Sterling Heights City Council Choose 6
Choose 6 candidates. Each will serve a four (4) year term.
Biographical Information
Name
Daniel Acciacca
Education / Experience
M.S Ferris State University
Phone
586-709-1537
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
During my automotive engineering career I have interacted with a variety of peers with different educational levels and experiences. I have also, experienced a myriad of work assignments that exposed me to a variety of automotive assembly and manufacturing processes. Together, these experiences taught me the importance of how people and situations relate and the need to understand that relationship. By experiencing that relationship, I bring an understanding of how important it is to interact effectively with my peers on city council for the benefit of the city and residents I represent. Also, this team experience enlightened me to never fall to pride instead, have humility so to better understand the thoughts of my city council peers.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Our city council spends beyond the limits of our tax revenue. To begin, Creating positions and promoting personnel to higher pay positions when this city does not have the departments to support these additions or advancements. Burdened with an approx. 220 million debt load in addition to having an underfunded Police/Fire pension fund. Our city focuses more on WANTS instead of NEEDS. In doing so, they convince residents to accept millages to support these pacifications, adding to budgetary cost burdens. I purpose to simply operate the city like a resident operates their home; maintaining a sustainable budget, planning for future needs and wants and directing a portion of our tax revenue toward reducing our overall debt.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
I am interested in maintaining our infrastructure and our services to our residents. In terms of developments our city is quite mature in nature. We have mall site that is being redeveloped. My only concern with this project is that tax payers could be left with possible bond payments, if this project does not come to full fruition. I am not sure our planning department's proposal will effectively reduce the amount of empty store fronts that are present in our city. I would purpose a more market based collaboration
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
I was quite involved locally during the 2024 election cycle canvassing churches to setup manned kiosks in order to promote the registration to vote. Additionally, during the same election cycle, I visited churches to deliver voting guides in order to help parishioners make informed selection decisions.
Biographical Information
Name
Teri Brinker
Education / Experience
Warren high school 1992. Central Michigan general studies, Macomb community college legal assistance, high School and college co-op at the city of warren personnel dept, planning aide at the city of warren planning dept, field operations manager at standard federal bank in the real estate owned division and recently retired after 27 years from the city of warren police department as a 911/police/fire/training dispatch supervisor. Life long resident of Sterling heights
Phone
586-382-0544
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
I have worked in the public sector pretty much my entire career. I recently retired from the city of warren police dept as a 911/police/fire dispatch supervisor. I spent my career helping residents and will continue to do so. I will be a voice for our residents that is desperately needed. I'm not a politician, I am a resident, life long resident and will do what's right for our residents and our city.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Transparency and giving the residents a bigger voice in the decisions being made in the city. The residents need to be more informed and if I'm elected, I plan to do just that. Whether it's Facebook, emails or any other communications that residents want to keep them informed accurately and truthfully about the city ideas and functions. There needs to be more checks and balances. Council members need to represent their constituents, not themselves. The mayor appoints the city manager, clerk and treasurer. The council seems to flow with the mayor's agenda and appear to be rude and roll eyes at residents who express their concerns. That is one major problem why residents don't attend the meetings, they don't feel heard.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
I would like to see more family friendly spaces in the city. No more apartments, especially on flood plains. We need to make sterling heights a place where people want to visit, not just a drive thru city for people to pass through to get to other cities with more exciting things. Without lakeside mall, what does sterling heights really have to attract people to? We have beautiful parks but so does every other city.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
I am a lifelong sterling heights resident. I was raised along the Warren border and attended Warren consolidated schools. Therefore most of my involvement has been with the cities of Warren and Centerline. I am a lifetime Auxiliary member of the VFW post 6756 in Centerline and a past Auxiliary President. I am also cofounder of the Bob Brinker Memorial Veterans Foundation. I have hosted several fundraisers helping our Veterans, including homeless and in need Veterans. My father was a Vietnam vet and UAW Veterans chair for the gm tech center. Over the years we sent thousands of care packages to the troops overseas.
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Name
Michael V. Radtke Jr.
Education / Experience
B.A. in History and Political Science, University of Michigan; M.A. in International and World History, Columbia University; M.S. in International History and Intelligence Studies, London School of Economics; Proud Graduate of Warren Cousino High School / Sterling Heights Councilman 2017 - Present
Email
michael@voteradtke.com
Website
http://VoteRadtke.com
Phone
586-873-8427
Facebook
http://facebook.com/RadtkeForCouncil
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
As a member of the SH City Council since 2017, I am well versed in the city budget and strategic planning process. I understand how to move my policies forward in a contentious environment.
