Voters to decide West Bloomfield races, bond proposal and more

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WEST BLOOMFIELD — In the Beacon’s coverage area, residents will vote on a bond proposal and decide races for supervisor, trustee and park commissioner, as well as county, state and national offices Aug.6. Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goals if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (...) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim. Profiles were not sent for candidates running unopposed within 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 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.

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 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://isaiahhellner2.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: https://www.facebook.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 10
Two Democrats and one Republican are running for their party’s nomination to compete for a four-year term in November. The annual salary for the position is $45,255.

Democrat
Robert Kalman
Age: 55
Occupation: Business Leadership Consultant
Municipality of residence: Keego Harbor
For how long: 18 years
Online campaign information: RobKalman.com
Education: Master of Business Administration, Michigan State University; Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Mayor, City of Keego Harbor, previously Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilman
Top goals: I’ll work to see that our shared progressive Democratic values are reflected in decision making and budget priorities, including, but not limited to:
• Promoting social equity and economic justice for all
• Increasing access to health care and protecting reproductive freedom
• Strengthening our parks and environmental sustainability
• Increasing service for seniors and support age in place policies
• Supporting economic development that creates good paying jobs
• Bolstering veteran services for those that served and their families

Democrat
Kristen Nelson
Age: 41
Occupation: Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Municipality of residence: Waterford Township
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: VoteKristenNelson.com
Education: Bachelor of Science in Education with a Minor in Special Education and a Master of Education with a Major in Special Education from Wayne State University, and postgraduate board certification from Florida Institute of Technology.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Commissioner since 2019
Top goals: SENIORS: Ensuring older adults receive high-quality services by leading Oakland County’s multi-million senior grant program. HEALTH: Promoting our health and wellbeing by investing in improved access to mental health services and treatment and protecting reproductive freedom. ENVIRONMENT: Action to combat the impact of climate in our communities by investing in green infrastructure and clean energy, improved parks and trails, and protections for natural habitats and waterways.

Republican
Gregg Marinelli
Running unopposed.

Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 11
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.

West Bloomfield Township Supervisor
Two Democrats are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The annual salary for the position is estimated to be $145,000.

Democrat
David Flaisher
Age: 72
Occupation: Currently retired (from Federal government)
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 36 years
Online campaign information: Voters may contact me by text message at (248) 346-4581.
Education: Wayne State University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Accounting. Cass Technical High School, Business Administration Curriculum.
Previously and currently held elected offices: West Bloomfield Township Supervisor 2000-2008.
Top goals: Maintain excellent Police, Fire, and EMS service. Repeal the “Recession Tax” that was only supposed to be a stopgap and end in ten years. Foster diversity and inclusion in Township government and the community. Adhere to zoning ordinances and protect the character and value of our neighborhoods. Return to protection of Woodlands and Wetlands that the Township has always valued. Make residents’ and taxpayers’ concerns a priority once again. I will listen and assist.

Democrat
Steven Kaplan
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: (1) Elected West Bloomfield Township Supervisor; and (2) Adjunct Law Professor, Michigan State University College of Law, 1998 – present.
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 29 years
Online campaign information: League of Women Voters
Education: Juris Doctor Degree, Detroit College of Law; Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology, with a minor in Management, Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: 1) Elected School Board Trustee, Southfield Public Schools, 1987- 1995; 2) Vice President, Southfield School Board, 1989 – 1990; 3) President, Southfield School Board, 1990- 1992; 4) Elected Township Trustee, West Bloomfield Township, 2000 – 2004; and 2008-2016; 5) Elected Township Supervisor, West Bloomfield Township, 2016 – present.
Top goals: 1. Maintain the high quality of our public safety departments, including continuing their rapid response times, averaging four minutes; 2. Protecting the township’s enviable environmental features, including 28 lakes and thousands of wetlands and woodlands; 3. Continue adopting annual balanced budgets, featuring a safe, ample fund equity balance

West Bloomfield Township Clerk
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.

West Bloomfield Township Treasurer
Candidates in this race are unopposed in their party.

West Bloomfield Township Trustee
Six candidates are running for the Democratic nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The position is estimated to earn around $11,000 per year.

Democrat
Deepak V Dighe
Age: 79
Occupation: Retired Automotive Executive, GM, Uniroyal-Michelin, Lear, Johnson Controls
Municipality of residence: West BLoomfield Township
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: - None
Education: Masters in Mechanical ENgineering, University of Michigan - None
Previously and currently held elected offices: - None
Top goals: Make West Bloomfield Township Management law-abiding entity complying to State and Federal laws and to protect citizen’s property tax dollars

Democrat
Vincent Kirkwood
Age: 38
Occupation: Chief Advancement Officer-New City Kids
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: Kirkwoodforwb.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree- Speech Communication- Wayne State University
Master’s Degree- Sports Administration- Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Parks and Recreation Commissioner- West Bloomfield
Top goals: I am running for West Bloomfield Trustee to increase community engagement, promote transparency, improve sustainability, maintain and improve our infrastructure, enhance public safety, and build a more equitable, inclusive West Bloomfield Township.

Democrat
Jim Manna
Age: 63
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 25 Years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Oakland Community College, University of Detroit, Sacred Heart Seminary
Previously and currently held elected offices: West Bloomfield Trustee since 2016
Top goals: To keep and maintain West Bloomfield as one of the best and safest communities in Michigan, and by providing the best services to our clients, the residents with award winning parks, libraries, and an environmental leader. Come to the Township that I Love. West Bloomfield!!! Thank You

Democrat
James Michael Rosenthal
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Diane Rosenfeld Swimmer
Age: 65
Occupation: Registered Nurse
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Twp,
For how long: 51 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Trustee since 2012
Top goals: I will continue to treat all residents with respect and respond promptly to neighborhood concerns. I will continue to control twp spending, looking for the best value in goods and services. Furthermore, I will protect our quality of life with strong public safety, continue to support parks and our library system. I have and will never forget who I am working for...the residents!

