By DANIEL HERATY
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEGHTS – The field of candidates for City Clerk have been narrowed to two in November after the Aug. 2 primary election.
City Clerk Walter Prusiewicz and City Councilwoman Janet Badalow won 1,456 votes and 905 votes, respectively. A total of 3,510 ballots were cast.
The other candidates were Robert Constan (895 votes), Michelle Doumont (121 votes) and Deborah Tutro (109 votes).
“I appreciate that the voters of Dearborn Heights have the confidence in me to do the job and I appreciate their support,” Prusiewicz said, adding he was happy the residents chose to give him their support.
He said he plans to continue his efforts to make the city more open to business and commerce, including establishing a businesses registry. He said he was disappointed, however, with the relatively low voter turnout.
Badalow thanked the people who supported her. She said she was also unhappy about the turnout.
“I’m always disappointed that more people don’t participate,” she said. “Not only is there a clerk’s race, but there’s also three council chairs up for election (in November). When people don’t participate, they allow a small percentage to make the decisions.”
Prusiewicz said he plans to continue the work he has done since he was appointed to finish the term of former Clerk Judy Dudzinski, who retired in March. Among the programs is a business registration that began July 25.
“We’re working on canvassing the neighborhoods to see what businesses are registered,” he said. “Down the road, I would like to develop a website so people who want to shop in Dearborn Heights can see what we have to offer.”
Badalow said she wants to increase her visibility in the community during her campaign, and plans to make the clerk’s office more user friendly.
“The clerk’s office has a great opportunity to make documents not only accessible, but easy to find,” she said. “I’ve said the clerk’s office should have better and more communication with the residents.”
The general election will be held Nov. 8.
(Daniel Heraty can be reached at [email protected])