By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – Incumbent City Treasurer Lisa Hicks-Clayton is being challenged by interim city Comptroller Mahdi Baydoun in the Nov. 4 election.
Both candidates were asked to provide their qualifications and their priorities if elected. Their answers are provided below, in alphabetical order by last name.
Mahdi Baydoun
Interim Comptroller
People should vote for me because my experience in finance and accounting, which, along with my government experience, has given me the tools to be successful if elected as the city treasurer.
I am very dedicated to my job as interim comptroller for the city, and want to continue serving the city in the most impactful way possible. I bring a forward-thinking mindset to the table, always finding ways to improve the operations within the city, and using taxpayer money in the most efficient and effective way. I hope that I will be elected and get the opportunity to serve the community in the capacity of treasurer.
I have two top priorities if elected. My first priority is to reduce the city’s reliance on Plante Moran, which is currently assisting with its financial management. Plante Moran is very expensive, and I believe that the processes and procedures I wish to implement would greatly reduce the need for Plante Moran.
My other priority is implementing new systems and procedures to make our financial operations more robust and resilient to changes, such as turnover and new directors. A great financial operation includes items such as risk mitigation, succession planning and cross-training. These items combined prevent issues the city is currently facing, and will ensure a smoother and more successful operation.
Lisa Hicks-Clayton
City Treasurer
I am seeking a third term as city treasurer, having first been elected in November 2020. I served as a city council member for nine years. I also served the city of Dearborn Heights in other capacities, including the City Beautiful Commission, Commission on Aging and the Commission on Disability Concerns. I am committed to serving our residents and the community.
I am a Michigan Certified Public Treasurer, Advanced Certified Public Finance Investment Manager and Certified Public Finance Administrator. I am a member of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association, Michigan Government Finance Officers Association, and the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States & Canada.
I serve on the Michigan Municipal League finance committee. I am the president of the Wayne County Treasurers Association and a mentor for MGFOA.
I have brought innovative and flexible tax payment plans to the taxpayers, including partial payments, pay as you go, and ACH-Auto Pay Tax. I have written most of the policies and procedures for the city of Dearborn Heights Treasurer’s office. In addition, the Treasurer’s office has developed a focus on customer service, meeting and exceeding customer expectations. We have streamlined daily operations and systems for efficiency and to better serve our customers.
As treasurer, I have focused on staff training and professional development. All staff have certified cash handling and completed a national program for customer service. This remains a priority. The treasurer’s office will keep streamlining processes and using technology to enhance service and efficiency. Our focus is on accuracy.
I will continue to offer constituent office hours in the community, personal appointments, informational livestreams, e-newsletters, and resident assistance days featuring wrap-around services such as water bill assistance, housing assistance and tax assistance payment plans.
The treasurer’s office has an online presence including social media and a website with a plethora of information.