Warren Weekly | Published July 12, 2023
WARREN — In the Warren Weekly’s coverage area, primary voters will select candidates for mayor, clerk and City Council on Aug. 8. The top two vote-getters for each open seat will appear on the ballot for the general election in November. All city officers are elected to a four-year term.
Candidates 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. The answers are printed verbatim except where material is omitted due to personal attacks, items we know to be false, or blatant misrepresentations. (I) denotes an incumbent.
Warren Mayor
Six candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
George L. Dimas
Age: 76
Occupation: Human Resources Director, City of Warren
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: lifetime resident
Online campaign information: DimasForMayor.com
Education:
- Graduate of Warren High School
- Graduate of Central Michigan University BS, MA
Previously and currently held elected offices:
- Served 32 years on City Council
- 14 years as Council President
Top goals: While Warren has changed over the years, my commitment and desire to continue working on behalf of its residents has not. My goal for Warren: implement a continuous program of improvements to build an even stronger community.
- End Wasteful Lawsuits
- Efficient, Citizen-Friendly City Services
- Keep Police & Fire Departments Fully Funded
- Build a new Downtown at No Cost to Residents
- Fully Fund/Improve Warren’s Parks
- People First - Not Politics
Patrick Green
Age: 58
Occupation: Insurance Agency Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 58 years
Online campaign information: www.patforwarren.com
Education: University of Detroit 1989
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council 2007-2016; 2019-2023; Michigan State Representative: 2016-2018
Top goals: I’m proud to be endorsed by Warren Police and Fire. Our Public Safety will include more police road patrols and a fully staffed Fire Department. Keeping taxes one of the lowest in the county. Expanding our road maintenance capabilities. Implement stronger Anti Blight Programs to keep our neighborhoods clean. Expand parks and recreation offerings. I look forward to bringing my years of experience to the office of Mayor. #WarrenForward
Alfonso King
Age: 73
Occupation: Retired Master Sergeant U.S.A.F.; Retired Chrysler Corp.
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.kingforwarren.com
Education: U.S.A.F. Military Training: Certified Jet Mechanic, Certified Airmedical Technician. Oakland Community College Certificate in Robotics Technician; Henry Ford Community College, Apprenticeship Program for Welder Repair equipment for Industry Engineering obtained a UAW/Journeyman Card.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: I will utilize my leadership skills and life experience to accomplish the following goals: Increase Public Safety by bolstering Police/Fire and EMS. Improve services for Seniors and Veterans. City beautification streets, parks, neighborhoods, and businesses. We will maximize State and Federal funding for industrial cleanup. Additionally, I will advocate for increasing training in the skill trades for all Warren secondary schools. Finally, we will create an all-inclusive city where every voice is heard.
Michelle Nard
Age: 62
Occupation: Founder and Executive Director of Zhanre Opportunity Enterprise Inc
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 21 yrs
Online campaign information: votemichellenard.org
Education: Flint Central High, Concorde Career Institute, Mary Grove College, Kaplan University, Purdue University Global
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected twice Macomb County Commissioner District12 (Current)
Top goals: Economic Development for Home Owners and Businesses. Address Neighborhood Crime and Blight. Fix Neighborhood Roads, especially those around elementary, middle, and High School’s. I will assess Aging Housing Stock and Over Assessed Values. Continue the plan for a walkable downtown with a Convention Center for all of Warren to be proud of and have access to.
Scott Cameron Stevens
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired U.S. Army (1997), Retired City of Southfield, Michigan Department of Public Works (2023)
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: www.vote411.org
Education: Vincennes University 26 credit hours Numerous Military Schools/Courses
Previously and currently held elected offices: 12 years/3 terms Warren City Council (At-Large)
Top goals: Give Warren a positive sense of identity, making it a place residents are proud to call home. We must, through a number of initiatives, grow our population if we are to remain the 3rd largest city in the State. The amount of Federal and State tax dollars depends on it. Develop two 20 acre parks over 696 and a Downtown on Van Dyke, using Federal tax dollars.
