[0:00] [Music]

[0:09] Hello, Westland. I'm Emily Bowman, running to serve you for a second term

[0:15] on your city council. In November 2023, you first elected me to start right away

[0:21] to complete a previously vacated term and to serve a full two-year term. This

[0:27] year, I am asking for your support and your vote to serve a four-year term. As

[0:32] someone who believes in being better every day and learning everything I can

[0:37] about what I am working on, I immediately set to work learning

[0:41] everything I could about being a better servant for the residents of Westland.

[0:46] One of the things I focused on was the differences and benefits of I versus we

[0:51] as it relates to council and serving you. As a Wii, council worked with the

[0:56] mayor and administration and passed two budgets that did not add taxes or rely

[1:00] on millages to be introduced or passed in order to maintain and improve

[1:05] services to the city. As a council and administration working together, we have

[1:09] added police officers and firefighters to better serve the city and reduce

[1:14] response time. We have also worked to maintain those officers beyond some of

[1:18] the grants we have depended on. With the mayor's budget this year, we as a

[1:22] council approved over $600,000 be added into Westland's rainy day fund

[1:29] to better be prepared for unexpected or emergencies out of our control. The

[1:35] largest ad to the fund in many years and bringing us as a city much closer to the

[1:39] recommended levels. All of these wins speak to good fiscally conservative use

[1:44] of your taxpayer dollars that we as a body council are responsible for. We are

[1:49] also looking forward to the opening of fire station 2 and the start of fire

[1:53] station 4. There are many other things that happened in the last two years that

[1:57] we worked on. But and there's more to come. In the I

[2:02] category, I was responsible for listening to you, asking questions,

[2:06] challenging decisions, and being a voice and advocate for residents and

[2:10] businesses that make Westland a desirable place to live, work, and play.

[2:15] Some areas I want to share where I made an impact. Since January 2024, I have

[2:20] served as the Westland liaison for the Nanin Transit Commission. Nanskin

[2:24] Transit provides transportation for our residents over 50 so they can get to

[2:28] their medical appointments or grocery shopping or other needs. As a

[2:31] commission, we have worked to maintain the low fairs for this multi-ity

[2:35] benefit. That is not easy to do in this economy with prices going up around us.

[2:40] But it has been important in order to keep providing the service to our

[2:43] seniors. Other areas that I was responsible for

[2:46] was to take advantage of the education for elected leaders from Michigan

[2:50] Municipal League. Not only did I achieve level one, I am just shy of completing

[2:54] level two. Plus, I am currently serving on their economic development and land

[2:59] use committee in order to keep a pulse on what is happening at the state and

[3:02] federal levels that could affect us here locally. I also served on the

[3:07] legislative council of SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of

[3:11] Governments. Being on these committees means Westland has a voice at the table

[3:15] to show support or opposition to legislation that has direct impact to

[3:21] us. I have been honored to represent you.

[3:25] Two years ago, I told you that I could and I would take action on areas to make

[3:30] Westland a thriving city. I said I would look for ways to lower taxes, make

[3:35] myself available as we work together for shared goals, work so Westland's current

[3:39] assets in business, community organizations, and cultural events be

[3:44] even more successful. I said I would work on the right things and help create

[3:48] a vision where this community brings in and supports families and businesses. In

[3:53] my two years on council, I have done what I said I would and know that my job

[3:56] isn't finished. working on where I can be better and working with the council,

[4:01] mayor, and administration, I am helping to lead in the right areas to make

[4:05] Westland a thriving community. Experience and leadership matter. Not

[4:11] only do I have the experience I brought to council, I now have the experience of

[4:15] being on council, showing that I work for you. In the coming months, you are

[4:19] going to hear me talk more about one key area, and that is arts and culture. one

[4:24] of the critical pillars that helps make a community thrive. And I will be

[4:27] leading the charge to improve this and make Westland even more desirable to

[4:31] live, work, play, and visit. Voters who want to see Westland not just thrive,

[4:37] but to flourish are voting to reelect Emily Bowman. You can read more about me

[4:42] at emilybowman.com. My telephone number is 734-224-3679

[4:49] and my email is emily emilybowman.com.

