Democracity.org voter's guide

We would like to thank Adam Kleven and Democracity.org for including our candidate in their voter's guide. Please feel free to check out their questions and Mr. McGrail's answers at the following links:

http://www.democracity.org/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DemocraCityorg/239998562696372

If anyone has any comments or questions, please feel free to email us at:

electmcgrail@yahoo.com

Thank you for your continued support.

Voters Guide for Livonia City Council

Attached below you will find a link to the Voters Guide for Livonia City Council. Feel free to review my comments and answers. Thank you for your support.

http://www.hometownlife.com/news/ss/councilgrid.pdf?odyssey=mod%7Cdnmiss%7Cumbrella%7C1

Livonia needs better fiscal accountability

I am just beside myself. I have been doing some research into the proposed 1.7 mils millage that the City of Livonia police and fire have been pushing that will be on the August ballot. They are claiming financial hardship and that they need more money otherwise the city's police department will suffer because of a budget shortfall. However they have never stated what the extra money will be used for or what they intend to buy. So that really concerned me.

Now I come to find that the PD spent early this year over 300, 000 dollars on renovating their firing range. Ordinarily this wouldn't upset me but I also found documents on line that show the police already renovated the same firing range 9 years ago to be state of the art to the tune of 381, 000 dollars. I don't think the LPD need more money, I think they need a financial advisor to tell them how and what to spend their money on. Unbelievable that in this economic climate they are spending money like there is no tomorrow.

LIvonia Observer endorses McGrail

Livonia voters will elect four City Council members this year.

They will choose four on their ballots out of 13 candidates during the primary election Aug. 2. They will then choose among the eight top vote-getters from the primary election during the general election Nov. 8. The top four vote-getters in that race will be elected. The top three finishers will serve four-year terms; the fourth will serve a two-year term.

While voters will only be able to choose four candidates in each election, we have recommended eight for the primary since that is the number that will advance to the general.

We think voters should choose candidates who are knowledgeable about the issues and legislative process, among other strengths.

That is why for the primary, we recommend former City Council candidate Lucas McGrail.

We've heard the criticisms: Livonia City Council is like musical chairs with the same few people getting elected over and over, many of them longtime politicians who have served at the state level as well.

We've heard the questions, and they're legitimate ones: Why doesn't the city have real “term limits”? How can the same old people be expected to solve the same old problems if they haven't already done so? Won't someone new bring a fresh perspective?

Fresh perspectives are helpful, but there is a steep learning curve for anyone new who gets elected. There's a lot to be said for knowledge, both of the issues and the process. We think that knowledge is critical during these times of tight budgets.

McGrail is a creative thinker with an architectural background who has had a sustained interest in serving on council. He ran for council two years ago and is a frequent lecturer on historical buildings at the senior center. He has ideas for revitalizing Livonia's older building stock.

For the entire article, use the link below:
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011107140453

Livonia Chamber of Commerce video

2011 Livonia City Council Candidates

In the Livonia primary election on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, voters will be asked to vote for up to four people among 13 candidates running for seats on the Livonia City Council. The top eight vote-getters in the primary election will advance to the general election on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. In the general election, the top three vote-getters will earn four-year terms on the Council. The fourth-place finisher will earn a two-year term on the Council.

The Livonia Chamber of Commerce asked Candidate McGrail to participate in a video recording in which he was given up to three-minutes to introduce himself and answer four specific questions prepared by the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee. This video clip is his response. The Livonia Chamber of Commerce does not make candidate endorsements.

Our candidate was asked to address the following questions:

1. What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Livonia City Council?
2. What is the biggest issue you are hearing within the business community, and how do you intend to address that issues
3. If the proposed public safety and senior center millages fail, what would you do to address the projected $6.2 million shortfall in the city’s 2012 fiscal year budget?
4. How can the city further enhance partnerships with school districts and other communities to consolidate programs and adjust to budget shortages?

Please click on the link to view his responses.
http://www.livonia.org/candidate_videos/lucasmcgrail.asp