Saline Election Preview: Meet Saline City Council Candidate Bret ...

Bret Pollington grew up in Wayne, Michigan. He lives with his wife, Jess, and their two children in Saline. He is currently. pursuing a teaching degree.

Bret is a Realtor at Cornerstone Real Estate.

Supports revitalizing downtown to protect unique, community-tied businesses.

Believes high rents hinder unique businesses and consistent nightlife in downtown Saline, and that housing costs prevent a thriving, walkable community.

Believes high rents hinder businesses and nightlife in downtown Saline, and that housing costs prevent a thriving, walkable community.

- Supports revitalizing downtown to protect unique, community-tied businesses.
- Believes high rents hinder businesses and nightlife in downtown Saline, and that housing costs prevent a thriving, walkable community.

Economy

Supports expanding affordable housing options to ensure diverse residents can live, work, and thrive in Saline.

- Supports expanding affordable housing options to ensure diverse residents can live, work, and thrive in Saline.

Housing & Urban Development

Believes in updating fire protection funding to align with property values, ensuring equitable contributions from all communities, while addressing staffing challenges to maintain high-quality service.

Believes in updating fire protection funding, ensuring equitable contributions from all communities, while addressing staffing challenges to maintain high-quality service.

- Believes in updating fire protection funding, ensuring equitable contributions from all communities, while addressing staffing challenges to maintain high-quality service.

Public Safety

As of August 14, 2025, Bret Pollington’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Healthcare

Public Services

Supports removing the Saline Dam to restore the river's natural flow, improve local ecosystem health, and reduce city maintenance burdens.

- Supports removing the Saline Dam to restore the river's natural flow, improve local ecosystem health, and reduce city maintenance burdens.

Energy & the Environment

Supports strengthening downtown areas, increasing pedestrian mobility, and creating an environmentally responsible city that is affordable and inclusive for current and future residents.

Supports strengthening the downtown area and increasing pedestrian access.

Supports creating an environmentally responsible city that is affordable and inclusive for current and future residents.

Supports expanding public transit to connect Saline with Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, believing it would provide reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly commuting options, strengthen the local workforce, and boost business and accessibility for visitors.

Supports expanding public transit to connect Saline with Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

- Supports strengthening the downtown area and increasing pedestrian access.
- Supports creating an environmentally responsible city that is affordable and inclusive for current and future residents.
- Supports expanding public transit to connect Saline with Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Bret Pollington

Bret Pollington grew up in Wayne, Michigan. He has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Michigan and a teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University. He lives with his wife, Jess, and their two children in Saline.

Bret is a Realtor at Cornerstone Real Estate. He previously pursued a teaching degree.

Bret Pollington's campaign for Saline City Council Member is his first entry into politics.

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

Bret Pollington is from Wayne, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan. He lives with his wife, Jess, and their two children in Saline. He is a member of the Arts & Culture Committee.

James Auchincloss

Buket Urgen

Supports removing the Saline Dam to restore the river's natural flow, improve local ecosystem health, and reduce city maintenance costs.

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Jenn attended Grosse Pointe South High School and then earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and supply chain management from Michigan State University. 

Jenn is a project management senior lead analyst at Toyota USA. She previously worked as a purchasing analyst and procurement and process specialist at Toyota North America for over 25 years. 

Nov. 7 election will bring new faces to Saline City Council. Here's ...

Jenn Harmount is currently a Saline City Council member. She was elected in 2023 and is serving her first term. Jenn is the vice chair of the City of Saline Environmental Commission. 

Aims to manage city resources efficiently to avoid additional tax increases for residents.

Plans to work with the chamber of commerce and other economic development organizations to promote Saline to potential businesses.

- Aims to manage city resources efficiently to avoid additional tax increases for residents.
- Plans to work with the chamber of commerce and other economic development organizations to promote Saline to potential businesses.

- Supports affordable housing initiatives.

Supports transparency and collaboration between the government and community to increase citizen engagement in public safety decisions.

- Supports transparency and collaboration between the government and community to increase citizen engagement in public safety decisions.

As of August 14, 2025, Jenn Harmount’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports improving parks and recreation facilities and plans to identify funding sources, such as grants, to support these improvements.

Supports "more diverse representation" in public services.

