Sterling Heights Sentry | Published July 13, 2022
STERLING HEIGHTS — In the Sentry’s coverage area, voters in the Aug. 2 primary election will choose party representatives to run in the Nov. 8 general election for the gubernatorial race, as well as numerous races for U.S. Congress and the Michigan Legislature.
Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim.
Governor of Michigan
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and six candidates, including a write-in candidate, are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $159,300.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ryan D. Kelley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ralph Rebandt
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Pastor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: ralphrebandtforgovernor.com
Education: B.R.E., M.A.R., M.Div.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No
Top goals: We are in a social and moral crisis. My goal is to bring back our Jude’s-Christian values, and together with truth, transparency, and accountability: ensure constitutional protections; make Michigan an open record state; secure election integrity; provide school choice; reduce taxes and budget; eliminate corporate welfare and reduce government agencies by involving faith based organization’s; and establish a Citizens Round Table.
Republican
Kevin Rinke
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Michigan born and raised. I built my home in Oakland County, was raised in Wayne County and worked in Macomb County.
Online campaign information: https://rinkeformichigan.com/
Education: Bachelor’s in Advertising with a minor in Statistics from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As governor, I aim to make Michigan the best state in America. To do so, we must emulate what other successful states have done. I have called for the elimination of the state income tax by January 1, 2024. I want to create an economic climate that incentivizes businesses and workers to come to Michigan. I want to fix our education system, add vocational training to the common curriculum and get Michigan back on track.
Republican
Garrett Soldano
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
James Craig (Write-in)
Age: 65
Occupation: Served as Chief of Police in Portland, ME; Cincinnati, OH; and Detroit, MI. After eight years as Chief of Police in his hometown of Detroit and 44 years as a dedicated public servant, Craig retired in June 2021. After twenty-eight years with Los Angeles Police Department, the Chief rose through the ranks to Captain Three. 2 1/2 years as a Detroit Police Officer before being laid off.
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Michigan
For how long: Professional experience 44 years
Online campaign information: www.chiefjamescraig.com
Education: Craig graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977, Obtained an undergraduate degree from West Coast University BS in Business and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Public Administration, James Craig, started coursework in a Doctorate program UOP; however, he had to stop the program when appointed Police Chief in the city of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals: James Craig is running for Governor of Michigan with a commitment to fix leadership in state government and institute an effective administration that fosters a collaborative environment to drive the vibrancy of the state’s economy, education, public safety, and communities. I will work to WIN as a write-in candidate.
U.S. House of Representatives District 10
Five candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Huwaida Arraf
Age: 46
Occupation: Civil Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: huwaidaforcongress.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Getting big money out of politics so that we can make this government and economy work for the masses, not just the wealthy, well-connected few. I will fight to keep abortion legal, pass gun safety laws to protect our communities, guarantee health care, create good jobs that pay a living wage, expand social security, provide a quality education to every child, and make corporate polluters pay to clean our air and water.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Circuit Court Judge
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 40 years
Online campaign information: www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985 – 2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2016; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017 – February, 2022
Top goals: We must seriously address the price of gasoline and its affect upon overall inflation. We do this in the short term by authorizing a ceiling on profits that oil companies can make; but we also must move the economy to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy, harvesting the power of sun, wind, tides, and geothermal. We can create good paying union jobs by manufacturing the energy efficient products that will save our environment and provide cheap energy.
Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 52
Occupation: Director of Operations
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.RhondaPowellforCongress.com
Education: MS Community Service, BA in Human Service
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a 4th generation resident of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable people Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, combat climate change, government accountability, protect reproductive and voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but get ahead.Rhonda Powell is a native of the 10th District that will represent the interest of fellow residents.
Democrat
Angela Rogensues
Age: 41
Occupation: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforuscongress.com
Education: Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Health studies and Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Top goals: Angela will fight Republican efforts to limit contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare access. Work to bring good-paying, union manufacturing jobs to the district by rebuilding American supply chains and making more products in Michigan. Angela will also prioritize lowering the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare and expanding benefits to cover vision, hearing, and dental. Stand up to special interests and Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare Benefits.
Democrat
Henry Yanez
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: Website - henryyanezforcongress.com, FB Page - facebook.com/citi zenyanez, Twitter - @CitizenYanez
Education: AAS in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a City Councilman for the City of Sterling Heights. Previously I held the position of State Representative for House District 25, Sterling Heights and Warren, for three terms.
Top goals:
1 – I’ll work for an economy that is fair for everyone by lowering the cost of health care and prescriptions, hold corporations accountable for price gouging during tough economic times and make education more affordable to alleviate student debt.
2 – Affordable healthcare for all is a must, people shouldn’t go bankrupt for getting sick.
3 – Protecting our environment to make sure we leave a healthy, productive planet for future generations.
Republican
John James
Age: 41
Occupation: President, James Group
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, Michigan
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: JohnJamesMI.com
Education: United States Military Academy, BS; University of Michigan, MBA; Pennsylvania State University, MS Supply Chain Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Tackling rising prices, promoting clean water and quality education, repatriating manufacturing.
