Southfield voters to decide on city clerk candidates

In the Southfield Sun’s coverage area, voters will decide on who will fill the position of city clerk Aug. 8. Below are profiles submitted by 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. The answers are printed verbatim except where material is omitted due to personal attacks or items we know to be false or that are blatant misrepresentations.

 

Southfield City Clerk
Four candidates are running for one term ending Nov. 17, 2025.

Gabi Grossbard
Age: 50
Occupation: Licensed Medicare specialists
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: votegabi.com
Education: Gabi has an extensive background in business. Successful leader in management and sales teams, and a small business owner.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals if elected:
* Expand services to include passport applications
* Timely processing of birth and death certificates
* Implement efficient online services
* Coordinate and encourage young residents to register to vote
* Fully staffed Clerks office to provide prompt and friendly services
* Direct efficient, secure and transparent elections
* Insure adequate supplies and staff at all polling locations
** Together we can restore trust and confidence in the city clerk office!**

 

Janet Jackson
Age: 62
Occupation: Oakland County Commissioner and AT&T Administration
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: www.electjanetjackson.com
Education: Bachelor’s of Science, Management and Organizational Development, Spring Arbor University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Commissioner 14 years Democratic Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Commitment to transparency ensuring information and processes are easily accessible empowering residents.
Efficiency and Innovation advocating for implementing technology, enhancing services and streamlining systems.
Strong community engagement with residents and local organizations addressing concerns and advancing community initiatives.
Ensuring voter rights upholding the voters rights act, fighting voter suppression. Promoting increased participation of younger voters. Helping eliminate barriers for senior citizens casting votes.
Assisting residents to communicate with State and County officials.

 

Jay Reid
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

 

Barbara Seldon
Age: 80
Occupation: Educator; Retired Associate Professor, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Municipality of residence: Southfield, Michigan
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: www.BarbaraSeldon4Clerk.com
Education: Dental Hygiene Certification (1968) University of Detroit; BS (1970) University of Detroit; M.Ed. (1973) University of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals:
- Provide quality user-friendly access to the Clerk’s office.
- Maintain integrity of City records.
- Coordinate activities of City Council, Legislative Committees, and Council Boards & Commissions.
- As vital records and FOIA coordinator, make sure all records are responded to in a timely manner, according to the law.
- Provide efficient, transparent, fair, elections utilizing the latest technology.
- Work passionately as gatekeeper ensuring Southfield remains a great place to live, work, learn, and play.