and serve those who also have made Bloomfield Hills their home.

BRAD BAXTER

Brad Baxter is the founder and chairman of the Wisker firm. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Baxter if an incumbent city commissioner and a member of the city’s planning commission and the zoning board of appeals. He is a board member of Preservation Bloomfield.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

I believe the city of Bloomfield Hills has been proactive in addressing issues related to an increasingly extreme climate. Management of increased rain events has been a top priority and managing runoff from construction projects as well as working with residents to better retain and manage water on their property are ongoing efforts. Additionally, the city has an ongoing annual tree planting program which has been quite successful and popular with residents.

CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY

It is a bit unfair to couch this as a transparency question. The city commission meetings are open to the public and there is a video/audio recording of each meeting, so I would not say there is a lack of transparency. As for the convenience factor of being able to attend a meeting via Zoom, I would not have a problem with that, however, I feel logistically it could get complicated and difficult to manage when it comes to residents wanting to interact via Zoom. As a personal preference, I do appreciate and welcome the benefit of interacting with residents in person.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS

Safety paths do not make sense on secondary streets within the City of Bloomfield Hills. There is no support for it, the utility would be limited, and the cost would be very high to the residents. In the case of major roadways like Woodward Avenue, or roadways that connect a neighborhood to schools, I believe safety paths may have a case. Safety paths on the major thoroughfares would be helpful and provide safe passage for residents that choose to walk, jog, or ride a bicycle – and would also provide safe connection to the safety paths that already exist in Bloomfield Township. On the other hand, I understand, respect, and would be sensitive to the concerns of property owners along those corridors. Additionally, funding would be a major challenge requiring a majority in favor and a special assessment district as there are no funds currently available for a project like this.

TOP ISSUES

Maintaining public safety and fire services at the current level of excellence. Modifying and updating ordinances for the purpose of clarity and ease of enforcement as well as adapting to changes in climate and residential building footprints. Continuing to look at ways to reduce noise on Woodward Avenue. Reforestation of legacy hardwoods such as Oak, Hickory and Walnut

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

20+ years resident of the City of Bloomfield Hills. Served on the zoning board of appeals for four years, six years as city commissioner and served on the planning commission while mayor of the City of Bloomfield Hills. I am a practical problem solver that is willing to look at an issue from all angles – collaborating to craft a solution that works for all. I look for fairness over preference and gravitate toward facts and reality vs becoming a victim of the latest pendulum swing. In my line of business one must think outside of the box, and I believe this skill adds to the toolbox of the city commission.

ALICE I. BUCKLEY

Alice I. Buckley holds bachelor and law degrees from Michigan State University. Buckley has been a city commissioner since 2019 and has served as mayor, and as a past member of the zoning board of appeals and the planning commission. She also volunteers with the Ladies of Charity Clothes Closet.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORT

I am proud that Bloomfield Hills is a green city. You know you are in Bloomfield Hills by the abundance of trees lining the streets and boulevards. Trees are a natural line of defense and modulate the effects of climate warming, air pollution, drought and biological invasions. Tree preservation is very important to our citizens and our city. It is a basic element of our city’s master plan that serves as a guidepost in everything that we do, development wise. We also have a detailed tree protection ordinance and a very popular annual city tree planting program that supports our sustainability and ecological stewardship.


CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY


In short, yes, Bloomfield Hills should absolutely offer residents the chance to join commission meetings via Zoom if they so desire, in addition to our live broadcasts of commission meetings, in real time, through the Bloomfield Township Community Cable Channel on Youtube. It’s a simple step that makes local governance more accessible and ensures that more people can engage without having to physically show up. It’s really about transparency and convenience.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS


We’re a small and close-knit city, and even tiny pedestrian paths come with a big price tag of millions. Since we only have a few taxpayers to share that cost, we’d really need a lot of demand to make it worthwhile. Plus, we want to keep our trees and natural beauty intact. Right now, we’re keeping an eye on how many folks actually want this, but we just haven’t seen that big need yet.

TOP ISSUES

Protecting our safety. Providing great city services at lower costs to taxpayers.
Preserving our city’s beauty. Woodward Avenue: Keeping it safe; keeping the noise under control; preserving its beauty and function.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

With deep roots in Bloomfield Hills of 24 years as a resident, serving this city has been both an honor and a natural extension of my experience. For the past six years, I’ve served as a city commissioner, including a term as mayor, and have served on both the zoning board of appeals and planning commission with a deep record of concern for our citizens, and our city. Professionally, I’m a licensed attorney with a long career in commercial and contract law, including roles as Divisional Vice President of Commercial Law and Assistant Secretary at Kmart Corporation and as Assistant General Counsel at Sears Holdings. That background has been invaluable in city governance — much like a public company, a city requires thoughtful oversight, strategic planning, and a commitment to the greater good.

LAUREN G. FISHER

Lauren G. Fisher is a past commercial loan officer and commercial real estate officer with JP Morgan Chase, with a degree business financing and marketing from the University of Southern California. Fisher has been a member of the city commission since 2020, and has served as mayor, a member of the zoning board of appeals and is currently a member of the planning commission. She is involved with a number of local and regional community groups.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Yes, our city has both the opportunity and the responsibility to be proactive in addressing sustainability and climate resilience. As stewards of our beautiful, tree-lined streets, rolling hills, and carefully maintained neighborhoods, we have a strong foundation—but there’s more we can do to protect this environment for future generations. Proactive sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing the charm or character of our community. Together with our planning commission, we are preserving our tree canopy and native plant species, encouraging water-wise landscaping, and promoting thoughtful development that respects our natural terrain. On the city commission, we also budget funds to prepare for extreme weather by strengthening infrastructure to better withstand flooding, etc.

CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY

We have always welcomed anyone to attend our meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, and we always provide time on the itinerary for them to speak at city council meetings. To provide further transparency, we on the city council adopted the open meetings act this year, and post any meeting between our members 24 hours prior so that any resident may attend.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS

Our city’s character is rooted in its natural beauty, open space, and rural-residential feel. The absence of sidewalks reflects our community’s desire to preserve this park-like atmosphere. Adding sidewalks could disrupt mature trees, natural drainage patterns, and scenic frontage; and would add hardscape that would further aggravate any flooding issues. People chose to live in Bloomfield Hills because of its character. Any sidewalk proposal would need robust community input, environmental sensitivity, and smart design to ensure safety without compromising what makes our city special. Sidewalks would also create a significant financial impact on residents. Even limited installations can cost hundreds of thousands per mile — before factoring in grading, drainage, and ADA compliance. These added complexities drive costs up substantially. For example, Bloomfield Township’s sidewalk plan is estimated at $15.8 million. Any sidewalk expansion in Bloomfield Hills must be weighed carefully against actual community needs and the long-term financial responsibility placed on residents.

TOP ISSUES

Public safety is — and will remain — one of my highest priorities. We are fortunate to have recently hired a top-tier chief of police and fire who brings not only experience and strong leadership, but also a proactive, problem-solving mindset and valuable connections with neighboring departments and federal agencies. Our public safety department is fully staffed, well-equipped and trained. They thwarted national burglary rings, fires, and also made important progress addressing noise complaints along Woodward Avenue, despite the added challenge of it being under state control. Second, I support our city manager’s systematic infrastructure maintenance. Well-maintained roads, sewers(currently lining the pipes), and bridges (Chesterfield repair starts soon) and culverts are essential. I promptly voted for the adoption of Encode Plus, a new digital zoning and planning software platform that brings greater transparency and ease of use for residents, builders, and landscapers. We will also standardize street signs with a new vendor and replacement policy. Under the leadership of our planning commission chairman, we are updating all the ordinances.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

I care about the City of Bloomfield Hills. We are fortunate to have raised our children in Bloomfield Hills and to have lived in two different areas of the city. Having built and renovated homes here, I understand the importance of preserving what makes our community special while planning wisely for its future. I have a finance background, come from a family of award-winning architects, and have served the city for almost seven years. As a re-elected city council member, I would bring a practical, solutions-driven approach that prioritizes both the everyday concerns of residents and the long-term health, beauty, and stability of our city.

SUSAN MCCARTHY

Susan McCarthy is director of CCC Intelligent Solutions, with a bachelor and a master degree from Central Michigan University and NYU. She has been a Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner for 10 years.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

I think the city is very proactive looking at energy efficiency and protecting our natural resources. The city website provides information concerning water conservation and offers suggestions to our residents about actions they can take to conserve water. Our cities master plan promotes green technology and to protect the natural environment within the city. We encourage green technology in all new building plans, and we preserve our natural wetlands and their setback requirements. The city is also a member of the Alliance of Rouge Communities.

CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY

We actively encourage our residents to attend our city Commission meetings. We video tape all city commission, planning and zoning board of appeals meetings. However, the state of Michigan requires that all city meetings be conducted in person.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS

Our city residents continue to tell us they do not want safety paths throughout our city or on the main roads. The topography of our city with its rolling hills and large trees would make it very expensive to cut into the landscape or build bridges over waterways. Residents have told us they do not want to significantly alter the natural landscaping that defines Bloomfield Hills.

TOP ISSUES

I believe a balanced budget is a primary objective. I strive to spend residents tax dollars wisely. I will continue to work to maintain our city roads within our budget so that we do not need to assess our residents. Supporting our police and firefighters with state-of-the-art equipment to protect our residents and their homes is another top priority.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

I ran for city commission for the first time 10 years ago after serving on the city zoning board of appeals and planning \commission. I love our city and want to preserve the natural beauty it offers our residents with its rolling hills and large trees. I will strive to maintain the unique beauty of our city so that it continues to be a highly desirable place to live. I also have an innate ability to listen to all points of view with an open mind to build consensus and bring about positive outcomes for the city. I encourage residents to contact me directly with any suggestions or improvements for our city.

ANJALI PRASAD

Anjali Prasad is the owner of the Prasad Legal firm, with a bachelor degree from the University of Michigan, a masters degree from William & Mary, and a law degree from the Emory Law School. She is a former Assistant United States Attorney and has served on the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission. She is active with Mai Family Services which serves the South Asian community in Michigan.

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS


In my years as both a federal prosecutor and a defense attorney, I have learned that good decision-making is about balancing immediate needs with long-term consequences. The same is true for sustainability. Bloomfield Hills should promote responsible use of natural resources, reduce waste, and look for fiscally sound ways to minimize pollution. If our neighbors are implementing smart initiatives, there is no reason we cannot do the same in a way that reflects our community’s priorities. To me, sustainability is not about politics, it is about quality of life. Just as in a courtroom where small choices can have enormous outcomes, our choices today about the environment will affect both our families and our property values tomorrow.

CITY MEETING TRANSPARENCY

As a trial lawyer, I have seen how much it matters when people feel their voices have been heard. It changes outcomes and builds trust. That same principle applies to local government. Not everyone can get to a commission meeting in person, especially parents who are hustling to get homework done or professionals who are juggling hectic work schedules. By broadcasting meetings on Zoom and allowing questions or comments, we would open the door to more voices and broader participation. We have the technology to make this possible at minimal cost. The question is whether we are willing to value inclusion enough to use it. I believe Bloomfield Hills residents should not have to choose between family, work and civic engagement. With a simple change, we can make government more transparent and accessible for all.

PEDESTRIAN PATHS

In my work, I never made decisions without first gathering the facts and hearing from everyone involved. That same approach should guide the discussion about pedestrian paths. Some residents may welcome them for safety and walkability, while others may have concerns about cost or neighborhood impact. The best way to move forward is to ask the community directly through surveys and open discussions. Once we have that input, we can study feasibility, safety benefits, and fiscal impact before deciding. I like big ideas, but just like in the courtroom, I want evidence before I act. If paths are supported, they should be designed to serve residents well and use taxpayer funds wisely. If they are not, then we should respect that consensus.

TOP ISSUES

The issues I want to tackle reflect problems I have experienced personally or observed firsthand from listening to residents. First, public safety. As a prosecutor I worked closely with law enforcement, and as a defense attorney I see how safety concerns ripple through families and communities. Schools are central to this conversation because student safety is community safety. Second, noise pollution along Woodward Avenue. The constant roar of traffic and excessive noise take away from the peaceful character that drew many of us to Bloomfield Hills, which in my mind is the classic bedroom community. Third, storm water management. Too many residents deal with flooded basements and property damage, and this is an issue that cannot be ignored. My focus will always be on practical solutions that improve daily life while respecting taxpayer dollars.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

For 25 years, I have stood in courtrooms as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. In both roles, my job has been to listen, weigh facts, and advocate for people whose voices might otherwise go unheard. I want to bring that same skill set to the city commission. Bloomfield Hills has been home to my family since 1981. I grew up here, my parents still live here, and I raised my own children here. That lifelong connection gives me both historical perspective and a personal stake in our city’s future. I know what makes Bloomfield Hills special, and I also know where we can improve. Residents deserve a commissioner who will fight for them, not for an agenda. I believe my background proves that I can be that advocate.