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In the Eastsider’s coverage area, voters in the Nov. 7 election in Eastpointe will choose a mayor and two City Council members while voters in Roseville will consider a bond proposal and elect three City Council members in an uncontested election with exactly three candidates on the ballot. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. The answers are printed verbatim. (I) indicates an incumbent.
Eastpointe Mayor
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.
Mary Hall-Rayford
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired English Educator
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, MI
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information: www.votehallrayford.com
Education: BA Sociology and English, MAT English and Speech, ABD English Special Education
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current elected office—Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education, Eastpointe, MI
Top goals: My top goals include unifying the community so we can halt violent crimes and crimes against property. Consistent Town Halls will help achieve this goal. Being available to listen to residents and their concerns is key if I’m to represent them and their concerns, without my personal feelings/opinions influencing a vote. I will also seek an avenue to determine how we can make water bill payments more palatable for all.
Michael Klinefelt
Age: 35
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 30 Years
Online campaign information: MikeKlinefelt.com
Education: BA in Political Science from Michigan State University
J.D. from Wayne State Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Eastpointe City Council, 2015 to 2019
Top goals: We live in an older community, which means we have significant assets in need of repair. My first goal is to further develop our long-term plans to fix our roads, sewers and public safety buildings. We also must repair the public perception of our city. Lack of decorum at council meetings has affected how others view Eastpointe. I will chair meetings with respect and without stifling dissenting opinions. We can accomplish more by working together.
Eastpointe City Council
Six candidates are running for two four-year terms.
Miranda Nicole Barconey
Age: 41
Occupation: Entrepreneur / Director of The Kid Cave Learning Center-Eastpointe
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 16 years
Online campaign information: None at the time
Education: Former EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), working on a bachelor’s degree in special education
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: If elected, I would like to seek new and innovative ways to help grow our city’s economy while helping more Eastpointer’s participate in that growth. I would also like to work with the planning commission to help update our city codes and ordinances into a new format to make it easier for existing and potential businesses to navigate better. I would also like to bring accountability, accessibility, and transparency to our city government.
Vicky Coleman
Age: 65 yrs old
Occupation: 31 years Chrysler Corporation - Senior Administrative Assistant to V.P. of Jeep Truck - 16 years retired
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, Michigan
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Facebook
Education: Graduated from Detroit Business Institute
Attended Detroit College of Business/Davenport University (Management)
280 Mandatory Corporate Training Hours - The Leader in You/How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1) Initiate reinstatement of the Building Department in house
2) Initiate Charter Change to ensure homeowners are elected to office
3). Continue clean City Initiative/resident liaison goals
4) Collaboration with business owners to maintain cleanliness of their property on a consistent basis
5) Collaboration with the 8 Mile Corridor median responsible department for consistency of maintenance.
Harvey Curley (I)
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Wanda Moody
Age: 65
Occupation: Account Executive
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Macomb Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: I have lived in Eastpointe for more than 14 years, during which time I have seen the city’s political arena go through many stages. My objective is to make choices that will benefit the neighborhood and its citizens. Having healthy internal dynamics builds a happy society which creates a vibrant community. In order to uphold our theme of being “A Family Town,” one of my primary goals is to listen to all concerns, taking care of the people.
Margaret Podsiadlik
Age: 57
Occupation: Recorder Secretary
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 57 years
Online campaign information: Not applicable.
Education: High School Graduate
Previously and currently held elected offices: Served on East Detroit Board of Education 2008-2016
Top goals: Eastpointe has been in the news for negative reasons lately, and I want to bring some positivity to our city. I am familiar with the Open Meetings Act, Robert’s Rules of Order, and reading financial budgets. I believe in transparency, and I think I work well with others. Top three issues: 1) working on infrastructure (safe drinking water and roads), 2) responsible budgeting and accountability for all our residents, and 3) safety.
Nicola Strong
Age: 38
Occupation: Manufacturing Line Lead
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: Nicola Strong for Eastpointe City Council Facebook Page
Education: Courses at Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: As a city council member, my top goals would include cultivating a stronger sense of community through vibrant events and encouraging productive discussions. I am very passionate about enhancing resources like community gardens, libraries, and free events to promote engagement. By fostering unity and active engagement, we can create a city where residents feel connected, supported, and proud to call home.
Roseville City Council
Three candidates are running for three four-year terms.
Catherine J. Haugh (I)
Running unopposed.
Kurmmell W. Knox (I)
Running unopposed.
Colleen McCartney (I)
Running unopposed.
Roseville Municipal Facilities Bond Proposal
Shall the City of Roseville, County of Macomb, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of not to exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds, in one or more series, payable in not to exceed thirty (30) years from the date of issuance of each series, for the purpose of paying the cost of acquiring land and buildings for use by the City, and acquiring, constructing, renovating, furnishing and equipping various municipal facilities in the City, including, but not limited to, fire station or stations, library, court facilities and Department of Public Services facility, together with all related site improvements, appurtenances and attachments? If approved, the estimated millage to be levied in 2025 is 0.7444 mills ($0.7444 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.7028 mills ($0.7028 per $1,000 of taxable value).
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