MAYOR CHRIS WITHAM
Mayor Witham has served on City Council since 1997 and has been Mayor since 2004. He has served on various other committees for the City such as the Finance Committee, Recreation Board, Planning Commission and meets with various County organizations as needed.
Mayor Witham has a Mechanical Engineering degree from General Motors Institute and an M.B.A. from Ball State University. He enjoys work, maintaining his home and yard and running. He and his wife Stephanie have one son and two daughters.
Since becoming a member of Council, “I like continuing to create new activities for all residents such as the Taste of the Northside and the concerts that gets people together to enjoy each other.”
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I enjoy working for the community and trying to make North Muskegon a better place to live and work.”
What do you like most about our community?
“People who live in our community care about our City and are willing to work together to make things happen.”
What would you like to improve in the community?
“I would like to continue the work we have been doing on the infrastructure – water, sewer, and roads.”
COUNCIL MEMBER TOM ANDERSON
Council Member Anderson has served on the City Council since 2000. He has served on the Finance Committee, Public Safety Committee, Recreation Board, WMSRDC Transportation Policy Committee, and the joint City/School Committee.
Council Member Anderson attended Muskegon Community College, MILW School of Engineering, and Grand Valley State University. He has worked in local industries for 14 years before becoming owner of “The Bicycle Rack”, formally known as “Moran’s Bike Shop” of North Muskegon in 1976.
Council Member Anderson has been a resident of North Muskegon since 1957. He has been active on various boards and committees of the greater Muskegon area. He currently co-hosts on two locally produced television shows promoting this great area. He has served on numerous festival committees with all surrounding communities and is currently executive director of Northside Summer Spectacular and has been part of the festival since its conception in 1982. He is concerned about health and fitness; therefore maintaining a healthy exercise program.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I was asked to consider running, then realized I wanted to better serve the community in which I live and offer my experience and knowledge gained from serving with numerous organizations and communities.”
What do your like most about our community?
“The “smallness” and family atmosphere of our residents. The outstanding school system, the excellent level of service provided by our City, the public areas (parks) provided for all citizens, and our geographical splendor!”
What would you like to improve in the community?
“Continue cooperation of departments and services such as Fire and Police Departments with other Muskegon County governments to improve our levels of abilities and experience, and to work with area planning organization to further enhance opportunities for our residents.”
COUNCIL MEMBER WILLIAM HOGAN
Council Member Hogan has served on Council since 2001. He has served on various other committees for the City such as the Finance Committee, Public Safety Committee, Public Service Committee and the Recreation Board.
Council Member Hogan graduated from North Muskegon Public School in 1983. He received a BA degree in Marketing at Grand Valley State University in 1989. He went on to receive a MBA in Logistics at Michigan State University in 1992. His experience includes Plant/Operation Management and Materials Management and he is currently owner of Integrity Trailers.
Council Member Hogan and his wife Jaynell have a daughter and a son. His hobbies include power boating, sail boating, cruising, competitive water skiing, golf, tennis, snow skiing, and home improvement projects.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I wanted the opportunity to give back to the community, and contribute to the local government. I wanted to do something verses talking about doing something.”
What do you like most about our community?
“I like the people of North Muskegon and their willingness to get involved supporting improvements to their city. I also believe we have a very unique location between two beautiful bodies of water.”
What would you like to improve in the community?
“I believe our community is in need of a little polish. For those of us who live here, we can overlook the details, which newcomers to our town see during their first impression. Examples are the tangibles, such as improving the presentation of the “Four Corners,” in addition to the intangibles, such as the elimination of our “elitist” reputation throughout the Muskegon area.
COUNCIL MEMBER TONI SEYFERTH
Toni Seyferth and her husband Bill have lived in North Muskegon for more than 30 years and both are devoted community members serving on various boards and volunteering their time throughout the Greater Muskegon Community. They have four adult children all of whom attended North Muskegon Schools. The family loves the community and all the area has to offer. Bill and Toni enjoy sharing this beautiful city with their family and friends, especially their two grandchildren.
In addition to the City Council, Toni has served the community by volunteering with Girls on the Run and the NMEA. She is also a member of the Educational and Displays Committee for the USS Silversides Museum. Recently, she was invited to join MAP, Mission for Area People. Professionally Toni is an English, Communications and Theater teacher at North Muskegon High School, where she also serves as Drama Club Advisor, Dance Team Advisor and incorporates philanthropy into her curriculum to build civic minded students/community members.
Toni holds a BS in Education from Ohio University and has a middle school teaching endorsement from GVSU. She was elected to the City Council in November 2007 and serves on the Finance and Public Safety Committees.
What motivated you to be a council person?
“My husband and I have had the pleasure of living in North Muskegon for more than 30 years, we raised our children here and have enjoyed the community’s many benefits. Because of this I wanted to give something back to the city and its residents.”
What do you like most about our community?
“First of all the location is beautiful and unique being surrounded by water. My family and I enjoy taking walks, bike riding, and swimming. All healthy, free activities available right outside our doors. The school system provided an excellent education for my children and many others. I also enjoy the feel of “extended family” the community provides and how genuine and generous people are.”
What would you like to improve in our community?
“I plan on working together with other city leaders to maintain North Muskegon as a safe and desirable place to live. I would like to see continued support of the many ideas others have offered regarding creating a healthy, environmentally conscious, pedestrian friendly and aesthetically desirable community. I also believe in reaching beyond our city”s boundaries with an open line of communication to embrace the Greater Muskegon Community. Lastly, I will view all matters with an open mind and make decisions which will keep the city fiscally in tact.”
