Candidate Profile: Michael T. Sareini, Dearborn City Council

DEARBORN, MI — There are seven open seats for Dearborn 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.

Michael T. Sareini is running for Dearborn City Council. Here's how he filled out his profile:

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Age (as of Election Day)

49

Position Sought

Dearborn City Council

Family

Married, Father of 5

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mother, Suzanne Sareini, served on the Dearborn City Council for 24 years. My brother, Sam T. Sareini, currently serves in U.S. Navy as Commander -USS NITZE DDG 94

Education

Juris Doctor, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Occupation

Attorney -8 years. Ford Automotive Sales Consultant - 26 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Dearborn City Council

Campaign website

councilmansareini.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

It is an exciting time in Dearborn, with many changes ahead. Dearborn needs leadership that will step up and lead the way. Leadership that won't govern passively, but will be active allowing Dearborn to move into the future, better, stronger, and more prepared for what lies ahead. Although I have been able to achieve substantial changes, I have more to give and I know there is more I can do to help improve our city. I have worked tirelessly to ensure greater accountability and transparency in our city government. As your Councilman, I’ve never backed away from asking the tough questions on behalf of our residents. Running for another term to serve our city, I want to make my visions for this next term clear. My vision includes tackling the issues that matter to you the most; lowering property taxes, investing to improve our city infrastructure, and empowering our police department to handle the surge in crime and reckless driving. I take my responsibilities on council seriously, spending long hours at meetings, study sessions, and with residents listening to their concerns. If re-elected, I vow to continue my passionate service and commitment to the betterment of this city, with responsible, thoughtful leadership, at the forefront.

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

Knocking doors throughout the city I’ve heard from residents firsthand about issues that have impacted them most. Our city’s infrastructure is a problem, as our city continues to grow so too does the need for updates. Investing in retention basins, ensuring green space for water absorption, and utilizing the latest technologies available when rebuilding our roads are critical to solving this problem. Three years ago, when homes flooded, I was the first to call on the city to take this issue seriously and demanded an independent investigation. Now, with an investigation finally underway, I’m committed to delivering solutions for residents.

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

I never shy away from the tough issues. I have been very clear on all issues before council. I do not waver in my opinion and I believe that I have offered valuable insight that helps the entire council body. For example I was the only council person in 2014 and in 2018 to call for an independent inspection of our sewer system. I was unable to get support of my colleagues at that time. In the 2018 meeting I specifically told the engineering department I did not agree with thier assessment of the sewers and did not believe that we were going in the right direction. I am a passionate leader, I love our city and I believe we can do better.

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

I believe we performed very well, we did not wait on working with our state and federal government. Our police chief was in the forefront and was able to secure one of the first rapid testing machines in our region. I also was the council member that requested hazardous pay for our police and firefighters that were out there on the front lines during this unprecedented pandemic. We also were able to secure many grants and funding sources to help our residents. I do believe we could have done a better job of streamlining the processes making it easier for our residents to take advantage of those resources.

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

My 25+ years of sales experience has taught me the people skills necessary to get the job done and my Law degree affords me the knowledge necessary to make critical decisions. As an attorney I have used my legal experience to help reduce our outside legal cost. I also have an able to institute policies that protect our citizens from frivolous lawsuits. My business experience has allowed me to look at things in the bigger picture and bring forth solid policies that have helped the council. One example is that previously the administration would provide Council with an agenda item to approve without indicating where the funding was coming from, we wouldn't know if it was budgeted for or coming from the reserves. This is like writing checks out of your checkbook without knowing your balance in your account. I voiced my concern and that policy/procedure was changed. I am very proud that every item now indicates the funding source so that we can make a better decision on approving the item. This is just one of many changes that I have pushed forward.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One of the best pieces of advice shared with me came from my mother, long time Councilwoman Suzanne Sareini, it was to be humble. She explained to me that when you are sitting on council with a constituent before you, put yourself in their shoes make sure that you see their point of view. Be sure that although it might not be important to you, it is extremely important to that person, that is why they are there in front of you.

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

I am a lifelong Dearborn resident. I am very passionate person and believe that I have obligation to do the job that is why I always have taken my job seriously. It is an honor to serve. I come from a family of service, my mother served Dearborn for 24 years on council. Growing up I watched as people would come to our home to ask her questions and ask for help. I knew that helping those that could not help themselves, was the right thing to do. My family has always believed that working in service for others is the greatest thing you can do. My younger brother took this to heart early on in life and joined the Navy at the age of 18. I am very proud to say that this year I traveled with my family to Virginia and witnessed him become the Commander of the USS Nitz a navy destroyer with nearly 600 sailors under his command.