Primary election set for Aug. 2

WARREN/CENTER LINE — In the Warren Weekly coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.

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.

 

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.

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 10
Five candidates are 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
Huwaida Arraf
Age: 46
Occupation: Civil Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: huwaidaforcongress.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Getting big money out of politics so that we can make this government and economy work for the masses, not just the wealthy, well-connected few. I will fight to keep abortion legal, pass gun safety laws to protect our communities, guarantee health care, create good jobs that pay a living wage, expand social security, provide a quality education to every child, and make corporate polluters pay to clean our air and water.

Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Circuit Court Judge
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 40 years
Online campaign information: www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985 – 2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2016; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017 – February, 2022
Top goals: We must seriously address the price of gasoline and its affect upon overall inflation. We do this in the short term by authorizing a ceiling on profits that oil companies can make; but we also must move the economy to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy, harvesting the power of sun, wind, tides, and geothermal. We can create good paying union jobs by manufacturing the energy efficient products that will save our environment and provide cheap energy. 

Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 52
Occupation: Director of Operations
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.RhondaPowellforCongress.com
Education: MS Community Service, BA in Human Service
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a 4th generation resident of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable people Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, combat climate change, government accountability, protect reproductive and voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but get ahead. 
Rhonda Powell is a native of the 10th District that will represent the interest of fellow residents.

Democrat
Angela Rogensues
Age: 41
Occupation: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforuscongress.com
Education: Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Health studies and Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Top goals: Angela will fight Republican efforts to limit contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare access. Work to bring good-paying, union manufacturing jobs to the district by rebuilding American supply chains and making more products in Michigan. Angela will also prioritize lowering the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare and expanding benefits to cover vision, hearing, and dental. Stand up to special interests and Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare Benefits.

Democrat
Henry Yanez
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: Website - henryyanezforcongress.com, FB Page - facebook.com/citi zenyanez, Twitter - @CitizenYanez
Education: AAS in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a City Councilman for the City of Sterling Heights. Previously I held the position of State Representative for House District 25, Sterling Heights and Warren, for three terms.
Top goals: 
1 – I’ll work for an economy that is fair for everyone by lowering the cost of health care and prescriptions, hold corporations accountable for price gouging during tough economic times and make education more affordable to alleviate student debt.
2 – Affordable healthcare for all is a must, people shouldn’t go bankrupt for getting sick.
3 – Protecting our environment to make sure we leave a healthy, productive planet for future generations.

Republican
John James
Age: 41
Occupation: President, James Group
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, Michigan
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: JohnJamesMI.com
Education: United States Military Academy, BS; University of Michigan, MBA; Pennsylvania State University, MS Supply Chain Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals:  Tackling rising prices, promoting clean water and quality education, repatriating manufacturing.
I will help stop reckless policies in Washington that cause more expensive gas, food and essentials. We must stop relying on foreign goods and bring our critical supply chains back to the U.S. I will prioritize investment in our futures by keeping our water clean and protecting a parent’s right to educate their children where they will be safest and most successful.

Republican
Tony Marcinkewciz
Age: 27
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: tonyformi10.com
Education: Bachelors Of Science in Information Technology Concentrations in Web and Database Development
Minor in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: - Build Back American Small Business
- Lockdown Accountability Hearings
- Stop Inflation
- Lower Gas Prices
- Defund DC

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State Senate District 3
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and no candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in
November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.

Democrat
Stephanie Chang
Age: 38
Occupation: State Senator
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: ~17 years
Online campaign information: www.stephaniechang.com
Education: BA in Psychology and Minor in APIA Studies, Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative (2015-18), State Senator (2019-present)
Top goals: I will continue to work for an economy that works for everyone, quality education for all our kids, preventing flooding in our neighborhoods and ensuring clean air and water, fixing our roads and bridges, housing justice, a strong and fair justice system, gun violence prevention, and protecting reproductive freedom.