COUNCIL MEMBER SUSAN SNIDER
Council Member Snider has served on the Council since December of 2005. She is currently serving on the Public Service and Public Safety Committee and serves on the Recreation Board. She served on the City of North Muskegon Board of Review until her election to the Council.
Council Member Snider has a Bachelors Degree in American Studies from Lake Forest College (IL). She is a board certified Medical Massage Therapist, practicing in Norton Shores. She also substitute teaches at North Muskegon Public Schools. She has a business background in various entrepreneurial endeavors in the Muskegon area. She is a former Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and Limited License Real Estate Appraiser.
Council Member Snider has lived in the North Muskegon area for 18 years. Her husband, John, serves on the City of North Muskegon Planning Commission. Their three children, two girls and a boy, are attending or did attend North Muskegon Public Schools.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I love the North Muskegon area. It is unique and has so much to offer. I am especially proud of the school system. I am very interested in making the North Muskegon area attractive to new citizens.”
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
“As my kids would say, I love living in “the village”. The small-town atmosphere and pride of ownership our citizens show makes North Muskegon a great place to live.”
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
“I am very interested in attracting new families to our community. It’s a great place to raise children and our school system provides a very high quality education. The beauty of the area is unparalleled and I would like to share the ‘NM experience’ with others.”
MAYOR PRO TEM MARY FISHER
Council Member Fisher has served on City Council since December of 2006. She has served on various committees of Council such as Public Safety, Public Service and Finance and she has served on the Recreation Board and Planning Commission.
Council Member Fisher is an Optometrist and practices at North Muskegon Eye Care. She completed her Doctor of Optometry degree and Residency in Secondary Ophthalmic Care at the Southern California College of Optometry. She received her BS in Biology degree from St Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Council Member Fisher moved to North Muskegon and has lived in North Muskegon since 2001. She and her husband Gene have a son, who attends North Muskegon Public Schools. Her interests include participating in triathlons, hiking and reading.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“As a business owner, a commercial property owner, and a homeowner in North Muskegon, I am invested in our community. I want to contribute to the future planning of the city.”
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
“I like the small town atmosphere, the excellent school system and the friendly, safe environment of North Muskegon.”
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
” I would like to improve the Four Corners to make it an area that the community is proud of and to create the best opportunity possible for businesses to succeed in North Muskegon.”
COUNCIL MEMBER CHUCK WOODS
Council Member Chuck Woods was elected to Council in November of 2008. He has serving on the Public Service and Public Safety Committee and is currently on the Finance Committee. Chuck volunteers his time to many county committees and organizations as well.
Educational Information:
1966 Mona Shores High School Diploma
1969 Muskegon Business College Associate Degree General Business
1971 Ferris State University BS in Business Education
1977 Masters in Business Administration
Occupational Information:
1980-2008 Bristol-Myers Squibb—Pharmaceutical Representative
1973-1980 Mona Shores Public Schools—Business Education Teacher
1971-1973 Cambria-Friesland Public Schools—Business Education Teacher
1976-1980 Muskegon Community College—Instructor Business Education
2005-2008 University of Phoenix—Accounting Instructor (General, Managerial, Cost)
My spare time is consumed with family activities, traveling with my wife, hunting, fishing, boating, genealogy, collecting of various types, walking, bicycling, and mentoring/tutoring of young persons.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
Motivation to run for North Muskegon City Council comes from a desire to enjoy being a servant to the citizens of North Muskegon. After retiring I immediately looked for ways to serve the community. The original plan was to serve on an appointed city committee and then run for City Council in 2009. There were no appointed committee positions available and, being one to try doing yesterday what could be done today, I picked up a petition application and talked with friends and neighbors. One hour later, I had the necessary signatures and submitted the completed petition . It really is all about helping people in any way possible!
Having decided to run, I was faced with asking people to put their confidence in me and asking for votes. Being initially shy, this was difficult at first. It took a while to realize that citizens wanted to talk about their problems and concerns about city government. After just a few citizen contacts, it was obvious that citizens would provide the issues they wanted addressed and provide me with the items they wanted addressed. I heard and am attempting to respond to issues on everything from assessments to zoning. One person is concerned with animal issues, another is concerned with four corners beautification, and another has traffic concerns. ALL are important and provide opportunities for me to serve.
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
What makes North Muskegon so desirable to me? Everything! As a city, we seem to have a perfect blend of quality and quaintness. Our departments of public works, fire, and police, as well as city administration are all outstanding and strive to provide the best of service to all citizens. As a small community, we seem to have a special quaintness that is expressed at city, school, church, business, and other social events. People just seem friendly and willing to share the benefits of the community with each other and those from outside our fair city.
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
As great as things are, there are always items and areas to improve. My list would include: library expansion, street projects (main and secondary), increase in number of city social events (concerts, parades, etc.), sewer rerouting for Muskegon Conservation Club, four corners beautification, utilization of MERRS as city resource, developing green initiatives for both city government citizens (wind, solar, geo thermo, etc.) and increasing citizen involvement in all phases of city government (appointed committees, council meetings, all other forms of input). Your input is necessary. Your needs list should be the city council list of needs. Make a phone call, go to city hall, attend a council meeting, volunteer. Make this is your city!