- Supports improving parks and recreation facilities and plans to identify funding sources, such as grants, to support these improvements.
- Supports "more diverse representation" in public services.

Prioritizes ensuring access to clean water.

Supports Green Saline and sustainable actions.

- Prioritizes ensuring access to clean water.
- Supports Green Saline and sustainable actions.

Believes Saline's aging infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, needs upgrading.

- Believes Saline's aging infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, needs upgrading.

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Jenn Harmount

Jenn is currently a Saline City Council member. She was elected in 2023 and is serving her first term. 

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

Saline Election Preview: Meet Saline City Council Candidate Jim ...

Jim attended Plymouth Salem High School and earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology and neurosciences from Michigan State University. He currently resides in Saline with his daughter. 

Jim is a research scientist at the University of Michigan Medical School. He has worked there since 2005, focusing on neuroscience as well as type 2 diabetes.

Jim Dell'Orco previously served on the Saline City Council for four years from January 2020 to December 2023. 

Advocated for "fair and living wages" for city employees.

- Advocated for "fair and living wages" for city employees.

Supports revitalizing downtown Saline and expanding residential offerings to improve quality of life and support local businesses.

- Supports revitalizing downtown Saline and expanding residential offerings to improve quality of life and support local businesses.

As of August 14, 2025, Jim Dell'Orco did not have a website or any information online.

Supports the greenspace initiative, believing it will enhance quality of life, support local businesses, and transform Saline with a vibrant city center and expanded residential options.

- Supports the greenspace initiative, believing it will enhance quality of life, support local businesses, and transform Saline with a vibrant city center and expanded residential options.

Jim Dell'Orco

Jim Dell'Orco has owned a historic home in the downtown area for over 15 years. He has a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from the University of Michigan. He lives with his daughter, Dahlia, in Saline.

Jim is a research scientist at the University of Michigan Medical School. He has worked there since 2005, focusing on neuroscience. More specifically, he studies the neuroendocrine control of glucose homeostasis in the context of type 2 diabetes.

Jim previously served on the Saline City Council for four years from January 2020 to December 2023. He is currently running for a seat on the Saline City Council in the November 2023 election.

As of August 14, 2025, Jim Dell'orco did not have a website or any information online.

Jim Dell'orco

Supports the greenspace initiative proposal, believing it will revitalize the city for businesses, residents, and stakeholders.

Supports revitalizing downtown Saline and expanding residential offerings to enhance community life and support local businesses.

Matthew is from Saline, Michigan. He earned a degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. 

Saline Election Preview: Meet Saline City Council Candidate ...

Matthew is a financial services professional. He has worked at PNC, JPMorgan Chase, and Capital One.

Matthew's Aungst's campaign for Saline City Council is his first run for public office. 

Supports local businesses and aims to create a favorable environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Supports development that increases the tax base while preserving community values.

- Supports local businesses and aims to create a favorable environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Supports development that increases the tax base while preserving community values.

Advocates for fair housing policies and balanced growth that protects both homeowners and renters.

Supports efforts to ensure Saline is affordable for residents at every stage of life.

- Advocates for fair housing policies and balanced growth that protects both homeowners and renters.
- Supports efforts to ensure Saline is affordable for residents at every stage of life.

As of August 14, 2025, Matthew Aungst’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to explore ways to maintain strong city services while using taxpayer dollars responsibly.

- Plans to explore ways to maintain strong city services while using taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Supports prioritizing the maintenance and improvement of roads, utilities, and public facilities.

- Supports prioritizing the maintenance and improvement of roads, utilities, and public facilities.

Matthew Aungst

Matthew Aungst is from Saline, Michigan. He earned a degree in business administration from the University of Arizona. He lives with his family in Saline.

Matthew Aungst is a financial services professional. He has worked at PNC, JPMorgan Chase, and Capital One.

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

Matthew Aungst's campaign for Saline City Council Member is his first entry into politics.

Supports "thoughtful development" that grows the tax base without sacrificing community values.

Saline Election Preview: Meet Saline City Council Candidate Miri ...

Miri is from Saline. She earned a bachelor's degree in health care administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. Miri lives with her wife, Cass.

Miri is a royalties analyst. She has been in analytical-oriented jobs for nine years. She previously worked as a website designer. 

