2024 ELECTION GUIDE
Ferndale voters to decide operating millage proposals
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE — Ferndale voters have important choices to make in the Nov. 5 election with two ballot proposals relating to a Headlee override millage.
The proposals presented by Ferndale are aimed to support the city’s police, fire facilities and recreation facilities and operations.
The first proposal on the ballot would reset the city’s general operating millage back to 20 mills. The operating millage for 2025 is set to be 11.4144 mills, and with the 2015 10-year Headlee override millage of 4.2808 mills, the 2025 combined general operating millage is 15.6952 mills. The override is set to expire Dec. 31, 2025.
The ballot language for the Headlee Operating Millage
Ringwald brings the fire with ‘Grown-Ups’ production
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE — The next show at the Ringwald Theatre will see the actors position themselves at a campfire.
The Ringwald’s performance of the play “The Grown-Ups” will run from Oct. 11 to Nov. 4 at Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road.
“The Grown-Ups” tells the story of a group of camp counselors trying to “mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker,” a news release states.
Camden Maccagnone, of Rochester, plays one of the leads, Aidan, in his second show with the Ringwald. When he first read the play, Maccagnone said he audibly gasped and was left speechless by the script, which he also connected to as a former camp counselor himself.
“I read this script, and I actually had to sit up from my seat and pretty much lock in to what exactly I was reading,” he said. “For me, that’s a huge green flag, not only for a script but for just any book in general, when you have to sit up and be like, ‘Holy s—, is this actually happening?’”
See GROWN-UPS on page 17A
Restoration Proposal reads, “This proposal will restore the authority of the City to levy 20.00 mills for general operating purposes by restoring millage authority that has been reduced by operation of the Headlee Amendment and replacing the 5.4552 mills operating millage previously authorized by electors in 2015, which has been reduced to 4.2808 mills. If approved by electors, the restored millage would continue
The Ringwald Theatre will host several shows of its production of “The Grown-Ups” during the next month.
Photo provided by Brandy Joe Plambeck
Outcry over potential gun shop in Berkley to lead to zoning changes
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — Plans to open a gun shop in downtown Berkley have been abandoned after outcry from residents.
Community members came to the Sept. 16 City Council meeting to voice their displeasure at the potential of a gun shop looking to open in the downtown and within distance of Berkley High School.
The business, Storm Strong Arms, had submitted an application Aug. 20 to open a location at 2758 Coolidge Highway. However, the shop withdrew its application Sept. 9.
According to the city, there are no plans for Storm Strong Arms to resubmit its application.
Mayor Bridget Dean stated at the meeting that she understood that the plans caused concerns, especially given the proximity to the high school.
“I appreciate these concerns and want you to know that we take them very seriously,” she said. “In response to community feedback on this matter, our city staff plans to recommend that the Planning Commission consider new restrictions for firearms retailers. The proposal would limit these businesses to the Woodward (Avenue) and 11 Mile (Road) retail districts with a 1,000-foot buffer from schools and from each other. This change, if approved by the Planning Commission and then the City Council, would limit locations where firearms retailers could be located, giving us more local control over such decisions in the future.”
Under the current zoning ordinances, Dean said, a firearms retailer is classified as a general use, and general retail uses are permitted in downtown Berkley. As such, if a business were to meet all safety, legal and zoning requirements, the applications couldn’t be denied by the city.
“We recognize our community’s needs and desires have evolved since our ordinances were last updated in 1993,” Dean said. “That’s why we’ve been proactively working with our community since spring 2023 on a comprehensive rewrite of our zoning ordinances. The goal of this update is to address various uses that weren’t anticipated in our current regulations.
Ferndale High School’s homecoming football game was postponed after an altercation in the stands, as well as social media threats.
Ferndale High’s football team resumed its game with Avondale the following day, but it didn’t
FERNDALE HOMECOMING GAME POSTPONED FOLLOWING FIGHT, SOCIAL MEDIA THREATS
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE — Ferndale High School’s homecoming football game came to an abrupt end when the game was postponed due to social media threats and an altercation in the stands.
On Friday, Sept. 27, during Ferndale High’s homecoming game against Avondale High School, the game was called off with Avondale leading 14-7.
According to Ferndale Public Schools Superintendent Camille Hibbler, the game was postponed after school staff and law enforcement were made aware of threats that were made on social media relating to potential violence.
“We are aware that information and speculation circulating on social media, both from parents and students have become a cause for concern,” she said in a prepared statement.
In addition to these threats, during the game there was an altercation between two individuals.
“Our initial report described this as an “incident”, as we worked with law enforcement to identify those involved and the circumstances,” Hibbler stated. “The altercation was quickly controlled by safety officials. An altercation and removal of individuals alone, typically would not cause for the postponement of a game, however, when coupled with the social media threats, and the fear from circulating rumors, our decision was clear to postpone and evacuate out of an abundance of caution. We were later informed that there were no weapons, or actual physical threat identified in or around the stadium.”
