Dearborn City Council Candidate Vows to Increase Transparency

Office sought: Dearborn City Council

Occupation: Law Clerk

Education: J.D., Wayne State Law School (2013); M.S., Integrated Marketing Communication, Eastern Michigan University (2009); B.S. Electronic Media and Film, Eastern Michigan University (2007).

Family: I am engaged to Phil Mattern, and we are looking forward to our wedding next year. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and am the second oldest of six children. I did not grow up in Dearborn, which this provides me with the unique perspective to understand what it takes for young professionals to choose to live in Dearborn and commit to our great city.

Previous elected office: None

Current public service: My most recent service activities include: Save Our Small Pools, Dearborn Residents for Accountability, and the Dearborn Democratic Club. During law school, I also worked with a free legal aid clinic, the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and supported various local organizations.

What are two key issues in Dearborn?

Two key issues in Dearborn are communication and the budget. Every year, the Dearborn City Council is responsible to consider and approve the budget. I have worked to educate residents on the budget process and increase communication so that residents are more involved and their opinions are heard about how services/needs should be prioritized. Communication is needed on this important process, along with the other actions city council take, to ensure greater transparency and involvement on behalf of the Dearborn residents.

How will you address these issues?

I have worked to bring Dearborn resident's voices to the table at the budget process, along with on the City Hall issue, pools, and other important resident concerns. As a City Councilmember, I intend to increase communication by being proactive in educating myself on issues, then reaching out to residents about them in advance. This will allow residents to be a part of the process (budgetary and otherwise) to ensure we are making the best decisions for all of Dearborn. Please visit my blog at www.kristyn4council.wordpress.com to read more and to share your thoughts. 

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