By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
ALLEN PARK– Nineteen residents are running for six council seats in the Aug. 2 primary election. The top 12 will advance to the Nov. 8 general election.
Five council members are looking to keep their council seats. Councilman James Flynn is not running for re-election.
Mayor Felice “Tony” Lalli, who was a councilor until Mayor Gary Burtka resigned four months ago, is seeking his old council seat. He has been on the council since 2008 and is retired from Ford Motor Co. where he was a carpenter for 30 years. He is involved with the Knights of Columbus, Meals on Wheels and various other community organizations.
Councilwoman Beverly Kelley has worked with the city since 1970, and served as city clerk from 1995 to 2004. She is married to Byron and they have four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One of her sons died at 52.
Councilman Francesco Tucci has lived in the city for 49 years. He works with Southfield Automotive Group and has been married to Luciana for 23 years. They have three daughters. He is involved with the Allen Park Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and Arno Elementary Parent Teacher Association.
Councilman Larry Templin is a former Allen Park police officer who retired after 26 years. He replaced former Councilman Kylse Tertzag when he resigned in March.
Councilwoman Tina Gaworecki, who was appointed earlier this year to fill Lalli’s council seat, served on the council once before, beginning in 2003. She is a senior analyst with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan and has been married to Mark for 20 years.
Mark Gaworecki is running in the election alongside his wife, City Councilwoman Tina Gaworecki. He is a civil engineer with Hennessey Engineering and is active in community groups, including the Knights of Columbus.
Steve Gary is a 10-year resident of the city. He is an engineer and supervisor for Dearborn Public Schools.
Dennis Hayes has lived in Allen Park since 1986 with his wife of 36 years, Rosita. He has worked as chief operating officer of several nursing homes. He works as a lawyer on a part-time basis.
Bob Keenan has lived in Allen Park for 35 years. He has worked for Ford Motor Co. for 17 years and co-owns Dream Dinners at Independance Marketplace with his wife, Shelly. He has also served as chairman of the Dangerous Building Commission and Public Safety Commission.
Joshua LaPeer is a 2010 graduate of Allen Park High School. While there, he founded the Allen Park Animal Welfare Club. He is an assistant Religious Education teacher at St. Alfreds Parish in Taylor and a Youth Director with Creative Characters.
Robert Turner has lived in Allen Park for 16 years, and retired from Flint Ink Corp., where he worked in corporate purchasing. He and his wife, Pat, have four sons.
Vivian Hagerman is a former medical assistant who also has volunteered on several campaigns for mayors and state representatives. She is a widowed grandmother of three and mother of two who said unanswered grievances brought before the city council inspired her to run.
Mike DiGiulio is a retired barber and U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He has lived in the city for 35 years. His wife, Mary, died last year. His brother, Angelo, also is running.
Current phone numbers could not be located for candidates Angelo DeGiulio, Brian Robert McLellan and Christopher Tuccini. Candidates Harry Sisko, Edward Kleinow and Paul Boike did not respond to requests for interviews by press time.
All terms are for four years. All precincts will be at City Hall this year.