Lifelong Capacian wants to enhance downtown district
CAPAC — Newly-elected village president Debbie Hlubic brings more than 27 years of experience and community service to her position.
On Nov. 8, Hlubic received 382 votes or 63% of the total votes; defeating John T. Grzyb, who received 227 votes or 37% of the vote.
A lifelong Capac resident, Hlubic has dedicated much of her adult life to serving her fellow Capac Village and Mussey Township residents.
Newly elected Capac Village President Debbie Hlubic seeks to work together with Village Manager Travis Youatt and other community leaders for what is best for Capac residents.
A 1977 graduate of Capac High School, Hlubic says she has witnessed good and bad times in her hometown.
As village president, she intends to work collaboratively with Capac Village Manager Travis Youatt, the Capac Downtown Development Authority and other entities to improve the lives of residents.
“This town has always been my home,” Hlubic said. “I’ve worked with both the township and the village over the years.
“I am honored and appreciative of my fellow residents for electing me to this position,” she said. “I appreciate the trust and faith they have in me to do a good job for the village.”
Hlubic said she intends to keep the lines of communication open to best serve the needs of all Capacians.
“My hope is to help enhance and improve our community,” she said. “I plan to make decisions that I believe are best for all residents.”
She pointed out that there is an immediate need for physical improvements along Main Street, which she views as among her and the community’s top priorities.
“I’d like to be able to get rid of all the potholes on Main Street,” Hlubic said. “Ideally, we need to resurface and redesign Main Street to make the downtown more people-friendly and appealing to our residents and visitors.”
She hopes to accomplish that goal by seeking out and acquiring grant funding from the State of Michigan and other sources.
Following last week’s village council meeting, Hlubic sees an opportunity to collaborate and work together on behalf of the community.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Village Manager Travis Youatt, who is a very positive person and is enthusiastic about the future of Capac.
She alluded to recent improvements at the village’s pocket park as a positive step.
The park was recently cleared of debris and is now home to the village’s holiday tree.
Gifted to the village by Schutz’s Tree farm, the 16-foot evergreen has been adorned with lights for the holiday season.
“It really looks beautiful at night,” Hlubic opined.
Council election
In addition to Hlubic, Capac residents Mary Klug, Anthony Vigiletti and Lynn Cline-Mandeville were elected to serve four-year terms on the Capac Village Council.
They will join current members, Samantha Ramirez, Joe Nemecek and Joe Herrington, whose terms will expire in 2024.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
