Meet the Candidate for City Council: John Caron

Eight candidates are running in the August 6 City Council primary election. 
Below are the candidate biographies provided to the Women's Civic League of St. Clair Shores, and their video introductions are attached to the story:

John Caron
Age: 42
Years living in St. Clair Shores: 42 (life-long resident)
Occupation: Engineer, General Motors
Incumbent: Yes
Previously held elected office: None
Education: Lakeview High School, 1989; Michigan Technological University, B.S., Metallurgical Engineering; Purdue University, M.S. Engineering, 1998.
St. Clair Shores community involvement: Beautification Commission, council liaison, Jan. 2012 - present; SCS Memorial Day Parade Committee, council liaison, Jan. 2012 - present; RFL of St. Clair Shores Cancer Prevention Study Enrollment Chair, 2013; Michigan Parkinson's Foundation Walk-a-thon & 5K Run sponsor, 2013; Michigan Parkinson's Foundation Walk-a-thon & 5K Run committee, 2012; St. Clair Shores Activities Committee, Sept. 2010 - Jan. 2012; Relay for Life of St. Clair Shores, logistics chair, 2011, 2012; Relay for Life of St. Clair Shores, event chair, 2008, 2009, 2010; Region F Jaycees, secretary/treasurer, Jan. 2010 - Dec. 2010; Shores Area Jaycees, president, Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2009; Shores Area Jaycees, management vice president, April 2007 - Dec. 2007.
Top three things you would like to accomplish if elected: 

• My first priority is to maintain the fiscal stability of the City. In order to accomplish this, City Council has to be diligent in reviewing the budget to ensure city funds are well spent on necessary expenses. During the first two budget cycles I have been on Council, I went through the budget line by line to understand all expenses in a greater than $40 million General Fund budget.
• Another priority is to continue to use my private sector experience to improve how the City delivers its services. For example, I use my experience in purchasing components and preparing bid specifications during awarding of the new waste hauling contract, which will save the city $1.5 million over the next 5 years while offering more amenities. City Council members have to challenge City Administration and Department Heads to make sure what is being done is best for the residents.
• We also need to continue improving the City's facilities. In the next few years, we could be expanding the Senior Center and making improvements to Blossom Heath Park. I will work to make sure resident input is heard and both are fully-functional and useful facilities that residents can enjoy.