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: Trust, Credibility, and What Happens Next in Farmington Hills
In this third installment, Brian Burtka and I get to the heart of what really matters when government leadership fragments. We talk about broken chains - how excluding council members from critical communications doesn't just violate transparency, it shatters trust throughout the entire organization. From City Hall down to the snowplow drivers, everyone feels it when credibility erodes at the top. Brian draws on his private sector experience to explain what happens when management loses the confidence of their team - rumors spread, performance suffers, and good people start questioning whether they'll even have a job next month. With Mayor Theresa Rich recently reelected with over 59% of the vote and newly seated council members joining the team, the stakes are high. We explore why the hasty special meeting about our city manager's future wasn't just a procedural issue - it's about whether our seven council members, all elected by the same voters, can work together with mutual respect. Because when that chain of trust breaks, it doesn't just affect City Hall. It affects every service you depend on.
