THE RACE IS HEATING UP City commission candidates sound off on parking and pot

By Brad Kadrich

Parking and pot. Those are two of the issues that are likely to rise to the top as the campaign for four seats on the Plymouth City Commission heats up over the summer.

Several of the candidates named paid parking – something the city commission is considering – as an issue that helped them decide to seek a seat on the city’s ruling body.

And a couple of them named the idea of allowing businesses to sell marijuana as an issue they’d like to defeat.

Seven candidates filed petitions to seek the open seats on the city commission. That’s not enough to trigger a primary, so the seven announced candidates will face off in the Nov. 7 general election. The top three vote-getters earn four-year terms; the fourth-place finisher gets a two-year term.

Three incumbents – Suzi Deal, Linda Filipczak and Kelly O’Donnell – filed to run again. A fourth incumbent, Marcus Thomey, decided not to seek re-election.

Four new candidates –Catherine Coburn, Ron

Picard, Brock Minton and Joshua Rimatzki -- are also seeking election.

The Rock caught up with the candidates with a few questions:

The Rock: Why are you seeking election (or, for the incumbents, reelection)?

Linda Filipczak (incumbent): I decided to working mom in the city, I’m out every day listening to what is really going on, both downtown and in the neighborhoods. I live in Old Village and believe my unique and dynamic neighborhood needs a voice they can trust, as well.

Suzi Deal (incumbent): I think concern. Some proposals have been so odd that they caused residents to organize in order to voice their concerns. We've had many projects -- redesigning Kellogg Park, development at the Christian Science Church site and replacing the retaining wall along Penniman -- all of issues that face us alongside newer voices who bring fresh perspectives. Having served on City Commission for more than four years, I feel I can offer voters informed, proven leadership that continues to move Plymouth forward in a strategic direction that capitalizes on the momentum we've built during the last term. seek re-election because I am honored to serve my community. Staying connected and listening to the citizens and business owners while representing them to the best of my ability is crucial. It is imperative to embrace the historic aspect of our city while affecting change for forward improvement while not losing its ambiance is fundamental.

Catherine Coburn: The city needs commissioners who are going to be engaged in the community and responsive to their concerns. As a small businesswoman and it is important to have stability on a board that has the potential to change every two years. Being the longestserving commissioner, I offer that. I also enjoy talking with our residents, making sure they have correct information on decisions being made. Often if I overhear people talking, perhaps sharing incorrect information, I have no problem stepping in, introducing myself to offer up correct information and answer any questions.

Ron Picard: Recently some large city projects have been a reason for caused citizens to get organized because the proposed plans just didn't fit Plymouth. Council members have expressed veiled approval for marijuana dispensaries even though when they poll Plymouth residents most have said they do not want dispensaries in Plymouth.

Kelly O’Donnell (incumbent): City government is complex, and I believe better decisions are made when there's a mix of representatives who have the experience to understand the background and nuances

Brock Minton: I am invested in this city. Since moving here with my wife, Jessica, we have loved the small-town charm, the walkable built environment, and the close-knit community that feels like family. I see this role as an opportunity to serve our community and broaden opportunities for meaningful connection with one another.

Josh Rimatzki: I am running for Plymouth City Commission because I want to give back to our wonderful community. It would be a pleasure to act as a voice for our residents as we work toward shared goals that will ensure our long-term success as a vibrant, unique and welcoming city.

The Rock: What are some of the issues and challenges facing the city?

Filipczak: The biggest challenge currently facing the city of Plymouth is parking. The question at hand is, does the city have adequate parking and is paid parking a positive? Paid parking in Plymouth has historically been a discussion for many years. The concerns voiced include that it will be a deterrent for visitors coming to our city as well as for the citizens of Plymouth. Additionally, will paying to park become a deterrent for visitors to come to our downtown restaurants and businesses which could then have a negative financial impact on the establishments? If visitors decide they do not wish to pay for parking it could potentially shift the parking into the surrounding neighborhoods.

Coburn: We have got to put a lid on new taxes. We are heavily taxed compared to our neighboring communities and I’m concerned that our current city commission is setting us up for even more. At least one of our commissioners is pushing for marijuana shops in the city. I believe this would hurt our city’s brand and bring more crime. I’m also opposed to paid parking. The city has had several missed opportunities over the years to build new parking structures. Paid parking will drive more patrons away from our local restaurants, who are still trying to recover from COVID.

