LIVONIA – Eight candidates are vying for four city council seats in the Nov. 4 election. Hometown Life sent questionnaires to the candidates prior to the primary seeking background information, their top three priorities if elected, as well as stances on the “Livonia Built” $150 million municipal facilities bond proposal, and city services in general – with a limit of 100 words per question.For the upcoming general election, Hometown Life posed new questions (with a 150-word limit) in light of the failed bond and we are sharing the candidates’ responses, along with previous responses to other questions.Meet your candidates:
Name: Patrick Brockway
Age: 38
Years of residency: 37
Education: Master’s of criminal justice and intelligence
Occupation: Management analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs
Relevant community involvement: “Various donations to local and national charities. For almost 10 years I had worked fluctuating shifts with no weekends off. This curtailed my ability to join community related groups.”
Name: James Hooper
Age: 58
Years of residency: Since 2013
Education: High school diploma with a lifelong learner approach utilizing public libraries and my own personal library of hundreds of titles/subjects
Occupation: Machinist at a local defense department supplier
Relevant community involvement: “Most of my extracurricular involvement has been with organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse International Relief and Development or the Alzheimer’s Association
Name: Steve King
Age: Would not disclose, wrote “Not relevant and not asked on job applications.”
Occupation: I am C.E.O. of Dittilies ltd LLC, aka Steve King and the Dittilies, a group of professional musicians.
Years of residency: “I have been in Livonia 3 years before Bates restaurant was built in 1959. So a very long time. Residing in Coventry Gardens subdivision that turned 100 this year.”
Education: Master’s of science, educational leadership. Bachelor of science, and education. Kinesiology MB (K-12) Health Education MA (7-12) MSYSA” E” and “D” Soccer License. Coaching license, Doyle Baseball Academy
Occupation: Did not answer
Relevant community involvement: Livonia School Board trustee, board of directors; YMCA sports director YMCA; board of directors Livonia Parishes Credit Union; Livonia Arts Commission; Livonia Officers Compensation Committee; Livonia Hall of Fame; park czar Coventry Gardens; renovation of many Livonia homes.
Coached hundreds of youth sports athletes, middle school and high school soccer football, hockey and softball coach.
Name: Eileen McDonnell
Age: 68
Years of residency: 29
Education: Eastern Michigan University
Occupation: Municipal contract/proposal manager, retired
Relevant community involvement: Livonia School Board trustee, five-year term
Name: Kathleen McIntyre
Age: 62
Years of residency: 47
Education: MBA, finance concentration and BA, business; Michigan State University
Occupation: Student and community affairs manager SE Michigan Construction Academy, Westland MI; retired Ford executive positions in finance, global strategy and governmental affairs
Relevant community involvement: Livonia City Council member: 2016-23, president 2016-17 and 2020-21; Livonia Brownfield Redevelopment Authority; 2013-16; Livonia Planning Commission: 2014-15; Livonia Zoning Board of Appeals; 2012-13; Livonia Community Foundation, board of trustees: 2010 – present; The Senior Alliance (MI Area Agency on Aging 1C): 2010-24; Livonia Chamber of Commerce, active member 2008 – present;
Ongoing active volunteer: Livonia Symphony Orchestra; Livonia Civic Park Senior Center; Livonia Spree; St. Aidan Catholic Church; MI Work Matters/Anastasia & Katie’s
Name: Jenny O’Connor
Age: 42
Years of residency: 35 years
Education: Associate of arts (2002), bachelor of science (2008)
Occupation: Design director for a Livonia-based architectural millwork and design studio
Relevant community involvement: “I’m a lifelong Livonia resident who has spent years volunteering in our schools, church outreach, and with local and national service programs like Habitat for Humanity and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. As design director for a Livonia millwork firm, I speak at national conferences and support workforce development to train and place interns and local youth in skilled trades. I regularly attend city council meetings and have actively contributed ideas, including a firefighter workforce pipeline proposal in partnership with the Livonia Career Technical Center. I believe in showing up, listening, and participating — values I’ll bring to city council every day.”
Name: Robin Persiconi
Age: 47
Years of residency: 47
Education: University of Michigan, BA political science and French; Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
Occupation: Attorney, small business owner: The Law Office of Robin Persiconi
Relevant community involvement: President-elect and on the board of directors for the Livonia PM Rotary Club; Vice president of the Livonia Housing Commission; ambassador and member of the Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce
“Additionally, I regularly volunteer at the Livonia Senior Center and sponsor various local organizations such as the Livonia Symphony Orchestra.”
