Southfield Sun | Published October 12, 2022
In the Southfield Sun’s coverage area, voters will choose candidates for their local school board, as well as governor and more Nov. 8.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goals if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim. Profiles do not appear for uncontested races.
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 12
Three candidates are running for one
two-year term. U.S. representatives earn
a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Rashida Tlaib
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Steven Elliott
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Working Class
Gary Walkowicz
Age: 73
Occupation: Auto assembly line worker and elected UAW representative (retired)
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: workingclassfight.com
Education: High school, some college, 45 years as an auto worker.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NA
Top goals: The two major parties do not represent working people. The working class needs its own political party. The working class has the power to make a fight for a better life. The working class can fight to raise wages to fight inflation, divide up the work so everyone can have a job, and to make sure that public money is used for public services instead of being given to the corporations and the banks.
State Senate District 7
Two candidates are running for one four-year term.
Democrat
Jeremy Moss
Age: 36
Occupation: State Senator
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 36 years
Online campaign information: votejeremymoss.com
Education: BA in Journalism, Additional Major in Political Science from Michigan State University; Studied Race Relations in South Africa through MSU; Graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program
Previously and currently held elected offices: Southfield City Council (2011-2014), State Representative (2015-2018), State Senator (2019-present)
Top goals: -- Protecting your right to vote: I’m leading the fight against Senate Republican bills that could restrict access to your ballot.
-- Standing up for reproductive rights: I’m working with urgency to end Michigan’s 1931 abortion felony law. For my advocacy on choice, I am Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan’s only endorsed candidate.
-- Demanding action on common-sense gun reform: I introduced legislation to strengthen background checks and other proven measures to reduce gun violence.
Republican
Corinne Khederian
Age: No answer given
Occupation: Attorney and Community Volunteer
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 31 years
Online campaign information: corinneformichigan.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts with Honors from State University of New York at Binghamton - Major: Political Science, Minor: Communications
Juris Doctor (Law Degree) - Syracuse University College of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Previously served in Elected Office as a Trustee of Bloomfield Township
Top goals: 1) Economy - Out of control inflation must be addressed & lowered.
2) Education - Ensure a quality education for all students & parents deserve a say in how this is accomplished.
3) Election Security - Safeguards in place for secure & fair elections.
4) Energy Independence - Lower gas prices & invest in energy resources at home.
5) Law Enforcement - Support our Police with adequate funding and programs.
6) Mental Illness - Program ensuring quality mental care to lower crime & homelessness.
State House of Representatives
District 5
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Natalie Price
Age: 41
Occupation: Berkley City Councilmember
Municipality of residence: Berkley
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information: www.votenatalieprice.com
Education: MA, English Studies. University of Exeter (UK) 2006. BA, English and Classics. Vassar College 2004.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I was elected to Berkley City Council in 2019, and I continue to serve in this role.
Top goals: As a progressive democrat, former teacher, city councilmember, and mom, my priorities include:
• Creating inclusive communities and securing them with better gun laws
• Leveling the playing field with equitable education funding models
• Supporting essential services and infrastructure by boosting municipal funding
• Fighting for our most basic rights including safe and legal abortion care
We are all connected, and when we work together to lift up every resident, our whole region benefits.
Republican
Paul Taros
Age: 65
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: TimeForTaros.com
Education: MBA from Wayne State University, BBA from the University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: We need to stop worrying what pronouns our children should use and return to proven educational techniques. Teach our kids how to think, rather than indoctrinating them with what to think. We need to return to the 3 R’s, reading, writing and arithmetic. So many of our children graduate without being proficient in the 3 R’s. Vocational and skilled trades should be added to the high school curriculum.
State House of Representatives District 18
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685 plus expenses.
Democrat
Jason Hoskins
Age: 38
Occupation: Southfield City Councilman/Legislative Director – Office of State Sen. Jeremy Moss
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 8 years
Online campaign information: votejasonhoskins.com
Education: Bachelors in Political Science – Eastern Michigan University; Master’s in Public Administration – Eastern Michigan University, Juris Doctor – University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Southfield City Council 2019-Present
Top goals: Address rising cost and inflation and that many Michiganders are struggling with right now. I want to increase state revenue sharing and change the state infrastructure funding formula which will result in more critical funding for our road, water and energy infrastructure. Protect and enhance our right to vote, right to reproductive freedom, and remove biases from our criminal justice system.
Republican
Wendy Webster-Jackson
Age: 50
Occupation: Podiatrist
Municipality of residence: Southfield resident
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: Drwendyforstaterep.com
Education: Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, BS Biology Wayne State University, Cass Technical High School
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: Families build communities and I want to attract families to the 18th district with the following agenda. 1. My goal is to promote and foster new and established businesses. 2. To promote education for students, stop gender identity taught in schools, to have teachers concentrate on the basics. Reading, writing, math, financial literacy, and other skills to be competitive nationally and globally. 3. To increase the public safety budget to equip officers with the latest technology, and increase pay and benefit packages. 4. Stop unnecessary milages.
State House of Representatives District 19
Two candidates are running for one two-year term.State representatives earn a salary of $71,685 plus expenses.
Democrat
Samantha Steckloff
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Anthony Paesano
Age: 50
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information: www.paesanoformichigan.com
Education: Birmingham Brother Rice, Purdue University, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: We need more responsible and accountable leadership in public office. I will be a guardian of tax dollars and will vote against reckless spending. On education, we must shift our focus on reading, writing and arithmetic, and increased services for special needs students, and eliminate extreme social agendas of unions and school boards. On public safety, we need to curb the increase in crime by increasing funding and support for police and fire.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 17
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.
