Candidate Questionnaire: Justin Doyle

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.

Justin Doyle, Dowagiac Ward 3 council member candidate filled out our questionnaire, below are his answers as submitted.

Name: Justin Doyle
Age: 41
Are you an incumbent? No  
Family (optional): Wife Susan of 21 years, children William, Lucas and Leia

Background/Bio:  

I spent my younger years in Cassopolis but moved to Dowagiac as a teen with my mother. I attend Dowagiac Union High School and Southwestern Michigan College. As a young adult I was a manager at Dowagiac McDonalds and Mennel Milling. I changed paths and have been in sales the last 14 years, currently working for Saint Gobain in which I provide services for Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana The past 21 years my wife Susan and I have called Dowagiac home. We have 3 children. Our oldest son is off serving in the Navy, and our younger 2 children are finishing up their last year at middle school.

Why are you running for the office of Dowagiac Councilmember? 

I am running for City Council because I want to help bring the people of Dowagiac and our city leadership closer together. Everyone should feel comfortable speaking up, asking questions, and knowing their voice matters.

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? 

While I have not previously served in public office, my career in industrial sales has provided me with strong skills in negotiation, creative problem-solving, and teamwork to achieve common objectives.

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

As mentioned above, my professional experience will help me serve the Dowagiac Community.  I have also volunteered with Youth Baseball and Soccer in the past. 

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

I moved back to the current ward just over four years ago, but have lived in the Dowagiac area for over 20 years with 15 of those years being in Ward 3.

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?  

The three most important issues that Dowagiac is facing are jobs, housing and transparency.

What measures will you pursue to address those issues?  

To work on the issue of jobs we need to work and seek out entrepreneurs that have a desire to succeed in a great community. For housing, we need to work with our state leaders to get grants and other resources that pertain to this matter. Lastly with transparency, we need to engage the community more. This can be accomplished by meetups within the ward, broadcasting council meetings online for those that cannot attend in person. Also encourage community members to join council meetings to voice their opinions.

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

Encourage greater community involvement and improve communication about local resources such as food banks, while ensuring that available state resources are fully utilized. Foster stronger collaboration and outreach with area schools.

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

As stated earlier, I would engage with constituents of Ward 3. This can be accomplished by meetups and by general engagement. 

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

We are a community; everyone’s voice is important. I would also encourage more involvement. 

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

I have a strong moral compass and am committed to being approachable and respectful toward all individuals, regardless of their beliefs, lifestyles, or viewpoints.