Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES

Do you know who is running to represent you?

. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION?

I am running for this position because I have witnessed the unfairness of our system of justice and as an officer of the court and a part of the system, I feel I have a responsibility to work to change the system to ensure fairness and justice for all regardless of skin color or socioeconomic status. I enjoy helping others and as a judge I could help a greater number of people and have a greater impact. The courts need greater diversity, not only in terms of race but also background and experience. I am the only defense attorney on the ballot for 3rd Circuit Court Judge.

2.WHAT EXPERIENCE/ QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?.

I have been an attorney for 20 years. I have worked in corporate law as an intern in the Office of the General Counsel at Chrysler Financial Corp. I began my legal career at the Legal Aid and Defender's Association - Civil Division. I have also worked in family law. For the past 10 years, I have practiced criminal defense as a public defender. My experience makes me well-qualified for this position.

3. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS TWO OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING THE PEOPLE THAT YOU WANT TO SERVE?

I think two of the greatest issues facing the community as it relates to the courts are mass incarceration and the criminalization of poverty and mental health issues and drug addictions and acess to appropriate help. I would work to end mass incarceration and the criminalization of poverty by ending cash bail, utilizing restorative justice practices, and partnering with organizations to mentor at-risk youth to halt the school to prison pipeline. I would also expand the mental health and drug treatment courts to include more offenders regardless of previous convictions.

4. WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

I do not currently serve on any boards. My son graduated from high school this year and as a single mother, his upbringing was my priority. That is why I waited until he graduated to run for office. I now have more time and will pursue other interest. However, in the past, I served as a Sunday school teacher in my church, volunteered as a mentor in a literacy program for children in grades 3-8, and volunteered at my son's school.

5. WHERE DID YOU GO TO HIGH SCHOOL? COLLEGE?

I attended Regina High School in Harper Woods, Michigan which has now relocated to Warren, Michigan. I earned my B.A. at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan and went to the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law for my law degree.

6. WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOU?

People should vote for me because I am a fighter and I'm running for the people. I am a mother, a sister and a daughter. I want safe communities and I also believe the courts should be fair and reflect the communities they serve. I fought to stay on the ballot so that peiple would have a choice. I am the best candidate for change. I am committed to public service, social justice and reform of the court system. I will work to ensure fairness and justice for all.

FELIPE SORIA

CANDIDATE FOR

ECORSE CITY COUNCIL

1. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION?

I was encouraged by my neighbors and friends

2.WHAT EXPERIENCE/ QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE THAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION?

I spent 6 1/2 years in the military' where I was a NCO of training and equipment, I worked 23 years with Ford Motor, now I'm temp Paraprofessional for Ecorse for Bunche School

3. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS TWO OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING THE PEOPLE THAT YOU WANT TO SERVE?

Community Involvement, Police

4. WHAT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?

I'm a member of the Downriver for Veterans, UAW Region 1A Veterans group; UAW Local Retirees group; UAW Local 600 Veterans group

5. WHERE DID YOU GO TO HIGH SCHOOL? COLLEGE? Detroit Western High School WCCC studied computer science; Wayne State Veterans program

6. WHY SHOULD PEOPLE VOTE FOR YOU

I believe in community involvement. Our youth and elderly need our help and support.

I want to encourage people believe in Ecorse

CHRIS DARDZINSKI

CANDIDATE FOR

LINCOLN PARK MAYOR

Why did you decide to run for this position?

A. Mayor Karnes ran un-opposed in 2016 and 2018. It's not even the democratic process for that to happen.

B. I have far too many Big-picture ideas that will benefit the city, for them to go un-realized.

C. I have 26 items that are critical, for Lincoln Park to move into the 21st century and be a community that is recognized as a trendy, dynamic and prosperous place to live.

2. What experience/qualifications do you have that makes you qualified for this position?

A. 2 terms previous on city council; 35 years of political work at every level; 12 years private consulting in DC, 1993 – 2005; D. a 5-year economic plan, that actually breaks down into time tables, goals, metric and street level action steps.

3. What do you see as two of the biggest problems facing the people that you want to serve and what are your plans to solve them?

A. 21% poverty rate in the city. So the size of the tax-base needs to increase, throughout all of Wayne county to solve the economic component of poverty. I have a plan.

B. Police/Fire pension funds, severly under-funded. I have a plan for this as well.

4. What organizations are you involved in and what boards do you serve on that are a benefit to the community?

A. Hands of the City: Lincoln Park; B. Lincoln Park Community Association

5. Where did you go to high school? College?

Roosevelt HS- Wyandotte

Henry Ford CC, Dearborn

6. Why should people vote for you?

I have a comprehensive plan that I'll put 50 hours a week into implementing. I'll work along side anyone, who wants to work with me.

Get to know the candidates that will be on the November ballot.

Candidates please email your answers and headshot to [email protected] by Sunday, September 20, 2020.

 

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