Candidate Profile: Bob Constan, Dearborn Heights City Council

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — There are four open seats on Dearborn Height's City Council in November's general elections.

To help readers make informed choices, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Bob Constan is running for Dearborn Heights City Council. Here's how he filled out his profile.

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Age (as of Election Day)

62

Position Sought

Dearborn Heights City Council

Party Affiliation

non-partisan

Family

Lifelong Dearborn Heights Resident. Father of three children, all adults. Oldest Son John Constantakis recently graduated from the Michigan State University Medical School. John is completing his residency in neurology at the University of Wisconsin Medical Center.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My Father Clarence Constan who is also an Attorney was on the Dearborn Heights Charter Commission that wrote the first City Charter for Dearborn Heights.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Michigan. Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Occupation

Attorney and Counselor at Law. Attorney in private practice in the Law Office of Rock and Borgelt P.C. on Ford Road in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Currently a member of the Dearborn Heights City Council. Former 16th District State Representative.

Campaign website

BobConstanforCouncil.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for re-election to the Dearborn Heights City Council to continue to closely monitor and scrutinize the City's Budget and the spending by the new administration. This year the City of Dearborn Heights has plenty of cash on hand. The property values of the homes in the City have increased significantly. In addition, the City of Dearborn Heights is receiving over twenty five million dollars ($25,000,000.00)in additional money from the Federal Government for the City's share of the American Recovery Act. This additional money must be used to improve the roads and city infrastructure. The money must be invested wisely for needed capital improvements and infrastructure. Our sewer system must be upgraded to prevent the devastating basement flooding.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The City finances and the city budget. The city has a brand new mayor, city clerk, treasurer and all new department heads. The City Council needs someone with the education, experience and record of community service to do the job.

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

I have lived in the city of Dearborn heights call my life. I have the experience, education and record of community service necessary to serve as a productive member of the Dearborn Heights City Council and help the city to move forward during these volatile times.

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

There has been way too much political posturing and infighting in Dearborn Heights City Government. Eleven different lawsuits between the City Council and the Mayor have been filed. The City has wasted too much time and money on attorney fees and bickering.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The city of Dearborn Heights has done a good job addressing the challenges faced by the corona virus pandemic.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I have lived in the city of Dearborn heights call my life. I have the experience, education and record of community service necessary to serve as a productive member of the Dearborn Heights City Council and help the city to move forward during these volatile times.

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

I have a 100% perfect attendance and voting record while serving on the Dearborn Heights City Council, and while serving as the 16th District State Representative. I authored four (4) bills while serving as State Representative that were passed and signed into law, by both Democratic and Republican Governors, including the High Blood Alcohol Super Drunk Driving Bill.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To always listen to your constituents and work to save the taxpayers money.

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

I have the experience, education and record of community service that is needed now on the Dearborn Heights City Council.