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STERLING HEIGHTS — In the Sentry’s coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the Michigan Legislature, as well as U.S. Congress, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners and more in the Aug. 6 primary election.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates uncontested in their party. 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.
U.S. Senate
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and four candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one six-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Hill Harper
Age: 58
Occupation: Actor, Author, Activist
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 8 Years
Online campaign information: www.hillharper.com/
Education: Harvard Law School J.D. Cum Laude, 1992
• John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University M.A. with Honors, Public Administration,1992
• Brown University B.A. Magna Cum Laude, Economics/Sociology (Valedictorian) 1988
• US Marine Corps OCS, Platoon Leaders Class 1, Honors Graduate, Quantico, VA 1986
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As your U.S. Senator, my top goals would be ensuring universal healthcare for every American, safeguarding reproductive rights for all, enacting common sense gun reform to enhance public safety, reducing car insurance rates to ease financial burdens, increasing funding for education to improve our schools, and passing the PRO Act to protect workers’ rights and strengthen unions. These priorities reflect my commitment to creating a fairer, healthier, and safer society for everyone in our state.
Democrat
Elissa Slotkin
Age: 47
Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-07)
Municipality of residence: Holly
For how long: Grew up in Michigan; I now live on my family farm
Online campaign information:elissaslotkin.org
Education: Cornell University - College of Agriculture and Life Science, Bachelor’s Degree and Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Affairs
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (Formerly MI-08, now MI-07 due to redistricting):
Top goals: My number one priority is to make it easier for Michiganders to get into the middle class. Michigan invented the middle class by maintaining a strong union presence and making investments in small businesses. We can keep people there by reducing healthcare costs, putting Americans on the path to homeownership and making more critical items in America. I am committed to restoring the national standard set by Roe, and ensuring voting rights for every American.
Republican
Justin Amash
Age: 44
Occupation: Lawyer and small business owner
Municipality of residence: Cascade Charter Township
For how long: 20+ years in Cascade. I’ve lived my whole life in Michigan.
Online campaign information:www.justinamash.com
Education: A.B., Economics, University of Michigan; J.D., University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative, 2011-2021; Michigan State Representative, 2009- 2010
Top goals: My priorities are to follow the Constitution, protect everyone’s rights, uphold the Rule of Law, restore representative government, read the bills, stop governing by emergency, balance the budget, defend economic freedom, end the forever war, and oppose the surveillance state.
Republican
Sherry O’Donnell
Age: 62
Occupation: Physician/ Business owner private medical practice
Municipality of residence: Stevensville; Berrien County
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Docsherry2024.com
Education: Bachelor Degrees in Biology and Chemistry/Minor in Psychology-Hastings College, NE
Doctor of Osteopathy: College of Osteopathic Medicine OK State University: Tulsa, OK
Ministerial Certificate: Biblical studies: Victory Bible Institute, Tulsa, OK
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Securing the Borders and Inflation
Failure to secure our borders has many consequences. It jeopardizes public safety and national security. It is worsening our inflation. It also diminishes the value of citizenship in our nation. Dr. O’Donnell has been to the border and is endorsed by Tom Homan, former director of I.C.E under President Trump.
We must enact a balanced budget and stop reckless spending and entitlements. Dr. O’Donnell signed the “No New Tax” pledge
Republican
Sandy Pensler
Age: 67
Occupation: Manufacturer and economist. Owner of Pensler Capital and Korex Companies
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
For how long: No answer given.
Online campaign information:sandypensler.com
Education: Sandy worked his way through Yale University where in just four years he earned a B.A. in Chemical Engineering, a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Economics – receiving high honors in all degrees. He received his law degree, with honors, from Harvard.
Previously held and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: Restore moral direction to our decision making. Spend only on what we need not on what we want. This will reduce the deficit, inflation and interest rates. Rely on market mechanisms and competition to solve problems rather than government directives. Support decisions based on merit not skin color or creed. In foreign policy, weakness begets aggression. Stop funding terrorists if you do not want terrorism. Stop illegal immigration stone cold -no benefits except for legals.
