September 23,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
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31,000+ ballots went to the post office today in Livonia. Largest mailing ever. Clerk Susan Malone Nash says "Thank you to all who helped."
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FridayMusings endorsements |
Wayne County Circuit Court
Chandra Baker and Nicholas Hathaway
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Nicholas Hathaway is a Referee in Wayne County Circuit Court’s Family Division where he handles a docket dealing with cases of child abuse and neglect and also criminal matters involving juveniles.
He has also served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County where he handled a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters throughout Wayne County. It is experience like this that has earned him the endorsement from many judges, the Wayne County Sheriff, and the Attorney General of the State of Michigan.
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Chandra Baker is a Lead Attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office heading the Wayne Arson Reduction Unit responsible for prosecuting arson crimes involving real property, arson of multi-unit buildings, and arson where someone was killed or injured. Baker has been a prosecutor for nearly 12 years and she has litigated felonies of all kinds including homicide, armed robbery, various other assaultive crimes and gun, and narcotics cases. She was awarded Prosecutor of the Year 2017-2018 by the International Association of Arson Investigators.
United States Senate
Gary Peters
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There are two issues that are at the top of the list for Livonia voters concerned about our future. Education and Environment. Both should impact our vote for the United States Senate.
The present administration has implemented cuts in environmental protections that are critical to the health of all Americans: they have reduced national monuments with the largest reduction of public land protections in US history along with animal protections; Rollbacked the Clean Power Plan that restricts emissions from coal-fired power plants; Placed Cuts to clean water protections; Set the stage for More methane expected to result in an additional 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The stakes could not be higher and with your vote for Gary Peters you can make a difference. The election will be a referendum on whether the US will play its role in helping take collective responsibility for the future of the planet while protecting future generations.
If carbon emissions continue substantial climate change is unavoidable. Instead of helping lead this discussion the White House prefers to roll back environmental protections.
In education this President has vowed to provide school choice to every family in America. Following in the template set by his education secretary Betsy DeVos this means reducing or eliminating funding for our historic public schools, whose foundation built a hometown of which we are proud and attracted new families.
Gary Peters reputation as one willing to cross the aisle and work with both parties has garnered the endorsement of The Detroit Regional Chamber's political action committee. Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit chamber, praised Peters' "bipartisan and pragmatic approach" to lawmaking and said the state's junior senator is the "leading U.S. Senator focused on advancing next-generation mobility, which is critical in accelerating Michigan's role as the global leader in automotive and advanced manufacturing industries."
FridayMusings solidly endorses Gary Peters for re-election to the United States Senate. He is right on the environment, and on education. His reputation as taking a bi-partisan approach to governance is right on point.
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COUNTY COMMISSION
Terry Marecki
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As readers of Friday Musings know, I am an advocate of contested races where candidates actually campaign and address issues of concern to the voters. That's why it's refreshing that for the first time in some years, we have an actual, spirited contest in the race for the 9th District County Commission seat (covering most of Livonia, Northville Township and City of Northville).
Incumbent Terry Marecki of Livonia is being challenged by Nancy Darga, a resident of the City of Northville.
Darga, formerly employed as the Chief of Design for Wayne County Parks, was actively involved in the "Save Hines Park" group that opposed the sale by the county of three historic mills in Hines Park including the Newburgh Mill, to private interests. Darga appeared at commission meetings to speak in opposition to this project advanced by the Evans administration in a manner characterized as "passionate" by supporters.
Marecki voted in favor of the public-private partnership so that these dilapidated buildings could be re-
purposed for productive use and increased recreational opportunities. This is a clear issue of difference for the voters to consider.
Darga also served as Mayor Pro-Tem of the Northville City Council from 2007-2019, and has been active in various historic and arts organizations. Although she apparently does not have any previous connection to Livonia, she has made an effort to participate during the campaign with the Livonia Democratic Club, which has endorsed her.
