Voters to choose state, county and federal candidates for November election

GROSSE POINTES — In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, voters will decide during the Aug. 2 primary who will represent their party in the November general election in newly redrawn district boundaries for state, federal and county races.Wayne County voters are also being asked to weigh in on a jail millage renewal.

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. Profile forms were not sent to candidates who are running unopposed.

For additional information about these candidates, visit the League of Women Voters of Grosse Pointe website at lwvgrossepointe.org or www.vote411.org.

 

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.

 

U.S. House of Representatives District 13
Nine 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. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.

Democrat
John Conyers
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat  
Sherry Gay-Dagnogo
Age: 55
Occupation: Educator, Title: Director of Academic Outreach & Government Affairs Team Wellness Center
Municipality of residence: City of Detroit
For how long: 50 years
Online campaign information: www.SherryforCongress.com
Education: • Bachelor of Science, K-8 Certified Science Teacher
• Wayne State University; M.Ed. Instructional Technology, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: • Detroit Public School Board, 2020-Present
• Michigan State Representative, 2014-2020
Top goals: I’m committed to expanding Universal Pre-K, Safe Schools, College Affordability, and Student Loan Forgiveness. Improving our nation’s access to affordable health care, and prescriptions with a singlepayer health care system. Stabilizing our environment for clean air, drinking water, and to halt the impact of global warming. Repairing our crumbling infrastructure. Restoring a woman’s right to choose and legislation to close the gender pay gap. Improving workforce development, criminal justice reform, and access to green jobs.

Democrat
Michael Griffie
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Adam Hollier
Age: 36
Occupation: State Senator representing Michigan’s 2nd District
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 36 years, with time spent away for college
Online campaign information: www.adamhollierforcongress.com
Education: Bachelors of Science from Cornell University, College of Industrial and Labor Relations. Masters of Urban Planning from University of Michigan, School of Urban Planning. Graduated with distinction from officer candidate school in the U.S. Army, current serve as a Captain and paratrooper.
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Senator, Michigan’s 2nd District (2018-Present)
Trustee, Ann Arbor Public School Board of Education (2009-2010)
Top goals: I’m running for Congress because our area is facing unique challenges, including the cost of living going up, which affects everything from homeownership to running your small business. None of the other issues are important if people can’t afford to plant long lasting roots in their community. Homeownership contributes to generational wealth, and many of the people in the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods & Detroit have been denied that dream for too long.

Democrat
Sharon McPhail
Age: No answer given
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Mi
For how long: Present residence 20 years
Online campaign information: sharonmcphailforcongress.com
Education: JD: University of Michigan transfer student
Northeastern Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Winner (only woman in history) of primary election, Mayor of Detroit 1993
Member: Detroit City Council
Top goals: *Constituent services
*Focus on environmental issues associated with water, including the Great Lakes and the use of them for recreational purposes
*Senior Protection Plan (see website)
*Increased budget for education
*Transparency of governmental spending
*Job Training and availability
*Minimum annual income for seniors, including income based rental assistance; free lifesaving medications, etc.
*Support for local businesses
*Using the power of the office to create coalitions to benefit the various cities and townships of the 13th District. 

Democrat
Sam Riddle
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Portia Roberson
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Lorrie Rutledge
Age: 62
Occupation: Owner of NatureFinity manufacturer and distributor of natural care products and herbal supplements
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Born in Detroit and lived my entire life in the City of Detroit and/or Metro Detroit.
Online campaign information: www.lorrieforcongress.com
Education: High School graduate of Cass Technical High School class of 1978, Graduate of Henry Ford College Associate of Business, Former High-Pressure Boiler Operator, 3rd Class Stationary Steam Engineer, AA Substation Operator, Former Mortgage Originator
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: If elected, I plan to introduce a domestic 3-point Marshall Plan as the solution to address our district’s poor health, commercial and residential blight, and squalor. The Marshall Plan model was a great success that helped restore European Countries after WW2’s devastation. This same plan will work for our district within 4 years if successfully implemented as it was in Europe. Wayne County is the sickest county in Michigan according to countyhealthrankings.org.

Democrat
Shri Thanedar
Age: 67
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Since 2019
Online campaign information: https://shriforcongress.com/
Education: BS in Chemistry, MS in Chemistry, Ph.D in Chemistry, MBA
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current- State Representative District 3
Top goals: Education, we need to fully fund our public schools, make sure teachers have the resources they need, and make public universities free. I want to enact Medicare for all, healthcare should be available to every person regardless of employment or income status. Healthcare must cover mental health and reproductive health. Equal Rights- In 2022, every person in the US should have basic human rights regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or income level.

