Together for a Safer, Stronger Muskegon!

Today's challenges cross city lines, but we're still operating within borders drawn in 1837. To effectively serve Muskegon County's 200,000 residents, we must think and act as a unified region, not as seven separate communities. Our neighboring communities can learn a lot from us — and us from them. Public safety, housing, jobs, and the environment don’t stop at city borders — and neither should our solutions.

Our public safety professionals already coordinate across city lines to keep people safe. But too often, politics lags behind. We need our leaders to step up and collaborate as our first responders do every day. Working together won't just make us all safer — it will make us stronger. Active collaboration will attract better jobs, create housing solutions, and protect access to our natural resources. As the largest city in the county, Muskegon is best positioned to lead this collaboration.

I’ve already been involved in this work, meeting with regional leaders to build the partnerships we need to thrive. I’ve met with Mayor Gary Nelund of Norton Shores, Muskegon County leaders, and Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand to explore how we can reduce expenses and build our economy. As Mayor, I will go further — partnering not only locally, but also with state and global leaders who can bring opportunity here.

Serving Muskegon residents is my first priority. In a world that is more interconnected every day, the best way to serve Muskegon is to partner with our neighbors. We don't have to give up our identity to work together. The opposite is true — we are stronger together than we are apart.

Vote for me on November 4 and I will actively collaborate to address Muskegon's challenges and make our city stronger for ALL of our residents.

I look forward to working more closely with Muskegon’s leaders: electbobgarretson.com/#endorsements