Miri Weidner's campaign for Saline City Council Member is her first entry into politics. She is currently a member of the Saline Parks Commission.

Aims to assist new businesses in establishing themselves in Saline.

- Aims to assist new businesses in establishing themselves in Saline.

Candidate website

Wants to ensure new housing and building projects are compatible with the surrounding area.

Supports increasing affordable housing options for both renting and homeownership.

- Wants to ensure new housing and building projects are compatible with the surrounding area.
- Supports increasing affordable housing options for both renting and homeownership.

Believes in maintaining a local Fire Department to ensure superior coverage and community knowledge, opposing the outsourcing of city services like the dispatch center.

- Believes in maintaining a local Fire Department to ensure superior coverage and community knowledge, opposing the outsourcing of city services like the dispatch center.

As of August 14, 2025, Miri Weidner’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports city-wide notifications for projects to improve community awareness.

Opposes removing the Saline River Dam, citing historical significance, high costs for citizens, environmental benefits, and practical reasons for flood control.

Believes the City Council should take action to improve water quality issues in Saline, saying, "Instead of paying for endless studies that are never implemented, we need to start taking action to actually execute a plan that will correct the issues."

Believes the funding for the parks should be separated from the Rec Center.

- Supports city-wide notifications for projects to improve community awareness.
- Opposes removing the Saline River Dam, citing historical significance, high costs for citizens, environmental benefits, and practical reasons for flood control.
- Believes the City Council should take action to improve water quality issues in Saline, saying, "Instead of paying for endless studies that are never implemented, we need to start taking action to actually execute a plan that will correct the issues."
- Believes the funding for the parks should be separated from the Rec Center.

Wants to regulate traffic and improve sidewalk accessibility in newly constructed areas to ensure safety for all residents.

- Wants to regulate traffic and improve sidewalk accessibility in newly constructed areas to ensure safety for all residents.

Miri Weidner

Miri Weidner is from Saline. She lives with her wife, Cass, and their two rescued Shih Tzus, Frodo and Flower, and a rescued cat named Addie.

Miri is a Royalties Analyst. She has been in analytical-oriented jobs for nine years.

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

Miri Weidnerr

Miri is a Royalties Analyst at an undisclosed company. She has been in analytical-oriented jobs for nine years.

Miri Weidner's campaign for Saline City Council Member is her first entry into politics. She is currently a member of the Saline Parks Commission. 

Believes rehabilitating the dam is more cost-effective than removing it and reshaping Mill Pond Park, which would incur "many unknown costs" and leave the park unusable for "upward of two years or more."

Tramane is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He attended the University of South Florida and graduated from a full-time vocational coding bootcamp. He moved to Michigan in 2018.

Tramane is a software engineer and consultant. He founded and operates Haus of T-Rex, where he helps entrepreneurs and small businesses. He previously worked as a software engineer, developing tools for companies like Ford, Walmart Labs, Vroom, and Johnson & Johnson.

Tramane Halsch — Donate via ActBlue

Tramane's campaign for Saline City Council is his first entry into politics. He currently serves on the city's Economic Development Corporation and Tax Increment Finance Authority. He is also a member of the Rec Center Task Force.

Plans to pursue innovative funding tools, including public-private partnerships, grant matching, and community reinvestment models.

- Plans to pursue innovative funding tools, including public-private partnerships, grant matching, and community reinvestment models.

Plans to launch "Made in Saline," a cultural promotion initiative celebrating local artists, musicians, and small businesses to strengthen civic pride and economic vitality.

Plans to revamp the appointment process for city boards and commissions to make it more accessible, inclusive, and transparent.

Supports using public-private partnerships, grant matching, and community reinvestment models to fund projects without raising taxes.

Supports investments that protect Saline's historic charm, support local artists and cultural events, and strengthen neighborhood character.

- Plans to launch "Made in Saline," a cultural promotion initiative celebrating local artists, musicians, and small businesses to strengthen civic pride and economic vitality.
- Plans to revamp the appointment process for city boards and commissions to make it more accessible, inclusive, and transparent.
- Supports using public-private partnerships, grant matching, and community reinvestment models to fund projects without raising taxes.
- Supports investments that protect Saline's historic charm, support local artists and cultural events, and strengthen neighborhood character.

