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ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — In the Post’s coverage area, voters will decide various state, county and local primary races Aug. 6, including township offices.
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 in their 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 10
Five candidates, including one write-in candidate, are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Emily Busch
Age: 52
Occupation: Running for office full time after 30 years working in the business sector doing sales and leading professional development initiatives
Municipality of residence: Village of Oxford, Oakland County
For how long: I’ve lived in Oakland County for 30 years
Online campaign information:emilyformichigan.com
Education: B.A. in Biology, Indiana State University; M.S. in Management, Strategy & Leadership, Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My son ran for his life from a school shooter, so for me, keeping our families safe and standing up for our rights is personal. In Congress, I will fight for your kids just as hard as I do my own, fight for commonsense gun safety solutions, protect abortion rights, safeguard Social Security and Medicare, lower costs, and make our economy work better for Michigan families.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 77
Occupation: Attorney (retired Judge)
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 44 years
Online campaign information:www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School, 1971; Graduate University of Detroit, summa cum laude, 1968.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985-2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2017; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017-2022.
Top goals: I have four goals: (1) Protecting our Great Lakes. I oppose drilling for oil in Lake St. Clair and I want to increase the budget for the EPA. (2) Easing the cost of living. Big Oil and the OPEC countries cannot get away with gouging us at the gas pump. (3) Defending women’s rights, including reproductive health care. (4) Saving Democracy. Every vote should count, and the electoral college should be abolished.
Write-in Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 54 years old
Occupation: Nonprofit Director
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information:www.Write-inRhondaPowell.com
Education: BA Community Service, Siena Heights University, MS Human Service, Capella University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a native of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for people of the 10th Congressional District, that Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, affordable housing, broad investment in small business development and will help working families not just get by but get ahead. Use the power of the Pen for Change in District 10 and write RHONDA POWELL in!
Democrat
Tiffany Tilley
Age: 47
Occupation: Realtor
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: Two years.
Online campaign information:www.tiffanytilleyforcongress.com
Education: Rochester College (Rochester University), I received a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communications; University of Detroit Mercy I received an MBA geared towards finance and international business.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a statewide elected official representing Michigan. I ran in 2018 on the democratic ticket for the State Board of Education receiving almost 1.8M votes. I serve as the Co-Vice President on the Board.
Top goals: Our top priorities are WEE: Women’s Rights, Education, and the Economy.
Women’s Rights: Ensuring equal pay, reproductive rights, and protections against gender-based violence.
Education: Investing in quality and affordable education for all, reducing class sizes, equitable funding, increasing access to early childhood programs, and increasing support for teachers as well as support staff.
Economy: Promoting job creation, ensuring fair wages for all workers, supporting small businesses with grants, loans, capital funds, and earned tax incentives.
Democrat
Diane Young
Age: 59
Occupation: Fiduciary Financial Planner and small business owner
Municipality of residence: Warren
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information:www.dianeyoungforcongress.com
Education: Stony Brook University - B.A.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals for congress are protecting Social Security and Medicare by fully funding both programs, fighting rising costs and inflation, defending reproductive freedom by enshrining Roe v. Wade into law, combating climate change by creating more investment opportunities in clean energy; and streamlining our tax code to give middle class families a break and make big corporations pay their fair share.
Republican
John James
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 55
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete in November for a two-year term. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Trevis Harrold
Age: 30
Occupation: U.S. Army Military Intelligence Officer, former Foreign Service Officer, and Global Public Policy Leader at Dow.
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 1 and 1/2 years
Online campaign information: Harroldformichigan.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrevisharroldforMichigan, Instagram: www.instagram.com/trevisharroldformi/, League of Women Voters Forum: https://youtube/lVNYbUGNnyA?si=mCiOUMoMv5WYd30J
Education: B.A. from Eastern Michigan University in Political Science, Economics, and International Business. Master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Michigan. Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan (on-going).
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Trevis Harrold is committed to ensuring the community’s safety, strength, and exceptionalism. With a focus on maintaining top-tier schools and wholeheartedly representing the values of the Greater Rochester area in Lansing, he will work tirelessly to create an environment where families thrive. Through a steadfast dedication to public safety, education, and the overall well-being of residents in Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township, Trevis Harrold will be a strong advocate for progress and prosperity.
Democrat
Alexander Hawkins
Age: 29
Occupation: Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
Municipality of residence: Rochester Michigan
For how long: Since January of 2024
Online campaign information:Alexhawkinsformichigan.com
Education: K-12 in Oakland County ISD, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Central Michigan University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: When elected, I will strengthen environmental protection, support our schools, and fight for reproductive rights. I aim to foster community engagement to address local issues, improve public safety, and enhance support for veterans and their families. Drawing on my service as a Congressional Aide, Reserve Deputy, and community advocate, I will fight to ensure everyone’s concerns are heard, addressed, and acted upon, standing up for every individual in our community to create a better future.
