Grosse Pointe Times | Published October 12, 2022
GROSSE POINTES — In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, voters will elect members to the Grosse Pointe Board of Education, along with a representative in Congress, state Senate and House officials, and a Wayne County commissioner in newly redrawn districts in Michigan. Voters in Grosse Pointe Park are also being asked to weigh in on a water and sewer millage, while voters in Grosse Pointe Woods are being asked about a charter amendment with regard to council approval for purchases.
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 except where material is omitted due to personal attacks or items we know to be false or that are blatant misrepresentations.
For additional information about these candidates, visit the League of Women Voters of Grosse Pointe website at http://lwvgrossepointe.org or www.vote411.org.
Governor
Six candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for the position is $159,300 plus benefits.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Age: 51
Occupation: I have served as Michigan’s 49th governor since 2019.
Municipality of residence: Lansing, Michigan
For how long: I have lived in Ingham County since 1989, after moving there from Kent County.
Online campaign information: www.gretchenwhitmer.com
Education: Michigan State University (BA, 1993), Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University (JD, 1998)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I have served as Michigan’s 49th Governor since 2019. I previously served as Ingham County Prosecutor in 2016, in the State Senate from 2006-2015, and in the State House of Representatives from 2001-2006.
Top goals: I am focused on the fundamentals: cutting costs for families, improving education, creating good-paying jobs, building resilient infrastructure, and supporting small businesses.
I will continue fighting to cut taxes for seniors and working families, grow our economy, and protect the fundamental rights of Michigan women.
Despite all the challenges of the past few years, we have brought people together to get things done, and I will build on that momentum to continue moving Michigan forward.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Age: 45
Occupation: Former steel sales executive and small business owner, mother of 4
Municipality of residence: Norton Shores, Muskegon County
For how long: 20+ years
Online campaign information: TudorDixon.com
Education: Psychology degree from University of Kentucky
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: I am running for governor to improve education after Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdowns set our students back. I am running to restore law and order and declare that we will not accept spiking crime and that we support our police. I am running to improve our economy and ease the burden of regulations. I have vowed to cut 40% of regulations in my first four years so businesses can grow and Michiganders can attain good-paying jobs.
Libertarian
Mary Buzuma
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired U.S. Navy after 26 years in Naval Intelligence
Municipality of residence: Grand Haven
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: electmarybuzuma.com
Education: BA, Political Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As the first Libertarian governor of Michigan I will work to roll back the state and restore the inalienable right to choose for all Michiganders. The right to choose how to educate their children, how to spend their hard earned money, how to best take care of their medical needs and most important how to live their lives.
U.S. Taxpayers
Donna Brandenburg
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Green
Kevin Hogan
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired Published Research Biochemist (with an Avocation of Substitute Teacher)
Municipality of residence: Dearborn Heights
For how long: No answer given
Online campaign information: Ballotpedia.org
Education: University of Michigan: Biochemistry, Western Governors University: Masters in Education (teach Chemistry)
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals: Provide for Women’s Equality; LGBTQI(+) Equality, End The Gretchen Whitmer COVID19 (and its Variants) Pandemic, Fix Michigan’s broken Education System (only 10 states are worse in education than Michigan), Improve Everyone’s Standard of Living by Improving the Economy through Job Creation (including fixing the damn roads, bridges, and damns) and Ending the The Gretchen Whitmer Dictatorship (E-Cigarrettes off the market, COVID19 Lock Downs, Mask Mandates,...) and providing for Animal Rights.
Natural Law
Daryl M. Simpson
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Secretary of State
Five candidates are running for one four-year term. The secretary of state receives a salary of $112,410.
Democrat
Jocelyn Benson
Age: 44 (at this writing)
Occupation: Michigan Secretary of State, election lawyer
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 18 years
Online campaign information: www.votebenson.com
Education: A graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Law School, Oxford University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan Secretary of State; Wellesley, Massachusetts Town Council
Top goals: If reelected, my goal will be to continue the work we’ve done since 2018, namely continuing to improve services at the Secretary of State’s Office and protect our democracy so every voice is heard and every vote is counted for Republicans, Democrats and Independents, alike. We have modernized our office so branch office visits are 20 minutes or less, and in November 2020 I presided over the safest, most secure general election in Michigan history.