Ferndale police said in a Facebook post that no threat was identified and everyone was able to safely leave
take place at the home of the Eagles.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
Celebrating the fall
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ABOVE: Mateo Delogu, 7, Vivian Schroeder, 12, and Elisa Delogu, 11, paint colorful pumpkins at the Ferndale Fall Festival.
LEFT: William “DJ Luke” Lucas plays some tunes for the festival attendees at Martin Road Park.
LEFT: Festivalgoers board a hayride.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
Ferndale kids Ariyah Bruner, 5; Shiloh King, 10; and Brooklyn King, 7, show their Halloween face paint at the Ferndale Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Festival Oct. 5 at Martin Road Park.
NEWS & NOTES
NEW SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER APPOINTED TO SHORT TERM
BERKLEY — The Berkley School District Board of Education has appointed a new member to fill a vacancy.
The school district has welcomed Jonathan Heger as the newest school board member. He was selected from three finalists Sept. 26. According to a news release, Heger is a purchasing manager for Ford Motor Co. and a 16-year resident of Berkley. He has three children in the district at Pattengill Elementary School and Anderson Middle School.
“I am honored to have been selected as a Trustee of the Berkley School Board from amongst a highly qualified group of candidates,” Heger said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to working with such a talented and dedicated Board and administration for the benefit of the District.”
The seat on the board became vacant after Ron Justice resigned last month because he planned to move out of the district. Heger’s term runs until Dec. 31.
“The Board is pleased to welcome Jon Heger to the Board of Education,” school board President Roger Blake said in a prepared statement. “His commitment to the Berkley School District will certainly be an asset to the Board and the community. We commend his willingness to serve for a three-month term.”
WHAT A ‘GEM’
WARREN — In partnership with Cranbrook Institute of Science, the Michigan Mineralogical Society will hold its 79th annual Greater Detroit Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show Oct. 11-13 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center on the South Campus at 14500 E. 12 Mile Road.
This family-friendly event will showcase over 65 vendors displaying jewelry, gems, crystals, rare minerals and authentic fossils from across the nation. Attendees also will have the opportunity to view more than 30 display cases featuring specimens from renowned world-class museums. This year’s guest speakers include Donald Baumgartner, Erik Rintamaki, Larry Atkins and Paleo Joe. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For ticket information and the guest speaker schedule, visit michmin.org/show-info.
Park ribbon-cutting
FERNDALE — The city of Ferndale will be hosting a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at Wilson Park to celebrate the park’s new amenities.
The upgrades at Wilson park include a new playground, a walking path, trash and recycling bins, an accessible water fountain, picnic tables with wheelchair access, a parking lot and landscaping. Light refreshments and activities will be available.
The city said in a news release that the park will be partially open for the time being and that a swing set and pavilion will be installed in the coming weeks.
COMMUNITY BAND PLANS CONCERT
FERNDALE — The Ferndale Community Concert Band’s next show will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, at the Ferndale High School Auditorium, 881 Pinecrest Drive. The band’s show is called “The Changing Seasons” and features musical pieces from French Can-Can composer Jacques Offenbach to “Second Suite,” by Robert Jager; “Caribana Afterparty,” by Omar Thomas; “Curtain Call,” by John Wasson; and “Dramatic Prelude,” by Claude T. Smith. The concert is free for attendees. For more information on the band, visit www.fcconcertband.org. OUR NEXT EDITION WILL DELIVER TO HOMES OCT. 16
TRICK OR TREAT
FERNDALE — Suburban Ford of Ferndale will be hosting a Halloween event later this month. Suburban Ford’s Halloween celebration will take place 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at 21600 Woodward Ave. The event will offer indoor trick-or-treating, snacks, festive balloons and glitter tattoos. For more information, visit facebook. com/Suburban FordofFerndale.
Corrections:
A photo caption that ran with the story “Moving into the multigenerational-living era” Sept. 25 should have said that Jennifer Toomajian, of Real Estate One in Troy, is showcasing this home at 8905 Ridge Drive, Washington Township. It is currently on the market for $1,650,000 and was designed by 213 Designworks. For more information on the home, and buying inquiries, visit realestateone. com/MI/Macomb/Washington/8905Ridge-Drive-Washing ton-MI48095/20240064203-MIRC#.
VOTERS TO CHOOSE FEDERAL AND STATE OFFICIALS, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS AND DECIDE PROPOSALS
BERKLEY/FERNDALE/HUNTINGTON WOODS/PLEASANT RIDGE — In the Woodward Talk’s coverage area, voters on Nov. 5 will elect candidates for local, state and federal offices. There is one countywide proposal to decide, and there are two local proposals in Ferndale.
