Staff Directory • Maria G. Schmidt

Sterling Heights City Council November 2 Election Candidate Guide ...

She graduated from Bishop Foley High School and attended Southeast Oakland Vocational School and Oakland Community College. 

Maria is a Voc-Ed Paraprofessional in the Health Science program at Warren Consolidated Schools, where she works full time. She has been in the medical field for more than 30 years, including over 25 years as a medical assistant and dialysis technician. 

State political activist seeks to remove Sterling Heights ...

Maria G. Schmidt is currently a member of the Sterling Heights City Council. She has held that office since February of 2003. 

Said, "I make decisions based on being fiscally responsible, and what is in the best interest of the community as a whole, not my personal interest."

- Said, "I make decisions based on being fiscally responsible, and what is in the best interest of the community as a whole, not my personal interest."

Economy

As of June 5, 2025, Maria G. Schmidt did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Believes the most important issue facing Sterling Heights is "the sustainability of services while keeping taxes low."

- Believes the most important issue facing Sterling Heights is "the sustainability of services while keeping taxes low."

Public Safety

Healthcare

Public Services

Energy & the Environment

Transportation & Infrastructure

Maria G. Schmidt

Supports reallocating funds to pay off debt and wants a long-term plan to manage debt.

Believes the current council has been in power "far too long" and their decisions "consistently favor a tiny clique of powerful landlords and developers who enrich themselves at the expense of our community."

As of June 6, 2025, Maria G. Schmidt did not have a website or any information online.

Opposes purchasing roadside art and suggests allowing sponsorships for these decorations.

Believes the most important issue is continuing to keep Sterling Heights safe by strengthening our police and fire departments.

Supports reallocating funds to pay off debt and wants to create a long-term plan to reduce interest payments.

Maria is a Voc-Ed Paraprofessional in the Health Science program at Warren Consolidated Schools, where she works full time. She has been in the medical field for more than 30 years, including over 25 years as a medical assistant and dialysis technician. She graduated from Bishop Foley High School and attended Southeast Oakland Vocational School and Oakland Community College. Schmidt has served on the Sterling Heights City Council since February of 2003.

Maria G. Schmidt is currently a member of the Sterling Heights City Council. She has held that office since February of 2003. In the November 2021 election, she was reelected to her council seat as one of six incumbents in Sterling Heights.

As of June 6, 2025, Maria G. Schmidt’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Buket Urgen

Staff Directory • Barbara A. Ziarko

Barbara Ziarko has lived in Sterling Heights since 1977. She has an associate's degree from Macomb Community College. She is a member of the Friends of the Sterling Heights Public Library and volunteers for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Barbara married Tom Ziarko in 1977, and they were married until his passing in 2014.

Barbara has been a member of the Sterling Heights City Council since 2001.

Sterling Heights City Council race attracts 15 candidates – Macomb ...

Barbara is a retired bookkeeper for the St. Blase Catholic Church.

As of June 5, 2025, Barbara A. Ziarko did not have a website or any information online.

Believes public safety staffing will be a challenge due to a "limited number of applicants."

- Believes public safety staffing will be a challenge due to a "limited number of applicants."

- Supports the redevelopment of Lakeside.

Barbara A. Ziarko

Daniel has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Ferris State University. He and his wife are parents to three grown children and have four grandchildren. He has lived in Sterling Heights for 33 years.

Daniel is a retired automotive engineer. 

Danie’s campaign for Sterling Heights city council member is his first entry into politics. 

Aims to promote and strive toward freedom from debt.

- Aims to promote and strive toward freedom from debt.

Supports respecting the voice of all property owners, including matters related to easements.

- Supports respecting the voice of all property owners, including matters related to easements.

Supports protecting children from "social construct ideologies."

- Supports protecting children from "social construct ideologies."

As of June 5, 2025, Daniel Acciacca’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports term limits for both city council members and the mayor.

- Supports term limits for both city council members and the mayor.