Name: Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid
Age: 33
Years of residency: 30 (lived in Redford for three years)
Education: Bachelor of arts in communications, minor political science from University of Dayton, Master of business administration from Lawrence Tech University
Occupation: Executive director of the Livonia Spree
Relevant community involvement: Executive director of the Livonia Spree; member and parent at St. Michael the Archangel Parish and School; member of Fairway Farms Swim and Tennis Club; community sponsor for various clubs and charities
What are your top three priorities if elected?
Patrick Brockway: “1.) Review the fiscal budget to see what areas can be reduced and reinvested into needed infrastructure repair. 2.) Create a moving community advisory monthly panel meeting, based on geographical region to discuss issues pertaining to specific area in Livonia. 3.) Work on improving senior transportation options so that all residents have the means to get to where they need to be.”
James Hooper: “The first priority: Be a catalyst of reconciliation between the Pro Millage/Stop Millage sides. There is an incredible amount of divisiveness in Livonia and it will impede our local government from best serving the public if it is not addressed.
This millage will either pass or fail. If passed proper implementation should be at the forefront for every council member. If failed the needs of our first responders identified as the impetus for the millage must still be addressed. I would lead a push for separate millages for our first responders which is what an overwhelming number of our community residents wanted.
Other infrastructure needs.”
Steve King: “Livonia has so many systemic issues it’s hard to narrow it down. Let’s start with the culture of the current administration. Michigan is the worst (state) in the nation when it comes to transparency and accountability so it’s no wonder this city behaves the same way. At council meeting audience communication, citizens return over and over pleading for help with a myriad of issues. The issues are never resolved. Administrators are consistently making bad decisions with no consequences. Rotary Park is just one example. The lack of transparency makes it difficult to believe anything that comes from the fourth floor…”
Eileen McDonnell: “Encourage open discussion and transparency during council study meetings by expanding the information presented to the public in an open format by using a QR Code for easy access. We need to provide live video feed for committee of the whole meetings and for public hearings.
“I would work with council to resolve issues with first responder staffing and morale. Staffing formulations for our fire fighters are based on McNamara’s era calculations, this is a failure.
“Realign our financial priorities to ensure staffing is adequate to maintain services; licenses, permits, and building inspections comply with city ordinances.”
Kathleen McIntyre: “1. Keep Livonia safe. I’ll continue supporting our first responders as I did during my previous council terms—advocating for competitive wages, strong benefits, and the resources needed to maintain our excellent police and fire response times.
“2. Keep Livonia prosperous. I’ll work to cut red tape, streamline permitting, and grow our workforce and attract private sector investment.
“3. Keep Livonia welcoming. I’ll champion park improvements and inclusive programs that serve families, seniors, and residents with disabilities. Livonia needs to work for everyone.”
Jenny O’Connor: “1. Ensure responsible reinvestment & contracting in public buildings—especially our police, fire, and ADA-accessible municipal facilities.
“2. Increase awareness and access to community mental health resources. As a survivor of suicide loss, I’m deeply committed to advocating for support systems that promote wellbeing and connection.
“3. Invest in Livonia’s future through workforce development, public engagement, and balanced growth. My background in construction and collaboration, paired with a heart for service, positions me to be a steady and solutions-focused voice on council.”
Robin Persiconi: “Public safety, maintaining and improving our infrastructure, and creating a strong, vibrant local economy are my top priorities. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Livonia Police Officers and Livonia Command Officers Associations, reflecting our shared belief that public safety is the foundation for everything else. I will ensure our first responders are fully staffed, well-equipped, and properly trained. I’m committed to establishing a long-term maintenance plan for municipal facilities, making sure tax dollars are used wisely. I will also work with the private sector to attract new businesses and revitalize our vacant commercial and industrial areas.”
Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid: “Increase staffing for first responders. Current staffing levels haven’t changed in 50 years, despite a significant increase in demand. It’s time to invest in the people who keep us safe. Upgrade and maintain our park playgrounds and facilities. While we’ve made improvements in the past, many parks have not been properly maintained. Every resident deserves safe, clean, and accessible recreational spaces. Modernize our libraries to meet the needs of today’s community. Our libraries should offer functional restrooms, charging stations, and responsive support to help residents study, work, and connect.”
The $150 million bond proposal failed. Should the city scrap everything that was included? If not, what merits asking taxpayers for funding? What items are non-starters?