Deal: I think residents are very fortunate to have

Picard: Parking is certainly one of the major issues facing the city, and it has been for quite some time. The paid parking plan currently being worked on for the council's consideration isn't a parking solution, but an attempt to obtain another source of revenue. Development projects that is a challenge, one that taxpayers (and stewards of our public money like the commission) must face soberly. By fixing our eyes on the goal, I think we can find smart solutions to ensure Plymouth stays financially healthy, continue to provide the level of public services our residents energy emissions of residents via existing incentive programs. a strong administration that keeps our city current and up-to-date on day-to-day and state matters. I like to think our challenges are opportunities on how to grow and improve our city. The topic of paid parking is an ongoing discussion. Understanding the need and reasons for paid parking and whether it is right for our city is something that we will be addressing. How can we continue to fund and improve our streets and roads? Again, both challenges, both opportunities to make our city better. are borderline eyesores are another challenge, as well as balancing new development with historical preservation. Keeping marijuana dispensaries out of the city is also a challenge. I worked in Ann Arbor and when a dispensary would open up the surrounding areas soon became magnets for garbage and crime.

O’Donnell: Plymouth is recognized across the region as a desirable place to live, work and visit. But maintaining those high standards amid competing demands on our limited budget expect, and keep evolving as a community in a way that makes residents and business owners proud to call our city home.

Minton: The biggest challenges facing the city are infrastructure, community engagement and affordability. Some of my priorities are to ensure that the infrastructure decisions for all parts of the city are pedestrianfriendly and meet the needs of Plymouth residents and businesses, to build community by expanding offerings through the Recreation Department and to drive down energy costs and

Rimatzki: Some of the most important opportunities the city has at the moment center around government transparency, continued work on a pedestrian friendly downtown and investment in reliable infrastructure. Speaking as a resident who greatly appreciates our vibrant downtown, I also want to work on ensuring that the area remains safe for pedestrians and accessible for all to enjoy. Finally, it is crucial that our tax dollars are used as efficiently as possible to support infrastructure investments that will last and enhance the community.

The Rock: Why should the voters choose you?

Filipczak: I have been a resident of Plymouth for 30 years and it has always been my dream to be a part of our phenomenal city since the 1970’s when I used to ride my bicycle to Kellogg Park from Dearborn Heights. As a City Commissioner, I am accountable for assisting our community to grow prudently while doing

Continued on page 12 so efficiently, and strategically while being fiscally responsible. I represent the citizens and business owners of Plymouth. It is my goal to work collaboratively with my fellow commissioners and the administration to ensure that we maintain our city of Plymouth as an affordable vibrant place to live, work and enjoy life.

Coburn: I’m a straight-talker who does her homework and gets answers to questions. A city commissioner should be your eyes and ears at city hall and not something to put on a political resume. People know I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, that I will get results and always look out for them.

Deal: My husband and I raised our boys in Plymouth. I was involved with the schools they attended (Bird, West, Plymouth) and with the sports they participated in through both PCC and P-CEP. I have worked retail within the downtown and with partners created a business which highlighted DTP. I want to help the city stay current and improve upon services being offered along with being part of the discussions and decisions on changes.

Picard: I love historical preservation and I'm probusiness. Most of the time these things all line up. However, when they don't, residents should win. The development at the old Christian Science Church site is an example. We all win when the businesses in Plymouth do well, but trying to squeeze every dollar out of that project does not benefit the residents of Plymouth. I'm someone who somehow always gets involved. I've served on the boards of churches and community choirs. I've coached youth sports and robotic teams. My talents and skills line up well with being a Plymouth City Commissioner.

O’Donnell: I try to bring a perspective to city decisions that reflects the values and wishes of my constituency, as well as serve as a voice of a segment of voters historically under-represented in local government: women with younger families. It's crucial that the diverse make-up of the Plymouth community is reflected on the city commission dais, and that's part of why I got involved.

Minton: I will be an accessible city commissioner who clearly and honestly communicates fact-supported decisions that will improve the city for its residents while maintaining the character of our cozy, welcoming city.

Rimatzki: I felt a younger voice would be important as large decisions are being made that will have lasting impact. To my knowledge I would be the youngest commission member in Plymouth history, and the first to represent Gen Z. Ultimately, I believe I can utilize my financial skillset and background in community service to effectively get the job done.

About 14 years ago, Plymouth’s Larry Millen decided to give a relatively unknown sport a chance. He joined a fledgling recreational pickleball league out of Hilltop Middle School in Northville, where games featuring mostly retirees filled the gymnasium.