Republican
Kristina Elaine Karamo
Age: 37
Occupation: Professor at Wayne County Community College
Municipality of residence: Oak Park
For how long: 4 years
Online campaign information: www.KristinaKaramo.com
Education: BA from Oakland University in Communications, Master Degree in Christian Apologetics, Biola University in CA.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Ensure a politically neutral Department of State. Elections shall be operated per the rule-of-law. Car dealership and repair facility inspections along with fees and fines shall not be used to fund a bloated budget when less than 8% of what is currently generated by the SoS is needed to run the SoS. Ensure SOS branch office and vehicle related operations are customer focused, by ensuring local concerns are integral when improving administrative operations.
Libertarian
Gregory Scott Stempfle
Age: 45
Occupation: Medical Technologist, Henry Ford Hospital
Municipality of Residence: Ferndale
For How Long: Since 2010
Online campaign information: www.stempfle4sos.org
Education: BS Clinical Laboratory Sciences – Wayne State, 2008; MS Molecular Medicine and Genetics - Wayne State, 2012
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I would like to streamline and automate services, when possible, without leaving those without access to technology behind. I will advocate for changes to the vehicle registration process so that car and truck owners can permanently register their vehicle rather than every year or two years. I will also advocate for changes to our election system to increase the participation of independent and third-party candidates such as ranked choice voting for state elections.
U.S. Taxpayers
Christine C. Schwartz
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Green
Larry James Hutchinson, Jr.
Age: 49
Occupation: Artist and author
Municipality of residence: Lansing
For how long: 10 years.
Online campaign information: Facebook
Education: Associates of Arts in psychology, Mott Community College, and studied Anthropology and Political Science at University of Michigan - Flint
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals all fly under the umbrella of campaign finance reform. We need publicly funded elections and for election day to become a state holiday. I’d love to see 100 percent voter participation, but that is not likely. Publicly funded elections can. I sign the waiver and requested that any candidate that has taken money to please return it. Election day becoming a state holiday is a no brainer. Thx and Vote Green.
Attorney General
Four candidates are running for one four-year term. The attorney general receives a salary of $112,410.
Democrat
Dana Nessel
Age: 53
Occupation: Michigan Attorney General
Municipality of residence: Plymouth
For how long: I was elected in 2018.
Online campaign information: www.dananessel.com
Education: Graduated from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University law school.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Attorney General is my first elected office.
Top goals: I would like to continue the work of my first term, fighting for the rights of all Michiganders. I will continue prosecuting sexual assault and domestic violence. I will defend reproductive freedom and uphold the will of the voters. I will pursue consumer protection and go after price-gouging, including when special interests like Big Pharma charge exorbitant prices for life-saving medications. As the People’s Lawyer, I will defend the most vulnerable among us.
Republican
Matthew DePerno
Age: 52
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Kalamazoo
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: www.depernoformi.com
Education: Undergrad from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1994, and master’s degree in Taxation Law (LL.M.) from New York University School of Law in 1995.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goal is to restore Michigan to the great state it once was. I will fight to lower the skyrocketing crime, clean up government corruption and fight for parents rights in schools. Michigan was once a leader in business and education and a place we were proud to call home. I will fight to make this a reality again. I kindly ask for your support.
Libertarian
Joseph W. McHugh Jr.
Age: 44
Occupation: Financial Advisor & Fitness Coach
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Mid-2021
Online campaign information: LibertyStrikesBack.com
Education: BA Michigan State University, International Relations & Political Economy; MBA Babson College Entrepreneurship & Sustainability
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: We will restore our liberty and justice by partnering with attorneys and the public to accomplish the following: transparent voting systems run on open source election software, voiding vague laws, terms of service and privacy policy agreements to comply with the 1926 Void for Vagueness doctrine and due process, and enforce a No Harm, No Crime standard to restore free action, release non-violent prisoners, expunge records immediately, and provide backpay for unjustly lost time.