I will help stop reckless policies in Washington that cause more expensive gas, food and essentials. We must stop relying on foreign goods and bring our critical supply chains back to the U.S. I will prioritize investment in our futures by keeping our water clean and protecting a parent’s right to educate their children where they will be safest and most successful.
Republican
Tony Marcinkewciz
Age: 27
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: tonyformi10.com
Education: Bachelors Of Science in Information Technology Concentrations in Web and Database Development
Minor in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: - Build Back American Small Business
- Lockdown Accountability Hearings
- Stop Inflation
- Lower Gas Prices
- Defund DC
State Senate District 3
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and no candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in
November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Stephanie Chang
Age: 38
Occupation: State Senator
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: ~17 years
Online campaign information: www.stephaniechang.com
Education: BA in Psychology and Minor in APIA Studies, Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative (2015-18), State Senator (2019-present)
Top goals: I will continue to work for an economy that works for everyone, quality education for all our kids, preventing flooding in our neighborhoods and ensuring clean air and water, fixing our roads and bridges, housing justice, a strong and fair justice system, gun violence prevention, and protecting reproductive freedom.
Democrat
Toinu Reeves
Age: 46
Occupation: Founder and Managing Director of two Nonprofits: Laescient.org and Socivisus.org; University of Michigan - Graduate Student Instructor - Graduate Employees’ Union Member
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 46 years
Online campaign information: toinu4statesenate.org
Education: Dartmouth College - AB Economics and Philosophy; Wayne State University - Graduate Mathematics Program; University of Michigan - MA Economics; University of Michigan - PhD Candidate Economics
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: •Secure Money for Economic Development, Jobs, and Job Training
• Reduce Gun Violence
• Support Veterans and First Responders
• Expand Healthcare Coverage Including Mental Health
• Ensure Equitable Funding for Education
• Develop Prosperous and Diverse Communities
• Return the $600 Million in Excess Property Taxes to Detroit Residents by the City of Detroit following the 2007 crisis
• Ensure each local municipalities receives its fair share of State taxes
• Establish Environmental Justice
State Senate District 9
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for a state senator is $71,685.
Democrat
Padma Kuppa
Running unopposed.
Republican
Martin Howrylak
Running unopposed.
Michigan Senate District 10
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in
November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Paul Wojno
Running unopposed.
Republican
Joe Hunt
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Paul Smith
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired GM project manager
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: Detroit 1946 to 1966. Sterling Heights since 1977
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from GMI in Flint. Masters of Science from CMU.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Sterling Heights City Council 2011 through 2013.
Top goals: To bring the governor under to control of the State Legislature, to reduce taxation and government intrusion into industry, business and people’s private lives.
To end abortion in the state of Michigan.
To impose term limits on ALL elected office, no more time in office than The President.
To ban oppressive local government dictatorships that use petitioning barriers and back room appointment to fill vacancies.
To treat all people as equal with no special favors.
State House of Representatives District 57
Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary and one candidate is running in the Republican primary to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Aisha Farooqi
Age: 38
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: WWW.FAROOQIFOR57.COM
Education: University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law (JD). University of Michigan-Dearborn (B.A.).
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: 1. Supporting economic development and bringing good-paying jobs to our communities. 2. Improving our infrastructure. 3. Ensuring that our children receive an adequate and equitable public education. 4. Investing in community safety initiatives. 5. Protecting our environment and drinking water.
Democrat
Marcia Squier
Age: 47
Occupation: Valet Training Manager
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: Since 2018
Online campaign information: Hiresquier.com
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, Psychology Major, Wayne State University, Class of 1997
Previously and currently held elected offices: Chairman & 2nd Vice President: Ingleside-Grossedale Park Association (2013-2018), St. Clair Shores, MI; Secretary: Kennedy Middle School PTC (2014), Lakeshore Public Schools, St. Clair Shores, MI
Top goals: Investment in the following 4 areas: Healthcare, Infrastructure, Renewables, Education. As a noncorporate candidate, I have zero conflicts of interest and believe we need to get big money out of politics. I support reproductive rights, the LGBT & BIPOC communities, secular government and common sense gun regulations.
Republican
Thomas E. Kuhn
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 58
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Nate Shannon
Running unopposed.
Republican
Giovanni Ndrea
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Michelle Smith
Age: 38
Occupation: Real Estate Appraiser
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 2+ (Previously Warren for 7+)
Online campaign information: michelleformichigan.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1) Fight inflation, gas prices, supply chain concerns with conservative practices like reducing taxes and regulations. 2) Respect personal freedoms including medical decisions. 3) Advocate for parent rights, school choice, student opportunity scholarships, school security officers, updates to graduation standards and additional offerings like trades and cyber security to provide a well-trained workforce that businesses want. 4) Support our police. 5) Fix our roads & water & sewer systems by making it a budget priority.