Democrat
Toinu Reeves
Age: 46
Occupation: Founder and Managing Director of two Nonprofits: Laescient.org and Socivisus.org; University of Michigan - Graduate Student Instructor - Graduate Employees’ Union Member
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 46 years
Online campaign information: toinu4statesenate.org
Education: Dartmouth College - AB Economics and Philosophy; Wayne State University - Graduate Mathematics Program; University of Michigan - MA Economics; University of Michigan - PhD Candidate Economics
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: •Secure Money for Economic Development, Jobs, and Job Training
• Reduce Gun Violence
• Support Veterans and First Responders
• Expand Healthcare Coverage Including Mental Health
• Ensure Equitable Funding for Education
• Develop Prosperous and Diverse Communities
• Return the $600 Million in Excess Property Taxes to Detroit Residents by the City of Detroit following the 2007 crisis
• Ensure each local municipalities receives its fair share of State taxes
• Establish Environmental Justice

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Michigan Senate District 10
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. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.

Democrat
Paul Wojno
Running unopposed.

Republican
Joe Hunt
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Paul Smith
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired GM project manager
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: Detroit 1946 to 1966. Sterling Heights since 1977
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from GMI in Flint. Masters of Science from CMU.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Sterling Heights City Council 2011 through 2013.
Top goals: To bring the governor under to control of the State Legislature, to reduce taxation and government intrusion into industry, business and people’s private lives.
To end abortion in the state of Michigan.
To impose term limits on ALL elected office, no more time in office than The President.
To ban oppressive local government dictatorships that use petitioning barriers and back room appointment to fill vacancies.
To treat all people as equal with no special favors.

 

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State Senate District 11
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
Veronica Klinefelt
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: For 30 years
Online campaign information: www.veronicaklinefelt.com
Education: Macomb Community College, Wayne State University, BS in Criminal Justice
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner (in 10th year), Eastpointe City Council (8 years), East Detroit School Board (6 years)
Top goals: Strong school districts and safe, clean neighborhoods are essential for thriving communities. We need to invest more locally. To attract businesses, we must invest in infrastructure, and training that meets the needs of today’s job market. We need to support programs that enable seniors to maintain their independence. The most important aspect of being an elected official is to understand that we are public servants who should work toward better government.

Democrat
Monique Owens
Age: 38
Occupation: Mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, Michigan
For how long: 11+ years
Online campaign information: moniqueowensforsenate.org
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Concentration in Criminal Justice (Madonna University)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Councilwoman of Eastpointe, Michigan(2017-2019) and Mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan (2019-Present)
Top goals: Access to affordable housing by providing grants and a plan for new housing development. Quality education for our children by providing access to resources that accommodate them in housing, before and after school nutritional food programs, and tutoring services. Gun safety by providing thorough background checks to obtain a firearm, especially for those with a history of mental illness. Stricker laws of a high and aggravated nature for those caught in possession of weapons obtained illegally.

Republican
Mike MacDonald
Running unopposed.

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State House of Representatives District 13
Two candidates are 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
Myles W. Miller
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Lori M. Stone
Age: 42
Occupation: State Representative & Teacher
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 42 years
Online campaign information: electloristone.com
Education: Fitzgerald High School & Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center, 1998; Bachelor’s degree: Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy; Elementary Education, 2002, Michigan State University; Master’s degree: Science Education, Michigan State University; 2008 Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellow, MSU 2017
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative, 2 terms serving the 28th House District (Warren & Center Line)
Top goals: I continue to work on funding adequate and equitable, high quality public education for Michigan’s children to prepare them for a successful career. I shape education policies from early childhood education to preparing students for the 21st century workforce. Repairing and maintaining critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and sewers with sustainable funding solutions. On Health Policy committee, I’m developing policy for affordable healthcare and prescriptions. Follow me on Facebook.com/electloristone.

Republican
Ronald A. Singer
Running unopposed.

