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| Livonia Observer endorses Brosnan; 10/18/07 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 18 2007, 07:33 AM (1,422 Views) | |
| Vanna White | Oct 18 2007, 07:33 AM Post #1 |
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http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...607/1199/NEWS10 Elect Brosnan to guide city forward We are more than impressed by the two candidates in the running to become Livonia's next mayor. Both candidates in the Nov. 6 election are capable of leading this community into the next decade. We believe that voters should select Maureen Miller Brosnan to be the next mayor of Livonia. In our view and by most all accounts, Jack Kirksey's eight years as mayor of Livonia were a success. He ushered in the firefighters' Advanced Life Support plan; led the establishment of a recreation center and a roads plan, both with corresponding millages; and worked to attract and retain businesses while keeping services intact. And Kirksey is offering several business-focused proposals to supplement his administrative experience. However, sometimes there can be two roads to success. Kirksey has had his time at the helm and the city is poised for a new vision, a new direction. Brosnan has the intelligence, charisma and vision to take the reins and propel our community to some brighter days. It won't be easy in this challenging economy. However, Brosnan has shown that during her nine years on the City Council that she has an insightful understanding of the issues and strong communication skills. She has shown the brains and political acumen to forge relationships, along with the tact to bring along doubters. Those attributes will serve her well as mayor. Brosnan sees the value of fresh perspectives and new approaches to problems, building on the positive services and great attributes of this community. She'd move to fill vacancies on the city's boards and commissions with new, fresh viewpoints. Along with beefing up the city's economic development department, she'd deploy the star power of big-name business leaders in a rapid-response team to try to influence firms on the value of moving or staying in Livonia. She plans a "listen and learn" approach for small businesses that would target easing sign ordinances and making the city redevelopment-ready. Part of that involves setting up a point-person in various departments to cut the hassles on new or expanding businesses, she said. In the proud but aging northeast corner of town, Brosnan would create a volunteer youth corps to help seniors paint or fix up their houses. She plans a community wide open house to draw attention to the positives here. Brosnan says she'd also listen to city employees, including public safety, where workers tell her they know how to make things more efficient. And she'd go beyond an open-door policy to set up a door-to-door policy, visiting neighborhoods once a month for front-porch conversations to stay on top of issues. This is an important election. We recommend Maureen Miller Brosnan as the best choice to guide our community forward. Originally published October 18, 2007 |
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| Vanna White | Oct 18 2007, 07:35 AM Post #2 |
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http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...595/1199/NEWS10 Letters Who is supporting her? On Sept. 11, the date of the Livonia primary elections, I met a man who was handing out literature for Maureen Brosnan. I asked him if he lived in my precinct, and he told me that he had been bused in by the UAW from outside Livonia to help elect Maureen. I went home and did some research, and discovered that Maureen Brosnan has almost no supporters on the Livonia City Council or school board. In fact, the vast majority of Livonia's City Council, school board members, and appointed commission members are supporting Mayor Jack Kirksey. This leads me to ask, who in Livonia is supporting Maureen Brosnan, or is all her support from outside the city? Jeff Wiggins Livonia Brosnan's not nonpartisan The mayor of a city is supposed to govern all its citizens, Republicans, Democrats and independents. The mayor should always govern with the best interest of the city in mind - not Lansing, Wayne County or any other special interest group. Maureen Miller Brosnan claims to be nonpartisan. However, the facts tell otherwise. As reported in the Livonia Observer, Maureen Miller Brosnan received and accepted a $10,000 campaign contribution from Governor Granholm. If that weren't enough, Governor Granholm and her husband just held a $1,000 per person fund-raiser in Redford for Maureen Miller Brosnan at the home of Wayne County government appointee Kevin Kelley. I refuse to believe that anyone who receives $10,000 from Governor Granholm is nonpartisan. However, now I understand the reason Maureen Miller Brosnan has tried so hard to paint herself as nonpartisan. The sad truth