Brickner Runs Unopposed for Farmington Hills Mayor

member Barry Brickner is in the easiest political race of his life.

He's running for mayor to keep the city moving in the same direction it's headed today. He is unopposed.

"I knew that (current mayor) Jerry (Ellis) was retiring, and I felt someone from council should be mayor and help lead the city the way it has been in the past," Brickner said.

He said the most important thing to him is continuing the spirit of cooperation among officials. "We need people that, whether they agree or disagree on issues, there's a certain congeniality. You don't pick at each other," he said. "I want to see that type of camaraderie continue."

In Brickner's eyes, the biggest challenge officials face is "being able to survive on our budget. We're just trying to tread water right now. We can't reduce employees any more without reducing services."

He said that if the state eliminates the personal property tax on business (a measure under consideration by the Legislature) without a replacement source of funding, the city will take another $2.6 million budget hit.

While the city offers programs for senior citizens and has strong programs for children and teens, Brickner said he would like to see more done to attract young adults to the community as they graduate from high school and college.

"We haven't really been looking at their ideas and input," he said. "Hopefully, we will get some of that from our 2020 visioning."

The strategic visioning committee began meeting in January and is expected to deliver its report by the end of the year.

The role of mayor in Farmington Hills is largely ceremonial; he leads council meetings, represents the city and "gets to marry people," Brickner said.

But he also sees the position as "head cheerleader" for the city — appearing at events and new business openings and working with officials from other cities on regional issues.

Brickner will also continue spreading the word about .

The building is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and includes a number of features that reduce energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a more healthful environment for staff and the community. The , the second-highest level offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

"The accolades we're getting for that building are amazing," Brickner said, adding that the building is saving energy and money. "One thing Farmington Hills has always been in this region is a leader."

During his 12 years as a council member, Brickner has missed just four meetings. He said he loves the city and likes "bragging about Farmington Hills. I'm very happy here, and I want things to get better and keep progressing."

Brickner, an attorney, and his wife, Cheryl, have lived in Farmington Hills since 1982. They have two daughters, Dr. Shawn Brickner and .