Candidate Questionnaire: Breanna Bundy

The following is Watershed Voice‘s candidate questionnaire for the November 2025 local elections. We will be running all remaining candidate questionnaires in the order received today, October 30, with a full recap and election outline tomorrow.

Breanna Bundy, Dowagiac Ward 3 council member candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are her answers as submitted.

Name: Breanna Bundy  
Age: 30
Are you an incumbent? Yes, appointed to council in July 2025  
Family (optional): Husband, Brad Bundy Jr. 

Background/Bio:  

I moved to Dowagiac in 2013 to pursue my education and quickly fell in love with the heart of this community. I began my studies at Southwestern Michigan College, earning an associate’s degree in social sciences, and later graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, specializing in public accounting.

Beyond academics, I’ve always been drawn to creativity and connection. Whether through theatre, art, or community initiatives, I believe in the power of imagination and collaboration to bring people together. I’m passionate about helping others and revitalizing the places we call home, bringing life, color, and opportunity back into once-vibrant spaces.

During my free time, you can find me reading, spending time with friends and family, or humming a tune as I move through my day. My leadership style blends creativity, empathy, and a deep commitment to communication and progress. I believe that with vision and teamwork, there’s no limit to what a community can achieve.

Why are you running for the office of Dowagiac Councilmember? 

It is difficult to describe my desire to serve on City Council as anything other than a story of love, because that is truly what it has become. I fell in love with Dowagiac years ago when my father and I visited Southwestern Michigan College to see a play, The Importance of Being Earnest. Afterward, we shared a pizza at Wood Fire Trattoria and talked about the charm of the small town that would soon become my home.

Since then, the sounds of the trains and the energy of summer festivals have become part of my life’s rhythm. Early on, a friend encouraged me to get involved – to show up to events even if I did not know anyone yet. That encouragement led me to discover a community that is welcoming, diverse, and full of heart.

Dowagiac has given me so much: a home, lifelong friendships, and a sense of purpose. I want to give back by helping ensure our city continues to grow and thrive. Through my time already serving on Council, I’ve built strong connections, listened to residents’ concerns, and worked to be a thoughtful, creative, and collaborative voice.

I am running because I believe in this community’s potential. Dowagiac is full of talented, compassionate people with ideas worth hearing – and I want to continue being a leader who listens, represents our citizens with integrity, and helps turn those ideas into progress.

Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments? 

N/A.

If not, describe any experience — professional, volunteer, or otherwise — that you believe is relevant to serving as Dowagiac Councilmember.

While I haven’t previously held public office, I’ve always been an active, engaged member of the community. I believe leadership isn’t defined by titles, but by action—showing up, listening, and working hard for the people you serve. 

My professional background has equipped me with strong financial management, organizational, and problem-solving skills that directly support effective city leadership. As Assistant Controller for Southshore Companies, I oversee multiple businesses across logistics, warehousing, and distribution – managing budgets, audits, and financial reporting while ensuring efficiency and accountability.

Previously, I worked in higher education at Saint Mary’s College and Southwestern Michigan College, where I implemented new processes, managed accounts, and collaborated across departments to improve operations. These experiences strengthened my communication, adaptability, and teamwork – skills essential for working with diverse community members and departments.

Across all my roles, I’ve built a reputation for being reliable, creative, and solutions oriented. I understand the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration. These are qualities I will continue to uphold as a City Council member serving Dowagiac.

How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent? 

I moved to Ward 3 in 2020, living there for over 5 years. 

In your opinion, what are the three most important issues to the area relative to the scope of the position you are seeking, and why? 

One of the most important issues I see in our area is the growing disconnect between city leadership and the people we serve. I believe residents deserve to feel heard, informed, and represented in every decision that affects them. Strengthening communication and community engagement is a top priority for me.

Another major concern is housing. Many residents struggle to find quality, affordable options, and we need to focus on revitalizing our existing neighborhoods while supporting responsible development that meets local needs.

Lastly, I’m passionate about restoring the beauty and vitality of our residential areas. I want to bring life back to spaces that once thrived and create environments our community can be proud of.

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?

To address these issues, I plan to work closely with both community leaders and residents to create collaborative, long-term solutions. The people of Dowagiac are the heart of this city, and their voices must guide our progress. I want to build open lines of communication, encourage participation, and ensure that every resident feels heard and valued.

I also believe that effective leadership requires continuous learning. I will stay informed and educated on the policies and challenges that affect our community so we can make thoughtful, strategic decisions together. My goal is to build a stronger, more connected Dowagiac through transparency, teamwork, and accountability.

How would you ensure better protection and service for the most vulnerable and underserved populations in Dowagiac?

I believe the first step in protecting our most vulnerable and underserved residents is ensuring they feel seen, heard, and represented. I plan to be a strong advocate and a consistent voice for those who often go unheard. My goal is to be approachable and accessible, so community members feel confident reaching out and sharing their needs or concerns.

By actively listening, building trust, and collaborating with local organizations and service providers, I hope to strengthen support systems and create equitable opportunities for all residents of Dowagiac. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and included in the future of our city.

How would you promote transparency and maintain public trust in city government? 

Transparency and trust start with honesty and accountability. I believe the best way to build public trust is by being someone who is genuinely trustworthy and approachable. I will not always have every answer, but I will always work hard to find them and communicate openly.

I plan to host regular community meetings where residents can share concerns and stay informed about city matters. Trust is earned through consistent action, and I am committed to putting in the time and effort needed to ensure every resident feels heard, respected, and confident in their local government.

What values or guiding principles shape your approach to public service?

The core value that shapes my approach to public service is treating others the way I want to be treated. It’s something that was instilled in me growing up and has become second nature. I genuinely care about helping others, and that compassion drives everything I do. I see every person not just as a face in the community, but as someone’s family member, neighbor, or friend. This perspective helps me make thoughtful, strategic decisions that truly serve the people of our community.  

Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?

At the end of the day, I’m just like the people I hope to represent. I’ve worked hard for my successes and learned valuable lessons from my failures. I’m not perfect, and I’ll never pretend to be – but I will always give my best. I will always stand up for what’s right and continue to grow, listen, and learn. My goal is to represent our community with pride, honesty, and the same determination that has guided me throughout my life.