is that the same people who raised our income taxes and our sales taxes are now doing everything they can to pick our next mayor. I think that Livonia residents should pick their mayor. I want my next mayor to be someone who will say no to people who want to raise my taxes. I do not want someone who goes to the Lansing government and Wayne County government to raise money so that she can be in charge of Livonia's government. I want my next mayor to be someone who puts Livonia first, not Lansing and Wayne County. The mayor of Livonia should be bi-partisan. My guess is that Granholm and Brosnan look at Livonia with dollar signs in their eyes. Yes, Livonians, our dollars. Christine M. Torres Livonia Stop the negativity There have been several recent letters in the Observer showing that some Livonia citizens do not understand what this term means. Of course, each individual running for office may support one of the parties when voting in a partisan election, but the Livonia city government has a long tradition of being nonpartisan. This means that people from all parties should find ways to work together cooperatively regardless of their partisan leanings. Until recently, this is why Livonia has been such a successful city. Regardless of party affiliation, the best and the brightest have been elected to an office or appointed to our many city commissions. It's time to stop the negativity and figure out what needs to be done to improve Livonia and bring in more businesses and new residents. Roberta Young Livonia Toy has record, character Laura, as a 16-year-old, founded the first recycling center in the city. Laura, over the years (39 to be exact) has demonstrated her strong leadership. One just has to Google her record to see the breadth and depth of her character. Laura is an experienced small-business owner, owner of Cardwell Florist (the economic backbone of our country) and a former state senator. These credentials, bolstered by the longevity of her success, demonstrate that she is the candidate best suited to build better relationships with our schools, pump up our economic development and maintain our property values. I have known and worked with Laura Toy since Desert Storm, 1991, at which time she strongly supported all our troops. My son was in Desert Storm. Her involvement meant a great deal to many of us. With all this said, remember the privilege to vote - VOTE - Laura M Toy for Livonia City Council on Nov. 6. Joann Piotter Livonia Originally published October 18, 2007 |
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| Vanna White | Oct 18 2007, 07:36 AM Post #3 |
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http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...606/1199/NEWS10 Letters No integrity question This newspaper alerted its readers that the campaign for Mayor of Livonia could turn negative and divisive. It was proved correct this week with the arrival in mailboxes of a flyer from the Kirksey campaign that his election "will allow the city to maintain its integrity and independence from Wayne County." This is a not very subtle reference to the fact that Livonia's own Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano (Stevenson '70), and other Livonians like myself who work for Wayne County, support the candidacy of Maureen Brosnan for mayor. It is true that Wayne County and Livonia have enjoyed an excellent partnership under Executive Ficano and Mayor Jack Engebretson. During Mr. Ficano's administration, Wayne County has: n Completed major road projects including the reconstruction of Seven Mile from Farmington to Inkster and resurfacing portions of Five Mile, Six Mile (just finishing up), Eight Mile, Haggerty and Wayne Roads. n Contributed $150,000 to the Veterans Memorial Park project dedicated on May 27, 2006. n Served about 100,000 meals each year to almost 600 homebound seniors through the Meals on Wheels program. n Collaborated on many recreational and educational projects with community groups and Livonia Parks and Recreation in Hines Park. I am in position to know these facts because I serve as the government relations liaison from the Wayne County Executive's Office to my hometown. I know Mayor Engrebretson has served Livonia with integrity and independence at all times when advocating for his city with representatives of Wayne County. If you do not want to take my word for the honorable and constructive relationship between Livonia and Wayne County, ask Mayor Engebretson. It is offensive to suggest that if Maureen Brosnan is elected, that somehow Livonia will suffer in its dealings with Wayne County. By the logic of the Kirksey campaign, if he is elected, will Livonia be controlled by Wayne County by virtue of the fact that Wayne County Commissioner Laura Cox supports him? Such a suggestion is equally offensive. The residents of Livonia should be assured that regardless of the outcome of the mayoral election, County Executive Ficano, County Commissioners Cox and Kay Beard (who represents