Latest news with #NickHertrich
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Howell Mayor Robert Ellis reflects on decade of leadership
Robert Ellis has been a staple in city leadership in Howell, Michigan, for more than a decade. Ellis first served as a member of the city council and is now in the big seat as mayor. But Ellis says that chapter is coming to a close. "I want to spend more time with my family," he said. But Ellis said he's proud of the work he's put into the city. "We've done a lot to improve parking downtown, and now we're building this Depot lot expansion project, and the other thing that goes along with that is the Fire and Ice District," Ellis said. Work on the Fire and Ice District project began percolating early in his time in city government. Looking ahead, Ellis hopes to see work continue on the city's sidewalks and local roads. But leading those projects won't fall on his shoulders. "Fortunately, Nick Hertrich, who's been on the council for a while, was ready to step up and take that responsibility, and I'm very happy to support him. I know he will do a great job," Ellis said. Ellis admits that he's not so great at actually retiring, and he said Howell residents will certainly still see him around. "I'm sure I'll still continue to be involved with the community in some form," he said. Barring a late entry or write-in campaign, city councilman Nick Hertrich is running unopposed in the election this fall.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Michigan man running unopposed for Howell mayor hopes to improve city's public image
One Howell, Michigan, native running unopposed in the mayoral race is looking to lead the city after already serving the community on the city council. "I live about six blocks from here, downtown," said Nick Hertrich. Hertrich said his family valued public service, and his parents modeled that value when he was growing up. "Public service kind of runs in the family. My mom actually ran for the city council back in the early 2000s. My dad, he worked for the Secretary of State his entire career," he said. Hertrich has served on the city council since 2021. To him, it's essential to give back to a community that's given him so much. "I consider myself to be very fortunate, and I think a lot of that comes from where I grew up, and I think it's a reflection of who I am, so I wanted to kind of give back and support the city in which I grew up," he said. If elected, Hertrich said he wants to focus on fiscally responsible projects that will help Howell be an attractive and fun place to live. After winning awards for their main street, Hertrich said he'd love to continue the streak. "You're going to hear more about sidewalks next year, supporting our residents and listening to what their thoughts are and then responding accordingly," he said. Hertrich said he wants everyone in Howell to feel welcome. He's working to understand the city's history, especially after multiple reported racist incidents in the last couple of years. Two months ago, the city hired a PR firm to help rehabilitate its public image. "Our past is something we need to recognize," he said. "To overcome these issues, these events, I want people to feel safe, and I want to understand if they don't feel safe, why they don't feel safe. So I'm having conversations to better understand other people's perspectives."