Lori M. Stone
Age: 43
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI
For how long: 43 years
Online campaign information: www.ElectLoriStone.com
Education: Fitzgerald High School and Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center Class of 1998
Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy, Elementary Education, Michigan State University
Masters degree in Science Education, Michigan State University
2017 fellowship with Michigan Political Leadership Program
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative, 3rd term
Top goals: Improving trust in local government through transparency, accountability, communication, and including residents’ voices in decision making. Securing federal and state grant dollars that Warren has failed to apply for in order to fund projects like park improvements, senior services, public safety, and economic development. I commit to working together with city council, local leaders, and residents in order to improve the quality of life for everyone. Warren can lead on environmental and climate sustainability initiatives.
Warren City Clerk
Three candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Vince Berdy
Age: 59
Occupation: Automation Service Manager
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI
For how long: 28 years
Online campaign information: www.vinceberdy.com
Education: High School along with College Trade courses.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I pledge to stop the wasteful spending on failed lawsuits and conduct a full audit of expenses. Cutting all waste in spending is a top priority. We must also increase transparency and oversight in elections by using state funds to hire and train more election workers. I will increase the number of ballot drop boxes, bring passport services to the office, and improve communication with other departments and increase efficiency.
Sonja Buffa (I)
Age: 54
Occupation: Warren City Clerk
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: over 50 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Graduated from Warren High School/Cum Laude, Associate’s Degree from Macomb Community College (Marketing), Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University (Interdisciplinary Studies)
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks: Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation.
State of Michigan Continuing Education classes: Over 312 classes both in the classroom and on-line from 2014 until 2023. All prior classes from 2000-2014 were in the classroom. In addition, obtained State accreditation for Election Officials. Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Clerk
Top goals: Continue to chair election worker training on election law updates as well as program updates with election equipment and the Electronic Poll Book.
• Install additional ballot boxes and provide pre-paid return postage for both absentee applications and return ballots in accordance with the Proposal 2 passage as mandated by the State.
Mai Xiong
Age: 38
Occupation: County Commissioner & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 20 Years
Online campaign information: https://voteformai.com
Education: MBA Student, Western Governors University
Taubman Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
MPLP Alumni, Michigan State University
BFA, College for Creative Studies
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner, 2021-Present
Top goals: Working for Warren as your Commissioner, Mai Xiong learned that fighting for what’s right isn’t easy. Gaining valuable experience in balancing budgets and building coalitions, Mai worked to fund our roads and senior services. As clerk, Mai will protect voting rights and expand services for residents. Mai doesn’t have relatives or friends working in city government and is not collecting a pension from the city or county. Mai is an independent voice for all families.
Warren City Council At-large
Eleven candidates are running in the primary election. The top four will advance to compete for two seats in November.
Marie C. Adkins
Age: 40
Occupation: Registered Nurse (Henry Ford Health)
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: https://marieadkins.com/
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Master of Science in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ongoing)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My name is Marie C. Adkins, a Registered Nurse, and I am running for City Council At Large in Warren. If elected, my top priorities are increased access to healthcare, particularly for mental health services, affordable housing for working families, quality education for our students, effective energy distribution for sustainability, and new opportunities for small businesses. These are a few of what I intend to do if given the chance to serve you. Thank you.
Khaja Shahab Ahmed
Age: 55 Years
Occupation: Business
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Graduated In Political Science, The New York University (NYU).
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate, Trustee- Fitzgerald Schools Board Of Education.
Top goals: As your councilman At large, Khaja Ahmed will protect our meals on wheels, protect our police and fire services, minimize property tax as possible. Adequately funded to meet the needs of seniors, ensure faire share of funding for north warren to south warren, create a level of transparency that allows residents to be engaged in an understand how city government is working to represent their needs.
Jerry T. Bell
Age: 48
Occupation: Transportation
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information: Facebook Contact: Jerry T. Bell Jr
Education: Common Sense
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Once elected my first day in Office I will go straight to work for the residents of the City of Warren, MI.
Donna Kaczor Caumartin
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Realtor
Municipality of residence: City of Warren
For how long: 43 years
Online campaign information: www.caumartincares.com
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council at Large for two 4 year terms and 4 Years as City Council Vice President The City of Warren.