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. (I) indicates the candidate is an incumbent. The answers are printed verbatim except where material is omitted due to personal attacks or items we know to be false or that are blatant misrepresentations.
Profile forms were not sent to candidates who are running unopposed.
U.S. Senate
Six candidates are running for one six-year term. The salary for this position is $174,000.
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
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.
Libertarian Joseph Solis-Mullen
Age: 35
Occupation: Economist, Political Scientist, and Research Fellow at the Libertarian Institute, Author, and Professor of History at SAU
Municipality of residence: Marshall
For how long: Five Years Online campaign information: https://solismullen4senate.com
Dave Stein
Age: 54 yrs old
Occupation: Retired CDL A Operator, Investing
Municipality of residence: Residence in Essexville MI.
For how long: Lived here my whole life
Online campaign information: DaveStein4Liberty. com
Education: Some college, Trade school certificates: Heating and air conditioning, Building trades, Electronics, Heavy Equipment, CDL A, Metal fabrication,Tool making, Grinding, 3D Printing. Private studies: Common law 3 years and ongoing, cooking. IQ=156
education funding, cleaning up PFAs and replacing Flint’s pipes, environmentally sustainable energy and transportation infrastructure investments, stopping money and weapons for war, and stopping the flow of oil through Michigan’s watersheds.
Natural Law Party
Doug Dern
Age: 62
Occupation: Lawyer
Municipality of residence: Highland MI
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: www.dougdern.com
Education: University of Oklahoma, Thomas Cooley Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: n/a
Education: BA in English and Political Science, Spring Arbor University; MA in Political Science, University of Illinois; MA in Economics, University of Missouri; PhD in History, Liberty University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Eliminate the Federal Reserve, IRS, and Pentagon, all foreign aid, Social Security and Medicare, the Department of Education, DEA and ATF, institute federal elections by lottery and one-term limits on those who serve, eliminate omnibus bills and continuing resolutions: basically, everything about the way Washington D.C. does business as usual needs to be scrapped, and Democrats and Republicans love their own power and privilege too much to ever do anything but continue to sail (…)
U.S. Taxpayers
Previously and currently held elected offices: Political experience: First time directly other that participation in local committee’s Top goals: To stop abortion abuse. Abortion should not be used as birth control and only in extreme circumstances allowed. e.g. allow abortion for incest, rape, deformation, disease, threat to Mothers life. Children have a right to live. Alternative to being a parent is adoption. Ending the war machine and concentrating on American born business. Social Security monies go to heirs. Close Border. Require legal US Citizenship to vote.
Green Douglas P. Marsh
Age: 40
Occupation: Journalist
Municipality of residence: West Branch
For how long: No answer given.
Online campaign information:
https://www.electmarsh.us
Education: University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals: I want to join a full-court press for Medicare-for-All (single-payer model), housing reforms and rent controls, public
Top goals:
Lots of reform that does not get media attention. Bankruptcy reform needs to be looked at on a national level. Expansion of exemptions, and stricter rules on Chapter 13 Trustees. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act needs reformed because it has not been changed since the 1970’s.
National Changes for third party ballot access. Push for a flat tax across the board equal to all. Promotion for health consciousness and cleaning up the toxic food and (...)
U.S. House of Representatives District 11
Three candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for the position is $174,000.
Democrat
Haley Stevens Age: 41
Occupation: Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: First Seaholm Grad to Congress!
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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 build on my legislative track record for Oakland County. Whether on trade, manufacturing, or education issues; I have passed laws to meet the needs of our district. As can be seen by the 200+ visits to manufacturers through my Manufacturing Monday program and the CHIPS act, our district’s families remain my top priority. We also must protect our LGBTQ+ community and install nationwide reproductive care. I remain committed to equality and justice for all.
Republican
Nick Somberg
Age: 35
Occupation: Attorney, Entrepreneur
Municipality of residence: Oakland County, Michigan
For how long: 2007
Online campaign information: www.NickSomberg.com
Education:
J.D., Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
B.A., Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals are to restore the Constitution, ensure government accountability, and reduce inflation by cutting wasteful spending. I will fight to secure our borders, defend free speech, and protect the Second Amendment. My focus is on improving economic freedom, securing energy independence, and protecting the rights of families and individuals from government overreach.
Green Party
Douglas Campbell
Age: 65 years
Occupation: Registered Professional Engineer, semi-retired
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: https://migreenparty.org
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: Embargo weapons shipments to belligerent nations.
Re-introduce John Conyer’s H.R.676 - Medicare For All.
Overturn Citizens United and eliminate corrupt money from elections.
Amend the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act to include digital electronics & software. Repeal the Taft-Hartley Act and restore the protections of the Wagner Act.
Implement James Hansen’s Fee & Dividend program for fossil fuels.
Repeal the Trump tax cuts for billionaires & corporations.
Raise the federal minimum wage; index it to inflation.