a southern portion of the city) and county employees like myself will continue to serve this community to the best of our abilities. Alan C. Helmkamp assistant Wayne County executive, (Stevenson '70) Brosnan has vision, energy I am endorsing Maureen Miller Brosnan for Livonia mayor. After much thought and discussion, I have decided to take a more active role in the mayoral election in our city. As a council member and recent candidate for mayor, I have spent a significant time walking door to door in our community and listening to your thoughts and hopes for our future. I crafted my mayoral platform around your concerns in an effort to move our great city forward. This election is critical as we are at a pivotal point in Livonia's history. We are in a different environment than we ever have been and I believe this requires bold new innovative leadership. Change is needed and who we elect to lead us as mayor will significantly affect the city's future prosperity. Having closely worked with both Jack Kirksey and Maureen Brosnan, I believe that Maureen is the best candidate for mayor. Her vision and platform most closely align with mine to create a better Livonia. As most of you are aware the cornerstone of my mayoral campaign philosophy was a strategic plan, a vision, of what Livonia should be in the future. On this point especially, Maureen & I are in agreement and I am looking forward to working with her as a councilman to make this strategic plan a reality. Maureen has the vision and energy to lead Livonia forward. I want to thank those of you who supported me in the primary and would ask you and all Livonia voters to join me in electing Maureen Miller Brosnan Livonia's next mayor. Joe Laura Livonia Grow, prosper with Kirksey I hope that many of you have read the recent articles pertaining to a community-marketing consortium promoting Livonia. They made a commercial highlighting all the great things that our city has to offer. I am very pleased to see this occurring, and believe that attracting new families will enhance our property values and help our businesses grow. I would like to thank a few Livonia groups who are supporting this effort: Livonia Chamber of Commerce, Livonia Public Schools, city of Livonia, Madonna University, Schoolcraft College, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia Observer, TRW Automotive, Bright House and Laurel Park Mall. How impressive that such a large group of organizations wants to work closely together to promote positive things about Livonia. That is why I feel it is important to elect a mayor who has proven repeatedly that he can work closely with the citizens, elected officials and organizations of this city. Since he was last mayor, Jack Kirksey has continued to volunteer with so many Livonia groups, and has worked hand in hand with the public schools and city officials. I believe Jack Kirksey will continue to help this community grow and prosper for the future. There is so much pride in this city and I believe that we have an unsurpassed police force, firefighters, quality education, and dedicated community volunteers. I truly believe that working together as a whole community makes a world of difference. It will be a very exciting time here in Livonia if Jack Kirksey is our mayor again. With him leading the way and so many great people in this city, we can't go wrong! Please join me in voting for Jack Kirksey on Nov. 6 as the next Livonia mayor. Judee Taormina Livonia Plenty of Wright reasons Webster's dictionary defines honor as, "fairness, integrity in one's belief or actions; high respect." Honor is a word I would use when describing Dennis Wright. Knowing Dennis for many years I have seen many "versions" of him. I have seen business Dennis, when I visit Wright's Hardware. In this setting I get to take notice of his respectable business ethics and understand exactly why Wright's Hardware has flourished for over 35 years. He treats his customers with respect and honesty, something that nowadays is often overlooked. I have seen volunteer Dennis, as Dennis was a leader in the LJAL league with my husband. Here I saw Dennis's devotion to a local organization, an organization that grew under Dennis's leadership. I have also seen Dennis work as a Livonia Parks & Recreation Commissioner. He listens carefully to others before offering his opinion. He genuinely cares about everything in this community. Finally I have seen family Dennis, the Dennis that probably works the hardest and laughs the most. I have attended many events with Dennis and his wife and have gotten to know his family over the years. His kids are not only well behaved, but hard workers and obviously understand what is right and what is wrong. This is a tribute to the parenting of Dennis and his ingrained values. Knowing all these sides of Dennis, his respect and honesty to customers, his fairness, enthusiasm, and hard work for a volunteer organization, and his values and integrity as a parent, how can I not endorse Dennis Wright for treasurer? Cathy Kevra Livonia Parks & Recreation commissioner Originally published October 18, 2007 |