[4:54] [Music]

[5:11] Hello, my name is Jim Hart and I'm one of the candidates running for

[5:13] re-election to city council this year. I've had the chance to meet many of you

[5:17] at your home or during the extensive work I've done here in the city over the

[5:20] past seven years. As you know, there's four seats up for election and you have

[5:23] the opportunity and challenging task of going over the candidates's quality

[5:27] qualifications so you can make an informed choice. About myself, I'm a

[5:31] 15-year United States Army veteran and proudly served our nation both here and

[5:35] overseas. I joined the Army after graduating high school as public service

[5:38] not only calling but a family tradition. Shortly after joining the Army, I

[5:42] married Linda, my high school sweetheart. And after 29 years of

[5:45] marriage and counting, we've been blessed with three children. I continue

[5:48] to be very happy that we chose to raise them here in Westland and in Westland

[5:52] public schools. Education is important to me. I hold a bachelor's in business

[5:56] management and a master's degree from the University of Michigan Dearborn. In

[5:59] my professional life, I own a small technical consulting business and work

[6:03] full-time as a senior engineer for Verizon. I have almost 30 years of

[6:07] leadership and management experience in public, private, and nonprofit sectors

[6:11] and have been nationally recognized for my accomplishments. I've been published

[6:15] in the Construction Association of Michigan magazine for my work on helping

[6:18] to drive technical innovation, supporting the rebirth of Detroit. All

[6:22] this means that I have years of extensive experience, professional

[6:24] business, and personnel management. These are the qualities you look for

[6:28] from a city council candidate. I'm applying for the job and I'm here to

[6:31] bring my skills to bear for the betterment of the city. I'm not doing

[6:34] this to build your my resume. I'm offering my resume to you. I have a long

[6:38] history of volunteerism and civic service here in Westland. I served on

[6:42] the board of directors for the Westland Chamber of Commerce, which is a local

[6:45] business and community advocacy organization that represents Westland

[6:49] businesses. I'm also a proud alumni of the Westland area JC's and served as a

[6:53] president of that organization in 2015. I was proud to put Westland on the map

[6:57] and recognized as one of the top 10 presidents across the United States. On

[7:01] the council, I've been able to bring consensus and share my experience with

[7:04] my colleagues. I was honored to be selected to serve as council president

[7:08] for four years. Through my years of work here in the city, I've developed good

[7:11] working relationships with the administration and that will help us as

[7:14] we continue to forge the road ahead. This is a pivotal time, not only in our

[7:19] city, but as a nation. Our home buying, shopping, and commerce landscapes have

[7:23] greatly changed. This is a national trend. I've been working with our

[7:26] adapting marketplace for years and I know the direction successful cities are

[7:30] going. We can also take advantage of these trends. We can adapt now with the

[7:34] market and our environment to get out in front and poise our city for success. To

[7:38] be successful, we will re need to rethink how we approach development and

[7:42] residential landscapes and how we view fixed retail. Placemaking and

[7:46] neighborhood planning are essential to this change. I'm an experienced team

[7:49] player and I've been on track record of being able to bring consensus to large

[7:53] groups of competing interests and ideals. I realize that we all want the

[7:57] same thing, but we all have different approaches on how to get there. As a

[8:00] great leader told me, it will be amazing what we accomplish as long as we don't

[8:04] care who gets the credit. For this growth to occur and be successful,

[8:07] you're going to need candidates who have a proven track record in building

[8:10] organizations. You hire someone with good references and a demonstrated

[8:14] ability to do the job. Having a positive attitude is good, but you need to have

[8:18] the aptitude as well. Many of you told me that expanded services are wanted and

[8:22] needed, and I couldn't agree more. We have made extensive progress in

[8:26] retaining and recruiting our first responders. Clean and safe streets along

[8:30] with active business growth are the three pillars required to support

[8:33] continued housing value and thriving community that attracts new home buyers.

[8:37] I'm proud to announce that we have worked to double the size of our

[8:40] ordinance department to fight blight and enforce clean neighborhoods. For years,

[8:44] I've been a strong advocate for our city, and I've always conducted myself

[8:47] in a manner that continues to bring credit to our residents and our

[8:50] community. I'm a Westland homeowner, father, husband, and I have plenty of

[8:54] skin in the game. As you can see, I'm fully invested in our city. Finally, I'd

[8:59] like to thank you all for your time, either on the porch, on the phone, in

[9:02] the council chambers, or watching this video. You really do have a tough job

[9:06] ahead. I applaud your civic action by going through all of these

[9:09] presentations. As always, I can be reached by cell at 73479-5307

[9:15] or my email at jimcitizensforjimheart.com

[9:19] or online where I've posted a great deal of additional information with my

[9:22] professional resume. This can be found at citizensforjimheart.com.