State House of Representatives District 6
Two candidates are running for one two-year term in November. The salary for this position is $71,685 plus expenses.
Democrat
Natalie Price
Age: 42
Occupation: State Representative Municipality of residence: Berkley, MI
For how long: Nine years Online campaign information: VoteNataliePrice.com
Education: MA, English Studies. University of Exeter (UK) 2006. Graduated with Academic Distinction. BA, English and Classics. Vassar College 2004. Graduated with Departmental Honors.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Berkley City Councilmember, 2018-2022. State Representative, 5th House District, 2023-Present
Top goals: I will fight to fully fund Michigan’s public schools, guarantee equitable support for every student, and hold charter schools to the same high standards. We must also confront the climate crisis with bold investments in clean energy and sustainable, union-built infrastructure. And I will champion fair wages, affordable healthcare, and common-sense gun safety laws to protect our communities. By closing corporate tax loopholes, we can fund these
priorities without shifting the burden onto working families.
Republican
Brent M. Lamkin
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 8
Three candidates are running for one two-year term. The salary for this position is $71,685 plus expenses.
Democrat
Helena Scott
Did not return questionnaire before press time.
Republican Joseph R. Fisher
Did not return questionnaire before press time.
Working Class Party
Logan Ausherman
Did not return questionnaire before press time.
Oakland County Executive
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $221,336.
Democrat
David Coulter
Age: 64 years
Occupation: Oakland County Executive Municipality of residence: Ferndale For how long: 33 years
Online campaign information: www.friendsofdavecoulter.com
Education: Bachelor’s Degree Michigan State University, Executive Education Certificate John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Executive 2019-present, Mayor of Ferndale- 2010-2019, Oakland County Commissioner- 2002-2010.
Top goals: By working across party lines, I have made balancing the budget and preserving Oakland County’s AAA bond rating a top priority. I have also secured key investments in public safety, water quality and educational opportunities. We are working to lower costs by making housing more affordable, improving public transportation, expanding mental health services, and protecting women’s health care.
Republican
Nik Gjonaj
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $191,281.
Democrat
Karen McDonald
Age: 54
Occupation: Oakland County Prosecutor Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 16 years Birmingham; Oakland County 29 years Online campaign information: McDonaldForProsecutor.com
Education: Wayne State Law School (1998), Alma College (1992)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Circuit Court Judge
Top goals: Keeping Oakland County safe by working with law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals off the streets. Holding Criminals Accountable, including the Oxford High School shooter and his parents, while also fighting for justice for crime victims and their families. Focusing resources on our Gun Violence Task Force, Trafficking Unit, and Hate Crimes Unit - crimes that have a huge impact on our community. Preventing future crime through the Commission to Address Gun Violence.
Republican
Scott Farida Age: 34
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: Approximately 30 years Online campaign information: www.faridaforprosecutor.com
Education: Juris Doctore from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Graduated Cum Laude; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Minor in History from Oakland University, Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Detroit Catholic Central High School; St. Hugo of the Hills School
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: We must depoliticize prosecution and re-focus on public safety and victim advocacy. Every single person in our
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community, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or any other identifier, has the right to live their life free from being victimized. Our community has seen huge spikes in crime and some of the worst offenders undercharged or pleaded down. My goal is to be fair and proportional, not to trade one political extreme for another.
Oakland County Sheriff
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for this position is $170,295.
Democrat
Amrit Kohli
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Michael J. Bouchard
Age: 68
Occupation: Oakland County Sheriff
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield
For how long: 8 years Online campaign information: www.sheriffbouchard.com
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice and Police Administration, Michigan State University, Honor Student
Graduate of the United States Secret Service in Dignitary Protection Program
Graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute Program (NEI) Mid-Michigan Law Enforcement Center, Valedictorian
Graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute Graduate of Darden’s Program for emerging Political Leaders, University of Virginia Toll Fellow, Council of State Governments in conjunction with the University of Kentucky
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Sheriff, State Senator, State Representative, Beverly Hills Village Council
Top goals: As Sheriff, my top goal is to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Oakland County. I will continue to focus on keeping kids and our schools safe, reducing crime, improving emergency response times, enhancing mental health resources in law enforcement and boosting training. By building strong community partnerships and investing in cutting-edge training and technology, we’ll protect our neighborhoods while maintaining trust and transparency
in the Sheriff’s Office. Public safety is not partisan.
Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The annual salary for the position is $170,761.
