candgnews.com
Celebrating 75 Years!
NOVEMBER 12, 2025 Vol. 18, No. 23
SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN BUSINESS 12A
Call 248-690-6055
*Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires 12-31-25
0090-2546
Free Plumbing Diagnostic ($89 Value) with qualifying Repair Over $250
FARMINGTON HILLS DECIDES MAYOR, COUNCIL
The safety millage will allow police in Farmington Hills to maintain services such as the school liaison officers, K-9 officers, drones, and digital forensic labs that quickly analyze data from cellphones and computers when crimes are reported. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS VOTERS APPROVE SAFETY PROPOSAL FARMINGTON HILLS — More than 75% of voters in Farmington Hills supported the renewal of the safety proposal for the city’s police and fire departments Nov. 4, which will help pay for staff and equipment for the next 10 years starting in 2026. Voters cast 14,419 votes in favor of the proposal and 4,754 against.
The proposal is not a tax increase for Farmington Hills residents. Rather, it is a continuation of the current tax rate, which levies 1.4764 mills each year — roughly $1.48 for every $1,000 of taxable value of one’s property. Officials said this will allow the police and fire departments to maintain current service levels with full staffing and upto-date equipment. About $7.3 million will be distributed rough-
See ELECTION on page 11A
See SAFETY on page 7A
OPEN FOR DINE IN:
LUNCH Mon-Fri 12pm 2:30 pm DINNER Mon Fri 2:30pm-9:30pm & Sat-Sun 12pm-9:30pm
32030 Plymouth Road • LIVONIA Located Between Farmington Rd. & Merriman Rd.
(734) 266-0888 or (734) 266-1888
10% OFF
Not valid with other offers or gift cards or deals. Good on food purchases only. With Coupon. Exp. 12/15/25
0425-2546
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — In the election Nov. 4, Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich was reelected by more than 59% of the vote. Council members Michael Bridges and Valerie Knol were also reelected, and they were joined by a council newcomer, Charlie Starkman. “I am extremely grateful to the voters of Farmington Hill for affirming that the city is on a great track and that they support my leadership,” Rich said. According to the Oakland County Clerk’s website, nearly 19,500 people voted for mayor, while nearly 49,000 voted for City Council members in the city of 85,000 residents. Starkman is new to council and received 9,373 votes, which is 19.32% of those that Rich voted. “My win tonight shows that Farmington Hills residents are ready for a new face, a fresh vote and a new perspective on council. They are excited about someone who can come in and work well with sitting members of council,” Starkman said. “They are also excited about someone with a new set of ideas that represents the younger generation that they are trying to attract.” Starkman said he is not a politician, and he thinks that resonated with people. “People were excited to meet a regular person who ran a campaign while working fulltime and juggling many things,” he