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| mmmmkay? | Oct 18 2007, 07:54 AM Post #4 |
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Wow, Joe Laura is endorsing Brosnan. Does that theoretically mean that all of Joe' Laura's votes during the primary now switch to Maureen Brosnan? Gosh & golly, that must be making Kirsey a little bit nervous. He now has to make up another 24% of the total votes that were cast for Joe Laura in the Primary. 24% increase huh? + the margin he lost to Maureen Brosnan by, another 3.2%. That seems a bit hard to do when Maureen Brosnan has gotten the endorsement from Livonia Firefighters, Livonia Lieutenants and Sergeants Association, Livonia Observer, & the Livonia Police Officers Association. But we all know Jack still has his loyal school employees and hand picked minions on his side... or does he??? mmmmkay? |
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| Xena | Oct 18 2007, 08:42 AM Post #5 |
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As a former supporter of Joe Laura's run for Mayor I am thrilled to know he has publicly endorsed Maureen Brosnan. Everyone that I know who supported Joe are now voting for Maureen Brosnan. |
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| RU Kidding Me? | Oct 18 2007, 03:34 PM Post #6 |
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The Livonia Police and Fire Departments have had 8 years of observing first hand how Kirksey works. Please note that all three public safety unions are now endorsing Mrs. Brosnan. Our city needs a new vision. Jack had his turn. PLEASE vote Brosnan and give this city a fresh face and new ideas. |
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| livoniarocks | Oct 18 2007, 04:12 PM Post #7 |
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If Joe Laura is endorsing Maureen I am FOR SURE not voting for her. I think that endorsement will hurt her much more than help her. |
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| Vanna White | Oct 18 2007, 04:20 PM Post #8 |
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The very idea that an endorsement by an individual would keep you from voting a specific candidate is silly. Even if she wanted to (not that she does) how can Brosnan or anyone keep any individual from writing a letter to the editor to endorse them? Would you expect her to tell people NOT to endorse her or NOT to tell people to vote for her? Really, that is pretty silly. Neither candidate can control who speaks out in favor or against their candidacy, can they? |
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| livoniarocks | Oct 18 2007, 06:10 PM Post #9 |
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You can absolutely choose whether or not to use someones endorsement. He publically came out for Maureen. If Hitler endorsed you, would you use his endorsement? And, if you do not want someone endorsing you and they do write a letter, it is very simple to thank the person but publicly state that you appreciate the support but will not be using the endorsement for personal reasons. It is not silly to not support someone because of their endorsements. I've seen many times on this forum that people are not supporting Jack because people affliated with the schools are on his endorsement list. Candidates have complete control of who they list as their endorsers. If Maureen does not use his endorsement, then good for her. |
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| Vanna White | Oct 18 2007, 06:20 PM Post #10 |
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The letter was published today and you stated that you would not vote based on that. I don't see any reason why Maureen would reject his endorsement. You can choose not to like him if you want, but he is not Hitler. |
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| LPS Reformer | Oct 18 2007, 06:41 PM Post #11 |
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
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He opposed Randy's LI. To a $upporter, what could be worse? |
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“Child Abuse” means different things to different people.... ----Randy Liepa 8/9/12 | |
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| Xena | Oct 19 2007, 08:21 AM Post #12 |
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"If Joe Laura is endorsing Maureen I am FOR SURE not voting for her. I think that endorsement will hurt her much more than help her. " Well I guess I should not be voting for Dennis Wright because he is endorsed by Kirksey? I generally choose what candidate to vote for on where they stand on the issues, if they have helped or hurt the community I live in. Admit it livoniarocks you have backed Kirksey from day one. Who Joe Laura endorses matters little to you. |
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