Democrat
Lisa Brown
Age: 57
Occupation: Oakland County Clerk/ Register of Deeds
Municipality of Residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: over 30 years
Online campaign information: www.lisabrown4michigan.com
Education: Earned Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State University and Juris Doctor at the Detroit College of Law; also earned the national designation of Certified Elections/ Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest credential for those in the elections profession Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Clerk/ Register of Deeds (2013 to present); Michigan State Representative (2009-2012)
Top goals: To continue running a Clerk/ Register of Deeds office that serves as a model for the state, receiving local and nationwide acclaim for excellence and innovation
Coordinated with local clerks to increase transparency, save taxpayer dollars, and make elections more secure, efficient, and cost effective with the Oakland County Absentee Voter counting board and administering Early Voting for 45 communities
Increased protections for property owners against fraud by implementing the firstof-its-kind Property Records Notification service
Republican
Barb Pallotta
Age: An active, youthful & healthy 70 year old
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of Residence: Charter Township of Independence
For how long: ≈ 20 years
Online campaign information: www.VotePallotta.com
Education: Associates - Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: Charter Township of Independence: Appointed as Clerk February 201, Charter
Township of Independence: Elected as Clerk November 2012, Charter Township of Independence: Re-elected as Clerk February 2016
Top goals:
Advocate for election integrity and local control of elections. Enacted proposals (2018 Proposal 3 and 2022 Proposal 2) weakens election integrity and directly impacts the sovereignty of local control.
Initiate immediate alerts about potential fraud activity to secure all Register of Deed property records 24/7.
Reassess online services and the merit of associated fees to improve access to public records. Develop a “NO FEE” policy for all electronic public records NOT subject to statutory exemption.
Oakland County Treasurer
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for the position is $170,761.
Democrat Robert Wittenberg
Age: 43
Occupation: Oakland County Treasurer Municipality of residence: Huntington Woods
For how long: 29 Years
Online campaign information: www.RobertWittenberg.com
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Indiana University
Previously and currently held elected offices:
State Representative1/1/2015 – 12/31/2020
Oakland County Treasurer7/1/2021 - Current Top goals: We accomplished a lot during my first term (lowest tax foreclosures, updated investment policy, increased efficiency/transparency, etc.), but the work is not done. My top priorities will continue to be protecting the financial security of every resident in Oakland County, maintaining our AAA Bond rating, and keeping Oakland County a wonderful place to live and work. I will do all I can to secure taxpayer dollars, preserve property values, and prevent foreclosure.
Republican Donna Blake Age: 65
Occupation: CFO & Small Business Owner
Municipality of residence: Oxford
For how long: 24 Years
Online campaign information: 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 Republican Delegate 3 twoyear terms
Top goals: As a former FBI Forensic Accountant, I’m passionate about rooting out wasteful spending and any misuse of funds. Let’s not be spending county taxpayer dollars for illegal immigration, DEI initiatives, or empty buses driving around Oakland County. I will accelerate the return of taxpayer money that was illegal taken through tax foreclosures. After cutting costs, I will support property tax cuts. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and work together without wasting a dime.
Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. 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
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our high-quality services, pursue sustainable/efficient infrastructure investments, protect economic prosperity for all our communities, promote public education and seek public input.
Republican Steven 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 ArtsOakland 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
Oakland County Commission District 19
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The annual salary for the position is $45,131 a year.
Democrat Charlie Cavell
Age: 33
Occupation: Social Worker/County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: cavell4commission.com
Education: BSW, Wayne State University; MSW, University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: County Commissioner since 2020!
Top goals: 1) More funding/programming for vulnerable people in Oakland County for example…Mothers and babies, through a program called RX for Kids
2) Increasing accountability through policymaking…Surveillance Policy, Tax Increment Policy
3) Building trust in government by being available and communicative…call/text anytime 947.500.1144
Republican Paul Taros
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired Certified Public Accountant
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 27
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61559084051317
Education: MBA from Wayne State University, BBA from the University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Some people support crony capitalism. They want to give millions of taxpayer dollars to wealthy developers, so they can build low-income housing in neighborhoods over the objections of area residents. I will oppose all crony capitalism and fight to keep Oakland County’s AAA bond rating.
Some people foolishly want to end cash bail for nonviolent offenses, while I strongly support law enforcement and want to continue requiring bail for criminal offenses.
Michigan Supreme Court Justice — Incumbent Position
Two candidates are running for a partial term ending Jan. 1, 2029. The salary for this position is $181,483.
Kyra Harris Bolden
Age: 36
Occupation: Michigan Supreme Court Justice
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: Two years, though I have lived my entire life in Michigan.
Online campaign information: www.boldenforjustice.com
Education:
B.A. Grand Valley State University
J.D. University of Detroit Mercy
Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan State Representative, 35th District, 20192023
Michigan Supreme Court Justice, 2023-Present
Top goals: The Michigan Supreme Court has offered a unique opportunity to leverage my experience as a legislature, a litigator, and as a public servant in a single position. Throughout my tenure on the court, I’m proud to have made critical decisions that will help shape what justice looks like for generations to come. My work is not done, which is why I am running for retention.