I have been instrumental in hiring 15 more police officers, 14 more firefighters, 2 social work case managers, and 5 additional code enforcement officers.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
o Hire More Police Officers: Sterling Heights still has 10 fewer police officers than before the Great Recession. I won’t stop fighting until our PD returns to full strength.
o Improve Pedestrian and Driver Safety by creating a plan to slow speeds, protect pedestrians and make our streets safer for all residents through roadway, walkability, and signalization improvements.
o Ensure Sterling Heights is a Welcoming Community for newcomers and long-term residents alike. Diversity is one of Sterling Heights’ great strengths. We need to build on this and ensure that our city government—including our police and fire departments—represent the diverse residents I see when I leave my home every day.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
My goal is that every neighborhood should have a local park within a 15 minute walk. To that end, I'm excited to implement the Pathway to Play and Preservation Millage which will plant 15,000 trees, fix sidewalks without special assessments, preserve green space, add 12 miles of trail, and build 2 new parks.
I was also excited to rewrite our city's Master Plan to encourage sustainable and pedestrian-friendly future development that protects our neighborhoods while also creating Sterling Heights' future downtown at what is now Lakeside Mall.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
As a resident of Sterling Heights for 28 years, I was proud to have created the city's CommUNITY Alliance, Youth Advisory Board, Sustainability Commission, and African-American Coalition so that everyone has a voice in our government.
I'm also a proud member of the Polish Century Club of Sterling Heights, and the Macomb County Elks. These social organizations are the backbone of our community and are very active in philanthropic efforts.
Biographical Information
Name
Jackie Ryan
Education / Experience
Accounting and Business Administration Degrees with Management emphasis
Email
ryanformacomb@gmail.com
Website
http://RyanForMacomb.com
Phone
586-274-4643
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Finance Accounting, Managerial Analysis, Community Volunteer, Election Chair Experience, Deputy Macomb County Clerk Office Experience Register of Deeds, Real Estate and Investment Experience, Community and Senior Debt Freedom, Budget Management
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Accountability and Transparency on Spending, Too high of taxes for Residents, Term Limits, Two way Communication for Residents, No more Debt for City, No high rise tiny houses. End Global Socialist Development mindset. Bring back Suburban Family City.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Suburban Family City Housing. Bring back Manufacturing Businesses and Jobs for Residents. Safe neighborhoods with Quality Services.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Long-time Community Volunteer Gleaners, Robotics, Homeschooling, Senior Care, Elections, Precinct Delegate,
Education on all levels
Biographical Information
Name
Maria G. Schmidt
Education / Experience
22 1/3 years as Sterling Heights City councilwomen, Bishop Foley Catholic High School, Southeast Oakland Vocational School, Oakland Community College
Email
mgswood35@aol.com
Phone
586-264-9242
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
First and foremost, I love my community and want to serve all the residents without any hidden agendas to keep Sterling Heights the best place to live. I have learned over my years on city council that you have to be able to listen to ALL sides of an issue and make the most informed decision that is in the best interest of all the residents. I have taken the time to educate myself on issues that come before us. There may be instances where you have to look at a bigger picture, than just your own personal one.
I have been very diligent to keep party politics out of this Non-partisan position and to serve with the utmost integrity.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Some issues Sterling Heights is facing is speed on our roads. I would like to see speed limits re-evaluated and possibly reduced on some roads. We need an increase in enforcement which has been addressed with administration. We need to continue to invest in our roads and infrastructure. Sterling Heights continues to have one of the lowest tax rates while providing top notch services such as Police, Fire and DPW which are all second to none. It is important to continue to be fiscally responsible, and transparent to the stakeholders of the city.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Because Sterling Heights is very limited on available sites for development, I believe we need to be very selective. Many residents moved to Sterling Heights to not be in an urban setting. I think it is important to take into consideration the impact on surrounding areas before approving new developments while respecting a landowner's right to develop their property. I believe high density isn't the answer to every development. The redevelopment of Lakeside Mall will bring significant changes which are very exciting, however will take time to see the completion, I think patience is imperative to developing that "city center" concept.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
I volunteer at various city events such as the Cultural Exchange, Sterlingfest, and reading with children at the library. I had been a member of the Sterling Heights High School Band booster executive board for 6 years ending in 2019. I have volunteered at many St. Malachy festival in the Polish kitchen cooking Pierogi, I volunteer for the Children's Tumor foundation of Michigan NF walks every year. I have volunteered for/participated with the National Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Society, AHA Heart Walk, Connect Macomb, and St. Jude Children's Hospital. I am a certified American Heart Association CPR instructor.
