CONTACT ME – jaelliott.48170@gmail.com

ABOUT ME

WHY I’M RUNNING

I’m running because I care about this community and I’ve seen growing frustration among residents who feel their voices are not being heard on key issues.

Regardless of the topic, the city government seems reluctant to listen and slow to respond. There are no public forums for real conversation with our city leaders on important issues like zoning density, flooding, parks, recreation, or rats. Citizens get three minutes to speak at public meetings and they may not get a response. When there is no response and people become frustrated, they are labeled as “team angry.” We need to be proactively creating opportunities for real conversation rather than creating labels.

Closely related to the need for better communication is the need for greater transparency – especially around priorities, decision-making, and budgeting. With my background in project planning, leadership, and communication, I believe I can help the city navigate these challenges more effectively. My goal is to bring a steady, thoughtful, and responsive approach to city government.

I want the very best for this city and will keep working to build a stronger, more united “Team Plymouth.”

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteerism and service are important to me.  I’ve volunteered on the Friends of the Penn board of directors as secretary since 2006. Since then, my role has expanded to include management of renovations, technology, and infrastructure. I’ve managed every renovation and update at the Penn Theatre since the non-profit was formed.

My civic service began in 2017 as an appointee to the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, and I have been the chairperson since 2021.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I’ve recently completed 39 years as a chassis systems engineer with an automotive supplier. In that time, I’ve managed teams, budgets, product development, and project priorities. My most recent role was technical project leader for vehicle safety features (anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control.)
As a project leader, my job was to determine and understand customer needs, develop a plan to meet them, coordinate teams to execute that plan, and ensure the final product met all requirements – on time and within budget – while maintaining open and consistent communication with all stakeholders throughout the process.

I would bring that same approach to the city commission: listen, plan, collaborate, and communicate transparently.

TOP ISSUES FACING THE CITY

1. INFRASTRUCTURE

Planning for the Future The city of Plymouth faces serious infrastructure challenges that demand long-term thinking and responsible fiscal planning.
The central parking deck will eventually need to be replaced, but there is currently no funding plan in place. Many city-owned surface lots are also deteriorating without clear strategies for repair or replacement. A newly-launched initiative to refresh the downtown streetscape is a positive step—but a similar effort five years ago stalled due to high projected costs and limited funding. We risk repeating that cycle unless we budget realistically and prioritize wisely. Road maintenance and funding will be another issue for the next city commission to consider as the funds from the current road bond run out. And last, but not least, flooding has become a major issue. Recent damage to downtown businesses has exposed vulnerabilities in the aging Tonquish Creek waterway.
Our infrastructure plans must look ahead—decades ahead—not just to the next budget cycle.

2. REBUILDING TRUST IN CITY GOVERNMENT

In recent years, residents have grown increasingly frustrated with the disconnect between City Hall and the community. From the long-fought redesign of the Kellogg Park fountain, to poor communication around outdoor dining fees, to vague and unsuccessful parks millage proposals—too often, city decisions are out of step with the community. Now, the proposed development on Ann Arbor Trail has raised new concerns about transparency and whether the city government is listening to the people. While the city continues to spend on surveys and community engagement sessions, many residents still question whether their voices are being heard.
We need a more engaged, transparent approach that builds trust and reflects the will of the people.

3. GROWTH AND AFFORDABILITY

Plymouth is a highly desirable city thanks to its walkable downtown, historic charm, strong community identity, and convenient location. The challenge is to welcome new people and new economic opportunities without destroying what makes Plymouth special. At the same time, we face a growing affordability gap. Rising home prices and property taxes are making it harder for young families and first-time buyers to settle here.