Dulmage: 'Public 'Safety Is Always The Top Of The List'

DEARBORN, MI — Tuesday’s primary election is an important one in Dearborn. Voters will be asked to select single candidates for mayor and clerk to run in November’s general election. Likewise, more than a dozen candidates are vying for seven seats on city council.

Patch recently sent questions to the candidates. The idea is for the candidates to introduce themselves and their ideas to voters. We will start our coverage off on Friday with a look at three city council candidates. More candidates will follow on Sunday and Monday.

What follows is a verbatim transcript of the questions and answers from candidate Sharon Dulmage, who is seeking a city council slot:

Please provide basic biographical information.
I am the only candidate who is not an incumbent who has experience in serving in an elected position and working with 6 others to run a large school district and college. I served as trustee of Dearborn Schools and Henry Ford College for 22 years. I was always a member of the finance committee and served as Treasurer for 3 terms. The combined budget of the district and college far exceeds that of the city. I have vast experience working with your tax dollars, grants and federal funds. During my tenure the district had great fluctuations in growth and in funding much like what we have seen in the city but were able to work together to provide services without having a huge impact on the students. I have been active in many school, community and service clubs for many years and was recognized for my service and leadership in the community by the YWCA, Henry Ford College and the council of service clubs. I remain active in service clubs, education foundation and the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Why are you running for City Council?
I am running for a seat on the city council because I know I can make a difference. I understand public funding, grants, state and federal mandates and I have worked with numerous bargaining units. I have a proven track record of leadership and being open, honest, transparent and being able to make tough decisions. I have a proven track record of being fair, listening to the community and responding to the community. In the 22 years I served as trustee I returned every email and call even when I knew our opinions differed. I am hard working and well known for being able to ask the hard questions and getting results. I am very process oriented and like to review operations and continuously make improvements in order to operate in the most efficient manner possible. On the softer side, I am a nurse who has worked with senior citizens for 32 years and I work hospice on a contingent basis. I always put people first. I think that is the nurse in me.

What are your top priorities for your term if you win?
Public safety is always the top of the list. It is what attracts people to our city. City services, recreational opportunities and clean neighborhoods is how we attract new people and keep the ones we have. Having said that there must be fair, consistent and equal enforcement of ordinances for all including rental properties, First we must educate the residents on how to maintain property then enforce ordinances if not done. I have a plan to do just that without there being a cost to the city. I understand that more enforcement officers may be needed and we definitely need to continue training the ones we have but aside from that I do have a plan to educate the residents and those new to our city.