“As far as I can tell that was the first place in the area,” Millen recalled. “That’s where we found it and it was just old, retired guys playing. Now, you can say it’s a big mix with lots of different age groups playing.”

It took a long time for a thenobscure sport with a strange name to gravitate a few miles south to nearby Plymouth, but Millen and his wife Jen are thankful. They make up Team Millen and are part of the very competitive Monday night pickleball league at Plymouth Cultural Center.

Pickleball no longer is obscure, either.

It is an interesting game to say the least. Players use paddles to swat a Whiffle-like plastic ball back and forth over a net, morphing elements of ping pong and tennis. Pickleball is exploding in popularity as a recreational pursuit and spectator sport with TikTok and ESPN airing contests and major articles about it in the New York Times.

“I don’t know, but the game’s got a silly name and people didn’t take it seriously,” said Millen, who actually broke a foot playing during a recent contest and watched the 2-vs-2 doubles action July 10 wearing a walking boot. “And now it’s on ESPN every day.”

Fun And Games

Mondays feature serious pickleballers, nicknamed “picklers.” But there are lesshigh-octane divisions for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (6:30 to 9 p.m.). Drop-in sessions take place weekdays (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) for beginners or others wanting to give the sport a try.

“They (players in the lower divisions) take a bit longer to play their games,” said program coordinator Caitlin Vince of the city’s recreation department. “They need more time. It’s kind of more social for them, they hang out and talk where these (Monday night competitive division) people just get ‘boom’ into the next game.”

Games and drop-in sessions continue through Thursday, Aug. 4, after which it will be time to begin re-installing ice for use during the 2023-24 season.

The city’s first official pickleball offering exceeded any expectations, with Plymouth Cultural Center transformed from hockey rink to pickleball paradise for folks living in Plymouth, Plymouth Township and Canton among neighboring communities.

“This was just a home run when they put this indoors here,” Millen said. “It’s the only courts in Plymouth right now (except for a private pickleball club operating inside the PARC). And everybody in here lives in the neighborhood, so it’s awesome. We’ve met so many new neighbors here.”

Patty Green of Plymouth, a player on Pickleball Peeps of the Monday night division, also praised the summer sessions at PCC.

“I love it, I love the idea that it’s (indoors) but I wish we had more ventilation,” said Green, during a 10-minute break between games. “I hope for our city to be on par with a lot of other cities where they have pickleball courts in every park, like Livonia.

“It is a growing sport, I see young people playing it everywhere.” throughout Plymouth.

“I think partially we haven’t got the funding to get the courts made,” Green continued. “I think it (interest) has always been here. There’s been a crowd that’s been playing it at the PARC (Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex) in the gym. But (pickleball players) have to go outside the city to find courts.”

Brandon Szachta, assistant director for the Plymouth Recreation Department, hinted that this summer’s program won’t be a one-off and that other potential spots for pickleball courts probably will be seriously considered.

“We’ll definitely have it back next year and hopefully for years to come,” Szachta said.

“If the ice is going to be down you might as well utilize the space.”

OH, PICKLES

Green began playing pickleball about four years ago, traveling with friends to other cities’ outdoor courts. The PCC location finally gave her a place closer to home to compete along with the rest of the Pickleball Peeps (which has a dozen or so players).

“We just got the bug and we want to play all the time,” Green said. “We feel, at our age, post-50 and post-60 people, we’re staying in the best shape we can by doing this. It’s been phenomenal.”

“And we’re in the very, very preliminary stages of putting in a pickleball court where the old shuffleboard court is, next to the cultural center on Farmer.”

Szachta added that there are a few locations elsewhere within the city to where future courts might be feasible, but Plymouth “is just 2.2 square miles and it is pretty much 99-percent developed. So finding land is a bit difficult.”

Regardless, build some pickleball courts and they will come. Yet for now, the ice arena will do just fine.

Tonya Barker jokingly said the sport is “like ping pong and tennis had a baby. It’s extremely fun. You can pick up a paddle and get by. But the more you get into it the more you learn about it and then it gets even more fun.”

She emphasized pickleball is as much a social draw as it is one for rec players of all stripes.

“It’s competitive, but it’s friendly,” Tonya Barker added. “We’re having a great experience here, meeting all these people. Everybody’s nice. I just think there’s a lot of opportunity for (the sport’s) growth.”

