The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Green Party
Occupation
IT Professional
Fun Fact
I love bringing people together through cultural and community events. For example, I’ve helped organize Independence Day celebrations, fundraisers, and community dinners, and some I’ve served as MC. I enjoy creating spaces where people can celebrate their heritage, faith, and talents, it’s something that excites me and keeps me connected to the community beyond politics.
Past Experience
Achievements: One of my biggest achievements has been helping amplify the voices of marginalized communities, particularly Muslim and immigrant families, in civic conversations. I have also successfully brought together diverse groups faith leaders, community organizers, and local residents to discuss and address issues affecting our neighborhoods. These achievements demonstrate my ability to bridge communities, which is a key function of City Council.
Responsibilities: While I have not yet held a seat on City Council, I’ve been deeply engaged in community and civic spaces in Farmington Hills. Over the past 15 years, I’ve served in committees at the Tawheed Center, collaborated with local leaders, and worked on initiatives to bring different communities together. I’ve also been involved in public forums, and advocacy work that directly connects with the responsibilities of City Council. I have also been serving as a Farmington Hills Health Commissioner since early 2024
Skills:
- Community Engagement: 15+ years of building relationships within our diverse community.
- Communication & Representation: Experienced MC and community speaker, skilled at connecting with people across backgrounds.
- Problem Solving & Collaboration: Background in IT and Business Analysis, giving me strong skills in analyzing issues, gathering input, and developing solutions.
- Advocacy: Proven ability to represent and defend the needs of underrepresented groups.
My Top Issues
Increasing affordable housing options
With home prices rising 7.5% year-over-year and median prices reaching $375,000, housing affordability has become a crisis for our families.
Advocate for inclusionary zoning policies
Support first-time homebuyer assistance programs
Promote mixed-income housing development
Work with developers on affordable housing quotas
Collaborating with community organizations for inclusivity
Our vital Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs were eliminated due to pressure from outside forces. It's time to bring DEI back to help represent minorities of all stripes.
Reinstate comprehensive DEI initiatives
Ensure representation for all minorities
Foster inclusive leadership in city government
Create community dialogue opportunities
Creating green spaces and urban parks
rom deer overpopulation to broader environmental challenges, we need comprehensive solutions that balance wildlife management with community safety and ecological health.
Implement humane deer management strategies
Expand sustainable transportation options
Enhance green infrastructure and parks
Promote renewable energy initiatives
Creating green spaces and urban parks
rom deer overpopulation to broader environmental challenges, we need comprehensive solutions that balance wildlife management with community safety and ecological health.
Implement humane deer management strategies
Expand sustainable transportation options
Enhance green infrastructure and parks
Promote renewable energy initiatives
Housing
Advocate for inclusionary zoning policies.
Legislation
Ensure representation for all minorities.
Housing
Support first-time homebuyer assistance programs.
Legislation
Reinstate comprehensive DEI initiatives.
Environment / Energy
Promote renewable energy initiatives.
Housing
Promote mixed-income housing development.
Housing
Work with developers on affordable housing quotas.
Infrastructure / Transportation
Expand sustainable transportation options.
Social Services
Deliver a best-in-class senior facility.
Environment / Energy
Implement humane deer management strategies.
Environment / Energy
Enhance green infrastructure and parks.
Who I'm Running Against
Michael Bridges (Democrat Party)
Served the citizens of the Farmington Hills community as a City Councilman for 17 years, having been elected five times.
Of critical concern to me over these years has been the importance of safety for all residents, services to improve life for all, and the need to maintain a AAA bond rating for the city. I believe I have successfully supported and impacted on all of these matters. I led the charge to change the funding process for local road improvements to a city-wide millage resulting in a more equitable process. I proposed and succeeded in achieving body wide camera outfitting for police officers as part of their uniforms to create more transparency in maintaining our safe city designation. I am also proud to have been a part of our current Council’s completion of a five-year Master Plan which lays out future land use guidance for the city; and, I have been a participant over many years in the budgeting and financial oversight of the city that maintains our AAA bond rating.
In addition to my attention on all issues a municipality must deal with, I have also served several civic and governmental bodies for the city to include the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Commission on Aging, and currently the Strategic Vision Committee focusing on the city’s future. I also have been on the boards of the Farmington Optimist Club, the Farmington YMCA, and the Farmington Public Schools PTA Council.
I know the desires of the residents of this city and you know me! Together we can continue to work together to make our city an even more exceptional one. As a candidate for reelection on November 4th, I would be honored to have your support.
Valerie Knol (Democrat Party)
Valerie Knol is a seasoned public servant with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. She holds a Master's degree from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University. Her career includes serving as a Councilmember in Farmington Hills, where she demonstrated her commitment to local governance and community development. Valerie has also worked as a State and Local Government Relations specialist at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, showcasing her expertise in bridging the gap between corporate and governmental interests. Additionally, she has experience in Trim Engineering and Marketing at Johnson Controls and has served as a Legislative Aide in the Michigan House of Representatives, reflecting her deep understanding of legislative processes and public policy.
Angie Smith (Independent)
Angie Smith is committed to representing Farmington Hills with honesty, transparency, and a focus on community growth. Her vision is to foster a thriving, inclusive city where every voice is heard and valued.
Angie Smith is dedicated to enhancing community life, focusing on transparency, growth, and sustainability for Farmington Hills. Community Engagement. Sustainable Development. Transparent Governance. Inclusive Leadership. Economic Growth
Charlie Starkman (Democrat Party)
Charlie Starkman is running for Farmington Hills City Council as a passionate community advocate for local accessibility, increased mental health resources and awareness, and transparency at all levels of local government. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Farmington Hills Commission on Community Health.
I am the Vice Chair of the Michigan Psychological Association’s Early Career Psychologist Committee and a member of the association’s Advocacy Committee. In 2022, I was honored to be named one of the Detroit Jewish News’ 36 under 36, an award that recognizes the contributions of young Jewish adults to the Metro Detroit Community.
Advocating for a police social worker. Individuals facing a behavioral health crisis often need specialized attention and care. This addition would reduce demand on police officers to respond to situations outside their training.
Mental health resource workshops and bulletins. As a local psychologist working in the field with a focus on community health and wellness, I’d hold city-wide free workshops and create a free monthly bulletin educating residents about mental health resources.
Enhancing our parks. Ensuring features like benches, trails, railings, and sensory playground equipment for people of all ages and abilities.
Revamp the Costick Center. Provide a safe, accessible, and updated space for local seniors to spend time, exercise, and be in community.
Maintain a relationship with the library’s board. Ensure our library board has the support and information from the City Council it needs to provide residents with access to the valuable resources our libraries offer.
Efficient resource management. A commitment to collaboration among council members—even when views differ—to ensure that every dollar spent by our City Council serves the best interests of residents.
Monthly Office Hours. Every month I will have City Council Member office hours with my community, where I’ll be available to talk through issues with constituents.
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