Candidates for council weigh in on local issues
The Aug. 2 Primary Election is just around the corner, and to help voters find out where City Council candidates stand on several local issues, we invited the candidates to participate in a survey.
This week, we have candidates Susan Dunn-Rahdar, Richard Fabiszak and Steve Shaya.
Name: Susan M. Dunn-Rahdar:
Education background: I went to Fraser High School, and then nursing school in Miami, Florida
Employment: Retired nurse, I have specialized in Cardiac Care, prior business owner: Industrial Epoxi Seal
Many cities are facing financial hardship. Hamtramck is also facing a financial shortfall in the coming year or two. What steps would you take to keep the city’s budget balanced?
Dunn-Rahdar: The budget must be gone over with focus on needs and wants. Commercial property owners need to consider helping bring new businesses in by helping to create incentives that would give new businesses a six-month break in rent.
Some cities are turning to merging public services with other communities. Are you in favor of taking this action? If so, what would you propose to merge and with whom?
Dunn-Rahdar: Merging our public safety entities would put our community at risk and imperial greatly the response time to our residence.
Also, some cities are turning their police and fire departments into one department, often called a Public Safety Department. Under this plan, firefighters and police officers cross-train to be able to perform both duties. Are you for or against this plan? Please explain your position.
Dunn-Rahdar: Against! The time and resources it would take would hinder us further.
How would you rate the job of our city manager? Please explain.
Dunn-Rahdar: First of all, according to our City Charter, one person cannot hold two official positions. He needs more oversight and should take more seriously how his decisions affect our community.
Briefly, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Hamtramck?
Dunn-Rahdar: The people are our true strength. We are diverse and willing to work together, for the most part. Everyone wants a safe, healthy city.
The greatest weakness is our lack of communication. We need a public forum, other than City Council meetings, where we can discuss issues, concerns and ideas. A place to come together as neighbors and get to know each other better. We would discover more in common than differences.
We have a city filled with learned people who are unutilized and uninvolved. The political environment tends to turn people off. A more “community spirit” toned gathering need to take place to bring together our greatest resource – our citizens and residents!
What do you stand for as a candidate, and what do you hope to accomplish while in office?
Dunn-Rahdar: I stand for accountability and ethics. Our future is not as bleak as we are lead to believe! We could set an example statewide and nationally with people who really have our best interest in mind!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Dunn-Rahdar: Yes, I plan to not accept any money or salary associated with being elected to the City Council. No one should. I feel it’s my patriotic duty to get involved and do everything I can to get our city moving toward a better, more secured and safer future.
We need to focus on fixing the problems that exist. For instance, people are sometimes reluctant to shop here because parking/lack there of, is an issue. We need a parking garage structure with an electric tram that takes shoppers around town so they can shop and get a ride back to their cars safely. I’ve seen this in other areas and it draws more people into the heart of the city.
The new housing opportunities should be welcoming to our veterans. To give them a home in a city that is proud to welcome them. Their contribution to our community would be a great asset and immeasurable!
Empty lots not allotted for the new buildings should be offered to the homeowners on either side to be sold and divided. Driveways should be installed and parking on the side streets could be less congested. Moreover, the city would no longer need to maintain empty lots that are littered and neglected. Families would have longer yards for their families.
Name: Richard F. Fabiszak
Education background: Hamtramck High School
Employment: (No answer)
Many cities are facing financial hardship. Hamtramck is also facing a financial shortfall in the coming year or two. What steps would you take to keep the city’s budget balanced?
Fabiszak: I’d keep it lower.
Some cities are turning to merging public services with other communities. Are you in favor of taking this action? If so, what would you propose to merge and with whom?
Fabiszak: No, keep.
Also, some cities are turning their police and fire departments into one department, often called a Public Safety Department. Under this plan, firefighters and police officers cross-train to be able to perform both duties. Are you for or against this plan? Please explain your position.
Fabiszak: I’m for it, together.
How would you rate the job of our city manager? Please explain.
Fabiszak: Horrible job. He-Got-To-Go.
Briefly, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Hamtramck?
Fabiszak: Put DPW back to work.
What do you stand for as a candidate, and what do you hope to accomplish while in office?
Fabiszak: Get rid of crack and dope pushers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Fabiszak: I want to help people.
Name: Steve S. Shaya
Education background: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Wayne State University
Employment: Platinum Landscaping Co. & Shay Construction Co. Inc.
Many cities are facing financial hardship. Hamtramck is also facing a financial shortfall in the coming year or two. What steps would you take to keep the city’s budget balanced?
Shaya: As we approach 2012, the City of Hamtramck is still facing a $2.5 million deficit, and the way I propose to balance the budget is as follows:
Stop frivolous spending
Make the necessary cuts, down to the bone
Must have concessions from the unions
Find creative ways to improve cash flow
Eliminate all overtime, with the exception of emergency situations
Some cities are turning to merging public services with other communities. Are you in favor of taking this action? If so, what would you propose to merge and with whom?
Shaya: As your former DPW Director appointed by EFM Lou Schimmel, I understand how these services can affect our daily lives. I say combine public services with surrounding communities only if it’s financially feasible and beneficial to the residents of the city.
Also, some cities are turning their police and fire departments into one department, often called a Public Safety Department. Under this plan, firefighters and police officers cross-train to be able to perform both duties. Are you for or against this plan? Please explain your position.
Shaya: I am not in favor of this plan, for the simple reason that cross-training both police officers and firefighters with certification isn’t financially feasible at this time.
How would you rate the job of our city manager? Please explain.
Shaya: I think Mr. Bill Cooper is a good City Manager. I believe he can make tough decisions but does receive a lot of interference from city officials. Furthermore, Mr. Cooper needs to sharpen his negotiation skills in dealing with union contracts and zoom in on the daily operation of the city. I also appreciate his open door policy with respect to our residents.
Briefly, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Hamtramck?
Shaya: Strengths: We are a diverse community with many different ethnicities. We get along, and live in peace and harmony.
Weaknesses: We need a strong leadership in some departments: such as, DDA, EDC, Code Enforcement and Public Relations. We have no plans in place for community outreach and no educational forums to talk about city codes and ordinances. Furthermore, we need a strong DDA and Chamber of Commerce to help our existing businesses.
What do you stand for as a candidate, and what do you hope to accomplish while in office?
Shaya: As a candidate, I want to accomplish the following:
Financial accountability and NO EFM
Safer neighborhoods/cleaner streets/alleys
Community outreach to all residents
Addressing all concerns of our seniors and residents
We need to unite our community and not divide (one versus the other)
Maintain our existing businesses
Strengthening our tax base by attracting new development to our community and getting rid of eyesores, abandon buildings, graffiti and slum landlords
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Shaya: As your pro-active candidate, I say “Be Active and not Reactive.” Elect a candidate who’s dedicated/experienced in providing a public service to our residents. I serve on boards/commissions”
Co-Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals
Hamtramck Schools Recreation Commissioner
Former Chairman of the Hamtramck Recycling Commission
So, on Aug. 2, go out and vote … Steve S. Shaya for Hamtramck City Council.