Republican
Mike Rogers
Age: 61
Occupation: Candidate for U.S. Senate, Army Veteran, Former Congressman, State Senator, and FBI Special Agent.
Municipality of residence: Brighton, MI
For how long: Nearly 50 years
Online campaign information:rogersforsenate.com
Education: Adrian College and the University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: U.S. Representative (2001-2015), Michigan State Senator (1995-2000)
Top goals: Families are struggling under the current administration and are desperately in need of relief from the high costs of gas and groceries. As a Congressman, I earned a reputation as someone who got results for Michiganders by working across the aisle, and in the Senate, I’ll bring my experience to slash inflation, lower the cost of living for families, and secure our southern border to stop the flow of crime and deadly drugs.
U.S. House of Representatives District 10
Five candidates, including one write-in candidate, are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for
one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Emily Busch
Age: 52
Occupation: Running for office full time after 30 years working in the business sector doing sales and leading professional development initiatives
Municipality of residence: Village of Oxford, Oakland County
For how long: I’ve lived in Oakland County for 30 years
Online campaign information:emilyformichigan.com
Education: B.A. in Biology, Indiana State University; M.S. in Management, Strategy & Leadership, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My son ran for his life from a school shooter, so for me, keeping our families safe and standing up for our rights is personal. In Congress, I will fight for your kids just as hard as I do my own, fight for commonsense gun safety solutions, protect abortion rights, safeguard Social Security and Medicare, lower costs, and make our economy work better for Michigan families.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 77
Occupation: Attorney (retired Judge)
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 44 years
Online campaign information:www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School, 1971; Graduate University of Detroit, summa cum laude, 1968.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985-2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2017; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017-2022.
Top goals: I have four goals: (1) Protecting our Great Lakes. I oppose drilling for oil in Lake St. Clair and I want to increase the budget for the EPA. (2) Easing the cost of living. Big Oil and the OPEC countries cannot get away with gouging us at the gas pump. (3) Defending women’s rights, including reproductive health care. (4) Saving Democracy. Every vote should count, and the electoral college should be abolished.
Write-in Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 54 years old
Occupation: Nonprofit Director
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information:www.Write-inRhondaPowell.com
Education: BA Community Service, Siena Heights University, MS Human Service, Capella University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a native of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for people of the 10th Congressional District, that Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, affordable housing, broad investment in small business development and will help working families not just get by but get ahead. Use the power of the Pen for Change in District 10 and write RHONDA POWELL in!
Democrat
Tiffany Tilley
Age: 47
Occupation: Realtor
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: Two years.
Online campaign information:www.tiffanytilleyforcongress.com
Education: Rochester College (Rochester University), I received a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communications; University of Detroit Mercy I received an MBA geared towards finance and international business.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a statewide elected official representing Michigan. I ran in 2018 on the democratic ticket for the State Board of Education receiving almost 1.8M votes. I serve as the Co-Vice President on the Board.
Top goals: Our top priorities are WEE: Women’s Rights, Education, and the Economy.
Women’s Rights: Ensuring equal pay, reproductive rights, and protections against gender-based violence.
Education: Investing in quality and affordable education for all, reducing class sizes, equitable funding, increasing access to early childhood programs, and increasing support for teachers as well as support staff.
Economy: Promoting job creation, ensuring fair wages for all workers, supporting small businesses with grants, loans, capital funds, and earned tax incentives.
Democrat
Diane Young
Age: 59
Occupation: Fiduciary Financial Planner and small business owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information:www.dianeyoungforcongress.com
Education: Stony Brook University - B.A.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals for congress are protecting Social Security and Medicare by fully funding both programs, fighting rising costs and inflation, defending reproductive freedom by enshrining Roe v. Wade into law, combating climate change by creating more investment opportunities in clean energy; and streamlining our tax code to give middle class families a break and make big corporations pay their fair share.
Republican
John James (I)
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 57
Three Democrats and one Republican are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Aisha Farooqi
Age: 40
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information:www.farooqifor57.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law (JD). University of Michigan-Dearborn (BA).