About bringing pickleball to the hockey arena for this summer, Szachta said ice would have been removed anyway for the months of May through early August.

Meanwhile, growing interest in bringing the sport to town made it a relatively safe and sound decision to tape five pickleball courts onto the cement floor.

What doesn’t make sense is how pickleball got its crazy name in the first place.

“It’s a long story, but back in the ‘60s a couple made up this game to play in their backyard, just to goof around,” Larry Millen said. “Their dog would always run on the court, grab the ball and run away. The dog’s name was

HERE TO STAY?

Millen and Green agree that it would be great for new pickleball courts to begin springing up

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Ted Barker, who plays in the Monday night league with wife Tonya Barker on the TnT squad.

“We’re always getting calls,” Szachta explained. “‘When are you putting in pickleball courts? Why don’t you have pickleball courts? Here’s some land I know about, put some pickleball courts there. Weekly, we’re getting calls. So, obviously, with the pickleball surge in the country it was a no-brainer. We had this empty ice arena, it’s a flat surface, we could put tape down. So yeah, it made sense and here we are.”

Pickles, so it was Pickle’s ball.

“That’s where the name came from and it stuck. But that’s one of the reasons” many people didn’t give it the time of day.

Until they did, that is.

In a 2022 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, it was estimated there were 4.8 million “picklers” in the United States – proof that participation in and passion for pickleball is growing in equal parts.

Plymouth Cultural Center is located at 525 Farmer.

Email Szachta at bszachta@ plymouthmi.gov or call (734) 455-6620 for more information. Drop-in sessions are $5 per player.

When my family and I attended Plymouth’s Art in the Park, we were among some 300,000 attendees of the longstanding festival.

After strolling the vendors that spanned Kellogg Park and immediately started planning our next visit. downtown Plymouth,” Plymale says. “Anyone can apply for a special event application.”

My daughter mentioned taking a class at Pure Barre, my son wants to check out State of Comics, and my husband and I hope to catch a movie at Penn Theatre followed by dinner at one of Plymouth’s amazing hotspots.

According to Sam Plymale, director of Plymouth’s Downtown Development Authority, that’s the goal of events like Art in the Park.

“Once they’re here they shop and dine in the downtown district and hopefully come back,” Plymale says.

Plymouth is the site of more than 130 special events annually, from Fall Festival to Ice Festival, with lots of concerts, parades and farmers markets in between.

The Special Events Application can be found under the “Explore Plymouth” tab on plymouthmi.gov. All fees and regulations are included in the document.

Applications must be submitted at least 21 days prior to events, and are reviewed by city leaders. They are approved as long as they don’t violate any ordinances or rules, Plymale says.

Kellogg Park, with its large shade trees and tranquil fountain centerpiece, is a popular spot and dates book early so Plymale suggests planning ahead.

Get Active

In addition to the many arts and cultural events held annually in downtown Plymouth, there are also fitness-focused happenings.

• RunDTP meets in Kellogg Park Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. for free 3- to 7-mile runs or walks through the city.

• Sun & Snow hosts Wednesday Night Workouts in Kellogg Park. The last one of the summer, on Aug. 16, features Fit Kids by Downup Yoga at 5:30 p.m. followed by an adult class by My Yoga Room at 6:30 p.m.

• F45 Training of North Livonia will stage Glow Yoga on Sept. 21 in Kellogg Park.

“We have a very healthconscious community and these types of events bring people together in the park to get outside and get active,” says DDA Director Sam Plymale.

Compiled by Wensdy Von Buskirk

Destination Downtown

Here’s a sampling of events coming up in Plymouth:

Music in the Air Downtown Concerts, 7 p.m. Friday nights through Sept. 1

Wilcox Wednesdays

Music in the Park, Noon through Aug. 23

Plymouth Fall Festival Sept. 8-10 downtown streets, we wrapped up with a delicious brunch at the Omelette & Waffle Cafe and

It’s a common misconception that the city plans all of these festivities, Plymale says, but that’s not the case. They’re hosted by various community entities and businesses.

“We very much encourage organizations to hold events in

Once events are approved, the city helps spread the word on its website and social media, as well as on posters that hang in store windows all over town.

“If you’re holding your event downtown we’re gonna share it and help promote it. We want to get people visiting downtown Plymouth and events are a great way to get people in,” he says.

Ladies Night Out Sept. 14

How To Apply

To plan a community event in Plymouth, fill out the Special Event Application under the “Explore Plymouth” tab at plymouthmi.gov.