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GROSSE POINTES — In the Grosse Pointe Times’ coverage area, voters will elect mayors and city council members in the Grosse Pointes, as well as municipal court judges in Grosse Pointe City and Grosse Pointe Woods. Voters in Grosse Pointe Park are also being asked to weigh in on four proposals that would amend the city’s charter.
Not all the races are contested. In Grosse Pointe City, Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak is running unopposed for another two-year term. Grosse Pointe Farms Mayor Louis Theros has no challenger in his race for another two-year term, and Farms City Council members Joe Ricci, Neil Sroka and Lev Wood also have no challengers in their bids for four-year terms. In Grosse Pointe Shores, incumbent Mayor Ted Kedzierski and City Council members Danielle Gehlert, Donn Michael Schroder and John T. Seago are all running unopposed for new four-year terms. Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Court Judge Ted Metry is running unopposed for another four-year term on the bench, and Woods City Council members Angela Coletti Brown, Kenneth Gafa and Michael Koester are unopposed in their bids for four-year terms. The voter guide only sought responses from races that were contested.
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. (I) denotes an incumbent.
Grosse Pointe City Council
Four candidates are running for three four-year terms.
Seth S. Krupp (I)
Age: 45
Occupation: Emergency Physician
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe City
For how long: 8 years
Online campaign information: www.krupp4council.com
Education: BA English Ohio State University
MD University of Chicago
Emergency Medicine Residency—University of Cincinnati
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Appointee to Grosse Pointe City Council
Top goals: My vision for our city is to preserve and enhance its character, services, and tree canopy for its current and future residents.
This will require investment in our public services and safety, continued repairing/replacing of infrastructure, and seeking developments that further enhance The Village.
Only through continuous investment in the right projects in the right places will the beauty and value of our community be sustained.
Christopher Moyer
Age: 41
Occupation: Sr. Director of Communications for Visit Detroit
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe City
For how long: 2018
Online campaign information:https://moyerforgrossepointe.com/
Education: B.A. Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given.
Top goals: Grosse Pointe is a warm and welcoming place to live. As a brand-new father, my goal for public service is to help Grosse Pointe be a community that more families choose to call home. That means focusing on promoting our walkable streets, providing great options for childcare, and creating a vibrant and dynamic downtown for families to gather. I don’t have all the answers, but as your neighbor, I promise to listen to your needs.
Donald J. Parthum Jr. (I)
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: City of Grosse Pointe
For how long: 33 years
Online campaign information: None
Education: BSBA from Central Michigan University, JD from Detroit College of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Member of Grosse Pointe City Council for the past 16 years.
Top goals: Council must continue to evaluate government operations, maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing infrastructure improvements and providing superior services to residents. Continued growth and redevelopment of the Village, balancing the needs and safety of the residents. We have to be progressive, forward thinking and open minded without losing sight of what makes Grosse Pointe a great place to live and raise a family.
Terence A. Thomas (I)
Age: 54
Occupation: Consultant and Attorney
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe City
For how long: nearly 20 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy, Albion College and University of Wisconsin Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Grosse Pointe City Council
Top goals: My top goal is collaborating with council and neighbors to identify fiscally responsible solutions that address our aging infrastructure and maintain while also preserving the high quality of life amenities we all enjoy.
Grosse Pointe City Municipal Court Judge
Four candidates are running for one four-year term.
Sarah W. Colegrove
Age: 56
Occupation: Attorney/Partner, Briggs Colegrove, P.C.
Municipality of residence: City of Grosse Pointe
For how long: Lifetime resident (56 years).
Online campaign information: Colegrove4Judge.com
Education: Grosse Pointe South, Cum Laude
Kalamazoo College (Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude)
Michigan State University College of Law (Juris Doctor, Cum Laude; top 10%)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As a lifetime GPC resident, I care about our community. I will use my 31 years of broad-based legal experience and training to ensure the safety and security of our residents. I plan to continue the tradition of excellence in our court by implementing technology and communications to improve efficiencies, access, and transparency. To resolve civil disputes before they go to court, I will utilize alternative dispute resolution.
