City of Kalamazoo Michigan's Illusion of Democracy: How Leading Surveys & Unelected Bureaucrats Steamroll Public Will

by Richard Stewart

Richard Stewart

@REOmamma_

Kalamazoo, Michigan, loves to tout its "public input" process—like it’s some shining example of democracy in action. But let’s cut through the noise: citizens here are fed up, and for good reason. The city’s been caught red-handed using carefully crafted surveys to push predetermined outcomes, all orchestrated by unelected bureaucrats who couldn’t care less about what residents actually want. From unsafe bike lanes to stinking sewage systems, the evidence is piling up—Kalamazoo’s leadership is ignoring the people they claim to serve. Take the bike lane fiasco. The city’s been hell-bent on carving out road space for cyclists, even when locals have screamed from the rooftops that it’s making streets more dangerous. Public comments opposing these projects—like the Michigan Avenue bike lane that shrank driving lanes and turned downtown into a congested mess—have been brushed off like crumbs on a bureaucrat’s desk. Residents have pointed out how narrow lanes increase risks for drivers and pedestrians alike, especially with Kalamazoo’s already tricky traffic. Yet, the city plows ahead, claiming “public support” from surveys that conveniently ask all the right questions to get the answers they want. Ever notice how those surveys never offer “no bike lanes” as an option? Funny how that works. Then there’s the sewage nightmare. Kalamazoo’s sanitary system is a literal stinking disaster—overflows and mismanagement have left neighborhoods choking on the smell. Citizens have begged for fixes, but the city’s response? Crickets—or worse, more plans that don’t address the root issues. Public meetings see the same story: residents plead for accountability, only to watch their words vanish into the ether while bureaucrats nod and move on to the next item on their pre-set agenda. It’s not incompetence; it’s indifference. What do Kalamazooans actually want? Smaller government. Less regulation. Honest input that isn’t rigged from the jump. Time and again, at town halls and in comment sections, people have demanded a system that listens instead of dictates. But the city’s survey game is a masterclass in manipulation—loaded questions like “Which bike lane design do you prefer?” or “How should we improve our progressive infrastructure?” assume the conclusion before the conversation even starts. It’s not input; it’s a script. Unelected planners and administrators, safe from the ballot box, call the shots while elected officials play along, pretending it’s all “for the people.” This isn’t just about bike lanes or sewage—it’s about trust. Kalamazoo’s leadership is eroding it with every leading question and ignored complaint. If they want real public input, ditch the

#ImagineKalamazoo

rigged surveys and face the music: citizens want practical solutions, not pet projects. Until then, the only thing predetermined here is the growing frustration of a city fed up with being sidelined.

Richard Stewart

@REOmamma_

Sells homes for the highest price possible, in the least amount of time PERIOD! Principal Real Estate Broker — REO Specialists LLC www.RichardStewart.com