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In the Eagle’s coverage area, voters will decide two local tax proposals, as well as various state, county and local primary races Aug. 6. 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 within their political party.
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. The salary for the position is $174,000.
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. House of Representatives District 11
Two Democrats and two Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Ahmed Ghanim
Age: 49
Occupation: Healthcare Management
Municipality of residence: Ferndale, MI
For how long: Oakland County since 2002
Online campaign information: www.AG4Congress.com
Education: Medical Degree - Bachelor Degree in Medicine and Surgery
Previously and currently held elected offices: Not Applicable
Top goals: If elected, my top priorities are to end endless/costly wars, reduce healthcare costs, tackle inflation, and invest in our local economy. I will focus on reforming immigration, protecting Michigan’s clean water, and advocating for the environment. By addressing these critical issues, we can create a stronger, more prosperous, and sustainable future for all Michiganders. Together, we will make a real difference. We are the Answer.
Democrat
Haley Stevens
Age: 41
Occupation: Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: First Seaholm Grad to Congress!
Online campaign information:https://haleystevensforcongress.com/
Education: I received both a B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy and a M.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy from American University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am serving my third term as the Congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th district.
Top goals: I am running for re-election to continue to build on my legislative track record of delivery for Oakland County. Whether on trade, manufacturing, and education issues; each term in Congress I have passed laws to meet the needs of our district. With over 200 visits to manufacturers through my Manufacturing Monday program and helping shepherd the CHIPS and Science Act into law, the families of our district remain my top priority. We must enshrine women’s rights like abortion access into law and protect the LGBTQ+ community. I remain committed to equality and justice for all.
Republican
Charles Frangie
Age: 74
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Twp.
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information:frangieforcongress.com
Education: Law Degree University of Lebanon, University of Mississippi, JD LLM
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Reducing inflation so families can better make ends meet is my top priority. No longer should the most expensive vehicle operated by a family be a shopping cart. I will also work with President Trump to secure our southern border and end the illegal immigration that is causing a crime wave across the nation, including right here in Oakland County. I will also fight the Biden Electric Vehicle mandate that threatens Michigan’s most vital industry.
Republican
Nick Somberg
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
U.S. House of Representatives District 12
One Democrat is on the ballot and two Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Ryan Foster was disqualified from the Democratic primary ballot and said he is running as a write-in candidate. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Rashida Tlaib
Age: 47
Occupation: U.S. Representative (MI-12)
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Lifelong Detroiter
Online campaign information:https://rashidaforcongress.com
Education: JD - Cooley Law School, BA - Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Congresswoman for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, former Michigan State Representative
Top goals: Residents want to thrive and need access to resources. That’s why I created Neighborhood Service Centers that help our families, returning $5.8 million to residents. I am working on holding the auto insurance industry accountable with the Preventing Auto Insurance Discrimination Act, founded the Get the Lead Out Caucus for clean drinking water, and I’m fighting for resources in the federal budget. I’ve secured $850,000 for Beech Wood Park and Recreation and nearly $1 million for water infrastructure in Lathrup Village.
Write-in Democrat
Ryan Foster
Age: 44
Occupation: Transportation
Municipality of residence: Southfield
For how long: born and raised
Online campaign information:https://www.rf4us.com
Education: Ferris state BA history 2002
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Stand with Israel, in the bible, in Genesis it says, the people who bless Abraham I will bless, people who curse Abraham I will curse. People who support Gaza and are completely lost and wrong. Black representation in congress and Michigan. All these candidates use black people for votes. They never lived in black cities, work around black people or even like black people. They just run for mayor or state senate and show up in their black church (...)
Republican
James D. Hooper
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Linda Sawyer
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired Nurse Researcher
Municipality of residence: Livonia/Redford Township
For how long: 40+ years
Online campaign information:https://www.lindasawyer.com
Education: Northern Mich University/ Nursing degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected Delegate to the National Convention, Precinct Delegate
Top goals:
1. WALTS BILL : Decriminalization of medical marijuana on a federal level.
2. DIRECT PATIENT CARE: Low cost preventive health care I will introduce.
3. Bring back federal funding for inpatient mental health and detox.
State House of Representatives District 5
Four Democrats are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. One Republican is running unopposed in the primary.The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Crystal Bailey
Age: 41
Occupation: Entrepreneur (Walk Fashion Show LLC)
Municipality of residence: Oak Park, MI
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information:https://www.wevotecrystalbailey.com
Education: A.A. Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oak Park School Board of Education
Top goals: My goals are to reallocate funds to help combat the mental health crisis the State of Michigan is in. I plan to create laws that will hold gun manufacturers accountable for this public health crisis our community is faced with due to gun violence epidemic. Also, the Michigan Agee v. Benson redistricting lawsuit creates the new Motown Sound Map which creates seven majority minority Detroit Based Districts. District 5 has a 75 % Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) base. I was born and raised (...)
