Bill Joyner's FridayMusings March 15 2024

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FridayMusings since 2003

Friday March 15, 2024

Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life

Yesterday is over. Change is the essence of life.

20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion

Mayor Maureen Brosnan shares the future of Livonia. Leveraging the knowledge of the present to make a better tomorrow.

Livonia business leaders and city officials will convene for Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan's State of the City Address at the Vista Tech Center on Schoolcraft College's campus. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Corporate sponsors of the State of the City include Masco, AlphaUSA, Schoolcraft College, Trinity Health, Bill Brown Ford, NYX, and Conci Painting Company.

Although registration for this popular annual event closed on March 8th for $20.00 per person, it will be live-streamed on Facebook at Facebook.com/LivoniaCommunity.

Engagement and Wellness Night combined with

Clarenceville State of the District, March 21@ 5:00 pm

The Clarenceville School District extends a warm invitation to all K-12 students and their families for the Engagement and Wellness Family Night at Botsford Elementary School. At this event, participants will delve into emotional regulation, engage in discussions about early intervention strategies for managing emotions, and discover tools that assist in emotion regulation.

Following the event, Mr. Paul Shepich will host a Clarenceville Townhall. This presents a valuable chance for the community to interact with Mr. Shepich and discuss the State of the District. The organizers are eager to embark on this journey of learning and growth together!

Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

Debra Peck Lichtenberg appointed Livonia Finance Director

After 30 years Mike Slater is to retire in April

Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan has appointed Debra Peck Lichtenberg as the Director of Finance.

A certified public accountant, Lichtenberg possesses over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, predominantly within municipal environments.

She most recently held the position of finance director for the City of Royal Oak. Prior to that, she was the director of finance and operations for Grosse Pointe Farms and has served in various financial roles in the cities of Westland and Novi.

"This is a pivotal role for the city, particularly as we initiate the forthcoming phases of Livonia Vision 21," stated Mayor Brosnan. "Debra's track record of fostering long-term financial and operational prosperity across all municipal departments renders her an outstanding choice."

Lichtenberg's career also includes tenure as an audit associate at Plante Moran. She graduated with honors from the University of Michigan and maintains several industry memberships and certifications.

She succeeds Finance Director Mike Slater, who will retire in April after a distinguished 30-year tenure with the city.

"Mike has been an invaluable member of our team for three decades," remarked Mayor Brosnan. "He established a lofty standard for integrity and fiscal prudence. Livonia's current standing is a testament to his diligent stewardship over the years. We extend our heartfelt wishes for his retirement."

The role of finance director encompasses supervising 18 staff members and managing responsibilities such as budget preparation and execution, capital planning, strategic development, contract negotiations, risk management, investments, as well as overseeing the Livonia Brownfield Authority, Plymouth Road Development Authority, among others.

Motor City Youth Theatre presents Willy Wonka, April 5 @ 7:00

Welcome to Willy Wonka Jr! Prepare for an enchanting voyage through the chocolate factory alongside Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas. This live event is set to take place at Motor City Theatre, offering you the chance to witness the beloved tale unfold on stage. Embark on a whimsical escapade brimming with melodies, dance, and a plethora of surprises. Don't miss this irresistibly charming performance!

Should Michigan add tolls to most frequently traveled freeways?

An issue that is poised to garner increased public attention is the exploration of additional revenue streams to enhance our road infrastructure. Let's examine a proposal that is currently under consideration.

In Michigan, brainstorming sessions are underway to address a budget deficit impacting road infrastructure finances. Presently, road maintenance is funded through a combination of federal, state, and local contributions, with approximately half of the state's portion derived from gasoline taxes. The remainder is sourced from vehicle registration fees.

A proposal that is attracting heightened scrutiny suggests the introduction of tolls on our most heavily trafficked highways. What are your thoughts?

Should Michigan add tolls to those highways most frequently traveled freeways

Yes

Follow up on Veterans Connection.

Dave Laycock, who retired from Active Duty in February 1993 after 23.5 years of service pictured here, described the first meetup of the "Veterans Connection as 'outstanding.' He expressed regret for those who missed it and hoped they could attend the next meetup."

Steve Alexander, the organizer of the Veterans Connection pictured below, expressed that the Veterans Connection gathering on Tuesday night was "Absolutely fantastic," marking the first meeting with the Livonia Veteran's Connection. He encourages local veterans to participate, highlighting that this group operates on a veterans-for-veterans basis. Their goal is to foster connections among veterans and link them to local resources.

"Also, if you know of a service member returning home to Livonia, please let me know. We would love to help them transition."

