Shake It Up Warren

Frank Fiorello writer for Detroit Rock City Promotions, LLC and Roxy Roll Drive World Wide.

The people of Warren Michigan have spoken, the results are in and it’s a mixed bag. One thing for certain is the citizens of Michigan's third largest city have had enough with Jim Fouts and his cronies.

George Dimas lost his bid for the job of Warren’s next mayor, that seat will go to Rep. Lori Stone. No matter who your humble correspondent endorsed or supported, I hope Rep. Stone rolls up her sleeves and gets her hands dirty making the future of our city a brighter place.

I was disappointed to see Garry Watts lose his seat. Mr. Watts has been instrumental in weeding out the wrong doings of Fouts and his regime. I feel we need more watchdogs like Garry to keep politicians honest. District 4 will see Gary Boike take over, will he be as watchful of spending and speak out against corruption? We shall see, as I am always willing to give the benefit of the doubt.

Sonja Buffa retains her position as clerk which is disappointing, as I was looking forward to Mai Xiong to bring a fresh new perspective and energy to the table.

The two council at large seats were split in my opinion. Glad to see Angela Rogensues returning. Angela has evolved, found her voice and I look forward to seeing what she does this next term.

Dave Dwyer is a well known mover in the political scene and we all had to guess he would be hard to beat. He has many years of experience that he brings to the table. Not always a good thing in politics, though I have always been an optimist.

In district 1 Melody Magee has made history becoming the first African American woman to win a council seat. Not that it is important to me, I again look at individuals, not parties, race, ethnicity or gender. I wish her luck and hope for her success. She is tough and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the city of Warren.

District 2 goes to John Lafferty. His reputation is that of honesty and doing what he says. He is a man of his word according to all those that know him. I do not know the man, but those I know that know him do speak very highly of his integrity.

Mindy Moore will be at the council for district 3 and that is fantastic news as far as I am concerned. Moore has much more to get done and the city is better off in my opinion with Mindy.

As for district 5 we have Henry Newnan and I have spoken with him about the south end of warren which he promises not to forget. That is important to me, as the old saying goes “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” We build up the poorest areas the whole city prospers.

Lorie Barnwell was a sure bet for Treasurer. So the Fouts era is finally coming to an end. There are those that still have their fingers in the pie. So long as our new blood keeps doing good for the people of Warren it won’t be long till we loosen the last of their grip on Warren.

So, I congratulate our new leaders and wait to see the change they usher in. Because we all want the same things at the end of the day. A beautiful city full of safe business, restaurants, shopping and parks. Events for couples and families to enjoy.

With all that said one of the biggest challenges for Warren will be fixing the dismal situation of voter turnout. Those that are convinced their vote don’t count, you’re correct. Because no vote counts for nothing. When the republic has leadership that is democratically elected, it’s a participatory process. Thanks for all the complaints while sitting on your lazy behind and doing absolutely nothing.

The citizens of Warren have to do better, 20.51 percent voter turnout is just not acceptable. It’s disappointing, disturbing, and just plain ridiculous. The 79 percent cry loudest as they sit idle and allow their right to vote to be lost.