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(Editor’s Note: John Jacobs explains why he feels Warner Queeny will be a great addition to the Township Board. Read on for his thoughts. -jb)
I’m generally leery of newcomers to politics who seek election to an office. The education provided by rising through the ranks — and serving on Township committees or other involvement in Township affairs — develops a keen understanding of issues facing the Township and the sentiments of residents. Newcomers don’t have that advantage.
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That said, unlike a number of the current candidates who seem to have thrown their hats into the ring despite being wholly unprepared for the job and either ignorant or just disinterested in the issues, I’m impressed with what I’ve been learning about Warner Queeny. He’s deep in the skills we need right now … finance, conflict resolution in turbulent situations, and sustainable management of growth. Additionally, he offers a youthful perspective and energy.
I was particularly impressed with his response to a question posed by Old Mission Gazette asking about his long-term vision for Peninsula Township, to which he answered, “I think there is a way to balance responsible growth while being dedicated to maintaining our peninsula’s natural beauty.” That demonstrates a perspective that we need right now.
It disappoints me that some of the other candidates seem to have shown only a casual interest in township affairs in their vague responses and even non-answers to questions posed by the Gazette. If this is their performance while seeking the job, why would anyone think they will operate any differently if they get elected to the job?
(Editor’s Note: Read all candidate questionnaires and responses here. -jb)
For the record, I don’t know Warner personally, having only met him at an event several weeks ago where he very briefly introduced himself to me. But he has had an impressive business career, including running a prestigious venture funding firm in Traverse City.
He has decided that Old Mission is the forever home for his family, and he clearly cares about making sure our township maintains its unique character to raise his young family. And, he has taken thoughtful, intelligent positions on our township’s most pressing issues.
For those reasons, I’d like to see Warner Queeny as a trustee, and he’ll have my vote.
-John Jacobs
(Read all Peninsula Township Election 2024 News, Opinions and Candidate Questionnaires here. -jb)
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I agree John, this is someone we need to have on our towns board, his skills in finance, conflict resolution in turbulent situations, and sustainable management of growth will be a tremendous asset: And no doubt he will bring a youthful perspective and youthful energy. He has my vote too!
I also support Warner Queeny for his genuine interest in building consensus from conflict, having experience seeking financial management solutions, and representing a needed youthful family oriented perspective. Having attended several community events for trustee candidates, I think a bipartisan selection of Queeny, Wunsch, Alexander, and Sanger would be a great balance of background, experience, and dedication.
I also support Warner Queeny, and feel he will bring a lot to the table. FYI, he is not totally new to old Mission Peninsula – his mother-in-law‘s family has had roots here for decades.
All three candidates Kate, JP and Fred have all the requisites for doing the job of trustee.
A businesswoman/farmer, a Doctor and a retired American Airlines pilot are a match for any of the incumbents or other democrat hopefuls.
Fred and JP have had people trusting their lives in their hands and making difficult decisions on a daily basis.
Kate is a respected business woman as well.
Every candidate brings something to the table.
But most importantly they will bring a fresh new perspective and respect to the table which is something we need in the township.
It’s funny that the some of the people supporting querry
Criticized Fred Kate and JP because they did not have township committee experience but hail Queery as some special person. He and the three here all are on the same footing when it comes to township involvement.