Getting to Know the Candidates: Timber Baun-Crooks

The Trenton primary election is rapidly approaching and to help voters make sound, informed decisions, Trenton-Grosse Ile Patch created a questionnaire for candidates seeking election or re-election in 2013.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Each of the 10 candidates seeking election or re-election for three city council seats received the same eight questions.

Age?

54

Spouse/kids?

No kids.

How long have you been a resident of Trenton?

54 years.

What is your prior political experience?

20 years on Trenton City Council.

What is your prior professional experience?

Trenton business owner, Trenton High School graduate, Downriver Profile Woman of Achievement, Outstanding Woman of the Year of 1991, Outstanding Woman of Downriver of 1993, Outstanding Trentonite of 2006, Trenton Rotary Club member for 14 years, Trenton Soroptimist member for 28 years, Zoning Board of Appeals for four years, Downtown Development Authority for two years, President and member of the Trenton Business Association for four years, negotiated to keep Chrysler in Trenton, negotiated the deal to save the Trenton Theatre, helped initiate Advanced Life Support, advocate for building the new gun range and supported improved senior citizen transportation.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

I love being on the council. I feel I have made a definite difference by keeping our city services number one and being an advocate for the residents and businesses.

What issues do you see affecting Trenton?

Future Development—Progress in our community is a must. We need to recruit new business and retain our current tax base. We cannot allow blighted industrial sites to stagger our progress. Let's get aggressive and get these sites redeveloped and demolished.

What is your plan to address those issues?

I was appointed by the mayor to serve on the Economic Development Committee. I have been meeting for the last year to see that potential developers and encouraged to open a business in Trenton. Give us a chance—Trenton is great.