Sheriff candidate brought to court over $21,000 debt – says that makes her likable

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI – Capitol One sued a Washtenaw County sheriff candidate for nearly $21,000 in debt, court records show.

The credit card company filed suit in February against Alyshia Dyer, one of three Democrats running in the Aug. 6 primary. The debt was incurred primarily from daily living expenses while she was in college, Dyer said, and she believes the debt makes her more accessible to voters.

“I’m really grateful for my education because it gave me the opportunity to be successful and do what I do today,” Dyer said. “But yes, it’s not easy.”

After completing her undergraduate degree at Eastern Michigan University, Dyer attended a graduate program at the University of Michigan. She graduated from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the School of Social Work in 2021. Dyer currently works as a therapist.

Dyer and the company were able to settle the matter out of court, she said, and concluded the proceedings on June 17.

“I definitely went through some difficulties,” Dyer said. “I had to decide which tire to fix because I can’t afford all four, right?”

She also believes her debt gives her the experience needed for the sheriff’s job. “People in poverty are really good with money,” she said.

Dyer said she wants to gain the trust of communities that have “historically been ignored and over-policed,” such as low-income communities.

One plan calls for extending Ann Arbor’s traffic stop parity ordinance — which prohibits officers from stopping drivers for offenses such as a cracked windshield or broken taillight — to the rest of the county. Evaluating officers based on the number of traffic stops they make improves policing, she said.

“I joined the police force to protect and serve my community,” Dyer said. “I did not join the force to make money.”

Dyer is running against Derrick Jackson, the sheriff’s director of citizen engagement, and Ken Magee, a consultant and former director of the University of Michigan’s public safety department. There are no Republicans on the ballot. The race will be decided in the August 6 primary, and the winner will appear unopposed on the November ballot.

RELATED: Sheriff candidate calls license complaint and investigation “fabricated”

Incumbent Sheriff Jerry Clayton, who has held the office since 2008, announced in 2022 that he would not run for re-election.

Further information about the candidates can be found here.

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