Troy residents press council on EMS response times, unlawful campaign flyers and mayor’s comments on National Guard

Several Troy residents addressed the council on Sept. 8, 2025 with distinct but related concerns: the city’s new EMS contract and local response times; anonymous campaign flyers that speakers said violated Michigan campaign-finance law; and comments by the mayor about the National Guard that multiple speakers said were unsettling.

Anthony Porta, who said he has 14 years of experience in fire and EMS, urged the council to reconsider a recently awarded contract to Star EMS. Porta cited a December consultant report he said showed that from 2019 to 2023 a second or greater run arrived 58% of the time before a city EMS unit was available, and that Troy residents waited on average 13–19 minutes for EMS units. He said the Star EMS contract gives private responders a six-minute response window and expressed concern that private, for‑profit providers prioritize solvency over residents’ needs. "Troy deserves dependable EMS, and not just the stretch detention from a private provider," Porta said.

Council members and staff responded that the issue remains under study. Council member Hamilton said bringing EMS in house would be his preference but that an in‑house model would cost an estimated $3.5 million in the first year and $2.5 million in subsequent years and would take roughly 18–24 months to staff and equip, citing the city’s consultant (Fitch and Associates). Several councilors said the Star EMS contract was intended as an interim step to improve response times while the city explores a long‑term in‑house option.

Joey Colby Bernard, a clinical social worker and graduate student, said campaign flyers circulating in Troy about a bond proposal lack the statutory identification required under Michigan law and referenced MCL 169.247. He said the flyers are anonymous and misleading and urged enforcement steps to protect the integrity of the public debate. Councilors encouraged residents to check private cameras for evidence and to report instances of theft or unlawful posting to the authorities; council members also said they would raise the issue with the city clerk and police when appropriate.

Several speakers raised concerns about mayoral remarks saying "some people feel safer" when the National Guard is present in cities. Aaron Green, Melanie Woodridge and Mike Flores said armed troops on city streets make many residents—particularly people from marginalized communities—feel less safe. Flores urged the council to publicly condemn the mayor’s comments. Mayor Baker and other council members responded at length: Baker said he did not support bringing the National Guard to Troy and asked the public to view his remarks in full context; other council members said they understood the concerns and reiterated the city’s commitment to public safety and to listening to residents.

What the council said: Council members repeatedly described public safety and EMS response as top priorities. Several members acknowledged the political heat around the campaign signs and asked residents to report theft or illegal postings. On the National Guard comments they said the federal use of the Guard is beyond city control, but they listened to residents’ concerns and emphasized a commitment to community policing and outreach.

Next steps: Councilors said they would continue studying the EMS delivery model and monitor response times under the interim contract; staff will follow up on reports of unlawful campaign materials if evidence (for example, camera footage or license plate information) can be provided to aid enforcement. Mayor Baker invited residents to review the full interview and discuss concerns directly with him and staff.