Independent candidate Thomas Durlach announces bid for ...

Thomas Durlach graduated from Michigan State University. He volunteers preparing and serving meals at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission kitchen.

Thomas's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first time running for public office.

Supports small businesses and wants to attract new investment opportunities.

Wants to create "real, sustained economic growth" through "smart incentives, expanded free parking, and genuine support for local shops—not just big developers."

- Supports small businesses and wants to attract new investment opportunities.
- Wants to create "real, sustained economic growth" through "smart incentives, expanded free parking, and genuine support for local shops—not just big developers."

Economy

Supports "Supportive Housing With Purpose," which includes vocational paths and community engagement, not just shelter.

Supports partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to provide mental health care, job training, and support services.

- Supports "Supportive Housing With Purpose," which includes vocational paths and community engagement, not just shelter.
- Supports partnerships between businesses and nonprofits to provide mental health care, job training, and support services.

Housing & Urban Development

As of August 14, 2025, Thomas Durlach did not have a website or any information online.

Public Safety

Healthcare

Supports establishing clear expectations for public area usage and implementing outreach programs.

- Supports establishing clear expectations for public area usage and implementing outreach programs.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

Facebook

Twitter

Thomas Durlach

Said public safety standards will still be enforced fairly and consistently for those who "decline help."

Believes business equality must be a core value.

Durlach, a Michigan State University graduate, is an award-winning innovator who has worked to give back to his community. Some of his feats include the following, according to his campaign: Organized and led community events that have raised over $5,000 for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission Holds over 25 patents for innovations within Stryker Medical's product portfolio Volunteered over 35 hours per weekend in 2021 preparing and serving meals at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission kitchen

Thomas Durlach's campaign for Kalamazoo City Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

- City commissioners in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Commissioners attend regular meetings, listen to public concerns, and vote on city issues like zoning, public safety, and spending. They also appoint and direct officials, like the city manager.
- City commissioners may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. They may represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Terms for city council members often last two or four years, depending on the city.