David Draper
Age: 57
Occupation: Attorney — Managing partner of The Draper Law Firm
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: www.draper4judge.com
Education: University of Michigan (A.B., 1987)
University College London (Faculty of Laws, 1988)
Indiana University School of Law (J.D., 1990)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I promise that all people who come into the Court will be treated fairly and equally. The Court currently runs efficiently, on time and on budget. I vow to continue this. Because of my 25 years of experience practicing in Grosse Pointe Municipal Court. I am endorsed by retiring Judge Russell F. Ethridge, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, and many others.
Thomas Gregory Krall
Age: 38
Occupation: Lawyer
Municipality of residence: City of Grosse Pointe
For how long: 8 years in GPC; 30 years in Pointes
Online campaign information: Thomas Krall for Grosse Pointe Judge on Facebook
Education: Grosse Pointe South; Michigan State University;
Previously and currently held elected offices: No prior offices held.
Top goals: Goal: Maintain the Court’s impartiality to protect it. To demonstrate Krall’s commitment to the Community and Rule of Law, he promises to:
(1) Not Solicit or Accept any political contributions;
(2) Donate his salary to City of Grosse Pointe; and
(3) Protect the Court as an impartial institution by enforcing the law as written, free from outside influence, in order to ensure the Community is safe, stable, and civil for all of its residents.
Bryan A. Sunisloe
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Grosse Pointe Park Mayor
Two candidates are running for one two-year term.
Christine M. Gallagher
Age: 56
Occupation: Telecommunications Solution Consultant
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 15 years
Online campaign information: ChristineGallagher4Mayor.com
Education: BA International Affairs, Global Leadership Strategies 2008, Leadership & Management 2004
Previously and currently held elected offices: GPP City Council
Top goals: I will work with ALL council members, the administration, and the community toward achievable, quantifiable goals that provide transparent fiscal planning and open communication. Define 3/5/10 year financial strategy to fix the structural deficit and ensure operational and capital needs are met. Make a concerted effort to restore public safety levels. Identify and apply timely to ALL infrastructure grants. Work to improve employee morale. Actively pursue the return of Trombly as GPPSS Elementary school.
Michele Hodges (I)
Age: 56
Occupation: Non Profit President and CEO
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 22 Years
Online campaign information: www.hodgesformayor.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Michigan State University. Multiple certificates, including Institute for Organizational Management, Economic Developers Institute, Institute for Public Administration, and Michigan Political Leadership Program.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Grosse Pointe Park, Mayor, Elected 2021 (currently serving in this role)
Grosse Pointe Park, City Council, Elected 2019
Top goals: If re-elected, I will continue to demonstrate financial acumen that permanently eliminates our inherited deficit. Achieving financial stability will enable robust funding for public safety, infrastructure and park improvements, and other city services that improve quality of life. Demonstrating strong leadership by collaborating with residents and stakeholders will grow our tax base, further the positive momentum that is underway, and drive us toward our North Star, which is long term vibrancy for Grosse Pointe Park.
Grosse Pointe Park City Council
Six candidates are running for three four-year terms.
Brent Dreaver
Age: 38
Occupation: Senior Business Analyst
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 8 years
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/DreaverForGPP
Education: M.B.A., University of Michigan Ross School of Business (Corporate Strategy and Operations Management); B.A., University of Michigan (Philosophy).
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: If elected, my top goals revolve around transparency and elevating the voice of our community within council. It is my strong belief that a government that is open and accountable in its decisions is imperative for building trust and ensuring effective decision making.
I will work towards measures that encourage citizen participation. I believe that together we can create a more accountable and responsive council that best serves the needs of our community.
Jay A. Kennedy
Age: 68
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: I have lived in Grosse Pointe Park for a total of over 50 years
Online campaign information: jkennedyforgppcitycouncil.org
Education: Bachelors in Business Administration with honors from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration (now the Ross School of Business); Juris Doctor cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My overall goal is to maintain Grosse Pointe Park as a city of choice for young families. We must work together to preserve, and enhance, a safe, clean environment with excellent schools, parks and other amenities. Public safety is a top priority. We must also complete the EERV and carefully review our other infrastructure needs, including water mains, the marina and others. I also hope to help shape the best possible outcome for Trombly School.
