Rochester Hills resident Laurie Puscas is seeking election to the Rochester Hills City Council District 2 seat. The election is Nov. 8, with a primary election planned for Aug. 2.

Occupation: Writer, photographer.

Age: 51

Family: Husband, Dan; sons Jason, 24, and Sean, 22.

Experience: Puscas served as a board member and treasurer of the Community Media Network and also has been active with the Rochester Symphony Guild and the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. While her children were in school, she was president of the Musson Elementary School PTA and was involved in the Rochester Community Schools PTA Council. She was active in the bond to build Stoney Creek High School and renovate the other high schools.

Campaign website: www.puscasforcouncil.com

Here is Puscas' pledge to voters:

1. Ensure fiscal responsibility. To provide adequate essential services such as police, fire and infrastructure without draining the capital fund reserves.
As your next City Council woman, I will ensure that our tax dollars are used wisely in the best interest of every resident. I will prioritize our essential services and be willing to make tough decisions so that we stay within our limited resources. I will demand that the city establish a long-term strategic budget for our financial operation and (that) projects have a solid business model and cost/benefit analysis.

By instating and ensuring these sensible, common-sense practices, we can guarantee our citizens that their tax dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently.

2. Provide transparency and accountability. I will strive to inform and engage residents in the decision-making of initiatives. Our City Council members need to remember who they work for: the citizens of Rochester Hills. There needs to be complete and total transparency regarding any city business. As a City Council woman, I will strive to inform and engage residents in the decisions and happenings of the City Council and undertake new approaches and technologies to give proper notice of meetings, votes and major initiatives.

3. Cultivate citizen-driven representation. Respectfully listen and consider the opinion of residents and make decisions on their behalf. The residents of Rochester Hills can be assured that their input is welcome, and any decision I make will be done with the opinions and concerns of our residents in mind. Every person has a right to express their beliefs when city business is being considered, and they should be treated with respect and appreciation, not contempt and exasperation. I pledge to stand up for citizen concerns and listen to the residents of Rochester Hills. I will listen and engage any person who takes the time to speak with me, and when I make decisions on behalf of the city, it will be the will of the residents that guides these decisions.