Meet the Candidates: Candidate for City Council Tony Lalli

​By Jim Jacek
 
 
Every week we are featuring a candidate running for city council in Allen Park. This week’s featured candidate is Tony Lalli. Here is his story: “I, Felice "Tony" Lalli was born and raised in Italy until the age of eleven.  My Father passed away when I was a year old.  My widowed Mother struggled to care for my sister & I so she sent me to the United States to live with and be raised by my Uncle & Aunt in Pennsylvania.  My Mothers sacrifice enabled me to have a better life in this great county.  I spoke no English but I learned the language and adapted to my new homeland.  In 1964, I became a proud citizen of the United States.
In 1968, I graduated from Cannon McMillan High School in Canonsburg, PA.  I was a member of the wrestling team, drama club and proud of my school.
After attending school during the day, I spent hours & weekends being taught cabinetry and furniture making at MDP cabinet shop in Canonsburg. 
I was awarded a scholarship to learn tool & die making from Westinghouse Electric in Pennsylvania but chose to serve my country.   Due to my carpentry experience, the Navy promoted me to 3rd Class Builder Petty Officer in the Navy Seabees MCB121 (battalion).   I served as a Navy Seabee in Vietnam from 1968-1970 and was honorably discharged.
Before deployment to Vietnam, I helped rescue victims of Hurricane Camille in Gulfport, Mississippi.  I was awarded a Letter of Commendation from the Navy Admiral, Commander in Chief, for outstanding performance of duty during those rescue efforts.
After returning home from the military, I moved to Michigan in 1970 and resided in Allen Park with relatives.
I worked road construction until I was hired as a Cabinet Maker in local cabinet shops that did home improvement. 
In 1970 I met Maria.  She resided in Allen Park and graduated from Allen Park High School.   We were married at St. Frances Cabrini church in 1971.  Maria participated in many organizations/commissions throughout our marriage.  
We purchased a home in Allen Park over 36 years ago.  We were blessed with and raised 2 children that attended and graduated from schools in Allen Park.   Our children participated in a variety of activities at their schools as well as through parks & recreation.  Both have gone on to successful careers.  Four years ago we were blessed with a grandchild who is being raised in Allen Park. 
In 1977, I hired with Ford Motor Company.  I was a Carpenter/Supervisor/Leader for many years at their Research & Engineering center in Dearborn.  I was also a project Manager for a major construction renovation on campus.   I was a very active member of UAW Local 245 for 30 years.
In August 2007, I retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years of service.
During my years working, I found the time to be actively involved with our community.
I am an active member of St. Frances Cabrini parish since 1971.  My wife and I chaired the Cabrini Festival Italian Booth for over 30 years.  I am also an Usher at St. Frances Cabrini church.
I am an active member of the Father Saylor Knights of Columbus 3774 in Allen Park for over 35 years.  I have held a variety of offices during those years.  I have helped raise money for mentally impaired children and I am presently, District Deputy overseeing 5 councils.
I am a former Chairman of the Allen Park Community Relations Committee and the Allen Park 50th Anniversary Committee.
I have been active & past President of the Allen Park Kiwanis Club since 2007, helping to raise funds for the children of the world.  We also maintain the Duda/Kiwanis Park on Park Avenue.  I am again, President of the AP Kiwanis Club.
I have been an active member of American Legion Post  409 in Allen Park since 1994.
I am a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  In my spare time I build & donate flag boxes for families of deceased Veterans.
I've been a member of the Allen Park Elks Club since 2008.
I've been a volunteer of the Allen Park Street Fair for the past 8 years.
I've been delivering Meals on Wheels to Allen Park residents since 2007 to present.
I've been an active member of Downriver for Veterans since 2017 and am presently a Board member.
I've been an active member of the Allen Park Democratic Club since 2007 and am their Vice President.
I belong to the Allen Park Chamber of Commerce and I am one of their Directors.
I first ran for Allen Park City Council in 2007 and was elected to the top council seat as Mayor Pro-Tem.  Upon the resignation of the Mayor in June of 2011, I was moved up from Pro-Tem and served as Mayor from June to November 2011.
It would be an honor to serve the citizens of Allen Park.  If elected on November 5th to serve on the Allen Park City Council, I will continue to be a strong advocate and voice for all citizens of Allen Park.
I will enforce ordinances and with the help of the new administration, I would propose looking into grants to help augment city services to keep our city safe and clean.  I will work to keep improving the infrastructure. 
I will work cooperatively and respectfully with city officials.
I have always supported our Police and Fire. I will encourage economic growth in Allen Park by working with businesses to invest in our great city. 
With all of my leadership experience and community involvement, I will continue to be a strong advocate and voice for of all citizens of Allen Park.   I appreciate your vote of support on November 5th.
Let's Keep Allen Park Moving Forward
 
Respectfully,
Felice "Tony" Lalli 
Tony Lalli for AP city council
 

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