Mayoral candidates, school bond on August primary ballot in Eastpointe

In the Eastsider’s coverage area, Eastpointe voters in the Aug. 8 primary will each vote for one candidate for mayor, and the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November. Voters residing within the Eastpointe Community Schools district will also decide whether to approve a bond proposal. To read the Eastsider’s story about the bond proposal, click Eastpointe Community Schools places bond proposal on ballot.

Voters who reside in the South Lake Schools district also have a bond proposal on the ballot. Find more information about the proposal at solake.org.

There is no primary election this year in Roseville.

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. (I) denotes an incumbent.

 

Eastpointe Mayor

Four candidates are running for one four-year term. Each voter will select one candidate Aug. 8, and the two candidates with the highest vote totals will advance to the general election in November.

Stacy Cobb-Muñiz
Age: 50
Occupation: Eastpointe City Councilwoman
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091952627435&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Education: Dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Psychology and Sociology, Spring Arbor University, 1994
Juris Doctor in Law, Wayne State University Law School, 2000
Master of Arts in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Wayne State University, 2001
Previously and currently held elected offices: Appointed Eastpointe City Council January 2023.
Top goals: It is imperative that the narrative of Eastpointe is transformed to reflect the true heart of its hard-working citizens and deep roots as a family town. We can effectuate the positive trajectory of this Macomb County gateway gem through increased community engagement in city government, continued assertive and progressive development of our infrastructure, and increased economic development. Additionally, we must maintain prioritizing community safety, continued promotion of sound fiscal policies, and delivery of quality services.

 

Mary Hall-Rayford
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired Educator
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, MI
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information: votehallrayford.com
Education: BA Sociology and English; MAT English and Speech, ABD towards Ph.D, English And Special Education
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently –ECS School Board Trustee
Top goals: My top goal is to create an environment in which the community can be unified and involved in the decision-making processes of the city, to make this an authentic family town, treating all with dignity and respect.

 

Michael Klinefelt
Age: 35
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 30 Years
Online campaign information: MikeKlinefelt.com
Education: BA in Political Science from Michigan State University
J.D. from Wayne State Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Eastpointe City Council, 2015 to 2019
Top goals: We live in an older community, which means we have significant assets in need of repair. My first goal is to further develop our long-term plans to fix our roads, sewers and public safety buildings. We also must repair the public perception of our city. Lack of decorum at council meetings has affected how others view Eastpointe. I will chair meetings with respect and without stifling dissenting opinions. We can accomplish more by working together.

 

Monique Owens (I)
Age: 39
Occupation: Adjunct Professor(Macomb County Community College), Best-Selling of Author (“Mom, What’s A Mayor?” and Public Speaker
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, Michigan (Macomb County)
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Harvard University (Executive Leadership) and Madonna University (Bachelors Science/Criminal Justice)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Councilwoman (2017-2019)
Mayor (2019-present)
Top goals: To ensure public safety by implementing crime prevention strategies and increase community policing. Promote sustainability and resilience by using renewable energy and improve waste management. Continuing to improve our infrastructure in connection to reducing lead pipes. Enhance the quality of life by supporting education and healthcare services that impact the well-being of the community. To implement policies that address disparities both social and economic. Implement initiatives to increase community involvement and inclusivity.

 

Eastpointe Community Schools
School Building and Site Bond Proposal
Shall the Eastpointe Community Schools, County of Macomb, State of Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirty-Six Million Four Hundred Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($36,415,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of paying for the cost of the following projects:

• Remodeling school buildings for safety by equipping and re-equipping (including equipping and re-equipping for technology) school buildings with security and safety features including the construction of secure vestibules at the Middle and High School properties.

• Improving sites for constructing thereon of parking lots, drives and drainage, including traffic flow renovations and pick-up and drop-off lanes.

• Preparing, developing and improving sites, including sites for school district buildings.

• Preparing, developing and improving sites and remodeling and equipping thereon of playgrounds, playfields and athletic fields and renovating the High School track and facilities.

• Remodeling, equipping and re-equipping (including equipping and re-equipping for technology) all school district buildings including the culinary arts facility.

The maximum number of years any series of bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of refunding, is not more than twenty-five (25) years; the estimated millage that will be levied to pay the proposed bonds in the first year is 1.95 mills (which is equal to $1.95 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a 0 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy; and the estimated simple average annual millage that will be required to retire each series of bonds is 3.02 mills annually ($3.02 per $1,000 of taxable value).

The school district does not expect to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds.

The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $7,485,000.00 The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0.00.

(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.)