I Can See Clearly Now
I Can See Clearly Now is hosted by T.R. Carr, Ph.D., a retired professor of public policy and former mayor with decades of experience in government, education, and community leadership. This podcast helps listeners cut through the noise of modern politics and civic life by focusing on what truly matters in local, state, and national issues. Each episode offers clear, accessible discussions on government powers, public policy, and the responsibilities of informed citizens, encouraging everyone to move beyond disengagement and see democracy as a shared duty.
I Can See Clearly Now
Discussion with Brian Burtka about the City Manager's Role in Farmington Hills
In this second part of my conversation with Brian Burtka, we dive deeper into how Farmington Hills government actually works. Many residents don't fully understand the distinction between the mayor's ceremonial role and the city manager's critical administrative responsibilities. Brian and I break down what the city manager actually does - from overseeing our police and fire departments to managing our Triple-A bond rating and every city service in between. We discuss why this position is the "hinge point" between policy and operations, and why transparency matters when major personnel decisions are being made behind closed doors. If you've ever wondered who's really running the day-to-day operations of our city, or why the mayor doesn't have administrative authority, this conversation will clear things up. This is about understanding the structure of your local government and holding it accountable.