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
1. My background is that I am currently the Mayor Pro Tem of Sterling Heights City Council. I have been for 8 years-3 elections cycles and all my years serving as a City Council person. This title is awarded to the candidate who receives the most votes for the position in an election. I also was a Charter Commissioner in 2008, elected to write a new charter for the county of Macomb. This Charter was written within 6 months and presented to the voters in 2010, winning with voter approval. Another qualifier, is that I have been a nurse for 40 years, caring for individuals to meet their needs for a better life- I believe these areas of public service continue to give me great insight into the need of my residents.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
2. I believe safety is the primary concern of all of our residents. I am endorsed by both our Police and Fire Departments, and hold their funding and training in highest priority. Residents cannot enjoy anything in their lives if they do not feel safe. This would mean that our crime rates remain the lowest in the state for a city of our size! I am very proud that since I have been on council, we have been awarded the ‘Safest City In Michigan’ of our size. Once residents are safe, the greatest concern is to use public funds judiciously. We are just holders of the money we collect in taxes, and must not spend it wastefully, but thoughtfully to provide the best we can for all residents.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
3. I would like to see Lakeside Mall development get off the ground providing residential as well as business and retail opportunities. We need more housing, but areas for new neighborhoods are very limited. This means new housing needs to come in the form of condos and apartments. My goal is that the Lakeside Development will be the area we focus on to provide that needed housing, and save green spaces for other things.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
4. I have lived in Sterling Heights for 32 years in the same home. I have been involved at the community level with my church in the parish council, I am a cantor for masses, ran the children’s tent for our yearly fundraiser for 25 years, and have been a Director for the Bible school for over 20 years. At the school, I was director of Field day for 25 years, a volunteer education support person, as well as a substitute teacher. I also volunteer for and donate to Friends of Foster Kids, FAN and MCREST for many years. My community is so very important to me as I live work and enjoy life with all who share it with me!
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Name
Henry Yanez
Education / Experience
Education: I attended secondary education at Madison High School in Madison Heights, MI. I attended Macomb Community College and Oakland Community College graduating with Associate degress in Fire Science and General Studies. I was formerly a licensed Paramedic and received various certificates in fields relating to the fire service and emergency medicine. Experience: I have served on City Council since 2019. I served as State Representative from 2013 to 2018 representing the cities of Sterling Heights and Warren. Prior to my service an elected official, I worked for the city of Sterling Heights as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Email
hyanez57@gmail.com
Phone
586-321-3058
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
As a former city employee working for the fire department since 1995, I have a strong understanding of our city, its citizens, our neighborhoods, and the pride and passion people have for our city. As a former State and current local legislator, I understand the roles our legislators have and how to serve the people best.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
Property taxes, quality of our neighborhoods and parks, and, above all, public safety. As a city we need to look for ways to reduce the impact of buying/maintaining a home because property taxes are too high, make sure the tax dollars we receive are spent wisely so we have the funds to invest in maintaining our neighborhoods to keep property values high and we need to keep our city safe by making sure our police, fire and DPW departments are properly funded and our staffing levels meet the needs of our city.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
I would like to see quality housing projects that are affordable, especially for our aging population that is looking to downsize but wants to remain in our city. We must maintain our industrial corridor that helps fund our overall tax base, so any clean industrial or medical development would be ideal.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
When I worked for the Sterling Heights Fire Department I was involved in our charity that helped local citizens in need, I also volunteered for the Clinton River Watershed Council cleaning out our area drains and parks and as State Representative I worked with our local VFW on a business attire clothing drive to help veterans who were interviewing for work. I currently sit on the board for The Autism Society of Greater Detroit and the Sierra Club SE Michigan Group, and I volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Biographical Information
Name
Barbara A. Ziarko
Education / Experience
Associate Degree Macomb Community College Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper at St. Anne School/Parish and St. Blase Parish
Email
ziarkoba@comcast.net
Phone
586-291-8621
What is your background and how will it help you serve on the City Council?
I have been serving the residents of Sterling Heights since 2001. Working with administration and my colleagues I’ve helped move our city forward in a positive, safe and fiscally responsible manner. I’ve used my nonpartisan position to listen to all sides of an issue. From 2019-2023 I served on the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees and was the President of the Board from 2021-2023. This environment enabled me to share ideas with leaders from all over the State of Michigan. As past president I continue to be included in board events. This participation enables me to learn more about current concerns and possible solutions to issues that affect all local municipalities.
What do you think are the primary issues facing the city and how would you address them?
The primary issues facing the city would be lack of housing which limits population growth and new families able to find attainable housing. My hope would be to provide housing for the young adult on their own for the first time to senior living and all stages of adulthood in between.
What kinds of developments would you like to see in the city?
The first priority would be to maintain our existing developments. Voter approved mileages have given us a road map as to what residents want and are willing to pay to achieve. Recreation and preservation of open space are on our new list as are public safety, road maintenance and park improvements. Working with residents to accomplish what they want makes it easier to do my job. The revitalization of Lakeside Mall will be a huge project that will take years to complete. The vision of a sustainable neighborhood at the north end of the city would be desirable for another life style.
What previous community involvement have you had in this city or other places you have lived?
I have been a volunteer for both local and national charities ( MCREST, Pope Francis Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, American Polish Women’s Auxiliary)over my 48 years of residency in Michigan. I currently volunteer for the Friends of the Sterling Heights Library in the used book store.