Publisher’s note: Because of the large number of candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election, their stories will run on three consecutive days.
First up, the candidate for mayor.
Running unopposed on the ballot for mayor is Jason F. Lindauer, 53, a fourth-generation Chelsea resident.
The youngest son of Arthur and Mary Lindauer, he has been married to wife, Amy, for 23 years. They have four children. Katie is in her first year of medical school at Michigan State University. Matt is a junior journalism major at Michigan State University. Margaret is a freshman at DePaul University in Chicago, majoring in International Relations/Political Science and Daniel is a junior at Chelsea High School.
For the last 28 years, Lindauer has been employed by Merrill Lynch Bank of America where he is currently a first vice president, wealth management advisor.
A 1978 graduate of Chelsea High School, he received his BA from Adrian College in 1983 and began he graduate studies at Wayne State University in 1984.
“In 2004, I was asked to run for City Council by a group of Chelsea citizens and community leaders whom I have great respect for,” Lindauer says. “At that time, Chelsea was taking the bold step to move from a village government to a city government and giving back to your community through public service had been instilled in me as a youngster growing up here.”
He was first elected to the City Council in 2004 and was re-elected to another term. “In 2009, after Ann Feeney formalized the progress and structure of city government, I ran for mayor and was elected.”
He currently serves on the Finance and Administrative Board of Directors of Ann Arbor SPARK, the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS) and The Chelsea Downtown Development Authority. In addition, he has been part of the varsity football staff at Chelsea High School under Brad Bush since 2005.
“All of these roles allow for further service to our citizens and are deeply valued by me and my family,” he says.
When asked why should voters choose him, he answered: “Chelsea is a thriving community viewed as a destination by families, individuals and businesses alike. There are many qualified individuals available to serve. In my role as mayor, the citizens will continue to receive focused commitment to the needs and aspirations of the city as a whole. With this will come the absolute integrity that our family is known for, from one who is totally invested in the community.”
His top two issues are: Continue to secure the city’s financial stability and re-establish strong connections with our surrounding townships.
In his opinion, what makes Chelsea a great place to live? “Chelsea’s citizens and their belief and vision for a strong, vibrant future has always made our town special and unique.”
Each candidate was asked one fun question, which was “What’s your favorite vegetable?
“Grilled asparagus is a family favorite, especially for our kids — and it reminds me of summer,” he said.