Facebook

Daniel Acciacca

Daniel Acciacca is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. He has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Ferris State University. He is a retired automotive engineer. He and his wife are parents to three grown children and have four grandchildren. He has lived in Sterling Heights for 33 years, and he is proud to call this place home.

Daniel Acciacca is a retired automotive engineer. He earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in engineering from Ferris State University. Over his career, he worked in the automotive sector, applying engineering principles to design and improve vehicle systems.

Daniel Acciacca’s campaign for Sterling Heights City Council Member is his first entry into politics. He has lived in Sterling Heights for 33 years and is proud to call this place home, saying "I have lived here for 33 years, and I am proud to call this place home." He adds that he is stepping up because "I am stepping up because I believe our community needs representation that listens, acts, and respects the voices of all voters."

Deanna Koski has an associate degree as a legal assistant from Macomb Community College. Deanna is married to her husband, Dennis. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.


Deanna is retired. She spent over 50 years working in the real estate and mortgage industry. She started as a mortgage counselor and loan closer at a savings and loan institution. Later, she became a real estate broker and closing broker, and worked as a title insurance escrow officer. 

Deanna is a current member of the Sterling Heights City Council, first elected in 1989 and currently seeking her tenth term.

Supports creating a partnership between the city, schools, manufacturing companies, and unions to develop internships and job training for skilled trades and careers in Sterling Heights.

- Supports creating a partnership between the city, schools, manufacturing companies, and unions to develop internships and job training for skilled trades and careers in Sterling Heights.

Plans to continue collaborating with the Lakeside Mall owner/developer to provide input, ideas, and suggestions for property development.

Plans to continue collaborating with the Lakeside Mall owner to provide input, ideas, and suggestions for property development.

- Plans to continue collaborating with the Lakeside Mall owner to provide input, ideas, and suggestions for property development.

Supports reinstating the Police K-9 program and helped the Fire Department establish an EMS ambulance transport service for Sterling Heights residents.

Supports reinstating the Police K-9 program.

Helped the Fire Department establish an emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance transport service for Sterling Heights residents.

Said, "I would agree to revisit this issue and gather community input, area impact and benefits to the residents/business community.  Taking into consideration state legislative requirements, financial benefit/costs and all risks to the city and community.”

Agrees to gather community input and study the benefits, costs, and risks of marijuana on the community.

- Supports reinstating the Police K-9 program.
- Helped the Fire Department establish an emergency medical services (EMS) ambulance transport service for Sterling Heights residents.
- Agrees to gather community input and study the benefits, costs, and risks of marijuana on the community.

As of June 5, 2025, Deanna Koski did not have a website or any information online.

Supports providing proper city staffing levels to meet the service needs of residents and the business community.

- Supports providing proper city staffing levels to meet the service needs of residents and the business community.

Wants to redevelop the North Van Dyke corridor and Lakeside Mall, including road and infrastructure improvements to assist in the area redesign.

Wants to redevelop the North Van Dyke corridor and Lakeside Mall, including road and infrastructure improvements.

- Wants to redevelop the North Van Dyke corridor and Lakeside Mall, including road and infrastructure improvements.

LinkedIn

Deanna Koski

Deanna Koski is a member of the Sterling Heights City Council, first elected in 1989 and currently seeking her ninth term. She spent over 50 years working in the real estate and mortgage industry. She started as a mortgage counselor and loan closer at a savings and loan institution. Later, she became a real estate broker and closing broker, and worked as a title insurance escrow officer before retiring from that role. Koski earned an associate degree as a legal assistant from Macomb Community College and holds licenses as a real estate broker and a title insurance agent.

As of June 5, 2025, Deanna Koski 1’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Deanna Koski 1

Supports allowing regulated marijuana businesses to operate in the city.

