Meet Vicki Barnett - A Resume

2008-03-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

Vicki Barnett is the change we need in Lansing. As your State Representative, Vicki will work to fix our broken Legislature and get things moving again by creating good-paying jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and boosting our economy. She will focus on bringing more cutting edge jobs in fast-growing fields such as life sciences and renewable energy. Vicki will put our working families first, ahead of the special interests and their deep pockets.

Video: Vicki Barnett -- Her Issues, Her Record in her words.

Vicki Barnett has enjoyed a long career in public service in Farmington Hills, serving on the Farmington Hills City Council from 1995 to 2003 and as mayor of Farmington Hills from 2003 to 2007. In 2007, Barnett was named by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of metro Detroit’s most influential women. Vicki knows how important it is to turn our state around to keep our youngest and brightest workers here in Michigan. Through strengthening our schools and creating jobs, Vicki will help turn Michigan around.

Vicki in her own words
Since my first election to Farmington Hills City Council in 1995, I have successfully advocated for my community and Southeast Michigan. Having testified numerous times before the Michigan Legislature on such matters as prohibiting oil drilling in residential neighborhoods and preserving local control for residents, I have worked with state and federal officials to improve police, fire and emergency communications in Farmington Hills and Oakland County. I have also helped develop a “living wall” sound barrier program along I-275 and crafted legislation to encourage economic redevelopment in metropolitan areas. I am currently working to create an economic alliance of the Great Lake states to build on our regional strengths, foster economic development and cooperation, attract and retain intellectual talent, and redirect federal policy and priorities to the North Coast.

Career
Mayor, City of Farmington Hills, MI — 2003-2007
I was responsible for an annual budget of $95 million. I worked with City Council to set city policy, establish spending priorities and deliver high quality services to residents at the lowest possible cost. I set our Council Meeting agendas, appointed board and commission members and conducted City Council meetings.

Investment Consultant, LPL Financial, Farmington Hills, MI — 1999-Present
I specialize in retirement and distribution planning. I assist individuals and businesses in setting and achieving their financial and personal goals. I hold NASD Series 7 and 63 licenses and am a licensed life, accident and health insurance agent. I am a published author and have been the featured speaker on a wide variety of financial and investment topics for business organizations, unions, service clubs, educational associations and schools and conduct seminars on municipal finance and retiree health care.

Council Member, City of Farmington Hills, MI — 1995-2003
I was responsible for establishing the annual city budget, setting city policy and communicating with residents.

Education
University of Michigan - Dearborn — M.B.A. Degree, with distinction, 1993
University of Michigan - Dearborn — B.G.S. Degree, with honors, 1981

Community Service
Government:
President, Michigan Municipal League (MML) -- 2006-2007
Chair, Data Advisory Council, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)
-- 2006-2007
Member, Practitioner Steering Group, Office for Interoperability and Compatibility,
Department of Homeland Security -- 2005-Present
Board Member, National League of Cities (NLC) -- 2003-2007
Vice Chair & Member, Community & Economic Development Advisory Council,
SEMCOG -- 1997-2007
Chair & Member, Information, Technology & Communications Committee, NLC
-- 1999-2007

Civic:
Member, Financial Women International
Member, Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce
Guest Lecturer, Institute for Local Government
Life Member, Roosevelt Chapter, Hadassah

Awards and Honors:
Most Influential Women Recipient, 2007, Crain's Detroit Business
Special Recognition, 2006, Homes for Our Troops
Rainbow Recognition Award, 2005, Multicultural/Multiracial Community Council

Family
I have been married for 26 years to attorney Mark Steckloff. We are the proud parents of Samantha and Jordan Steckloff.