Published in the Berkley Patch Website
Friday, November 4, 2011
Education: Doctorate in counseling psychology from Wayne State University; graduate studies at University of Detroit and University of Notre Dame; undergraduate studies at Saint Patrick College, Ireland.
Political career: 6 years on Berkley City Council.
Professional career: President of Brookfield Clinics, adjunct professor at Oakland University.
Personal: (My wife) Jeanne and I moved to Berkley 31 years ago, where we raised our son, Tim.
Website: odwyerformayor.com
Contact information: pod3@aol.com
What inspired you to run: Public service is a time-honored endeavor. I believe one is called to contribute one's talents to the community. We have a large number of volunteers in the city who work tirelessly for the betterment of Berkley. The example of their generosity inspires me to serve.
What are your priorities if elected? As mayor, my primary task will be to ensure that our citizens' views are heard and that their concerns are objectively considered. This will be accomplished by conducting City Council meetings with fairness, civility and equity and by representing the city in a professional manner.
My second priority is the financial security of Berkley. Amid diminishing resources this is a pivotal issue for every resident. I will ensure the prudent management of our limited funds and I will seek the direction of the residents on major financial decisions that could impact the services they receive.
Enriching our Berkley quality of life is my third priority. Its essential features include: preserving our neighborhood spirit, encouraging property enhancement, attracting valued businesses, supporting our dedicated employees, improving our parks, expanding our talented and generous pool of volunteers and facilitating citywide dialogue through new technologies.
What is your favorite thing about Berkley? Berkley's most endearing quality is its friendly neighborhood spirit.
What is the biggest problem facing the city? Years of cutting budgets, reducing staff and deferring needed maintenance eventually have a real impact on the quality of life. Our community coffers are distressed as we face the challenge of navigating these difficult times while seeking to preserve the kind of city we all value.
Source: berkley.patch.com/articles/election-meet-your-berkley-city-council-mayor-candidates