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As an attorney, I know the importance of representing and listening to the needs of our community. In Lansing, I will:
- Protect our democracy.
-Safeguard reproductive healthcare.
-Invest in public education funding and teacher salaries.
-Lower costs for seniors.
-Make healthcare, prescription drugs, mental health, and addiction services affordable.
-Support small businesses and create good paying jobs and protect workers’ rights.
-Expand access to affordable childcare.
-Improve road/water infrastructure.
-Support our local police and firefighters.
Democrat
Tyler Fox
Age: 28
Occupation: Purchasing Coordinator at the City of Sterling Heights
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: Five Years
Online campaign information:foxformi57.com
Education: Masters in Public Administration at Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: This campaign is centered on lowering housing costs for renters and homeowners, making childcare more available for young families, and making healthcare more accessible for our seniors. I am running to stop the regular blackouts faced in our community, reign in our energy costs, and bring investment back to our district from Lansing. I am also looking to pass Universal Parental Leave and Eliminate Medical Debt in our State.
Democrat
Douglas Waggener
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired IBEW Local 58 Electrician
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 36 years
Online campaign info:thevoiceofthemiddleclass.com
Education: BSEE ‘90 Lawrence Technological University. Certificate in construction management OCC 2014.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: The main goal of my campaign is to give some recognition and validity to my thoughts on the current issues concerning all of us today. I would like to develop a website called www.opensourcelegislation.com where everybody is welcome to contribute and vote on the final draft of laws that are written by the people and brought forth either in the classic method via a legislator, or through the ballot initiative or referendum.
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. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Nate Shannon
Running unopposed.
Republican
Roger Goodrich
Age: 63
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 29 years
Online campaign information:GoodrichforMichigan.com
Education: BSME Valparaiso University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals:
1) EXPOSE CORRUPTION
2) DEPORT ALL CRIMINAL IMMIGRANTS
3) PROTECT 2A RIGHTS
4) PASS CONSERVATIVE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS THAT PROMOTE LAW AND ORDER
5) STREAMLINE OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE ALL BODILY INJURY CRIME
6) REDUCE INCOME TAX, SALES TAX, LICENSE FEES AND TAXES
7) EDUCATE YOUTH ABOUT THE DEADLY, HEALTH-DESTROYING EFFECTS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
8) RESTORE RESPECT FOR THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, NATIONAL ANTHEM, AND FLAG
9) PROMOTE BELIEFS, IDEALS, AND MORALITY THAT MADE AMERICA GREAT
10) REPEAL UNCONSTITUTIONAL LAWS
Republican
Ron Robinson
Age: 54
Occupation: Realtor/Owner of Video Production Company
Municipality of residence: Utica
For how long: 14 Years
Online campaign information:www.robinson4rep.com
Education: 1987 Graduate of Utica High School/ Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Utica City Councilman since 2022
Top goals: I will work to lower the cost of living, help provide reliable, low cost energy, improve accessibility to quality healthcare and support free and fair elections. Other issues that need addressing are neighborhood safety, legal immigration and the responsible handling of the citizens’ tax dollars. We need to allow businesses to operate with minimal logical regulation. I am a pragmatic ready to stand post and make a lasting, meaningful, positive impact on our community.
State House of Representatives District 61
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November.
Democrat
Denise Mentzer (I)
Running unopposed.
Republican
Russ Cleary
Age: 23
Occupation: Congressional Aide/Caseworker
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information:www.russcleary.com
Education: High School: Paul K. Cousino High School, 2018
College: B.S., Michigan State University, 2021
Previously and currently held elected offices: NA
Top goals: Securing Manufacturing Jobs: We must invest in manufacturing jobs in the State of Michigan, specifically in the 61st State House District. We must engage in pro-business policies, fight against EV mandates, and continue to strengthen the Arsenal of Democracy.
Protecting Our First Responders: As crime continues to rise, our investment in first responders continues to drop. We must ensure that we prioritize these investments.
