Candidate Profile: Lisa Hicks-Clayton,Dearborn Hts. City Treasure

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — Voters in Dearborn Heights will vote for their city's Treasure 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.

Lisa Hicks-Clayton is running against Bob Constan for Dearborn Hts. City Treasure. Here's how she filled out her profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

56

Position Sought

Dearborn Heights City Treasure

Party Affiliation

nonpartisan position

Family

Damon Clayton (son-deceased), Devinn Clayton (daughter) and Marissa Zamesnik (daughter)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

University of Florida- Gainesville, Middle Tennessee State University, Southern Illinois University, Schoolcraft College, Monterrey Community College

Occupation

Early Childhood Education- teacher & administrator (23 years). Dearborn Heights City Council member (2012-2020), Dearborn Heights Treasurer (2020-current), Political Organizer (2012-current)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Council member (2012-2020) and Treasurer (2020-current)

Campaign website

n/a

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking re-election as the City of Dearborn Heights Treasurer. Since being elected in 2020, the Treasurer's office has increased communications and transparency for all public records of city funds and use of the citizen's tax dollars. In addition, have instituted regular reporting and budget compliance with all elected officials. Preparing to launch a new payment platform, which is user friendly, safe and efficient for our residents. Options will include bill payment reminders, emailed and text receipts, online, app and kiosk payment centers throughout the City of Dearborn Heights. In addition, have streamlined daily operations in the Treasurer's office, saving taxpayers' funds while offering a high quality service by trained and professional staff.

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

The City of Dearborn Heights is facing changes in leadership and must embrace community partnerships, while offering improved services to our residents. This includes the flood mitigation for the Ecorse Creek, snow removal service, police and fire protection services. Partnerships with all levels of governments, federal, state, county and local is imperative. In addition, with the ARPA funds, local government leaders must engage and survey local needs. This includes input from our residents.

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

I am very fortunate to be running unopposed. I am grateful to our residents and I am honored to serve our community.

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

n/a

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

As Treasurer, our office ensured we were available to our customers. We opened our office is a safe manner, following CDC guidelines. In addition, our office offered multiple resources to assist our families during the unprecedented and difficult times, including information on mortgage and rent assistance, food and utility assistance, and more. We worked with Wayne County Treasurer's office to keep families in their homes and apply for foreclosure prevention programs. The City of Dearborn Heights Treasurer's office partnered with non-profit organizations offering resources fairs and town halls, keeping families informed of available resources.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Communication, safeguarding the public funds and offering services that exceed expectations.

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

Since being elected in 2020, the Treasurer's office has increased communications and transparency for all public records of city funds and use of the citizen's tax dollars. In addition, have instituted regular reporting and budget compliance with all elected officials. Preparing to launch a new payment platform, which is user friendly, safe and efficient for our residents. Options will include bill payment reminders, emailed and text receipts, online, app and kiosk payment centers throughout the City of Dearborn Heights. In addition, have streamlined daily operations in the Treasurer's office, saving taxpayers' funds while offering a high quality service by trained and professional staff.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be known for your work ethic. Be a person of your word. Do what you say you are going to do and do it when you say you are.

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

I am always available to our residents and business owners. I love our community!