Patrick William O’Grady
Age: 54
Occupation: 15th Circuit Court Judge (Branch County Coldwater, MI)
Municipality of residence: Coldwater
For how long: 25 years (Born and raised in Michigan)
Online campaign information: www.judgeogrady4supremecourt.com
Education: Thomas M. Cooley Law School Juris Doctor, Western Michigan University Bachelors Business Administration, Michigan State Police Training Academy – Trooper, United States Army Signal Officer Basic Course, Algonac High School, Algonac MI
Previously and currently held elective offices: State of Michigan 15th Circuit Court Judge elected 2008/2014/2020
Top goals: To maintain and restore the public trust of the Supreme Court to one that all citizens look to as a guard of the
Constitution and the rights of individuals. Maintaining a high level of impartiality while increasing access to justice in an ever increasing technological world. Further to make sure that the Judiciary remains as the “citadel of the public justice and the public security”. Federalist Paper 78, Alexander Hamilton
Michigan Supreme Court Justice
Two candidates are running for one eight-year term. The salary for this position is $181,483.
Andrew Fink
Age: 39
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Adams Township
For how long: 3 years (Hillsdale County for almost 6 years)
Online campaign information: FinkForMichigan.com
Education: Graduate of Hillsdale College and the University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative Top goals: As a candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court, Andrew Fink is running to restore our judiciary’s commitment to protecting the will of the people, interpreting the law as it is written, and ensuring everyone receives due process, not just insiders. As a former Marine Corps officer and the son of a police officer, he knows the value of public service and the rule of law and wants to empower those that keep our communities safe.
Kimberly Ann
Thomas
Age: 52
Occupation: University of Michigan Law School professor
Municipality of residence: Ann Arbor
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: https:// www.electkimberlythomas.com/
Education: Harvard Law School, magna cum laude, 1999; University of Maryland at College Park, magna cum laude, 1994.
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I care deeply about equal justice for all Michiganders. I am an experienced trial and appellate lawyer and a law professor at the University of Michigan Law School,
Johnson
Cavell
Taros
Bolden
O’Grady
Thomas Fink
Election
where I teach students the ethical practice of law and direct the Juvenile Justice Clinic. My background as a law professor and as a lawyer of 25 years gives me the expertise, experience and problem-solving ability that we need on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District, non-incumbent terms
Two candidates are running for the nonincumbent position. According to the House Fiscal Agency, the salary is $186,309.12.
Matthew Ackerman
Age: 33
Occupation: Attorney at Ackerman & Ackerman PC
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Over 20 years in Michigan Online campaign information: www.ackermanforjudge.org
Education: A.B., Harvard (cum laude, high honors in Economics); M.Sc. in Economics, London School of Economics; J.D., Columbia Law School (Law Review, highest honors all three years)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: One of my goals is to reduce the time it takes for the Court of Appeals to issue decisions. The average time is currently 13.8 months—far too long for critical matters like child custody and criminal appeals. As a Harvard graduate, Columbia Law Review editor, and attorney with extensive appellate experience, including over 100 civil and criminal appeals, I am fully equipped to deliver high-quality, well-reasoned decisions efficiently, ensuring timely justice for all.
Latoya Marie Willis
Age: 49
Occupation: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 14 years Online campaign information: www.willisforjustice.com
Education: Latoya is a proud graduate of Renaissance High School. After graduating high school, she attended Western Michigan University where she majored in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Latoya earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School and was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2002.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE
Top goals: To restore the general public’s confidence in the integrity of our judicial system. For 21 years I have fought to protect the rights of citizens and as a judge I will fight to protect the Court by ensuring it is fair, impartial, and completely non-partisan. Politics have no place inside our courtrooms. Every individual should be able to trust that their case will be resolved based strictly on the merits, the evidence, and the law.
6th Circuit Court Judge
Two candidates are running for a non-incumbent position. The salary for the position is $180,741.35 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:
lecthuddlestonforjudge.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
Judge of the Circuit Court6th Circuit (six six-year terms, uncontested)
Six candidates are unopposed on the ballot for six six-year terms. The salary for this position is $180,741.35
Jacob James Cunningham
Running unopposed.
Kameshia D. Gant
Running unopposed.
Maureen H. Kinsella Running unopposed.
Julie A. McDonald
Running unopposed.
Kwame L. Rowe
Running unopposed.
Michael Warren Running unopposed.
Oakland County Probate Court Judge
Two candidates are running for one non-incumbent position. The salary is $180.741.35.
Daniel A. O’Brien
Age: 68 years
Occupation: Oakland County Probate Judge
Municipality of residence: West Bloomfield
For how long: 31 years
Online campaign information:
Votejudgeobrien.com
Education: University of Detroit Law School, Juris Doctor - 1988
Michigan Technological University, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering – 1981
University of Detroit High School - 1974
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Probate Judge –January 2009 to the present Top goals: My goal is to continue providing the best service that any Judge can provide to the people of Oakland County. I have provided that same service to Oakland County my entire legal career, first as an Oakland Assistant Prosecutor, then an attorney providing free legal services to needy people, then an Oakland District Court Magistrate, and now an Oakland Probate Judge for 16 years. No candidate is more qualified.
