News Summary
The upcoming Novi City Council election features seven candidates competing for three council seats, alongside unopposed mayor Justin Fischer. A public safety bond proposal for $120 million is also on the ballot. The primary election will decide which candidates advance to November’s ballot, crucial for determining the city’s governance for the next four years.
Novi – The upcoming City Council election in Novi is slated for November 4, 2025, with seven candidates vying for three available council seats. The candidates include Joe Bertera, Toby Brazwell, Jonathan Gold, Priya Gurumurthy (the incumbent), Aaron Martinez, Ed Roney, and Brian Smith (the incumbent). This election is significant as it could shape the governance of the city for the next four years, which is the duration of the council members’ terms.
In addition to the City Council race, voters in Novi will find Mayor Justin Fischer’s name on the ballot. Fischer is running for re-election unopposed for his mayoral position. Voters will also encounter a public safety bond proposal during the election, which is the sole issue on the ballot for the August primary. The proposal entails a $120 million plan to demolish the existing police station and three fire stations, replacing them with new buildings, along with improvements at Fire Station #4.
The primary election is a crucial point in the electoral process as it is necessary when there are three times as many candidates as available seats. As of now, since there are seven candidates for three seats, a primary election will be held unless withdrawals occur before the April 25 deadline. If no candidates withdraw, all seven will appear on the November ballot alongside Mayor Fischer.
Among the candidates, Brian Smith seeks a second term after his initial successful election, while Priya Gurumurthy aims to solidify her position on the council after being appointed. Aaron Martinez is making a second attempt to secure an elected position, having previously challenged Fischer for the mayor’s role in the 2023 election. The other candidates—Joe Bertera, Toby Brazwell, Jonathan Gold, and Ed Roney—are newcomers to the council race, each aiming to make their mark in local governance.
The importance of the public safety bond proposal cannot be understated. City officials have emphasized that the current facilities are not up to par, and the proposed upgrades are designed to enhance public safety and modernize the city’s public safety infrastructure. If approved, this measure aims to ensure that emergency response services can meet the demands of the growing community.
The Oakland County Times, which covers the elections, does not endorse any candidates, ensuring a neutral platform for voters to gather information. Candidates running for council positions are encouraged to participate in interviews to provide residents with insights into their perspectives and plans. A processing fee is required for candidates to assist with the costs associated with the interview process. Videos of candidate interviews will be uploaded frequently as Election Day approaches, allowing voters to make informed decisions.
Voting information and guidelines can be found on the Oakland County Clerk’s Election Page and the State of Michigan Election Page, providing residents with up-to-date information about the election process, polling places, and voter registration.
As the election approaches, the focus will be on how voters perceive the candidates’ platforms and the public safety bond proposal, which is a pivotal issue in this election cycle.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Novi Seeks Voter Approval for $425 Million No-Tax-Increase Bond
MSU Enhances Red Cedar River for Recreation Amid E-Scooter Pollution
Novi City Council Election Features Seven Candidates
Small Businesses in Michigan: A Mayoral Race Focus
First Michigan Radiant Vascular Institute Opens in Novi
Novi City Council Election Set for November 2025
Novi City Council Election Scheduled for November 4
Exciting Times Ahead: Major Tourism Conferences in Global Cities
Novi, Michigan Proposes $120 Million Public Safety Facilities Bond
HR Acuity Celebrates Six Consecutive Years as a Great Place to Work
Additional Resources
- Oakland County 115: Candidate Interview – Brian Smith for Novi City Council
- Hometown Life: Seven Candidates Seek Novi City Council Seats
- C & G News: Novi Civic Center to House People’s Express
- Hometown Life: Novi City Council – Priya Gurumurthy and Sujata Raman
- C & G News: Novi City Council Votes on PEX Subsidy
- Wikipedia: Novi, Michigan
- Google Search: Novi City Council election
- Google Scholar: Novi City Governance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Novi
- Google News: Novi City Council
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
