2-Term Councillor Christen Mitchell Announces Run for Mayor

Christen Mitchell, the two-term member of Saline City Council, is running for Mayor this November.

Mitchell told The Saline Post Monday she believes the city needs a change of direction. In particular, she believes the city has been too fixated on growth and not concerned enough about serving current residents.

“Serving on council for the past few years, I have been not been happy with the amount of attention paid to everyday issues that our citizens need,” Mitchell said, referencing the ongoing wastewater treatment plant issues and water quality issues reported by citizens. “I would like to be part of a solution for those issues. I love my hometown. I have no interest other than helping the city and my neighbors who live here.”

In March, when nominating petitions were made available, The Saline Post reached out to Mayor Brian to ask if he was seeking re-election. At the time, Marl said 100 percent of his time and attention was dedicated to protecting the health, safety and well-being of community members during the COVID-19 crisis.

“At this point, I have no intention of changing course - but in my view, this is no time for any kind of political announcement,” Marl said.

Mitchell notified Marl and members of council about her announcement via email Monday.

She said during an interview Monday she has differences with Marl.

“It’s clear Brian and I have different approaches. I respect his drive,” Mitchell said. “But I see that our focus needs to be on our current residents and current issues.”

“Rather than growth?” Mitchell was asked.
“Rather than growth,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said people have been encouraging her to run.

“I’ve had people talk to me about this for years. It’s not normally something I would consider, but I wouldn’t have considered running for council either,” Mitchell said. “I had people actively calling me and talking to me about the need for mayor.”

Mitchell said she began seriously considering a run for mayor at the start of the new year.

“It’s something that if I do it, I will need to do it well. So I need to have the full support of my family,” Mitchell said.

After talking it over with family, she decided to run.

Mitchell and Marl have been on the opposite sides of several issues, including a developer’s request to add 10 additional units at 207 Monroe Street and whether or not to renew the contract of City Manager Todd Campbell.

Mitchell graduated from Saline High School in 1989. She has a bachelor of science degree and a master of arts degree from Eastern Michigan University. She works at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Saline. She’s also worked as a teacher’s assistant at the University of Michigan Medical School. She’s married to Michael McVey, who serves on Saline’s Board of Education, and has three daughters.

In March, council members Dean Girbach and Janet Dillon did not respond to an email sent in March inquiring about their election intentions.

Dawn Krause announced her candidacy for council on a Facebook page.

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