Republican
Robert Wojtowicz
Age: 62
Occupation: Self-employed small business owner
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: Lifelong Macomb County Michigan resident
Online campaign information:www.Robert4Mi.com
Education: trade school and degree/certification after college
Previously and currently held elected offices: Chippewa Valley School Board
Top goals: Transparency is nonexistent, our government budget/spending is out of control, our schools are a mess and our children are suffering, Michigan and our country has a serious problem with illegal immigration and election integrity needs to be addressed and some serious questions need to be answered.
Republican
John Grossenbacher
Age: 43
Occupation: IT consulting
Municipality of residence: clinton township
For how long: 9 years but oakland and Macomb 32 ish years
Online campaign information:johngfor61.com
Education: Associate in Applied Science Associate in Liberal Arts
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals: As a Christian, husband, father, business owner, and longtime resident, I understand our community’s challenges. My guiding principles are commitment and service, values often forgotten in politics. Michigan needs problem solvers who relate to people, work within budgets, and address challenges effectively.
My goals include protecting parental freedom in schools, supporting law enforcement to combat the fentanyl epidemic, reducing wasteful spending, and opposing use tax devices on cars
Macomb County Sheriff
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $142,186.
Democrat
Anthony Wickersham (I)
Running unopposed.
Republican
Terence Mekoski
Age: 59
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Shelby Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: mekoski.com
Previously and currently held elected offices: Fmr. MI State Representative 36th District
Top goals: To serve as a Constitutional Sheriff to assign more patrol deputies to protect Macomb County’s borders, attack human sex trafficking organizations, expand the Narcotic Enforcement Task Force to address the opioid/fentanyl epidemic. Implement a school liaison officer in all Macomb County schools to protect our children and implement a Sheriff’s Posse with retired law enforcement, former military, additional reserve deputies and trained citizens to protect Macomb County in the case of a critical incident.
Republican
Eddie Kabacinski
Age: 50
Occupation: RETIRED / DISABLED MILITARY COMBAT VETERAN
Municipality of residence: CITY OF WARREN
For how long: 20 YEARS SINCE 2003
Online campaign information: www.ekabacinskicommittee.wixsite.com/eddie
Education: CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION COURSE, MILITARY POLICE INVESTIGATOR COURSE, PRIMARY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COURSE, MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ENFORCEMENT, UNITED STATES ARMY MILITARY POLICE ACADEMY, CITY OF INKSTER POLICE ACADEMY, PHYSICAL SECURITY AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TACTICS - LAWTON SCHOOL.
Previously and currently held elected offices: FORMER CITY OF WARREN 5TH DISTRICT COUNCILMAN
Top goals: IT IS MY INTENTION TO SERVE AS CONSERVATIVE SHERIFF UNDER YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITED REPUBLIC. I WILL APPOINT TERENCE MEKOSKI AND SCOTT BUDNICK AS SHERIFFS. WE WILL SERVE UNITED TOGETHER. I WILL ADHERE TO THE PRINCIPLES OF OUR INALIENABLE GOD GIVEN RIGHTS TO UPHOLD, SUPPORT, AND DEFEND YOUR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY UNDER YOUR FEDERAL AND MICHIGAN CONSTITUTIONS. I WILL NOT INFRINGE ON YOUR RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS. I WILL HONOR OUR SANCTUARY COUNTY STATUS.
Republican
Scott Budnick
Age: 53 years old
Occupation: Police Officer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County Resident, Macomb Township
For how long: Homeowner built my house 8 years ago, and I have lived all my adult life in Macomb County
Online campaign information:Scottbudnickforsheriff.com
Education: 2014 Union Institute and University, Bachelor of Science (Law Enforcement Management)
2000 Macomb Community College, Associate Degree (Law Enforcement)
2012 Macomb Community College, Associate Degree (General Studies)
2018 Macomb Community College, Certificate (Law Enforcement with Police Academy)
2019 Macomb Community College, Certificate (Homeland Security)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I have never run nor held any elected office in the past, I am not nor have I ever been a politician.
