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Day: May 4, 2025

Randy Bruce

Randy Bruce

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Mayoral Candidate Randy Bruce Visits Xemplar Club to Share Vision for Farmington Hills

The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed mayoral candidate Randy Bruce as its guest speaker last Wednesday, offering members an engaging look at his plans for the city’s future. A Farmington Hills resident of over 30 years and a retired General Motors executive, Bruce brought a compelling message grounded in his business acumen, community involvement, and a deep commitment to local values.


Bruce, who is seeking to become the next mayor of Farmington Hills, emphasized the importance of leadership that is both accountable and transparent. “I’m not a politician—I’m a community servant,” he said. “This is about making Farmington Hills the best it can be for families, for businesses, and for future generations.”


During his talk, Bruce laid out key areas of focus for his campaign:

  • Public Safety and Infrastructure: Bruce stressed the need for sustainable infrastructure improvements and ensuring police and fire services are well-equipped and supported. “Our first responders deserve the tools they need to keep us safe,” he said.

  • Fiscal Responsibility: With years of executive leadership under his belt, Bruce highlighted his commitment to responsible budgeting and avoiding wasteful spending. “We need to manage our city like a well-run business—efficient, accountable, and forward-thinking.”

  • Community Engagement: One of Bruce’s standout messages was the importance of listening to residents. “I want to bring City Hall closer to the people,” he explained, pledging to hold more public forums and ensure that every citizen has a voice.

Xemplar members responded positively to Bruce’s message, especially his focus on bridging generational and cultural divides within the city. “We need a leader who brings people together—and I want to be that leader,” he said.


As election season approaches, the Xemplar Club remains committed to hosting informative sessions with local candidates and civic leaders. Randy Bruce’s visit provided valuable insight into the choices Farmington Hills voters will face in the coming months.

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

One Man’s Journey from Farmington to D.C. to the Xemplar Club

At a recent gathering of the Xemplar Club in Farmington, Michigan, the room fell into respectful silence as guest speaker Robert Jackson stepped forward. A native of Farmington and graduate of Farmington High School, Jackson brought with him not just decades of experience in military and public service—but a story of transformation, mentorship, and unshakable commitment to country.

 

Jackson served nine years in the U.S. Navy and went on to spend 25 years in Washington, D.C., including roles as Deputy Communications Director for the House Armed Services Committee, Legislative Director, and later Chief of Staff for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). His career placed him in rooms with presidents and before Congress, advocating for those who have worn the uniform.

 

But his message on this day wasn’t just about titles or policy. It was about people—those who shape us, believe in us, and push us beyond what we think we can become. Jackson spoke with heartfelt emotion about the late Paul Welday, a high school acquaintance turned mentor, who helped guide him into public service. “One person can make all the difference in somebody’s life,” Jackson said. “Paul Welday made that difference in mine.”

 

Addressing a crowd that included administrative professionals, Jackson emphasized the unsung role of support staff. “Nobody does it alone,” he told them. “They keep us from doing the stupid things we’d do without them—it’s a full-time job.”

 

His speech at the Xemplar Club wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a passionate call to action. Jackson expressed concern over current efforts to privatize veterans’ healthcare and the growing political gridlock in Washington that he believes harms the very people he spent decades fighting for. “Both parties need to talk. If they don’t, 21 million veterans suffer,” he warned.

 

Despite the serious tone, Jackson ended with a message of hope and gratitude—for the mentors, for the comrades, and for the mission that still drives him. As he spoke the final words, the crowd stood not just to applaud, but to honor a man whose life story embodies the values the Xemplar Club holds dear: service, leadership, and community.

 

In that small gathering, Robert Jackson reminded everyone that patriotism isn’t passive—it’s lived, shared, and earned.

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