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HAZEL PARK/MADISON HEIGHTS — In the Madison-Park News’ coverage area, voters will elect City Council members in Madison Heights and Hazel Park Nov. 7. The candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. The answers are printed verbatim. (I) indicates that the candidate is an incumbent.
The mayoral seat in Madison Heights is uncontested this year, as is one seat on the Madison Heights City Council for a partial term ending Nov. 10, 2025.
Voters in Madison Heights will also consider five proposed amendments to the Madison Heights city charter.
Madison Heights Mayor
One candidate is running for one two-year term.
Roslyn Grafstein (I)
Running unopposed.
Madison Heights City Council
Five candidates are running for three four-year terms.
Toya D. Aaron (I)
Age: 52
Occupation: Recipient Rights Officer (Mental Health Advocate)
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: Facebook: Councilwoman Toya D. Aaron
Education: Bachelors degree in Biology, Concentration in Psychology, Masters degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently, City Council Madison Heights, appointed April 2022
Top goals: Public safety: Seeing that every person feels safe in the city they reside in and that our police and firefighters have the proper equipment needed to perform their jobs safely and return home to their families. Parks & Recreation: Creating multigenerational parks that serve residents of all ages and disabilities. Economic Development: Work to promote small businesses. Mental Health: Developing a co-responder program to assist officers when engaging with those with mental health challenges.
Sean Fleming (I)
Age: 52
Occupation: Telecommunications
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Journeyman
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Madison Heights City Councilman
Top goals: As a military veteran keeping people’s welfare and safety is important. I have been the Crime Commission council representative and would continue work on police and community relations, informing residents about crime prevention, and make sure maintain a well-trained, equipped, and accredited police department. I will work to bring back dog licenses to our city and provide our Animal Shelter a bigger budget. I will work to lower spending, using grants and businesses collaborations on projects and events.
Al Gui
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Education
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: More than 20 years in this area
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Master’s degree: Mathematics; Master’s degree: Administration and Innovative leadership; Bachelor’s degree: Mathematics
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Vision: To put Madison Heights on the list of the top ten best cities to live in the nation Spend responsibly, strict monitoring of the garbage pick- up schedule and the quality of water, a vigorous campaign to attract bring high -paying jobs, work closely with the two school districts to improve students’ academic performance, more outdoors activities for senior citizens and other age groups, fight against human trafficking, address the opioid crisis.
Emily J. Rohrbach (I)
Age: 45
Occupation: Director of Events, Oakland THRIVE
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 19 years
Online campaign information:
www.teamrohrbach.com/
Education: Bachelor of Music Education from Harding University, Masters of HR Training and Development from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to Madison Heights City Council in 2019
Top goals: My top priorities are to make Madison Heights: Greener - We’ll advance sustainability through native garden and tree planting, securing green grants, and building a long-term city sustainability plan. Growing - prioritizing park, library, and service upgrades, we’ll boost economic growth via small business support and access to resources. Inclusive - Fostering an inclusive environment, we’ll ensure diverse voices are heard in public meetings, civic engagement, and policy updates, granting equal access to city programs and services.
Quinn J. Wright (I)
Age: 42
Occupation: Self Employed Business Owner - Financial Advisor
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 17 Years
Online campaign information:
quinnwright.com
Education: Advertising, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Madison Heights City Council
Top goals: My priorities include common-sense governance to foster our community’s growth. We’ll emphasize residents’ well-being, especially our seniors. Essential support for first responders and police is crucial. I’ll advocate for policies that attract desired businesses. Madison Heights provided my first home; I’ll extend this opportunity. Additionally, I’ll work to turn our masterplan from paper to palpable.
Madison Heights City Council (partial term)
One candidate is running unopposed for one partial term ending Nov. 10, 2025.
William Mier
Running unopposed.
Hazel Park City Council
Four candidates are running for two four-year terms.
Al Casinelli
Age: 45
Occupation: Hydraulic Testing Lead
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 7 years currently, 2 years previously
Online campaign information:
www.ac4hp.com/
Education: Norfolk State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am honored to be an independent candidate running for city council, driven by a deep passion for serving and uplifting the city of Hazel Park. Throughout my career, I have championed the values of diversity, equality, and inclusivity, seeking to create a city where everyone’s voice is heard. With a collaborative spirit and innovative vision, I am committed to fostering a stronger sense of community and enacting policies that ensure a brighter future for residents.
