Vote Daywi Cook
for Covert Township Supervisor
ELECTION DAY: August 6, 2024
"Let's keep moving forward together!"
THANK YOU, COVERT VOTERS!
I was humbled by the support I received from Covert Township voters in the November 2022 Special Election. Your trust in me is something I take very seriously, and hope will continue into the next term.
In 2022, our community was experiencing instability in leadership, and uncertainty from Palisades Nuclear Power Plant decommissioning. We were in desperate need of stability and experience so that we could keep moving forward together.
The good news is that we have turned a new leaf. In the last two years, I have made it a priority to examine our services and processes to ensure our Township prevails regardless of circumstances beyond our control – and it is working.
Initiatives that were placed on back burners for years, are now coming to fruition.
Maintenance that was deferred on infrastructure is now being addressed.
Capital improvements that were left unfunded and stagnant are now underway.
I am advocating for our community throughout the region so that we don’t ever get left behind again, and now we are receiving support that we have never seen before.
As they say, actions speak louder than words – and I will continue to do the work that this community deserves. Let’s keep moving forward together!
Thank you so much for your continued support.
About Me
I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University Chicago in Advertising and Public Relations. Shortly thereafter, I began working for a major dining cruise company in Chicago where I gained experience and honed skills that would eventually prepare me for a challenging yet rewarding path toward public service. In 2012, I moved back to my hometown of Covert to start a family. My husband and I offered marketing services to help local businesses, and I was soon asked to fill the position of Deputy Treasurer and became chair of the Park Advisory Committee. A vacancy on the board then presented an opportunity to run for office. My focus on improving the quality of life and economic growth of Covert, as well as the overwhelming support of the community, allowed me to be elected to office in 2016. I was also trained in emergency management as Liaison Officer and assistant to the Police Chief and serve on various other boards and committees. I am also the proud mom of two little ones who are now the 5th generation in my family to reside in Covert.
Initiatives and Accomplishments
Two years ago when I ran for Supervisor, I promised voters that I would focus on key initiatives for our community. Today, I am proud to say we are well underway in fulfilling those goals.
Outdoor Recreation Rehabilitation and Development
Scheduled to begin Fall 2024, the aging wooden infrastructure will be replaced with a
new boardwalk through the sand dunes of the Covert Park Beach & Campground to
Lake Michigan. This is all thanks to a successful grant application to the DNR and the
Michigan Spark Grant Program. This is one of two aging wooden boardwalks that serve
the public to allow equitable access to the pristine beaches and waters of Lake
Michigan.
Covert Township gets $475,000 grant for park and campground | Moody on the Market
Covert Township gets $475,000 grant for park and campground | Moody on the Market
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund has recommended $300K
be dedicated to Covert Park Beach & Campground for the aging south boardwalk. Plans
include ramps to allow people of all abilities to access the beaches and waters of Lake
Michigan. Covert Township will provide a 34% match with dedicated funds from the
American Rescue Plan Act.
2023 Board Recommendations (michigan.gov)
2023 Board Recommendations (michigan.gov)
In collaboration with SW Michigan First, Covert Township was able to make a
successful application toward the Revitalization and Placemaking Grant Program
offered by the MEDC. Covert Township has dedicated 50% of the project costs from
funds received via the American Rescue Plan Act. Located downtown, improvements
include a pavilion, improved play equipment and other amenities for the public to enjoy.
Press Release RAP Award.pdf (coverttwp.com)
Press Release RAP Award.pdf (coverttwp.com)
Just north of the Covert Branch Library is a grassy space currently utilized by the Covert Community
Garden. Covert Township engaged with the public to conceptualize a
“Reading Garden” that would offer multi-functional spaces for community events, quiet
studying and picnicking. Students Grade 2 - 12 were asked to participate in a park
design contest as part of the public input process. Funding efforts are underway.
