Candidate Questionnaire: Patrick Bakeman

The following is Watershed Voice‘s candidate questionnaire for the November 2025 local elections. We will be running all candidate questionnaires in the order received today, tomorrow, and Thursday — our regular publishing schedule.

Patrick Bakeman, Dowagiac Mayor candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are his answers as submitted.

Name: Patrick Bakeman
Age: 46
Are you an incumbent? No/City Counilman 
Family (optional): Wife Ravan and 3 children; Amelia, Mallory and John 

Background/Bio:  

Pat was born and raised in Dowagiac. He graduated from the Lansing Barber College in 1999 and worked in the Detroit suburbs until he moved back to Dowagiac with his wife Ravan and purchased their business Bakeman Barbers. 

Why are you running for the office of Dowagiac Mayor? 

After serving on City Council for the past eight years, I believe our community is ready for a new chapter. A chapter that builds on our progress while embracing fresh ideas and new leadership. My background in community service, combined with hands on experience in local government, has prepared me to step forward and lead. I’m running because I care deeply about this community and I know that together, we can shape a future that reflects our shared values, addresses our challenges head on and creates lasting opportunities for everyone. 

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?

Yes. I have served on the Dowagiac City Council for the last 8 years. 

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

-1999 Lansing Barber College Graduate

-Married my wife Ravan Bakeman, together we have 3 children, Amelia, Mallory and John

-2005 my wife and I purchased Bakeman Barbers

-2006 became the Voice of Dowagiac Chieftain football and now stream games on The Dowagiac Chieftains Network under Joe Jason Media LLC. 

-Member of Holy Maternity of Mary, Lions Club

-2014 was part of the founding group of  Dowagiac Connected formally known as the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac

-2014 Started donating time to coaching youth sports. I’ve coached youth soccer, baseball, football and basketball. 

-2018 Moody on the Market inaugural 40 Under 40 Member 

-2017 was elected to Ward 1 City Council. 

1. Boards 

i. Economic and Development 2017-21

ii. Planning Commission 

2023-present 

iii. Russom Park Board

2024-present (2025 became Chair)

-2018 named to the inaugural 

Moody on the Market 40 under 40 in Southwestern Michigan. 

-2020 joined the State of Michigan Safe Start work group to help re- engage licensed Barbers and Cosmetologists. 

-2020 gained professional barbers license in both Michigan and Indiana 

-2020 joined, became a board member and help establish the Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals(MABP) as a 501c3

-2021 Testified to Michigan Senate on behalf of barbers. 

-2022 Chamber of Commerce Shinning Star award winner

2025 Mayor Elect

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

I was born and raised in Dowagiac and moved to Easy Lansing in 1998. After barber college I moved to Novi in 2002 and then moved back to Dowagiac in 2005-present. 

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?

1)Transparency and community relationships. 

2)Loss of Business and population. 

3)Having a long term plan for marihuana money. 

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?

1. Transparency and Community Relationships

As an active member of the community, I believe transparency starts with genuine connection. Through regular engagement—both in-person and on social media—I’ll listen to the concerns and ideas of our residents. Social media isn’t just a communication tool; it’s a way to stay in tune with the needs of the community in real time. I also see it as a valuable platform to promote what makes Dowagiac special our people, our businesses, and our events helping us foster pride and draw positive attention to our city.

2. Loss of Business and Population

Dowagiac is a beautiful place to live, work, and play. I want to help reverse population and business decline by focusing on our strengths and promoting them. That means supporting our local workforce, highlighting our quality of life, and creating a proactive business development plan. We need to attract new businesses, support our existing ones and show entrepreneurs that Dowagiac is a place worth investing in.

3. Long-Term Plan for Marihuana Revenue

If elected, I will prioritize creating a long-term, transparent plan for how we use marijuana tax revenue. This money should be invested in projects that make a lasting impact and reflect community values whether it’s improving parks, supporting youth programs or revitalizing parts of our city. The goal is to use these funds in a way that creates pride and visible benefits for every resident.

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

Through my on going community service and strong relationships with local leaders, I’m committed to seeking out opportunities that uplift all residents especially those who are often overlooked. I believe everyone in Dowagiac deserves access to a good quality of life and I’ll work hard to ensure that voices from every corner of our community are heard, supported, and valued.

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

My approach to public service is simple: be myself, work hard and treat others the way I want to be treated. I believe in showing up with honesty, consistency and respect because that’s what builds trust. At the end of the day, public service is about people and I’m committed to serving our community with heart.

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

The city of Dowagiac is great place to live, work and play. I’m proud to call Dowagiac home and I’m committed to building on the strong foundation that already exists here. My vision is to help Dowagiac grow in ways that makes it an even better place for families, businesses and future generations. I want to create a community that my children will be proud to call home for their families.