Frankenmuth

Q: Why did you run for Mayor? A: In my time in the Frankenmuth School District, I served as the elementary principal for a number of years and then the superintendent for 11 years. During those 20+ years, I learned a lot about our community. I learned that there is no other community like Frankenmuth. There is a culture of passion here that doesn't look the same in other communities. People are very passionate about doing things the right way, about working together, and about high expectations. They believe that as a community, we should strive to do our best in whatever we're going to do. They also believe that if collectively we need to get something done, we will be there to support one another in getting it done. That culture, and learning about it, was very important to me. During that time, I developed many relationships from people of different walks of life: From those who worked within the district such as teachers to custodians to bus drivers as well as those who were born and raised here through serving on the Historical Association for 20 years. Q: What would you like to be the same in 5 years? A: I love that when we have something that needs to be done, we come together. Whether it is the Jaycees who propose a splash pad, or when the school district expresses that there are things that need to be done. The community comes together for the good of the community. Of course there are times when people will disagree with decisions that were made which is normal. People recognize that those disagreements happen and figure out how to move forward in a positive way. That spirit of Muth and working together collectively to get things done is what I would like to see the same in 5 years. The levee is another good and recent example. To watch the process over time of how it got done, not only really well, but so much so that it became a thing of beauty rather than just a plain wall. That brings me to another characteristic that I like too. When I was younger, I had my first waitressing job here at Franken Haus restaurant. I had to work on parade Sunday and I remember coming into town early and people were out washing their sidewalks in front of their buildings. I saw that and thought "yea I really like this." I love how everybody wants to present us like we're wearing our Sunday Best. As we continue our engagement process, the next step focuses on collecting stories. Mayor Ackerman volunteered to show how easy and informative the process can be. Community Heart and Soul is looking to gather more stories of your fellow neighbors just like this! Do you want to share your own story or interview a neighbor? Contact heartoffrankenmuth@frankenmuthcity.com or call (989) 652 3430. What Matters Most? For the full interview video, visit tinyurl.com/MayorHSInterview What did you gather as the Mayor's hopes? Her goals? Her concerns? Want to know what we think they are? Go to tinyurl.com/FmuthHS to find out! 6

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