KINGSFORD – In the city of Kingsford, four candidates are running for three seats on the Kingsford City Council.

Candidates on Tuesday’s ballot are incumbents Michael Flaminio, Cynthia Dixon-Miller and Brian Smeester and challenger Anthony Erickson.

Statements from the candidates follow:

Cynthia Dixon-Miller

Kingsford City Council

I have enjoyed living and working in Kingsford for the past 20 years.

A career employee of the U.S. Postal Service, I hold a bachelor’s degree in library science-secondary education. Besides serving two terms on the Kingsford City Council, I served four years as a Dickinson County Conservation District director. I am also a former member of the Dickinson County Library Board.

I would appreciate your vote in the Nov. 3 election.

Thank you for your past support.

Brian Smeester

Kingsford City Council

“It’s your money.” As a councilman for the great city of Kingsford, “It’s your money,” has always been a factor in my votes.

I voted no on every budget and both labor contracts, because they were negotiated by the union for the union. I am the only sitting council member that is neither employed under a union contract or collecting a union pension. They refer to the taxpayers’ money as revenue. You are not revenue, you are the people, it’s your money.

I have been a strong voice for the consolidation of emergency services with Iron Mountain. A lot of good people have said that this will be good for both the cities of Kingsford and Iron Mountain. The union shills on the council killed it. Simply put, savings to the taxpayer means less money to the union.

They will con, play on your honor, or just scare you into giving them more money. That is good business for them. I will not vote to increase taxes or service fees – water bill, etc.

A vote for Brian K. Smeester on Nov. 3 is good business for you and for the city of Kingsford.. Thank you, Brian K. Smeester.

Michael Flaminio

Kingsford City Council

Hello, I’m Michael “Mick” Flaminio and I’m seeking re-election to the Kingsford City Council. I have been on the council for the last 12 years. I’ve also been your Dickinson County D.A.R.E. Officer since 2003. Prior to that, I was a Kingsford Public Safety Officer for over 26 years.

During my 38 years as a law enforcement officer, I’ve done my best to serve the citizens of Kingsford and Dickinson County with integrity, compassion, and fairness. I’m proud to say that I am from Kingsford. It certainly has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you, and I’ve enjoyed raising my family here.

Reflecting back over my 12 years in office, I realize how many positive changes have occurred in our city. But, they didn’t happen overnight, and they didn’t come without a cost. Our city employees have made a lot of concessions, to offset those costs. Thankfully the last 12 years, no one has been laid off on my watch. But, eight positions have been eliminated from our payroll, in order to pay for these changes.. I’m confident to report that our general budget has remained at 17.22 mills, for several years.

Nevertheless, I typically vote “Yes” to insure that our remaining employees get the best training and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. But, that doesn’t include lining their pocketbooks with taxpayer’s money.

I’ve been on the Bargaining Committee since 2005 and, bargaining demands fiscal responsibility. Decisions are never easy, and I haven’t done my previous co-workers any favors. I may even have fewer friends by being fiscally responsible. But, my responsibilities changed once I was elected.

If you’d like me to continue my efforts, I’d appreciate your support and your vote on Nov. 3. Thank you. Michael Flaminio-Mayor.

Anthony Erickson

Kingsford City Council

My name is Anthony Erickson, and I would like to represent the people of Kingsford on the Kingsford City Council. Aside from my service in the U.S. Army, and a brief starter home in Iron Mountain, I have lived in Kingsford. After seeing the world I returned to Kingsford, as there is nowhere else that I would choose to live and raise my family.

I have attended Garden Village, Westwood, Kingsford Junior High, Kingsford High School, and finished my formal education at Bay De Noc Community College. Upon my return from the military I began working at Scotty’s Muffler and Brake shop on Carpenter Avenue in Kingsford.

In 1999 I was appointed as the manager and in 2002 I purchased the shop and became the owner of a Kingsford business. In 2002 I also married my wife (Laddavone) and we welcomed our first child (Katherine). In 2005 we started another Kingsford business (Bullseyes to Badguys). In 2008 we moved to our current home in Kingsford and welcomed our second child (Alexander).

During my campaign I have been asked numerous times what is my reasoning for running for city council. Simply put, I am happy with where Kingsford is and where we are heading. I would like to keep it that way or possibly make it even better.

Any issue that may present itself, should first be met with the question, “How will this benefit the people and the city of Kingsford?” I feel that my education and business sense, both of which were gained in Kingsford, should be used to benefit the city.

If you feel that my service on the city council will benefit the city of Kingsford, I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 3. Thank you for your consideration in this election.