By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – Voters will select seven of eight candidates on the ballot Nov. 2 to represent them on the city’s next city council, with seven incumbents running and one new challenger.
Adriene Price is seeking a city council seat in his first run. Current council members seeking to return to the council are Victoria Araj, Priscilla Ayres-Reiss, Edward J. Gawlik Jr., Karen George, Christian Graziani, Zoey Kuspa and Phillip Rauch.
Araj, Ayres-Reiss and Gawlik were appointed to fill vacancies, while George, Graziani and Kuspa were elected to their first term in the last council election.
Rauch, who has served on the council for 18 years, hopes to serve one more time before he is term-limited.
Candidates were asked to introduce themselves and explain their priorities if elected.
Victoria Araj
As a lifelong Southgate resident, I bring a fresh, informed perspective to the table. Since my appointment to city council last year, I’ve worked hard to ask the right questions, seek practical solutions and ensure residents’ voices are heard. I’m running for my first full four-year term to continue building on that progress and strengthen the community we all care about.
My background has uniquely prepared me to serve effectively. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in political science from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan.
I’m the only candidate with experience at every level of government, having interned for U.S. Rep. John Dingell in Washington, D.C., and worked in his Dearborn office, and as Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s first communications intern in Lansing. This combination of federal, state, and local experience gives me a broad understanding of how policy and public service connect to everyday life.
In my career as a senior director and managing editor in the mortgage industry, I specialized in breaking down complex information so it’s clear and actionable, an approach I bring to city government.
I’m honored to be endorsed by the UAW, AFSCME, the Metro-Detroit AFL-CIO, state Sen. Darrin Camilleri, state Rep. Donavan McKinney and Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa.
As a city council member, I’ve been able to observe needs, listen to residents and think about the present and future of our city. As a solution-focused person, I have four broad priorities.
Public safety can be enhanced by investing in Southgate’s fire, police, and EMS through hiring, training and technology upgrades to ensure we attract and retain first responders.
Economic growth will be supported by welcoming new business owners, supporting existing businesses and working with the city and developers to proactively contact and attract diverse services that enhance the quality of life for all Southgate residents.
Infrastructure investment, through wisely spending tax dollars, will
enhance roads, water mains, transportation, schools, parks and city services.
I will help increase city side community engagement. As a busy professional, I understand how easy it is to go to work, come home and repeat, missing out on engagement with the broader community. I will encourage more resident participation in city events through social media outreach. Attending a city council meeting, enjoying a concert at Market Center Park, participating in the tree lighting or volunteering to read at the library are just a few ways everyone can feel more connected and invested in the city we call home.
Priscilla Ayres-Reiss
I’m a proud wife, mother, grandmother and mom to a fur baby. I’m currently serving as the president of the Southgate Rotary Club. I continuously volunteer among various organizations, which I attribute to my unwavering concern for others and to be someone who has a vast connection to my fellow neighbor.
I will continue to demonstrate that I’m not just a part of council but also a collaborator, advocate and voice that is dedicated to seeing us thrive and elevate as a community and city. I’ve met with many residents regarding issues within their neighborhood and brought them to the administration for resolution. I value a shared partnership with our residents.
I have a propensity to fulfill a role where I’m helping and being of service and it is ingrained and welcomed as part of who I am.
I’m truly independent and not swayed by family or personal relationships within our local government. I will maintain the utmost integrity, which is proven by my communication and voting record. I’m not apprehensive about confronting perceived favoritism, associations or preferentialism.
As a resident of almost 30 years, I’ve shown that you don’t have to be born and raised here to be a proud resident who is genuine and wants to provide the best environment for families and visitors.
My top priorities are to continue to ensure that our public safety departments are equipped with the tools needed to help keep the community safe, as well as themselves.
I will encourage shared information among all members of the city council to show that we’re not a stand-alone entity, but seven members that are here to serve as a team with varying insights, who know how to collaborate effectively.
A key priority for me is working within our administration to have all of the data at the same time so as we can continue to make cohesive and well-informed decisions, thereby ensuring effective governance and service delivery.
Bringing together owners of vacant business buildings and potential business creators to minimize blight and maximize available space is also important to me.
We need improved awareness of incoming businesses, with timelines of where owners are in the process, by making this information available in a timely manner.
Budget oversight duties are also a priority, ensuring that allocated funds are used wisely and taxpayer funds are expended commendably on services like street and sidewalk maintenance, public parks and emergency services.