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State House of Representatives District 14
Three candidates are 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
Aaron Delikta
Age: 26
Occupation: Center Line City Councilman
Municipality of residence: Center Line
For how long: 26 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/Delik taForStateRep
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Center Line City Councilman, elected in 2019
Top goals: I am running because elected officials ought to work closely with the multitude of people who live in their districts. Given my experiences in school, city government, volunteer groups, and business/the arts, I believe I can do just that: I can be a bridge between differing neighborhoods in the 14th district and create a community for everyone. This means focusing on issues surrounding education reform, updating our infrastructure, and continuing improvements for the local/state economies.

Democrat
Kristina Lodovisi
Age: 41
Occupation: Office Administrator
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.KristinaLodovisi.com
Education: Military Police, United States Army; B.S. Business Management; A.A.S., General Business
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Kristina Lodovisi will fight for women’s reproductive health care rights and for Civil Rights reforms to protect all of Michigan’s citizens from discrimination. Kristina will fight for common sense gun safety legislation focused on protecting Michiganders from gun violence. Kristina will advocate for permanent funding of preschool programs and expand access to skilled trades education, scholarships, and Promise Zones. Kristina will Advocate for more funding to invest in mental health programs and access for all.

Democrat
Donavan McKinney
Age: 30
Occupation: National Political Director at Climate Power
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: https://www.donavanmckinney.com/
Education: University of Michigan- Ann Arbor; B.A.- Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy & Detroit Renaissance High School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate & Member- Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice
Top goals: I’ll fight to provide resources for seniors to age in place with dignity and to lower the cost of prescription drugs, childcare and mental health resources. I’ll fight for access to clean affordable water, fully-funded public schools, and quality job opportunities. I’ll fight to raise the minimum wage, strengthen unions and protect workers’rights to bargain collectively. I’ll fight to protect neighborhoods, establish preventive and community centered policing, and ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

Republican
Wendy Jo Watters
Running unopposed.

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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. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.

Democrat
Nate Shannon
Running unopposed.

Republican
Giovanni Ndrea
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Michelle Smith
Age: 38
Occupation: Real Estate Appraiser
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 2+ (Previously Warren for 7+)
Online campaign information: michelleformichigan.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1) Fight inflation, gas prices, supply chain concerns with conservative practices like reducing taxes and regulations. 2) Respect personal freedoms including medical decisions. 3) Advocate for parent rights, school choice, student opportunity scholarships, school security officers, updates to graduation standards and additional offerings like trades and cyber security to provide a well-trained workforce that businesses want. 4) Support our police.  5) Fix our roads & water & sewer systems by making it a budget priority.

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Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 11
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination for a chance to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.

Democrat
Donna Kaczor-Caumartin
Age: 61
Occupation: Realtor
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 42 years
Online campaign information: Committee to Elect Donna-Kaczor-Caumartin (FB page)
Education: Graduated 1978 NHS, attended Schoolcraft College, Michigan Department Licensing and Regulatory affairs MI. Real Estate License
Previously and currently held elected offices: Former Warren City Councilwoman 8yrs and Warren City Planning Commission 11 yrs.
Top goals:
• Partner with County government in Warren’s economic development and the revitalization of our community.
• Protect our police and fire services and enhance public safety.
• Safeguard taxpayer money and ensure it is used to help those most in need.
• Work together respectfully for the best interest of the residents of Warren.
• Invest in community mental health programs
• Protect our meals on wheels, senior chores program provided to our seniors and veterans.
• Invest in roads and water.

Democrat
Mai Xiong
Age: 37
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 19 Years
Online campaign information: https://voteformai.com
Education: BFA, College for Creative Studies
Previously and currently held elected offices: Incumbent - County Commissioner
Top goals: As your commissioner, Mai Xiong will continue to ensure programs are adequately funded to meet the needs of seniors. Xiong will continue to stand up for Warren to get our fair share of road funding and make the long overdue improvements our roads need; work to protect our drinking water and environment for our children and future generations; keep the County accountable with bidding and awarding contracts to ensure the process is transparent and equitable.

Republican
Clifford Frost
Running unopposed.

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Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 12
Four candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.

