If elected, Warren mayoral candidate George Dimas said he would work with the new City Council to make sure the city’s parks get the attention they need to provide enjoyment for all residents.
By: Gena Johnson | Warren Weekly | Published October 4, 2023
WARREN — George L. Dimas, one of the two Warren mayoral candidates on the ballot for the general election in November, recently discussed his candidacy and his experience in local government.
Dimas, who is currently the human resources director for the city of Warren, an appointment of current Mayor James Fouts, seeks the city’s top spot. This will be the first time in 16 years there will be a new mayor in Warren. Although many in the community are excited about a new administration, some believe it will be a continuation of the current city leadership.
“I will not live in the shadow of any mayoral predecessor to me. I will be my own decision-maker. I will provide bold and strong leadership for this city of Warren,” Dimas said.
Dimas further explained the focal points of his administration if elected mayor.
“I’m very meticulous. I’m very concerned with getting things done on time and accomplished. I feel my administration will be energized and focused on bringing services to this city and to our residents to get things done quickly, effectively, and correctly,” Dimas said. “I think that energy is what I’ll bring to the city of Warren as its mayor.”
Dimas is a lifelong Warren resident, a father of three grown sons, and he is also a grandfather. He wants the new administration and new City Council to work together.
“What I’ve experienced in the last four years, we need to bring civility back into government, where the council and the mayor work together,” said Dimas. “Obviously, there will be discussions and debate on certain approaches for certain programs. We have to work collectively in order to improve the environment and the services and the recreation here in the city of Warren for our residents.”
“I love my city,” Dimas added. “I want to make sure we provide only the best services, recreation and community activities for my children and my grandchildren, to make Warren the best place to live on the planet.”
To bring this to fruition, Dimas will rely on his experience in public service and the private sector. He served 32 years on Warren’s City Council, with 14 years as the council’s president.
His public service for the city of Warren includes work as the economic development director, deputy mayor and risk manager, where he handled all the litigation for the city. In addition, he was the manager of labor relations, where he negotiated the contracts for the Warren police and fire departments, and other city employees, according to Dimas.
“I have served in a number of administrations,” Dimas said. “Experience counts. And I want to call upon all that knowledge and all of that experience to build a better Warren.”
Dimas’ experience in the private sector includes 40 years with DaimlerChrysler at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant, where he started at 18 years old in the materials department and moved into management as an employment and benefits supervisor. He also worked in labor relations.
He attended night school at Central Michigan University and earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in human resources.
It is this experience, combined with wanting a better Warren, that entered in his decision to run for mayor.
Among the key planks in his platform are neighborhoods, parks, city services and bringing back into consideration the proposed Warren Town Center along Van Dyke Avenue, north of 12 Mile Road. According to Dimas, it would be a beautiful mixed-use development that would be a source of pride to residents and a catalyst for new business.
According to Dimas, he wants to build a Warren where no area is neglected, with money funneled to those areas that need attention.
“Many times, people say to me that the southern part of Warren south of (Interstate) 696 is neglected. As mayor of this city, every neighborhood in this community will be given the same amount of attention and respect and work,” said Dimas.
He also pledged to use $14 million in American Rescue Plan Act money to update the parks.
Dimas said he supports a fully funded Police Department and Fire Department.
Another thing about which residents are concerned is the lack of diversity in City Hall.
“As the human resources director, I have hired more candidates from a diversity background, more so than any other human resources director in the history of the city,” Dimas said. “And I will continue with that effort to make sure City Hall has diversity, employees with diversity, backgrounds to mirror more of the makeup of our community’s residents.”
Accomplishing these goals during his first term is what Dimas said he would strive to do. However, he sees continual progress for Warren.
“My goal for Warren is to implement a continuous program of improvements to build an even better community,” Dimas said.