Traci Richards
Age: 54
Occupation: Lawyer and Associate Real Estate Broker
Municipality of residence: Village of Franklin
For how long: Since 2012 Online campaign information: TraciRichardsforjudge.com
Education: J.D. University of Michigan, B.S. Florida A & M University, Summa Cum Laude
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goal is to provide more transparency. Transparency should be the norm and not the exception. Probate judges should provide a reason when they select professionals over previously designated individuals or family members. People should know what to expect when they go to court in terms of procedures to follow. Instructions should be provided on how to locate free resources about navigating probate cases.
Judge of the 44th District Court, incumbent position
One candidate is running unopposed for one six-year term. The salary for the position is $180,741.35.
Derek W. Meinecke
Running unopposed.
Ackerman
Willis
Dare
Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston
O’Brien
Richards
Election
Judge of the 44th District Court, incumbent position, partial term
One candidate is running unopposed for a partial term ending Jan. 1, 2029. The salary for the position is $180,741.35.
Andrew Kowalkowski
Running unopposed.
Judge of the District Court43rd District, incumbent position
One candidate is unopposed on the ballot for one six-year term. The salary for this position is $180,741.35.
Keith P. Hunt
Running unopposed.
Berkley School District Board of Education
Three candidates are running for two six-year terms. Board members are compensated $30 per meeting day.
Robert E. Buxbaum
Age: 69
Occupation: Chemical Engineer; I run a business that makes hydrogen purifiers and hydrogen generators. Mostly stuff I’d designed. REB Research & Consulting: Hydrogen Engineering Solutions.
Municipality of residence: Oak Park
For how long: 31 years
Online campaign information: https:// www.hydrogenpurifier.com/ elect/
Education: Cooper Union (BE), Princeton (MA, PhD)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I got an excellent education in a system with excellent teachers and few facilities. Berkley works the opposite, raising new bonds, $88 million last year, for buildings and equipment, but not teachers. Berkley favors AI and sports, but not shop, math, or drawing. I think ChatGBT is a crutch that makes people think they know more than they do. True creativity comes from knowledge and hands-on work, not from AI, in my opinion.
Jon Heger
Age: 45
Occupation: Purchasing Manager
Municipality of residence: Berkley, MI
For how long: 16 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: BSME, University of Michigan 2002, MBA University of Michigan-Dearborn 2018
Previously and currently held elected offices: none
Top goals: Attract and retain the highest quality staff of teachers and education support. Provide staff with the tools and training needed to meet the needs and aspirations of the student body.
Implementation of the bond improvements supported by the district residents.
Promote connection with local, regional, and state-wide organizations to advocate for our public schools, uphold trust in the Berkley School Board, and provide the educational environment that allows our district student to flourish.
Keith Allen Logsdon
Age: 63
Occupation: Architect
Municipality of residence: Berkley
For how long: 23 1/2 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University — 1983
Previously and currently held elected offices: Berkley School Board Trustee — appointed in 2015, elected for 2 year term in 2016, elected for 6 year term in 2018
Top goals: Maintain safe, healthy, comfortable, high quality education for all students by providing first rate facilities to match our first rate programs. Staff attraction and retention are critical issues. We ARE the best because we HIRE the best! I will work to maintain strong relationships with staff by continuing our track record of cooperative bargaining practices resulting in fiscally sound and equitable contracts.
Make sure kids have the tools they need to FIND THEIR PASSION!
Ferndale Public Schools Board of Education
Three candidates are running unopposed for three four-year terms. Board members do not receive compensation.
David Crumrine
Running unopposed.
Lisa Kaiser
Running unopposed.
Erin Molnar
Running unopposed.
Ferndale Area District Library Board of Directors
Six candidates are running for four four-year terms. Board members do not receive compensation.
Judeen Bartos
Age: 66
Occupation: Higher Education Municipality of residence: Ferndale For how long: 23 years
Online campaign information: https:// www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615663 21656918&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Education: B.S. Elementary Education and Early Childhood. M.S. in Instructional Technology
Previously and currently held elected offices: Ferndale Area District Library Board of Directors since 2011.
Top goals: If re-elected, my top priorities will be:
• Renew the library millage that expires in 2026 to guarantee our facilities and services remain at a level Ferndale citizens have come to expect.
• Ensure access and inclusion for all by advocating for libraries and intellectual freedom.
• Re-evaluate and adapt services to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.
• Amplify our impact through collaborations, partnerships, and leadership roles at local, state, and national levels.
