Hi, Mr. Lowenberg! How did you become treasurer?

Eight years ago, I was in the mortgage business. Many people at shul would complain that the roads were terrible, the parks weren’t tidy, and the taxes were too high. Everyone kept saying that someone should do something. One day, there was an interesting piece of news. The city treasurer, who had held the position for 32 years, was retiring. Everyone said someone should pursue the position. I thought that it was something I could do because it combines three things that I really enjoy: helping people, finance, and politics. When I decided to run for the position, I received a lot of support from my fellow shul members and especially from a 91-year-old man, Sidney Lantz, who’s served as a longtime member on the city council and who’s still going strong. Even though my shul was supportive, I had to convince the whole city to vote for me.

How did you do that?

During the election campaign, we put lawn signs that said “Lowenberg for Lower Taxes” in well-placed areas throughout the city. I also went knocking on doors to introduce myself to voters. It might sound like a huge job — and it was! Each person who votes makes such a difference. I strongly encourage everyone over 18 years old to register and vote. The frum population in Southfield is a small minority, but because so many showed up to vote for me, even though it was the first time I ever ran, it helped make a difference, and I won!

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