Voters to elect city leaders in Warren. Center Line

WARREN/CENTER LINE — In the Warren Weekly’s coverage area, Warren voters will elect the city’s next mayor, clerk and City Council members on Nov. 7. Two candidates for each contested seat appear on the ballot. Voters can also cast ballots for several declared write-in candidates. 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. The answers are printed verbatim. (I) indicates that the candidate is an incumbent.

The office of Warren treasurer and two seats on the Center Line City Council were uncontested.

 

Warren Mayor
Two candidates are on the ballot, running for one four-year term. There is also one declared write-in candidate.

 

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:www.facebook.com/DimasforMayor

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: The only source of knowledge is experience - and I hope to utilize my years of experience as a leader in our great city to build a continuous program of improvements, and an even stronger community.

My plan:

• End Wasteful Lawsuits

• Efficient, Citizen-Friendly City Services

• Keep Police & Fire Departments Fully Funded

• Build a Downtown at No Cost to Residents

• Fully Fund/Improve Warren’s Parks

• People First - Not Politics

 

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.

 

Michelle Nard 
(running as a write-in candidate)

Age: 62

Occupation: Executive Director of Zhanre’ Opportunity Enterprise INC and a CDC Childcare Provider

Municipality of residence: Warren Mi

For how long: 20 years

Online campaign information: votenard.org

Education: Graduate of Flint Central High School, Concorde Career Institute, Attended Kaplan University, Purdue University Global, Mary Grove College Detroit MI and (Certificate of Completion) at University of Michigan special Nursing Program

Previously and currently held elected offices: 2nd Term Macomb County Board of Commissioners

Top goals: Lower Property Taxes by 3 to 7%, Address failing Infrastructure above and beneath the ground, Address Disabled Veteran needs, Medical, Mental, Housing and properly honor and acknowledge them all for their sacrifice. Fill all appropriate open Commission Seats, address unhoused individuals within our city limits with, food, clothing, housing and other basic needs. Take a fresh look at our city Ordinance and Charter. And finally request a forensic audit of all departments and commissions.

 

Warren Clerk
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.

 

Sonja Buffa (I)

Age: 55

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) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC). In Michigan, there are only 59 clerks with the MMC status (Michigan’s elections system is administered by 1,603 county and local election officials).

State of Michigan Continuing Education classes: Over 320 classes both in the classroom and online from 2014 until 2023. All prior classes from 2000-2014 were in the classroom.

State accreditation for Election Officials

Previously and currently held elected offices: Presently serving as Warren City Clerk (elected November 5, 2019 to present), Appointed City Clerk January 2019-November 2019

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: I remain committed to being  an independent voice for all families. I don’t have any relatives working in city government and will always listen to your concerns. As your next City Clerk, you can be confident that I’ll return transparency and election accountability to this office. I will bring services to locations where seniors live and socialize. Together, we’ll create a better and more equitable voting process for you, our senior citizens, and our veterans.

 

Warren Treasurer
One candidate is running for one four-year term.

Lorie Barnwell (I)
Running unopposed.

 

 

Warren City Council At-Large
Four candidates are on the ballot, running for two four-year terms. There is also one declared write-in candidate.

 

Marie C. Adkins

Age: 41 years old

Occupation: Registered Nurse (Henry Ford Health)

Municipality of residence: Warren

For how long: 20 years

Online campaign information:www.marieadkins.com

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Chamberlain University), Bachelor of Arts in Economics (University of San Carlos), Master of Science in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ongoing–Michigan State University)

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: Advocate for increased funding to services for mental health/substance use disorders, quality education, essential services, and inclusive infrastructure projects that benefit all residents, including those with special needs. As a registered nurse, I have a commitment to community wellbeing and preventative care. As the first Filipino/Asian American to make it this far in Warren elections, I am committed to ensuring diversity and inclusivity on the council, striving to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard.

 

Donna Kaczor Caumartin

Age: 62

Occupation: Realtor

Municipality of residence: Warren, MI

For how long: 43

Online campaign information: www.caumartincares.com

Education: Schoolcraft College, studied business and accounting

Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council at Large for two 4-year terms and 4 Years as City Council Vice President

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; while promoting open communication, transparency, and truthfulness in our city government.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Jocelyn Howard 
(running as a write-in candidate)

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

 

 

Warren City Council District 1
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. There is also one declared write-in candidate.

 

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.

 

Mo Islam 
(running as a write-in candidate)

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.

 

 

Warren City Council District 2
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.

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.

Continue offering the independent leadership necessary to maintain a model of checks and balances in Warren’s government and being accountable only to my neighbors.

 

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
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.

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.

 

Mindy Moore (I)

Age: 67

Occupation: Court Reporter, President, Freelance Reporters, Inc.

Municipality of residence: Warren

For how long: 38 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 At-Large 2003-07, Warren City Council District 3 2019-present

Top goals: Employing my comprehensive background, experience, and leadership skills, I will work collaboratively with my colleagues and other city officials to improve the quality of life for our residents.  I will focus on supporting and budgeting for appropriate public safety personnel levels and equipment, improving maintenance of roads, sidewalks and parks, encouraging new development, and propose ordinances that address issues important to Warren residents, such as blight, ADA compliance, veterans, diversity, anti-discrimination matters, and transparent government.

 

Warren City Council District 4
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.

 

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.

 

Warren City Council District 5
Two candidates are on the ballot, running for one four-year term. There are also two declared write-in candidates.

 

Henry Newnan

Age: 66

Occupation: Graphic Designer

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 offices: Center Line School Board Trustee and Treasurer, 2010 to present

Top goals: As a proven leader in public service, my top goals as a member of city council are to improve Warren’s parks and green spaces by providing more walkable areas and playing fields to use for sports and recreation; work with businesses and the community on clean air and clean water initiatives; improve police, fire, and EMS services; and have ambassadors help our citizens gain better access to veteran and senior services.

 

Brittani Tringali

Age: 39

Occupation: Outreach Specialist / Student

Municipality of residence: The City of Warren Michigan

For how long: 35 years

Online campaign information: https://instagram.com/electbritttringali?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ=%3D

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.

 

Randy Hall 
(running as a write-in candidate)

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.

 

Eddie Kabacinski (I) 
(running as a write-in candidate)

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!

 

Center Line City Council
Two candidates are running for two four-year terms.

Aaron Delikta (I)
Running unopposed.

 

Patrick J. Pockrandt (I)
Running unopposed.