The next Livonia Veteran's Connection Meetup is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th, from 630pm to 730pm, at the Livonia VFW, Post 3941, 31611 Plymouth Rd.

For more information about the newly formed Veterans Connection group please get in touch with Steve Alexander at

248-709-6587 or Dave Laycock at 734-765-5595.

A Conversation on Investing in our Public Schools hosted by Senator Dayna Polehanki

Easter Egg Hunts throughout Livonia

March 23 10:00-12:00

Join Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church at the Fellowship Hall for their Easter Hop where you will hop around filling baskets with Easter treats and surprises!

There will also be a special visit form the Easter Bunny!

Admission: A canned food item their Deacon's Food Delivery Ministry.

March 23 1:00-3:00

March 30 10:00-1:00

Celebrate 50 years with the LSO.

Livonia has the best cultural scene.

See you at Burton Manor April 20

Livonia celebrates Anastasia and Katie's on World Down Syndrome Day

Cooper, the therapy dog in training from the Livonia Police Department, will be present at Anastasia and Katie's on March 21st, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Cooper's participation is part of World Down Syndrome Day events, which run from 12:00 to 6:00 PM.

Join us to celebrate and advocate for the well-being of individuals with Down Syndrome. Enjoy drink specials, engaging activities, games, and a dance party starting at 3:21 PM.

Located just one block north of Seven Mile Road and west of Merriman Road, Anastasia and Katie's is an exceptional coffee shop. Here, you can savor delicious sandwiches, a variety of drinks, and support this unique coffee shop & cafe.

Candidates announcing to run in 2024

United States Congress

1 elected in November

Rashida Tlaib (D-I)

Rashida Tlaib for Congress | Rooted in Community (rashidaforcongress.com)

Linda Sawyer (R)

Facebook

State Representative

District 16

Stephanie Young (D-I)

State Representative

District 17

Laurie Pohutsky (D-I)

State Representative

District 22

Matt Koleszar (D-I)

Re-elect Matt Koleszar as your Michigan state representative (mattformichigan.org)

Adam Stathakis (R)

Adam Stathakis for State Representative (adamworksforus.com)

Christian Charette (R)

Christian Charette for State Representative (charetteformichigan.com)

County Commissioner

District 12

Glenn Anderson (D-I)

County Commissioner

District 9

Terry Marecki (R-I)

County Sheriff

Raphael Washington (D-I)

Schoolcraft College

2 elected in November

Dillon Breen(I)

Angela Jaafar (I)

Schoolcraft College

1 elected in November

Candy Little (I)

Joan Gebhardt

Livonia District Court

1 elected in November

Jim Jolly

Jim Jolly for 16th District Court Judge (electjimjolly.com)

Robin Persiconi

Robin Persiconi for 16th District Court Judge (electrobinforjudge.com)

Representative Matt Koleszar kicks off his 2024 re-election bid

A packed room filled with elected officials from throughout Matt Koleszar's State Representative District, including Livonia's Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski, and State Senator Dayna Polehanki, enjoyed conversation, smiles, laughter, and applause. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was the guest of honor and spoke of the hard work and leadership provided by Koleszar.

"When many legislators are attending some of the many parties hosted in Lansing you can count on Matt Koleszar to instead be in his district working with his constituents."

Senators Cavanagh and Bayer Introduce Legislation to Bring Transparency to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Assoc.

Today, Senator Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), together with Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), introduced Senate Bills 793 and 794. These bills aim to enhance transparency and accountability within the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA). The MCCA's fee-setting process has traditionally been opaque to public scrutiny. The proposed legislation mandates the MCCA's compliance with the Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts, augments the board with public representatives, and necessitates the public disclosure of its financials and fee-setting methodology. This initiative promises Michiganders increased access to information about the allocation of their funds.

Moreover, the legislative package proposes to abolish the MCCA's authority to levy fees on drivers who opt out of the unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Under current law, the MCCA can impose charges on all drivers, regardless of their eligibility for benefits. This amendment would lead to reduced insurance premiums for drivers who forego the unlimited coverage option.

Senator Cavanagh, the principal sponsor of the bills, remarked on the pressing need for reform amidst rising inflation and insurance costs that Michigan drivers face daily. She criticized the existing regulations for keeping Michiganders uninformed about the MCCA's fee-setting practices and asserted that drivers have a right to understand how fees are calculated and should only pay for selected coverage. The proposed legislation aspires to deliver long-overdue transparency and accountability to Michigan motorists.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

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Cell address

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The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.