Livonia's candidates for mayor speak to local issues (2024)

LIVONIA — This November, voters will elect a mayor. The choices are Livonia's current mayor, Maureen Miller Brosnan, or Councilwoman Kathleen McIntyre.

Livonia's mayor serves as the city's chief executive in a nonpartisan capacity. As mayor, Brosnan currently makes $137,300 annually. On council, McIntyre makes $18,144.

Brosnan, 60, is the city's first female mayor. She's previously served as a city council member, and her most recent job before being elected mayor in 2019 was interim CEO of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan. Brosnan also chairs the board of Trinity Health - Livonia, formerly St. Mary Mercy Hospital.

McIntyre, 60, is ending her second term on city council. McIntyre works as a marketing and communications consultant at Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs. McIntyre has also served on Livonia's planning commission and zoning board of appeals.

Hometown Life sent each candidate a questionnaire asking about their ideas and stances on local issues. Here's what they had to say:

Why are you running for mayor?

Brosnan: I am running for re-election to serve a second term as mayor of the City of Livonia because together, with other community leaders, I have delivered transformational results to Livonia in four short years on things residents said were important to them. I want to continue using my experience as mayor, my 17 years of experience on city council and my 30 years of experience in executive leadership, managing multi-million dollar operations to keep Livonia moving forward to attract young families, keep our city safe, fight for our fair share of road funding and create jobs.

McIntyre: I'm running for mayor because Livonia deserves a leader who's a "workhorse," not just a "showhorse." With over 20 years of managerial experience, I know how to get things done. I’ve achieved results as a corporate executive and as a city official. I've been an active member of the city council and I'm committed to making our government work for you—from backing our police force to supporting essential programs for our seniors. Livonia is my home, and I want to make it the best place for all of us to live, work, and play.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

McIntyre: First, I'll focus on supporting our police to ensure the safety of our community. Second, I'll work on funding programs that benefit our seniors, who've contributed so much to Livonia. Lastly, I'll fight for taxpayers to make sure your hard-earned money is spent wisely. Livonia is known for its strong community spirit, and I aim to enhance that by focusing on these key areas.

Brosnan: The development of a downtown is at the heart of Livonia’s agenda and mine.I’ve secured $11.5 million in funding from the state and federal government.We’re working with county leaders to obtain the next $8 million to begin implementing the community’s vision, with the catalyst being a new modern senior center.The public safety staffing crisis was resolved when I kept my promise to secure a defined benefit plan and improve wages.We fixed a record-breaking 17 miles of roads because we fought for our fair share of road dollars.Job No. 1 is keeping the momentum going.

Repeated power outages are an issue for many metro Detroit communities. What will you do to ensure better electricity services for Livonia?

Brosnan: I am holding DTE accountable for their promise to improve power reliability in Livonia.For each storm-related outage the city is tracking DTE’s promise to restore power to 90% of its customers within 48 hours.We meet regularly with DTE leadership, including the CEO, to let them know where they are falling short.We are also working with DTE to get more lines buried, more trees trimmed faster, and more money invested in infrastructure.Taking on Goliath is not easy, but we stand resolute in bringing them all the information our residents are sharing with us.

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McIntyre: Repeated power outages are a significant concern, with some areas of our city reporting nine power outages in the past year. When Livonia lost power again a couple of weeks ago, the mayor issued a “report card” on DTE’s reliability. Weak public relations stunts don’t accomplish anything. Livonia needs an experienced leader who’ll put in the hard work to solve tough problems. DTE must be held accountable and provide our residents and businesses with solutions.

What will you do to create a welcoming community for all, regardless of age, race, religion or gender?

McIntyre: I've been involved in community engagement throughout my career. I’ve worked with diverse organizations, some with over 1,000 people, making sure each one was treated fairly and honestly. I'll listen to every voter’s concern and work to build a community that respects and celebrates our diverse perspectives.

Brosnan: Early in my administration I reconstituted the Livonia Human Relations Commission to foster mutual self-respect and understanding and promote amicable relations among all racial, religious, and ethnic groups.I’ve appointed more diverse residents to boards and commissions. I implemented a non-discrimination policy in city government and asked the council to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance.They refused, so I’ll be bringing the ordinance back again with hopes that a new council will understand its importance in ensuring everyone is treated fairly—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other identity.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to voters?

Brosnan: Did not respond.

McIntyre: I'm not just running for mayor; I'm applying for a job to serve you. I've got the experience, both in the private sector and in public service, to get results for Livonia. I believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting to work, and I hope you'll give me the chance to be your "workhorse" mayor.

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Contact reporterShelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 734-311-0659.