Collaboration With Neighboring Communities Where We Can
April 16, 2025
This evening, I had the pleasure of attending the City of Romulus’s State of the City address. As our neighbor to the west, Romulus plays an important role in the regional landscape. By fostering collaboration and sharing ideas, we can work together to attract new businesses along our shared border, creating jobs, enhancing economic development, and opening up new opportunities for both of our communities.
Mayor McCraight gave a wonderful presentation, and the love and vision he has for his community is unmistakable.
Statement on Expanding USAA Coverage for Michigan Veterans’ Families
May 16, 2025
For more than three years, I fought to understand why USAA, a company that proudly claims to serve veterans and their families, refused to insure the children of Michigan veterans under auto insurance policies while providing this coverage in every other state.
When one of my children was denied coverage, I sought answers. After much frustration and vague explanations, I was told Michigan was considered a “Garrison state,” yet no one could provide a clear reason why that justified denying coverage.
Determined to right this wrong, I reached out to my longtime friend and Michigan State Senator Erika Geiss in September 2023. Given the roadblocks I had encountered, I wasn’t expecting much, but Senator Geiss took action. After months of persistent effort, she arranged a Zoom meeting with USAA’s Michigan representative in June 2024.
During that meeting, I made it clear that it was unacceptable for my children and the children of any Michigan veteran to be forced to leave the state just to receive the same insurance benefits available elsewhere.
As a result of that conversation, USAA committed to change.
In August 2024, they began offering renters’ insurance to veterans’ children in Michigan. And as of January 2025, they officially expanded auto insurance coverage. Last week, the last of my children successfully obtained an auto insurance policy with USAA, confirming that this long overdue change had finally taken effect.
This is more than a personal victory it is a victory for the more than 500,000 veterans who call Michigan home, including nearly 70,000 in Wayne County and over 3,000 right here in Taylor. Ensuring that veterans and their families receive the benefits they were promised is a fight worth having, and I am proud to have played a role in making this long-overdue change happen.
As of today, all three of my children are now insured through USAA. Please spread the word through our veteran community.
If fortunate enough to be elected to our city council, I will always fight the good fight, and work with our local representatives regardless of party to bring about change when needed, and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
March Is Reading Month
March 6, 2025
I spent my birthday morning reading to the children at the Guidance Center Head Start program, and it was such an absolute joy, especially during March is Reading Month.
This program holds a special place in my heart, as our three grandchildren, whom we raised, attended Head Start in Taylor.
Early childhood education is the foundation for future success, and programs like this are essential in shaping young minds, fostering a love for learning, and building a brighter future for our children. 📕
Police Contract
Feburary 19, 2025
I applaud the Mayor for negotiating, and the City Council for voting to approve the labor agreement last evening for the Taylor Police Officers Labor Association. This agreement prioritizes our ability to hire and retain police officers, which is essential to recruiting and keeping the best talent.
If elected to serve on our City Council, every decision I make will be guided by a clear and simple standard:
Does it make Taylor safer? Ensuring our residents, businesses, and first responders have the resources and support they need to keep our community secure.
Does it make Taylor stronger? Investing in infrastructure, public services, and programs that improve our quality of life and build a more resilient city.
Does it make Taylor more prosperous? Encouraging responsible economic growth, supporting local businesses, and making smart financial decisions that benefit taxpayers.
Before I cast any vote whether on a policy, project, or the annual budget I will ask these three fundamental questions. If the answer isn’t yes, I won’t support it.
Taylor deserves leadership that prioritizes safety, strength, and prosperity, and that’s exactly what I will bring to our City Council.
Statement on the Towing Contract, Lawsuit, and Unfair Fees
February 11, 2025
It is deeply concerning that our current vendor is suing the City of Taylor in an attempt to hold onto a contract indefinitely. The City Council must act in the best interests of residents by ensuring contracts are competitively bid, transparent, and provide the best possible service at a fair cost. No business should expect a guaranteed contract without competition, and it is wrong to use legal action to bypass the city’s due diligence.
Even more troubling are the excessive fees that residents and non-residents alike are facing, sometimes totaling $10,000 or more for accident cleanup, towing, and impound costs. These outrageous charges often force people to surrender their vehicles just to satisfy the bill. This is unacceptable, and it must be addressed.
While someone running for council argues that the city is “taking away someone’s livelihood” by putting contracts out for bid, and another former councilman who’s running for Mayor appears to be giddy about the numerous lawsuits that have been filed against our city.
The real issue is the financial burden placed on the public. Our responsibility is to protect residents, ensure fairness in city contracts, and prevent price gouging that harms working families.
I stand firmly for transparency, accountability, and putting the people of Taylor first. This practice must end, and I will work to ensure our city operates with fairness and fiscal responsibility.
Anyone running to protect the rights of vendors over residents, in my opinion, disqualifies them from sitting on our city council.
Honoring the True Meaning of Memorial Day
May 25, 2025
Tomorrow, we will pause to remember and honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the true cost of freedom and the courage of those who gave everything to protect it.
This day always brings me back to memories of my brother, Gilbert Thomas, who served aboard the USS Constellation (CV-64) during the Vietnam War. He was on board during the Gulf of Tonkin conflict and served as a radio technician.
Gilbert had a natural talent for electronics, and was always repairing TVs and radios after his service, and he was also a skilled handyman and often took me along on his painting jobs.
I remember one day in particular: we stopped for lunch and he handed me a pickle loaf sandwich, telling me, “This is what painters eat for lunch.” At the time, I believed him. Looking back, that memory still makes me smile.
Gilbert was a gentle soul and a true inspiration to me, so much so that I later enlisted in the Army myself.
Gilbert passed away in October of 2006 from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At the time, we didn’t know of any connection, but it’s now recognized that Navy veterans, like those who served on the Constellation during the war were exposed to Agent Orange and are eligible for related benefits.
I was honored to eulogize Gilbert at his funeral service, and I remain proud of his service and sacrifice.
On this upcoming Memorial Day, I thank my brother and all the heroes who gave their lives for the freedoms we now hold dear.
We will never forget.
#MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #USSConstellation #VietnamVeteran #AgentOrangeAwareness #NeverForget #FreedomIsNotFree
“It’s About Towing, Seriously.”
June 7, 2025
Everywhere I go while out campaigning, residents ask me: What’s going on with towing in Taylor?
And they’re right to ask.
Why are three current council members, Brandana, Rose, and Daniels, still supporting a towing company that’s been accused of overcharging our residents? It doesn’t make sense. Our residents deserve a city council that looks out for them.
If I’m elected, one of my first proposals will be to rescind the 2016 resolution regarding Area Towing that will pave the way to ending this madness, and bring in a new company that’s fair, transparent, and treats our residents, as well as nonresidents with dignity and respect.
This isn’t politics, it’s common sense.