Democrat
Yolanda Smith Charles
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Aaron Tobin
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Oak Park
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: www.VoteForTobin.com
Education: B.S. From Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: No elected office
Top goals: I see record high property tax increases being proposed by the commission, along with already rising utility bills. The commission is out of touch with its residents. While people are having a hard time making ends meet, the Commission has voted themselves a 5% pay raise! Our County must be more fiscally responsible. If we have to make tough choices to keep our households running, so should politicians and bureaucrats in Oakland County.
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.
Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District
One candidate is running for one six-year term. Michigan court of appeals judges receive a salary of $173,092.
Colleen A. O’Brien
Running unopposed.
Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District (Partial Term)
Two candidates are running for one partial term ending Jan. 1, 2027. Michigan court of appeals judges receive a salary of $173,092.
Sima Patel
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Michael Warren
Age: 55
Occupation: Judge, Oakland Circuit Court
Municipality of residence: Beverly Hills
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: www.JudgeMichaelWarren.com
Education: Wayne State University, BA Honors History (1989); University of Michigan Law School, JD (1992)
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Board of Education (1999-2002); Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court (2002-present)
Top goals: For decades Judge Michael Warren has been tenaciously fighting for justice, the rule of law, fairness, and the Constitution. He has tried over 360 jury trials and was named Judge of the Decade. Endorsed by Sheriff Mike Bouchard (R), Sheriff Anthony Wickersham (D), and the Police Officers Association of Michigan; he co-founded Patriot Week with his then 10 year old daughter (www.PatriotWeek.org). His leadership and experience will strengthen Michigan’s Court of Appeals.
Southfield Public Schools Board of Education
Four candidates are running for three six-year terms.
Talisha Belk
Did not answer questions by press time.
Jillian Holloway
Did not answer questions by press time.
Yvette Ware-Devaull
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Sales
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: BA - Oakland University--- MSA Central Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current SPS Board Secretary
Top goals: Asking for support from our Southfield Community, with the Capital Bond Facilities Proposal which will be on the ballot November 8. Continue to build a better relationship holistically. Our children, should have a safe, open, welcoming, learning environment. Teachers to have a space that allows them to teach and be their very best. Parents to support the vision of the District and work with the Administration to educate and prepare our children for the future.
Betty Carlton Robinson (Write-in)
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired GM Senior Customer Rep.
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: None
Education: Business Education/ Secretarial Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: Board member for 12 years for Southfield School District.
Top goals: A. Increase enrollment. B. Encourage and foster academic success for all
Students. C. Financial transparency of district finances.
Southfield Public Schools School Improvement Bond Proposition
Shall the Southfield Public Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Three Hundred Forty-Five Million Dollars ($345,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds, in one or more series, for the purpose of paying for the cost of the following projects: - Remodeling, equipping, re-equipping, furnishing, re-furnishing school buildings, athletic fields, playgrounds and other facilities to create a modern learning environment for students and for health, safety, security, energy conservation and other purposes; - Erecting, completing, equipping and furnishing additions to school buildings and a stadium building; - Acquiring and installing instructional technology infrastructure and equipment in school buildings and other facilities; and - Preparing, developing and improving sites at school buildings and other facilities and the purchase of school buses? The annual debt millage required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed pursuant to this ballot is expected to be at or below 5.56 mills which is a 3.26 mill increase from the 2.30 mills of annual debt millage levied in 2022. The maximum number of years any series of bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of refunding, is not more than thirty (30) years; the estimated millage that will be levied to pay the proposed bonds in the first year is 3.63 mills (which is equal to $3.63 per $1,000 of taxable value); and the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire each series of bonds is 5.30 mills annually ($5.30 per $1,000 of taxable value). If approved by the voters, the bonds will be guaranteed by the State under the School Bond Qualification and Loan Program (the “Program”). The School District currently has $32,160,000 of qualified bonds outstanding and $0 of qualified loans outstanding under the Program. The School District does not expect to borrow from the Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated computed millage rate required to be levied to pay the proposed bonds may change in the future based on changes in certain circumstances. (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, repair or maintenance costs or other operating expenses.)
Southfield Advisory Ballot Question
Do you support the reduction of the deer herd in the City of Southfield by humane, lethal means with the intent to engage local partners and ensure that donation of meat, deemed safe and where feasible, is made to local foodbanks and similar organizations?
Lathrup Village Cannabis Establishments Charter Amendment Proposal 1
Shall the City of Lathrup Village Charter be amended to prohibit all Cannabis Establishments within the boundaries of the City.
Oakland County Public Transportation Millage
A proposal to authorize Oakland County to levy a millage for the purpose of funding public transportation services in Oakland County, including operating, maintaining, improving, and expanding transit services, creating and expanding new fixed routes for bus service connecting local communities, expanding transportation services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and providing transportation to get employees to jobs, patients to healthcare, students to colleges and universities, for the general public to have more transportation options, and for related purposes authorized by law.
This millage would be levied at a maximum rate of .95 mills (95 cents per $1,000 in taxable value) for a period of 10 years beginning in 2022 and ending in 2031.
This millage would replace an expiring millage levied by the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority supporting the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), and fund replacement of other local public transportation millages.
If this new millage is approved and levied, revenue will be distributed to Oakland County, SMART, North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Older Persons’ Commission (OPC), and the Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA). It is estimated that $66,163,000 will be collected in the first year. Expenditure of revenue from the millage will be subject to oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and to independent audits.
Should this proposal be adopted?
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?