Timothy Kolar
Age: 42
Occupation: State Office Administrator — State of Michigan
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 6 years
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/kolargpp
Education: MBA – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Gies College of Business. Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science International Studies — Indiana University Bloomington, Kelley School of Business.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Public Safety. Infrastructure. Promoting Our City. Community Engagement. We focus on those goals through proper budgeting and a process of educating, evaluating, and communicating. Budget sets priorities and must be balanced. Educating ourselves and our neighbors about issues and finding real solutions. Evaluating the options for sustainability and fiscal integrity. Communicating to get community feedback on decisions and outcomes, with those communications done on a regular and frequent basis through numerous channels.
Marty McMillan (I)
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired Owner/Vice President — Office Furniture and Supply Company
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 60 + years
Online campaign information: www.MartyMcMillan4GPPCouncil.com
Education: Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Grosse Pointe Park Councilmember – December 6, 2021, to Present
Top goals: GPP must make strategic decisions that preserve our superior amenities, address aging infrastructure, and keep our community safe. Public safety is my highest priority. Our officers are highly trained, highly motivated, and they have outstanding leadership. 911 call response time continues to be 2 minutes and crime statistics are the same as pre-covid and down from 10 years ago. Council must work to ensure public trust in the decision-making process through improved communication and feedback.
Elvis Torres
Age: 41
Occupation: Infrastructure Consulting Services Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: www.elvisgpp.com
Education:
• Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan
• Bachelor of Sciences in Electronics Engineering Technology from the University of Puerto Rico Bayamón
• Diploma Signal Officer Basic Course from the US Army Signal School
• Diploma Radio and Communication Security Repairer from the US Army Ordnance School
• Certificate of Project Management Professional from Project Management Institute
• Certificate of Industrial Electronics Antonio Luchetti Vocational High School
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I want to continue serving the community as a member of GPP Public Safety Advisory Committee, I understand the importance of supporting the department and fostering community engagement. If elected, I will work alongside the new Director and Councilmembers to enhance our PS ability to patrol and ensure our community’s peace of mind. Additionally, my experience and education will enable me to contribute to infrastructure improvement planning and effectively balance budgets by working with stakeholders.
Heather Ulku
Age: 52
Occupation: Realtor Higbie Maxon Agney
Municipality of residence: Grosse Pointe Park
For how long: total of 36 yrs. Born and raised, moved back to the Park in 2005
Online campaign information: heatherulkugpp.com
Education: Grosse Pointe South class of 1989, Humboldt State University, Arcata California
Previously and currently held elected offices: No elected public offices held.
Top goals: Fiscal responsibility along with public safety are the cornerstones of a strong community. Maintaining property values, addressing economic development, and making Grosse Pointe Park a desirable place to work are the issues that I am committed to. I will come to the table informed, prepared, and ready to do the work.
Grosse Pointe Park Ballot Proposals
Proposal 1:
A proposed amendment to Section 9.16 (Collection Fees) of the City of Grosse Pointe Park City Charter
The city council proposes that Section 9.16 be amended to provide that summer property taxes paid on or before September 14 shall be collected by the Treasurer without a collection fee, but that, beginning on September 15th, the Treasurer shall add to all taxes paid thereafter a collection fee of one percent (1%) per month of the amount of said taxes.
Should this proposed amendment be adopted?
Proposal 2:
A proposed amendment to Section 3.6 and Section 3.10 of the City of Grosse Pointe Park City Charter to eliminate the current requirement for primary elections for city officers
Currently, Section 3.6 and Section 3.10 of the City Charter require that the City conduct a primary election for all elective offices within the City. The proposed amendment would eliminate the need for a primary election and would allow residents to consider all nominees for elective office at the City’s general election.
Should this proposed amendment be adopted?
City Open Stores Ordinance
This proposed ordinance, if adopted, would provide for two adult use cannabis retail establishments to be allowed to operate in the city limits. Shall The Proposal be Adopted?
City Cannabis Licensing Charter Amendment
This proposed charter amendment, if adopted, would require local licensing and fees for adult use retail establishments, set application or selection criteria, and regulate the operation of two cannabis establishments in the city.
Shall The Proposal be Adopted?