U.S. Taxpayers
Gerald T. Van Sickle
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
U.S. House of
Representatives
District 13
Four candidates are running for one two-year term. U.S. representatives receive a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Shri Thanedar
Age: 67
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Since 2019
Online campaign information: https://shriforcongress.com/
Education: BS in Chemistry, MS in Chemistry, Ph.D in Chemistry, MBA
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current — State Representative District 3
Top goals: Education, we need to fully fund our public schools, make sure teachers have the resources they need, and make public universities free. I want to enact Medicare for all, healthcare should be available to every person regardless of employment or income status. Healthcare must cover mental health and reproductive health. Equal Rights — In 2022, every person in the US should have basic human rights regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or income level.
Republican
Martell D. Bivings
Age: 35
Occupation: DEGC — Business Liaison — Economic Development
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Est side
For how long: 29
Online campaign information: https://bivingsforcongress.com
Education: Howard University, Political Science, Legal Communication
Previously and currently held elected offices: This is my first time running for office.
Top goals: More than half of our residents live below the poverty line. I will address this by ensuring manufacturing is brought back to America, specifically in Michigan and my District, this will allow our residents to get back to work in high earning industries. Lower taxes, a Tax incentive for homeowners, Modifications in regulation for Banks to give mortgages if one pays above $1,000.00 in rent for more than a year.
U.S. Taxpayers
Chris Dardzinski
Age: 54
Occupation: Retail store owner, economist, author
Municipality of residence: Lincoln Park
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: www.leadership1776.com
Education: 2 year associates in Liberal Arts, Henry Ford CC 1988
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Council member, Lincoln Park, 2 terms
Top goals:
1. Poverty. Implementing the Economic Democracy Act. A Practical Big solution for a Huge problem.
2. Stream-line the Committee/Sub-Committee structure in Congress.
3. Single-Rate tax system.
4. Department Consolidation and down-sizing until the government becomes relatively “efficient.”
5. Community-Wide Disaster plans for every city in District 13.
Working Class
Simone R. Coleman
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State Senate District 12
Two candidates are running for
one four-year term. State senators
receive a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Kevin Hertel
Age: 37
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: St. Clair Shores
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information:
KevinHertelforSenate.com
Education: Attended Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative 2017-current
Top goals: My goal is to break through the political noise and get things done for our communities. I will work to lower costs by reducing taxes for families, ending the pension tax and making prescription drugs more affordable. I will also prioritize our public schools to ensure our children have the best opportunities to succeed. Working together we will protect Lake St. Clair, support small businesses and make sure first responders have the resources they need.
Republican
Pamela Hornberger
Age: 54
Occupation: State Representative, Former Educator
Municipality of residence: Chesterfield Twp
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information:
www.pamelahornberger.com
Education: MS. Ed, Saginaw Valley State University, B.S. Michigan State University, Teacher Certification, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative District #32, 2016-present, L’Anse Creuse Board of Education 2010-2016
Top goals: Inflation, Infrastructure and Education. Our economy is in the gutter. Families are struggling to fill their gas tanks and buy groceries. I will continue working to cut taxes and provide economic relief for families and job providers, as well as champion student and parent’s rights in education. Small businesses provide 75% of MI jobs. Quality education and work ethic in partnership with our small businesses leads to stronger communities and a stronger economy.
State House of
Representatives
District 10
Two candidates are running for one two-year seat. State representatives receive a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Joe Tate
Age: 41
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: tateformichigan.com
Education: BA, MS — Michigan State. MBA, MS — University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan State Representative, 2nd House District; 2019 — Present
Top goals: My top priority, which will continue into the next legislative session, is to properly fund our water infrastructure systems in Southeast Michigan. Our current systems have outlived their useful service and that has been made clear with our region’s challenge with flooding.
Republican
Mark Corcoran
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Wayne County Board of Commissioners District 1
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Wayne County commissioners receive a salary of $61,808.
Democrat
Tim Killeen
Age: 64
Occupation: Wayne County Commissioner — District 1
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Lifelong
Online campaign information: TimKilleenForCommish.com
Education: DeLaSalle Collegiate — 1975 B.S. Biology and Teaching Certificate Michigan State University — 1990
Previously and currently held elected offices: Wayne County Commissioner — District 1
Top goals: 1) Strengthen County Public Health — The pandemic showed where improvements need to be made.
