By Megan Bildner
Review Intern
People may not know Lake Orion village council write-in candidate Shauna Brown, but she thinks the most important qualities someone running for the position can have are honesty, an open mind and focus.
She thinks she possesses all of these traits and more.
Brown is a long-time resident of Lake Orion. In fact, her first job was at Herald’s Dry Cleaning, which helped occupy her time before graduating from Lake Orion High School in 1996. Brown graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in construction management.
Currently, Brown works with a company that provides energy-saving tools to low income families. When she is not working, she enjoys kick-boxing, mountain biking and reading a good book. Her job and interests keep her busy, but she has one more goal in mind: joining the village council.
‘I want to be a part of making Lake Orion an even better place to live? said Brown. ‘I would love to join the council in making future decisions about the community.?
Brown loves the small town feel of Lake Orion and would like to bring in a fresh, upbeat perspective to the council. She believes she could contribute a younger, feminine perspective to the community’s leadership.
‘I want to make sure we’re not only reaching out to the businesses owners, but also local residents so we can all work together to make sure the bigger picture is being seen,? Brown explained. ‘Everyone’s voice should be heard.?
One of Brown’s main focuses would be better utilizing Lake Orion’s budget, so everyone is looking towards the future and stepping forward as a community. She believes she would be a valuable contribution to ‘leveling out spending expenses? and using funds more effectively where they can make the biggest difference, she said. Brown would like more unique businesses to open up downtown ? ones that attract people from other communities.
On Sept. 3, 2011, Lake Orion Village residents will have their opportunity to cast their votes and change one member of the council. Besides Brown, four other former officeholders also are in the race for a spot on the council, including Michael Toth, Douglas Dendel, David Churchill and President Ken Van Portfliet.