Voters to choose candidates for November election

GROSSE POINTES — In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, voters will decide during the Aug. 6 primary who will represent their party in the November general election in federal, state and county races. Wayne County voters are also being asked to weigh in on a parks millage renewal and auditor selection, and voters in the Grosse Pointe Public School System are being asked to decide on an operating millage restoration and extension. 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. For uncontested races, only the names of the candidates are listed.

Early voting, for those who want to cast their ballot in person before Election Day, starts July 27. Check with your city clerk’s office for polling locations.

 

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.

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. Representative in Congress District 13
Three Democrats are running to be their party’s nominee and one Republican is running unopposed to compete for a two-year term in November.

Democrat

Shakira Lynn Hawkins

Age: 51

Occupation: Attorney

Municipality of residence: Detroit

For how long: I was born and raised in Detroit

Online campaign information:HawkinsforCongress2024.com

Education: B.A. University of Michigan, 1995

J.D., University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law, 1998

Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A

Top goals: Universal Healthcare

• Single Payer - Medicare for All

• Mental health assistance

• Lower Rx costs

End Gun Violence

• Background checks

• Close gunshow loopholes

• Ban assault weapons

• Red flag laws

• Mandatory waiting period

Reproductive Freedom/Bodily Autonomy

• Protect people’s right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies

Climate/Environmental Justice

• Ensure clean air/water

• Reduce energy consumption

• Transition to renewable energy sources

Immigration Reform

• Increase border protection

• Pathway to citizenship for legal entrants

•Family/Employment-based policies

 

Democrat

Shri Thanedar (I)

Age: 69

Occupation: United States House of Representatives

Municipality of residence: Detroit

For how long: 18 months

Online campaign information:Shriforcongress.com

Education: PH.D Chemistry, University of Akron

Previously and currently held elected offices: Current United States Representative for Michigan’s 13th District, Previously State Representative for Michigan’s 3rd State House District, Detroit

Top goals: If re-elected, my top goals are to protect our rights, lower the cost of living, and secure critical federal dollars for Michigan’s 13th District. I’ll fight to protect women’s rights, workers’ rights, lower the cost of healthcare, fight for sensible gun laws, and environmental protections. I’ll prioritize affordable housing, defend social security, address immigration challenges, and work to make life more affordable for all Americans.

 

Democrat

Mary Waters

Did not return questionnaire by press time.

 

Republican

Martell D. Bivings

Running unopposed.

 

State House of Representatives District 10
Two Democrats are running to be their party’s nominee and one Republican is running unopposed to compete for one two-year term in November.

Democrat

Justin Counts

Age: 47

Occupation: VP of North American Sales at MSX

Municipality of residence: Wayne County — Grosse Pointe Park — 48230

For how long: 9 years

Online campaign information:Makeyourvotecounts.org

Education: BA — University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), MBA — Darden School of Business

Previously and currently held elected offices: First time seeking public office

Top goals:

1. Rats out of the trash — Those holes in your trash cans are not from squirrels.  Funding to execute my plan to send the rats packing

2. Increase ticketing for driving high — Tired of smelling marijuana coming out of cars? Funding for police to get high folks off the road

3. Wi-Fi across your town — Residents say staying connected on cellular and Wi-Fi is a pain point.  Funding and implementing technology change for you

 

Democrat

Veronica Paiz

Age: 66

Occupation: Representative in State Legislature

Municipality of residence: Harper Woods

For how long: 25 years

Online campaign information:www.veronicaforstaterep.com

Education: Wayne State University, BFA; New York University, MA

Previously and currently held elected offices: Representative, State House District 11, January 2023 - Present; City Council Member, Harper Woods, January 2015 - November 2022; Precinct Delegate: 2012 - 2022

Top goals: 1) Continue work with constituents for legislation of particular importance to them (currently includes housing, disabilities, seniors, energy, and environment).

2) Advocate for state budget funds. My district received money to revitalize East Warren Ave. and reduce sewage overflows into Lake St. Clair.

3) Continue policy work relevant to my roles as Majority Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and a member of committees for Natural Resources/Environment, Local Gov’t., and Higher Education.

 

Republican

Griffin Wojtowicz

Running unopposed.

 

Wayne County Board of Commissioners District 1
One candidate is running unopposed as a Democrat to appear on the ballot for this four-year term in November. No Republicans filed to run for this office.

Democrat

Tim Killeen (I)

Running unopposed.

 

Wayne County Proposal
Proposition P — Parks Millage Renewal

To renew the millage authorized in 2020, shall Wayne County levy this millage at the 2023 rollback rate of 0.2442 mills (about $0.24 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) for five more years (2026 through 2030) to continue to improve and operate several parks and related facilities, including Hines Park, Elizabeth Park, Wayne County Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park, and improvements to municipal parks in the 43 communities as provided in an implementing ordinance through an annual allocation by commission district of the greater of $50,000 or 15% of the total funds generated from that district, on the condition that, for any year for which this continued levy would be imposed, Wayne County must budget from other sources an amount equal to its 1995-1996 fiscal year appropriation for parks?  Based upon the total estimated 2026 taxable value of $59,252,807,563, this renewal is projected to generate $14,469,536 in 2026.

Yes or No

 

Wayne County Proposal
Proposition A — Auditor Selection

Shall the Wayne County Charter Section 3.119 (e) be amended in part to allow the County’s independent external auditor, selected by competitive bid, to serve for a term of three years or more?

Yes or No

 

Grosse Pointe Public School System Proposal
Operating Millage Restoration and Extension

This proposal would reauthorize the Grosse Pointe Public School System to levy up to the statutory limit of 18.00 mills for general school district operating purposes on taxable property in the School District to the extent that such property is not exempt from such levy, protect the School District against the impact of Headlee rollbacks of up to 2 mills, and restrict the levy on principal residences (owner-occupied homes) to no more than 7.5337 mills.  This authorization would allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18.00 mills on non-homestead (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) which expires with the School District’s 2024 tax levy.  Under existing law, the School District would levy on principal residence property only that portion of the mills necessary to allow the School District to receive the full revenue per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State. 

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Grosse Pointe Public School System, County of Wayne, Michigan, be increased by 20 mills ($20.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) to the extent such property is not statutorily exempt, for five (5) years, the years 2025 to 2029, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses of the school district? Of the 20 mills, no more than 7.5337 mills ($7.5337 per $1,000 of taxable value) would be levied on principal residences.  This millage would raise approximately $22,396,039 in the first year of levy.

Yes or No