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
From The City of Taylor Facebook Page
tproesdSon 4af46942a 142i5Jam23t1ima1 3M: 07035ctul1Pun98el6 ·
TAYLOR FIRE STATION NO. 2 RENOVATED: The City officially rededicated Fire Station No. 2 on Monday, June 30, completing the $2M project renovating two of the three Taylor Fire Stations over the past year. Fire Station No. 2, the larger of the two, is located on Ecorse Road. Mayor Tim Woolley was one of a large group attending the grand re-opening. He was joined by Fire Chief Stephen Portis and Deputy Chief Al Young, along with Gerald Thomas and Rhonda Danaj who represented the Taylor Tax Increment Finance Authority. TIFA was a major driving force behind the project. Also in attendance at the ribbon cutting were firefighters and other City employees.
Having proudly served as an Auxiliary Firefighter for the City of Taylor, it was an absolute honor to join my colleagues on the Tax Increment Finance Authority in approving a $2 million reinvestment to renovate Fire Stations 2 and 3.
If elected to City Council, I will always stand with our firefighters, fighting to ensure they have the best equipment, top tier training, and the support they need to keep our community safe.
EUREKA WAY IS UNDERWAY!
July 21, 2025
I’m incredibly proud to serve on the Taylor Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) and to have cast my vote in support of funding the long-awaited Eureka Way Project. This transformative $18 million investment, supported by both TIFA and Wayne County, will finally bring long needed infrastructure upgrades and new opportunities for growth and revitalization to one of Taylor’s most important corridors.
Equally exciting, TIFA is also funding the $4 million expansion and renovation of our city’s animal shelter, a project that reflects our commitment not only to development, but to compassion and care for all members of our community, including the four legged ones.
From renovating City Hall, building our DPW facility, the Taylor Sportsplex, and both golf courses, reconstructing Superior Parkway, to now advancing major projects like Eureka Way and our Animal Shelter, TIFA continues to play a vital role in Taylor’s growth and quality of life. I’m honored to be a part of this Authority and proud of the positive impact we are making in our city every day.
Visit the City’s website to learn more.
It’s Not Rocket Science!
June 9, 2025
North, south, east, west, and everywhere in between, you get it!
You understand just how important this election is for the future of our community. I’m truly blessed and humbled by the support I’ve received from residents and business owners all across our great city.
If you’d like to be part of this incredible journey, consider placing a lawn sign, adding a window sticker to your vehicle, making a donation, or, most importantly, casting your vote for me on August 5th and again on November 4th. I'd be eternally humbled and grateful.
Let’s keep moving Taylor forward, together!
#PublicSafety #Infrastructure #FairTowing #VeteranSupport #AccessibilityMatters #EvenMoreBusinessFriendly #TaylorStrong
“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.
Committed to Our Seniors
June 11, 2025
As a member of our Taylor TIFA Authority, I’m proud to support meaningful investments in our senior community. In our recently approved budget, my colleagues and I voted to dedicate over $800,000 for much needed improvements to our Senior Center. These enhancements include a complete parking lot reconstruction, pavilion remodeling, new fencing, pond repairs and upgrades, interior and exterior painting, and the installation of modern kitchen equipment.
If elected to our City Council, I will remain a strong and consistent advocate for our seniors, working to ensure they have safe, accessible, and well-maintained spaces, along with the services they rely on and deserve.
#Taylorstrong #SuportingOurSeniors
2022 Project of the year!
June 13, 2025
As a current member of the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA), I’m proud of the role we played in financing the Superior Parkway Road Reconstruction Project during the summer of 2022.
This major infrastructure improvement, stretching from Telegraph Road to Pardee Road, included the reinstallation of bike lanes, thereby enhancing both transportation and safety in our community.
The $2.7 million project was a collaborative effort, funded through a combination of City of Taylor Act 51 funds and TIFA district resources. Completed ahead of schedule and under budget, it earned the distinction of “2022 Project of the Year” from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Downriver Branch.
Building on that momentum, last year the TIFA Authority also completed a streetlight replacement initiative along the same stretch, removing and upgrading all existing lights to improve visibility and safety.
If elected, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to champion and deliver meaningful improvements like these throughout our city.
#TaylorStrong #InfrastructureMatters #BikeFriendly #StreetSafety #RoadImprovements #CommunityInvestment
