For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36601 Ford Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Mayor Wild Responds to President's Annual Address

As Mayor Wild gets ready to Visit the White House Friday, he responds to the President's Annual Address

He joins 200 of the country's leading mayors in Washington D.C.

Westland, MI -- Last Night, President Barack Obama delivered his 2015 State of the Union address. His speech highlighted some of the country's successes.

I applaud the President for a breakthrough year for America --- the economy is growing and creating jobs at the fastest pace since 1999 --- unemployment rate is lower than it was before the financial crisis ---more kids graduating than ever before --- more of our people are insured than ever before --- free from the grip of foreign oil as we've been in almost 30 years.

President Obama, in his State of the Union address, touted what he calls "middle-class economics" as he pushes an ambitious new tax plan that some may see as controversial.

I look forward to seeing how this plan will unfold and affect our State of Michigan, our Great Lakes Region,the County of Wayne and the City of Westland.

I agree with President Obama's push for equality in the workplace where women and men make the same money for the same job.

I agree with the president that we need laws to strengthen Unions and give all Americans a voice.

I agree with the President that we need to do more to provide a higher education at a reasonable cost. His idea of offering community college tuition fee is an intriguing concept that is worth exploring. I would like to see the details.

I commend the First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden who created a plan to employ U.S. Veterans - more than 700,000 veterans and military spouses have found jobs. It is our to duty care for the men and women who fight for our Freedoms in this great country.

Yes, we need to give Digital innovators the platform to succeed. Investing in Technology and advancement in medicine will only advance our country and help create jobs across the country.

With President Obama and the entire country, we wish Captain Astronaut Scott Kelly safe travels and successful year in space.

As he set the tone for his final two years in office, I would like to see the President lead where he must, work with congress to empower cities where they can and invest where they should.

Innovation comes from cities. Problems are solved at the city level. Cities are where people live, work and play. We need our President and leaders at the Federal level to empower municipalities to to do what they do best.

Mayors are open source leaders meaning we are pragmatic problem solvers who get things done.

Like the president, I, also, want all Americans to contribute to the success we hope to benefit from in our State, Region and City.

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary, at (734) 467-3200.

The City of Westland is the 10th largest city in Michigan with a population of over 84,000. The city's residential development is an excellent blend of single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The broad selection of housing opportunities is complimented by over 1500 acres of well-maintained parks and nature trails as well as a highly rated municipal golf course. Also available is a skate park, ice arena, a state-of-the-art Library and novel city park themes that are fun and family-friendly.

Westland has the location, land, infrastructure, and leadership, under Mayor William R. Wild to attract new industry and help existing businesses redevelop properties and to maintain competitiveness in today's global economy. Six modern platted industrial parks on 320 acres are served by class "A" internal roads, with up to date utilities and rail access available within two of the parks. Westland is conveniently located within the center of southeastern Michigan's expressway system, minutes north of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and ideally located between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Westland is the area's premier "Shopping and Dining Destination". Westland Shopping center, one of the country's original four regional malls, boasts 80 retail stores and has anchored Westland's commercial district for more than 30 years. Westland's diversity and progressive planning offers residents a wide variety of life experiences, and make Westland truly the "All American City".