


I love this special place that we call home, and the years of struggling to make ends meet were well worth it—I would do it all over again. But in just a few short years, it has become not just difficult but nearly impossible for others to have the same success story. The vast majority of the people that my wife and I work with aren’t able to live in McCall—they serve our businesses, help build our economy, and invest their time and energy in making McCall a great place, yet they can’t truly be part of our community.We talk about infill to make our town more walkable and sustainable, while overlooking one of the primary resources that truly makes our community strong: the working people of McCall. These include the families that want to raise their kids in a safe place, the business owners that serve us with integrity but are struggling to keep good people, and the everyday workers who bring life to our town. I want to serve my hometown and give voice to these amazing, hardworking folks who are struggling to make ends meet, let alone trying to pay attention to the decisions that are impacting their daily lives by our city council. I will speak plainly, not politically, and strive for clarity when issues arise so that everyone can thrive when they call McCall home. McCall is not special because you can afford to live here—McCall is special because we are determined to call this home.
Michael's Vision for McCall
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Supporting Hardworking Families:
Give a powerful voice to McCall’s workers and families, ensuring council actions reflect their everyday struggles and preserve a town where kids can flourish and businesses can thrive. I’m committed to listening to the challenges faced by our local workforce—rising costs, job stability—and the small business owners who pour their hearts into this community. I'll work to ease housing burdens that threaten our livelihoods, while fiercely protecting Payette Lake’s pristine beauty for generations to come, a treasure our children deserve. Through open forums and heartfelt dialogue, I’ll bring your concerns to the council table, fostering a resilient economy and a safe, vibrant home for all.
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Protecting what is left of Our Impact Zone:
The recent changes have left us vulnerable, so I’ll push for clear agreements with the county to set boundaries that stop unchecked development from swallowing our open spaces, ensuring future growth respects the needs of families who love this place. I’ll advocate for regular community input sessions where residents can weigh in on land use plans, keeping decisions transparent and free of backroom deals. As your council member, I’ll monitor how county policies affect us, fighting to preserve the quiet trails and scenic views that define McCall, while balancing growth that benefits everyone—not just outsiders. This is about keeping our hometown special for generations.
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Affordable Housing Solutions:
I will champion local workforce housing—affordable living options near jobs possibly like Shore Lodge has done or small businesses that are looking into ADU's or supporting businesses like May Hardware that have gone so far as purchasing local housing for their team members, so people like us, servers, builders, and retail staff can live here instead of dealing with long commutes. I’ll support small developers by pushing for city incentives, like reduced fees or faster permits, to build modest homes that fit McCall’s budget, not just luxury getaways that price out locals. Let's take a look at the LOT tax, what might be a better use of those dollars? I’ll also push for a fair review of short-term rental rules, ensuring tourism thrives while freeing up more homes for year-round residents who keep our community alive. As your council member, I’ll keep this process open with regular updates and town halls, so you see how we are working this issue together. Let’s make housing work for you, McCall—share your ideas.
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Addressing the Milfoil Issue in Our Lake.
I will collaborate with state officials and the Payette Lake Watershed Advisory Group to explore non-chemical options like mechanical removal or diver hand-pulling, especially after public concerns led to pausing herbicides (this is not an option I would even like to consider) for 2025 and pushing treatments to 2026. We’ll work to restore the lake’s ecosystem through community education on prevention—such as cleaning boats and gear—to stop further spread, while advocating for funding to keep our favorite spots like North Beach or Duck Bay clear for swimming, boating, and fishing. As your council member, I’ll keep you informed with simple updates on progress, ensuring McCall’s voice is heard in state decisions. Let’s protect our lake together without herbicides.
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Community Education:
I will provide straightforward updates, like monthly recaps in plain language, explaining how choices on affordable homes, new developments, and Payette Lake care affect us all. I’ll host open forums where you can ask questions and share ideas, making sure your voice influences decisions, not just a few insiders. Whether it’s learning why housing costs are rising or how we’re tackling milfoil, I’ll break it down so it’s clear, not buried in jargon. As your council member, I’ll keep this effort open and ongoing, using tools like the Star News or weaver2025.com to stay connected.