As a liaison to the Planning Commission, we’re drafting a master plan that will drive our overall strategic planning, which will allow the city council to think ahead and make decisions that will benefit the community in the years to come, such as developing long-term infrastructure projects or setting environmental policies. These plans should reflect a commitment to community engagement and the importance of local governance in shaping the future of the community.
Edward J. Gawlik Jr.
I was appointed by the city council in February 2024 to fill out the last two years of a term due to a council member’s resignation, and am one of eight candidates running in November for the seven available city council seats.
My family has resided in Southgate for more than 35 years, and we have been actively involved with the Southgate school system and city government. I am a past president of the Southgate Band Boosters, past president of the Southgate School Board and past chairman of the Southgate planning commission.
The leadership skills I developed working with these organizations have shaped my decision-making approach while serving as a city councilmember. I believe in examining all of the facts and data available and making decisions in the best interest of the residents while maintaining a balanced budget.
I chose to run for council to continue supporting the transparency and outstanding working relationship that the council has with the city administration. I have always supported city and school millages to improve our infrastructure, update police and fire equipment and technology, and continue our senior and recreation programs.
My top priority will always be balancing the city budget. By attending budget workshops and working with the city administrators to develop a strategy for employee contracts and capital improvements, I can be comfortable that the balanced budgets we have approved are aligned with the residents’ needs.
Other priorities include continued improvements to our streets, sewers and water system, implementation of the city’s 5-year master plan for the recreation department, including the all-inclusive miracle field project, continued support for and improvements to the senior center, continued investment in equipment, technology and staffing for the police and fire departments, and completion of Tower Center Park.
As we move forward together in this unpredictable economy, it is imperative that the elected officials and city administration continue to work together as we budget the residents’ tax dollars. By collaborating with other government agencies, private businesses and non-profit organizations, as we have in the past, we can supplement our resources to meet our residents’ needs.
I am proud to serve our community and hope I have earned the trust of the residents of Southgate.
Karen E. George
I have been honored to serve as an independent voice on the city council. During my years in office, I have been dedicated and transparent. I have served every role, including city council president and as a liaison to almost every commission and board, and was the governor’s appointment to the Southgate Advisory Council.
I am a graduate of Wayne State University with a master’s degree (and doctoral studies) in public affairs and criminal justice. I am a retired Wayne State University adjunct professor and have worked for many community action agencies in the Downriver area.
My experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges our city faces. I believe local government works best when it listens to the people it serves. That’s why I will continue to remain accessible, responsive and committed to finding common-sense solutions that put residents first. I will continue to support infrastructure improvements, public safety, local businesses and make sure our tax dollars are used wisely.
As I seek re-election, my focus remains on keeping our community safe, vibrant and financially strong. My priorities continue to be rooted in the needs of Southgate’s residents.
I support fully staffed fire, police and public works departments. I will continue to advocate for competitive recruitment and retention programs so our first responders have the personnel, training and resources they need to continue to serve our community with excellence.
I support senior and youth programs. Strong communities invest in every generation. By investing in both we strengthen the very heart of our city.
I support fiscal responsibility by securing grants and outside funding to benefit the city and local businesses. Despite a loss of revenue, by working together the mayor and city council were able to maintain a balanced budget through concessions and a number of innovative actions. No city employees were laid off. I will continue to carefully analyze every warrant before any tax dollars are spent.
Finally, I will continue to support enforcing our ordinances to keep our city clean, safe and rodent free.
Working together we can continue to build a strong, safe and connected community.
Christian Graziani
I am a current city council member who was initially elected in 2021. I am also an experienced attorney and am knowledgeable about the law as it relates to the city. I initially decided to run for our city council because of a desire to be heavily involved within our community, to improve the quality of life for all residents and to continue to move the city in a positive direction. That desire remains the same today.
I also think it is more important than ever that we have city councilmembers who can sincerely make independent and informed decisions. This is what further inspired my choice to run for re-election. As a lifelong resident, I want to continue to contribute to our city’s progress and ensure that realistic checks and balances are enforced upon our administration.
My top priorities include supporting public safety, focusing on re-development and serving as an effective liaison between the city and its residents.
When it comes to public safety, we need to ensure that our departments are fully staffed and that we are attracting the best-of-the-best. We have done a solid job already, but I would like to ensure that we continue to do so.
While we have made significant progress with the redevelopment of abandoned buildings, we need to continue our efforts. There is still vacant property within the city that needs to be filled. We can also rezone underutilized areas to create more attractive housing opportunities as opposed to the development of storage facilities that go out of business within a year, or blighted motels.
