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Saline Mayor Brian Marl officially kicked off his campaign for reelection on Thursday, May 9, with a reception at Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack. Despite rainy weather and coinciding with the downtown’s Ladies Night Out, around 100 guests gathered to support Marl’s announcement. 

In an interview with The Sun Times News (STN), Marl expressed his gratitude for the turnout, noting he was particularly honored to have friends such as U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and State Representative Felicia Brabec in attendance. “Minus the weather and the conflict with Ladies Night Out, it was a phenomenal event,” Marl said. “We packed the space at Mac’s and I was very honored to have Debbie Dingell as the guest of honor.”

STN asked Marl about potential challengers for the mayoral race. He noted that, to his knowledge as of now, no other candidates have filed to run, but the filing deadline is still weeks away with plenty of time to complete paperwork and collect signatures. “If the competition is good,” he said, “it breeds discussion, debate, and dialogue and provides the voters with a choice. I think there’s always something inherently beneficial about that.”

Currently serving his twelfth year in office, Marl highlighted the importance of service when asked why he chose local politics as a profession.  “I have a great affinity for my hometown. It’s the place that I was born and raised and on my mother’s side, we’ve been here for five or six generations,” he stated. “The decisions, choices, and actions you take are very impactful. The services that we provide here at the City of Saline are some of the most valued and some of the most important services that a government provides to citizens and business owners–police, fire, road maintenance, water, sewer infrastructure–including sidewalks, bridges, dams, etc.” 

What happens when things go awry with those services, though, and people direct their anger toward city officials? “I don’t take the criticism personally. If you’re going to choose this as a vocation, you have to have a thick skin and you have to come to terms with the fact that people will impugn your judgment, question your decisions, and at times, be critical. For the most part, that criticism is conveyed in a constructive manner. I’m able to learn and grow and improve from receiving it.” 

As far as his reelection campaign goes, he says he will remain focused on five key, long-term priorities: financial stewardship, economic development, support for public safety, investment in infrastructure, and openness and transparency in city government. “If you focus on these priorities, Saline will become a more successful, more vibrant community,” he asserted.