Top goals: My top goals, if elected, are economic development, such as jobs and housing; protection of persons and property; efficient use of city resources; maintaining the city’s long-term financial policies and facilities; basic services of water, waste management, and streets; achieving regulatory compliance; supporting quality of life through responsible development of land, including parks, recreation and open spaces; promoting cultural resources; providing professional and caring residential service; and promoting transparent city government that encourages community participation.
Dave Dwyer
Age: 60
Occupation: Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI
For how long: 31 years
Online campaign information: electdavedwyer.com
Education: BS Wayne State University, Criminal Justice
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I have lived in Warren for 31 years and worked in law enforcement for 37 years. My father is our current police commissioner. I am dedicated to enhancing public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and mental health resources in our community. Additionally, I am passionate about preserving and expanding our parks to make Warren a desirable destination. With my experience and perspective, I am committed to helping Warren flourish as an inclusive community for all.
Joan Flynn
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Warren Community Outreach Coordinator- Monthly Senior Reporter & Life is Good
Municipality of residence: Warren, Macomb County
For how long: 48 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelor Degree in General Studies-Oakland University – 1989 – Concentration in Labor Studies
Associate of Arts – Macomb Community College
Certified Professional Manager
Dale Carnegie Graduate
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner, District 4 – 18 years for Warren – Position of Vice Chair for 2 years Macomb Community College Trustee – 6 year (2019-Present)
Top goals: I am an achiever and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm. Served on the Warren Crime Commission-Warren Church & Police Commission- Warren Center line Prevention Coalition- Warren Master Plan etc. Warren City Council is still on my bucket list for 2024.
Create more activities for senior citizen
Help expand drug prevention programs with Community Police
Work on acquiring grants from the state to invest in new development
Win with Flynn!
Jocelyn Howard
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Corporation and School Turn Around Specialist/Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: nearly 20 years
Online campaign information: www.jocelynhowardforwarren.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Behavior, Masters Degree in Business Administration
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Are to enact the desires of the RESIDENTS described in the new Warren Master Plan which are:
1. Walkable paths, playgrounds, outdoor events
2. Trendy City- destination location
3. Less bickering in government
4. Improvement to the South Side
5. Smooth Roads/green spaces
6. Better Paying jobs
7. Progressive, cultural, diversified, and unified
8. Independent small businesses and boutiques
9. Maintaining fire and police, and taking care of our seniors
10. Built up City
Mike Reilly
Age: 52
Occupation: Human Resources/Substance Use Disorder Recovery Coach
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 45 years
Online campaign information: Face Book - Mike Reilly for Warren City Council
Education: B.S. Human Resources Training & Development; Minor - Labor Relations, Oakland University; Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC), Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: When elected to the City Council, I will work hard, champion your concerns, and advocate on your behalf for the betterment of the entire city. For example, I will promote coordinated and improved city infrastructure projects, cleaner and modernized parks, and blight being dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. When you vote for Mike Reilly, your vote will have a voice.
Angela Rogensues (I)
Age: 42
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 13-years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforwarren.com
Education: Masters of Arts in Adult Education from DePaul University and Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Health Studies from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Council At-Large, City of Warren
Top goals: During her first term on Council, Angela introduced the bill creating a Veterans Affairs Commission. She voted to overturn the previous Council’s decision to provide lifetime health insurance for anyone who ever served on the Council, calling it “political corruption at its worst.” If re-elected, she will continue to focus on good governance, supporting our first responders, improving transparency, increasing funding for blight removal, improving our roads, and investing in our parks and recreation infrastructure.
Gloria Sankuer
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: City of Warren
For how long: Life Long
Online campaign information: Available thru E-mail at sankuerg@gmail.com
Education: Master of Arts Degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Council for the City of Warren (one 4 year term) 1995-1999
Top goals:
-Permanently Fix Potholes
-Require Businesses to keep premises clean
-Tickets for boom box blasting in traffic
-Clean street sewer drains regularly
-Create Downtown as a Warren destination
-Renew and stabilize businesses in the Southend
-Greater penalties for crimes and scams on seniors
-Stop litter on fences along highways
-20 minute phone call in during Council sessions for those unable to attend
-Bully Ordinance against disrupting the well being of citizens
Gary Skop
Age: 45
Occupation: 9th grade success coordinator Fitzgerald High School
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 45 years
Online campaign information: Garyskop.com
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals:
Increase funding to police & fire.