Democrat
Jonathan Warshay
Age: 63
Occupation: Project Manager, Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/WarshayForWestBloomfield
Education: B.A. (Economics) Kalamazoo College, M.B.A. Wayne State University, J.D. Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Trustee, West Bloomfield (2016-present), Ferndale City Council (1997-2001).
Top goals: 1) Quality of Life issues: public safety, lakes and woodlands, and roads/traffic.
2) Enhance and diversify our tax base. I will support ordinance and code changes that will help large and small businesses to move to or expand in West Bloomfield, without damaging our township’s natural beauty
3) We need our boards and commissions to reflect the diversity of West Bloomfield. Diversity allows all constituent voices to be heard and provides for better decision-making.

West Bloomfield Parks Commissioner
Eight Democrats and one Republican are running for their party’s nomination to compete for one of seven four-year terms in November. The financial compensation is reported to be $125 per meeting.

Democrat
Terrance T. Adams
Age: 44
Occupation: Financial Advisor / Travel Agent
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: Roughly Ten (10) Years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: MBA; Graduate Certificate In Financial Planning
Previously and currently held elected offices: West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation Commissioner
Top goals: According to the CDC, creating, improving and promoting places to be physically active can improve individual and community health. I understand this importance and plan to promote neighborhood parks, health fairs and other recreational activities to serve the needs of the community. Ensuring sufficient and sustainable funding is important. I am prepared and trained to consider all budget items for review/approval; and be instrumental in continuing to provide insight to the park master plan.

Democrat
Merv Aronoff
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
David Barash
Age: 63
Occupation: Finance
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 22 Years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Commissioner - West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation
Top goals: Having served as a Commissioner since 2018, it’s been a privilege to be a part of WB Parks growth and accomplishments, achieving national recognition. As Commissioner, the next 4 years, with the support of our residents, my focus and attention will be building West Bloomfield Parks first Community Center, expansion of our park land, modernizing play spaces for children and adults alike, and enhancing our green initiatives through our environmental consciousness and nature programing.

Democrat
Robert V. Brooks
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired Director in field of Transportation/Investment, Mentor and Advisor of Start Ups, and Board Member
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 23 Years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: BS Mechanical Engrg / MBA – University of Detroit Mercy
Previously and currently held elected offices: WB Twp Environmental Commissioner 2010 – 2021, WB Parks Commissioner 2013 – present (Chairperson)
Top goals: Continue executing the Commission’s Strategic Plan to maximize use of our West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation capital assets while bringing value to all residents. Support the creation of diversity among the activities available, such that all generations can participate. Execute our Recreation Center expansion vision to keep WB Parks among the top tier in the state. I will continue to bring experience while empowering the Operations Staff to be the best in the region.

Democrat
John Erich
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Executive Director of Community Services of Oakland
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information: none
Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Secretary of the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission
Top goals: Completion of the expanded Recreation and Activities Center at our municipal complex including improvements in all our 13 parks. Continue to grow all the community partnerships which have been developed with our Library, Henry Ford Hospital, Chamber of Commerce, and West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Township school districts to increase our programming and make sure all ages, racial, cultural and ethnic groups are served.

Democrat
Amy Mindell
Age: 57
Occupation: Office manager, ret.; Communications specialist.
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 27 years.
Online campaign information: https://amymindellforwbparks.godaddysites.com/
Education: University of Michigan, BA; Vermont College, MFA
Previously and currently held elected offices: West Bloomfield Township Precinct Delegate.
Top goals: Work with the Parks team to continuously reimagine the use of community spaces. Preserve and protect our natural areas. Uphold the vibrancy of recreation. Encourage our diverse community to develop connections with nature and one another. Instill in our youth a love of nature and a sense of stewardship for the wild. Encourage civic awareness of land management and ecological biodiversity. Offer pathways to reduce our collective impact on earth. Provide accountability, transparency, and leadership.

Democrat
Gordon Wearsch
Did not return questionnaire by press time.

Democrat
Sally Wenczel
Age: 43
Occupation: Author/Illustrator, Environmental Educator
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield Township
For how long: 11 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Albion College (’02), English Major; Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences (’05), Licensed Medical Massage Therapist; Continuing coursework for secondary education teacher certification at Wayne State University and University of Detroit Mercy.
Previously and currently held elected offices: West Bloomfield Township Parks & Recreation Commissioner 2 terms (2016-2020, 2020-2024)
Top goals: My top goal is to follow through with the objectives we have outlined in our parks and recreation master plan and to maintain clear communication while gathering input from residents as we move into a bright future in this community together.

Republican
Olga Meyer
Running unopposed.

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.

West Bloomfield Township Bond Proposal
Shall the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, Oakland County, Michigan, borrow a sum not to exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), and issue its unlimited tax general obligation bonds therefore, in one or more series, for the purpose of: constructing, furnishing, equipping, and renovating Parks and Recreation improvements, including the parks, playgrounds, community and senior activity center, trail system, pickleball courts, nature education areas, meeting rooms, administrative spaces, new pavement, and other capital improvements described in the Parks and Recreation Commission’s 5-year master plan? The following is for information purposes only. The estimated millage to be levied in the first year of levy is .35 mill ($0.35 for each $1,000 of taxable value), and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.35 mill ($0.35 for each $1,000 of taxable value). The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, excluding any refunding, is twenty (20).