Novi voters to choose candidates in primary election

In the Novi Note’s coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the governor’s race, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.

Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates who are running uncontested for their party’s nomination. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim.

 

Governor of Michigan
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and six candidates, including a write-in candidate, are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $159,300 plus benefits.

Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Running unopposed.

Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Ryan D. Kelley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Ralph Rebandt
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Pastor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: ralphrebandtforgovernor.com
Education: B.R.E., M.A.R., M.Div.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No
Top goals: We are in a social and moral crisis. My goal is to bring back our Jude’s-Christian values, and together with truth, transparency, and accountability: ensure constitutional protections; make Michigan an open record state; secure election integrity; provide school choice; reduce taxes and budget; eliminate corporate welfare and reduce government agencies by involving faith based organization’s; and establish a Citizens Round Table.

Republican
Kevin Rinke
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Michigan born and raised. I built my home in Oakland County, was raised in
Wayne County and worked in Macomb County.
Online campaign information: https://rinkeformichigan.com/
Education: Bachelor’s in Advertising with a minor in Statistics from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As governor, I aim to make Michigan the best state in America. To do so, we must emulate what other successful states have done. I have called for the elimination of the state income tax by January 1, 2024. I want to create an economic climate that incentivizes businesses and workers to come to Michigan. I want to fix our education system, add vocational training to the common curriculum and get Michigan back on track.

Republican
Garrett Soldano
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
James Craig (Write-in)
Age: 65
Occupation: Served as Chief of Police in Portland, ME; Cincinnati, OH; and Detroit, MI. After eight years as Chief of Police in his hometown of Detroit and 44 years as a dedicated public servant, Craig retired in June 2021. After twenty-eight years with Los Angeles Police Department, the Chief rose through the ranks to Captain Three. 2 1/2 years as a Detroit Police Officer before being laid off.
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Michigan
For how long: Professional experience 44 years
Online campaign information: www.chiefjamescraig.com
Education: Craig graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977, Obtained an undergraduate degree from West Coast University BS in Business and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Public Administration, James Craig, started coursework in a Doctorate program UOP; however, he had to stop the program when appointed Police Chief in the city of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals: James Craig is running for Governor of Michigan with a commitment to fix leadership in state government and institute an effective administration that fosters a collaborative environment to drive the vibrancy of the state’s economy, education, public safety, and communities. I will work to WIN as a write-in candidate.

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U.S. House of Representatives District 6
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.

Democrat
Debbie Dingell
Running Unopposed.

Republican
Hima Kolanagireddy
Age: 45
Occupation: CEO
Municipality of residence: Northville Township  
For how long: 3.5 years
Online campaign information: himaforcongress.com
Education: MBA
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate (Oakland- 2 years | Wayne - 2 years)
Top goals: We need to lower the temperature, and stop dividing the greatest country on earth. It is important to treat opponents, and others, with courtesy and kindness -attacking poor policies and behavior, rather than other human beings. If we remember that there is one race — the human race — we can begin developing respect for the liberties of those we disagree with politically. I will serve/ and treat others as I would like to be treated myself. (…)

Republican
Whittney Williams
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

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U.S. House of Representatives District 11
Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary and two candidates are running in the Republican primary to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.

Democrat
Andy Levin
Age: 61
Occupation: U.S. Representative in Congress
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 16 years
Online campaign information:
Education: BA in Religion from Williams College, MA in Asian Languages and Culture from U of M, JD from Harvard Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to U.S. Congress in 2018
Top goals: My goals are simple. Our children have a right to grow up on a safe, livable planet. No American should have to choose between seeking health care and feeding themselves. Schools shouldn’t be warzones. Justice matters. Democracy matters. That’s why I came to Congress--for our kids and our communities--and because I steadfastly believe that the American people deserve better. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Democrat
Haley Stevens
Age: 39
Occupation: Member of Congress, Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Waterford
For how long: 1 year
Online campaign information: https://haleystevensforcongress.com/
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, American University. Masters of Arts in Social policy and Philosophy from American University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Member of Congress, Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. Elected 2018 and re-elected 2020.
Top goals: If I am re-elected my top goal will be to continue delivering for the people of Oakland County. From fighting for a women’s right to choose to ensuring women and girls have access to quality STEM education I will never back down for my constituents. Additionally, some of my most important votes while in Congress have been to address this national epidemic of gun violence which has hit us even here in Oakland County recently.

Republican
Mark Ambrose
Age: 52
Occupation: Regional Investment Manager and Chartered Financial Analyst
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 13 years most recently - also raised in Bloomfield Twp. (addtl. 18 years)
Online campaign information: https://voteambrose.com/
Education: Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Twp. : 1984-1988; U.S. Military Academy, West Point, B.Sc. in Systems Engineering: 1988-1992; Columbia University, Masters of International Affairs, Russian Studies: 1995-1998; Columbia Business School, Masters of Business Administration, 1996-1998
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goals are to fix our broken economy and reverse runaway inflation, to protect our borders and reform our immigration policy, and to keep America safe at home and abroad.