I believe that I do a great job of responding to resident complaints in a timely fashion and have worked well with the administration to resolve those complaints as well. Quality service to residents is a big part of the job as a city councilmember. If re-elected, I will continue to resolve resident complaints effectively and work with the administration to do so in a timely fashion.
Zoey Kuspa
I am honored to currently serve as the president of the Southgate city council. Since being elected in 2021, I have worked hard alongside my colleagues, the administration and our dedicated city staff to move Southgate forward through responsible decision-making, community engagement and a shared vision for progress.
My passion for this city runs deep. I’ve been an active resident volunteer since the age of nine, serving in local programs and initiatives that bring people together and strengthen our community.
I am running for re-election because I want to continue the great progress we’ve made under the current administration. Together, we have improved city services, seen local businesses grow, enhanced our parks and public spaces and ensured Southgate remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant place for all residents.
My goal is to keep building on that foundation by focusing on fiscal responsibility, neighborhood improvement and opportunities that make Southgate a place where families and businesses can thrive. Southgate has always been my home, and I am dedicated to making it the best it can be for everyone who also calls it home.
When I first ran for the city council in 2021, I laid out five clear priorities: public safety, technology, quality of life, ordinance education and enforcement, and generational involvement, and I’m proud to say I’ve delivered on each of them. For me, public service isn’t just about making promises; it’s about showing results and continuing the work that makes a real difference for Southgate residents.
Public safety has always been our top priority. Our police and fire budgets are fully funded, and in 2023, our police department earned accreditation through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. This places us among the top 15 percent of departments statewide.
With respect to technology, the addition of a full-time information technology director has led to major improvements in cybersecurity and earned recognition from state and federal agencies.
When it comes to quality of life, the parks millage has transformed our community spaces. We have seen themed playscapes, a dog park and improved recreational offerings. Soon, we will see new pickleball courts and a Miracle Field, a specially designed, barrier-free baseball field for children with mobility and cognitive challenges, a Downriver first.
Our ordinance department has become more proactive, increasing compliance and improving neighborhood standards through education and follow-up.
Finally, I’m proud to see growth in generational involvement, with more young residents serving on boards and commissions.
With strong leadership, Southgate’s progress is real and measurable, and together we can continue to make Southgate the best it can be.
Adriene Price
I am running for a position on the Southgate City Council. I’ve been proud to call Southgate home for the past 14 years, where my wife Briana and I are raising our four amazing kids, ages 10, 8, and 7-year-old twins.
Professionally, I work in a local emergency department as a nurse. I’m also involved in our community through coaching, volunteering and as a newly appointed member of the Southgate water board.
With our children now elementary school age, I feel called to get more involved in shaping the future of our city, especially from the perspective of a working parent with young children.
There is a lot of great work already happening in Southgate and I want to be part of continuing that progress. I’m excited for this new experience and would be honored to have your support.
My main hope is to positively contribute to public safety, parks and infrastructure. As an ER nurse, I see every day how critical it is to have a properly trained and supported public safety force. It truly makes a difference in protecting our residents, from the initial response from our dedicated police and fire department employees, all the way to the emergency room.
Infrastructure is another priority for me, from maintaining our roads to continuing smart economic development that supports local businesses and families. I’ve also seen firsthand how our recent park upgrades have benefitted families like mine, and I want to help continue that progress.
As the father of a young family, I believe it’s important to bring that perspective to the table, one we currently don’t have on council, to ensure Southgate continues growing as a safe, family-friendly community for everyone.
Phillip Rauch
I have served the citizens of Southgate for 18 years on the city council. As a resident of Southgate for more than 50 years and a member of the first graduating class of Southgate Anderson High School in 1983, I show my roots in the city and why I care so deeply about running. One of my first jobs was as a playground leader for the summer park program, so I have always had an interest even at a young age.
Even though this is my last term on the city council, due to term limits, I always feel that there is work to be done to improve the quality of life for its residents. My experience on the council, including as council president from 2009 to 2011, affords me the opportunity to be a voice for the citizens of Southgate. I am not afraid to speak up when I feel that something doesn’t sit right. You can count on me to be an independent voice on the council and know that I am always looking out for what’s best for the residents.
Our job as city council members is to approve the budgets, ordinances and any improvements made to the city’s roads, sewers and parks. Due to this, my focus for the next four years will be to ensure that any improvements in the city are funded properly and that money is not spent needlessly. I also believe that any ordinances need to be common sense and applicable to the situation at hand.