Endorsements
I’m proud to be supported by trusted leaders who have dedicated themselves to Traverse City and our region.
Jim Carruthers, Former Mayor & City Commissioner
“Laura leads with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a deep commitment to our community’s future.”
Timothy Lodge, Retired City Engineer
“I am pleased to endorse Laura Ness for City Commissioner. I’ve worked with Laura since 2014, implementing the Hickory Hills Recreation Master Plan, which she championed. She assembled community stakeholders to collaborate, prepare, and adopt the plan. She also led community fundraising and successful grant writing to implement the initial phases and continues to be active in completing the plan. She understands the importance of leveraging City funding with other funding sources to do more with less. If elected as a City Commissioner, Laura will always be prepared to make informed decisions by researching issues and engaging with City residents to understand the City’s needs. She will work tirelessly to address issues that matter most to City residents with common-sense solutions”.
Maureen Madion, Preserve Hickory Co-Founder
“In our 18-year professional partnership, Laura never failed to deliver beyond my often demanding expectations. And what’s more, Laura is one of the most trustworthy individuals I will ever come to know. Envisioning, planning, budgeting, funding and execution – Laura’s intellect allows her to comprehend simultaneously big-picture issues and corresponding detail. She's dedicated to shared priorites, but remains flexible, shifting course when consensus, reason or opportunity requires. Laura is practical, solution-minded, and savvy, but she’s also approachable and empathic. She leads with kindness, conviction and civility. ”
Gary Howe, Former City Commissioner
“I’ve seen firsthand Laura’s effectiveness and leadership, and her patience and clarity of vision have always impressed me. Laura is committed to building a community for future generations–and understands that what we build today must serve the needs of tomorrow, not just the demands of the moment.”
Ashlea Walter, County Commissioner and Former City Commissioner
“Laura has been a practical and measured community advocate with a tireless focus on land stewardship and support for parklands.”
Richard Lewis, Former Mayor, City Manager, City Commissioner, and Recreational Authority Board Member
“I served alongside Laura on the Recreational Authority Board; she will be a smart and steady voice on the City Commission.”
Kathy Huschke, retired Executive Director, Oleson Foundation
“Laura’s long-standing dedication to public service and her ability to bring people together around shared values will benefit Traverse City for years to come.”
Tim Pulliam, Local Business Owner and Avid Recreation Enthusiast
“Laura listens and knows how to build consensus. Laura’s vision, collaborative approach, and knowledge of city government delivered for Hickory Hills, and she will deliver results as a City Commissioner.”
Jessica Sulllivan, President of Legado Family Office and Traverse Connect Board Member
"I'm happy to endorse Laura Ness for City Commission. A strong advocate for our community, she brings valuable experience and a proven commitment to addressing local needs with integrity and action. We need leaders like Laura who will listen, lead, and deliver real results."
Sara Bageris, TCAPS School Board Member and Past President of the Grand Traverse Ski Club
“Laura understands the challenges that families and kids face in Traverse City and is committed to ensuring our city remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether it’s affordable housing, protecting our environment, or supporting local schools and parks, Laura’s got a clear vision and the drive to make things happen.”