Police & fire are the backbone of our community. They deserve the best training and tools in the industry to help keep our communities secure.
Improve our parks and green spaces
I will fight to ensure our tax dollars are being spent where they are supposed to.
Build our roads smarter.
We need to utilize the best building materials and resources to help grow the next economic boom for our city.
Warren City Council District 1
Seven candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Bill Clift
Age: 59
Occupation: Code Enforcement Officer, City of Fraser
Municipality of residence: Warren, Mi
For how long: 20 Years
Online campaign information: ElectBillClift.com
Education: CBHS Grad, Certificate, MSU Extension Citizen Planner
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals:
My mission is to continue serving the community by preserving both safety and the quality of life in Warren. I also want to help ensure property values are kept high, and the welfare of all citizens are taken care of. We can accomplish these goals by working with community organizations, supporting and promoting small businesses, and working together, not against one another.
Khaja Afzal Hussain
Age: 28 Years Old
Occupation: Software Engineer (General Motors) and Real Estate Business.
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 15 Years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelor in computer science, Wayne State University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: As your councilman for District 1, Khaja Afzal Hussain will fight for affordable taxes, ensure proper shelter for homeless, update and upgrade better infrastructure that includes roads, bridges, water and sewer system, utilities. I will not defund our police rather I will work for proper support to ensure proper safety for the community. I will also work with our school boards to improve our education system. I will work hard to pass our downtown project (...)
Mo Islam
Age: 42
Occupation: Remodels houses; builds houses; Owns Meat Shop in Hamtramck
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: five years
Online campaign information: Facebook “Mo Islam”
Education: Hamtramck High School, graduated 2000; Macomb Community College, Graduated 2004, Associate Degree in Architecture; Lawrence Tech, additional classes in architecture
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: Build a walkable downtown in the area surrounding our city hall. This will be financed by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA,) at no cost to the Taxpayers. This will be a public-private partnership with The General Motors Tech Center being a major partner Renovate Parks using federal Covid money Work together with the new mayor (Jim Fouts cannot run due to Term limits). Mayor Fouts has endorsed George Dimas and I also Endorse George Dimas.
Gary Jury
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Shabbir Khan
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Melody Magee
Age: 56
Occupation: Talent Officer
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 23 yrs.
Online campaign information: https://melody4warren.com
Education: MSA in Human Resources Administration/Organization Development, B.A. in Business Administration, and a Lean Six Sigma Certification
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren Precinct Delegate in District 1 – Elected 3-times
Top goals: Support budgets that provide for improvements in parks/recreation. Shift city spending to build up areas most in need, improve public safety, use latest technologies to reduce crime and support healthy neighborhoods. Promote livable wage jobs and youth skilled training programs. Provide a new community and senior resource center within District 1. Improve services to help small businesses and remain attractive to new residents.
Charles Perry
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: network communications working for the Department of Defense and infrastructure analyst for GM North America Operations
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: I am running for city council to bring innovative policies, attract modern industries and retain our talented youth. We can’t rely on state and federal dollars to bail us out, we need to utilize the resources and funds we have at home to build our city from the bottom up.
Warren City Council District 2
Five candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Kabir Ahmed
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Toni Kamel Cowper
Age: 50 years old
Occupation: Freelance Designer / Crafter
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI 48091
For how long: 5 year resident
Online campaign information: electtonika melcowperwarrencitycouncildistrict2.com
Education: Graduate from East Detroit High School 1991 and Macomb Community College 1998 with a Certificate in Commercial Art and Graphic Design
Previously and currently held elected offices: I have held no previous public Office
Top goals: Put the people of Warren first
• Establish a working relationship with the administration
• Create new programs that benefit all of Warren citizens and businesses alike
• Encourage the diversity, inclusivity and growth of Warren as we continue forward into a world class city
• Fix our neighborhood streets and trim our trees
• Update our city parks and create a welcome place for all
• Make sure that our taxes pay for our needs, not the agendas of others
Michael Howard
Age: 30
Occupation: Woodworker and Owner at Howard Family DEsigns
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 8 years
Online campaign information: www.VoteMichaelHoward.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from Truett-McConnell University
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am running for office for the first time.
