April 1, 2013

Benjamin Loren Horn For Mayor of Mackinac Island Friends, There are an endless amount of suggestions, ideas, and opinions expressed on Mackinac Island. I am the Mayoral candidate that is going to listen to all of them. Whether you see me on the street in passing, are joining me for a conversation in a local establishment, or present your proposal to me at a formal meeting, your recommendations will be heard, addressed, and resolved. To achieve this, I plan on transitioning the current government to one of transparency, that every citizen can contribute to and participate in. As Thomas Jefferson stated, When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The primary goals of my administration would be: To eliminate the anxiety, uncertainty, and at times unlawful practices community members have faced when trying to maintain or search for affordable year-round homes or apartments on Mackinac Island. The current situation is dismal, slowly causing established residents to move away or drastically alter their lives, rather than to remain comfortable, prosper, and enliven the community of Mackinac Island. To transition the government to a level of transparency that has yet to be attained. Transparency will be achieved by providing an improved and expanded city website updated on a daily basis. The website will include but is not limited to: detailed transcriptions of city council meetings, city contracts, city administrative and utility costs, and anything not mentioned above that taxpayer dollars are being spent or debated on. You have a right to know where all of your money is going. Cutting legal expenditures in half. I would accomplish this by working with residents, business owners, and all elements of society to fairly address, remedy, and decide on local issues that need the time and effort of the local government to resolve, not your tax payer dollars. Through the fair enforcement of city ordinances we can reduce our legal expenditures by avoiding excessive court costs and legal fees. With a reduction in legal expenditures, a community recreation center that includes a swimming pool and fitness facility is not a dream, but a reality.

As your new Mayor, I would immediately establish an open door policy, post my hours of availability, and publish my daily events schedule so you know exactly what functions your Mayor performs and participates in. My awareness of local issues and concerns, exceptional experience in leadership positions, and a background and education in management, fully qualify me for the position of Mayor of Mackinac Island. Prior to graduating from the Mackinac Island Public School in 1997, I enlisted in the U.S. Army under the delayed entry program and served my country from September 25, 1997 until March 31, 2005. I achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and received an honorable discharge. During my service in the military, I employed a participating style of leadership, honed organizational and management skills, and represented the Island community and the United States in a positive way, defending the rights that we are all entitled to. Since returning to Mackinac Island, I have performed several different professions, where my unique leadership and communication skills were further developed on a daily basis. These employment opportunities have included: a painter and foreman, construction laborer, sales associate/product demonstrator, and a self-employed street peddler. As a peddler I gained respect for the many service jobs our community performs and was informed by tourists about the mixed feelings they sometimes have about our Island. I currently contribute to the educational growth of the youth of our community at the Mackinac Island Public School as a substitute teacher, and ensure their safety and welfare as a custodial assistant. I am a member of American Legion Post #299 and participate in veteran funerals, observances, and parades throughout the year. I am a proud Native American, and member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Education, specifically higher education opportunities for island high school graduates and community members, is of great importance to me. I know firsthand the opportunities that can become available from obtaining a quality secondary education. I graduated from Washtenaw Community College in May 2010 with an Associates of Applied Science in Management Supervision. I am currently a senior at Eastern Michigan University pursuing a Business Administration degree in Management. Openness, coupled with fair and equal representation, will strengthen our effectiveness in Government by improving the quality of its decisions. Transparency in local government promotes accountability and provides information to the citizens about what their Government is doing. Through transparency, power will be transitioned back to the people of Mackinac Island. Benjamin L. Horn

Mail: PO Box 542 1252 Mission St. Apt. 101, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 E-mail: benlhorn@yahoo.com Phone: 1-734-657-7949