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Mayor Brosnan makes it clear, that the bright future is Livonia

To a full house of business and civic leaders, the State of the City

sets out an ambitious agenda designed to move Livonia forward

The Vista Tech Center at Schoolcraft College was bustling with attendees for the Livonia/Westland Chamber of Commerce's Annual State of the City address, delivered by Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan. Meanwhile, an at-home audience tuned in via the City of Livonia's Facebook page.

The address highlighted the city's positive strides over the past year, with Mayor Brosnan describing it as a period of "challenging times marked by incredible progress and transformative changes."

Mayor Brosnan reflected on four key areas of innovation that significantly shaped the past 12 months: ensuring the safety of Livonia residents, securing equitable funding for road improvements, fostering employment opportunities, and shaping Livonia into a city that beckons our children back home.

The previous year's achievements highlight Livonia's dynamism: the addition of 30 new police officers, three firefighters, and four fire cadets; the paving of 10 miles of neighborhood roads; $150,000 in grants awarded to small businesses; the inaugural Pride Fest; the unveiling of Ben Celani's inclusive park; the establishment of Cabinet Works' $8 million headquarters; and the developments at Hopcat and Wonderland Flats, among other transformative community changes.

This year's agenda is taking shape with what the Mayor refers to as "a roadmap," which includes expanding Greenmead Apple Orchard, appointing a new Librarian, and commencing the atrium's new roof installation following feedback from 1,156 residents via a Library survey. The survey indicated a desire for enhanced technology, maker spaces, podcast studios, and inviting areas.

Newburgh Village II is slated to commence construction in 2025 and open in 2026, featuring 100 two-bedroom ranch-style apartments.

As depicted above, the forthcoming year will see the city organize a Livonia 75 celebration to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Livonia's establishment in 1950. Robb Drzewicki, the new Government Affairs and Community Outreach Director, will spearhead this celebration.

It was a pleasure to converse with Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative; Candy Little, Trustee at Schoolcraft College; Glenn Cerny, President of Schoolcraft College; and Dawn Magretta, Executive Director of the Schoolcraft College Foundation.

The Vista Tech Center exemplifies Livonia's vibrancy, showcasing student engagement, educational opportunities, community collaboration, and local excellence. The sunglasses atop this story symbolize a luminous future for those who embrace the offerings.

A strong team is representing Livonia in Lansing. With their re-election our hometown will continue to benefit

While it may seem premature to endorse candidates early in the election cycle, especially for pivotal roles affecting Livonia and the State of Michigan, the decision for the three State Representatives representing Livonia is so clear and compelling that there is no reason to delay seeking voter support for November.

FridayMusings is proud to endorse Laurie Pohutsky, Matt Koleszar and Stephanie Young who have joined together to provide our hometown with as strong a leadership team as we have had in Lansing in years. Individually and collectively Livonia will benefit with their return to the legislature.

Laurie Pohutsky emerged as Livonia's Representative after starting her career as a microbiologist. Her pragmatic approach has propelled her to the role of Speaker Pro-tem, the second most influential position in the State House.

She dedicates a significant portion of her time to Livonia, rather than spending all her time in Lansing. Every day, she engages with the community, whether it's through meeting residents, contributing to projects, or preparing to take over as President of the Livonia Rotary Noon Club. Her consistent presence and deep interest in local matters make her the ideal candidate to retain this seat.

Musings appreciates her commitment to environmental conservation, advocacy for women's reproductive rights, and efforts to strengthen our public school system. Laurie Pohutsky has established herself as a leader in Lansing and Livonia.

Matt Koleszar, a distinguished advocate for our public school systems in Lansing, persists as chairman of the education committee. His pivotal contributions ensured a significant increase in foundational grants for schools, funding for school safety initiatives, and environmental protection. He is passionate about working to protect our vast water resources for future Michiganders and has shown that he will stand by his constituents and work to protect and preserve our environment for years to come

Serving Plymouth, Northville, and Livonia areas, he maintains a strong presence and support across his district. He is consistently available and approachable for discussions on state matters and to address local concerns that fall within state jurisdiction.

With a proven history of championing the rights of all Michiganders, Matt is prepared to persist in his advocacy for laws that safeguard and bolster the citizens of Michigan.

Stephanie Young is one of our Livonia supporters who makes it a point to be available and accessible to her constituents in Livonia. One only has to look up during community events and there will be Stephanie Young. This visibility and accessibility make her a key part of the Livonia team in Lansing. Before becoming one of the team representing Livonia in Lansing Young worked for former state representatives, mayoral administrations, and community advocacy organizations. She was also the first executive director of Detroit’s Community Education Commission. She has sponsored or co-sponsored over 200 bills.

Young’s priorities include ensuring Michiganders have quality public education, including affordable child care and access to trade schools. She advocates for expanded mental health resources, and clean water and air. Young is a fighter for affordable housing, resources for seniors, and criminal justice reform.

With her history of working with residents and community organizations, Stephanie is ready to continue the work representing Livonia in Lansing.

Livonia continues to benefit from the dedicated service of these three leaders in Lansing. Laurie Pohutsky, Matt Koleszar, and Stephanie Young have provided us with a strong representation in Lansing, and we should extend our fullest support for their re-election.

Musings maintains the belief that the ultimate endorsement is granted by you, the voter. This principle is what keeps our democracy so dynamic and robust. It is when individuals show up to back the candidates they trust that our democratic values truly shine.

Access to art, whether through creation or participation—leads to healthy benefits for the community. 

Artists and communities share a symbiotic relationship with artists needing an audience to interact with their work, while communities are inspired and their atmosphere is enriched by the presence of art.

Building on this fundamental idea, the typewriter and bodyguard are eager to collaborate with Michelle Leigh, the founder of Friends of Livonia Arts, as well as hosts for the evening Carrie Budzinski, Liz Jarvis, and Matt Koleszar, along with our sponsors for the evening, Rotary AM Club and an anonymous benefactor.

We would like to extend an invitation to you for a meet and greet evening at Mama Mia's. This event offers a unique opportunity for artists of all types—whether you practice a trade or engage in art as a hobby. Painters, writers, musicians, photographers, actors, graphic artists, and dancers alike, this evening is devoted to bringing together the Livonia art community.

Please contact the typewriter at rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com to express your interest. The event is complimentary, and we would love for you to contribute to its success while enjoying the famous Mama Mia's pizza.

In the dynamic realm of art and creativity, talent alone frequently does not guarantee success. Networking, the practice of forging connections with fellow artists and creatives, is crucial in molding careers, unlocking opportunities, and accessing prospects that might otherwise be unattainable.

When artists gather and interact, it fosters a rich tapestry of benefits for the community. 

The arts invigorate communities. They create dynamic spaces, promote social engagement, and encourage collaboration. Through public art installations, galleries, or local events, artists enrich the cultural landscape of their environments.

Access to the art, whether through creation or participation—leads to healthy benefits for the community. 

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

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.