Top goals: My top priority is putting an armed officer in every Macomb County school, both private schools and public schools. This is non-negotiable, our children will be protected.
Second is our border. I will cooperate with Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist with the capture and removal of criminal illegal aliens, human smuggling, and drug enforcement.
Third is protecting our senior population against those who attempt to commit criminal acts against them.
Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $127,450.
Democrat
David Adams
Age: 55
Occupation: Public School Teacher
Municipality of residence: Bruce Twp.
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: M.A. Linguistics, Oakland University, B.A. Secondary Education, Wayne State University,
Previously and currently held elected offices: I have never run for or held an elected office before
Top goals: As a candidate for Macomb County Clerk I can promise the citizens of Macomb County that I will work tirelessly to provide efficient service to all citizens regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnic background, socioeconomic status or political ideology. I will always thoroughly vet all potential applicants to the clerk’s office for their integrity and commitment to service for the people of Macomb County.
Democrat
Steve Fleck
Age: 44
Occupation: Artist / Rideshare / Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: over 12 years
Online campaign information: sjfleck.com
Education: College Degree / Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan & Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Securing the Election, Extending election times and availability, & a Timely Election. Hiring more staff and having more volunteers. Working to get laws passed that will make it easier to vote and creating campaigns to get more people to vote. Working for the people.
Republican
Kristi Dean
Age: 59
Occupation: UWM in Pontiac (United Wholesale Mortgage)
Municipality of residence: Shelby Township
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: PhD
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb Community College Trustee
Top goals: Holistically observing the current business processes and identify any bottlenecks create/develop work arounds to streamline and look for cost savings for the office and taxpayers of Macomb County.
Republican
Anthony G. Forlini (I)
Age: 62
Occupation: Macomb County Clerk, Register of Deeds
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: http://www.anthonyforlini.com/
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, Western Michigan University
Previously and currently held elected offices:
• 2004-2010 Harrison Township Supervisor
• 2011-2016 Michigan State Representative for St. Clair Shores, Harrison Township, Clinton Township, Macomb Township
• 2020-Present Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds
Top goals: Four years ago my goal was to provide great customer service. Today you get a real person that is knowledgeable that picks up the phone-no voicemail. Long customer wait times have all been eliminated, most services take just minutes. Future goals 1) Perform the greatest upgrade in our history to the Register of Deeds search capabilities. 2) Upgrade election night reporting. 3) Complete the process of properly storing county records.
Republican
Jackie Ryan
Age: 62
Occupation: Self Employed
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 26 years
Online campaign information: Ryan For Macomb (Facebook)
Education: Accounting and Business Degrees
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: As Macomb County Clerk, my Top Goals are to Serve the Families of Macomb County (not be a county store) “The People’s Clerk” keeping their records low-cost, accurate and secured; provide election integrity for the Voters in Macomb County by using “We The People’s” system of hand counting, proof of citizenship and one day voting; provide a website for all Candidates/Proposals before the election to increase voter participation and “People’s Audit” every election.
Macomb County Treasurer
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat and one candidate is running unopposed as a Republican to compete for one four-year term in November.
Democrat
Matthew T. Churchwell
Running unopposed.
Republican
Larry Rocca (I)
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Public Works Commissioner
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat and one candidate is running unopposed as a Republican to compete for one four-year term in November.
Democrat
Kevin Higgins
Running unopposed.
Republican
Candice S. Miller (I)
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat and one candidate is running unopposed as a Republican to compete for
one four-year term in November.
Democrat
Christina Hines
Running unopposed.
Republican
Peter J. Lucido (I)
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 5
Two candidates are running for the Republican nomination and no candidates are running for the Democratic nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $39,375.
Republican
Pashko Ujkic
Age: 43
Occupation: Business owner for 21 years and Chair of Planning Commission- Sterling Heights
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 26 years
Online campaign information:Pashkoformacomb.com
Education: special courses certified in business and real estate.