[9:27] Thanks for your time. [Music]

[9:46] Hello, Westland. I'm Delano Hornbuckle, and it is truly an honor to stand before

[9:52] you once again as I seek to continue serving as your Westland City

[9:57] Councilman. Over the past three years, we made

[10:01] meaningful progress in transforming our community. From safe streets to stronger

[10:06] neighborhoods, we laid a strong foundation, but we're just getting

[10:11] started. My mission remained clear to keep building a safer, stronger, and

[10:17] more vibrant restand for your family and mines.

[10:22] When I first joined city council, I discovered that some neighborhoods were

[10:27] still without street lights, and that was unacceptable.

[10:31] Street lights aren't just about visibility. They're about safety,

[10:36] security, and peace of mind. One of my first actions was to advocate for

[10:42] installing lights where they were desperately needed because every

[10:47] residents deserve to feel safe, right outside their front door.

[10:52] As a husband and father, the safety of our city and the strength of our

[10:57] community are deeply personal to me. That's why when the opportunity came to

[11:02] invest in our parks, I didn't hesitate to support it because safe,

[11:08] welcomecoming space for our families aren't just luxury, they're essential.

[11:13] During my time on city council, I champion programs that uplifted and

[11:19] empower our residents. from supporting youth enrichments to extending access to

[11:24] food accessibility to giving our kids the opportunity to explore places like

[11:30] Washington DC. These investments aren't about building

[11:34] a better tomorrow. Because when you invest in people,

[11:39] we secure the future of Westland. Now, let me share some of the progress

[11:45] we made together. We added 13 full-time firefighters and

[11:51] paramedics, a direct investment in the safety of our residents and the first

[11:56] responders who protect us. We renewed our mental health

[12:01] partnership, ensuring Westland Police are supported by social worker and

[12:07] substance use specialist when it matters most.

[12:10] We broke ground on a brand new state-of-the-art fire station with

[12:16] another one on the way. Bringing modern technology and training facilities to

[12:21] our city. Investing millions into our parks, upgrading equipment, and creating

[12:27] a safe fun space for everyone to enjoy. We improved roads, upgraded

[12:36] infrastructures, and launched the Safe Street for all plan to reduce accidents

[12:42] and protect pedestrians. This isn't just talk. It's a record of

[12:48] action, a record of service, a record I'm proud to stand on and ready to build

[12:54] on. But this campaign isn't just about what

[12:58] we've done. It's about where we're going.

[13:01] As your councilman, I will continue to be visible and accessible. My cell phone

[13:08] is always on and always will be on. Meet and listen to residents. I will

[13:15] continue to be in the community talking with you, hearing your concerns, and

[13:19] helping solve real problems. Working for a better infrastructure.

[13:25] Families shouldn't worry about flooding basement or power outages after every

[13:31] storm. Stand up for safe neighborhoods.

[13:36] Support policy that reflect working families. Protect public services. And

[13:43] use your tax dollars wisely. This election isn't about title. It's

[13:48] about trust. And I hope I've earned yours. So today, I ask for your vote,

[13:54] your support, and your voice. Let's continue building a safer, stronger, and

[14:00] more vibrant Westland for your family and minds.

[14:05] Stay connected with me and see the great things happening around our city by

[14:09] following me on Facebook at Councilman Delano Hornbuckle.

[14:14] I'm Councilman Delena Hornbuckle and I look forward to earning your vote for

[14:19] Westland City Council in this year's election. Thank you.

[14:25] [Music]

[14:41] Hello, I'm Michael Lando. I'm a lifelong resident of Westland and have had the

[14:46] honor of serving as Westland's ninth mayor and as a member of our city

[14:49] council. In the August primary, residents across Westland showed strong

[14:53] support for my candidacy. That encouragement motivates me to keep

[14:57] building on the progress we've started and to continue delivering results for

[15:00] our community. Residents have told me loud and clear, you want a city council

[15:05] and administration that listens, collaborates, and delivers results.

