Glenn Law Running to Be Saline Mayor

It looks as if Saline will have a race for Mayor.

Former city council member Glenn Law announced Monday that he is running for the city’s top elected post. Law joins current city council member Brian Marl in the Mayoral race.

“I am today officially announcing my intentions to run for mayor of the city of Saline. I do not make this decision lightly or in haste, but after careful thought and consideration,” said Law, in a statement released Monday morning.

Law, who  in September in 2011 to take a teaching job in Menominee, was first elected to city council in 2003. In May, and that he’d make a decision after discussing matters with his family.

“I talked with my wife in detail about this and we went over the pros and the cons. There was never any doubt that I was going to be coming back down to the family when the year of teaching up north was complete,” Law said. “I maintained my residence here and I am very pleased to be able to come back to the Saline area and contribute to the community in a positive way.”

Law said he’s closely followed city government and that he is the best person to tackle the issues facing the city.

“There are many challenges the city and its residents will face over the foreseeable future and the solutions to these challenges may be difficult.  It will take someone with experience, principles, sound leadership and the determination to work hard to make things happen to see us through these difficult times,” Law said. “I firmly believe I am the candidate to help get the job done. I am convinced Saline has a bright future ahead.”

City council recently approved a budget that held the line on taxes. But the budget also ate into the eroding fund balance, and the consensus on council is that next year’s budget may require tax increases or significant reductions in spending.

“I think the city council has tried to maintain the balance by not burdening residents with taxes while maintaining the services residents expect. It’s not an easy balance to strike,” Law said. “Tough decisions will be made in the next year. The new mayor, along with city council, is going to have to knuckle down and make those decisions.”

Law said he would bring a proactive, consensus-building approach to the decision making process.

“I would rely on city staff for their expertise and professional opinions. I will also take a look at anything possible to help the city remain financially sound,” Law said. “I want to look at options and hear ideas from as many people as possible.”

Law sat next to Marl at the council table during his most recent term. Asked to contrast himself to his opponent, Law said he brings more life experience to the table.

“I respect Brian as a member of council and the community. I think I will bring more real-life experience, knowing what it means to maintain a living, make ends meet and live up to family obligations,” Law said.

According to Saline City Clerk Dianne Hill, Marl is the only candidate who has filed to run in the city election. The deadline for nomination petitions is Aug. 7.