Republican
Martell D. Bivings
Running unopposed.

 

State Senate District 12
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
Kevin Hertel
Running unopposed.

Republican
Pamela Hornberger
Age: 54
Occupation: State Representative, Former Educator
Municipality of residence: Chesterfield Twp
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: www.pamelahornberger.com
Education: MS. Ed, Saginaw Valley State University, B.S. Michigan State University, Teacher Certification, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative District #32, 2016-present, L’Anse Creuse Board of Education 2010-2016
Top goals: Inflation, Infrastructure and Education. Our economy is in the gutter. Families are struggling to fill their gas tanks and buy groceries. I will continue working to cut taxes and provide economic relief for families and job providers, as well as champion student and parent’s rights in education.  Small businesses provide 75% of MI jobs. Quality education and work ethic in partnership with our small businesses leads to stronger communities and a stronger economy.

Republican
Michael D. Williams
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

 

State House of Representatives District 10
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 plus expenses.

 

Democrat
Toni Mua
Age: 25
Occupation: Small business owner / Crisis Management Expert
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 25 year, born & raised.
Online campaign information: linktr.ee/tonimua
Education: Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: My top priorities when I’m elected are expanding educational opportunities & securing more resources for our teachers. Another top priority is investing into our infrastructure, mainly our water infrastructure. District 10 has been impacted greatly by flooding over the past decade, we need viable solutions to ease the worry of residents & business owners. Elect Toni Mua and move forward to a better Michigan for all!

Democrat
Joe Tate
Age: 41
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: tateformichigan.com
Education: BA, MS – Michigan State. MBA, MS – University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan State Representative, 2nd House District; 2019 – Present
Top goals: My top priority, which will continue into the next legislative session, is to properly fund our water infrastructure systems in Southeast Michigan. Our current systems have outlived their useful service and that has been made clear with our region’s challenge with flooding.

Republican
Mark Corcoran
Running unopposed.

 

Wayne County Commission District 1
Two Democratic candidates and one Republican candidate are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The annual salary of a county commissioner is $61,808.

Democrat
Brian Banks
Age: 45
Occupation: Governmental & Education Consultant 
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Woods
For how long: 6 years
Online campaign information: www.electBrianBanks.com
Education: Ph.D., Public Policy & Administration, Walden University
Juris Doctorate, Law, Michigan State University College of Law
Master of Education & Bachelor of Science, Wayne State University
Product of Detroit Public Schools 
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative  (2013-2017)
Top goals: I understand the importance of engaging the office of the citizen. If elected, I will work to ensure that equity and inclusion are present and to afford each citizen a better quality of life. Together, we will address the issues that matter most to you including: 
• Addressing Our Seawall Issue Promptly 
• Increasing Funding for Mental Health
• Improving Our Failing Infrastructure
• Stopping Property Tax Overassessments
• Creating Jobs at a Living Wage
• Establishing Community Dog Parks 

Democrat
Tim Killeen
Age: 64
Occupation: Wayne County Commissioner – District 1
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Lifelong
Online campaign information: TimKilleenForCommish.com
Education: DeLaSalle Collegiate – 1975 B.S. Biology and Teaching Certificate Michigan State University - 1990
Previously and currently held elected offices: Wayne County Commissioner – District 1
Top goals: 1) Strengthen County Public Health – The pandemic showed where improvements need to be made.
2) Strengthen County Ethics Ordinance – After 8 years, it is time to review and update our ethics rules.
3) Continue budgetary discipline – County finances are tight. Focus on our core responsibilities in delivering services and not spend in areas outside of that.

Republican
John Barry Anderson
Running unopposed.

 

Wayne County Proposal
Proposition J Jails Millage Renewal
To renew the millage authorized in 2012, shall Wayne County be authorized to continue to levy this millage at the 2021 rollback rate of .9358 mills (about 94 cents per thousand dollars of taxable valuation) for ten more years (2022 through 2031) for any of the following previously authorized uses: To acquire, construct, and/or operate jail, misdemeanant, or juvenile incarceration or detention facilities, and for adult penalty options such as work release, home detention and community restitution; with at least one-tenth of the millage used to acquire, build and operate a juvenile offender work/training institution? This renewal is estimated to generate approximately $45,074,507 in property tax revenue in 2022.

Yes or No