Top goals: Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, dedication, and community engagement. Seeing first-hand the challenges that our city faces, I have been committed to building a better city. As a Councilman, my priorities are: improving city services city-wide, rebuilding South Warren, strengthening public safety, improving parks and recreation, and fighting for veterans and residents with disabilities. Together we can create a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive city. Together we can move Warren forward.
Jonathan Lafferty (I)
Age: 45
Occupation: Vice President, Comerica Bank
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 45 years (lifetime)
Online campaign information: Facebook: CouncilmanLafferty
Education: Warren Mott High School, Honors Graduate; Attended Wayne State University, Major in Public Relations
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Councilman – District 2 (2019-Present); Macomb County Commissioner (2001-2002)
Top goals: Increasing the pace and annual number of neighborhood road and sidewalk repairs. Protecting property values by strengthening maintenance and rental ordinances. Obtaining grant funding to curb the number of abatements aimed at saving at-risk homes to prevent the growing number of vacant lots – especially in the southern section of Warren.
Promoting “Warren First!” as our guiding vision for a thriving economy. Incentivizing businesses to invest here and employ Warren residents. Promote “buy local goods” purchasing.
Adam Sawka
Age: 44
Occupation: Business Intelligence Analyst at Sun Chemical
Municipality of residence: Warren, MI
For how long: 17 years
Online campaign information: www.adamsawka.com
Education: Bachelor’s in Marketing from Wayne State University as well as a Master’s in Business Administration degree.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Put residents first, end wasteful arguing and lawsuits
Support and defend our police and fire departments who keep us safe
Improve our city parks and quality of life
Build the new downtown without using any taxpayer money
Fix our roads and support our businesses - coordinate federal, state and local projects so that all roads are not closed in a certain area
Keep our neighborhoods safe and clean
Warren City Council District 3
Four candidates are running in the primary election.The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Jennifer Alton
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Daniel Bozek
Age: 53
Occupation: Warren Police Officer for 27 Years
Municipality of residence: City of Warren
For how long: 47 Years
Online campaign information: Facebook: Daniel Bozek Candidate Warren City Council District #3
Education: Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Support Police and Fire maintaining top level of service. Support all city services, road maintenance, plowing streets, garbage pick-up, parks and recreation, libraries, and property maintenance. A clean and friendly city goes along with protecting our neighborhoods from crime and blight. Work together with City Hall to end costly lawsuits. Follow the master plan and support its course to connect the community of our past with our current progressive community, including a recognizable downtown.
Chris Gillanders
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Mindy Moore (I)
Age: 66
Occupation: Court Reporter
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: mooreforwarren.com
Education: Macomb Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education, Warren City Council 2003-07, Warren City Council 2019-present
Top goals: Public safety is always my top priority because providing a safe community protects our home values. I worked tirelessly to obtain funding for additional police officers and firefighters/EMTs while cutting wasteful spending in other areas. I supported purchasing police body cameras (reduced complaints significantly), more fire trucks, ambulances, and two new fire stations. In the next term I want to make sure we continue these investments which directly impact our residents’ quality of life.
Warren City Council District 4
Three candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Gary Boike
Age: 69
Occupation: Contact Manager for a Federal Security Contractor
Municipality of residence: Warren, Mi.
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Austin Catholic High School
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am a candidate who would bring significant skills and knowledge to the City of Warren.
1. Public safety is always a goal of mine. We need to make sure our Police and Fire Departments are adequately staffed and are being supplied with the equipment they need to do their jobs.
2. Finish and complete the plans for the DDA.
3. Reinstate the funds for the Parks and Recreation.
4. Create a Charter Commission
Garry Watts (I)
Age: 68
Occupation: Semi Retired
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 65 Years
Online campaign information: http://garrywatts4warrencitycouncil.com
Education: Warren Fitzgerald HS Graduate, Macomb Community College - Business Admin
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently Serving First Term on Warren City Council - District 4
Top goals: Continue to towards more positive open government, continue to work towards a new library in the SE Quadrant of the city. Continued support for our police and fire departments to be sure they have the latest equipment to perform their jobs.