Marecki has represented the district since 2015, and as a life-long resident of Livonia, is well known to Livonians. A graduate of Bentley High School and Madonna University, she has given back to the community over the years through service as the Livonia Community Foundation Secretary, and through membership on the Livonia Prayer Breakfast Committee and the Livonia Public Schools Education Foundation.
In some respects this is a difficult call to make, as Terry Marecki and I support different candidates, particularly in the top-of-the ticket federal races, and we have some policy differences.
However, there is no question of her record of constituent service and working to achieve balanced
county budgets on the Ways & Means Committee, and strongly advocating for the return of a fair share of
county dollars to Livonia and the two Northville communities for parks and roads.
She also personally joined a recent lawsuit, covered extensively in Friday Musings, that successfully prevented a new county millage for after school programs without a guarantee that taxes raised in the district would be spent on programs in the district.
In these hyper-charged partisan times, it must be acknowledged that there is conventional wisdom that it will not be a surprise if most Democrats vote for Darga, and most Republicans vote for Marecki.
However, some Livonia Independents are at least quietly supporting Marecki as a product of long-
standing friendships and collaborating on projects of mutual interest.
For those independents and others trying to make up their mind on this down-ballot race, I recommend a vote to retain Terry Marecki as County Commissioner.
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It's time for a
Wednesday Smile
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It was just one year ago, in the days when life crept along at a normal rate on a normal path. The Blue Plate hosted a gathering of 100 friends and neighbors. Brother Dr. Bob of San Antonio fame joined the bodyguard along with son Paul, daughter-in-law Raquel and grandson Leonardo of Denver fame as I celebrated the start of my eighth decade.
Hard to believe that in just a few short months the world was turned upside down and normalcy took on an entire different meaning.
But that one day in September 2019 will continue to put a smile on my face every time I give thought to the meaning and purpose of life.
Family and friends will always bring a smile to the typewriter's face. Thank you bodyguard for bringing it all together.
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Livonia Parks and Recreation night for kids |
Kids Night Out moves to Rotary Park in October. More information can be found:
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Be a winner!
Join in Seedlings' Braille Books for Children
online auction!
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Donate a gift card or gift certificate to Seedlings' annual online auction - then join in the fun by bidding on items Nov. 10-17 on biddingforgood.com!
Help raise $20,000 for 2,000 more books for kids with vision loss.
It's a win-win! You get the opportunity to help kids read and the chance to win great prizes for yourself or holiday gift-giving. And, you can participate from anywhere
in the country!
Due to the pandemic this year, they are seeking donations of gift cards and gift certificates because they can be more easily mailed to auction winners.
Please mail or drop off gift cards and gift certificates by Oct. 16 to Seedlings' office at 14151 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48154. Then mark your calendar for Nov. 10-17 and let the bidding begin!
For a peek at the prizes we have so far, click on the button. You may also make a cash donation.
For questions,
734-427-8552, ext. 301.
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Show your pride in Livonia Michigan |
The typewriter was asked and the typewriter responded
You asked for more Love Livonia bumper stickers. Thanks to our readers they are in. And they are yours.
This week you can stop by the Musings Estate, 19514 Bainbridge, N of Seven and E of Merriman. On the front porch. In a Wolferman's box. Simply take one or two. Leave a dollar if you want and I will order more. Otherwise they are yours. Free. Gotta Love Livonia. I do.
Thanks to three more of our friends for making this possible:
Nancy: Thank you very much for not only keeping us informed but for all the positive energy you convey for community building.
Meta Musings is the first thing I do on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. I look forward to reading it and seeking what is going on around Livonia.
Mike: Musings is a Livonia treasurer.
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Communities team up to try to cut water costs |
Livonia, Westland, Canton Township and Northville Township are working together to try to reduce water bills by considering the creation of a regional water authority.
Combined, the four communities purchase more than $34 million a year in water from the Great Lakes Water Authority.
It is projected that purchasing water through establishing a Western Wayne Regional Water Authority could lower water rates as soon as July 1, 2021. Greater savings could be seen in future years through capital investments, such as constructing water storage tanks.
