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Our Mission
Our aim is to enhance Howell's community spirit by fostering inclusivity and progress through Jeff Amayo's campaign. Join us in creating a better future for all.
Vision Statement
Dedicated to building a brighter Howell for generations to come.
Why Choose Us
We are committed to transparency, integrity, and positive change in Howell's governance.
Howell is my home, and some of the best people I have ever met are from this town. I want to be an integral part in helping it grow. I want Michigan to see that Howell is a diverse town that loves and respects all of its residents. And I want to do my part in putting to rest the reputation of old ghosts that have hung around the neck of Howell for far too long. It is time to show the world that Howell can be a home for anyone.
~ Jeffrey Amayo
About our Candidate
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Jeff served our country honorably. He is a proud member of the IBEW and owns a small construction company. He is a student of history and politics. Jeff has grown his social media presence by talking and engaging with thousands of people of various walks of life and all different opinions, and has learned to listen to all sides of an issue. His spiritual walk has given him a greater appreciation for empathy and walking a mile in another’s shoes.
As a business owner, Jeff has dealt with hundreds of clients and honed his communication skills even further. Jeff survived the first five years of owning a business and a major financial downturn. He is not afraid to admit it if he doesn't know the answer to a problem, and will gather as much information as he is able before he makes a decision.
Most importantly, Jeff believes that our representatives have forgotten that they work for us, and he will not forget that he works for you. All of you. As a candidate for a seat on the city council of Howell, here is some of what Jeff is determined to bring to the position when he is elected:
I’m not going to assume what’s good for the city. I’m going to ask the residents, have discussions with the mayor, the chief of police, the city manager, and the council members to understand nuances and what’s important to everyone.
This is a nonpartisan position. It’s not all about what I want, it’s the voices of the residents that matter.
I want the state and the country to see that Howell welcomes all, and I want to do my part in dispelling the bad reputation Howell has had for decades. I want to see our community grow, balancing the concerns of the citizens about new industries and the businesses that bring them.
I honorably defended our Constitution, and I will uphold it.
The blessing of my mistakes is that I have learned to take accountability for my actions.
I had to earn trust, to build character and integrity through my actions.
I will do my best for the citizens of Howell.
Endorsed by the IBEW Local 252 and 665
Livingston Daily Q & A
Tess Ware covers public safety and human interest for the Livingston Daily Press and Argus. In June, she reached out to all of the candidates for Howell City Council asking how they feel about development in the city, politics, and our reputation. My answers were as follows:
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Introduce yourself, including your age and profession
I have been a resident of Howell for over 12 years. I’m 52 and own a small contracting business. I’m also an electrician and a member of the IBEW Local 252. I honorably served this country as a veteran of the Air Force. I’m engaged to an amazing woman with whom I have lived with for two years with her three children. It’s an honor to be part of their lives.
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Why are you running for office?
Everything we do as a council is considered vital by someone. A council member’s job is not to ignore those various needs, but to keep providing services in the most economical and responsible manner as possible.
Amayo: Howell is my home and I love it here. My service on council would be a way for me to give back to my community with my time and voice. Some of the best people I've ever met are my Howell neighbors. The city has become somewhat of a more diverse place over the years, and that's helped strengthen our community as an inclusive and welcoming place for all families.
As someone who chose this city for my family to call home, I want to do my part to keep Howell moving in the direction of positive change. ... I strongly believe that people should vote for me based on my ideas and vision for the city as a candidate and not because of the color of my skin. I believe, no, I know the residents here are able to see me for who I am today. I believe my life experiences both past and present have given me the tools I need to serve my neighbors on council.
I cannot change my past, but I have grown from it. I have learned true resilience, empathy for others, and the courage to stand up for what's right, even if I have to stand alone. I've had to earn back the trust of others. Those hard-fought values I hold dear to my core, as I appreciate them that much more.
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What are the biggest challenges facing Howell today?
Amayo: I want to show the world what Howell looks like through my eyes. The kindness of good hearts, the smiles and the waves hello, the helping of others, that's the Howell I know and love, and the world should see it too. I know that by changing the perception of Howell, there would be an amazing positive impact on the local economy because everyone would want to come and spend their money here.
Another challenge facing Howell is growth of the city versus keeping the family-oriented feel and residents’ concerns over it. As a business owner and resident of Howell, I am equally concerned, and I will bring a balanced, thoughtful approach to that issue.
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What are Howell’s greatest strengths?
Our greatest strengths are the residents of Howell and the amazing staff the city employs. The true love and kindness of the residents in Howell in helping each other through volunteering and donations, as I can attest. The residents of Howell exemplify the love of Christ by truly loving thy neighbor. And, of course, the hard work of those that make our Carnegie Library and our amazing Howell Parks and Rec shine.
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Local politics are becoming more partisan. Do you feel this is a challenge or a benefit?
I think the fact that I'm running as an independent who hasn't received any help from either the Democrats or the Republicans in my campaign should hint at my feelings on the subject. I think I share the same feelings as many people in this toxic political climate who are fed up and feel as though they don’t fully belong in either party at the moment, because neither party is fully listening to or acting on the issues that affect everyday working people and their families.
If I am blessed enough to serve in public office, I would see myself duty-bound to listen to and represent all of Howell’s residents to the very best of my ability, regardless of what side of the political spectrum we are on.
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What will be your top priorities, if elected?
I would help to build on the city’s $3.4 million reserve, which, while above the target 25% that was planned, needs to continue to be strengthened, as our economic outlook is uncertain due to high inflation and (President Donald Trump's) stance on tariffs. As someone who owns a construction business myself, I know these economic policies could have uncertain effects on my business and I’m concerned about that for the city, as well. We must have a strong business and residential tax base to thrive. The city has to keep working to find creative ways to secure these reserves without raising taxes on an already economically strained population. I would make that one of my top priorities. Secondly, but not less important, I would dedicate myself to lead by example showing that Howell is a city for all.
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If there's another white supremacist demonstration in Howell, how do you think council should respond?
First and foremost, by placing the blame for these disruptions by these cowards where it belongs, at the feet of those who affiliate with white supremacy movements like Nazism and feel entitled to attack our minority residents, damage our city’s reputation, and hurt local business in the process. The current council really dropped the ball on how it handled the last white supremacist demonstration and missed a great opportunity to not only build bridges with our diverse community, but to demonstrate leadership on a national stage in terms of how a community can come together and vocally speak out in unity against hate.
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What are your thoughts on projects like the Loop Road and the Motorsports Gateway?
The Loop Road is a well-thought-out idea. Motorsports Gateway will bring positive notoriety, increase our tax base, bring in business and grow our city in a positive way. I love the small-town feel of Howell, but our city is growing, and we need to balance that feeling with pragmatic planning. Howell is outgrowing the two-lane limitations of D-19.
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How do you feel about development and growth in Howell? What do you want Howell to look like in 10-20 years?
As a duly elected representative of Howell, it wouldn’t be about what I feel or want, it would be about what my constituents want. Of course, it’s important to bring in jobs and affordable housing, but not at the cost of losing Howell’s small-town identity. I will listen to the concerns of residents and businesses and make well-informed decisions that benefit all.
People's Voices
"Jeff's dedication and passion have truly made a difference in our community. His commitment to justice, diversity and economic equality is inspiring."
"Jeff has a great deal of enthhusiasm for affecting positive change in the city of Howell. I think he will be an asset to the community."