By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – Five candidates are vying for four city council position in November: Incumbents Hassan Ahmad, Nancy Bryer and Tom Wencel, and challengers Rachel LaPointe and Margaret King.
Wencel announced Aug. 26 that he didn’t want residents to vote for him and that he would not accept the position if re-elected, but he remains on the ballot, and when contacted Oct. 17 he said he was undecided whether or not he would accept a seat on council if re-elected.
If Wencel is elected and does not accept the position, the fifth candidate would not automatically fill the position, since the newly elected city council would be in a position to fill the opening with any candidate by a vote.
Four of the actively campaigning candidates – Ahmad, Bryer, King and LaPointe – provided statements explaining why they should be elected and what their top priorities were.
Hassan Ahmad
I am truly committed to serving Dearborn Heights and making a positive difference. I listen to residents’ concerns and will work hard to address issues like public safety, community development and local services.
My goal is to be an honest, transparent representative who puts the community’s needs first. I have the experience and dedication to bring fresh ideas and effective solutions that will strengthen our neighborhoods and support small businesses. Voting for me means choosing a leader who cares about your voice and is ready to work tirelessly for a better, safer and more prosperous Dearborn Heights. Together, we can build a community where everyone feels valued and heard.
If re-elected, my top priorities will be enhancing public safety, addressing reckless driving and blight, improving local infrastructure and supporting community programs like the Police Explorers.
Public safety is essential for families and small businesses and I will work to strengthen police and fire services. Tackling reckless driving and eliminating blight will help create cleaner, safer streets for everyone.
Upgrading roads, parks and public facilities will improve quality of life and attract new residents and businesses.
Additionally, I will focus on helping the administration attract more revenue by exploring new economic development opportunities, supporting local businesses, pursuing grants and fostering partnerships. I believe proactive efforts to generate income and responsible budgeting are crucial for offsetting the current deficit and ensuring the city’s financial stability.
Supporting community initiatives such as youth programs, senior services and economic growth will foster a stronger, more connected city. These priorities are vital because they directly impact residents’ daily lives and help create a safe, vibrant and prosperous Dearborn Heights for all.
Nancy Bryer
I already have almost four years of experience in this position. I grew up and attended schools here — hence, I know the city and its people.
I’ve held many leadership and decision-making positions. Some of these are: chairperson for the Ecorse Creek Commission, of which I am now the city liaison of the group; I’ve worked on Van Born Corridor Commission, I’m president of the Southwest Dearborn Heights Neighborhood Association, and also am the ex-officio president of the South Dearborn Heights Civic Association.
Since 1946 my family has been involved in the area. I had many years of leadership while involved with the Girl Scouts. I also was part owner of a mobile home park near Paw Paw, Michigan.
I belong to the League of Women Voters and have worked as chairperson for many elections. I am able to problem solve and compromise. I listen to all points of view before making a decision. I’m capable of seeing the big picture. I have been in real estate sales for 36 years and was an administrative assistant doing call center work while at the Boeing Airplane Group in the state of Washington.
I have an associate degree in Criminal Justice (paralegal), and I worked in market research for six years.
I have led may group discussions and am readily available to handle any task that has been given to me. Therefore, I feel that I am one of the most qualified persons to continue as a city council representative.
My priorities include supporting our first responders in the police and fire departments because they are the most important part of our city. We need to find ways to finance and purchase the latest equipment to help them continue to become their best.
I wish to continue my commitment to the seniors in our community and to give them a good quality of life by offering interesting things in which to take part.
The Ecorse Creek is very important to me and I hope to continue my involvement in eliminating some of the problems we’ve had in the past and finding ways to improve the way it is maintained.
We also need to worry about safety in our schools because these children are the future of our community and deserve whatever we can do to protect and care for them.
Our ordinance department needs to enforce the rules because we’re struggling with blight and a lack of concern by some residents regarding keeping their properties in good condition. We also need the judges to follow through with some hefty fines to encourage people to keep the city looking better.
Another issue is the speeding. It can be handled with more tickets and even confiscation of the vehicles to curb the problem.
Margaret King
I have been attending city meetings and fighting for the safety of our community, and I will keep fighting for our community. I love the city that I have lived in my whole life. I raised my son here, and this is my home. I want what’s best for our city. This why people should vote for me.
I want to keep our neighborhood safe, clean, and well-maintained, and to ensure responsible budgeting to protect taxpayer dollars.
Also, I support our police, fire and emergency services, improving city transparency and accountability, and strengthening our park, recreation, and senior programs.
Rachel LaPointe
I am a third-generation resident of the south end of Dearborn Heights, a mom of four amazing children and a passionate advocate for the city. I am excited and ready to use my talents for research and asking questions to bring common sense and logic to city council. I’ve spent the last four years watching city council meetings and learning as much as possible so that she can get right to work for the residents.
My first priority is to transparently assess our financial situation. Residents deserve to know where every penny of their tax dollars have been spent. In addition, I plan to make sure our charter revision happens soon and I plan to present an ethics ordinance that will help strengthen our city against possible corruption. Finally, I want to make sure we finish updating our outdated master plan while also working to increase city revenues in order to repair and replace our aging infrastructure.