Voters in West Bloomfield area to decide on millages, plus local, state races in primary

In the West Bloomfield Beacon’s coverage area, voters will select candidates vying to earn spots on the November ballot for the governor’s race, the Michigan House and Senate, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.

Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. 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. Profiles do not appear for candidates uncontested in their party.

 

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.

---

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.

---

State Senate District 13
Two candidates are running for the Republican nomination and one candidate is running for the Democratic 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.

---

State House of Representatives District 20
Three 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. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685 plus expenses.

Democrat
Noah Arbit
Age:26
Occupation: Founder and Executive Director, Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus; Former Director of Communications, Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 26 years
Online campaign information: www.noahformi.com.
Education: B.A., Political Science and Jewish Studies, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My core priorities as State Representative are to transform Michigan from national laggard to national leader on hate crimes prevention, intervention, and prosecution, and confront Michigan’s mental health crisis, ensuring access to treatment for kids, seniors, and everyone in-between. Additionally, I will work relentlessly to address our epidemic of gun violence, defend women’s reproductive rights and equality for LGBTQ+ people, support small businesses and boost economic innovation; and invest in our public education.

Democrat
Ken Ferguson
Age: 50
Occupation: Special education teacher for blind and visually impaired students
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: kenformi.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Wayne State University Education Specialist Degree in Education Administration from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: I’m currently serving on the West Bloomfield School Board, a position I have held since 2016. In 2020, I was elected as the treasurer of the WBSD board.
Top goals: I’m running my campaign on a platform of four Es: Education, Environment, Economy, and Equity. As a public school teacher, I firmly believe we must ensure a quality public education for all of Michigan’s students which prepares them for college or careers. I also know it is imperative to protect our environment for future generations, to revisit our tax structure to put money where it is needed most, and to ensure that everyone in Michigan has equitable access to the resources they need.

Democrat
James Sklar
Age: 29
Occupation: Law
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield, MI
For how long: 1 Year
Online campaign information: www.jamessklar.com
Education: B.S. - Human Resource Development: Oakland University; B.A. - Political Science: Oakland University; and J.D. – Michigan State University College of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time running
Top goals: · Reproductive Health Care: I believe we need to repeal Michigan’s 1931 State law, which makes abortion illegal. I stand with women across the State, and I believe that we should protect, not attack, or limit access to, important resources for women’s health.
· Environment: We need to make sure our water stays clean and limit chemicals like PFAS. Michigan needs to implement stronger policies to ensure a safer relationship between our people and our environment.

Republican
Diana Theresa Mohyi
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Attorney, Family Law
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 2002-2008, 2011-2012, 2020-present
Online campaign information: www.electdianamohyi.com
Education: Brain Behavior & Cognitive Sciences, B.S. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2007 Law, J.D., Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, Ohio, 2011
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate West Bloomfield 2021-2022
Top goals: Quality Education: Uphold school safety and parent control in children’s education. Prohibit critical race theory and gender identity politics in classroom. Require in person learning for children. Prohibit in-school mask and Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Protect mental health. Protect a females’ right to fairly compete with other biological females in sports. Restore quality education in reading, writing, math, sciences and civics. Economic Prosperity: Michigan First and America First. Protect Freedoms: Uphold the freedoms granted by the United States Constitution.

Republican
Albert Mansour
Age: 43
Occupation: Realtor
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Twp. MI
For how long: lifelong
Online campaign information: www.AlbertMansour.com
Education: Master’s Degree from Walsh College in Information Systems, with a project management concentration. Bachelor’s Degree from Wayne State University in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate.
Top goals: Defending against governmental overreach. And defending parental rights in education and health care choices.

---

Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 10
One Democratic candidate and one Republican candidate are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.

Democrat
Kristen Nelson
Running unopposed.

Republican
Vincent F. Sitto
Running unopposed.

---

Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 11
One Democratic candidate and one Republican candidate are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.

Democrat
Marcia Gershenson
Running unopposed.

Republican
S. Dave Sullivan
Running unopposed.

---

West Bloomfield Township Renewal and Restoration of General Millage: 0.2435
“Shall the previously authorized tax levy of the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, of up to 0.2435 mills, reduced by required millage rollbacks to a levy of 0.2288 mills in 2021, and which is due to expire in 2023, be renewed at and increased up to the original voted 0.2435 mills ($0.2435 per $1,000.00 of taxable value), and levied for 10 years from 2024 through 2033 inclusive for the support of the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission for acquisition, maintenance, management, and control of Township parks and places of recreation? It is estimated that this proposal would result in the authorization to collect up to $1,150,538. in the first year if approved and levied.”

Renewal and Restoration of Restore Millage: 0.35 Mills

“Shall the previously authorized tax levy of the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, of up to 0.35 mills or less, reduced by required millage rollbacks to a levy of 0.329 mills in 2021, and which is due to expire in 2023, be renewed at and increased up to the original voted 0.35 mills ($0.35 per $1,000.00 of taxable value), and levied for 10 years from 2024 through 2033 inclusive for the support of the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission for acquisition, maintenance, management, and control of Township parks and places of recreation? It is estimated that this proposal will result in the authorization to collect up to $1,653,750. in the first year if approved and levied.”