16 people running for 7 Taylor City Council seats – The News Herald

Justin Mordarski has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan.

Justin is the chief financial officer (CFO) of a charity food pantry located in Taylor. He previously taught physics and organic chemistry at the University of Michigan.

Board of Education | Taylor School District

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Justin is a member of the Taylor School Board. He has run for city council before but did not win.

As of August 12, 2025, Justin Mordarski did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Housing & Urban Development

Opposes the ACLU plan for policing in Taylor, saying it would "dismantle police departments and lead to higher crime."

- Opposes the ACLU plan for policing in Taylor, saying it would "dismantle police departments and lead to higher crime."

Public Safety

Healthcare

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

Justin Mordarski

Buket Urgen

Staff Directory • Charley Johnson

Charley Johnson is a lifelong resident of Taylor and a 1980 graduate of Kennedy High School. He and his wife, Brenda, have two daughters.

Charley purchased Alert Plumbing from his father in 1983 and ran the company for twenty years. After selling it, he worked as the City of Taylor’s master plumber and now serves as master plumber for the State of Michigan.

Charley is currently a member of the Taylor City Council. He was first elected in 2013, then again in 2017 and 2021, and is serving his third consecutive, four-year term on the council. 

As of August 12, 2025, Charley Johnson did not have a website or any information online.

Helped establish the Taylor Veterans Museum.

- Helped establish the Taylor Veterans Museum.

Charley Johnson

Chris Clark is a lifelong resident of Taylor. 

This is Chris's first time running for public office.

Plans to prioritize a healthy and sustainable budget and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

- Plans to prioritize a healthy and sustainable budget and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
- Plans to promote local businesses.

As of August 12, 2025, Chris Clark’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said, "I will fight for your rights to ensure that our community remains a place where freedom and safety thrive."

- Said, "I will fight for your rights to ensure that our community remains a place where freedom and safety thrive."

Promises to address the "specific needs and concerns of our community, from education to public safety."

- Promises to address the "specific needs and concerns of our community, from education to public safety."

Chris Clark

Christian Armstrong is from Taylor, Michigan. He attended Most Holy Trinity Catholic School in Corktown, Michigan. He serves as head basketball coach at his alma mater and serves on the board of the Father Clement Kern Foundation.

Christian is a legislative staffer at the Michigan House of Representatives.

This is Christian's first time running for public office.

Supports budget transparency and sharing how funds are allocated and used.

- Supports budget transparency and sharing how funds are allocated and used.

Supports incentives like signing bonuses, housing stipends, education reimbursement, or relocation assistance to attract new residents.

- Supports incentives like signing bonuses, housing stipends, education reimbursement, or relocation assistance to attract new residents.

Supports investing in crime prevention and community programs.

Supports providing the police department with technological advantages, such as drones, to reduce response time and ensure officer safety.

Believes in using social media to demonstrate technological advantages and deter crime, sending a message that "Taylor is not a welcoming safe haven for criminals."

Supports offering competitive salaries, signing bonuses, housing stipends, education reimbursement, relocation assistance, and a robust pension plan to attract and retain police officers.

Supports launching targeted recruitment campaigns to attract qualified candidates to Taylor's fire department.

Supports implementing retention programs for fire department staff, including competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and adequate rest periods.

Supports organizing community-wide drills to educate residents on emergency response.

Supports using local media and social media to share fire safety information and updates on fire department services.

- Supports investing in crime prevention and community programs.
- Supports providing the police department with technological advantages, such as drones, to reduce response time and ensure officer safety.
- Believes in using social media to demonstrate technological advantages and deter crime, sending a message that "Taylor is not a welcoming safe haven for criminals."
- Supports offering competitive salaries, signing bonuses, housing stipends, education reimbursement, relocation assistance, and a robust pension plan to attract and retain police officers.
- Supports launching targeted recruitment campaigns to attract qualified candidates to Taylor's fire department.
- Supports implementing retention programs for fire department staff, including competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and adequate rest periods.
- Supports organizing community-wide drills to educate residents on emergency response.
- Supports using local media and social media to share fire safety information and updates on fire department services.

Supports mental health services, addiction treatment, and housing to address root causes of crime.

- Supports mental health services, addiction treatment, and housing to address root causes of crime.

Supports adding modern amenities like Wi-Fi, updated playgrounds, workout stations, splash pads, and clean restrooms to public parks.

Supports installing good lighting, security cameras, and emergency call boxes in public areas.

Supports hosting community events such as farmer's markets, movie nights, concerts, and yoga in the park.

Supports conducting surveys and town halls to gather community input on desired park features.

Supports volunteer programs to encourage resident involvement in park cleanups, events, and watch groups.

Supports identifying neighborhoods underserved by parks and prioritizing improvements in those areas.

Supports using digital tools to track maintenance issues, sensors or apps to monitor park usage, and sharing budget information with the public.