Staff Directory • Henry Yanez

Henry Yanez - Wikipedia

Henry Yanez is from Madison Heights, Michigan. He has an Associate of Science degree in fire science and firefighting from Oakland Community College. He lives with his wife, Jane, in Sterling Heights. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Ex-state Rep. Henry Yanez appointed to Sterling Heights City Council

Prior to his legislative work, he worked as a firefighter and paramedic and started his career as a machine tool electrician, during which he was a member of the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Association of Firefighters. He holds degrees in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College.

Henry is a city council member for the City of Sterling Heights. He has served on the council since 2019. Before joining the council, he served three two-year terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.  In 2010, Yanez ran for the U.S. House of Representatives but did not win.

Supports collective bargaining rights for workers.

Supports finding diverse revenue streams and grants to keep taxes low.

Believes in using tax dollars "as efficiently as possible."

- Supports collective bargaining rights for workers.
- Supports finding diverse revenue streams and grants to keep taxes low.
- Believes in using tax dollars "as efficiently as possible."

As of June 5, 2025, Henry Yanez did not have a website or any information online.

Opposes "attacks on teachers, cops, firefighters, and emergency responders who serve our community."

- Opposes "attacks on teachers, cops, firefighters, and emergency responders who serve our community."
- Lists public safety as his top priority.

Supports access to affordable healthcare.

- Supports access to affordable healthcare.

Wants to "maintain the quality of our neighborhoods."

Prioritizes the improvement of city services.

- Wants to "maintain the quality of our neighborhoods."
- Prioritizes the improvement of city services.

Instagram

Henry Yanez

Henry is from Madison Heights, Michigan. He attended Madison Heights High School. He has an Associate of Science degree in fire science and fire-fighting from Oakland Community College and an associate’s degree in general studies from Oakland Community College. He lives with his wife, Jane, and their four children in Sterling Heights.

Henry Yanez is a City Council Member for the City of Sterling Heights. He has served on the council since January 15, 2019, when he was appointed by Mayor Mike Taylor to fill a vacant seat. Before joining the council, he served three two-year terms in the Michigan House of Representatives for the 25th district, representing parts of Sterling Heights and Warren, until term limits ended his service. Prior to his legislative work, he worked as a firefighter and paramedic and started his career as a machine tool electrician, during which he was a member of the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the International Association of Firefighters. He holds degrees in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College. In 2010, Yanez ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House of Representatives against Candice Miller.

As of June 5, 2025, Henry Yanez’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Macomb County general election preview: Key contests set after ...

Jackie Ryan grew up in Macomb County, Michigan. She holds degrees in accounting and business. She has lived in Sterling Heights for more than 24 years. Ryan is a mother and grandmother.

Candidates duke it out for central Macomb County Commission ...

Jackie Ryan is a small business owner. She is self-employed in Sterling Heights. She previously served as deputy Macomb County clerk, a position she held until 2018.

Jackie Ryan - Ballotpedia

Jackie has previously run for elected positions such as Macomb County clerk and Michigan House of Representatives but did not win.

As of June 5, 2025, Jackie Ryan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports upholding the Constitution and preserving individual freedoms.

Supports upholding the Constitution and protecting individual freedoms.

- Supports upholding the Constitution and protecting individual freedoms.

Promises to provide "Reliable Quality Trustworthy Service" without incurring debt to residents.

- Promises to provide "Reliable Quality Trustworthy Service" without incurring debt to residents.

Twitter

Jackie Ryan

As of June 6, 2025, Jackie Ryan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jackie has previously run for elected positions such as Macomb County clerk and Michigan House of Representatives but did not win. 

- Said she is "dedicated to upholding the Constitution and preserving our freedoms."
- Supports "safe, accurate, and secured elections."

- Supports providing two-way communication at all city council meetings.
- Promises to provide "Reliable Quality Trustworthy Service" without incurring debt to residents.

