2023 City Council Candidate Profile: Jim Salzwedel - Lowell's First ...

James Salzwedel lives in Lowell. He and his wife have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is a former member of the Lowell Planning Commission and the current president of the Lowell Showboat VI Board. He also served as the city council representative on the Lowell Light & Power Board, LCTV Endowment Board and Arbor Board.

James is retired. He previously worked in the security industry.

Meet the candidates running for office in Kent, Ottawa counties ...

James' currently serves as a Lowell in City Council member. He was elected in 2017 and has served since. 

Supports responsible budgeting and fiscal management to ensure effective use of city resources.

- Supports responsible budgeting and fiscal management to ensure effective use of city resources.

Economy

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

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Healthcare

Supports reinstating monthly Coffee with Council meetings to encourage more interaction between the public and council.

In 2023, supported reinstating monthly Coffee with Council meetings to encourage more interaction between the public and council.

Plans to hold regular town hall meetings to ensure that residents have a voice in local governance.

During 2017 campaign, said he will hold regular town hall meetings to ensure that residents have a voice in local governance.

- In 2023, supported reinstating monthly Coffee with Council meetings to encourage more interaction between the public and council.
- During 2017 campaign, said he will hold regular town hall meetings to ensure that residents have a voice in local governance.

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Opposes the majority of the council on how to address increased demand on water and wastewater facilities due to township growth.

In 2023, opposed the council's approach for addressing greater demand for water and wastewater facilities due to township growth.

Plans to focus on infrastructure improvement and economic development.

During 2017 campaign, planned to focus on infrastructure improvement and economic development.

- In 2023, opposed the council's approach for addressing greater demand for water and wastewater facilities due to township growth.
- During 2017 campaign, planned to focus on infrastructure improvement and economic development.

Transportation & Infrastructure

James Salzwedel

James Salzwedel has lived in Lowell for over 20 years and has been actively involved in the community.

James Salzwedel's campaign for a seat on the Lowell City Council is his first entry into politics. 

- City council members in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Council members 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 council members 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.