[15:09] That's the approach I've always taken. During my time as mayor, we tackled

[15:14] long-standing neighborhood challenges with fresh solutions. For example, I

[15:18] remember walking down Hawthorne Street and hearing from neighbors worried about

[15:21] cracked sidewalks. That's why we launched the city's largest sidewalk

[15:25] replacement program ever, improving walkability and safety at no additional

[15:29] cost to homeowners. We also worked with city council to

[15:32] allocate $1.25 million to update nine neighborhood parks across every corner

[15:37] of our city. A critical needs assessment guided those investments, ensuring we

[15:41] prioritized the parks most in need and delivered real improvements families

[15:45] could enjoy. We brought back curbside bulk leaf pickup, restoring a service

[15:49] families relied on and asked for in neighborhoods where speeding was a

[15:53] problem, such as Florence and Hanland near Rotary Park. We introduced a speed

[15:57] hump pilot program to slow traffic and improve safety, a program now expanded

[16:02] to more neighborhoods. We also advanced pedestrian safety plans to make our

[16:06] streets safer for walkers and bikers. across the city. These initiatives

[16:10] weren't about headlines. They were about making life safer and better. And our

[16:14] Department of Public Service workers were key to making it happen.

[16:18] Strong neighborhoods rely on strong public safety. Police, fire, and EMS

[16:22] deserve more than praise. They need proper staffing, training, and

[16:26] resources. In the winter of 2023, we laid the

[16:30] foundation for a new fire station to replace our oldest facility, including a

[16:34] regional training tower for first responders across the community.

[16:37] Federal and state funding supported the project, and while construction began

[16:41] after I left office, I'm proud to have initiated this critical investment. Our

[16:45] police station is aging and needs more than a remodel. It requires either a

[16:49] rebuild or a major expansion. Updated facilities mean better efficiency,

[16:54] faster response times, and stronger protection for residents.

[16:58] Residents have told me Westland needs a modern recreation center. They're right.

[17:03] A facility that offers year-round fitness, wellness, and aquatic programs

[17:06] will help retain families and attract the next generation to our city. From

[17:11] swim lessons to fitness classes, from youth sports to adult wellness programs,

[17:15] a modern rec center will provide opportunities for all ages. We also

[17:20] developed plans for the annex at Nankin, a community space for concerts, events,

[17:25] and outdoor fun. While that project is set to open this fall under a new name,

[17:29] the vision remains the same. To strengthen our shop and dine district,

[17:33] support local businesses, and create a vibrant public destination for everyone

[17:37] to enjoy. Over the years, I faced baseless attacks

[17:42] intended to distract from real progress. While many in my position might have

[17:46] responded with criticism, I've chosen a different path. Listening,

[17:50] collaborating, and focusing on results. That dedication allowed me to achieve

[17:54] outcomes while maintaining strong, productive relationships with colleagues

[17:58] and city staff. Relationships I'm proud to say I still have today. Yes, I have

[18:03] differences of opinion, but that's healthy because diversity of thought

[18:07] handled with respect leads to better ideas and stronger results for

[18:10] residents. I'm not here to be an adversary. I'm here to be a partner to

[18:15] build on the progress we've started. And that continues even while I've been out

[18:18] of office these past two years. This election is not about going

[18:22] backwards. It's about continuing progress with leadership you can trust.

[18:26] You've heard a lot in this election about unity or a shared vision. I agree.

[18:31] Unity matters. But unity doesn't mean lining up behind endorsements or one

[18:35] person's agenda. Unity means bringing together diverse voices, asking tough

[18:40] questions, and making decisions that serve residents. I'm running as an

[18:44] independent, experienced leader. I've balanced multi-million dollar budgets,

[18:49] led citywide initiatives, and worked side by side with residents to solve

[18:52] problems. What Westland needs now is proven leadership, steady hands, not

[18:57] inexperience or group think. Together, we can strengthen public safety, improve

[19:02] quality of life in every neighborhood, and ensure financial stability for the

[19:06] future. I'd be honored to be one of your four choices this November. Let's bring

[19:10] back leadership with a proven track record of success. Let's build a

[19:14] stronger, safer, and thriving Westland together. To learn more or connect with

[19:18] me directly, call me at 7342232000

[19:24] or follow along on Facebook at Michael Londo4 Westland. Thank you very much.

[19:30] [Music]

[19:46] Hi, my name is Antinet Martin and I'm running for Westland City Council in the

[19:51] August 5th primary. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to introduce myself

[19:56] and share why I am running. I have proudly called Westland my home for over

[20:01] 30 years and have moved here in 1988. Like many, my life has seen changes.

