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Four who stand out through community service
As Livonia prepares to make crucial choices in local leadership, FridayMusings is proud to strongly endorse Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid, Jennifer O'Connor, Steve Alexander, and Nicholas Pickard. These individuals bring integrity, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to Livonia’s future. Their leadership reflects values rooted in service and community collaboration.
Four who bring thoughtful representation
Additionally, I encourage serious consideration of Eileen McDonnell, Brian Meagher, Robin Persiconi, and Alex King. They’ve shown promising dedication and unique perspectives that warrant closer attention from voters seeking thoughtful representation. Should these four join the prior four in the November General Election, Livonia will be poised to have a promising issue-centered campaign.
Caveat one--While Eileen McDonnell brings so much more to the table than her opposition to the Bond Proposal, she has yet to show a willingness to move beyond that issue. She needs to expand her platform to be in support of issues, not just against.
Caveat two--Brian Meagher has shown signs of promise, but to truly earn the confidence of Livonia voters, it’s time for him to elevate his campaign to the next level. That means sharpening his platform with a clear, compelling vision for the city’s future—and making that vision visible. Voters deserve to see consistent outreach, proactive engagement, and issue-driven leadership. Livonia’s next chapter demands bold ideas and a candidate willing to step up and be seen.
Caveat three--Robin Persiconi’s candidacy offers potential, but voters deserve a clear and compelling reason why she’s seeking a seat on Livonia’s City Council. To move beyond name recognition, she must communicate her driving purpose—whether that’s solving specific community challenges, amplifying underrepresented voices, or offering fresh ideas on civic engagement. A genuine motivation rooted in Livonia’s needs will not only define her campaign, it will help build the kind of trust and enthusiasm needed to earn public confidence.
Caveat four--Alex King’s evolution as a candidate is evident, and it speaks volumes about his commitment to serving Livonia. He’s gained traction by listening, learning, and increasingly showing up with thoughtful engagement. If he maintains this upward momentum and continues refining his platform, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be a compelling contender come November. Livonia benefits when candidates embrace growth—and Alex King is showing he’s up for the challenge.
Five who have a lot to offer but would benefit from deeper community engagement
In the spirit of constructive dialogue, I also recognize Yvette Warren, Jacki Graham, Patrick Brockway, James Hooper, and Francis Janis—five candidates show potential but would benefit from deeper community service engagement. Building strong local ties and investing more visibly in Livonia’s well-being will help round out their civic profiles and make them strong candidates in the future should they decide to run again--and Musings hopes they run again if they fall short in this election cycle.
With one caveat--Jackie Graham could be the breakout candidate, since announcing she has ramped up her game, volunteering to roll up her sleeves, joining a service club, and putting in the hours. She needed, however, to expand her involvement before filing. But has a future, perhaps in the primary, if she continues to enhance her community involvement resume.
Patrick Brockway, James Hooper, and Francis Janis all bring qualities that could make them effective members of Livonia’s City Council. But to truly connect with voters and demonstrate their readiness to lead, each must take deliberate steps to spotlight their community involvement. Livonia values leaders who roll up their sleeves, participate in local initiatives, and build trust through visible service. By deepening their presence and actively engaging with residents, these candidates have an opportunity to transform potential into impact.
Those who have limited Livonia involvement
Regarding Nicole Hefty and Rola Makki, voters have not been provided with a clear track record of their involvement in Livonia. Whether through limited public engagement or insufficient background presentation, it remains difficult to determine their readiness to serve with the level of transparency and effort Livonia deserves. Genuine leadership involves rolling up one’s sleeves and building trust through action, and that bar must be met.
This election is about more than campaign promises. It’s about electing people who have proven they’re ready to lead, serve, and invest in the heartbeat of this city.
Two legacy candidates: part of the way things were done
As Livonia moves into the heart of this election season, voters are weighing experience against innovation, and tradition against progress. Two legacy candidates—Kathleen McIntyre-who is likely to move on to the final eight, perhaps running near the top in the primary, and Steve King—have long served in Livonia's civic landscape. Both have received strong endorsements in prior election cycles from FridayMusings.
Elections are not only about history—they're about present-day vision and future readiness.
While Steve King has previously been recognized for his past contributions, his approach in the current primary has raised concerns. Of all the candidates running his campaign tone has leaned heavily on criticism and skepticism, often highlighting what's wrong without offering pathways forward. Constructive campaigns build coalitions, rather than fracturing them.
Livonia must envision the future
That said, 2025 is not just about honoring the past—it’s about envisioning the next chapter. This election invites residents to engage with new candidates who bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and bold visions for the future of our city. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and invest in the potential of leaders who are eager to build on the foundation with innovative approaches and deeper community connections.
FridayMusings encourages voters to take a close look at those eight new voices. Because while experience offers stability, it’s new thinking that moves us forward.
This election isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about shaping Livonia’s identity for the next generation. It’s about the values we hold close and the direction we collectively choose to take. Let’s set aside the soundbites and slogans. Let’s focus on candidates who lead with purpose, who show up with fresh energy, and who reflect the community they hope to serve.
Eight Candidates provide a chance to recalibrate
Should the final eight candidates after the August 5th Primary be Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid, Jennifer O'Connor, Steve Alexander, and Nicholas Pickard, rounded out with Robin Persiconi, Eileen McDonnell, Brian Meagher, and Alex King, Livonia will be gifted with a dynamic mix of new ideas, visionary thinking, and collaborative spirit. These individuals represent not just candidacy, but possibility.
This moment is not only an election—it’s a chance to recalibrate, rejuvenate, and move Livonia forward with voices that understand what’s next. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get behind leaders who are ready to do the same.
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