Sardis, Lontai Make Bid for Township Committee

After a write-in bid to gain a Republican nomination for the Township Committee in the June primary, Tony Sardis is joining with Warren Middle School nurse Lisa Lontai in a renewed effort to win a committee seat, according to a press release issued by a campaign group supporting the pair.

They will challenge GOP nominees George Lazo and Michael Marion. Sardis' name will appear on ballots as an indepenent candidate, while Lontai will be listed as a Democratic candidate.

The release said "Their candidacy provides voters with a solid and experienced alternative to the one-party system that has ruled Warren for years."

“Tony and Lisa love Warren and are passionate about what’s possible for the community,” the press release continued. “We need to get property taxes under control, build our collective sense of community and restore integrity to an entrenched government that has shaken the public trust with a series of costly missteps.

“This is going to be a grassroots effort to reconnect Municipal Hall to the People we serve. We are going to begin by reaching out to every community organization and every household of Warren. We intend to do more listening than talking.”

Sardis is described as an independent Republican and Lontai is "a Blue Dog Democrat," the campaign said, noting "there are no truly partisan issues in local government."

Sardis served on the Warren Township Board of Education from 2008-2011, during which time the press release said he "built a clear record based on community values and fiscal responsibility." He is married with four children and is broadly involved in community activities.

Lontai, also married with four children, also serves as safety coordinator for youth sports and volunteers at local community shelters.

Editor's note: This article was edited to correct earlier reporting that Sardis and Lontai would not be listed on ballots.