Jackie Ryan is from Sterling Heights, Michigan, and is a former deputy Macomb County clerk who is making her second bid to be Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds. She holds degrees in accounting and business and has a background in business and accounting. Growing up in Macomb County and residing in Sterling Heights for more than 24 years, she has been involved in community service, educating residents, and supporting families and small businesses. Ryan describes herself as a mother, grandmother, constitutional conservative and pro-life.

Jackie Ryan is a small business owner. She is self-employed in Sterling Heights and has led her own enterprise for several years. She previously served as deputy Macomb County clerk, a position she held until 2018.

Jackie Ryan was raised in Macomb County and has lived in Sterling Heights for over 25 years.

Jackie previously ran for Macomb County clerk and Macomb County Commission member but did not win.

- Believes the top issue is "accountability on spending to keep our taxes lower and our service the best for Macomb County residents."

As of June 5, 2025, Jackie Ryan did not have a website or any information online.

Promises to provide reliable, quality, and trustworthy service without incurring debt to residents.

Johnnie Townsend is from Detroit, Michigan. He has lived in Sterling Heights for three years. He is a father of four and grandfather of five.

Johnnie was elected precinct delegate in 2024. 

As of June 5, 2025, Johnnie S. Townsend did not have a website or any information online.

Supports the preservation of green spaces.

Supports a transparent decision-making process that involves residents.

- Supports protecting green spaces.
- Supports a transparent decision-making process that involves residents.

Johnnie S. Townsend

As of June 6, 2025, Johnnie S. Townsend did not have a website or any information online.

Liz Sierawski is a resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Michigan State University. She and her husband, District Court Judge Steven Sierawski have four sons.

Liz is the director of nursing at Beaumont Health Care, where she leads the nursing staff and oversees patient care operations. 

Liz is currently a member of the Sterling Heights City Council. She is finishing her second term and previously served on the Macomb County Charter Commission.

As of June 5, 2025, Liz Sierawski did not have a website or any information online.

Supports allowing residents to vote on whether to allow marijuana businesses in the city.

- Supports allowing residents to vote on whether to allow marijuana businesses in the city.

Plans to ensure public services are maintained, including well-maintained public works and parks.

- Plans to ensure public services are maintained, including well-maintained public works and parks.

Liz Sierawski

As of June 6, 2025, Liz Sierawski did not have a website or any information online.

Liz Sierawski is a resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Michigan State University. 

Liz Sierawski is a resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Michigan State University and is employed as director of nursing at Beaumont Health Care. She is finishing her second term on the City Council and previously served on the Macomb County Charter Commission. Sierawski, 57, describes herself as a fiscally conservative non-partisan moderate who strives to see all sides of every issue to properly represent her constituents. She said she knows any funds she is working with are not her own, making her “acutely aware” of each dollar being available to all.

Liz Sierawski is the director of nursing at Beaumont Health Care, where she leads the nursing staff and oversees patient care operations. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Michigan State University.

Liz Sierawski is currently a member of the Sterling Heights City Council. She is finishing her second term and previously served on the Macomb County Charter Commission.

As of June 6, 2025, Liz Sierawski’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports increasing traffic patrols to address speeding in both main roads and neighborhoods.

Michael V. Radtke, Jr. | MA/MSc in International and World History

Michael Radtke has a bachelor's degree in history and political science from the University of Michigan and graduate degrees from Columbia University and the Loncon School of Economics.

Before taking public office, Michael worked as a community organizer, public relations consultant, and political activist. 

Michael is a current city council member for Sterling Heights. He is serving his third term.

Believes encouraging young families to move to Sterling Heights is crucial for expanding the tax base and supporting city services.

Opposes raising the City Manager’s pay by nearly $38,000 a year.

- Believes encouraging young families to move to Sterling Heights is crucial for expanding the tax base and supporting city services.
- Opposes raising the City Manager’s pay by nearly $38,000 a year.

As a city council member, fought to hire 4 more code enforcement officers to address blight.

As a city council member, encouraged hiring 4 more code enforcement officers to address decayed properties.

