News media across the state heralded the work of some Novi community volunteers and city employees last week - those involved with the Novi Parks Foundation's idea to sell naming rights to make money for the city's parks.

From WWJ to WJR to an Editorial in the Detroit News,
this was an event worthy of state-wide publicity.

Granted, not everyone agrees that park names should be sold to the highest bidder, and initially we were one of those who had to sit and think about it. But in the end, it makes sense.

The positive press already received puts Novi's name out there loud and clear as an innovative, forward-thinking city, and that's a win-win for everyone.

Novi's biggest cheerleader, Dave Staudt, spoke loud and clear to all who would listen that selling naming rights is an idea whose time has come, and he made Novi proud the way he handled it.

It's people like Dave Staudt who are changing Novi's image; changing it for the better.

We the People are pleased to have folks like Dave in town. He, along with Randy Auler, Charles Staab, Sue Engebretson, Linda Blair, Jay Dooley and others who worked on this concept, are helping make Novi a better place to live and work.

Folks, Novi's image is changing for the better, and we have these innovative, forward-thinking folks to thank for that. They don't get paid (well, Randy does), and they probably don't even get thanked much. But they are part of the wave that's changing Novi for the better.

Now the whole State knows.

Great job, People!

p.s. - The schools and library are both asking for additional funding this year. Time to start selling the People on the need...