2) Strengthen County Ethics Ordinance — After 8 years, it is time to review and update our ethics rules.
3) Continue budgetary discipline — County finances are tight. Focus on our core responsibilities in delivering services and not spend in areas outside of that.
Republican
John Barry Anderson
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Justice of Supreme Court
Five candidates are running for two eight-year terms. Justices earn a salary of $165,000.
Richard Bernstein
Age: 48
Occupation: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 23 years in Birmingham and lifelong resident of Michigan
Online campaign information: TheBlindJustice.com
Education: Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned juris doctor from Northwestern University School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Former member of the Wayne State University Board of Governors and current Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Top goals: The greatest need in Michigan’s justice system is increasing access to justice so all people have an opportunity to participate and navigate the justice system without getting left behind. The Michigan Supreme Court’s Justice For All Task Force is committed to working towards 100% access to justice in the civil system and I applaud the effort to make Michigan courts more accessible to all people statewide.
Kyra Harris Bolden
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Paul Hudson
Age: 40
Occupation: Lawyer
Municipality of residence: Kalamazoo
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.hudsonforjustice.com
Education: Cornell University, B.A. in Government and Philosophy, 2003; Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2006
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As a Supreme Court Justice, my top goal is to be the fiercely independent, nonpartisan, and fair-minded judicial umpire that Michigan voters deserve. A good judge, much like a good umpire, doesn’t make up the rules or change them mid-game. A good judge just calls balls and strikes, faithfully applying the rules as written - fairly, consistently, and without favoring one side or the other.
Kerry Lee Morgan
Age: 67
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Redford Township
For how long: 40years
Online campaign information: https://www.martindale.com/attorney/kerry-lee-morgan-2161158/
Education: Michigan State University, B.A.; Regent University, M.A.; Detroit College of Law, J.D.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: The Supreme Court needs Justices who will apply the law as written, not as it should be written in the mind of the Judge. The restoration of this purpose is my top goal.
Brian Zahra
Age: 62
Occupation: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Municipality of residence: Northville Township
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Zahra4Justice.com
Education: JD, University of Detroit School of Law (1987); BGS, Wayne State University (1984)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, January 14, 2011 to present. Elected in 2012, re-elected in 2014. Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals, December, 1998 to January 13, 2011. Elected in 2000, re-elected in 2006. Judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court, December 1994 to December 1998. Elected in 1996.
Top goals: Continue to be a voice for judicial restraint, an advocate for the separation of constitutional powers, and a defender of our state and federal constitutions. Administratively, I will continue my work as Co-Chair of the Access to Justice Commission. There is no right to a lawyer in civil cases. Nonetheless, these cases involve issues critically important to Michigan families. The legal profession must step up to provide guidance to those unable to obtain legal assistance.
Grosse Pointe
Board of Education
Ten candidates are running for three four-year terms.
William K. Broman
Age: 30
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Farms
For how long: 30 years in GPPSS District
Online campaign information: facebook.com/willbroman
Education: B.S. Biomedical Engineering (George Washington University); J.D. (Wayne State Law School)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Effective oversight, Board and administration transparency, and budgeting in a way that is respectful of taxpayers while keeping the most money possible in the classroom. Local district contributions to the state retirement system will increase by $1 billion from now to 2037, it is important to prepare the budget today. I want to make sure kids of today and tomorrow have the same opportunities I had when I went through GP Schools.
Terry Collins
Age: 57
Occupation: Finance Supervisor
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 22 Years (Grosse Pointe Park /Grosse Pointe Woods
Online campaign information: www.tcforgpschools.com
Education: BA Communications University of Detroit
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: I am committed to return GPPSS to financial accountability while ensuring that Grosse Pointe continues to be recognized as one of the top public school systems in our state. I am a highly experienced manager and people leader with expertise in purchasing, program management, operations, and finance. GPPSS has processes and procedures that are broken. Fixing these issues requires a leader with a track record of achieving results.
