The first principle and purpose of Representative Government is to secure and protect the rights of the Governed.
– James Hooper
Finding our Identity, Securing our Future.
Every city has a choice; to drift along and imitate others, or to stand firm and chart its own path.
Post primary–post millage–Livonia must decide what kind of community we want to be. Do we want to be another city chasing the latest trends, or do we want to build a future rooted in our own strengths and values? Do we want to be known for blighted buildings and first responders being left behind, or for strong neighborhoods, superior public services, and a community that works together?
​
I believe our identity must be built on compassion, cooperation, and common-sense. We don't have to be defined by decline and inaction... we have a choice–a chance–to leave this city stronger for the next generation. That means tackling blight head-on, investing in our community, and making the difficult decisions today that will secure a brighter future for tomorrow.
​​
To those who put their trust in me this August, THANK YOU! I couldn't have done it without you. To those who didn't vote for me, or who remain undecided, I hope to show through action that Livonia’s best days are not behind us. We can secure our future by protecting what works, fixing what’s broken, and choosing a path that reflects who we are—not just who others expect us to be.
About
My name is James Hooper, and I'm running for Livonia City Council. –In 2010, I married my wife, Kim–a life-long Livonia resident–and since 2013, we have been proud to call Livonia [our] home; centering our lives around faith, family, and community.
​
I grew up on the East Side of Detroit, where I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. I spent many years working in Eastern Market before moving into the building trades industry. These blue-collared experiences shaped who I am and taught me the importance of integrity, responsibility, and looking out for your neighbors.
​
My path eventually took me overseas, where I worked with Samaritans Purse in Liberia, West Africa. I had the privilege of leading teams of both Liberian nationals and international volunteers in rebuilding the African Bible College University. Later, I partnered with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to help bring a Franklin Graham event to Liberia. I also managed a water sanitation and hygiene program in a remote border area near Côte D'lvoire, where I witnessed first-hand how practical solutions can transform everyday lives.​
​
When I returned home, I became the full-time caregiver to my mother as she battled Alzheimers until her passing. This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges families face when caring for loved ones.
​
Livonia has given me and my family so much, and I believe it's my time to give back. I'm running for Livonia City Council to help our neighborhoods remain strong, our community to stay safe, and our city to grow in a way that preserves what makes Livonia special.
Issues
Transparency and Accountability
I believe city government must operate in the light–conducting accessible meetings, publishing regular, itemized spending reports, and holding both elected and appointed officials to the highest ethical standards. Government cannot operate behind closed doors and rubber-stamped projects. Residents deserve transparency and accountability, and I will stand firm to make sure they get it.
Public Safety
Livonia cannot thrive if we neglect the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every single day. Police and Fire are not optional services, they are ESSENTIAL. We must ensure our first responders are fully staffed, properly equipped, and always supported. I will fight to ensure that Livonia is a city that honors its heroes; not with words or misleading millages, but with meaningful investments.
Neighborhoods
Our neighborhoods reflect who we are. Vacant buildings and blight tell a troubling story. They aren't inevitable–and they aren't acceptable. We must actively enforce uniform property standards (including on city maintained lots), maintain green spaces, and ensure peace and dignity for every neighborhood. Every resident deserves to have a safe, vibrant place to call home.
Infrastructure
Fixing roads, sidewalks and public parking spaces isn't a luxury, its a necessity. Whether its repairing crumbling pavement, expanding access to public places, or bringing valuable community resources to underserved areas within Livonia, there must be straightforward, effectively managed projects.
Fiscal Responsibility
Our city needs a coherent, actionable, and sustainable plan–not surprises or pipe dreams drummed up by any administration or the developers who are likely to benefit. We must build reserves, align our costs with clear goals, and never allow debt to sneak up on us. This means no unnecessary spending, no budget shortfalls, and no more excuses. I am committed to protecting your tax dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse, and about being transparent about every dollar spent.
Community Inclusion and Engagement
Livonia must be a city where residents are heard, respected, and included. That means more community conversations, accessible council meetings, and meeting people where they are. It also means investing in the spaces that make civic life and education possible–especially our libraries. A city that values its libraries is enlightened, engaged, and prepared to tackle whatever obstacles may come its way.
​
That is why I believe in restoring the Alfred Noble Library to its former glory–not as a relic of the past, but as a renewed cornerstone of our community's future. We can become a city that grows, learns, aspires, and leads... but only if we do it together.
