issues Eight years ago, Craig Covey first ran for City Council on a platform that promised a new community center, continued support for Ferndale Police Officers and Firefighters, further revitalization of our downtown, and no new taxes. He kept all of his promises. Four years ago, he ran for re-election, again pledging to oppose new taxes, support smart growth, continue promotion of the city as and open and welcoming place, and promising to unify the residents for a city that we all could be proud of. He again kept his promises. A Greener Ferndale As Councilman, Craig supported making Ferndale a “walkable” city. He backs plans to create more bicycle lanes in Ferndale, and through his contacts with regional organizations, secured the donation of 18 trees worth $15,000 that are now growing along Hilton Road north of Nine Mile. He authored the parking ordinance that allows high mileage cars and hybrids free parking downtown with the purchase of a low cost permit. He strongly encourages increased recycling, and promotes the “Green Cruise” in Ferndale each summer. He plans on increasing the view of Ferndale as a “Green City”. Business Very few officials have done more than Councilman Covey in promoting Ferndale as a good place to do business. He has certainly contributed to the lively downtown, helping bring businesses and customers to our city. His support of the pride festival, the Pub Crawl, the Blues Festival, the Green Cruise and other events brings tens of thousands of people to Ferndale, who in turn spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in the shops, restaurants, and clubs. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and enjoys the support of many business owners throughout the City. Railroad Expansion Project Councilman Covey, along with Mayor Porter and other officials, fought the new proposal to expand the railroad facilities in southeast Ferndale. This expansion would devastate our tax base by removing several of our city's largest and most productive industrial companies, while also negatively impacting the neighborhood with increased noise, traffic, and pollution. Together with former Mayor Goedert and many residents, we won that battle. Seniors Your City Council named the Kulick Community Center after long time activist and Councilwoman Gerry Kulick. As promised, that center was opened with federal grants, using an existing school building, with minimal local funds. Today our center is thriving, and now expanding with federal grants, and is serving hundreds of citizens each day with meals, meeting space, and support services. Covey assisted with this project, and is no stranger to the center. He has helped raise funds and attain grants for its work. Recreation & Youth The Eastside Recreation Center (the Curling Club) is popular and an asset to our community. It provides youth programs in the summer, and was a creative win for Ferndale. Craig worked on the Parks and Recreation Commission in the late 90's to refurbish and improve our city's parks. He has helped secure grants for recreation, including the Boys and Girls Club and a new tennis camp. He has been a Board Member of Ferndale Youth Assistance for six years, and has raised over $20,000 for that agency. Police & Fire While Ferndale has faced severe funding reductions from the state, we have maintained strong police and fire protection. Crime had fallen drastically in Ferndale every year up until recently, and Craig is a strong supporter of law and order and strong public safety services. Craig is a solid ally of our police officers and firefighters, and has supported efforts to share services with Hazel Park and Royal Oak Township which have further strengthened both the Police and Fire Departments. Taxes –Budget & Finance Balanced Budgets In spite of drastic funding cuts from the state and county, Councilman Covey has worked hard with the mayor and council to keep our city's budget balanced every year for the past eight years. This was done without cutting important city services and largely without raising taxes. While still high, our overall millage had been reduced by a mill during the past several years, until the voters supported the new Library project. Craig has never voted for a tax increase in his eight years on Council, the only member who can make this claim. He will resist the pressure to raise taxes locally. Downtown Not too many years ago, our downtown was nearly abandoned. Today the occupancy rate is over 95%. Our downtown is filled with new shops and restaurants, and Ferndale is the envy of our neighboring cities. Our city is a destination, and events such as the Blues Festival, the Dream Cruise, and Motor City Pride bring tens of thousands to our city. Here, Craig escorts Governor Granholm and Mayor Porter on a tour of 9 Mile Road. He supports the effective programs of the DDA, while striving for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Street Repair Using mostly federal and state funding, Ferndale has redone and refurbished parts of Livernois, Pinecrest, and all of Hilton. Nine Mile has new planters, banners, lights, and parking. Our sidewalks are repaired regularly and our water infrastructure is well maintained. Here, Craig was chatting with former DPW employee the late "Tiger" Natin. "Tiger" Natin passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2003, after a valiant fight against cancer. He worked for the City of Ferndale in many capacities for more than 30 years, and will be missed by many generations of Ferndale residents. Visit the ballpark named after Tiger located at Martin Road Park in northeast Ferndale. Tiger was 67. Arts and Culture Craig founded the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission, which for several years put on the annual art fair. He created other innovative and popular programs such as Music in the Park, the annual chili cook-off, and the Pub Crawl, always using volunteers. Craig co-founded and helps organize the Annual Ferndale Blues Festival, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities. Honoring our Veterans Councilman Covey's proudest moment was surely the massive and moving 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony he helped organize in 2002. Bringing together school officials, parents, students, city workers, police and firefighters, Craig coordinated an event on September 11th that brought unity and dignity through music and tribute to thousands of Ferndale citizens. Three thousand people attended to listen to choirs, sing and pray. Craig also raised thousands of dollars to help pay for the new Ferndale Veterans Memorial. Here is Craig on Memorial Day 2002. Friends of Craig Covey 425 Livernois Street Ferndale, MI 48220 248-399-4362 coveyforferndale@sbcglobal.net