Sean Cotton
Age: 45
Occupation: Local business owner and attorney
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Farms
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: www.cotton4gp.com
Education: Highschool Degree — Grosse Pointe South; Bachelor of Science — New York University, Stern School of Business; Juris Doctor — Seton Hall University School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Push for stronger governance and oversight by the School Board. This oversight should focus on fixing the Strategic Plan so that our students’ success is the number one goal of our schools; providing measurable goals to the Administration to achieve academic excellence as well as exploring more programs to teach skilled trades. Second, and as important, provide oversight to fix the financial outlook so that this Administration does not allow our school system to fail.
Clint Derringer
Age: 38
Occupation: Program Manager for Big 3 auto manufacturer
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe
For how long: 6 years
Online campaign information: www.clintderringerforgpschools.com
Education: Master’s Degree in Program & Project Management — U of M Dearborn
Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management & Communications — U of M Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goal is to PROTECT public schools. The success of our public schools is foundational to our long term strength and property values in all our communities. We have to bring district & community leaders together on this common ground to solve problems facing the district, together. I can work with any person, regardless of politics, who is all-in to support our kids, our teachers, and our public schools.
JeDonna Dinges
Age: 59
Occupation: CEO, Margaux & Max LLC
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Woods (Since Dec 2021)
For how long: Grosse Pointe Park 11 years
Online campaign information: www.jdingesforschoolboard.com
Education: BA Communications University of Detroit
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1. Ensure that students feel safe, secure, seen, and like stakeholders in their education. 2. Support our teachers by providing the tools that they need, not micromanaging them. Trusting them to do what they do best, teach. 3. Restore trust in the BOE by responding to emails, phone calls, as well as acknowledging and actively listening to those who speak at board meetings. 4. Implementing the DEI plan as outlined in the Strategic Plan
Joseph Herd
Age: 60
Occupation: Deputy Chief U.S. Probation (Retired)
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Woods
For how long: 15
Online campaign information: JHforgpschoolboard
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Michigan; Bachelor Criminal Justice, Michigan State University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current President of Board of Education (2 Years); Additional year as trustee
Top goals: 1) Face to Face Schooling, which current board has maintained since March 2021;
2) Academic Excellence and Social Improvement for each child
3) Continued financial stability as the district has more than a 12 percent fund equity balance.
Ginny L. Jeup
Age: n/a
Occupation: self-employed vacation rentals business
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: www.Jeup4gpschools.com
Education: Bach degree in humanities and social science plus a teaching certification from University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: I have been a hands-on parent volunteer and supporter of GPPSS for 20 years. I believe our administration does not respect the opinions of parents, teachers or taxpayers. Our children need us to stand up more than ever! I believe in academic excellence for all students. We need to focus on supporting our teachers. We must be fiscally responsible and transparent to all stakeholders in order to continue building a flourishing academic and educational community.
Timothy Klepp
Age: 54
Occupation: Partner, IBM Consulting
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 19 years
Online campaign information: https://kleppgpschools.com
Education: BA — Michigan State; MBA — Indiana University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I have two top goals for the district. The first is enrollment — redoubling our efforts to attract students. I see this primarily as drawing students back from private school and making our district as attractive as possible to new families (through initiatives like early childhood education). My second goal is taking care of our teachers — ensuring they have the support they need to be successful.
Christopher L. Lee
Age: 75
Occupation: Orthopedic surgeon
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe
For how long: 70 years
Online campaign information: No on line site
Education: GPHS 1964
U of M Engineering 1968
WSU Med school 1972
WSU Orthopedics 1976
Stanford University 1977
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently on School Board in Grosse Pointe
Top goals: Our district is ranked in the top 2% in the country. Our teachers are ranked number one in the state. We were just ranked in the top three districts to teach in. Our district was just given an A+ rating. My goal is to continue to support our excellent teachers and administrative team.
Valarie St. John
Age: 34
Occupation: Public Health Consultant
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 4 years
Online campaign information: www.ValarieStJohn.com
Education: B.A. in World Literatures, Master’s in Public Health
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I’m running to support all our students and keep our district moving forward.
Grosse Pointe Park
Water and Sewer Millage (Proposition No. 1)
Shall the City of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan be authorized to levy a new additional millage on the taxable property within the City not to exceed the annual rate of 2.5 mills ($2.50 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of 10 years, beginning with the December 2022 levy and extending through the December 2032 levy, for the purpose of maintaining, repairing, replacing, and enhancing water and sewer systems and related infrastructure in the city? Projects may include work on water mains, lead service lines, sewer mains, pump stations, sewer pipe and manhole rehabilitation, improving sewer resilience and drainage, and upgrading public works water/sewer equipment and associated restoration. The estimated amount of revenue that will be collected in the first year that the millage is authorized and levied is $1,758,292.00.