[20:07] During COVID, I became a widow. I recently got a new roommate, my

[20:12] 91-year-old mother. It's really been fun having her with me. And while having my

[20:16] mother live with me has brought a lot of joy, it's also taught me a lot about

[20:20] resilience and how with the right support from your community, you can

[20:24] handle almost anything. Professionally, I hold a bachelor's

[20:30] degree in business administration and I majored in accounting. I'm a retired

[20:34] financial adviser with 30 years of experience. And over my career, I've

[20:38] held Federal's license series 7, the Michigan state license 63 and 66, as

[20:44] well as insurance license, health, life, and code, and lastly, variable

[20:48] contracts. I've also completed all the cowork for certified financial planning

[20:54] and my education continued annually for 30 years. With all this experience and

[20:58] education, I will be able to promise you that I will make sure that the city will

[21:03] always stay s financially sound. The city council race includes many

[21:09] candidates with advanced degrees like myself, but I believe my background

[21:13] stands out because it it's backed with real world experience. I didn't just get

[21:17] my degree recently. I've had it for decades. I built my own business from

[21:21] the ground up and successfully sold it in 2018. Currently, as a retirement

[21:27] position, I work at the Rouge plant for the Henry Ford Museum, where I'm

[21:31] surrounded by hardworking UAW members. And I am honored to recently have

[21:36] received the endorsement of the UAW. I talk about my sense of community and

[21:41] it's and how it sets me apart from candidates. I didn't start doing charity

[21:46] work because I decided for to run for council. I've been doing it for years. I

[21:51] was honored to be named Westland Citizen of the Year and recently received

[21:56] multiple service above self awards from the Westland Rotary. Sometimes this

[22:00] meant staying up till 2 am working a charity poker night to raise funds for

[22:05] scholarships for Westland schools and also sponsor the Salvation Army summer

[22:10] camp for children. I've served on many boards and commissions, including the

[22:14] library board and the Brownsfield Redevelopment Board. While serving, we

[22:18] were able to keep the budget under control, which later led to the

[22:22] expansion of our library. The tax exemptives from Brownsfield helped bring

[22:27] new businesses to Westland, including MJR Theater and Tim Hortons.

[22:33] As president of the Westland Rotary, one project I'm especially proud of was

[22:38] leading a partnership with VOTE, which built Rotary Park Pavilion. I've

[22:42] established partnerships between the Westland Rotary and the Chamber of

[22:45] Commerce for the annual Tastefest event. And I was also part of the investment

[22:50] team that helps secure Rotary's financial future so we can continue to

[22:54] do good work in our city. Now, I'd like to share why I'm running

[22:58] for city council. I don't just live in a city. I live in my home, my

[23:03] neighborhood, and my community. I want to see Westland, my community, continue

[23:07] to thrive. Recently, after watching city council meetings, it's clear to me that

[23:12] city council needs stronger leadership, more focus, and better direction. I

[23:17] won't say much more about that, but if you haven't been watching, I encourage

[23:21] you to go to YouTube, search Westland City Council, and draw your own

[23:24] conclusions. I am also running because I strongly

[23:29] support Mayor Coleman and his administration. I believe there's a lot

[23:33] of talent in city hall, and it's time we empowered the talent to do its job. I'm

[23:38] not here to be a rubber stamp. I am here to bring my financial expertise to do

[23:43] due diligence necessary to make informed decisions and keep our city moving

[23:47] forward. As a city council member, I can promise

[23:52] you this. I will work as hard as I can and I will use all my skills and talents

[23:56] to make the city better. And as my husband would say, let me repeat. I will

[24:01] use all my talents and skills to make the city better. Thank you for your time

[24:06] and vote for Anwinet Martin on August 5th.

[24:11] [Music]

[24:27] I'm Lisha Maxwell, a candidate for Westland City Council. I'm committed to

[24:32] progress and committed to community. For the past 15 years, I have been proud to

[24:37] call Westland home. I have dedicated my time to serving others through

[24:42] leadership roles in our city. I am running for city council because I

[24:47] believe in the power of strategic leadership, financial responsibility,

[24:51] and communitydriven progress. I bring decades of experience in

[24:56] budgeting, finance, and project management to city government.