Efforts were made by the county and township with help from the Southwest Michigan
Planning Commission to fund a roadside trail to connect Van Buren State Park to Covert
Park Beach & Campground along Blue Star Highway. Although this project was not
chosen, several other opportunities have been identified and we now have a nearly
shovel-ready project and the opportunity to connect the entire west coast of Michigan.
Van Buren County's newly formed Park Commission plans and supports park systems
throughout the county. A newly levied millage will help fund grant matches and planning
as opportunities are identified. I was appointed to this board in late 2023 and brought
seven years of experience from my time on the Covert Park Advisory Committee
Land Preservation & Development
Earlier this year, the Federal Government announced a conditional commitment for a
loan guarantee of up to $1.52 billion to repower the nuclear power plant in Covert
Township. This would allow 800 megawatts of clean and reliable energy to return back
to the electric grid as we move away from fossil fuels.
Nuclear plant restart plan stirs hope, reunions in small Michigan town | Bridge Michigan
Nuclear plant restart plan stirs hope, reunions in small Michigan town | Bridge Michigan
Public Acts 233 and 234 of 2023 will change how much control a local municipality has
in determining where clean energy plants are located. Prime farmland and natural
landscapes are what make our community desirable. I will make it my priority to ensure
clean energy development is thoughtful and does not negatively impact our quality of
life.
The State and County Land Bank Authorities awarded Covert Township just over
$43,000 toward the removal of blighted buildings in our community. We worked with two
property owners whose buildings were beyond repair. Instead of being burdened with the cost of razing the structures themselves, this program helped them with the cost,
allowing opportunities for new development.
I was one of the community leaders and planners in SW Michigan who were invited to
attend the Coastal Leadership Academy organized by the SW Michigan Planning
Commission and presented by the EGLE Coastal Management Program and Michigan
Association of Planning. When planning for development it is crucial to understand
Covert's critical erosion zones and how to preserve our coastline so that generations to
come can enjoy our unique landscape.
Infrastructure Improvements
Covert Township has an aging municipal septic that serves just under 200 residents and
businesses in the commercial corridor area. Covert Township is engaged with an
engineer and EGLE to perform a feasibility study and explore our options. I am
committed to finding a solution for our current and future users of the system.
Market VanBuren led a successful application to the State of Michigan's ROBIN grant
program to expand high speed internet infrastructure to every residential parcel in the
county. Covert Township committed funds from the American Rescue Plan Act toward
this effort, and construction is set to begin in 2025. Soon every single household in
Covert Township will have the ability to receive high speed internet.
https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/749/Broadband-Expansion-Efforts
https://www.vanburencountymi.gov/749/Broadband-Expansion-Efforts
In 2023, Covert Township was the recipient of $50,000 in grants facilitated by the Van
Buren Conservation District via EGLE's Recycling Infrastructure grant program. This
includes improved signage, recycling receptacles throughout public spaces, lighting and
security at the transfer station and more. Our location will now also accept tires year-
round for recycling.
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/recycling
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/materials-management/recycling
It is my duty to represent and advocate for our community, and this often means sitting
on a board so we have a role in the decision making process. Covert Township is a
water retail customer of SHAWSA, yet we do not have representation on the authority's
board. I have already engaged with SHAWSA to change that, so going forward we can
contribute to how fees are allocated, which projects take priority and more.
Economic Development
I was appointed to the board of directors of this economic development organization in
2019, and sit on the executive board as finance chair. This EDO is contracted by two
counties and is dedicated to helping grow strong businesses, talented people, and
vibrant communities. Most recent achievements include securing funding for county-
wide internet infrastructure and conducting a housing study to help bring residential
development to our area.
https://www.marketvanburen.org/
https://www.marketvanburen.org/
Covert Township is officially engaged in the Redevelopment Ready Community program
from MEDC. This free program assesses and guides municipalities toward planning for
new investment and reinvestment, identifying assets and opportunities, and focusing
limited resources. This will also make our township eligible to receive funding for many
related initiatives.
