Meet the hopefuls bidding for City Commission
Two vie for one seat on Mount Pleasant board
Mount Pleasant City Hall, where City Commission meetings take place, at 320 W. Broadway St. (CM-Life | Ella Miller)
An emerging community leader and a longtime sales manager are vying for one nonpartisan seat on the Mount Pleasant City Commission.
Ryon Skalitzky, a one-time candidate for the Isabella County Drain Commission and an electrician who now serves on the Broadway Theater board, will square off for votes against Seth Blackey, a Central Michigan University alumnus, 12-year executive at Graff Buick GMC Cadillac and Discovery Museum board chair.
The men are bidding to fill a seat currently held by Commissioner John Zang, who was appointed in February to fill the vacancy left by the sudden departure of then-Mayor Bryan Chapman. Both Skalitzky and Blackey threw their names into the ring for the appointment at that time.
Now it's up to the voters. Residents will have the chance to pick their next at-large commissioner starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Central Michigan Life reached out to both candidates and provided them with a copy of the same questionnaire.
Responses are listed in the order in which they were received; they have been edited for clarity. This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute or signify an endorsement of either candidate.
Ryon Skalitzky, 40
IBEW 876 groundman and truck driver
Studied network and communication management at Central Michigan University and DeVry University
Q: Please tell us about your job and relevant work experience:
A: I am an IBEW 876 groundman and truck driver. Aside from having an understanding on the work required to build, this experience isn't terribly relevant.
(My work) experience as an insurance agent is more so. It gave me an understanding of how costly negligence can be. There is insurance and underwriting for everything, I promise.
I have always been someone who has stayed informed on how politics will affect the lives of those around me. In 2022, after the (Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health) ruling, I began taking a more active role. I realized that it is possible for one person to make a difference when they get involved. This has brought me the experience that will help me as a city commissioner.
In the last few election cycles, I have met and canvassed for candidates, helped collect signatures to pass legislation, become the vice chair for the local Democratic party, ran for drain commissioner in 2024, and have become the Concert Committee chair for the Broadway Theater.
I understand how the process works and have the motivation to make positive change in our community.
How long have you been a resident of Mount Pleasant?
A: I have lived in the greater Mount Pleasant area for most of my life. I grew up in Remus with Mount Pleasant being "town," but graduated from Mount Pleasant Public Schools in 2002.
I did spend a decade in Gladwin starting in 2012, returning regularly, including in 2017 when Mount Pleasant suffered a severe flood. I helped muck out basements for those in town unable to do so themselves.
Why are you running for City Commission?
A: I want to be a city commissioner because I want to be able to better help the community. I'm already working to make change and support some of the organizations that help families in the area meet their needs, but it's difficult as a civilian. I've been working on organizing a "Longer Table" mutual aid picnic. There are resources available to help the neighborhood, and an informed community is an empowered community.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the city and/or commission?
A: One of my biggest concerns is addressing the housing issues in town. I would like to help initiate a tenant's union and address some of the predatory landlords operating outside of Michigan. If someone is going too profit (from) our citizens, the money should stay local.
Another issue I want to tackle is the increased turnover that we have experienced in City Hall. People don't enter into public service or municipalities to get rich. If the city employees aren't satisfied with the work they're completing, then I think we'll find it difficult to retain talented, dedicated staff to do the work our city deserves.
Another concern of mine is empowering the mutual aid organizations that help our community. As the climate escalates in Washington, I have a rational concern about how some of these entities will operate. I want to engage the community more; educate (residents) on the help they can get as well as give; and find ways that we can help each other. I think that a community center that could provide after-school programs would be incredibly beneficial to the next generation, particularly while substance-abuse issues are still prevalent in town.
Please tell us about your prior municipal experience or involvement, if any.
A: I am currently the vice chair for the Isabella County Democratic Party, member of the Isabella County DSA and Concert Committee chair for the Broadway Theater.
What message would you most like to share with voters in the community?
A: Educate yourselves on the candidates. Vote for what you believe in, but make sure you vote.
Seth Blackey, 34
General Sales Manager at Graff Chevrolet, Graff Buick GMC Cadillac
Master of Business Administration from Northwood University
Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University
Please tell us about your job and relevant work experience:
A: I have worked for the same company for 12 years, this past May. Currently (I am) the general sales manager and have been since 2019. In that role, I manage three departments of a car dealership, from employees to the financials.
How long have you been a resident of Mount Pleasant?
A: I have been a resident of Mount Pleasant since 2009, when I moved form a small town in New Hampshire to attend Central Michigan University for my bachelor's degree.
Why are you running for City Commission?
A: I am running for City Commission because I want to see change in the place I live. With as active in this community, I hear a lot of complaints about the way the city is run. I know that I have the credentials and knowledge to make an impact that residents will be happy with.
If elected, what would be your top three priorities for the city and/or commission?
A: (My) top three priorities would include (getting) a better understanding of the spending. It seems we are frivolously spending money that doesn't need to be spent. I would like to eliminate policies that don't benefit a single resident in the city. I would also help businesses do business in Mount Pleasant.
Please tell us about your prior municipal experience or involvement, if any.
A: I do not have municipal experience, just experience with nonprofits. I am currently the board chair for the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum, as well as sit on the Finance Committee for the Mount Pleasant Community Foundation.
What message would you most like to share with voters in the community?
A: I would like the residents of Mount Pleasant to understand that I have the business acumen to be a trusted resource for the commission. I have the knowledge and real work experience to truly help make Mount Pleasant a better place to live.
