To the citizens of Niles:

My name is Bruce Leach. I am a lifelong resident of Niles. My extended family has lived here for more than 150 years. I am 56 years old. I graduated in 1973 from Niles High School. I have four children and two grandchildren. I was employed by the Niles Fire Department for more than 33 years. I received many awards for my efforts by the chiefs of the department that I served under. My last position was fire marshal, which I held until retirement in 2008.

I am running for the office of mayor. I want to see Niles regain its stature, to be a healthy, lively city. I am willing to work hard to accomplish what is best for our city, whether it be public involvement, attitude or a “hit-the-floor-running” work ethic. These attributes will help me to serve as mayor. We need a mayor who will get his hands dirty and get into the mix. We need new thoughts, new ideas, new blood.

The employment picture in Niles has steadily been diminishing. This puts our citizens at a great danger. Many are just getting by on unemployment and other assistance. This cannot continue! Our homes are valued tens of thousands less than when we bought them. We must develop new ways to draw new businesses into our town. This can be done. We must be creative. I am already in the process of conferring with my business and industrial contacts. I won’t be easy to regain our losses, but we must begin. Other states have started to gain momentum. It is Michigan’s time, and Niles should be a leader.

I can help motivate the cause by being elected mayor. I have helped others in the past to accomplish goals in business and monetary-related issues.

Lastly, I am a Christian, a conservative and I believe that we earn the right to be American citizens.

Where will Niles be in four more years if we don’t change things? Start now! Vote!

Vote Bruce Edward Leach for mayor!

Sincerely,

Bruce Leach

2011 mayoral candidate

City of Niles