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Erin Byrnes is running for Dearborn City Council.
Dylan Siwicki, Patch Staff
Dylan Siwicki, Patch Staff
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.
Erin Byrnes is running for Dearborn City Council. Here's how she filled out her profile:
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Age (as of Election Day)
Find out what's happening in Dearbornwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
36
Position Sought
Dearborn City Council
Party Affiliation
This is a non-partisan race.
Family
My parents and my sister and her family live in Dearborn where we were raised.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.
Education
Master of Science in Education, City University of New York; Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan-Dearborn; High School Diploma, St. Alphonsus.
Occupation
Educator at the University of Michigan, ten years.
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Dearborn City Council Member since 2018.
Campaign website
Why are you seeking elective office?
I am running for re-election to City Council to build a Dearborn that works for and welcomes everyone.
I want our city to be a place people are proud to call home, and that means investing in city services, public safety and our neighborhoods. Dearborn faces numerous challenges including upgrading our infrastructure, promoting economic development and enhancing our public and mental health resources. I am committed to finding solutions to our most pressing issues, and have a track record of being responsive to residents and working with others to get things done for Dearborn.
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The most pressing issue facing Dearborn is the intersection of public health and public
safety.
Investments in our infrastructure are key, and will keep residents safe and healthy as we investigate ways to enhance our sewer system while updating Dearborn’s climate action plan to account for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for greater public health education and direct services throughout our city, and Dearborn must be prepared to offer on-going support in this area. Air quality is another key public health and safety issue and during my first term, I supported an ordinance to address pollution that disproportionately impacts our South End neighborhood. Residents who are routinely exposed to fugitive dust and other pollutants not only have their physical health put at risk, but have also been forced to leave their homes when incidents occur at nearby industrial facilities that require emergency response.
Traffic safety and enforcement is another key piece of this puzzle and I will continue to work with the Dearborn Police Department to provide resources for officers in neighborhoods and on our major roads. Education around safe driving and enforcement for people who are speeding and blowing through stop signs and red lights must be top of mind.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I am an educator and I bring a community engagement approach to the work I do on Council. Regularly assessing the needs of our residents and the common goals we have for our city allows me to take action in meaningful ways. While I grew up in Dearborn, I began my teaching career in New York City where I served as a middle school special education teacher. Having lived in one of the biggest cities in the world, I brought a unique perspective home with me that I apply to my work on Council where transportation and economic development are concerned.
As a Council member, I am motivated by data and by the lived experiences of the people of Dearborn. I am forward-thinking and work to build a Dearborn that will work for us now and into the future.
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?
Dearborn hosted a vaccination center that served our residents and people in neighboring cities, administering 65,000 doses of the vaccine within a matter of months. As a Council member, I was proud to provide funding for this initiative and to volunteer at the center.
The city's response to COVID-19 also included digital outreach via social media platforms and the city's website, along with town halls hosted by Council members with medical experts as guests.
Knowing what I know now, I would have mobilized our team more quickly and worked with residents and local business owners to ensure consistency and understanding of safety protocols.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
As a candidate for re-election to City Council, I am committed to addressing climate change and mitigating its impacts. Dearborn must dedicate more green space to absorb rainwater and invest in solar and wind power. Tree canopies will protect us from heat and produce cleaner air, and the city can also invest in more electric vehicle charging stations to send a strong message about reducing emissions from transportation.
Economic development will bolster our business districts, making Dearborn a more vibrant, walkable city. This will also provide tax dollars for the city to incorporate into the budget and provide greater services to residents, while reducing the burden on homeowners which is something I am committed to addressing.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In 2015, I completed the Michigan Political Leadership Program through MSU. During the ten-month program, I worked with people from across our state and across the political spectrum to analyze our most pressing issues. As a Council member, I have taken what I learned from the program and applied it to my work with people from a variety of backgrounds to do what is best for the people of Dearborn.
During my first term on City Council, I have looked to the future while working to maintain the services and amenities that have always made Dearborn a wonderful place to live. I have proven that I can make difficult decisions while giving everyone a fair chance to be heard. I never shy away from a challenge, and am prepared to work hard every day for the betterment of our city.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
The best advice I've received is to ask questions before making statements. When you take the time to gain an understanding of where another person is coming from and why, everyone in the conversation is better off.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
The people of Dearborn can count on me to be accessible and responsive and to put in the work needed to move our city forward. I am committed to Dearborn and every person in every neighborhood across our city. A vote for me is a vote for our environment, greater economic development and investments in our city services and public safety.
It has been my honor to serve you over the last four years, and I hope to earn your vote on November 2nd!
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