Republican
Matthew DenOtter
Age: 48
Occupation: Sales, Johnson & Johnson
Municipality of residence: Highland
For how long: 7 years in Highland; 2 years in Farmington before that
Online campaign information: www.DenOtterforCongress.com
Education: I’m a graduate of Calvin University with a Degree in Criminal Justice.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None; outsider.
Top goals: I’m a proud conservative Republican. My core beliefs are that we must put our Nation first, that the federal government should not be infringing on our day-to-day lives, that freedom and liberty are essential, and that we must stand for law and order. I want to get rid of Haley Stevens and Andy Levin who do not represent the values of our communities – we need to bring commonsense back to Oakland County.

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State Senate District 13
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for a state senator is $71,685.

Democrat
Rosemary K. Bayer
Running unopposed.

Republican
Jason Rhines
Age: 47
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Northville Township
For how long: 8 Years
Online campaign information: www.RhinesforSenate.com
Education: Associates Degree from Schoolcraft College, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Wayne State University Campus
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently Elected Treasurer of Northville Township
Top goals: My top goal is rebuilding Michigan’s economy. Inflation, high gas prices, and labor shortages are hurting everyone. We need tax reductions today to help fuel our cars and put food on our tables. As Treasurer I cut taxes, lowered fees, and increased the Township’s bond rating to AAA while finding solutions for large projects that had been stalled for 10 years. I will take these commonsense principles to Lansing.

Republican
Brian Williams
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

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State Senate District 23
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. State senators earn a salary of $71,685

Democrat
Una Hepburn
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Tour Manager & a RYT Yoga Instructor
Municipality of residence: Davisburg/ Springfield Township
For how long: 24 Years
Online campaign information: No website
Education: B.S. Political Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time running
Top goals: Women’s Reproduction Rights: We received enough signatures to put this important bill on the ballot for November. Let the people choose.
Gun Control: Ban assault weapons. More thorough background checks, including mental health evaluations, and a mandatory waiting period.
Infrastructure: Roads and Bridges have needed work for years.
Education: We are losing teachers at a record rate. We need to increase pay and incentives and we must not privatize schools.

Democrat
Michael Wiese
Age: 65
Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Appraiser and Broker
Municipality of residence: Commerce
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: Facebook
Education: University of Michigan and University of Detroit - Bachelors, Business Admin - 1981
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Work to stop Republican misinformation and Republican attempts to make  it more difficult to vote in the state of Michigan. If Republicans, succeed in restricting the vote and remain in power in the Michigan Legislature, and are able to continue to block legislation in Washington nothing else matters. If  Republican’s continue to control the Michigan legislature I fear all is lost.

Republican
Jim Runestad
Running unopposed.

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State House of Representatives District 21
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685 plus expenses.

Democrat
Kelly Breen
Running unopposed.

Republican
Daniel Lawless
Age: 40
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: I’ve lived in Novi 7 of the last 11 years, and Lyon the other 4
Online campaign information: daniellawless.com
Education: Lake Orion High 2000, Some College MSU
Previously and currently held elected offices: No previous elected offices.
Top goals: My top priorities are eliminating the income and pension taxes, fighting for parents’ rights in education, and ensuring that our elections are secure. I sick and tired of career politicians in Lansing who only answer to the special interest. Its time to deliver for the people. I will always put you first. I will legislate by principles not polls. I will fight for our shared values, not Lansing values.

Republican
David Staudt
Age: 62
Occupation: Comptroller, ABC SEMI & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Novi
For how long: 29
Online campaign information: www,electdavestaudt.com
Education: BA – Business Administration, MS - Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: Novi City Council (15 years - 2007-Present), Novi Mayor Pro Tem (11 years – 2011 Present)
Top goals: · Support policies and legislation that lower taxes, encourage smaller government, less regulation, and fewer mandates
· Work to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse at all levels and departments within state government
· Provide funding for ALL K-12 schools, improving academic achievement and transparency, empowering parental choice, improving school security and supporting our TEACHERS
· Support post-secondary education and training opportunities for public safety (police, fire, paramedics) and the skilled trades and recruit students to those programs.

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State House of Representatives District 49
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.

Democrat
Christina M. Kafkakis
Running unopposed.

Republican
Ann Bollin
Running unopposed.

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Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 14
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.

Democrat
Ajay V. Raman
Running unopposed.

Republican
Robert Smiley
Running unopposed.

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Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 15
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.

Democrat
Gwen Markham
Running unopposed.

Republican
Ross Barranco
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired Chief Geologist/DTE Gas
Municipality of residence: City of Novi
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information:
https://www.facebook.com/pro file.php?id=100080412729974
Education: B.S. Earth Sciences, University of New Orleans
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1 Get the World Economic Forum; Davos Group; and Communist Chinese Party out of Oakland County (OC); and keep them out. 2 Get the Indoctrination out of the OC schools and put Education back into the schools. 3 Return the OC Board of Commissioners back to a fiscally responsible body, looking out for the citizens and businesses of the county; and provide them with valuable services at reasonable costs.
4 Make Oakland County a “Mandate Free” County.

Republican
Michelle DiNardo
Age: 54
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 8 years, previously resided in West Bloomfield for over 20 years.
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: B.S. Indiana University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate in West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills
Top goals: Maintain Oakland County’s AAA bond rating by conscientiously working to control spending. This bond rating saves taxpayers millions of dollars in future borrowing costs.
Limit funding of special interests that do not put Oakland County residents’ needs first. However, I would support funding our law enforcement for projects which would directly benefit Oakland County residents.
Taxes cannot be raised, especially in this inflationary environment hurting so many of our residents.