By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Robert Mortimore, challenging Dowagiac City Council appointee Donna O'Konski in First Ward, has lived in that sector of the city since 1954.
First Ward write-in candidate Ron Leatz said, “Mr. Mortimore and I basically have the same idea. First Ward is not represented very well and nothing gets done. I've been in town about six months. I see a lot of little things that could be done. I can't turn the town 180 degrees around. I'm one of six votes if I get elected. I've talked to department heads, the city manager, the city clerk and a lot of people in town. I got married (in Dowagiac) and had my rehearsal dinner at Champs Hotel. Things have changed.”
In Second Ward, 20-year council veteran Bob B. Schuur is unopposed.
Third Ward incumbent Leon Laylin has served eight years on the council.
He grew up and has run a business, Laylin Welding, for 43 years in Third Ward.
Shirley, his wife of 47 years, is a founder of the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival, which has “brought many dollars to this city.”
Challenging Laylin is JoAnne L. Wood, a 36-year Dowagiac resident.
Wood started the Neighborhood Watch program in Third Ward and was instrumental in getting police to start enforcing safety laws around McKinley School.
She has been attending City Council meetings for the last three years and was active in getting the rental ordinance repealed. She challenged Councilman Dr. Charles Burling in 2003.
Each council candidate was allotted two minutes to make a statement.
Also seeking re-election Nov. 8 is city Treasurer Robin Coffey.
She started as a utility clerk in 1990 and won election in November 1997 and re-election in 2001. She is unopposed in seeking a third four-year term.