Southfield/City Council - Vote for four. Three four-year terms and one two-year term (by plurality).
The Candidates
On The Questions
Toby
Hollander
Sidney
Lantz
John E.
Reeves
Joan
Seymour
I am a Southfield resident for over 29
years, having majored in psychology at
Wayne. State University. Married with one
daughter. A computer consultant since
1978. Founding president and newsletter
editor for the Somerset, Winterset and
Guy Street Neighborhood Association
since 1989. Co-founder of SNAGH (South-
field Neighborhood Action Group). Serv-
ing a second term as PTO treasurer at
McIntyre Elementary School. I volunteer
as a Junior Achievement instructor, Young
Astronaut instructor, and organize McIn-
tyre's annual
cloth ing dri-
ves benefiting
the homeless.
Served for eight years as commissioner of
Police and Fire Civil Service Commission.
On the board of directors of the Southfield
Symphony Orchestra. Advisory board
member, Federation of the Arts. Past pres-
ident, Southfield Senior Men's Club. Past
vice president, Southfield chapter of the
American Association of Retired Persons.
Founder and organizer of the Southfield
Veterans Organization. Past Michigan state
commander with Jewish War Veterans.
Client education
specialist, IBM
Corporation. Ac-
count marketing
representative,
GM/EDS. Con-
tract negotiator,
GM/EDS. Market-
ing representa-
tive, U-M
Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals. Par-
ents Committee, Southfield Public
Schools. Resident of Southfield since
1987.
Elected to city council in 1993. Southfield
resident 22 years. Education, Wayne State
University, political science. Thirty years'
community-service experience in leader-
ship roles. Twenty-five years' manage-
ment experience with major organizations.
Past regional director, American Com-
mittee for the Weizman Institute of Sci-
ence. Board member, Environmental
Protection Council of Southeastern Michi-
gan. Past Member, women's advisory
committee to WXYZ-TV. Led successful
city-wide community effort to adopt strong
wetlands and woodlands protective ordi-
nances. Have been active in working on
behalf of senior citizens, women's issues
and the environment.
It has be-
come appar-
ent that city
council has
not always
been sensi-
tive to the needs and the concerns of its
constituents, especially on issues im-
pacting residents' quality of life. I am not
alone in the opinion that it is time for a
change." My proven commitment over
the years toward our residents, local busi-
nesses and schools has provided me with
the experience and drive to be a con-
cerned, responsible and dedicated city
councilwoman for all of Southfield.
I am running
again because
I would like to
complete my
work and be a
force in keep-
ing Southfield
the best and
beautiful city
that it is. To
prevent harm-
ful decisions from being made against our
citizens.
I believe it is time for a change in city coun-
cil. Utilizing my business and communi-
ty experience, I want to play a key role in
helping Southfield continue as a city that
cares about its future.
Growing up in a family where politics and
world affairs were discussed nightly
around the dinner table, I was imbued
with a strong social conscience and a
sense of wanting to make the world a
better place. This sense of responsibili-
ty compelled me to accept the challenge
and enter the city council race in 1993,
at the urging of friends and associates,
and it still motivates me. My experience
as a community activist and volunteer
has taught me how to work successful-
ly with diverse groups. I want to ensure
that Southfield remains a vibrant and
strong city.
What do
you see as
some of the
key issues?
Many Southfield voters have expressed
to me that we need changes in city coun-
cil since council's focus has not always
been in their interest. With change, resi-
dents say they will regain respect for the
city council. I believe that acknowledging
the needs and concerns of our residents
and neighborhoods is the key issue fac-
ing city council. Another important con-
cern is maintaining the well-being of our
senior-citizen population. This would ben-
efit both our current and future senior cit-
izens, as the "baby boomer" generation
reaches senior-citizen status. Securing
a strong tax base is also critical to South-
field's future.
Crime. Teen-age problems. Police author-
ity should implement rules. Taxes and fi-
nancial issues. Increase newest technology
for police. Divide city into sections, assign
police to sections on patrol. Establish com-
mand center police car so security will be
visible. Deal with taxes.
Strong economic growth is vital to move
Southfield forward.
World-class education system. Respon-
sible, accountable government. Public
safety.
Maintaining
the superior
services that
Southfield
residents en-
joy and the
quality of life
our resi-
dents expect
in spite of
shrinking
revenues. Attracting new businesses to
fill vacant office space. Preventing com-
mercial intrusion into residential areas.
Keeping neighborhoods strong and at-
tractive and safe.
How do you
plan to
address
these
issues?
Since residents do not have public forums
to discuss their concerns with council
members, in periodic newsletters I will
solicit residents for their input on the is-
sues impacting them. City council must
show an equitable balance between our
residential and business communities to
protect the stability and future of both.
Let's remember the word "community"
comes from the word "unity." Working
together with our Chamber of Commerce,
neighborhood associations and other city
agencies will ensure that establishments
coming into Southfield will fit the charac-
ter and image of our community and pro-
vide us with a solid tax base.
I plan to do what I have already done. Pro-
pose solutions to solve issues. Prevent
user fees that impact people unfairly. Be
voice for the citizens to maintain a good
quality of life in our city. Maintain good
government for all people. It is my belief
that the power entrusted in me by the peo-
ple shall not be used to harm people.
After being elected, I will implement pro-
grams that improve the quality of life in
Southfield while enhancing economic
growth.
Work with the state and federal govern-
ment to assure equitable distribution of
available funds. Involve everyone in pro-
moting a strong sense of community.
Concentrate on redevelopment of older
commercial districts. Develop creative
solutions to familiar problems. I have ad-
vocated a strong national advertising pro-
gram to promote Southfield as a
business location and the hiring of a busi-
ness/marketing manager, both of which
have been implemented during the past
year.
Please
provide
biographical
information.
Why are
you
running?
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