Supports using digital tools to track maintenance issues, sensors or apps to monitor park usage.

- Supports adding modern amenities like Wi-Fi, updated playgrounds, workout stations, splash pads, and clean restrooms to public parks.
- Supports installing good lighting, security cameras, and emergency call boxes in public areas.
- Supports hosting community events such as farmer's markets, movie nights, concerts, and yoga in the park.
- Supports conducting surveys and town halls to gather community input on desired park features.
- Supports volunteer programs to encourage resident involvement in park cleanups, events, and watch groups.
- Supports identifying neighborhoods underserved by parks and prioritizing improvements in those areas.
- Supports using digital tools to track maintenance issues, sensors or apps to monitor park usage.

As of August 12, 2025, Christian M. Armstrong’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to ensure funding for the Department of Public Works (DPW) to maintain clear roadways and address "crumbling roads and drainage issues."

Plans to prioritize monitoring pothole repair and resurfacing projects.

Supports enhanced drain vacuuming, especially in areas prone to flooding.

- Plans to ensure funding for the Department of Public Works (DPW) to maintain clear roadways and address "crumbling roads and drainage issues."
- Plans to prioritize monitoring pothole repair and resurfacing projects.
- Supports enhanced drain vacuuming, especially in areas prone to flooding.

Christian M. Armstrong

Christine Gersky has lived in Taylor for over 40 years of her life. She graduated from Taylor Center High School and has some college education. She has a son and three grandkids. While raising her son, she was involved in the Westland Cub Scouts for three years as Pack 867 Den Leader, Cubmaster, and Pack Committee Chair.

Christine is a letter carrier at the U.S. Post Office, a position she has held since 1990. Additionally, she has served as a poll inspector for every local, state, and federal election in Westland and Detroit since January 2023.

Christine is currently the Republican Precinct Delegate for Precinct 5 in Taylor, a position she has held since January 2023. 

As of August 12, 2025, Christine Gersky’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports keeping property taxes at a minimum, saying "When property taxes are low, homeowners AND renters enjoy the savings."

Supports keeping property taxes at a minimum, saying "When property taxes are low, homeowners and renters enjoy the savings."

- Supports keeping property taxes at a minimum, saying "When property taxes are low, homeowners and renters enjoy the savings."

Plans to restore public safety by ensuring safe environments for walking and attending school.

- Plans to restore public safety by ensuring safe environments for walking and attending school.

Opposes transgender participation in women's sports and using women's facilities.

- Opposes transgender participation in women's sports and using women's facilities.

Supports updating the Taylor Public Library by adding more computers and printers and removing the I.D. passcode and pin number to use a computer.

- Supports updating the Taylor Public Library by adding more computers and printers and removing the I.D. passcode and pin number to use a computer.

Christine Gersky

Dan Wallace has lived in Taylor for 28 years. He is a volunteer with Taylor Goodfellows, Knights of Columbus, Taylor Animal Shelter, and Heritage Park cleanup.

Dan's campaign for Taylor City Council member is his first entry into politics.

Plans to continue the current administration's fiscal policies that have resulted in "good financial health" for Taylor.

- Plans to continue the current administration's fiscal policies that have resulted in "good financial health" for Taylor.

As of August 12, 2025, Dan Wallace’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Promises to be transparent about the reasons behind his opinions and votes.

Promises to listen to and address residents' concerns, questions, and suggestions.

Promises to show respect toward all people, regardless of differing opinions and politics.

- Promises to be transparent about the reasons behind his opinions and votes.
- Promises to listen to and address residents' concerns, questions, and suggestions.
- Promises to show respect toward all people, regardless of differing opinions and politics.

Promises to evaluate city suppliers and contractors to ensure they provide the "greatest value and respect for the people."

- Promises to evaluate city suppliers and contractors to ensure they provide the "greatest value and respect for the people."

Dan Wallace

LinkedIn

Daniel Dobbins is from Taylor, Michigan. He has a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Michigan State University. Daniel has a 22-year-old son.

Daniel has previously served as Taylor city treasurer and as a precinct delegate for 51 years.

Daniel is a law, insurance, and investment advisor. He has worked as an attorney for 30 years and is the owner of Glenn Dobbins Agency Inc., a small business.

Plans to cut waste and restore accountability in every department, including the Transportation Improvement Fund Authority, Water, and Licensing departments.

Plans to cut waste and restore accountability in every department of the local government.

Plans to "overhaul the Water Department to lower water bills."

Opposes pension plans being threatened with claw-backs in bankruptcy proceedings unless they agree to voluntary haircuts for both active and retired employees.

Plans to "threaten pension plans with claw-backs in bankruptcy proceedings unless they agree to voluntary haircuts for both active and retired employees."

