Councilman
Shawn Sexton

City Hall
208 North First Ave.
Alpena, Michigan 49707

Phone: (989) 354-1700
Fax: (989) 354-1709
Email: shawns@alpena.mi.us

Personal History

I spent most of my life in and around Dayton, Ohio where I grew up in a blue collar, middle class family. My father worked for General Motors and my mother was a bus driver for Montgomery County. My parents were active in the community and instilled in me a sense of civic responsibility combined with a blue collar work ethic. They also taught me the value of an education. I ultimately pursued my education at the University of Dayton where I met my wife Sue. After marrying in 1993, Sue and I both completed our college educations. She earned a Bachelor's in Social Work, and I earned a Bachelor's in English Literature and a Master's in English Composition.

After the birth of our first child in March of 2000, my wife and I began looking for a smaller community with plentiful natural resources, good schools, and a strong community college in which to raise our family. Our search led my wife, four month old daughter Shelby, and I to Alpena in July of 2000. Shortly after making Alpena our home, we bought a house on First Avenue and began the daunting task of gutting and remodeling it. Our efforts were recognized with a Community Pride Award in 2001. Since that time, we have completed our home with the addition of three boys - Griffin, Reed, and Clark.

As a family we enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and gardening. We are also involved with Thunder Bay Soccer Association and the Thunder Bay Basketball Association; our family has both played and coached since 2005. I also enjoy writing and playing/watching a variety of recreational sports. We enjoy the wide variety of activities that Alpena has to offer and plan to both enjoy and contribute to Alpena as we raise our family.

Political Background
I grew up realizing the importance of civic responsibility, but never formally became involved in politics until we moved to Alpena. As an Instructor at ACC, I have been privileged enough to engage in several discussions with numerous people about Alpena. After gaining perspective about our community from a variety of passionate residents, I felt the time was right to become involved in our community politically. I was appointed to the City of Alpena Planning Commission in 2005 and then ran for Alpena City Council in 2007. After losing the election by a small margin, I was honored with an appointment to the Alpena Municipal Council to fulfill Mayor Carol Shafto's term. After serving for two years, I ran again in 2009 and was elected to a four year term. I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat and typically vote for third parties. I believe that it is important for all community representatives, Republican or Democrat, City, Township, or County, to work together for the collective good of our community. With that in mind, I try to engage in discourse with a variety of people, collect data and opinions in an objective manner, and then simply vote my conscience. 

Work Experience
I have worked as an educator for the last 14 years. After completing my Master's Degree in English Composition from the University of Dayton, I worked as an Adjunct Instructor for a variety of universities and junior colleges in and around Dayton. In 1995, I was hired as a full-time Instructor for Wilmington College where I began a unique and fulfilling chapter of my professional career. Through Wilmington College, I worked as an Instructor in the Ohio Prison System. After two years of teaching in the prison system, I was promoted to the position of College Administrator for two separate maximum security prisons. Though I enjoyed the experience, I longed to return to the classroom full-time.

In 2000, I was hired as a full-time English Instructor at ACC where I have thoroughly enjoyed the students, staff, faculty, and administration. I have taught a wide variety of classes at ACC from Journalism to Technical Communications to Creative Writing. I am privileged to work with community college students and would not trade this student population for any other.

Interests
I am excited about the opportunity to serve the community and help move Alpena into the next decade. It is important that city representatives utilize our greatest resource - the people that we represent. Therefore, please contact me via email with any suggestions and/or concerns you have regarding our community.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, only the boards, commissions, and authorities that would be of interest to citizens of the City of Alpena are listed.

Other Information of Interest
I am excited about the opportunity to serve the community and help move Alpena into the next decade. It is important that City representatives utilize our greatest resource; the people that we represent. Therefore, please contact me via email with any suggestions and/or concerns you have regarding our community.