Nonprofit and candidate introduce services and campaign during Garden City public comment

Garden City

During public comment at the Feb. 9 Garden City Council meeting, representatives of local organizations and residents delivered brief announcements and service offers.

Josh Puckett, representing Recovery Action Network, outlined the nonprofit's work across western Wayne County in peer coaching, school-based programming and Narcan training. Puckett said the organization is grant-funded by opioid-settlement money and told the council, "you guys will probably be getting around 14,000 this year from opioid settlement funds," noting the group offers many services at low or no cost and is available to partner with local schools and agencies.

Attorney Nicholas Opelouski introduced himself as a candidate for judge following Judge Hammer's scheduled retirement at the end of the year and said he looks forward to working with the community. "I am here today to introduce myself as a candidate that is running for Judge," Opelouski said.

Also during public comment, Mr. Jones promoted Radcliffe Senior Center events including a Valentine's pizza party and St. Patrick's Day lunch with resident and nonresident ticket pricing shared.

Why it matters: the Recovery Action Network described programs that could use local opioid-settlement funding to expand services in schools and the community; a judicial-candidate introduction gives voters a chance to learn about an upcoming election cycle.

The council did not take action on these public comments during the meeting; members thanked speakers and noted follow-ups would occur outside the meeting as appropriate.