Vote for Jeffrey Hayton for Mayor of Westland Michigan

Monday, October 26, 2009
 

Dear Westland Voter,

As a long time Westland resident, I have been saddened to see the recent declining conditions in the City of Westland.  In the last few years, we have had our city park closed off indefinitely due to contamination, local homes have become vacant and unmaintained, business have been boarded up, and our city services have been reduced.  Much of the decline is due to the city administration ignoring the needs and concerns of its citizens.

In the past ten years, our population has gone down dramatically while the administration continues business as usual...apparently oblivious or unconcerned.

During the 2009 State of the City address, Mayor Wild repeatedly referred to Westland as having a population of 86,000 residents.  This is not true.  In the 2000 Census, we had a population of 86,602 but in 2008, the US Census estimated that we had declined to just 78,961.  

The decline in population to a level below 80,000 will reduce the state revenue sharing that Westland is entitled to by approximately 16%. In 2010, the US Census will perform the official population count for our City which makes now a critical moment for decisions that will affect Westland for the next ten years and beyond.

Michigan's economy has led to epidemic levels of unemployment and home foreclosures.  Blighted neighborhoods and foreclosed homes are reducing our home values which (in addition to the personal loss of wealth for our citizens) will lead to decreases in tax revenue to the City.  These revenue decreases will lead to further decreases in city services which will lead to further population decline. This is a spiral which will not stop without a change in direction from our administration.

The current administration is more focused on businesses than on its residents even though it is the residents that draw the businesses.

If you are not happy with the current condition and direction of the City of Westland, please vote for me as your next Mayor at the November 3, 2009 election.  I will focus on making the City of Westland a great place to live.

I am married and have two children (a 14 year old daughter and a 11 year old son).  I hold a degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and have over eleven years of experience working in State government.  I am like you, a hard working resident of Westland, and only have an interest in helping to move Westland back into the right direction.

Please vote for me in the upcoming election by writing my name "Jeffrey Hayton" as the write-in candidate for Mayor.

I would be happy to hear from you and answer any questions that you may have.  My email address is jeffrey.hayton@yahoo.com and my phone number is 734-331-0650.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jeffrey P. Hayton