Seeing Clearly with TR Carr 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.
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 manager" system our charter established: the mayor runs meetings and cuts ribbons, period. No administrative power. Seven equal votes. It's worked "to perfection" for 25 years by keeping partisan politics and power grabs out of city operations. So what change...
2 Jan 2026
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 purpose is "totally unacceptable" and "like trying to do something behind everybody's back." As someone who helped structure our city charter and steered Farmington Hills through the Great Recession, Jerry knows what good government looks like. We discu...
1 Jan 2026
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 administrative power beyond running meetings, how the city manager oversees everything from our Triple-A bond rating to snowplow routes, and why political disruption at the top doesn't just stay at the top. We discuss real examples: how stability helped at...
1 Jan 2026
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 decision on a city manager." Drawing on his experience managing major organizational transitions in the auto industry, Eugene explains why bringing in an outsider as city manager creates "jump ball" chaos - employees who spent years building relationshi...
31 Dec 2025
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 help us understand what's really at stake when government operates in the shadows. We dissect what happened with that hastily-called December meeting - why excluding council members and hiding the agenda violates not just the Open Meetings Act's spirit, ...
31 Dec 2025
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 what it is: a coup attempt. "We just had an election where Theresa told us in glowing terms how great everything was. Then all of a sudden, we're going to get rid of the city manager under very strange circumstances." Eugene spent his career building hi...
30 Dec 2025
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 critical administrative responsibilities. Brian and I break down what the city manager actually does - from overseeing our police and fire departments to managing our Triple-A bond rating and every city service in between. We discuss why this position is the...
30 Dec 2025
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 c...
30 Dec 2025
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 special council meeting scheduled to discuss the city manager's performance evaluation and possible termination. Brian and I explore why this matters to Farmington Hills residents - from the procedural irregularities in how council members were notified, t...
21 Oct 2025
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 and acts on resident concerns, and noting her work on the Farmington Hills Health Commission. She shares that this is her first campaign, that she is raising funds from everyday supporters, and that she is drawn to Green Party values that she believes a...
21 Oct 2025
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 and quality services, and her plan to replace and fund a modern senior center. She also shares views on public safety and redevelopment along 12 Mile. The conversation includes a proposed partnership with Oakland County to reinvest parks millage dollars i...
12 Oct 2025
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 vision for rebuilding the Caustic Center, and his priorities around mental health, public safety, and responsible development. He also shares how collaboration, transparency, and compassion guide his approach to leadership.
12 Oct 2025
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 call for more transparency in local government. He also opens up about his personal story, community work rescuing animals, and why he believes honesty and compassion are key to public service.
11 Oct 2025
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 such as leading the citywide road millage, supporting police body cameras, and maintaining the city’s AAA bond rating. He also shares his thoughts on the future of senior services, economic development, and collaboration within city leadership.
11 Oct 2025
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 shaped her perspective and why she hopes to continue serving the community at the city level.
9 Oct 2025
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 discusses why effective leadership matters in a “weak mayor” system, his record of accomplishments—from the city’s water tower project to redevelopment along Grand River—and his priorities for the future, including a new senior center and stronger economic outreach to l...
6 Oct 2025
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 democracy. Drawing from his decades of experience as a university professor, three-term mayor, and civic leader, Dr. Carr explores what it truly means to be an engaged resident. He challenges listeners to move beyond apathy, to “work” rather than “fight,” and to a...
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