Whether we like it or not, for good or bad, our city council government has a big impact on our life in Livonia. For the most part, the impact is good. A well run, financially strong, clean local government is a great asset for raising a family, maintaining strong property values and defining a hometown of which we can all be proud.

We are fortunate to have strong neighborhoods, multiple shopping opportunities and more community festivals and culture that would make most hometowns envious.

We also are in need of a forward looking progressive approach to moving Livonia into a new generation of leadership. New ideas.

We have 7 highly qualified candidates seeking the office of City Council and we must take a look at 4 to receive our votes. One candidate, Brian Duggan, does not deserve our consideration as he chose to ignore the political process in the primary barely scratching out a last place finish based solely on his name recognition. He now wants us to consider him for the top four finishers and be deserving to serve on the City Council. There are 7 other candidates who campaigned, met voters, raised and spent money who should receive votes before Duggan is considered.

When looking for Council candidates let me start by saying what I am NOT looking for. I do not want people who are dishonest and corrupt, I do not support people who are agenda-driven anti-progress ideologues, I am not interested in people who are uncommitted to the community and the job of Council, and I am not interested in novices who have shown little interest in civic engagement.

In contrast to that are a five things I want to see in City Council candidates: Honesty in both their actions and being intellectually honest with their approach to issues. Balanced andwilling to be the representative of all of the people, not a champion of a special interest group or a narrow perspective. Committed to doing the job right which requires a significant dedication of time and energy.

Motivated to serving the public interests and motivated enough to campaign vigorously for the position. Experienced in their work and civic life that lends itself to this position.

Today Musings will endorse the first of 4 endorsements with more to be endorsed on Friday along with the endorsement for Mayor.

Jim Davis is a fresh face who deserves a renewed look in the general election having finished six in the primary election. That is exactly what this typewriter has done, sitting down and discussing wide ranging topics from use of our libraries, security in our schools and community responsibility, reasons behind the recruitment and shortage of first responders and his knowledge of the community.

Jim Davis is a retired Deputy Chief, Wayne County Sheriff's Office with multiple higher education attainments, BS from Wayne State University, MLS at Eastern Michigan. Attended Harvard Kennedy School and Boston University for executive and senior management education.

Jim Davis and his wife of twenty-nine years Elaine Davis have two children: Ryan Davis and Kaitlyn Davis. 

Jim Davis will bring his desire to serve and his knowledge, skillset, and abilities to the Council. He has experience in and was responsible for making difficult decisions in a high-stress demanding environment. He protected our Livonia community while supervising a mortgage fraud unit holding those responsible for preying on our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly. He protected our youth while in charge of the 

first Wayne County Internet Crimes Task Force. He has enriched our Livonia community as a mentor at the Police Academy and at WSU where he teaches about our Criminal Justice System and helps students see how they can contribute to a public service role.

Jim Davis is a breath of fresh air in the political realm. He is not prone to self aggrandisement. Most importantly he has no agenda, only wanting to represent the hometown he has lived and raised his family in. His willingness to meet with people, to discuss issues and to be a part of a retail politics is refreshing. He is active in his neighborhood and his church. Livonia would be well served by his election to the Livonia City Council.

On Friday we will take a look at 3 of the other candidates and continue to make endorsements. 

Please consider Jim Davis for one of your four votes for Livonia City Council.