The Big Questions: Saline City Council Candidates Provide Comprehensive Answers, Part Two

This article will highlight Decision-Making & Leadership, Controversial Issues, Civility and Mutual Accountability, Community Engagement, Transparency, and Personal Statements.

What are your priorities regarding the future of the Saline Recreation Center, considering the ongoing evaluation and task force report?

Tremane Halsch: The Rec Center is one of the most important and polarizing issues facing Saline. The building is aging, the pool and mechanical systems are nearing the end of their life, and the current model leaves the city carrying too much of the financial load. At the same time, it remains one of the few places where families, kids, and seniors come together across generations. That disconnect between cost and community value is the challenge we have to solve.

As a member of the Rec Center Task Force, I’ve been directly involved in weighing the data, hearing residents, and looking at every option for the future of the Rec Center. My priority is to move beyond short-term fixes toward a long-term solution, and I’ve advocated for solutions that are achievable, beneficial, and scalable. That’s what I’m calling Rec Next: a community driven plan that reimagines the Center as Saline’s wellness hub supporting physical health, mental health, spiritual connection, environmental responsibility, and civic life.

The Rec Next plan means investing in critical repairs and upgrades to extend the building’s life, expanding access and programs so more residents use it, and restructuring governance and operations so the Center is sustainable. Partnerships and smarter management can ease the burden on taxpayers while making the Center more useful to more people.

The Rec Center cannot be allowed to fade, and it cannot continue as it has. Rec Next is the path forward: practical, community-driven, and built for the future.

Jenn Harmount: The Saline Recreation Center is a valued facility for many residents, but it also presents ongoing financial and operational challenges. My priority is to ensure that any decisions about its future are based on comprehensive data, community input, and long-term sustainability. I believe we must carefully evaluate the task force’s findings, assess current and projected usage, and consider a range of options—including potential partnerships or operational changes. Ultimately, the goal should be to make a decision that is fiscally responsible, transparent, and aligned with the evolving needs of the community.

Matt Augnst: The Recreation Center is a cornerstone for families, seniors, and youth. My priority is to make sure it remains accessible and financially sustainable. I support exploring creative funding solutions and partnerships to ensure the Rec Center continues serving residents without putting undue burden on taxpayers.

Bret Pollington: My priorities are nonexistent. What I mean by that is, I would proceed based on an evaluation of the plan the task force presents. Is that plan more of the same? Does that plan have meaningful, robust fiscal strategies to reverse the current financial trajectory of the rec center? I don’t want to see the rec center sit empty and deteriorate. That creates a whole new burden on taxpayers that could have a lasting impact. I’m not typically a fan of privatization of public spaces, but absent a meaningful plan, I think we have to at least consider that possibility.

Miri Weidner: Currently, the budget for the Saline Recreation Center is merged with our parks. This setup is detrimental to both the Recreation Center and the parks of Saline, as the models for which both run are entirely different. The Saline Recreation Center, if we want to keep it as a resource owned by the city, needs to be on a separate and individualized budget similar to the Saline Library and we need to identify potential sources of income to offset the costs of the Recreation Center. As it is, our parks are in dire need of care that they cannot get on the current budget because most of the funding goes to the Recreation Center.

What is your stance on the report regarding the Mill Pond Dam?

Tremane Halsch: The feasibility study confirmed what we already know. The dam is aging, and whichever path we take comes with a serious price tag. Rebuilding or full replacement would run into the tens of millions over time. Removal would cost millions up front, but it would also erase a part of Mill Pond’s identity that generations of residents value.

My stance is clear. I want to preserve the ecosystem and community space the dam has created, but not at the expense of writing a blank check that burdens taxpayers for decades. We need a path that protects what people love about Mill Pond while being fiscally responsible and forward-looking. That means pushing for outside funding, exploring innovative engineering solutions, and studying how other communities have balanced preservation with sustainability. Doing nothing is not an option, but neither is choosing the most expensive fix just to avoid hard conversations.

The dam decision is about both infrastructure and legacy. We should make a choice that honors what Mill Pond means to Saline, protects the environment it has nurtured, and makes sense for our city’s finances. That is the balance we must strive for.