- As a city council member, encouraged hiring 4 more code enforcement officers to address decayed properties.
- Wants to restrict the use of fireworks.

Promises to advocate strongly for increased police and fire protection.

As a city council member, voted to hire 10 more firefighters to staff the expanded city ambulance fleet.

Advocated for the Safe Streets millage and voted to hire more firefighters, police officers, and social work case managers.

Advocated for the Safe Streets tax and voted to hire more firefighters, police officers, and social work case managers.

Advocates for increasing the number of police officers in Sterling Heights.

- Promises to advocate strongly for increased police and fire protection.
- As a city council member, voted to hire 10 more firefighters to staff the expanded city ambulance fleet.
- Advocated for the Safe Streets tax and voted to hire more firefighters, police officers, and social work case managers.
- Advocates for increasing the number of police officers in Sterling Heights.

Supports using firefighters as vaccine administrators.

- Supports using firefighters as vaccine administrators.

Advocated for a southern recreation center for youth.

As a city council member, sponsored a budget amendment allowing absentee ballots to be returned postage-free.

Supports creating more trails and linking local parks to the Iron-Belle Trail.

Advocated for additional non-motorized paths and parks in the community.

Advocated for additional pedestrian paths and parks in the community.

Supports the development of trails and parks.

As a city council member, helped transform vacant walls and unused areas into public spaces.

Supports public art, saying it "speaks to the city’s aspirations" and "brightens up residents’ days."

Supports access to public services without discrimination.

Supports the creation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

- Advocated for a southern recreation center for youth.
- As a city council member, sponsored a budget amendment allowing absentee ballots to be returned postage-free.
- Supports creating more trails and linking local parks to the Iron-Belle Trail.
- Advocated for additional pedestrian paths and parks in the community.
- Supports the development of trails and parks.
- As a city council member, helped transform vacant walls and unused areas into public spaces.
- Supports public art, saying it "speaks to the city’s aspirations" and "brightens up residents’ days."
- Supports the LGBTQ+ community.
- Supports access to public services without discrimination.
- Supports the creation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Advocated for an urban tree reforestation initiative.

- Advocated for an urban tree reforestation initiative.

Plans to make the city an attractive and safe place to live, work, and play for all residents.

Advocates for expanding and improving the sidewalk replacement plan.

Supports expanding the sidewalk program to neighborhoods without sidewalks, especially near schools, to enhance safety and walkability.

Supports expanding the sidewalk program to neighborhoods without sidewalks, especially near schools, to improve safety and walkability.

- Plans to make the city an attractive and safe place to live, work, and play for all residents.
- Advocates for expanding and improving the sidewalk replacement plan.
- Supports expanding the sidewalk program to neighborhoods without sidewalks, especially near schools, to improve safety and walkability.

Michael V. Radtke Jr.

- Believes encouraging young families to move to Sterling Heights is crucial for expanding the tax base and supporting city services.

- As a city council member, encouraged hiring 4 more code enforcement officers to address decayed properties.

Michael V. Radtke Jr. is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and political science. He also holds graduate degrees in international and world history from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He is a 28-year resident of Sterling Heights, where he lives with his family. Information on his church attendance is not available at this time.

Michael V. Radtke Jr. currently serves on the Sterling Heights City Council and is running for re-election. He was first elected to his first term on the council in 2017 and has been elected to three terms, including his third term in 2021.

Michael is from Sterling Heights, Michigan. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and political science. He then earned graduate degrees in history from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He lives with his family in Sterling Heights.

Michael V. Radtke Jr. is currently a member of the Sterling Heights City Council. He was first elected to the council in 2017 and was reelected to his third term in 2021. The City Council is made up of seven members who serve four-year terms.

As of June 5, 2025, Michael V. Radtke Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As of June 6, 2025, Michael V. Radtke Jr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports equal rights for all residents of Sterling Heights.

Supports ending sidewalk special assessments and making sidewalk replacement the city's responsibility.

- 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.