This first step follows several months of discussion among the four municipalities.
“Our communities have worked together before. We are confident this will be another positive collaboration that can save money for our communities, while continuing to provide safe, pure water,” said Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.
Preliminary talks among the four communities shaped an initial agreement that each community has approved. That memorandum of understanding establishes a four-month study by engineering, legal and financial experts to assess the concept.
“Westland is proud to be a partner in this innovative regional approach to leverage the combined purchasing power of our four communities to potentially lower the cost of delivering clean water to our residents and business owners,” said Westland Mayor William R. Wild.
Each community has dedicated funding for this first stage of the evaluation, with Livonia serving as the fiduciary. Once the study is complete, the communities will report out on the anticipated savings of creating a Western Wayne County Water Authority.
“In Canton, we are very excited to get this study going to confirm the potential benefits of a regional water buy for all of our communities,” said Supervisor Pat Williams of Canton Township. “This water-buying consortium is a great idea for our region. I feel strongly the timing is perfect to get the study underway.”
Northville Township Supervisor Robert Nix said the community values its working relationships with Canton, Westland and Livonia. “I am confident that the study to be conducted by engineers, lawyers and finance experts will confirm that the creation of a joint Water Authority will provide tremendous long-term benefits to our communities,” he said.
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Livonia Community Theatre presents Belles |
Belles, originally published in 1989 and revised in 1997, has entered the theatre canon as one of the most delightful and endearing plays about southern women, and enjoys popularity to this day.
Told in “two acts and forty-five phone calls,” Belles visits six southern sisters, who, over the course of an autumn weekend, seek to bridge the physical and emotional distance between them via the telephone, and in the process come to terms with their shattered family history.
The six Walker sisters all hail from Memphis, but now they are scattered all over the country. Only Peggy still lives in Memphis.
The gold standard among Mr. Dunn’s many plays about southern women, Belles continues to pack an emotional punch after all these years.
The cast includes:
Peggy………….Barbara Mathers
Aneece……….Denene Siegel
Rosemary……Megan Wright
Audrey…………Pam Gunderson
Dust…………….PJ Sallans
Paige…………..Kiersten Gutherman
Mike…………….Bo Brown
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Candidates continue to pick up endorsements on eve of ballots being mailed to Livonia voters |
"Dan is a former classroom teacher who now works as my Chief of Staff. He knows what students need to succeed, and he’s a strong advocate for Livonia parents, teachers, and families at the Capitol and right here at home. That is why Dan Centers has my full support in the election this November.”
State Senator Dayna Polehanki (D)
Vice Chair - Senate Education and Career Committee
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Nancy Darga sets up an historic meet and greet |
Meet Nancy Darga, Democratic candidate for Wayne County Board of Commissioner, District 9 (Livonia, Northville, Northville Township). Hear from Nancy how "The Power of the Past Empowers our Future" and how we can take the power back, making Wayne County - and especially Livonia, Northville, and Northville Township - a force for the future.
***Masks and social distancing required. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on the ground.***
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Gotta love the comments of those reading FridayMusings |
Dana Hathaway: I’m not sure if we’ve ever met but a friend mentioned that you wrote something very nice about my husband, Nick, on your blog. I’ve not seen it yet but I wanted to reach out and personally say thank you. I’m told you are a reputable man who focuses on positive discussions, which is hard for most when it comes to politics. So keep up the good work! Thank you again.
Michael Testa: Thanks for plugging the LPS Board of Education Candidate Forum that the Livonia PTSA Council is hosting. Questions for the Candidates can be submitted by email to advocacy@livoniaptsacouncil.org (by 9/23).
Michael Ladwig: Friday Musing is a Livonia treasure. Keep up the good Bill.
Rose Kachnowski: Congratulations Charlie (Mahoney). Your outstanding work on behalf of so many has paid off. You deserve a standing ovation.
Peggy Gaskill: Congratulations And think of all of Charlie’s volunteer work for various Livonia groups too!!
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