Planning Commission Member Seeks Farmington Hills Council Seat

When Steven Schwartz served as an Oakland County commissioner representing Farmington Hills, his favorite part of the job was dealing with public policy issues.

Schwartz now wants to bring his experience to Farmington Hills city council. He is one of nine candidates for three seats. 

"I have a level of experience that no other candidate has," said Schwartz, who added that he is a former assistant city manager and ran a cable television authority. He said he has spent his legal career helping cities deal with labor relations and employment issues. 

Among Schwartz's priorities are the city's aging housing stock and "significant number" of foreclosures, maintaining a focus on financial viability and ensuring that citizens are allowed to vote on next year's SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) bus millage. 

He and his wife, Cindy, have lived in Farmington Hills for 17 years; their daughters Melissa and Jaclyn graduated from North Farmington High School and Michigan State University.

Why he decided to run
"While Farmington Hills is in better shape than most cities in southeast Michigan, there are still challenges we have to face," Schwartz said. "I think I can have more impact on city council." 

Community connections
Schwartz was on the Zoning Board of Appeals for six years and has served on the Planning Commission for two years, as well as on the Grand River Corridor Improvement Authority. He's a member of the Committee for Non-motorized Transportation and has served on the board and executive committee at Congregation B'Nai Moshe in West Bloomfield. Schwartz is a member of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge, the Greater Farmington Area Chamber and Farmington Masons.

Employment
Schwartz is a self-employed attorney.

Campaign information
votesteveschwartz.com

Editor's note: This is article is one in a series of profiles and issues-based articles featuring candidates in this year's Farmington Hills city council race.