Democrat
Kevin Keys III
Age: 22
Occupation: Teacher
Municipality of residence: City of Oak Park
For how long: 4
Online campaign information:www.keys2success24.org
Education: Oak Park High School, Miles College- Bachelors of Science In Political Science. Texas Southern University- Masters of Education in Educational Administration with concentration in Higher Education and Human Resources
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: My primary goal is to implement an education policy that increases funding for teachers, provides more resources for students, and supports initiatives to help students access transportation to school. Additionally, I aim to expand programs that offer trade certifications and vocational training opportunities for high school graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce.
Democrat
Eric Love
Age: 29
Occupation: Minister
Municipality of residence: Oak Park MI
For how long: 7 Years
Online campaign information:https://ericlovemichigan.com
Education: Current Student
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: - Education Reform: Increase funding for public schools, universal pre-K, and affordable childcare. Make college and vocational training more affordable.
- Workers’ Rights: Raise the minimum wage, strengthen collective bargaining, and enact paid family leave and sick time.
- Housing: Increase funding for affordable housing, implement rent control, and address homelessness.
- Gun Laws: Enact universal background checks, red flag laws, and waiting periods. Ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
Democrat
Regina Weiss
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Will Sears
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 20
One Democrat and two Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Noah Arbit
Running unopposed.
Republican
Hermon Barbe
Age: 43
Occupation: Presidents’ Club Mortgage Banker
Municipality of residence:West Bloomfield
For how long: Nine years.
Online campaign information:www.Hermon2024.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Western Michigan University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate (2018 - Present), West Bloomfield Twp, Oakland County.
Top goals: When elected to the State House for District 20, my primary goal is to help restore common sense and fiscal responsibility to our Legislature. We must roll-back bureaucracy, cut taxes, and make sure that our government creates better value for We The People. As a grassroots conservative voice for families in Oakland County, I plan to help reign-in the state budget and cut government spending --- which has grown dramatically, over these last few years.
Republican
Brendan Cowley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Oakland County Executive
Candidates in this race areunopposed in their party.
Oakland Prosecuting Attorney
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Sheriff
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Treasurer
Three Republicans are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. One Democrat is running unopposed. The salary for the position is $170,761 annually.
Democrat
Robert Wittenberg
Running unopposed.
Republican
Donna Blake
Age: 65
Occupation: CFO & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Oxford
For how long: 23 Years
Online campaign information: Find Donna Blake for Oakland County Treasurer on Facebook
Education: Bachelor of Accountancy Walsh College, CPA State of Michigan, Executive MBA Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oxford Delegate 2010, 2023, & 2024
Top goals: Across the board, ensure our community’s money is used wisely and responsibly. You work too hard to support the current giveaways and waste. With my background in financial investigations with the FBI, I’ll root out the misuse of funds. For example, we should not be spending county taxpayer dollars to resettle people entering our country illegally. Lastly, eliminate funding for DEI—let’s stop the racism and hire the best person for the job.
Republican
Isaiah Hellner
Age: 27
Occupation: Investment Advisor/Insurance Agent
Municipality of residence: Brandon Township/Oakland County
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: https://isa iahhellner2.adlocal.multisiteadmin.com/
Education: Bachelor of Science-Marketing from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: First time running for office
Top goals: My top goals if elected are to maintain our county’s AAA bond rating, prevent home foreclosures. Establish strong oversight mechanisms to make sure tax payer funds are used efficiently and correctly.
Republican
Susan Kuhn
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: previous Oakland County Commissioner, auditor Dayton-Hudson’s(Macys) ; current co-owner Pain Mgt Without Drugs, in home x-rays, back braces, etc
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: Homeowner since 1991 (Wattles & John R)
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Graduate with Economics/ Accounting major from Albion College
Previously and currently held elected offices: EIGHT YEARS as elected Oakland County Commissioner … and TEN years Troy Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Oakland County Treasurer’s office MUST return all the money wrongfully taken from taxpayers amounting to millions of dollars. Wrongful seizure of property for non-payment THEN selling that property for MORE than is owed and Oakland County Treasurer keeping the money is UNACCEPTABLE. Many lawsuits in favor of the property owners are delayed. Money needs to be RETURNED to original property owners that the courts have ordered NOW, no more foreclosure irregularities or $ wasted
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for a four-year term in November. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.