- Plans to cut waste and restore accountability in every department of the local government.
- Supports reducing property taxes.
- Plans to "overhaul the Water Department to lower water bills."
- Plans to "threaten pension plans with claw-backs in bankruptcy proceedings unless they agree to voluntary haircuts for both active and retired employees."

Plans to reform the 23rd District Court and Housing Authority to ensure fairness, transparency, and dignity.

Believes in deconcentrating multi-family housing to protect neighborhoods.

Believes in reducing multi-family housing to "protect neighborhoods."

Plans to rezone and reconstitute housing plans to protect single-family neighborhoods.

Plans to reform housing plans to protect single-family neighborhoods.

Wants to hold the Housing Authority accountable for maintenance, transparency, and tenant impact.

Believes concentrated multi-family tracts in Taylor have become "zones of public cost," overburdening city services and accelerating blight. Plans to restore balance through strategic deconcentration.

Believes concentrated multi-family homes in Taylor have become "zones of public cost," overburdening city services. Plans to restore balance through strategic deconstruction.

- Plans to reform the 23rd District Court and Housing Authority to ensure fairness, transparency, and dignity.
- Believes in reducing multi-family housing to "protect neighborhoods."
- Plans to reform housing plans to protect single-family neighborhoods.
- Wants to hold the Housing Authority accountable for maintenance, transparency, and tenant impact.
- Believes concentrated multi-family homes in Taylor have become "zones of public cost," overburdening city services. Plans to restore balance through strategic deconstruction.

As of August 12, 2025, Daniel Dobbins’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to "end the cycle of hidden fees, fines, and inspections that punish residents instead of serving them."

Believes in selling off non-essential public services, such as golf courses and sports complexes, to focus on core services.

Plans to conduct an efficiency study for all city services and eliminate any inefficient services.

Wants to partner with schools and social services to reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes.

- Wants to "end the cycle of hidden fees, fines, and inspections that punish residents instead of serving them."
- Believes in selling off non-essential public services, such as golf courses and sports complexes, to focus on core services.
- Plans to conduct an efficiency study for all city services and eliminate any inefficient services.
- Wants to partner with schools and social services to reduce long-term costs and improve outcomes.

Plans to reduce fines from traffic and ordinance enforcement from $7,000,000 to $3,500,000 annually.

- Plans to reduce fines from traffic and ordinance enforcement from $7,000,000 to $3,500,000 annually.

Daniel Dobbins

Daniel Dobbins has a bachelor's degree in business management from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Michigan State University.

As of August 12, 2025, Daniel Dobbins did not have a website or any information online.

Daniel is a law, insurance, and investment advisor.

Gerald P. Thomas is a 40-year resident of Taylor. He is a married father of three and a grandfather of five. 

Gerald is the deputy treasurer for the City of Taylor. He previously served as a Taylor auxiliary police officer, assisting patrol units with traffic control and supporting community safety initiatives, and as a Taylor auxiliary firefighter, responding to emergencies and aiding firefighting crews. He is also a veteran.

Gerald previously served as Vice President of the Taylor School Board.

Believes in implementing policies and investments to strengthen the local economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure technological progress.

Believes in marketing Taylor's infrastructure and available buildings to attract new businesses and support current small businesses.

- Believes in implementing policies and investments to strengthen the local economy, create good-paying jobs, and ensure technological progress.
- Believes in marketing Taylor's infrastructure and available buildings to attract new businesses and support current small businesses.

Plans to strengthen the rental inspection program by hiring more inspectors, enforcing codes, holding landlords accountable, and ensuring timely inspections for safe, well-maintained housing.

- Plans to strengthen the rental inspection program by hiring more inspectors, enforcing codes, holding landlords accountable, and ensuring timely inspections for safe, well-maintained housing.

Supports prioritizing the hiring and retention of highly trained police officers and firefighters through competitive wages, strong benefits, and a supportive work environment.

- Supports prioritizing the hiring and retention of highly trained police officers and firefighters through competitive wages, strong benefits, and a supportive work environment.

As of August 12, 2025, Gerald P. Thomas’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Plans to ensure residents continue to receive high-quality public services.

Supports timely snow removal by businesses to ensure safe pedestrian access to community services during winter storms.

Supports enhancing public services by seeking grants for community projects like pavilions, playscapes, pickleball courts, and extreme sports facilities, balancing quality of life improvements with fiscal responsibility.

Supports seeking grants for community projects like pavilions, playscapes, pickleball courts, and extreme sports facilities.

- Plans to ensure residents continue to receive high-quality public services.
- Supports timely snow removal by businesses to ensure safe pedestrian access to community services during winter storms.
- Supports seeking grants for community projects like pavilions, playscapes, pickleball courts, and extreme sports facilities.

Plans to improve infrastructure to benefit all residents.

Supports creating pedestrian-friendly spaces.

Supports prioritizing funding for critical improvements to sewer and water systems.