Supports full staffing, modern training, and continued investment in the Fire and Police Departments.

- Supports full staffing, modern training, and continued investment in the Fire and Police Departments.

As of August 14, 2025, Tramane Halsch’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to redesign parks, the Rec Center, and community spaces as intergenerational hubs for wellness, activity, and connection.

Supports the Rec Next plan, which aims to eliminate the Rec Center's annual deficit and transform it into a modern community wellness hub.

Plans to launch "Made in Saline," a cultural promotion initiative celebrating local artists, musicians, and small businesses through public events and partnerships.

Plans to organize rotating pop-up events that bring city services, arts, and cultural programming directly into Saline%E2%80%99s communities, transforming parks, parking lots, and green spaces into hubs of civic life.

Plans to organize rotating pop-up events that bring city services, arts, and cultural programming directly into Saline's communities, transforming parks, parking lots, and green spaces into hubs of civic life.

Plans to support the Saline Citizens%E2%80%99 Innovation Fund and a Civic Co-Investment Platform, which would allow residents to co-fund, co-design, and co-benefit from local projects.

Plans to support the Saline Citizens Innovation Fund and a Civic Co-Investment Platform, which would allow residents to co-fund, co-design, and co-benefit from local projects.

Supports modernizing infrastructure, embracing digital innovation, and empowering residents to shape their city through transparent, data-driven tools.

- Plans to redesign parks, the Rec Center, and community spaces as intergenerational hubs for wellness, activity, and connection.
- Supports the Rec Next plan, which aims to eliminate the Rec Center's annual deficit and transform it into a modern community wellness hub.
- Plans to launch "Made in Saline," a cultural promotion initiative celebrating local artists, musicians, and small businesses through public events and partnerships.
- Plans to organize rotating pop-up events that bring city services, arts, and cultural programming directly into Saline's communities, transforming parks, parking lots, and green spaces into hubs of civic life.
- Plans to support the Saline Citizens Innovation Fund and a Civic Co-Investment Platform, which would allow residents to co-fund, co-design, and co-benefit from local projects.
- Supports modernizing infrastructure, embracing digital innovation, and empowering residents to shape their city through transparent, data-driven tools.

Plans to prioritize smart, energy-efficient upgrades to city buildings, parks, and public infrastructure to lower utility costs, reduce emissions, and improve user experience.

- Plans to prioritize smart, energy-efficient upgrades to city buildings, parks, and public infrastructure to lower utility costs, reduce emissions, and improve user experience.

Plans to work with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to ensure all sidewalks comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to enhance walkability and mobility access for seniors, families, and residents with disabilities.

Supports implementing traffic-calming measures near schools, parks, and high-foot-traffic zones to enhance pedestrian safety and quality of life.

Advocates for continued investment in Saline's aging water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable service for every household.

Plans to integrate public infrastructure data into a modernized citizen dashboard, allowing residents to track maintenance needs, monitor project timelines, and see how city funds are invested in roads, buildings, and utilities.

Supports participatory budgeting tools that allow community members to decide how a portion of city funds are allocated toward capital projects.

- Plans to work with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to ensure all sidewalks comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to enhance walkability and mobility access for seniors, families, and residents with disabilities.
- Supports implementing traffic-calming measures near schools, parks, and high-foot-traffic zones to enhance pedestrian safety and quality of life.
- Advocates for continued investment in Saline's aging water infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable service for every household.
- Plans to integrate public infrastructure data into a modernized citizen dashboard, allowing residents to track maintenance needs, monitor project timelines, and see how city funds are invested in roads, buildings, and utilities.
- Supports participatory budgeting tools that allow community members to decide how a portion of city funds are allocated toward capital projects.

Tramane Halsch

Tramane Halsch is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated from a full-time vocational coding bootcamp. He moved to Michigan in 2018.

Tramane is a software engineer and consultant. He works at Haus of T-Rex, where he helps entrepreneurs and small businesses scale with cutting-edge tools, operational clarity, bold strategy, and unbridled creativity. He previously worked as a software engineer, developing tools for companies like Ford, Walmart Labs, Vroom, and Johnson & Johnson.

Supports expanding community gathering spaces, local heritage projects, and integrating arts and history into daily life.

Supports full staffing, modern training, and continued investment in Fire and Police Departments.

- 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.

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