Republican
Mark Tisdel
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 66
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. The salary for the position is $71,685.
Democrat
Shawn Almeranti-Crosby
Running unopposed
Republican
Randy LaVasseur
Age: 60
Occupation: Real Estate Attorney
Municipality of residence: Oxford Township
For how long: Since 2020
Online campaign information:Randy4Rep.com
Education: University of Michigan Law School – JD – 1988
University of Michigan – AB – 1985
Previously and currently held elected offices: City Commissioner – Royal Oak – 2017-2020
Top goals: My primary goal is to boost Michigan’s economy. I will support local businesses, attract new industries, and foster innovation by cutting red tape and reducing regulations. This will make Michigan a hub for entrepreneurs and job creators. Additionally, I aim to help people keep more of their hard-earned money by advocating for lower taxes and reduced government spending. These policies will encourage investment, growth, and personal freedom, keeping Michigan competitive nationally and globally.
Republican
Joshua Schriver
Age: 32
Occupation: State Representative; Autism Clinician, Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Municipality of residence: Oxford, Michigan
For how long: 4 years
Online campaign information: go to JoshuaSchriver.com
Education: Masters of Science, Psychology from Capella University (2017); Bachelor of Arts, Humanities from Michigan State University (2015);
Current and previously held elected offices: State Representative, State of Michigan (2023-present); Precinct Delegate (2018-Present)
Top goals: lower personal income tax, eliminate ineffective government spending.
Oakland County Executive
Candidates in this race are unopposed 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 Commission District 5
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland County Commission District 6
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland Township Supervisor
Two Republican candidates are running to compete for one four-year term in November. The position has an annual salary of $13,226.
Republican
Robin Buxar
Age: 55
Occupation: Program Manager – Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 50 Years
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Oakland Township Supervisor; Oakland Township Clerk and Oakland Township Trustee; Republican Precinct Delegate
Education: BS- Industrial Engineering/ BS- Business Management – Purdue University
Top goals: Roads: I am committed to working to reduce speed limits on several roads for resident safety that have increased volumes and are dangerous.
Public Safety: Making sure Fire and Police staffing levels are keeping up with the needs of our residents and making appropriate and fiscally responsible additions.
Responsible Development: I would advocate for our community remaining as rural as possible and am a strong advocate for maintaining open spaces and our enviable Parks system.
Republican
James Komendera
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Oakland Township Treasurer
Two Republican candidates are running to compete for one four-year term in November. The treasurer position has an annual salary of $8,998.
Republican
John Giannangeli
Age: 74
Occupation: Vice President Finance, Administration and Treasurer. Retired
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 33 years
Online campaign information: None
Education: Harvard University Graduate School of Business, Wayne State MBA, Wayne State BA, Cass Technical High.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland Township Board of Trustees 2014-2020, Oakland Township Treasurer 2020 –Current.
Top goals: Maintaining our precious rural character. I will continue our fight to limit development through enforcement of our ordinances as I have done as a member of the Planning Commission for the past 11 years. Our roads are in desperate need of improvements. I will continue to increase road funding while partnering with the County to maintain and pave our roads. As a fiscal conservative I will continue to vote to lower township millages.
Republican
Christopher Hornbeck
Age: 48
Occupation: Architect
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 5 years
Online campaign information:www.VoteHornbeck.com
Education: Master of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University (2005); Bachelor of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University (2003); Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Lawrence Technological University (1999)
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Rooted in 80 years of family history in Oakland Township, I am campaigning for Treasurer to ensure our community’s unique legacy endures. My commitment is to maintain our AAA bond rating, keep taxes low, and uphold our township’s financial stability. I will safeguard our natural beauty, support thoughtful development, and ensure integrity in governance. My candidacy is driven by a profound respect for our past and a vision for responsible stewardship of our cherished township.
Oakland Township Clerk
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
Oakland Township Trustee
Nine Republican candidates are running to compete for four, four-year terms in November. Trustees earn $300 per quarter, plus $100 per meeting.
Republican
Craig S. Blust
Age: 59
Occupation: Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing & Tooling - V.P. and Project Manager
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township - Trustee
For how long: Resident since 1996 and family farm has been part of Oakland Twp since 1938.
Online campaign information: None
Education: High School, 3 years Oakland University, 40 years Job Shop w/ 28 years as manager.
Previously and currently held elected offices: 8 years as OT Parks & Rec Commissioner and 4 years OT Safety Path & Trails.