[25:00] As an appointed official in Westland, I have worked to create opportunities for

[25:04] families. I remain committed to making this city a better place. My goals

[25:09] include economic development to create jobs and support local businesses,

[25:14] enhance job training for youth and young adults, supporting our veterans and

[25:19] their families with access to essential resources, and enhancing community

[25:24] engagement to foster a stronger sense of unity. I am ready to bring fresh

[25:29] perspectives, sound financial decision-making, and a deep commitment

[25:33] to Westland's future. I ask for your support, your ideas, and your vote as we

[25:38] shape a brighter future for Westland. Live well, be well, vote Maxwell.

[25:47] [Music]

[26:03] Hello, my name is Josh Pal and I'm running for Westland City Council. I'm

[26:07] running to serve the residents of Westland because I think our city is in

[26:10] dire need of revitalization. Like you, I've seen the slow creep of our property

[26:14] taxes, the everinccreasing cost of utilities, and the unacceptable number

[26:18] of empty buildings and lots in our business districts. As a veteran of the

[26:22] Army, a small business owner, and a leader in our community, I have the

[26:25] knowledge and experience to advocate for a better future for a city and to make

[26:29] our city a more desirable destination for our children and grandchildren. We

[26:33] are at a critical time in our city's history where we can either manage the

[26:36] decline or remake ourselves into a city for the future. With that in mind, I

[26:40] would like to present to you my plan to revitalize Lewin for the 21st century

[26:44] and beyond. First, let's address the elephant on

[26:47] Warren Road, the Westland Mall. It is no secret that the Westland Mall is not

[26:51] what it used to be. And changing shopping habits have affected malls all

[26:54] over the country. But plenty of malls in our area have survived and even thrived

[26:57] in this new environment. And our historic mall has a unique and

[27:00] significant history in our city that I believe is worth preserving.

[27:03] I have a plan for the city to partner with the ownership of the mall to make

[27:06] it a destination for the community again by converting one of the empty anchor

[27:10] stores into a community center that residents have been missing for so long.

[27:15] This plan would drive more traffic and visitors to our shop and dine district

[27:18] while at the same time saving the city money on building a community center by

[27:22] utilizing existing infrastructure. And instead of costly loans, we could pay

[27:25] for it by giving them all the property tax breaks it has so long been asking

[27:28] for it to repair and update the facilities it already has. This plan is

[27:32] both fiscally responsible and good for the business community long term.

[27:37] Second, we've got to make Westland more competitive to new investment by

[27:40] bringing our property taxes under control and creating a more competitive

[27:42] regulatory environment. While cities all around us attract new businesses and

[27:46] investment, Westland continuously loses out to those cities where the property

[27:49] is actually more expensive but who have lower millages and less ownorous

[27:52] regulations. We should have an advantage in attracting new investment, but we are

[27:56] holding ourselves back and I want to help get the city government out of the

[27:59] way. Third, we must reduce utility costs and make the city more livable for us

[28:04] residents and current business owners. I have long been a strong advocate of

[28:07] building a water tower and water storage infrastructure for the city which would

[28:10] allow the city to buy water when it's cheaper at night to disperse the

[28:14] residents and businesses when they actually use it during the day and give

[28:16] us all the peace of mind that we can provide clean water for our residents in

[28:19] an emergency. This is something surrounding communities have done

[28:22] successfully and save the residents millions of dollars a year in proven

[28:24] costs. So, it's a proven plan and there's already a known blueprint we can

[28:28] follow. You may be asking who is Josh Powell? Well, before I became the

[28:33] candidate for Westland City Council, I've worked in IT for 16 years. I

[28:36] started a company called GLP Computer Solutions, which I later sold when I

[28:40] took a job offer at a Fortune 500 company, and I have one son who recently

[28:43] graduated from John Glenn High School. Prior to that, I used the GI Bill at

[28:48] Lynwood University where I received my degree in information technology. I

[28:51] served as a military police officer in the Missouri Army National Guard and the

[28:54] Michigan Army National Guard after relocating here in 2010. My life has

[28:59] taught me to pay attention to how people are treated. And in 2020, I decided to

[29:02] go back to school at Purdue University and graduated with a degree in criminal

[29:05] justice and then attended law school in an effort to help people in my community

[29:08] I felt had been treated wrongly. And it was then that I saw a need to get more

[29:12] involved in my local government. I want to see my son and future generations in

[29:16] Westland have even more opportunities than I do, not less, as I'm sure all of

[29:19] you do as well. I'm afraid that won't happen with the current trajectory we

[29:22] are on right now. I feel the city is just managing the decline, but we can do

[29:27] better for ourselves and we must do better for our children.

