Beryl Bartkus for Lowell City Council

Working for You!

recent posts

  • Why should you vote for me on Nov 4th?

    Our city is run on your hard-earned tax dollars. Those funds must be spent wisely and with long-term sustainability in mind. I will handle the city budget with care, knowing that increased costs and taxes can negatively impact our residents.. As the mother of an adult daughter with autism, I know firsthand how money challenges can affect well-being.  As a Flat River Outreach Board member I havw seen even more about how fragile life can be. I know how to advocate for the people of Lowell.

    As a pharmacist and business owner, I know how to listen and represent people. I am always looking out for the best interests of my patients and my employees.. This level of care carries over to my daily life. I will always make myself available to hear your questions and concerns. These conversations are important for understanding the needs of our residents.

    My extensive volunteer appointments including Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, DDA, FROM Board of Directors and the Lowell Area Fire Authority are all examples of my dedication to the people of Lowell. I give my all to everything I do. I come prepared to meetings, think logically, and am willing to speak up with questions and concerns. I am hard-working, dedicated and always use common sense in all I do. 

    City Council needs a mix of members who can look at issues from different angles, thinking individually but working together as a team. To get the right balance, I believe there needs to be a woman on city council. Fifty-two percent of our residents are women. It’s time to have a woman’s perspective on city council again. 

    Please vote for me on, or before, November 4th.

    I am working for YOU!

  • My top Priorities:

    These are 4 of the topics I believe are most important and will have the biggest impact on the people of Lowell. They are in no particular order. All are important for our future.

    #1 Covenant Park must be beneficial to our residents. We must create and execute a well-defined plan so that this development at I-96 benefits the city residents. Without transparency by the city there is no way to truly assess this situation.  Currently there are only a couple people with information on the details of this project.  I am uncomfortable with the level of secrecy surrounding this development.

    #2 Water & Wastewater System needs versus rate increases: Major plant expansions required for Covenant Business Park must be funded from multiple sources. Grants, developer investment and township contributions must be required.

    The current multi-year rate increases are already stretching residents’ budgets. They will ultimately raise customer water/sewer bills 70% from 2024 to 2030.  I want to find ways to lower scheduled rate hikes.

    #3 Fire Department Funding: As a member of the Lowell Area Fire Authority Board, I have an inside glimpse of how our current “paid on call” fire department works. The current method of funding is unsustainable. We need to seek creative ways to keep our Fire Department strong, especially with the annexation of township land at I-96. Our fire personnel will be stretched with this expansion of services. I am determined to find reasonable financial solutions that support our fire authority.

    #4 Communication between city government and residents.  The biggest complaint I hear from residents is that communication with the city can be difficult. They tell me their concerns are treated as unimportant and ignored. This should not be the case.  The city is for the residents and they deserve to be listened to.  Not every request can be granted, but every request or concern should be respected and sincerely considered.

  • Who is Beryl Bartkus?

    I am the mother of two adult daughters (and one son-in-law), wife, pharmacist, small business owner, advocate and a volunteer. I feel this is a great time for me to use my skills to help our city.

    As the mother of a daughter with autism I have become an advocate for those with special needs and financial struggles. This led me to start Ability Weavers ten years ago.  My business provides meaningful employment for Erin and others with special needs.  Ability Weavers is a social enterprise, currently employing 16 people and 10 volunteers. Any profit generated is only used to hire and train more weavers. Running a small business has required me to sharpen my people and financial skills. This ability will help me help the citizens of Lowell.  

    Most of my adult life I have been a licensed pharmacist. Independent retail pharmacy is my specialty. I always enjoy working with patients and prescribers to prove the best medical care possible. I am still licensed and do relief work for Rivertown Compounding Pharmacy in Grandville.

    Giving back to our community is important. I currently volunteer on the Downtown Development Authority, Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce (current president), FROM board of directors and the Lowell Area Fire Authority. My career as a pharmacist has taught me to listen, and work well with all people while taking care of their needs.  

    Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I enjoy getting to know the people who call Lowell home.

  • Welcome to my new Council blog!

    I am excited to begin my campaign for the Lowell City Council. I know that this position requires a good deal of time, energy and dedication, but I am willing to give it my all for the next four years.