Supports prioritizing funding for critical improvements to sewer and water systems and ensuring they can withstand extreme weather events.

- Plans to improve infrastructure to benefit all residents.
- Supports creating pedestrian-friendly spaces.
- Supports prioritizing funding for critical improvements to sewer and water systems and ensuring they can withstand extreme weather events.

Gerald P. Thomas

Staff Directory • Jill Brandana

Jill Brandana is from Taylor. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan. She and her husband, Ron, have lived in Taylor for over 25 years.

Jill is a legal professional who has practiced law for over 30 years. 

Jill is currently a city council member in Taylor. She was elected in 2021. She previously served two terms on the Taylor City Council from 2005 to 2013. 

Supports creating incentives for companies to relocate and invest in Taylor.

Supports making Taylor attractive for new entrepreneurial startups.

- Supports creating incentives for companies to relocate and invest in Taylor.
- Supports making Taylor attractive for new entrepreneurial startups.

As of August 12, 2025, Jill Brandana’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports allocating adequate funding to police and fire departments to ensure community safety.

Wants to ensure public safety budgets prioritize staff, training, and equipment.

- Supports allocating adequate funding to police and fire departments to ensure community safety.
- Wants to ensure public safety budgets prioritize staff, training, and equipment.

Plans to review public works departments to ensure proper staffing and tools.

Wants to address aging infrastructure to prevent future deterioration.

- Plans to review public works departments to ensure proper staffing and tools.
- Wants to address aging infrastructure to prevent future deterioration.

Instagram

Twitter

Jill Brandana

City Council Members | Taylor, MI

Lindsey Rose is a small business owner who founded Sunday Morning Breeze.

Lindsey is currently a city councilwoman representing Taylor and is serving her first term. She was elected to the position of precinct delegate for the last two election cycles, where she represented her neighborhood.

Believes high property taxes are linked to ineffective land use policies and vacant developments.

- Believes high property taxes are linked to ineffective land use policies and vacant developments.

Wants to increase property values by "attracting families to the city, protecting our forests, and focusing on existing neighborhoods..."

- Wants to increase property values by "attracting families to the city, protecting our forests, and focusing on existing neighborhoods..."

As of August 12, 2025, Lindsey Rose did not have a website or any information online.

Opposes destroying forests and green spaces for "junk development."

- Opposes destroying forests and green spaces for "junk development."

Lindsey Rose

Richard Pratt is from Taylor. He lives with his wife, Stephanie, and their two sons in Taylor. He is an elder at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Taylor.

Richard has been with Cornerstone Controls for 13 years. He previously worked as a technical lead at P&H Mining Equipment and a regional service manager for Emerson. Pratt began his career in the US Navy Nuclear Program.

Richard’s campaign for Taylor City Council member is his first entry into politics.

Believes Taylor must adapt to changing markets and global shifts, and criticizes current city council members for being "afraid to make tough decisions" and having "hidden agendas" that hinder the city's progress.

- Believes Taylor must adapt to changing markets and global shifts, and criticizes current city council members for being "afraid to make tough decisions" and having "hidden agendas" that hinder the city's progress.

As of August 12, 2025, Richard Pratt’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Richard Pratt

Ron Thiede was born and raised in Taylor. He volunteers with the Taylor Hockey Program, the Taylor Goodfellows, and various youth baseball, basketball, and junior football leagues. 

Ron is a member of Union Local 1128. He works as a heavy machine operator, including a street sweeper, excavator, and loader. 

Supports "responsible budget management and improvements."

- Supports "responsible budget management and improvements."

As of August 12, 2025, Ron Thiede did not have a website or any information online.

Supports youth sports and recreation programs.

Encourages volunteerism and charitable participation.

- Supports youth sports and recreation programs.
- Encourages volunteerism and charitable participation.

Ron Thiede

Ron Thiede was born and raised in Taylor. 

Staff Directory • Tina Daniels

Tina is a current Taylor City Council member. She was appointed to the City Council to fill the vacancy in September 2023. Daniels previously ran for a council seat in the November 2021 General Election, but did not win.

As of August 12, 2025, Tina Daniels did not have a website or any information online.

Tina Daniels

County commissioner, councilwoman pass out free face masks in ...

Williams Patts is married to Caroline Patts, who previously served as a Taylor City Council member.

As of August 12, 2025, William Patts did not have a website or any information online.

William Patts

- City council members in Michigan help make city-level laws, approve budgets, and oversee city services to serve the community’s needs. 
- Council members attend regular meetings, listen to public concerns, and vote on city issues like zoning, public safety, and spending. They also appoint and direct officials, like the city manager.
- City council members may be elected in partisan elections or nonpartisan elections, depending on the city. They may represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Terms for city council members often last two or four years, depending on the city.

Passes laws and regulations for your city.