Buffa, Xiong advance in Warren clerk race

WARREN — Incumbent Warren City Clerk Sonja Buffa and Macomb County Commissioner Mai Xiong were the top two finishers in the Aug. 8 primary election among three candidates vying to become the city’s clerk for the next four years.

They will now move on to the general election Nov. 7.   

Buffa, the highest voter-getter, received 8,094 votes or 45% of the votes cast. Xiong received 5,963 votes (33.1%). Vince Berdy came in third with 3,935 votes (21.9%) and is now out of contention. The results were posted by the office of Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini.

“I proudly accept the endorsement of our residents and will continue working diligently administering elections,” said Buffa, who is seeking her second four-year term as Warren’s city clerk. “I must also acknowledge my hardworking office staff and exemplary group of precinct workers who are both dedicated and committed to elections.”

Buffa said if reelected, her plans include immediately working to prepare for the U.S. presidential preference primary election in early 2024.

Xiong is in her second two-year term as a county commissioner representing District 11, which includes part of the city of Warren.

“It means so much because we worked extremely hard,” Xiong said. "The residents of Warren have continued to elect me. They want someone that can represent them and be a voice for them.”

If elected city clerk, Xiong said she would work to make voting easier.

“As clerk, I want to make it as easy for anyone to be able to vote. So, if that means removing barriers, whether that’s language, transportation, or those that have disabilities and seniors,” Xiong said.

She also talked about “transparency.”

“I plan to bring transparency in the clerk’s office and making sure we include everyone in the decision making process,” Xiong said.

 

City treasurer post uncontested in November
The office of Warren city treasurer will also appear on the ballot in November, where two-term incumbent Lorie Barnwell is running uncontested for a third and final term.

In a previous interview, Barnwell said, “I feel very honored to run unopposed and be set up for my third term. It humbles me because it obviously shows Warren residents are happy with the job that my office is doing.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.