Democrat
Jim Nash
Age: 67
Occupation: Water Resources Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: nash4wrc.com
Education: Florida State University, Bachelor’s in Political Science, minor in peace studies (1988)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I served as Oakland County Commissioner representing Farmington Hills from 2005 to 2013. I have been the elected Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner since 2013, now ending my third term.
Top goals: Continue my collaborative work with communities across Oakland County and the region to make our stormwater systems resilient to extreme weather brought by climate change and use our wastewater resources to replace fossil fuels with less expensive renewable energy. My mission is to protect our citizen’s health and safety, conserve our natural resources, continue our high-quality services, pursue sustainable/efficient infrastructure investments, protect economic prosperity for all our communities, promote public education and seek public input.
Democrat
Jim Stevens
Age: 62
Occupation: currently work for a Dept. of Defense company
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: www.face book.com/groups/870126655145858/
Education: Engineering GMU and Macomb Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: Provide the best service for our Residents. Take action to ensure our lakes and rivers are safe from polluters. Use common sense measures on Septic Field maintenance. Our lakes are especially important for recreational use, our kids swim and fish in our local lakes. We need to educate on how important our resources are by keeping them clean. Our county will strive to enforce and punish polluters. SCHOOL WATER TESTING - Testing is a good safety check for our children (...)
Republican
Steve Johnson
Age: 66
Occupation: Consultant
Municipality of residence: Highland
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information:Steven-Johnson.com
Education:
• MBA, Masters of Business Administration, Plymouth State University - University System of NH
• Graduate Certificate, Strategic Marketing Management, Plymouth State University - University System of NH
• BS Business Management & Economics, SUNY- State University of New York
• Harvard University JFK School, Certificate US Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies
• AS, Associate Degree in Business Management - Oakland Community College + Certificate: Business Entrepreneurship
• AA, Associate Degree in Liberal Arts - Oakland Community College
• US Navy training: Advanced Electronics - Data Systems, electricity/electronics, computer systems
Previously and currently held elected offices: No other public office.
Top goals: If elected the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, I am committed to protecting and being a good steward of our resources.
High-priority items:
• Nanoplastics and Microplastics
• PFAS
• Water Affordability
• Sustainable Water Management Practices
• Enhancing Water Efficiency
• Protecting and Restoring Wetlands
• Safety for non-municipal water residents – Well and Septic
• Reducing Operational Emissions
• Safe use of fertilizers, chemicals, salt
• Resilient Infrastructure Water, Sewer, Stormwater
• Supporting Renewable Energy Initiatives
• Public Engagement and Education
Republican
Steve Klein
Age: 37
Occupation: Driver
Municipality of residence: Waterford
For how long: 37 years, minus 8 years in Highland Twp. Ten years since moving back.
Online campaign information:cedotortoise.com
Education: Some college. Two years at Lawrence Tech in Southfield toward engineering.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: To ensure the organization is supporting staff properly, being respectful of taxpayers, and operating effectively, efficiently, and sustainably for the long-term. More detailed goals would be developed according to those overarching aims, when high-quality information is available directly from staff.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 1
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running unopposed as a Republican to compete for one four-year term in November.
Democrat
Charlie Gandy-Thompson
Age: 58
Occupation: Engineering Leader (22 years)
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information:@CGT4OCC
Education: MS Engineering Management and BS Computer Engineering both from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am committed to ensure communication and implementation of initiative that ensure safety and security for all residents. Collaboration between the community and law enforcement is critical to ensure safety for bikes, water (pool/lakes), fast cars, and yearly activities. I am committed to work on policies and initiative that strengthen law enforcement and response to mental illness and supporting innovative ideals. Multiple safety strategies are required to ensure the security of all residents.
Democrat
Dave Woodward (I)
Age: 48
Occupation: Chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, small business owner
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak, MI
For how long: 45+
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: B.S. Mathematics, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative (1999-2004), County Commissioner (2005-present)
Top goals: Build an economy that works for everyone by lowering costs and raising wages for working families:
• Achieve 80% of workforce having a post-secondary degree or skill certification.
• Eliminate burdening medical debt for families.
