I sat down with Ken Massey for Part 1 of a two part conversation on I Can See Clearly Now to discuss recent events in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and what they reveal about transparency, trust, and the proper functioning of local government. Ken brings a rare combination of experience as a former mayor, former City Council member, and longtime academic, giving him a broad perspective on how governance should work when it is functioning well.
Our discussion centered on a series of actions that began in mid December, when a special City Council meeting was scheduled with little public notice and without all council members being informed of its purpose. That meeting was later postponed, and the city’s annual goal setting session was canceled without a new date. Together, these developments raised concerns not only about process, but about the ripple effects such actions can have on city operations.
Ken emphasized that at its core, City Council exists to serve residents, and that secrecy undermines that responsibility. From his perspective, transparency is not optional. It is fundamental to public trust.
“The city council, like every elected body, serves its constituents. It is not something that you should be hiding from your constituents.”
Ken Massey
We discussed how Michigan’s Open Meetings Act exists specifically to prevent this kind of uncertainty. While emergency meetings are permitted under limited circumstances, Ken noted that the purpose of such meetings must be clearly stated and appropriately publicized. When that clarity is missing, the public is left guessing, and confidence in government erodes.
“The transparency is not there, and that is why we have what is called the Open Meetings Act in Michigan.”
Ken Massey
Beyond the immediate meeting itself, Ken pointed to the cancellation of the City Council’s annual goal setting session as particularly troubling. That meeting plays a critical role in shaping departmental planning and the city budget. Delays at that stage compress timelines later in the process and increase the risk of errors, even when no one intends harm.
We also addressed how lack of information breeds speculation. When council members, city staff, and residents are not given clear explanations, rumors inevitably fill the void. Ken explained that this dynamic damages trust not just between government and residents, but within City Hall itself.
“From my perspective, one of the things it does is it creates distrust in the government.”
Ken Massey
As our conversation turned to governance culture, Ken stressed the importance of respectful dialogue among council members. Farmington Hills operates under a council manager form of government, which depends on cooperation, nonpartisanship, and mutual respect. When those elements break down, decision making becomes more difficult and less effective.
“When that trust breaks down, it makes it much more difficult to get to consensus.”
Ken Massey
Part 1 of this conversation focuses on process rather than outcomes. Ken’s message was clear. Transparency, open communication, and respect among elected officials are not abstract ideals. They are practical requirements for delivering effective services and maintaining public confidence in Farmington Hills government.
