Wyandotte Election Candidates Answer Patch Questionnaire: Val Zavala

The Wyandotte election is rapidly approaching and to help voters make sound, informed decisions, Wyandotte Patch created a questionnaire for candidates seeking election or re-election in 2013.

Election day is set for May 7.

Each of the 15 candidates seeking election or re-election received the same nine questions.

Here are the questions followed by Val Zavala's answers:

Office sought?

City Council

Age?

57

Spouse/kids?

Married and two daughters

How long have you been a resident of Wyandotte?

26 years

What is your prior political experience?

I dedicated much of my adult life in serving the public. I have endeavored to further my service for the good of the public through an appointment by the Wayne County Commissioners on the Detroit Juvenile Detention Facility Citizen Advisory Board, and worked on the Michigan Kids Vote program, and the Wyandotte Latin American Student Organization at no cost to the city.

What is your prior professional experience?

I graduated with a degree in Community Development from Central Michigan University and I hold a Leadership 21 certificate from University of Michigan in conjunction with Southwestern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. I began my career in the Michigan State Police before moving on to Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and settled in Wyandotte. I served a total of 13 years in the military and hold two (2) honorable discharges and while overseas I was appointed to the U.S. Army Europe Race Relations Board. I am a member of the Wyandotte American Legion post 217.  I was a licensed private investigator and I am currently working in industrial security. I was a licensed private investigator and I am currently working in industrial security.

What made you decide to seek election/re-election?

I am highly motivated to leverage twenty-five years of experience during my police career and uniquely positioned to apply the experience I have gained and contacts I have made during those years of public service to provide honest dedicated service for Wyandotte. I believe that will be of great value to this community. I will keep a finger on the pulse of events of great value to this community by acting as a conduit for their voice. We are a community of people, I am inclusive of everyone – young, old, – everyone counts, or nobody counts.

What issues do you see affecting Wyandotte?

Economy – On a local level, we are a mirror image of what ails many communities Downriver and that is a weakened tax base brought on by shortfalls of state revenue sharing funds caused by a weakened economy. Some communities fare a little better than others but make no mistake, we are all struggling.  

Jobs, Taxes – With cost of living rising and the value of the dollar decreasing, many families already strained by rising taxes and less jobs are spending less and budgeting their finances like never before. Neighboring communities already forced to do more with less tax revenue are competing to attract home buyers from Wyandotte. Business corridors North, South, East and West are important and should be granted greater autonomy in planning events to enhance prosperity.     

City Services – It will take commitment, ingenuity, cool steadiness and prudence to maintain city services to acceptable levels without bankrupting taxpayers.   

Youth Activities – With less opportunities to find work, older youths need venues where they gather and mingle safely and off the streets. Younger youths need more local activities for the same reason.

What is your plan to address those issues?  

I will make myself accessible to the citizens at every opportunity. I will listen, watch, speak and work with my colleagues to find solutions and make difficult decisions. I will ask the tough questions and follow-up with the public.  

For the latest Wyandotte news and information, "like" Wyandotte Patch on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and sign up for our daily newsletter.