• Lower energy costs for seniors and working families with home energy efficiency improvements.
• Accelerate our county’s advanced manufacturing sector to make more things in America and create good-paying jobs.
• Reduce college debt for graduates.
• Improve and expand public transportation.
Republican
Regina Wilk
Running unopposed.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 9
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 11
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 18
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 19
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Bloomfield Township Supervisor
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Bloomfield Township Clerk
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Bloomfield Township Treasurer
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Bloomfield Township Trustee
Three Democrats and five Republicans are running for their parties’ nominations to compete for four, four-year terms in November. Trustees receive a compensation of $250 per meeting they attend, for a grand total of $6,000 per year if they attend all of them.
Democrat
Oscar Garner Jr.
Age: 52
Occupation: Senior Quality Manager
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 18yrs
Online campaign information:www.ogarnerjr.com
Education: Bachelor Science in Business with concentration in Finance
Previously and currently held elected offices: Bloomfield Township Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Community Advocacy: I’ll advocate for our community’s needs and concerns in local government decisions.
Fiscal Responsibility: I’ll prioritize responsible financial management for the benefit
of the entire community.
Sustainable Development: I’ll promote practices that preserve our environment and
support economic growth.
Accessibility and Transparency: I’ll ensure open communication and address
resident concerns promptly.
Collaboration and Inclusivity: I’ll work with diverse backgrounds to find innovative
solutions to our shared challenges.
Democrat
Roman Grigoriev
Age: 49
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: None
Education: Bachelor of Applied Science from University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Investing in more resilient infrastructure to significantly reduce the impact of power outages.Enhancing police presence to effectively curb porch theft, shoplifting, and other minor crimes.
Democrat
Valerie Sayles Murray
Age: 65
Occupation: Trustee at Bloomfield Township
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 38 years
Online campaign information: http://www.facebook.com/ValerieMurrayTrustee
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Michigan State University, 1981
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently an elected Trustee in Bloomfield Township (2020) serving a 4 year term.
Top goals: If the residents choose to reelect me as Trustee for another term, I would continue to be an advocate for the residents, keep us on the path of more transparency, fiscal responsibility, and complete a well thought out Strategic Plan to keep us on track for years to come. I am honored to serve in this position, to continue to help residents and businesses with issues, and vote for what is right, for everyone concerned.
Republican
Mark Antakli
Age: 55
Occupation: Consultant
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: November 2018
Online campaign information: M.J. Antakli on Facebook
Education: University of Michigan – Dearborn, Masters Business Administration with Finance Concentration (Beta Gama Sigma Business School National Honor Society); University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering; Completed Six Sigma Black Belt Training
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate 2020 to present.
Top goals: The water and sewer rates are too high. Water and Sewer Fund Reserves increased by $15 million over 3 years. Why are rates still increasing?
Property taxes should be capped at the increase to social security payments. It is unreasonable for local governments to expect property tax increases above social security increases.
Improve financial transparency. The $5 million annual pension bond payment expires in May2033. Therefore,whereisthemillagereduction?
Republican
Neal Barnett
Age: 70
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 50 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Michigan State University, B.S.; Oakland University, MA Clinical Psychology; Wayne State University Law School, JD
Previously and currently held elected offices: Bloomfield Township Trustee since 2004
Top goals: Return the Township to the high level of attention to detail we previously had. Improve overall services provided to residents particularly snow removal and road salting. Improve timeliness of safety path/walls/fence repairs. Improve water and sewer infrastructure. Improve retention of staff and staff recruiting. Develop stronger collaborations with surrounding municipalities. Emphasize beautification of public and commercial space with increased landscaping and art work
Republican
Malissa Bossardet
Age: 57
Occupation: Customer Success Manager – Wedgewood Pharmacy/Blue Rabbit Inc.
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: Nine Years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Indiana University (Bloomington) – B.A.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Republican Precinct Delegate – Bloomfield Township
Top goals: The delivery of basic township services tops my list. The ice storms earlier this year created rutted road conditions for days on major east-west roads such as Quarton. The township did nothing to resolve this, placing blame everywhere else. I support efforts to strengthen our police protection. High-tech gangs have targeted Bloomfield Township for frightening home invasions. I have been a Republican activist concerned about the disturbing lack of value for money township taxpayers receive.
Republican
Margo K. Cargill
Age: 46
Occupation: CEO, Titanium Linx.