[29:30] The city needs fresh faces with new ideas in the government to shake out

[29:34] things up. And I believe I'm the right person for the job. And I'm asking for

[29:37] your vote for both the partial term and the full term so we can get started

[29:40] right away. Do you have questions for me? You can go to my website at

[29:44] powellforwestland.com. That's pwl the number for westland.com

[29:50] or call or text me directly at 7342348135.

[29:55] Thank you for your time. Thank you for your vote and together we can revitalize

[29:59] Westland.

[30:03] [Music]

[30:20] Hello fellow Westland residents and thank you for taking the time to watch

[30:23] this program to become a more informed voter in this year's city council

[30:27] election. I would first like to tell you a little about myself and my experience.

[30:32] My name is John Sullivan. I am a husband, father of three, and

[30:36] grandfather of two. All three of my children are now adults and college

[30:40] graduates. I have been married to my wife Sharon for 30 years. Sharon has

[30:46] been a school teacher in the Wayne Westland School District for the past 27

[30:49] years, and she serves Westland on the Parks and Recreation Board and on the

[30:53] Westland Historical Commission. I am a 30-year licensed and practicing

[30:58] attorney and local small business owner. I was elected four times to serve on the

[31:03] legislative body of our county, serving as a Wayne County Commissioner for eight

[31:07] years. I currently serve the city of Westland

[31:11] on the youth assistance advisory board as a youth mentor on the city's tax

[31:16] board of review and on the local development finance authority board. I

[31:21] am also a member of the Westland Historical Society and I have spent

[31:25] countless hours volunteering at our historical village and at many events

[31:30] throughout our community. I am running for a seat on your city

[31:34] council because I want to bring positive change to our city. Throughout my career

[31:39] as an attorney and in public service, I have always worked hard to make sure

[31:44] that everyone has a voice and that all people are treated with fairness,

[31:48] honesty, and dignity. Because of my experience and dedication

[31:52] to our community, I have earned the support of many local leaders and

[31:56] organizations for my campaign, including Mayor Kevin Coleman, City Council

[32:01] President Mike McDermott, State Representative Peter Hersburg, County

[32:06] Commissioner Glenn Anderson, the Westland Firefighters Union, and

[32:10] numerous other unions, community leaders, former mayors, and

[32:14] organizations. I invite you to visit my website at www.sullivan4westwand.

[32:19] sullivan4westwland.com to see full list of endorsements.

[32:25] I would also like to take a minute to tell you about some of the things that I

[32:28] find important and would like to work on as your next city councilman.

[32:33] First, I would like to invest in all of Westland's neighborhoods to improve our

[32:37] infrastructure and increase property values for residents across the

[32:41] community. We need to continue the work of repaving neighborhood roads,

[32:46] upgrading water and sewer systems, and ensuring pedestrian safety and

[32:50] walkability by fixing broken sidewalks and connecting sidewalk gaps. Second, I

[32:56] want to ensure that we adequately fund our police and fire departments to make

[33:00] sure that they are fully staffed with the newest technology and equipment

[33:04] available. These services are vital to decreasing crime, increasing property

[33:09] values, and making sure that we as residents are safe and receive proper

[33:13] response times to our emergency calls. Also, I would like to see the city of

[33:19] Westland invest more in its parks and recreation programs. I know that

[33:23] amenities like beautiful, well-kept parks can go a long way in attracting

[33:27] new residents to our community and improving the quality of life for

[33:30] everyone who lives here. We need to increase investments in our parks and

[33:35] recreation department to make sure that we maintain proper upkeep and cleaning

[33:39] of our parks and to continue to add new recreational opportunities for our

[33:44] residents. I also plan to work with the city

[33:47] administration to explore opportunities to bring back a city recreation center

[33:51] and public swimming pool for residents to enjoy. These are just a few of the

[33:56] many things that I would like to work on to improve our community and quality of

[34:00] life here in Westland. And again, please go to my website at

[34:04] www.sullivan4westwland.com

[34:08] to learn more about me and my plans to help make our community a great place to

[34:12] live. Thank you again for taking the time to better inform yourself about the

[34:16] candidates running for city council this year. And I humbly ask you to provide me

[34:21] with the opportunity to help improve our community by casting one of your votes

[34:25] for John Sullivan.

[34:30] [Music]

2025 Westland City Council Candidates

Transcript