By ANDREA POTEET
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – No matter who comes out ahead in the mayoral race, she will be a face familiar to residents.
Mayor Valerie Cadez faces off against current council member Stacy Striz for the position.
Cadez has served as mayor for the past four years, and has also served as city clerk and on the city council. She also is chairwoman of the Downriver Community Council. She has been married to Police Chief Rick Cadez for 38 years.
She said she chose to run again because she feels the city needs experienced and informed leadership in challenging financial times.
“I have a passion and pride for the city of Melvindale and will keep working hard to further the progress that has already been made,” Cadez said.
If re-elected, she said she would focus on maintaining a strong police force, keeping the city clean with continued ordinance enforcement, and seeking grants to improve the parks and recreation program.
“I believe that integrity is the most important quality that a leader can possess,” Cadez said. “I will not compromise this and will continue to provide strong, mature and honest leadership at all times.”
Striz has worked at Dearborn Public Schools for the last 11 years and coaches Melvindale Little League Baseball. She is also cheerleading director for the Melvindale Junior Football Club and serves on the city’s finance committee. She also attends the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
Striz did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment to this story by press time.