Get to Know Dora
I’m Dora Rodriguez. I’m a mother, a grandmother, and a UAW autoworker and I’m proud to be running for Trenton City Council on Tuesday, November 2.
As a third-generation UAW member, I have been active in campaigns around our area for a long time, working to strengthen policies that protect working families, children, senior citizens, teachers, and unions.
Trenton is my home and it’s the place I love. We have a lot of unique challenges in our city, but I know we can find solutions together with some new voices at the table. Whether it’s DTE, the McLouth property, or finally getting us the curbside recycling that we need, I want to be your advocate and hold a seat at the table for all of us.
As your councilwoman, I’ll focus on protecting our water and making sure it’s clean, safe, and drinkable for generations to come. I’ll make sure that we work to improve access to city services for our seniors so that they can be happy, healthy members of our community.
As a union organizer and a long-time Trenton resident, I’m committed to being an approachable, transparent leader and advocate for the city and the people that I love.
FREQUently ASKED QUESTiONS
Why are you running for Council?
I’m running for Trenton City Council to be a voice in our city government. Trenton is an incredible community that I’m proud to call home. After over a decade of community engagement in Trenton and Southeast Michigan, I wanted to run for a nonpartisan seat.
I have been a strong advocate in our community and have volunteered and worked with multiple groups over the years on issues ranging from auto insurance reforms to community engagement. Since first running for Trenton City Council in 2019, I have had the opportunity to connect with so many of our incredible community members, and it has only made my love for this city stronger.
Our challenges need new, creative thinking on revenue with a 10-20 year plan, and that includes keeping traditional resources intact by protecting in-house city services and budgeting by not raising resident taxes in order to keep these protections while building a tax base. I am against any form of privatization and would work hard to protect our city services, ensuring access to viable community resources for all, protecting our air, water, wildlife and quality of life by working with other communities and elected officials.
As a City Council member, I would do everything in my power to ensure that Trenton is a highly sought-after community when families are looking to purchase a home. By pursuing apprenticeship programs, job growth, continued traditions, empowering our voices on environmental impacts, and continuing a strong family community base for current and future generations to come, we can ensure Trenton is the place families and community-driven businesses alike will want to move into.
Across my decades of volunteering in our area, I have developed a deep understanding of what our neighbors are looking for in terms of transparency, engagement, and their leadership. I’m running to hold a seat at the table for working families across Trenton and I know I would be an effective member of Trenton City Council because I have the experience, tenacity, and the work ethic to get things done. And above all else, care deeply about our community and residents.
If elected to City Council, I will work alongside others to protect and provide oversight, cleanup and redevelopment on waterfront properties such as McLouth, DTE, Eastman/Solutia and Riverside Hospital, and work tirelessly to promote and improve this incredible city. All these qualities make me the best candidate to support and vote for on Tuesday, November 2nd.
What (issues, concerns) do you think the city faces in the next few years?
I have concerns about tax revenue and looking for new businesses that fit our community, ensuring our water resources are safe for generations to come, working with community members, council to protect families from potential environmental hazards while working with DTE, Riverside Hospital, McLouth, RLP & Eastman/Solutia sites.
What are residents concerned about?
Trenton Residents are very concerned about the request to expand RLP, and have continued concerns on McLouth, DTE, Riverside Hospital and Eastman/Solutia sites. Another concern is that the city is not attracting enough businesses in Downtown Trenton or on Fort Street. Additional concerns include, high taxes, tax revenue, retaining skilled city workers, firefighters and police, senior services, parks and recreations, and speeding in our neighborhoods.
What are you concerned about as a resident and a potential city leader?
I am concerned that Trenton City Council does not fully reflect the voices of all of our residents. We need to find common ground to solve our city’s problems. My past experiences as a union leader, community volunteer and leader in the Michigan State Police Angel Program gives me the experience to bring change to city hall.
Have you sought office before (city or school)?
Yes I ran for a Trenton City Council seat in 2019.
How long have you lived in the city; where do you work?
I have lived here since 2007 and recently found out from my parents, I attended Taylor elementary in the mid to late 70’s. I am an hourly UAW Production FPS CI Team Member at Ford Motor Company.