Yes or no
Grosse Pointe Woods
Charter Amendment
Proposal (on the back of the ballot, at the far right)
A Charter amendment approved in 1989 provides that sales, purchases, and contracts of more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) shall be approved by City Council with competitive bidding required above that amount unless waived by the city council. To adjust for inflation and to reduce administrative costs, it is proposed that Section 8.8 of the Charter be amended to increase from five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), this threshold amount for such approvals by council, with future adjustments to this amount to be determined according to procedure established by ordinance.
Shall this amendment be adopted?
Yes or no
Statewide proposals
Proposal 22-1
A proposal to amend the state constitution to require annual public financial disclosure reports by legislators and other state officers and change state legislator term limit to 12 total years in legislature.
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Require members of legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general file annual public financial disclosure reports after 2023, including assets, liabilities, income sources, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and positions held in organizations except religious, social, and political organizations.
• Require legislature implement but not limit or restrict reporting requirements.
• Replace current term limits for state representatives and state senators with a 12-year total limit in any combination between house and senate, except a person elected to senate in 2022 may be elected the number of times allowed when that person became a candidate.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Proposal 22-2
A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections.
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Recognize fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct;
• Require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by election day;
• Provide voter right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement;
• Provide voter right to single application to vote absentee in all elections;
• Require state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots;
• Provide that only election officials may conduct post-election audits;
• Require nine days of early in-person voting;
• Allow donations to fund elections, which must be disclosed;
• Require canvass boards certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Proposal 22-3
A proposal to amend the state constitution to establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid prosecution of individuals exercising established right. This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make and carry out all decisions about pregnancy, such as prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion, miscarriage management, and infertility;
• Allow state to regulate abortion after fetal viability, but not prohibit if medically needed to protect a patient’s life or physical or mental health;
• Forbid state discrimination in enforcement of this right; prohibit prosecution of an individual, or a person helping a pregnant individual, for exercising rights established by this amendment;
• Invalidate state laws conflicting with this amendment.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Wayne County Public Transportation Millage
If approved, this proposal will renew the 0.9949 Mill levied by the Wayne County Transit Authority for the years 2022 through 2025 and will allow continued support to the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for a public transportation system serving the elderly, disabled, and general public of Wayne County.
For the purpose of providing funds in support of public transportation serving the elderly, disabled, and general public, shall 0.9949 Mill on all taxable property located within the Wayne County Transit Authority area, be imposed for a period of four (4) years, being years 2022 through 2025? Based on the known taxable value of $20,303,162,481 from the current 2022 tax year, this millage would raise approximately $20,199,616.35 in the first year.
Grosse Pointe Park Water and Sewer Millage (Proposition No. 1)
Shall the City of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan be authorized to levy a new additional millage on the taxable property within the City not to exceed the annual rate of 2.5 mills ($2.50 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of 10 years, beginning with the December 2022 levy and extending through the December 2032 levy, for the purpose of maintaining, repairing, replacing, and enhancing water and sewer systems and related infrastructure in the city? Projects may include work on water mains, lead service lines, sewer mains, pump stations, sewer pipe and manhole rehabilitation, improving sewer resilience and drainage, and upgrading public works water/sewer equipment and associated restoration. The estimated amount of revenue that will be collected in the first year that the millage is authorized and levied is $1,758,292.00.
Yes or no
Grosse Pointe Woods Charter Amendment Proposal (on the back of the ballot, at the far right)
A Charter amendment approved in 1989 provides that sales, purchases, and contracts of more than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) shall be approved by City Council with competitive bidding required above that amount unless waived by the city council. To adjust for inflation and to reduce administrative costs, it is proposed that Section 8.8 of the Charter be amended to increase from five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), this threshold amount for such approvals by council, with future adjustments to this amount to be determined according to procedure established by ordinance.
Shall this amendment be adopted?
Yes or no