Top goals: Be your voice and do what is best for Oakland Township as a whole. Preserve, Protect and maintain our amazing Oakland Twp Parks and Land for current and future generations to enjoy. We are a rural township, limit over development. Protect our system of government through checks and balances and against special interest. I am a leader & proud 3rd generation resident of Oakland Twp. Please Vote August 6th for Craig Blust OT Trustee.
Republican
Emily Campbell
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information:www.campbellforoakland.com
Education: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems Software Management from University of Detroit-Mercy and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As Oakland Township Trustee, I will utilize over 20 years of experience in leadership, budget management and regulatory compliance to make common sense decisions that lead to better outcomes for the residents of Oakland Township. Of particular interest for me is the maintenance of the water and waste disposal infrastructure, land use, and most importantly being a voice for residents I will proudly serve.
Republican
John Casadei
Age: 63
Occupation: Real Estate (Broker, Builder, Investor, Developer, Property Management)
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 27 years (1997)
Online campaign information: None currently.
Education: Michigan State University and University of Detroit School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: 1st time running for elected office
Top goals: As I currently serve on Oakland Township’s Planning Commission, Board of Review, and Safety Path & Trails Committee, I have been fortunate to interact with residents from every corner of our Township and have listened to their concerns for the past 10 years.
My top goals would be:
· Safeguard the Character and future direction of our Township
· Fiscal Conservatism
· Strict adherence to our Master Plan and
· Eliminate Zoning Loopholes that Developers have taken advantage of
Republican
Jack E. Elder
Age: 69
Occupation: Business Owner, Engineer/Designer, Adjunct Professor (College for Creative Studies).
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 39 years
Online campaign information: none
Education: Oakland University, Michigan Tech
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently I am an elected Trustee in Oakland Township
Top goals: Small and efficient local government. I would like to continue the conservative leadership in Oakland Township over the last four years which has provided excellent services for our residents along with balanced budgets and a 100% property tax holiday for 2024. Keeping OT’s rural nature is important and I would like to help foster more acquisitions of key properties which can be held in their natural state for posterity.
Republican
Jeanne Langlois
Age: 60
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: University of Michigan - Bachelors of Business Administration, concentration in Finance
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently an Oakland Township Trustee. I was Treasurer of Oakland Township from 2012 - 2020
Top goals: I am running for another term on the Oakland Township Board of Trustees to continue the emphasis on public safety, managed growth and fiscal responsibility. During my tenure on the board, Oakland Township has consistently been ranked one of the safest communities in Michigan. We have proactively managed development through a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan. Oakland Township has zero unfunded liabilities and uses a three year budget cycle to ensure sustainable financial health.
Republican
Drew D. Moore
Age: 41
Occupation: Orthopedic Surgeon: Program Director, Associate Professor, Army Major
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: https://www.moorefortrustee.com/
Education: MD
Previously and currently held election offices: N/A
Top goals: We moved back to Oakland Township so our children could enjoy the rural community my wife was raised in. I believe that development and change is best performed in a very deliberate and iterative manner so as not to spoil the community we love. While it is imperative we maintain our high quality services like police, fire, library, and schools, it must be done in a fiscally responsible manner. Taxpayer dollars must be stewarded appropriately.
Republican
Keith Popis
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired from General Motors Design – Superintendent – 47 Yrs.
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township – Oakland Farms Sub
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Lawrence Technological University – Bachelor of Science – Engineering Technology and Masters Degree - Industrial Operations
Previously held elected offices: None – 1st running for Office
Top goals: My goals include making decisions that are good for home owners and farmers in our community. I would support more parks, trails and sporting fields for our children in Oakland Township. With a conservative mind I believe in small government and low taxes that support the community. A personal goal for me is to give back to Oakland Township so that it continues being a great community for families.
Republican
Karen Reilly
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information:kreilly230@gmail.com
Education: Attended Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: My previous elected office was Oakland Township Clerk from 2012 to 2020.
Top goals: Will keep the values of the community: Rural Environment, Local Control, and a Welcoming Place for Families to Live. I work well with Board Members, Employees of Oakland Township and my Neighbors. Look forward to serving Oakland Township.
Republican
Clayton J. Winkler
Age: 46
Occupation: Financial Advisor
Municipality of residence: Oakland Township
For how long: 5 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Finance
Previously and currently held elected offices: First Governmental Elected Position
Top goals: Promote free market & business competition, advocate for limited government & minimal regulations, promote reducing taxes, advocate for maximizing personal freedoms while protecting civil liberties. Promote how the public should have maximized freedoms and faith. Expressing how government & elected officials should “Serve The People” instead of the other way around. Government Departments & Workers’ daily duties are the Serve and should have a Servants’ Heart.
Oakland Township Park Commissioner
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.
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.
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