I am getting primed for the city council election this year. Convinced there will be limited discussion on issues, too many social media attacks on the party affiliation of candidates in a non-partisan race, and slates being endorsed as the best for the future of Livonia.
Most observers are putting money, if they bet, that the real race will be for Council President. Jim Jolly or Laura Toy. Talk is that position 1 and 2 are locked in. Who finishes first becomes Council President.
#3 should go to Rob Donovic who spent over $35,000 in the last election and barely held on for last place to defeat Eileen McDonnell who spent less than $5,000. He has spent most of his term in the Middle East having been called up by the Army. Will the patriotic campaign he is sure to run offset the absence of retail availability?
The election appears to center on who will run number 4 and receive the two year term. Or who will edge out Donovic for #3.
Carrie Budzinski, early to announce, advocate of retail politics, Library Commissioner. If she continues the visibility she could finish #3.
Wafa Dinaro, has the ability to bring in a strong non-partisan base, raise lots of money and rally a strong endorsement base of elected officials. She also, if she decides to run could be a strong #3 contender.
Brandon Kritzman, with 8 years on council and the requisite 2 years off, is leaning toward another run for another term. Two years off council in a changing political landscape does not make him the odds on favorite other years might hold. Strong candidate but who does he align with? And does he have to align or run an independent campaign seeking multiple endorsements.
How about Martha Ptasnik? Word is that she is looking for a rematch with Laurie Pohutsky as she does not want to run 3 years in a row.
If the typewriter reads the tea leaves at this point the order of finish will be:
Toy, Jolly, Dinaro, Budzinski, Donovic, Kritzman. Kritzman is the one to watch in the race depending if he actually files. Donovic could move on up if he returns soon enough to get troops on the streets.
One thing is for sure. The typewriter will not be a candidate and the projected order will change up multiple times depending on who actually is in the race. Surprise candidates?
Let's wait and see.
