I would like to use this opportunity to tell you about myself and my background.

I believe that I am a very strong candidate for a seat on the Livonia City Council because at this point in my career, I have performed the role of a project engineer, construction estimator, project manager, project architect and construction administrator on a daily basis for my past employers. In these variety of roles, I have had unique opportunities to work one on one with developers, city officials, labor unions, skilled trades and business owners. While serving as a project manager for my second to last employer, I managed six major projects in the City of Detroit, Michigan, five of which were adaptive reuse, and of those five, four were historic buildings all of which fall into the category of historic rehabilitation. Those five adaptive reuse projects which can be found the following districts of Detroit: New Center, Brush Park, Corktown, Central Business district and the Theater district.

Not only does this experience show that I know what it takes to build, grow and in some cases, rebuild a community, but my bachelor’s degree in architecture has also afforded me the requisite knowledge and education to deal with historic structures, new construction, urban design, and city planning in the appropriate manor. This education combined with my “real world” experience over the last 11 years makes me ideal for a seat on the council. I believe these traits embody the spirit of what a council member should be and what the voters are looking for.

In addition to my experience, I have also become a US Green Building council LEED-AP professional as a means to assure efficient and environmentally friendly designs and construction methods which promote proper environmental stewardship. In addition to my educational background and my relevant work experience, I have dedicated a good portion of my career and free time to becoming a self educated expert on American architecture, with special attention to Michigan's architectural heritage and legacy. I am a traveling lecturer on architecture in Michigan and have been interviewed several times by both print and electronic media regarding architecture in Detroit as well as in Michigan.

I appreciate your interest in my candidacy as well as your support. I would love the opportunity to speak with you and win your vote. You can email me at electmcgrail@yahoo.com, I look forward to speaking with you.