Patrick Brockway: “With the bond failing, anything attached with the Vision 21 Masterplan has a bit of a negative connotation. It may be best to look to adopt a new vision going forward, one that is driven by resident input and less consultants. The bond proposal was the product of over consultation and the overall results speak for themselves.
To that end, money that would have been allocated to the new city hall, should be divided amongst infrastructure repair and first responder needs above all else. Likely, that will not cover everything. The next council will need to go over the budget and remove ancillary items that are great to have when flushed with cash, and allocate them to needed areas.”
James Hooper: “I am glad that the ‘Big Beautiful Bond’ failed. The term Vision 21 has been sullied in the public eye now: They don’t feel that their input was sought out for that concept or listened to after presented and now they don’t trust our local government.
Livonia has always approached funding and budgets in an a la carte fashion. Our city does not have a large general fund, rather we have silos filled by specific millages. I would be willing to collaborate on tackling components separately over time.
Every resident I spoke to was willing to support the needs of our first responders, they just rejected that they were being used to ‘sell’ the bond/millage to the public. The least controversial aspect of the whole millage plan was that of fire and rescue. I believe any plan forward could start with addressing those needs first.
Non-starters: A new library-city hall chimera. Terrible idea!”
Steve King: “The proposal was actually closer to $200 million when including funds earmarked for an unnecessary new city hall, plus the $2.5 million already wasted preparing for a project voters rejected.
The entire bond plan should be scrapped.
Instead, the city should repurpose the existing courthouse into a functional city hall and immediately focus on real public safety needs — upgrading our police and fire stations.
Unfortunately, Vision 21 has produced no tangible results, and if the ‘yes’ candidates are elected, we’ll see this same bloated plan return under a new name.
Livonia deserves practical solutions, not recycled spending schemes.”
Eileen McDonnell: “Review the initial Vision 21 proposal: the city spent $1.8 million dollars to prepare, create and plan for this project. This was money that was to be used for other badly needed improvements, let’s not waste it.
The ‘no’ for me was demolishing everything to build 500 apartments, businesses, store fronts. The citizens were vocal with their votes. We need to improve our buildings; send a sensible proposal we all can agree on. Important improvements, police, fire and ADA compliance should be top priorities.
Solution: Hire a professional grant writer, not leaving it up to department heads. It’s an important resource to have, it would save the city and taxpayers millions of dollars to obtain the much-needed improvements.
A nonstarter for me is the demolition of the Bennett Library (Civic Center) and the lack of green/park space for the citizens to use and removing wetlands.”
Kathleen McIntyre: “The ‘Livonia Built’ millage failed, but critical public safety needs remain.
Our police headquarters, built in 1961, is outdated and inadequate, and even with major remodeling, cannot support modern public safety operations. This is dangerous. A new facility is needed to keep our residents and our community safe. I want to seek cost reductions so a new LPD headquarters can fit within our budget. We need to take the same approach with our fire stations; some enhancements can wait, but protecting the health and safety of our firefighters must be addressed.
I am supportive of the current council’s decision to investigate redirecting the funds originally set aside for a new city hall toward public safety needs.
If elected, I’ll work to build consensus to fund these essential public safety improvements within existing resources. Going to taxpayers should be our last resort.”
Jenny O’Connor: “The bond proposal’s failure doesn’t erase the real issues it was meant to address. It simply means residents want a better path forward. I don’t believe we should scrap everything; we still have urgent needs in our police and fire facilities, and our municipal buildings must be brought into full ADA compliance so every resident can access city services with dignity. Those remain my priorities.
Moving forward, I would support a more transparent, phased approach that invites residents into the planning process from the start. Large-scale consultant spending before voter approval should not happen again — that’s a clear non-starter for me. My goal is to help rebuild the trust between our city’s residents and our local government by focusing on responsible planning, fiscal accountability, and open communication, while ensuring our public safety officials and residents have the facilities they deserve.”
Robin Persiconi: “The bond proposal items that support public safety and our first responders should be at the forefront of the new council’s focus. Public safety has been at the heart of my campaign from the very beginning, and if elected, this would be my top priority.
I will work to secure funding to recruit and retain the finest first responders, maintain proper staffing levels, and equip our fire and police departments with the tools and training they need to serve our community effectively and safely.