State House of Representatives District 61
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Denise Mentzer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Mike Aiello
Age: 66
Occupation: Doctor of Chiropractic
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 20 plus years
Online campaign information: VOTEMIKEAIELLO.COM & Ballotpedia
Education: No answer given
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals:
Roll Back Gas Pump Prices:Open the Pipeines
Grow are Economy:Make Mchigan #1 Manufacturing
Rebuild our Power Grids & Infrastructure: No more Power Outages
Reduce ultilty cost to all households
No to all vaccine mandates
Equal Pay Equal Work: I will draft laws that will not discriminate wages verses gender
Protecting our Seniors: Zero Property taxes after 65
Zero Co-Pays on all prescription drugs
Voter Protection: One Person-One Vote
Republican
Austin Negipe
Age: 35
Occupation: Mortgage Loan Officer
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 28 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelors of Economics from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I strongly believe in the families of our community. I believe in the Bill of Rights and less government intervention. As a father of two young boys, I will help give our children more opportunities for a bright future. More parental input and less junk ideas in our schools. As an expert in business and finance, I will help bring new industries to our community. I love Macomb County and will proudly represent it.
Macomb County Executive
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The executive earns a salary of $175,061.
Democrat
Mark A. Hackel
Running unopposed.
Republican
Nicholyn Brandenburg
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 5
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn a salary of $35,704; the chair earns $91,809.
Democrat
Robert Mijac
Age: 51
Occupation: Small Business Owner, Mass Mailing LLC (located in Sterling Heights) and member of Communication Workers of America
Municipality of residence: STERLING HEIGHTS
For how long: 46 years
Online campaign information: www.VOTEMIJAC.com
Education: Master’s in Business (MBA) in Finance, Wayne State University. BA in Economics, Michigan State University. Sterling Heights High School and Grissom Jr High.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner (1995 to 2010)(2012 to 2020) from Sterling Heights.
Top goals: Maintain a balanced budget while being a responsible steward of tax dollars. Prioritize road and sewer infrastructure projects. Protect senior citizens such as Martha T Berry county hospital and veterans services.
I am pro choice and support the “Reproductive Freedom for All” ballot proposal. I support equal rights for all. We must protect fair elections and voter integrity.
Democrat
Pashko Ujkic
Age: 41
Occupation: Small Business Owner (Dodge park coney island)
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 25
Online campaign information: pashkoformacomb.com
Education: Business, Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: New Candidate
Top goals: -Public Safety more funding for a safer Sterling Heights.
-Fixing our Infrastructure which has been long overdue.
-Creating more Programs for our Seniors and Veterans.
-More funding for Mental Health Programs.
-Stopping any unnecessary Tax increases for my Residents.
Republican
Gary Lusk
Age: 63
Occupation: Sales and Marketing Consultant
Municipality of residence: Macomb
For how long: 63 yrs
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/garyluskcountycommissioner
Education: Attended Macomb and Oakland Colleges
Previously and currently held elected offices: Sterling Heights City Council
Top goals: Bring the county operating budget to the residents. Currently the County Executive shares very little information with the elected county commissioners - which support the residents.
I will be completely transparent with district 5.
Republican
Jackie Ryan
Age: 60
Occupation: Self Employed
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Ryan For Macomb (Facebook)
Education: Accounting and Business Degrees
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: As County Commissioner, my Top Goals are Accountability on Spending. Transparency Regarding the Budget and Responsible Management of the Taxpayers money. Common sense is most required when allocating expenses to each department in Macomb County. Infrastructure, such as roads, water and services can be lowered with better accountability of every penny that is spent. I would set up a communication system to reach out to the residents with information and hear their concerns.
Republican
Don VanSyckel
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Macomb County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: www.vansyckel.com
Education: BS Electrical Engineering
Previously and currently held elected offices: no previous, current Macomb County Commissioner District 5
Top goals: Wise use of federal ARP monies to maintain and repair roads, underground infrastructure (no more sink holes), and other county properties. Adjust budgets instead of raising taxes. Promote jobs in Macomb County in part by making Macomb County a desirable place to live and play. Promote an equal opportunity environment for all residents. Discuss with constituents what their concerns are.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 6
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn a salary of $35,704; the chair earns $91,809.
Democrat
Carole Chi
Running unopposed.
Republican
Eric Briskey
Age: 53
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: since 2001
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Studied engineering at Wayne State. Studied Business Administration and Construction Management at Macomb Community College.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently a precinct delegate.
Top goals: Additional funding for county roads.
Better design and build technologies for those roads.
Continue funding for County public safety.
Look for additional resources for County infrastructure such as drainage, especially in the south end where flooding can be a huge problem.
Most importantly, keep or reduce current tax rates. I believe that there is always room for improvement in our current budget. Look for redundancies in the budget and eliminate them.
Republican
Joseph V. Romano
Age: 80
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 50 years
Online campaign information: None
Education: Macomb Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: Sterling Heights City Council for 20 years, 5 ½ years as District 6 County Commissioner
Top goals: 1. Public safety is number one.
2. Additional funding for county roads that need repair or replacement now
3. Funding for mental health to help alleviate the opioid crisis.
4. Collaboration with our Lansing officials in order to reduce gas prices.