Ensure police and fire departments have the resources they need to perform their jobs and keep us safe.

Get aggressive in our application for federal grants through Homeland Security and state grants through the Michigan State Police to fund additional police officers.  Novi recently acquired three police officers this way.

Increase protection in Livonia’s neighborhoods by working with the Police Department to develop neighborhood policing programs and bike patrols in areas where property crimes have increased.

Create a hotline for parents to tap into the resources of the police department when they need answers to questions about what to watch for in teens that may indicate a substance abuse problem, how to responsibly equip teens with cell phones and pagers, how to better prevent their children from being victims of internet predators, and answers to many other questions about making life safer for our kids.

Reinstitute a cadet program in the police department to train future officers so we’re equipped with a qualified police force when senior officers retire.

Break the cycle of drugs and crime by encouraging partnerships between the police department and schools.

Work with the Fire and Police Departments to host an annual workshop on developing your family’s plan for surviving a terrorist attack or other emergency using the Homeland Security guidelines and a Homeland Security grant.

Expand the city’s emergency management plan and include a system where residents are contacted by phone and given instructions via a recorded message should an emergency occur.  That way as long as there is phone service you will be called and given vital information and told how you can continue to get up-to-the-minute news.

Create a diverse council of business advisors to work with the Livonia Economic Development Department to attract new businesses to Livonia.

Focus on attracting high-tech businesses to the industrial corridor.

Create an award that recognizes those businesses that have improved or expanded their facilities and worked to create a more appealing store, office, etc.

Champion an ordinance requiring vacant buildings to measure up to the high property maintenance standards observed by the rest of the city.

Create “walkable” neighborhoods with retail businesses, housing and restaurants, making sure these centers of commerce and community support and enhance those neighborhoods they are adjacent to.

Protect our neighborhoods by encouraging businesses to locate in vacant space or redevelop current structures before building new.

Guaranteeing that all sections of the city are treated fairly by making sure community services are available in all corners of Livonia.

When it’s time to replace vehicles within the city fleet purchase hybrid vehicles to save gas, reduce costs and protect our environment.  Cars used in the inspection department would be a great place to start.

Create a parks foundation that uses private funding for parks and recreation improvements and maintenance.

Designate a dog park for those residents who wish to exercise and socialize their dogs.

Work with the mayor and other community leaders to develop a long-term plan for Livonia.  The last time this was done was in 1986.  The result was a document called “Livonia 2000 – the challenge today is planning for tomorrow.”  Tomorrow’s here, and it’s time to develop a long-term commitment for orderly growth that will provide policy direction to City administrators and elected officials for the rest of the century.