Moreover, I strongly believe that we should be exhausting all other funding opportunities, including utilizing grants, before turning to our taxpayers for support. I want to take full advantage of avenues that relieve our taxpayers while still supporting our city’s needs. This approach applies to all municipal facilities city wide that are in need of improvements and upgrades.”
Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid: “The failure of the $150 million bond proposal does not mean every item should be scrapped. It does mean we need to reassess priorities and rebuild trust with residents. The package was too broad, and voters deserve a clearer picture of what’s essential versus what’s optional.
For me, public safety and ADA accessibility should be the focus. These are fundamental items that affect everyone’s quality of life and should be funded responsibly. If those needs are brought back to voters in smaller, more targeted proposals, I would support that approach.
Our community has lost trust in their government and it is the responsibility of the next council to rebuild that trust. As the citizen’s representative, it is within reason that they bear the burden of this task.
Keep the essentials, remove the extras, and present taxpayers with a clear, transparent plan.”
What city services are absent, unnecessary, or in need of improvement and how will you work to solve these issues?
Patrick Brockway: “Infrastructure maintenance needs to be improved by scheduling routine maintenance to critical buildings in the city. The deterioration of our fire departments, police (headquarters), Bennet Library, and Noble Library are the result of neglect and require correction before we invest in new projects.”
James Hooper: “Our community has other ongoing infrastructure needs. While we’ve done a fair job with these in the past, water and sewer, roads, and proper maintenance of our parks must be addressed to maintain our high standards as a desirable, sought after community for families.”
Steve King: “Residents complain about potholes, failing sidewalks and uneven resurfacing priorities. I will prioritize core infrastructure with tracking and accountability built in. Livonia lags behind other cities on green initiatives. I’ll introduce smarter recycling options, green building standards and seek state and federal funds to support sustainable improvements. Livonia lacks dedicated mental health responders for crisis calls. I’ll advocate for partnerships with county mental health teams and regional programs to give residents access to real support. I’m running for council to bring Livonia back to common sense, that means safe neighborhoods, smarter spending and protecting the people who built this city…”
Eileen McDonnell: “Ordinance enforcement, blighted, and hazardous properties are a major issue in Livonia. I spoke with citizens who have condemned properties directly next door to them for years and nothing has been corrected, or property owners be held accountable. This goes back to my statement that council and administration need to complete a budget analysis to realign our priorities and to hire appropriate staff to correct these problems.
“Some of our public parks have been neglected in areas throughout the city too. We need an attitude adjustment so we can make Livonia welcoming throughout the city with equality throughout.”
Kathleen McIntyre: “Livonia runs lean—we don’t have unnecessary services. But we do have opportunities for improvement. Liv&Go, our intracity transportation service launched in 2024, was a major upgrade. It added on-demand rides and a user-friendly smartphone interface but requires enhancements to serve more residents and better provide for their diverse transportation needs. The city must also keep improving resident communications and access to city services through digital platforms. I’ll push for smart, strategic investments that make services more responsive and efficient—without adding bureaucracy or waste.”
Jenny O’Connor: “We must prioritize equitable investment in infrastructure and city services, especially in underserved areas. Our public buildings need to meet modern accessibility standards, and pedestrian safety must be improved across neighborhoods. I’ll advocate for ADA compliance, stronger community engagement, and budget transparency. I’ll also push for competitive, fair contracting to ensure quality work and responsible spending. My professional experience in construction and collaboration uniquely equips me to tackle these challenges head-on.”
Robin Persiconi: “I want to improve the appearance of Livonia by creating a city beautification commission, with the goals of improving curb appeal in commercial and residential areas, reducing litter and enhancing public spaces. Key initiatives would include art installations in parks, streetscape improvements installing planters and planting trees, and reviving neglected areas and parks. Through public-private partnerships, we can revitalize city gems like Greenmead with landscaping and thoughtful upgrades. These improvements would enrich our community’s quality of life and can be pursued through grant funding, resulting in an even more beautiful and livable Livonia.”
Kayleigh Kavanagh Reid: “Our municipal buildings are not easily accessible to those with disabilities. We are lacking in that area. I will ensure the new buildings meet all ADA requirements. We also need to address the lack of a community gathering space. We currently use the lawn in front of city hall for some of our festivals, concerts, and events but it’s not large enough. We could and should do better to create a space that is green, open, safe and inviting. I will fight to have something included in the new plan for 5/Farmington.”
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Election 2025: Livonia City Council candidates talk plans after failed $150M tax proposal
Reporting by Susan Bromley, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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