Previously and currently held elected offices: New Candidate
Top goals: As standalone candidate endorsed by SH fire and Police, Publlic Safety is number one. Implementing more programs for our seniors. Making sure that we have programs for mental assistance as well as for substance abuse. Control spending and not raising taxes.
Republican
Don VanSyckel
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired Electrical Engineer
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 39+ years
Online campaign information:https://donvansyckel.com
Education: BS Electrical Engineering, Lehigh University
Previously and currently held elected offices: previously 2021-2022 – Commissioner District 5; currently 2023 - 2024 Commissioner District 5
Top goals: Realign spending instead of raising taxes. Protect personal freedoms and property. Common sense approach to resolving issues before the county. Maintain funding levels for Sheriff Department and emergency services. Support small businesses through less government regulation. Develop domestic energy sources – stop foreign energy reliance. Encourage people to first buy Macomb and then buy Michigan. Provide training for people, investing in them, so they can obtain good jobs.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 6
Two candidates are 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 the position is $39,375.
Democrat
Ben Orjada
Age: 30
Occupation: Union Organizer
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 27 Years
Online campaign information:benorjada.com
Education: Graduated from Adlai Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights in 2012, and in progress degrees at Oakland University and Wayne State University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No previously or currently held elected offices.
Top goals: If elected, I will increase funding for Macomb Senior Services and expand support for family caregivers. I will create starter home options for young families and options for seniors to safely downsize to without having to leave the communities they know and love. I will fully fund our Police, Fire, EMS and 911 dispatch to keep Macomb safe countywide.
Democrat
Matthew S. Smith
Age: 40
Occupation: Chemist/Adjunct Professor
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 8 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/matthewsmith4macomb
Education: B.S. Chemistry, Michigan Technological University; M.S. Chemistry, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: 1) Work towards improving infrastructure with a focus on improving project timelines and increasing competitive bidding.
2) Improve crisis response in the county’s police departments by starting a county-wide comfort dog program and expanding Sheriff Wickersham’s “Love in a Bag” program.
3) Work with our local communications to offer more affordable housing.
4) Improve services to county residents including improved veteran services (my father is a disable Navy veteran) and mental health services.
Republican
Joseph V. Romano
Running unopposed.
Judge of Probate Court - New Judgeship Position
Three candidates are running for one six-year term.
Jevona C. Fudge
Age: 47
Occupation: Deputy Chief/Assistant Prosecutor in the Family Division
Municipality of residence: St Clair Shores
For how long: 2 Years
Online campaign information:www.jfudgeforjudge.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am running for Probate Judge to continue my work as a public servant for all communities.
My top goals as a newly elected Probate Judge would be to assist in addressing the high volume of cases in a timely manner, promote equal access to justice, attentively and compassionately listen to the facts of each case and apply the law fairly, work with mental health professionals to assist families care for their loved ones.
Aaron J. Hall
Age: 35
Occupation: Chief of the Probate Unit at the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Municipality of residence: Clinton Township
For how long: 5 years in Clinton Township, 34 years in Macomb County.
Online campaign information:HallForProbateJudge.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (J.D.), Oakland University (B.A.) with Honors.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As a cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the importance of peace of mind to families navigating the challenges of caring for their loved ones. As Judge, I will modernize the technological infrastructure of the Macomb County Probate Court. This will provide a better experience for the public and faster results. Mental illness petitions, protecting the disabled and seniors, and safeguarding family assets while upholding estate wishes are issues too important for needless delays.
Benjamin A. Schock
Age: 48
Occupation: Probate and Elder Law Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 10 years (lifetime Macomb County Resident)
Online campaign information:www.schockforprobate.com
Education: Macomb Lanse Creuse High School North, Michigan State University, B.A in
Political Science Pre Law, Michigan State University College of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As a Judge, I would continue protecting seniors and vulnerable individuals from abuse. I will look to use the role of judge to further protect susceptible individuals. I have over 18 years of probate court experience, under both the Estates and Protected Individuals and Mental Health Codes. I am deeply committed to serve Macomb County as a fair, honest, dedicated and impartial probate court judge; ethically upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and compassion.
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