Candidate Profile: Denise Malinowski Maxwell, Dearborn Heights City Council

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — Denise Malinowski Maxwell is running for a seat on the Dearborn Heights City Council. Here's how she filled out her candidate profile:

Name

Denise Malinowski Maxwell

Age

N/A

City or town of residence

Dearborn Heights

Office sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Non partisan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Crestwood high school, Henry Ford Community College alumni, Madonna University graduate

Occupation

Retired AT&T, Real Estate agent 20 years- retired, Dearborn Heights City Council Chairwoman 4 years

Campaign Website

Denise Malinowski Maxwell For Dearborn Heights City Council. (Facebook)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Dearborn Heights City Council Chairwoman 2017-2021

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Our lack of police protection. We have lost a lot of good officers. We need to give them the pay and respect they deserve. We need to make more changes to attract new officers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe I am the only candidate born and raised in Dearborn Heights. I attended K-12 in the Crestwood School district. As a lifelong resident I have experienced many changes. Some have been positive in making our city better. Lately there have been many poor choices that have greatly hurt our city. I Love my city that’s why I decided to run again. I know I can make a difference.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

No responses yet for this question.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

We need to do something with the Ecorse Creek flooding. Too many residents have been under water for years. I have had family members live by the creek for years. The clean up is a nightmare. I personally have experienced this myself. It’s time to stop talking and start fixing it. Actions speak louder than words. It’s time we stop speaking and just do something.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As former Council Chairwoman I have the experience and knowledge on the role of city council and how it operates. I personally have approved several balanced and successful budgets. I have a proven track record of following the Charter and doing what is in the best interest for my residents.

Why should voters trust you?

As a lifelong resident I have done a lot of volunteer work in my community. I started at the age of 5 and still continue to help in my community any way I can. A lot of residents got to know me and trust me long before I was on city council. As Council Chair I made sure we followed our Charter. Whatever decision I made it was in the best interest of my residents.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I will do whatever it takes to fill the vacant police officer positions. Safety is my number one concern for the residents. Trash collection is another issue. We need to communicate with the current company to make sure our needs are met. If they can’t correct the issues we need to possibly look for other options.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I feel it is not being done properly. As former Council Chairwoman I coordinated and scheduled budget meetings for years. I understand the process. Currently there is a lot of flaws in our budget and I’m disappointed to see the Charter not being followed. I am worried our city will end up in receivership.

Do you support Michigan's new gun control legislation, including expanding background checks, safe storage laws and red flags?

No responses yet for this question.

Do you support Black Lives Matter, and do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

No responses yet for this question.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Due to the lack of police officers there has been an increase in crime. We have lost over 30 police officers recently and have had difficulty finding new police officer willing to work in our city. Traffic violations seem to be a major issue. People are not stopping for red lights or stop signs. There has been a lot of tragic accidents because of this.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

No responses yet for this question.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this hap

No responses yet for this question.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what is best for the residents and you can never go wrong!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a lifelong resident I’m passionate about the success of our city. I have been a volunteer for years. Meals on wheels, Ecorse Creek clean up for many years, St Francis D’Assisi, PLAV, charity golf outings and many more. I am a lifetime member of VFW and Stitt American Legion. I have three children and I just had my first grandchild this past May. Being retired gives me the time and energy to do whatever is necessary for our city.