On the Ballot: Kyle DuBuc, City Commission

Age: 33

Family: Married to Tara Makar with two young children, Jackson (2 1/2) and Hayes (10 Months).

Resident: for 9 years

Occupation: Legislative Director in the office of Oakland County lawmaker State Rep. Vicki Barnett.  Previously spent five years as a project manager and policy advocate for prominent disability rights organization, Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc, and spent three years managing development work with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Afric.

Civic Experience: Current member of the Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board, member of Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce, Member of Royal Oak Historical Society.

Answers to Key Issues

Here are DuBuc's answers to questions asked at the League of Women Voter's Forum on Sept. 28.

What is the right retail/restaurant mix for downtown?

“I think we want to continue to grow the downtown area in a thoughtful and responsible manner. People come to Royal Oak because of the vibrant entertainment district that we offer. I do think that we are on the right track. As far as what I would like to see, I definitely want to see more diverse retail to broaden the base of appeal and make sure there is something for everybody and that we aren’t overly saturated with bars and restaurants that only appeal to a particular group.”

How do you feel about the Fresard property/Kroger issue?

“I think the debate over Kroger was unfortunate – how it went down in the community. We have a responsibility to ensure that the downtown is developed in a way that we have designed and anything that comes in fits the character. By that measure the planning commission seems to have made the right decision.”

What is your opinion of the non-motorized plan?

“I am certainly in support of the non-motorized plan. Livable, walkable communities are something that people want. If we want to attract people to live in Royal Oak, then this is an asset to the community. It would connect neighborhoods to the downtown. It connects people to work, not to mention the obvious environmental benefits.”

Here are responses to questions from the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee.

What compelled you to run for the City Commission and what issue would you like to address first if elected?

I am running because I love this community and this is where my wife and I are raising our family. We need serious leaders who are willing to address the tough issues the City is facing. Issue number one is getting a balanced, sustainable budget in place.

Everyone agrees that it is important to bring jobs to Royal Oak. What three specific changes would you propose to implement job creation?

1. Bring a positive tone and vision to the commission that sends the message Royal Oak is a good place to do business.
2. Create a Retail Incubator Program (modeled after Kalamazoo) to help support new retail in the downtown area.
3. Launch a "Buy Local First" campaign to encourage shopping at local businesses.             

It is important to stimulate all business corridors, including those outside of the downtown area. What specific actions would you undertake to accomplish that?

Support the creation of a Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) along 11 Mile Road (to operate like a DDA) to capture tax revenue to support economic development in this area. I would also support ongoing membership in the Woodward Avenue Action Association and explore partnership opportunities to support economic development.

Contact Information

Phone: 248-687-6071

Email: VoteKyleDuBuc@gmail.com

Website: www.KyleDuBuc.com