In Southfield, a three-way race is intensifying as two challengers aim to unseat the current mayor in the upcoming nonpartisan primary scheduled for August 5. The contest features Kenson Siver, the incumbent mayor with a decade-long tenure, against Sylvia Jordan, a former city council member, and Ryan Foster, a perennial candidate with diverse professional experience.
Kenson Siver, who once held the position of assistant superintendent for Southfield Public Schools, faces competition from Sylvia Jordan, an entrepreneur and ex-council president, and Ryan Foster, who has previously contested in five elections and has a background with the Michigan Department of Corrections.
All candidates were contacted by Michigan Public to discuss their perspectives on what they believe are the pressing concerns for residents, their leadership qualifications, and the priorities they would set if elected.
Ryan Foster emphasized the financial strain on voters, stating, “Most Southfield voters are tired of paying high taxes while crime is going up [and] schools are being closed,” and adding his desire for “change in Southfield.” His agenda includes a proposed 10% reduction in property taxes to prevent resident exodus.
Sylvia Jordan also highlighted tax issues, pledging to gradually lower the city’s tax burden by broadening the tax base. She intends to draw in new businesses and foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. Jordan’s experience includes over a decade on the Southfield City Council and previous mayoral campaigns in 2009 and 2015.
Jordan remarked on the perceived disconnect between taxes and service quality, noting, “People are asking, ‘Where is the value for what we’re paying?’” She cited delays in essential services like trash collection and the closure of a local swimming pool as significant resident frustrations.
Kenson Siver acknowledged similar resident complaints but pointed to improvements in services since the city switched waste management providers. He assured that plans for the swimming pool are progressing with funding secured and steps being taken to employ an architect.
Siver’s accomplishments include infrastructural enhancements through road and watermain projects, along with new housing, trails, and public art installations. The mayor highlighted significant investments in park facilities and praised the city’s well-trained safety personnel.
Looking ahead, Siver intends to prioritize rezoning unused commercial spaces while maintaining that, overall, “Southfield is doing well.”
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