The City of Dowagiac has its elections in odd numbered years, and, as a result, they do not coincide with the national or state election cycles, which are in even numbered years.

Also, Dowagiac’s elected officials are non-partisan, not affiliated with any recognized political party.

Because of these two facts, Dowagiac’s elections are not intertwined with the larger issues that dominate state and national debates.

I have always appreciated that fact. Local city elections can be exclusively about local issues, as they should be.

The election year of 2016 will go down in history as one of our country’s most contentious and divisive election years ever, and I, for one, was glad to not be a part of it.

However, I was left with the uneasy feeling that, because I was not a part of it, no one knows where I stand on the critical issues that impact our community.

I feel that every citizen of Dowagiac has a right to know where their mayor stands on the issues that impact Dowagiac if they are to be well informed citizens, who, by the wise use of their votes, will ultimately decide what kind of city they live in.

This is my vision for Dowagiac. How that vision may or may not be brought to fruition has always been, and will continue to be, debated among the elected officials of Dowagiac as well as its citizens.

When putting my vision forward, I am not speaking on behalf of any other elected official or city employee.

My vision for Dowagiac is that it is a community that builds roads and bridges — not walls.

It is a community that welcomes everyone, regardless of what god they may pray to, or whether or not they pray at all. A community that welcomes everyone, regardless of who they may choose for their life partner. A community that welcomes everyone, regardless of the color of their skin. A community that welcomes everyone, regardless of their gender identification.

A community where the police are your friend’s and protectors, not your enemy. A community that is financially sound, where you know the leaves will be collected in the fall, the snow plowed in the winter and the pot holes fixed in thespring.

A community with clean, fresh water, whose waste water is properly treated and the environment is protected and cherished. A community that partners with other public and private enterprises to provide more and better services for less money.

A community with good parks, open spaces and recreational opportunities. A community that values and celebrates its history and the arts. A community that values the free enterprise system and strives to help new and existing businesses thrive and add jobs, not impede them with petty rules and red tape.

A community that doesn’t fear the future, but embraces it, knowing the changes the future brings will also bring opportunities to make Dowagiac a better community. A community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

These seem like simple and obvious goals, and yet nothing “just happens.” It takes a constant effort and attention to a myriad of details. Your elected officials and city staff work hard at this task.

If you have any constructive suggestions, or feel we have failed or could do better, please contact myself, the city manager or one of your city council members. After all, this is your city — we are just its temporary caretakers.

Please engage with us so that we may serve you better.

Don Lyons is the mayor of Dowagiac.