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 1 Yr
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: To be a steward and embodiment of our community ensuring the board considers not only the loudest voices or most popular views but also the more tempered ones to safeguard measured growth and continued prosperity. To contribute my knowledge and expertise in public relations, government affairs, and labor negotiations while bringing fresh perspectives and best practice approaches to challenging issues drawing from my experiences in other municipalities across the country where I’ve lived and served.
Christopher M. Kolinski
Age: 38
Occupation: Firefighter/Builder
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information:www.facebook.com/TrusteeKolinski
Education: BS in Finance, Minor in Applied Technology in Business from Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently serving as a Bloomfield Township Trustee
Top goals: My top priorities will be to ensure Bloomfield Township remains competitive in attracting top talent and investing in our infrastructure. Attracting the best staff is crucial for providing exceptional service to our residents. To achieve this, I will focus on maintaining a strong workforce and updating our infrastructure, including water/sewer systems, public safety, and Township Hall. By making these investments, we can deliver world-class services and maintain a high quality of life for all residents
6th Circuit Court Judge
Three candidates are running for one non-incumbent 6-year term. The salary for the position is $155,621 combined from the state and county.
Tricia Dare
Age: 53
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Oakland County
Municipality of residence: Oxford
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: www.dareforjudge.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy School of Law from 1994 to 1997: Juris Doctor. Western Michigan University from 1989 to 1993: Bachelor of Science in Political Science (Public Law) and Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As Chief Assistant Prosecutor of the Special Victims Unit, the Juvenile Justice Division, the Hate Crimes Unit and the Victim Services Division, my work has involved crimes committed against the most vulnerable individuals in our community. My goal is to bring the same dedication, compassion and fairness that I have displayed as a public servant for the past 27 years to the bench each and every day, as the next Oakland County Circuit Judge.
Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston
Age: 42
Occupation: Managing Director/Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: I’ve lived in West Bloomfield for the past 4 years. I previously lived in Southfield for approximately 14 years.
Online campaign information:electhuddlestonforjudge.com
Education: BA in Communications from Oakland University (1999-2004) - JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010-2014)
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My priorities for this family court seat are: 1.Implementing specialized dockets and support systems to address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. 2. Reducing delays and backlogs by streamlining court procedures and leveraging technology to expedite case management 3. Ensuring fair and equal access to justice for all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. 4.Upholding the law without bias and making decisions based on facts and legal principles
Moneka Sanford
Age: 57
Occupation: lawyer
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long:15 years
Online campaign information:monekasanfordforjudge.com
Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology, Masters in Social Work, Juris Doctorate
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My goal is to uphold justice, integrity, and fairness in every decision. I am dedicated to serving the community with respect, dignity, and impartiality. I aim to foster a transparent, accessible, responsive judicial system that safeguards fundamental rights. My background in social work enables me to apply the law with wisdom and compassion. I will listen with an open mind and deliver timely, equitable justice while preserving public safety and providing resources to strengthen families.
Bloomfield Township Public Safety Millage Renewal
Shall the Charter Township of Bloomfield renew and continue to levy the voter authorized public safety tax levy of 0.6474 mills, due to expire in 2026, authorizing a levy of $0.6474 per $1,000 of taxable value to finance the Charter Township of Bloomfield’s continued providing of fire, police and public safety protection, for a period of 10 years, with the renewed millage to be levied commencing in December 2026. This renewal public safety millage will be subject to applicable statutory and constitutional tax limitation provisions at the time of the levy and will not exceed the above stated rate. It is estimated that this proposal would result in the authorization to collect $4,000,000 in the first year if approved and fully levied. Shall this proposal be adopted?
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Operating Millage
Renewal Proposal
This proposal would renew the authority of the School District, which expires with the 2025 tax levy, to levy up to 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, restrict the levy on principal residences (owner-occupied homes) to no more than 9.65 mills and protect against the impact of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 4.0 mills, This authorization would allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18.00 mills on non-homestead property (principally industrial and commercial real property and residential rental property) and to continue to levy on principal residence property (owner occupied homes) 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. The School District estimates that it will levy not more than 5.1338 mills on personal residences (owner occupied homes) in 2024. Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Bloomfield Hills Schools, County of Oakland, Michigan, be increased in the amount of 22 mills, with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), to the extent such property is not statutorily exempt, and of which not more than 9.65 mills may be imposed on principal residences, for twenty (20) years, the years 2026 to 2045, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses of the School District? This operating millage, if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $18,300,000 during the 2026 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.
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