In 2023, the City of Troy conducted a confidential staff survey with 385 responses and a ±3.0% margin of error. This wasn't a casual pulse check. It was a statistically meaningful snapshot of how employees…
For years, the City of Troy has justified eliminating the former firefighter incentive plan by pointing to an IRS determination letter that allegedly required the plan to go away. It's a powerful claim: Federal mandate.…
SPOILER ALERT As of 2021, Troy’s pension fund was approximately 56% funded, leaving the city with an estimated $11.6 million unfunded liability, a liability the city likely knew it could not fully fund under the…
After already losing a quarter of the department, the remaining firefighters were asked a simple question: “How likely are you to leave after your next payout?” The responses are worth careful attention. The answers paint…
Troy Firefighters Are Speaking, and the City Is Choosing Not to Listen Recently, 100 Troy firefighters took the time to fill out a survey about the current incentive plan and the state of the department.…
During World War II, Allied bombers returned from missions riddled with bullet holes. Engineers rushed to reinforce those areas, until statistician Abraham Wald said something that everyone else missed: You're only studying the planes that…
When the city removed the firefighter pension incentive, 34 firefighters left the department and only 100 of them remained to protect our 87,000 residents. In any other American city this size, losing 25% of a…
When Troy residents dial 911, they don’t ask who’s on duty. They don’t ask whether that firefighter reached a milestone. They don’t search budget reports or policy memos. They simply trust, that someone will…
Troy used to have a plan, a good one. A firefighter incentive that rewarded years of service, honored the sacrifices made on every call, and recognized the reality of what it means to be a…
At the League of Women Voters Forum in September, we heard the incumbents that are running for re-election talk about how the TFD pension wasn't a pension and was merely an incentive that could go…
I’m honored to receive the endorsements of Troy School District Board Members Audra Melton and Stephanie Zendler. Both Audra and Stephanie share my belief that strong communities start with strong public service, from our classrooms…
I am honored to share the endorsements of Jeanne Stine, former Mayor of Troy, and Dave Lambert. Both of these people are Troy Legends, fierce advocates for the Troy Public Library, and have served for…
Full article at: https://www.candgnews.com/news/council-candidate-wins-lawsuit-against-city-of-troy-9292
As I talk with residents across Troy, a common theme emerges: a deep appreciation for our community's character and a growing concern for its future. That's why I've made it a cornerstone of my platform…
Download the full decision PDF STATE OF MICHIGANMICHIGAN OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS AND RULESIssued and enteredthis 12th day of September 2025 DECISION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE Procedural History This proceeding is held pursuant to…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Administrative Law Judge Rules in Favor of Edward Ross: Troy Violated State Law by Terminating Firefighter Who Ran for Office Troy, MI: An Administrative Law Judge has ruled that the City of…