Democrat
Khaja S. Ahmed
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat 
Andrey Duzyj 
Age: 67 
Occupation: Retired from manufacturing, Trig Tool, Inc 
Municipality of residence: Live in Warren, MI 
For how long: 55 years 
Online campaign information: Campaign info on Facebook, Andrey Duzyj for Macomb County Commissioner, District 12 
Education: MCC Associate of Arts, General Electric Designated Supplier Quality Representative, Various programs for City Planning and civil engineering courses 
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren Planning Commission-1991-2000 
Warren TIFA- 2001-2012 
Macomb County Commissioner 2005-2010 and 2015 to 2020  
Top goals: My top goals for the coming years are to verify and promote Covid testing and vaccination. 
We must address the Heroin and opiate supply networks and stop this poison from killing our young residents and seniors.  
We must support senior and veteran programs to help those who can not help themselves. 
Promote COMTEC programs that support our police and fire departments. 
Verify that the poisons from businesses like Electroplating Services do not reach our water supply and stay vigilant protecting our water supply. 

Democrat
Michelle Nard
Age: 61
Occupation: CDC Relative Care Provider
Municipality of residence: Warren Mi, Macomb County
For how long: 19 years
Online campaign information: Committee to Elect Michelle Nard
Education: Graduated Flint Central Highschool, Graduated Concorde Career Institute, Attended Mary Grove College (Detroit Campus), Attended Kaplan University, Purdue University Global, Attended University of Michigan Special Medical Program at Children’s Hospital
Previously and currently held elected offices:Macomb County Commissioner District 1, Elected in 2020
Top goals: To continue to work together with all Board Members to put forth a balanced budget that reflects positive results for all of Macomb County. To utilize my position as commissioner to build a strong foundation for the Southern portions of the county especially Centerline and Warren the largest city in the county by staying active with the partnerships I’ve formed  SEMCOG as a Delegate and Executive Committee Member and Vice Chair of SEMCOG Traffic and Safety Task Force, also (…)

Democrat
Terry L. Wisniewski
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Bill Clift
Running unopposed.

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Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 13
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.

Democrat
Courtney Flynn
Age: 35
Occupation: Communications and Public Information Director, City of Oak Park
Municipality of residence: St. Clair Shores
For how long: 4 months
Online campaign information: flynnforthewin.com
Education: Bachelors of Science in Print Journalism from Bowling Green State University; Masters of Public Administration from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goals as a Macomb County Commissioner are to Ensure the Board of Commissioners provides the oversight necessary of a government entity that best serves the residents and creates a strong system of checks and balances; Leverage funds, specifically federal dollars, to further invest in infrastructure, clean water, senior and veteran services and broadband access; Create a level of transparency that allows residents to be engaged in and understand how County government is working to represent their needs.

Democrat
Sarah Ann Lucido
Age: 44
Occupation: Eastpointe City Councilperson
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: https://sarahlucidoforcountycommissioner.weebly.com
Education: Graduate of East Detroit High School, Michigan State University Extension Citizen Planner Program, and Greater Metropolitan Association of Relators Training Program
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to Eastpointe City Council in 2015 and reelected in 2019
Top goals: My priority is to ensure that our South Macomb County communities are receiving our fair share of funding and to make certain that we are not allowing our residents’ hard earned tax dollars to be wasted. Fair distribution and zero waste, that is my goal.  I have seven years of elected government experience.  I know the budgeting process in municipal and regional government.  I am ready and able to protect our interests.

Democrat
Robert D. Roscoe
Age: No answer given
Occupation: No answer given
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: I have lived in Eastpointe for the past 15 years.
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given
Previously and currently held elected offices: I currently serving my second term as an Eastpointe School Board Member as (Treasurer).
Top goals: I love my community and I want to serve. I have served in leaderships roles in the union for over 40 years including chairman, contract negotiator, and union steward. My Platform is to protect workers, seniors, ensure safe water, roads repair, and community development. Most of all I want to create and environment which government  considers communication with the community to  make life improvements. Please consider Robert Roscoe as your Macomb County Commissioner.

Republican
Michael Babat
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Republican
Randell J. Shafer
Did not return questionnaire by press time.