Andy LeCureaux (I)
Age: 61
Occupation: Self-employed owner of Andrew’s Appliance Installation
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 29 years
Online campaign information: Facebook Andy LeCureaux for Hazel Park
Education: Royal Oak Kimball High School class of 1979, Certified Public Management certificate from Saginaw Valley State University, Elected Officials Academy level Two certification
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Council for City of Hazel Park
Top goals: If re-elected, my top goal is to get the Landmark Church property redeveloped with excellent new housing options. Continue working to attract business, repave roads, upgrading our parks and residential housing options. Continue volunteering: Strengthening families by serving on our Youth Assistance Committee. To help clean up parks in the Spring and help with planting trees in the Fall. To the Hazel Park Arts Fair which brings others to our community, highlighting cool happenings in Hazel Park.
Tracy Pease
Age: 52
Occupation: Organizer/Field Director
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 1971-1985, 2015-present
Online campaign information:
www.facebook.com/brasseurbursey
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: My number one goal is inclusion and transparency. Hazel Park has and has ALWAYS had a reputation of being a racist city. For a city, county, state or even country to thrive..it has to be INCLUSIVE! Diversity doesn’t mean INCLUSION! I believe that everything starts at HOME, from learning how to approach an individual who is suffering from a mental health issue, to being mindful when engaging with the Bipoc community.
Andrea Washington
Age: 35
Occupation: Title Coordinator at a major mortgage company
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 6 years
Online campaign information:
www.facebook.com/andrea4hp?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Education: Some college, no degree yet. Studied Anthropology at Michigan State. Currently in school for a B.A. of Organizational Leadership.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Not elected, but appointed to Planning Commission and Environmental Sustainability Committee in Hazel Park.
Top goals: I am committed to fostering the continued growth and improvement of Hazel Park, aligning with the city’s Master Plan. Prioritizing community engagement and visibility is of utmost importance to me. I aim to establish designated times for citizens who may not feel comfortable addressing the council publicly during meetings to connect and ask questions. Additionally, in my role as the chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee, I will actively support initiatives aimed at making our city more environmentally friendly.
Madison Heights Proposal 1: Amendment to Section 3.4 of the Madison Heights City Charter
The proposed amendment states that the City Council shall appoint the City Council member, receiving the highest number of votes at the regular city election, as Mayor Pro Tem for the next two years, in place of the current provision that requires City Council to appoint a member of the Council as the Mayor Pro Tem. If approved, the revision takes effect with the 2025 regular city election and continues until otherwise amended. Shall the proposed amendment to Section 3.4 be adopted?
Madison Heights Proposal 2: Amendment to Section 5.1 of the Madison Heights City Charter
Currently, Section 5.1 requires, in order to be eligible to be a candidate for election as mayor or council member, that a candidate for mayor or council must resign from Madison Heights elective office and from elective office in any other local government unit. The proposed amendment states that no candidate for mayor or city council must resign from their current elected offices until they win election as mayor or city council member. If approved, the revision takes effect with the 2025 regular city election and continues until otherwise amended. Shall the proposed amendment to Section 5.1 be adopted?
Madison Heights Proposal 3: Amendment to Section 5.5 of the Madison Heights City Charter
The proposed amendment states that resignations of a Council member and Mayor shall be accepted or rejected by City Council and resignations from boards and commissions shall be accepted or rejected administratively. If approved, the revision is effective in 2023 and shall continue until otherwise amended. Shall the proposed amendment to Section 5.5 be adopted?
Madison Heights Proposal 4: Amendment to Section 5.7(a) of the Madison Heights City Charter
The proposed amendment states that Council shall appoint the Mayor Pro Tem as Mayor in the event there is a vacancy in the office of Mayor; that Council shall appoint the City Council member, receiving the second highest number of votes at the last preceding regular City election, as Mayor Pro Tem; and defines every succeeding regular election as a succeeding regular city election. If approved, the revision takes effect with the 2025 regular city election and continues until otherwise amended. Shall the proposed amendment to Section 5.7(a) be adopted?
Madison Heights Proposal 5: Amendment to Section 6.1 of the Madison Heights City Charter
Currently, Section 6.1 requires the City Council to hold two (2) regular council meetings per month, except during the month of December when at least one (1) regular meeting shall be held, totaling twenty-three (23) regular meetings per calendar year. To give Council greater scheduling flexibility, the proposed amendment would still require twenty-three (23) regular council meetings per calendar year, but would require a minimum of one (1) regular meeting each month. If approved, the revision is effective in 2023 and shall continue until otherwise amended. Shall the proposed amendment to Section 6.1 be adopted?
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