Jenn Harmount: The Mill Pond Dam presents a complex decision for the community, and I believe we are still missing key information needed to make a fully informed choice. While the feasibility study outlines potential benefits of dam removal, we do not yet have inclusive cost estimates for rehabilitation, nor do we fully understand the economic impact on nearby businesses like Wellers during construction. Additionally, the report does not clearly define the potential costs associated with a future dam failure if no action is taken. Until we have a more complete picture—including environmental, financial, and community impacts—I believe the city should continue to engage the public and experts before moving forward with any final decision.

Matt Augnst: I believe decisions about the Mill Pond Dam must be guided by community input, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost effectiveness. The city should weigh all options carefully—including ecological impacts, financial feasibility, and resident priorities—before moving forward.

Bret Pollington: You know, I may be the only candidate who has taken a hard stance on the dam. This one is a no-brainer for me. Dams have a negative environmental impact on wildlife, water quality, and they require continued maintenance. The Saline Dam doesn’t even serve a purpose other than aesthetics, and I believe a naturally flowing river is much more aesthetically pleasing. There is also the fiscal responsibility of maintaining the dam. There are likely lots of state and federal dollars that could be leveraged to remove the dam, but none to maintain it. That responsibility would likely fall entirely on us, the taxpayers. Also, even with current projections, it will be cheaper to remove than maintain. When you factor in unknown inflation, maintaining the dam could end up being a serious tax burden in the future, and removing it likely isn’t going to get any cheaper either.

Miri Weidner: While the report covered the general idea of removing the dam and explored the possibility of rehabilitating the dam, I believe it could have gone further in depth on exact costs required with both removing the dam and maintaining the dam. We received general ballpark numbers and not current value market numbers on the costs of dam removal. Many of the grants proposed for removing the dam may be unavailable now. The costs for maintaining the dam varied greatly from the costs the same group cited in a report they gave the city of Saline a few years ago, so I don’t believe it is an accurate portrayal of what the true costs would be for maintenance on our dam.

Our dam is in fair condition as is, so it wouldn’t take much to repair what is needed and then to maintain it - but our city has not designated a group within the city to maintain the dam regularly, which is an issue in itself. The report also lacked insight into feasible third options, such as creating a natural but lower capacity dam so we could retain Mill Pond for recreational use. Over half of the dams in Michigan are now designated as recreational use, as they provide water bodies for residents to enjoy outdoor activities on or nearby.

The Big Questions: Saline City Council Candidates Provide Comprehensive Answers, Part Two

How would you ensure that your actions promote civility and mutual accountability on the city council?

Tremane Halsch: Civility starts with how I carry myself. I will listen fully, respond with respect, and keep disagreements focused on ideas and policy, not personalities. If I fall short, I’ll own it, because accountability begins with modeling it yourself. My experience as a coach and as a board member has taught me that groups work best when every voice is heard, and when everyone understands the standards they’re expected to meet.

I will also advocate for a formal code of ethics for the city council. It would set clear expectations around things like conflicts of interest, conduct in meetings, transparency, and what happens when those standards aren’t met. Residents deserve to know that their representatives are working under rules that are visible and consistent, not shifting with personalities or politics.

My commitment is to lead with respect and accountability, and to support structures that reinforce both. Civility doesn’t mean avoiding tough debates, it means making sure those debates are honest, respectful, and focused on results. That’s how residents can trust their council is working for them, not against each other.

Jenn Harmount: I’ve consistently modeled respectful, constructive dialogue on council, even during difficult debates. I believe in listening first, acknowledging different perspectives, and focusing on shared goals. I support council retreats and training to strengthen collaboration and accountability. Civility isn’t just about tone—it’s about building trust and working together to serve the public effectively.

Matt Augnst: Respect and listening go a long way. I will approach council discussions with humility and treat colleagues with dignity, even when we disagree. Mutual accountability means remembering that we are all here to serve the same community.

