When Melissa Sampey decided to run for Westland City Council, she felt being an advocate for residents would be a natural fit for her passion to give back to her community and the people around her. Sampey has donated her time to such causes as Toys for Tots and volunteering with the Wayne-Westland Soccer League. She began knocking on doors throughout the city, speaking with residents about her candidacy and the concerns they had. In November, Sampey was elected to Westland City Council and was sworn into her new role on January 3.

"I've lived in Westland my entire life," she says. "I...