Farmington Press | Published October 11, 2023
FARMINGTON HILLS — In the Farmington Press’s coverage area, voters will decide a mayoral race and one contested City Council race Nov. 7. Below are profiles for the candidates, who were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. (I) indicated an incumbent. The answers are printed verbatim.
Farmington Hills mayor
Two candidates are seeking one two-year term.
Kenneth D. Massey
Age: 65
Occupation: Biomedical Scientist; business entrepreneur
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: Lifelong
Online campaign information:
ken-massey.org
Education: Associates Degree – Emergency Medical Technology
Bachelor of Science – Biology and Chemistry
PhD – Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current: Farmington Hills City Council Member; elected in 2003. Past: Farmington Hills Mayor 2015-2019; Mayor pro tem 2006, 2010, 2015.
Top goals: Ensuring that our residents feel that FH is the best city in which to live and raise a family with a focus on health, safety, and welfare of our community. Respect for tax dollars through fiscal responsibility, a balanced budget, and AAA bond rating. Addressing the issues such as the deer and ensuring recreational activities are available to all regardless of age or fitness level. Ensuring that your government respectfully works for all residents.
Theresa Rich
Age: 63
Occupation: Small business owner and attorney specializing in Estate-Planning & Probate Law; serves on the faculty of the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 31 years
Online campaign information: ElectTheresaRich.com
Education: - Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program, SEMCOG Taubman Fellow (2022) - Capella University, PhD in Organization & Management
- Wayne State University Law School, Juris Doctor & Master of Legal Letters (Taxation) - Grand Valley State University, Master’s & Bachelor’s Business Administration (Accounting)
- Lake Michigan Community College, Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award (2006) - St. Joseph High School, Distinguished Alumni Award (2018)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I served on City Council for four years and was the driving force behind dispatch center improvements and domestic violence task force expansion. For over a decade, I have served on the Oakland Schools Board of Education, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and successfully advocating for meals for 1.4 million schoolchildren in the latest state budget.
Top goals: I am running for Mayor to boost residents’ trust in local government, help our small businesses grow and succeed, and build a stronger, safer community that serves everyone. I know our brightest days lie ahead, and am committed to positioning Farmington Hills as a destination city and place of opportunity for everyone, whether you grew up here, are starting a business or family, or are aging in place.
Farmington Hills City Council
Seven candidates are running for one four-year term.
Jon Aldred
Age: 55
Occupation: Engineering & Product Management
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information: www.jonaldred.com
Education: Bachelor of Engineering, Loughborough University, UK.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Available green spaces, amenities for our diverse community, and the variety of services for our seniors are some of the reasons people choose Farmington Hills. My vision includes a new approach on how we deal with vacant office buildings and apartments in decline, preserving the green spaces we love, and activating a long-term plan for the services provided by the Costick Center. Our brightest days in Farmington Hills are ahead of us.
Jackie Boleware (I)
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Retired from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan
Municipality of residence: 27 Year Farmington Hills Resident
Online campaign information: Facebook: Jackie Boleware For Farmington Hills
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to Farmington Hills City Council in November 2019
Top goals: One of the challenges facing Farmington Hills is moving into the future without raising taxes, and that concern extends to the structural deficit at the Hawk Community Center, empty office spaces along the Twelve Mile Road and Grand River corridors, an aging infrastructure and the impact of climate change. We must work with all government officials to secure additional funding, neighboring communities for cost saving opportunities, and our Economic Development Corporation for new businesses.
William J. Dwyer
Age: Decline
Occupation: Warren Police Commissioner (2017 – present); Former Farmington Hills Police Chief for 23 years
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 38 years
Online campaign information:
www.electbilldwyer.com
Education: Master’s Degree – Wayne State University – Criminal Justice
Bachelor’s of Science Degree – Mercy College – Detroit
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Commissioner, 14th District. Elected to 4 consecutive terms (2 years each) from November 2010 to December 2018.
Top goals: My top goals are maintaining public safety in a fiscally responsible manner. A safe community will help expand our economic development. Improving our parks and recreation are another one of my objectives. I pledge to work with elected officials at all levels to strengthen our local infrastructure. I also support expanding mental health resources. Lastly, I pledge to increase transparency and am committed to being accessible to all Farmington Hills residents.
Asim Y. Khan
Age: 56
Occupation: Engineer
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information:
www.electasimkhan.com
Education: MBA, MSEE, BSEE
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I want to make FH a welcoming city for all irrespective of their age, race, sex, religion and ethnicity. I can help with my cost savings background and experience in getting the cost down and offer more services to the people of FH without cutting any of the existing programs. I want to do more with less. I want to make FH a city where we have the latest technology programs and services.
Valentina Lucaj
Age: 41
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: VoteforValentina.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University Juris Doctor from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Previously and currently held elected office: NA
Top goals: Budget/Economic Development are my top priorities. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in vacant commercial properties throughout the City, with more to come as businesses do not renew their existing leases. Vacant buildings have a significant impact on the City’s budget, it affects neighboring homes and businesses and creates public safety concerns. I will work with Farmington Hills EDC to attract new businesses to stimulate economic growth for the benefit of all residents.
Alex J. Meyers
Age: 33
Occupation: Tenants’ Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 4 years
Online campaign information: www.electalexmeyers.com
Education: Notre Dame Prep H.S., Central Michigan University B.S. Theatre, Detroit Mercy Law J.D.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Southfield Precinct Delegate (2018-2019), Farmington Hills Precinct Delegate (2020-present)
Top goals: My top priority is ensuring that we as a municipality are 100% sustainable by 2030. I believe we can accomplish this by building a resilient energy infrastructure, promoting renewable development, and increasing our green spaces. By holding ourselves to the highest efficiency standards, we can lead Oakland County and the state into a green energy future!
Mary Newlin (I)
Age: 61
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 36
Online campaign information: FB- Mary Newlin for Farmington Hills City Council 2023
Education: Registered Nurse diploma -Henry Ford Hospital & Bachelor of Science in Nursing -Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Farmington Hills City Council elected 2019 1st term.
Top goals: Want to continue to be the voice for all residents which is key to making a strong community and my commitment to representing you. To be an advocate for cost efficiency and to continue why we call this city home. Focus on what housing, what businesses and what services will encourage others to choose our community for the next 50 years and beyond because that is what everyone wants someplace to call home.