Bret Pollington: I’m a believer that any character behavior you hope to encourage in others must be modeled by you. I am comfortable disagreeing with others while also respecting their individual opinion and experiences. I come from a family that is very divided politically, and because of this, I’ve had to develop the ability to have empathy and understanding for those I disagree with. This isn’t to say I won’t speak up when I disagree, but I won’t speak down to someone I disagree with. I think being open also means being open to being wrong. I have strong opinions, but I always leave space to be open to them changing, and because of this, I listen more closely to those I disagree with than those I already agree with.

Miri Weidner: By taking extra steps to make sure every vote I would make is made with the residents’ responses in mind. I would do the proper research on every subject and I can encourage transparency by sharing how I reached my conclusions. If there is a negative outcome linked to a decision I make, I would own it - and gather feedback to hopefully learn going forward from the experience. I would also follow others’ progress to make sure we are meeting deadlines and not moving them - the community deserves timeliness in decision making. As far as civility, I would hope that all city council members act in a way that promotes productive discussions and any disagreements can be resolved by being respectful toward one another and toward our residents and their input.

What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?

Tremane Halsch: I don’t believe in dodging controversy. Governing means facing hard issues head-on and giving people a process they can trust. My first step is to define the problem clearly and set the guardrails—law, budget, and timelines. Then I listen widely, not just to the loudest voices but also to the residents who are too often left out of the conversation.

From there, I look at all of the available facts: the numbers, the trade-offs, who benefits, and what it will cost. When everyone is working from the same set of facts, it’s easier to disagree honestly and move toward a decision. I also believe in explaining my reasoning openly. Before a vote, I’ll lay out the options and the criteria I’m using. After a vote, I’ll make clear why I decided the way I did and how we’ll measure success. If the facts change, I won’t hide it; I’ll say so and adjust. Accountability is non-negotiable.

Above all, I will always tell the truth, even when that truth hurts. And I pledge to do the right thing because it’s the right thing, even when it’s the hard choice.

Jenn Harmount: When facing complex or controversial issues, I focus on facts, data, and long-term impact, rather than personalities or politics. I believe in listening to all perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and relying on objective information to guide decisions. It’s important to create space for respectful dialogue, but ultimately, decisions should be driven by what the data tells us is best for the community—not by who’s advocating for it. This approach helps keep discussions productive and outcomes grounded in the public interest.

Matt Augnst: I believe in starting with listening—gathering input from residents, experts, and stakeholders—before making decisions. On complicated issues, I try to separate facts from assumptions and focus on long-term impacts rather than short-term politics.

Bret Pollington: I find that most controversy comes from residents being passionate about a particular issue. That kind of engagement shouldn’t be feared or shied away from. Those are the moments we need to be present and listen to the concerns of residents. We need to be transparent, and if we’ve made a mistake, we need to address that mistake and be honest with residents. We all want residents to be more engaged in local politics. We as leaders are more likely to make decisions that correlate with the majority opinion when we have an understanding of what that is, so we should be actively listening when controversial issues arise.

Miri Weidner: My approach to controversial and complicated issues is to take a deep dive into those issues and listen to everyone they may affect.

How would you improve transparency in city government?

Tremane Halsch: Transparency starts with making city government easy to see and easy to understand. Too often, decisions happen in ways that feel distant or confusing to residents. That erodes trust. And I believe this: if citizens have to ask for transparency, we already have a problem.

My approach has three parts. First, I will push for digital tools that give residents a clear window into city finances and services; a central portal where you can track budgets, bills, projects, and progress without heavy lifting. Second, I will support participatory budgeting so residents can help set priorities and see exactly how their input shapes outcomes. Third, I believe in clear, plain-language communication before and after council decisions, so residents don’t have to guess why or how decisions were made.

Talking about data-driven governance is easy, but using that data to actually move the city forward seems to be what Saline has lacked. I want transparency that doesn’t just sound good, I want it to actually work. If information isn’t turned into solutions, or ways to hold ourselves as leaders accountable, it’s just noise.

Jenn Harmount: I’ve advocated for expanding live-streaming of all board and commission meetings, not just city council. I also support creating a public-facing dashboard that tracks key metrics like road repairs, permit timelines, and budget performance. Transparency builds trust, and we must make city information more accessible and easier to understand for residents.