I was honored to be appointed to this important board, whose function is to oversee the
County's Revolving Loan Fund and employ unconventional finance methods.
Businesses of all sizes can seek assistance in funding a number of critical projects to
help start, stabilize and grow their companies.
Other Initiatives and Services
In 2023, Covert Township signed a contract with Senior Services of Van Buren County
to begin extending their services to our community. In January 2024, a Covert location
officially opened following renovations of the old bank. Now all Covert Seniors age 60+
can receive the care and services they deserve, and have a location in their community.
http://coverttwp.com/Local/Seniors
http://coverttwp.com/Local/Seniors
Growing up in Covert, we always had a family garden. So, when I moved back home, I
was surprised by the lack of available fresh produce in our community. The farm stands
of my childhood were no longer operating, but there was still a desire for healthy local
food. With the support of volunteers, I co-founded the Covert Community Garden. This educational pantry fruit and vegetable garden is supported by donations and volunteers.
All produce is available to the public.
http://coverttwp.com/Boards-Commissions/Community-Garden-Advisory-Committee
http://coverttwp.com/Boards-Commissions/Community-Garden-Advisory-Committee
As a native “Coverite”, I have always loved visiting our local historical museum and am
honored to sit on the Covert Historical Museum Advisory Committee. Founded by Pearl
Sarno in 1976, this gem has been a favorite among descendants of our small town and
new visitors alike. In an effort to keep the stories alive, we are re-examining each exhibit
to ensure it effectively tells our story, preserves the artifacts and is accessible to all.
http://coverttwp.com/Boards-Commissions/Museum-Advisory-Committee
http://coverttwp.com/Boards-Commissions/Museum-Advisory-Committee
Recent Recognitions & Media
It was an honor to be interviewed alongside former supervisor, Barbara Rose, as we
reminisced about the history of our community and what lies ahead.
Click here to hear the full interview.
Click here to hear the full interview.
In 2023, Market Van Buren honored Covert Township with their 2023 Annual Municipal
Trailblazer award. This award is reserved for municipalities who have displayed
exceptional efforts in leading progress. In the wake of the Palisades closure, Covert
Township was recognized for our efforts to support revitalization, the awards of multiple
grants and our focus on improving infrastructure..
Click here for more information.
Click here for more information.
In 2019, I was honored with being recognized as one of West Michigan's 40 Under 40.
This is a prestigious recognition program reserved exclusively for professionals under
the age of 40 who have made a positive impact on their community.
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/daywi-m-cook/
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/daywi-m-cook/
Experience
Boards and Committees:
- Van Buren County Economic Development Corporation Member
- Covert Township Board
- Market Van Buren
- Van Buren County Park Commission
- Mitten Children's Museum
- Covert Historical Museum Advisory Committee
- Covert Community Garden Advisory Committee
-
FEB
2024PRESENTAppointed to Mitten Children's Museum Board -
NOV
2023PRESENTAppointed to Covert Historical Museum Advisory Committee -
JUN
2023PRESENTAppointed to Van Buren County Park Commission -
MAR
2023PRESENTAppointed to Covert Community Garden Advisory Committee -
NOV
2022PRESENTElected Covert Township Supervisor -
NOV
2021NOV
2022Elected to office of Covert Township Trustee -
2019Moody on the Market’s 40 Under 40 Recognition. Read More
-
NOV
2016NOV
2020Elected to office of Covert Township Clerk -
MAR
2013MAR
2016Deputy Treasurer, Covert Township -
AUG
2015AUG
2020Assistant to the Police Chief, Covert Township Police -
JUN
2015NOV
2022Park Advisory Committee President, Covert Township -
MAY
2012AUG
2013Sub for National Marketing Director, Entertainment Cruises, Chicago -
OCT
2009MAY
2012Marketing Production Supervisor, Entertainment Cruises, Chicago -
JUL
2007OCT
2009Accounts Payable Supervisor, Entertainment Cruises, Chicago -
MAY
2007Loyola University Chicago, Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising