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.
Episodes
17 episodes
Former Mayor Jerry Ellis: "It's Like Trying to Sneak Something Through Behind Everybody's Back"
In this second conversation with former Mayor Jerry Ellis, we get into the structural safeguards that have kept Farmington Hills stable for decades - and why they're being undermined right now. Jerry explains the "weak mayor, strong city manage...
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13:29
Former Mayor Jerry Ellis: "If They Can Do This to the City Manager, They Can Do It to Anybody"
In this episode, I sit down with Jerry Ellis, attorney and former mayor of Farmington Hills who served our community for 25 years. Jerry doesn't mince words - scheduling a Friday afternoon meeting at 4pm without telling all council members the ...
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21:43
Discussing Economic Stability and City Management with Former Mayor Ken Massey
In this second conversation with former Mayor Ken Massey, we get into the nuts and bolts of how Farmington Hills government actually functions - and why that matters to your wallet and your property values. Ken explains why the mayor has no adm...
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42:24
Eugene Greenstein: Why Firing the City Manager Without Cause Creates Organizational Chaos
In this second conversation with Eugene Greenstein, we dig into what happens after the coup attempt - the lasting damage to city governance. Eugene doesn't sugarcoat it: "We've destroyed the working relationships in council. It's gone beyond a ...
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22:00
Discussing Government Transparency and Trust with Former Farmington Hills Mayor Ken Massey
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Ken Massey, former mayor and council member of Farmington Hills with over 20 years of public service experience. Ken brings both his political background and academic expertise from Wayne State University to h...
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19:59
Eugene Greenstein: "This Is a Coup" - Why Secret Meetings Destroy High-Performing Teams
In this episode, I talk with Eugene Greenstein, a long-term Farmington Hills resident with extensive private sector management experience at a major automobile company. Eugene doesn't hold back - he calls what happened on December 17th exactly ...
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19:42
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 transparen...
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23:22
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 criti...
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19:32
Discussion with Brian Burtka about Transparency Concerns in Farmington Hills City Government
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, I sit down with Brian Burtka, a 40-year resident of Farmington Hills, to discuss some concerning developments in our city government. We examine the lack of transparency surrounding a hastily-called spe...
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8:39
A Conversation with Farah Khan: Farmington Hills City Council Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T. R. Carr interviews Farah Khan, a candidate for Farmington Hills City Council. Farah explains why she is running at what she calls a turning point for the city, stressing leadership that listens ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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35:08
A Conversation with Valerie Knol: Farmington Hills City Council Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T. R. Carr interviews Valerie Knol, a longtime council member seeking another term. Valerie discusses her background in local government and the auto industry, her focus on fiscal responsibility an...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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32:33
A Conversation with Jimmy Lossia: Farmington Hills Mayoral Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr interviews Jimmy Lossia, candidate for Mayor of Farmington Hills. Jimmy shares his motivation for running, his views on affordable housing and renter protections, and his ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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35:03
A Conversation with Charlie Starkman: Farmington Hills City Council Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr talks with Charlie Starkman, psychologist, community health advocate, and candidate for Farmington Hills City Council. Starkman discusses his motivation to serve, his visi...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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38:21
A Conversation with Michael Bridges: Farmington Hills Councilman and Candidate for Reelection
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr speaks with Michael Bridges, longtime Farmington Hills City Council member seeking reelection. Bridges discusses his motivation for public service, key accomplishments suc...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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31:58
A Conversation with Angie Smith: Farmington Public Schools Trustee and City Council Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr sits down with Angie Smith, current Farmington Public Schools Trustee and candidate for Farmington Hills City Council. Angie shares how her decade on the school board shap...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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21:03
A Conversation with Randy Bruce: Farmington Hills Councilman and Mayoral Candidate
In this episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr sits down with longtime councilman and mayoral candidate Randy Bruce for an in-depth conversation about leadership, growth, and accountability in Farmington Hills. Bruce d...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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34:21
Understanding Your Role in Local Government
In the debut episode of I Can See Clearly Now, host T.R. Carr introduces listeners to the purpose of his new podcast—helping citizens better understand local government, elections, and the responsibilities that come with living in a de...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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37:06