Matt Augnst: Transparency begins with communication. I would support making information more accessible online, hosting more local forums, and showing up in the community to get input from residents not as engaged in local politics, but still affected by decisions made by the city, to ensure residents have a clear line of sight into how local government shapes our lives.

Bret Pollington: Communication. Sometimes I think that residents feel as though the council is not accessible to them. Whether this is accurate or not, because it is perception, it is reality. I want to be accessible. Long before I ever decided to throw my name in to run for city council, I attended many community events, I frequent our local restaurants, and I try to proactively express my thoughts and opinions about particular subjects that may be on the horizon. Another aspect of transparency is putting agendas and minutes in language that everyone understands. Someone should be able to pick up an agenda for a city council meeting and know exactly the issues that are going to be discussed that day. They should be able to walk in off the street, and even if they have never been to a city council meeting before, they understand what the agenda for that evening is tackling.

Miri Weidner: I believe the city of Saline could do better with communicating with residents. Even though we clear Michigan’s guidelines for notifying residents of developments nearby, we need to take that a step further. We currently only notify in a radius of the development. If a neighborhood is big enough that it falls outside that radius but the development still affects the roads, entrances and exits those families utilize, we need to make sure we include them in notices. We need to take decision making a step further and hold more town halls, and possibly more educational opportunities on developments or changes happening around the city so citizens can be more informed and less startled by new additions.

I often hear that people are unaware of new developments until the development is already in the construction phase, which I believe is detrimental to everyone - if everyone was able to be included in the full process from inception to the finish of a development, we could improve not only on residents feeling included in the growth of Saline but on safety of individuals who frequently traverse the areas being developed.

When public opinion strongly opposes your personal view on an issue, how would you decide your vote?

Tremane Halsch: My responsibility as a councilmember is to represent the people of Saline while also protecting the city’s long-term interests. That means I don’t treat public opinion as noise because it matters, and I will always take it seriously. But leadership also requires weighing facts, the law, fiscal realities, and the long-term impact of decisions, even when those don’t line up neatly with short-term opinion.

If I reach a decision that I know some residents won’t agree with, I owe them honesty. I will explain clearly why I voted the way I did, what evidence shaped my choice, and how we’ll measure outcomes. And if new facts emerge or the impact proves different than expected, I will be willing to revisit my position. I know that I won’t please everyone, but I believe public service is meant to do the most good, for the most people, with the least burden out in the open.

Jenn Harmount: I believe in representative leadership—my role is to listen to the community and make informed decisions. If public input is strong and well-reasoned, I’m willing to reconsider my position. For example, during the McKay Street development discussions, I adjusted my stance after hearing concerns from nearby residents. My goal is always to serve the best interests of Saline.

Matt Augnst: I believe my role is to represent the people of Saline. If the community strongly opposes my personal stance, I will listen and respect that voice, while also explaining my reasoning openly. Ultimately, accountability to residents comes first.

Bret Pollington: I think this depends on the issue. If I morally oppose an issue because I believe it intends to harm someone or some group, I would vote against public opinion. If my view differs from public opinion based on non-moral policy, I would listen to what the public is saying. I would remain open to changing my mind. That hypothetical has many factors at play, but I can assure you that it is in my nature to listen and absorb the perspective of others who may disagree with me.

Miri Weidner: If the public opinion strongly opposes my personal view, I would have to speak with the public on the issue. I would hope to correspond in some way with the residents of Saline, whether digitally or in person, and understand their views. As a city councilperson, we represent our residents, not our own personal agenda - we should do our due diligence in connecting with the people we represent.

How will you work with council members who disagree with you?

Tremane Halsch: Disagreement is part of democracy. The question isn’t whether we’ll disagree, it’s how we handle it. My approach starts with respect. I’ll listen to colleagues fully, keep the debate on the issues, and look for common ground where we can move things forward together. But I’m also not afraid to address disrespect firmly and resolutely.

I’ve had that experience already on the Economic Development Corporation, the Tax Increment Finance Authority, and the Rec Center Task Force. Not everyone at those tables sees issues the same way I do, but we’ve been able to make progress because we commit to the process, weigh the evidence, and keep the focus on what’s best for the community. That work has reinforced for me that durable outcomes don’t come from pretending differences don’t exist, they come from working through them openly and honestly.

Respect doesn’t mean rolling over. It means being clear about where I stand, why I stand there, and doing the work to find solutions that serve residents. At the end of the day, I measure success not by whether everyone agrees with me, but by whether residents can see that decisions were made fairly, transparently, and with Saline’s best interest at heart.

Jenn Harmount: I’ve built strong working relationships with my fellow council members and have always approached collaboration with respect, professionalism, and a focus on shared goals. Disagreements are a natural part of the process, but they’ve never been a barrier for me. I prioritize open communication and mutual respect, and I’m committed to working constructively with all members of council, regardless of differing viewpoints.

Matt Augnst: Collaboration is essential. Even when we disagree, I will look for common ground and focus on what’s best for Saline. I believe civility and respect make it possible to work through differences. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Bret Pollington: I tend to be magnetized to those I disagree with. I’ve never been someone who enjoys living in a silo. I like surrounding myself with people I agree with and disagree with because I am a strong believer that being challenged by opposing opinions helps us grow and become more empathetic. I don’t let policy disagreements get in the way of personal relationships, so while I will certainly disagree with some or all of my council colleagues at one point or another, I understand that those disagreements are because of our diversity in thought, and that is what makes a strong governing body.

Miri Weidner: When disagreements arise, communication needs to be open and we need to continue discussing issues regardless of whether we disagree or not. We may not vote the same on every issue, but I believe they would also come from a place of genuine concern for Saline and its residents, so I would want to take extra care in trying to overcome any obstacles and at least come to an informed understanding of why we differ on the subject.

Can you give a past instance when you changed your stance after hearing from the public?

Tremane Halsch: I don’t have an example where I’ve done a complete 180 on an issue, and I think it’s important to be honest about that. What I can say is that public input has often influenced how I see a problem, added context I didn’t have, and shaped how I prioritize solutions.

For me, the point of public service isn’t to always come in with the 'right answer' — it’s to create a process where residents know they’ve been heard, their perspectives are part of the discussion, and their input can change the way leaders think. I may not always end up on the other side of an issue, but I will always be open, and I will always explain how public input factored into the decision I made.

Jenn Harmount: Yes—during the city manager hiring process, I initially supported moving forward with a shortlist of external candidates. However, after hearing from residents and colleagues who felt strongly that Acting City Manager Cole should be included in the final round of interviews, I reconsidered my position. I recognized the value of his institutional knowledge and the importance of a transparent, inclusive process. Including her in the final round was the right decision, and it reflected the community’s voice in a meaningful way.

Matt Augnst: I’ve changed my perspective many times when hearing the lived experiences of others—especially around housing and healthcare. Growing up, I thought working hard was enough to get by. But hearing from families struggling with rising costs and systemic barriers shifted my view, and it’s why I’m passionate about ensuring Saline remains accessible to everyone.

Bret Pollington: Yes! Before I started running for this office, I believed the rec center should be closed. I didn’t understand why we would continue to throw money at this thing that was clearly failing. My neighbor Karl was actually the first spark that started my transition of thought on this. He was talking about the difficulty of the rec center's financial situation and mentioned that the rec center was also going to be a financial burden and an eyesore if it closed. This stuck in my brain, so I started asking others for their thoughts and opinions, and as I learned more about the nuances of the situation with the rec center, I realized that I needed to recalibrate how I was thinking about the rec center.

Rather than being someone who is hardlined about closing the rec center, I’m anxiously waiting to hear what the Rec Center Task Force puts forward, and I’m hopeful that their plan will be the catalyst that gets the rec center back on track. I do believe if the plan doesn’t seem like the right path forward for the city, we need to explore other options, but I don’t believe allowing the building to deteriorate is going to be in the city's best interest.

Miri Weidner: As a sitting member of the Parks Commission for Saline, there was a moment recently that I changed my stance after hearing from the public. One of the tasks of the Parks Commission in the current master plan for the city is to investigate the possibility of adding a dog park in Brecon Park. We held a town hall for this idea, and we received a lot of feedback from the community - the perimeter of this dog park would be extremely close to surrounding houses’ yards, there isn’t a natural buffer to cushion these houses from potential noise, due to the smaller size of Brecon Park the dog park itself would be smaller, there isn’t access to a trash receptacle in this area, it would be close to a play yard where children frequently play, there are numerous migratory birds a fellow birder identified nesting in that area - some of this information we would be unaware of if we hadn’t held this town hall.

While I can see the benefit of adding a dog park for individuals who don’t have access to yards - this particular area was far from parking, and it was closer to a neighborhood with yards and the furthest from a community of townhouses that would benefit the most of it. We are still exploring options and the discussion is continuing with all the neighborhoods near this area and around Saline, which I believe will give us the best avenue for finding a solution - with the community involved. This development, while it draws out the process as we work with residents, will allow us to identify if we need to add a dog park or improve our current dog parks so in the end the community will ultimately benefit.

Is there anything else you would like to share? Please feel free to make a statement.

Tremane Halsch: I’m running because I believe Saline is at a turning point. The choices we make in the next few years about growth, housing, the Rec Center, and our city’s finances will shape this community for decades to come. We need leaders who are willing to face tough truths, ask hard questions, and make decisions with both courage and care. My story is one of building systems that work for people. I have done that as a coach, by helping small businesses grow, and by strengthening programs that serve families and young people. I know what it means to sit at the table, wrestle with complicated problems, and come out with solutions that are fair, transparent, and forward-looking. What I want residents to know is simple:

I will bring honesty, accountability, and steadiness to this role. You may not always agree with me, but you will always know where I stand, and you will never have to wonder whose interests I serve. My goal is a smarter, safer, more sustainable Saline. A Saline built together, and built to last.

Jenn Harmount: Serving on Saline City Council for the past term has been an incredible opportunity, and I’m proud of the meaningful contributions I’ve made in a relatively short time. From creating a more efficient subcommittee process to helping advance community-focused initiatives like the Saline Social Gathering Space, I’ve worked hard to bring thoughtful, practical solutions to the table. I believe we’ve set important momentum in motion—improving transparency, strengthening infrastructure planning, and engaging residents more directly in decision-making. I’m running for re-election because I want to continue building on that progress and help guide Saline forward with steady, inclusive leadership.

Matt Augnst: Saline gave me some of my best childhood memories, although my immediate family left shortly after the 2008 financial crash due to affordability and opportunity for my parents elsewhere. Now that I’m back, I want to help make sure no family is forced out because of affordability, lack of opportunity, or short-sighted planning. I’ve lived through foreclosure, medical injustice, and housing insecurity—and those experiences drive me to build a Saline where everyone can belong and thrive. I don’t see myself as a politician, but rather a public servant who listens, learns, and serves for all in the community we share.

Bret Pollington: As we move through the next few years, there will be many issues, both known and unknown. I believe Saline needs leaders who are open, transparent, accessible, and can work productively and collaboratively with others, even if they disagree at times. We need leaders who are innovative and creative to continue to bring different ideas to the table. These are qualities I possess from years of community building and collaboration, and because of this, I hope voters choose to elect me to the council come November 4th.

Miri Weidner: Although I have served just under one year on the Parks Commission, I have gained a lot of experience volunteering at different organizations. I see the importance of coming together to build a strong community by participating in many events and helping others. Every decision made will affect everyone within the city of Saline, and we must do our best to make sure it’s not detrimental to our residents or businesses. As a frequent volunteer, I know the importance of communication as it’s an integral part of any function. We need to do a better job of strengthening our communication with residents as a whole since it is the basis of a strong foundation and we can build on top of this foundation to make Saline a more welcoming city. We can improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and/or works here.

As Election Day approaches, all candidates encourage voters to learn more about their campaign and reach out with any questions:

Tremane Halsch, https://www.facebook.com/p/Tramane-for-Saline-City-Council-61578371756172/

Jenn Harmount, https://www.facebook.com/Harmountforsaline, https://harmountforsaline.mystrikingly.com/

Matthew Augnst, https://www.facebook.com/matthew.aungst.1

Bret Pollington, bretforsaline.com

Miri Weidner, http://www.miriforsaline.com/

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