Push for new commercial development / investments that is friendly to our neighborhoods. Work towards getting our Parks back into good condition and keep them updated.
Seng Xiong
Age: 57
Occupation: Nursing Assistant
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information: https://www.seng4warren.com
Education: BS Architecture University of Nebraska-Omaha; Macomb Community Center College Student Nursing Assistant Program
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Hello, I’m Seng Xiong. My wife Kelly and I have four children: Luna (20), Suri (15), Mila (13), and Levi (11). For 23 years, Warren has been our home. I’m running for Warren City Council to help our community, protect seniors, invest in parks, encourage public service, and improve roads. As councilman, I’ll serve our community, work with council members, and implement policies that meet residents’ needs. Let’s build a brighter, prosperous future together.
Warren City Council District 5
Six candidates are running in the primary election. The top two will advance to compete for one seat in November.
Randy Hall
Age: 63
Occupation: Angelo Iafrate construction
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 8 yr
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: I was compelled to run do to the lack of cooperation between current council and city hall. My goals if elected will be to improve our parks including the dog park. Help create more help for seniors and our veterans. Work diligently with city hall to move our city forward. I will always put our residents before politics.
Jay Michael Jackson
Age: 72 years
Occupation: Mail Room Claims Representative
Municipality of Residence: Warren
For how long: 9 years
Online campaign information: www.jaymichaeljackson.com
Education: High School
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals:
• To Fight the corruption and injustices our community faces.
• Increase funding for police and fire.
• Expand community policing and modern policing techniques.
• Secure funding to fix flooding issues across the city.
• Stand up to consumer utilities to make energy pricing fair.
Eddie Kabacinski (I)
Age: 49
Occupation: City of Warren 5th District Councilman.
Municipality of residence: City of Warren.
For how long: 20 years since 2003.
Online campaign information: https://ekabacinskicommittee.wixsite.com/eddie
Education: Criminal Investigation Division Course, Military Police Investigator Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, Motor Carrier Safety Enforcement, United States Army Military Police Academy, City of Inkster Police Academy, Physical Security and Criminal Investigation Tactics - Lawton Correspondence School.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently City of Warren 5th District Councilman.
Top goals: I work every day in the South Central Area answering to the concerns from the residents. I have done this work in order to improve the relationship between city hall and the south end residents. It is my intention to continue representing and advocating for the residents in the new East Central Area 5th District. It has been an honor to demonstrate that Constitutional Conservative principles are effective values in my service of the residents!
Dana Kalinowski
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Henry Newnan
Age: 66
Occupation: No answer given.
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: facebook.com/NewnanforCouncilDistrict5
Education: Macomb Community College, South Campus Summer 1999 - 2002. Graphic Communications Arts Concentration.
• Digital Illustration and Animation
• Electronic Publishing (Dec. 2002); and,
• Video Production (Dec. 2005).
The American University in Cairo, Egypt, 1980-82. Studies in Arab Culture and Language.
University of Michigan, 1980. B.A. with Distinction in Middle East and North African Studies.
University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 1975-77. Business Major.
Previously and currently held elected office: Center Line School Board Trustee and Treasurer, 2010 to present
Top goals:
My Center Line School Board and educational experience will be used to improve education opportunities in the city.
My business experience will be used to strengthen seniors’ and veterans’ programs and improve Police, Fire, EMS services and community programs.
Finally, my experience helping create the Warren Environmental and Energy Advisory Committee and serving in the Sierra Club will be used to improve our parks and make Warren a more beautiful place to live.
Brittani Tringali
Age: 39
Occupation: Student/Bartender/Volunteer
Municipality of residence: The City of Warren Michigan
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: https://instagram.com/electbritttringali
Education: Wayne State University Student pursuing a Bachelors in the field of Social Work.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: Growing up in Warren fostered in me a deep love for this city. My first goal is to be a problem solver for my community on big and small issues. From reducing traffic congestion, supporting our police and fire, fixing our local roads and side streets that desperately need improvements, improving the aging and outdated city parks, and ending petty property assessments and wasteful lawsuits. Citizens come first. I aim to put people over political self-interest.