Algonac primary includes 10 candidates for city council

Eight will move on to Nov. ballot seeking to fill four seats

By Barb Pert Templeton

The Aug. 6 primary ballot in Algonac will have voters selecting eight candidates from a field of ten hoping to be elected to four open seats on the city council. Then the November general election will see the list of eight narrowed down to four to fill the seats at the council table.

Algonac City Clerk Lisa Borgacz said the four seats with four-year terms expiring include that of Council members Michael Bembas, Cathy Harris, Raymond Martin and Corey Blair. All but Blair seek reelection. The incumbents are being challenged by Glen Carter, Bernie Ferris, Christina Halkias-Robb, Wendy Meldrum, Anne Marie Ponessa, Terry Isaacs Stoneburner and Jacob Skarbek. 

Algonac City Council members are elected to four-year terms on a rotating basis in even-numbered years. Each new council’s first meeting is an organizational meeting where they elect the mayor, mayor pro tem, and adopt their organizational rules and the ethics policies for the term.

As for the remaining members of the city council, Mayor Rocky Gillis and council members Ed Carter and Dawn Davey have terms that expire in November 2026.  

Council members earn $40 per meeting and an additional $10 for any special meetings.

Blue Water Healthy Living sent out questions to the candidates and the following are the responses received:

Candidate Bernie Ferris

Blue Water Healthy Living: Why are you seeking a seat on the Algonac City Council? 

Bernie Farris: I have been living and working in the community for 20 years and I feel with my credentials and background that makes me a great candidate for the council. 

Blue Water Healthy Living: What projects or developments are you hoping to help make happen in the city over the next two years? 

Farris: Infrastructure – the swimming pool completion – community center – boardwalk with nice restrooms – bring new business to the city.

Blue Water Healthy Living: What do you feel you can bring to the council table heading into 2025? 

Farris: I have a business degree and ran large Kroger stores with 150 employees. I’m very business minded with great people skills and I love my community.  

Candidate Michael Bembas

Short Biography: I am 62 years old and I have lived in Algonac for 27 years and worked for the United States Postal Service for 40 years. I belong to the Algonac Lions, Algonac Alive, and the Algonac Historical Society. I also manage the clothing and diaper bank at 1^st Lutheran Church

Blue Water Healthy Living: Why are you seeking a seat on the Algonac City Council? 

Michael Bembas:  I enjoy serving our community. I love working with people and representing their ideas for the betterment of Algonac

Blue Water Healthy Living: What projects or developments are you hoping to help make happen in the city over the next two years?

Bembas: We worked very hard to secure the funds for the new pool. It has now come to fruition. Now it’s on to turning our old school into a rec center and starting the revitalization of the board walk park.

Blue Water Healthy Living: What do you feel you can bring to the council table heading into 2025? 

Bembas: I bring experience and leadership to the council. I have held management positions at the post office for over 30 years. I know how about leadership and what it takes to get projects done.

Candidate Terry Isaacs Stoneburner

A short biography: I am 72 years old and a lifelong resident of the city. My husband, Tom, and I raised our three kids here, and we now have four grandchildren. The kids, Tom, and I all graduated from Algonac High School. I had a long career as an educator including in the classroom and as an administrator. I’m a member of Algonac Alive, a lifetime member of the Algonac-Clay Historical Society, and a certified therapy dog handler. I served on the council for five years in the past, with four of those years as mayor and am currently a member of the Algonac Planning Commission.

Blue Water Healthy Living: Why are you seeking a seat on the Algonac City Council? 

Terry Isaacs Stoneburner: I am running for a seat on the Algonac City Council because I understand the significant impact of local elections on our daily lives. Mayors and city council members make crucial decisions about the taxes we pay, community initiatives, public safety, and how our funds are allocated. Therefore, our elected council represents the issues and values that are important to us. I believe that city council members should be genuine civic leaders who are deeply involved in the community. 

Blue Water Healthy Living: What projects or developments are you hoping to help make happen in the city over the next two years? 

Stoneburner: Replacement of the community swimming pool, fixing our aging infrastructure, renovating the Algonac Elementary School gym for a community center, repairing our roads, replacing the Riverfront Park boardwalk, and updating the park are all significant issues facing Algonac.  

Blue Water Healthy Living: What do you feel you can bring to the council table heading into 2025? 

Stoneburner: Given my previous government experience, education, and career leadership roles, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve on the city council once again. With my analytical and thoughtful approach to decision-making, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to the council.