TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes leaves office Monday, two years after he promised to listen to voters and change the course of local government.
His active, engaged style differed from that of predecessor Linda Smyka, whom he handily defeated in 2007, and he garnered praise from some for his budget-cutting efforts and grumbles from others who lost long-held influence when the Estes-led commission took control.
Estes, 59, did not seek reelection. Mayor pro tem Chris Bzdok wasn't challenged in Tuesday's city commission vote and will succeed Estes on Monday evening.
"It was a lot of fun. I met a lot of great people and was able to institute some of the changes I wanted," Estes said.
His accomplishments included increased city spending on streets and sidewalks, efforts to reduce city costs, progress toward Boardman River dams removal, plans to improve public facilities at the city's bayfront, and efforts to restrict both bayside boat-mooring areas and smoking in city parks, Estes said.
Kirt Kilbourne, chairman of a Traverse City citizen's group that studied government spending and operations, lauded the Estes commission's decision to pump more money into streets and sidewalks.
"That was a big deal and that needs to continue because Traverse City taxes are quite high," Kilbourne said.
Estes occasionally was "a little too frank," though always sincere, Kilbourne said.
City Planning Director Russell Soyring gave Estes good marks, particularly for working toward a "walkable community" that featured safe streets, bicycle lanes and transit stops.
"He was a strong advocate for that and the waterfront plan. He definitely wanted to get things done and not just talk about fixing our broken streets and sidewalks," Soyring said.
Traverse City developer Gene LaFave, part of a failed effort to overhaul the downtown Whiting Hotel, counts himself among Estes' critics.
"I'm happy he's gone. I'm happy his term was short," LaFave said.
City commissioners, including Estes, in August rejected a plan to use millions of dollars from state and federal sources to create what project supporters touted as affordable housing.
"It was obviously a political decision," said LaFave, who labeled Estes "erratic" and "irrational," and said he had a "chilling effect" on city developers through "constant badgering."
But LaFave also offered a bit of praise.
"I think he did some good things in terms of re-allocating some funds to streets and infrastructure, plus, for not filling all vacant city jobs," LaFave said.
Small business owner Michael Nolan, of Nolan's Tobacco on Front Street, thought Estes' term offered both good and bad.
"He did come around on the parking structure in Old Town, which I think we needed and I supported that," Nolan said, though he thought a ban on vacation home rentals in residential districts was "stupid."
Community activist M'Lynn Hartwell praised Estes.
"He studied his issues," she said. "I feel he was measured and mindful and as an environmental advocate, I'd like a little stronger protection of our local environment, our water and our air, but he was always there. As a mayor, he's been one of our better ones."
Outgoing city Commissioner Deni Scrudato, who was defeated in Tuesday's election, also offered both praise and criticism of Estes.
"He accomplished some good things, but he also made some enemies," she said. "One of the things I felt he did that was very welcome was how he was a hands-on mayor. He wrote his own letters and answered e-mails. That, I think, was refreshing. He did it all himself, even if people didn't like what he said to them."
Estes' financial background proved an asset to city budgeting and he took time to study issues, Scrudato said.
Estes acknowledges he didn't always please everyone.
"We ruffled feathers, but I feel good about what we've done because it's been for the common good," he said.
Estes said his biggest regret is not getting a question on a city ballot to capture parkland for a potential Division Street overhaul. It was required for the Michigan Department of Transportation to study possible re-designs for the thoroughfare.
Estes said he has no plans to seek public office elsewhere, but wants to apply for a position on Grand Traverse County's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the city's Housing Commission.
"I absolutely expect to continue to be involved," Estes said.
Estes owns an investment company called Estes Enterprises, Inc., and has a background in accounting and financial auditing, including a stint with Ford Motor Company.
Rhonda Estes, his wife of 35 years, said she's looking forward to "having her husband back," though she enjoyed his time in office and found it "educational."
"I think it has been a very positive experience for both of us," she said. "I've gained a new respect and admiration for him because when he's in front of a crowd he comes to life. This light turns on and he really feels it deeply and he feels he wants to help the people of Traverse City."
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