CHELSEA, MI — Voters in Chelsea will elect the city’s next mayor at the polls Tuesday, Nov. 4. Two candidates are in the running for the four-year term.
The race in the city west of Ann Arbor is between Julianne Chard and Kate Henson. The race is non-partisan, meaning the candidates are not running under political party affiliations.
Incumbent Jane Pacheco is not seeking reelection.
In addition to voting for mayor, Chelsea voters will also select three members of city council this November and vote on a millage increase for the Chelsea Area Fire Authority.
MLive/The Ann Arbor News sent the same set of questions to the candidates for mayor so that city voters can compare their answers, which have not been edited. Candidates appear in alphabetical order.
Please introduce yourself (age, current occupation and job title, previous experience)
Chard:
Julianne Chard, 71, Architect & Civil Engineer (retired), Master of Architecture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI.
Professional career:
• Director Capital Projects Ann Arbor Public Schools Bond & sinking fund 2004, $240 million program, including Skyline High.
• Civil engineer -University of Michigan, Campus Facilities, Ann Arbor
• Project Manager -General Motors Real Estate, urban redevelopment, Detroit, Mi
• Development Team- US Equities/Walbridge, Compuware HQ., Detroit, MI
• Licensed Michigan Architect
Henson:
My name is Kate Henson, and I am a City Council trustee and candidate for Mayor of Chelsea. I live in Chelsea with my husband and our two children.
Over the years, I’ve worked with our key stakeholders in meaningful ways. As co-chair of the city’s strategic planning group, I worked closely with our Chief of Police, Kevin Kazyak, to create the department’s first-ever strategic plan — a milestone for public safety and collaboration in our city. As president of the School Board, I worked with Superintendent Mike Kapolka and my Board colleagues to ensure that our students, staff, and families had the support they needed to succeed. And most recently, I am working with Mayor Pacheco and my City Council colleagues to govern our town with a spirit of progress and collaboration.
I hold an MBA and am the Director of Programs for an organizational development consulting firm. I’m responsible for partnering with client companies to customize and facilitate leadership development programs, strategic planning initiatives, and team building engagements.
Why are you the most qualified candidate in this race?
Chard:
I am the most qualified candidate for mayor because my 30+ years of experience managing private and public sector projects and building programs will be an asset in city government. I understand financials, schedules, operations and working with diverse communities. I served as a Chelsea Planning commissioners 2021-2024 and understand the issues of traffic, growth, infrastructure and cost benefit analysis.
Henson:
I have a strong record of public and community service. I have hands-on experience in leadership, governance, budgeting, and balancing the needs of diverse residents.
My experience as a School Board trustee and City Council trustee reflects my commitment to serving the community in both every day and extraordinary circumstances. They have given me the skills to listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions that reflect the best interests of everyone. I believe this foundation uniquely positions me to represent and serve all Chelsea residents effectively as Mayor.
If elected, what is your top priority and how will you work to achieve it?
Chard:
Stability. In the past four years we’ve had three city managers, five interim city managers and lost talented staff. Chelsea taxpayers deserve a mayor who will hire, inspire and retain a top-notch City Manager, then partner with City Council to work as a team with that City Manager, on behalf of all Chelsea taxpayers.
Henson:
My top priority is responsible and sustainable growth. Our master plan is aligned with our community values — emphasizing smart growth, green spaces, attainable housing, and transportation accessibility. This will help us create a comprehensive growth strategy that sets clear benchmarks for infrastructure, utilities, and services as population or business activity increases. It is important to work with the Housing Commission to guide sustainable solutions and collaborate across city, county, and state levels to bring resources home to Chelsea.
What is the biggest challenge or problem your community is facing and what can be done about it?
Chard:
Chelsea needs to get politics out of city council. Our charter calls for a “nonpartisan form of government”. Chelsea taxpayers deserve a mayor who has a track record for taking the time to master the details of what rules the city must follow, with procedures in place; and enforced to prevent waste, incompetence, or violations of such rules. The city must demand of itself the same compliance standard it expects of citizens it governs. Anything less undermines public respect for any laws. When those in charge either don’t care or look the other way rather than enforce the rules: hard earned tax dollars are spent- not on important city programs but instead on fines, penalties, missed deadlines, and lawsuits.
Henson:
Chelsea’s biggest challenge — and opportunity — lies in maintaining affordability and sustainability as we grow. From housing to utilities to essential city services, the cost of living is putting pressure on residents, and thoughtful planning is needed to ensure Chelsea remains a place where people of all ages and incomes can live, work, and thrive.
Addressing this means continuing to plan proactively — updating our master plan, supporting attainable housing options, and ensuring our infrastructure and services grow in step with our community’s needs. It also means strengthening partnerships with local organizations, county leaders, and regional agencies to bring creative solutions and resources to the table.
How will you seek citizen input and ensure you are working for all your constituents?
Chard:
On the campaign trail, I have the chance to see how diverse, how generous, how wise we are as a community and how we can continue to be the best if we work together. I would consider a quarterly held, town hall meeting inviting open discussion with citizens. Having a face-to-face conversation validates a person. It’s time to know neighbors in real time. Every citizen that chooses to participate in our governing process should be heard and seen with respect.
Henson:
Listening is at the heart of how I lead. One of the greatest strengths of Chelsea is the passion our residents have for this community — people care deeply, and that’s something to be celebrated. As Mayor, I’ll continue creating spaces where everyone feels heard and respected, whether they agree with me or not. That means being visible, approachable, and transparent — from community listening sessions and office hours to online updates and surveys that invite meaningful feedback. My work on the School Board, Strategic Planning Group, and City Council provided me with the experience in building consensus. I look forward to continuing my collaborative work as mayor.
By working together, grounding our conversations in truth, and treating each other with respect, we can continue to move Chelsea forward — stronger, united, and informed.
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