Kelly Farrah
Age: 61
Occupation: Legal Assistant Municipality of residence: Ferndale For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: https:// www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615663 21656918&mibextid=LQQJ4d Education: University of Michigan, B.G.S.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Ferndale Area District Library Board Member since 2016
Top goals: The library is a beloved institution in Ferndale. With its diverse collections, events, and dedicated and innovative staff, the Ferndale Area District Library is a place open to everyone. As an elected board member, top goals would be to continue to meet the needs of the community while safeguarding the freedom to access information, building on the first collective bargaining agreement and continue creating a positive workplace, and preparing for a successful 2026 millage request.
Adrienne M. Fazzolara
Age: 50
Occupation: Public School Teacher Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: https:// www.facebook.com/people/ElectFazzolara-Bartos-Hanlin-Farrah-FADL2024/61566321656918/?mibextid=LQQ J4d
Education: BA Communication Arts and Sciences
BA Education MA Curriculum and Teaching
Minor Political Science, English, Social Studies
Previously and currently held elected offices: Ferndale Area District Library Board member since 2012 Top goals: Using the FADL strategic plan I will continue to defend equitable access to books and services, modernize facilities, and negotiate contracts that are fair, equitable and fiscally responsible. In addition, I will continue to prioritize and support our partnership with Ferndale Public schools as well as will work with the board, staff, and community to encourage a renewal of the library operating mileage in 2026, which is vital to the continued success of the library.
Brianna Foraker
Age: 32
Occupation: Union Organizer (representing the Librarians, Archivists, and Curators at the University of Michigan)
Municipality of residence: Ferndale For how long: 3 years Online campaign information: http://www.
Buxbaum
Heger
Logsdon
Bartos
Farrah
Fazzolara
votebriannaandjonathan.com/
Education: B.A. in Early Childhood Education & M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction- Kent State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: The library board should play a vital role as ambassadors for the library. A top goal would be to enhance board engagement with the community, actively seeking feedback and connecting with patrons, as we have done through the campaign. Supporting the dedicated staff, who make the Ferndale library a community gem, is equally important. Furthermore, exploring partnerships with local organizations and businesses will help ensure the library is a true hub for Ferndale.
Amanda Hanlin
Age: 48
Occupation: Chief of Staff, Detroit Zoological Society
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61566321656918
Education: BA from Michigan State University, MA from Wayne State University, and PhD from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Ferndale Area District Library Board – Appointed in 2014, elected in 2016, reelected in 2020
Top goals: If reelected, I will continue to foster an environment of inclusion and progress for the staff and patrons who call the library home. I will stand up for our library in the face of proposed book bans, discriminatory initiatives like Hide the Pride and threats to library funding streams. I will work to build partnerships with our schools, businesses and Ferndale community groups to expand access and welcome new members into our library community.
Jonathan Ross Age: 38
Occupation: Service Industry Worker
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 21 months
Online campaign information:
http://www.votebriannaandjonathan.com
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Minor in Film Aesthetics & History — Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Advocate for the FADL workers by ensuring a safe workplace where librarians feel heard and materially supported, with a budget that allows for fulltime positions and a healthy work-life balance.
Support and expand upon existing services and programming, based on the needs and feedback of patrons and staff. This means fostering a sense of communal ownership in an institution that is made up of the people that it serves.
Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage
The Oakland County Parks System includes 17 park locations with nearly 7,200 acres of public park and recreational lands, 80 miles of trails, campgrounds, dog parks, golf courses, aquatic recreation facilities, and nature education centers. To continue to provide revenue to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, shall the current millage, which has been reduced by required rollback, be replaced, and increased to .65 mills for 20 years from 2024 to 2043, The .65 mills is equal to 65 cents per $1,000.00 of taxable value. The millage, if approved and levied, shall generate approximately $52,191,139 in 2024. The purpose of the millage is to expand, improve, operate, maintain, and acquire parks, recreational facilities, open spaces, lakes, rivers,water areas, and trailways; to support nature education, recreational, and outdoor educational and health programming; to support partnerships for access to and awareness of recreational lands and facilities; to promote the conservation and restoration of high-quality natural and wildlife habitats; and to allow free general park admission to all county parks for residents. Revenue from this millage shall be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and shall be subject to oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and to an independent audit.
Should the proposal be adopted?
Ferndale Headlee Operating Millage Restoration Proposal
This proposal will restore the authority of the City to levy 20.00 mills for general operating purposes by restoring millage authority that has been reduced by operation of the Headlee Amendment and replacing the 5.4552 mills operating millage previously authorized by electors in 2015, which has been reduced to 4.2808 mills. If approved by electors, the restored millage would continue to be subject to annual reduction by application of the Headlee Amendment.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Ferndale, County of Oakland, State of Michigan be increased by 8.5856 mills ($8.5856 per thousand dollars of taxable value) indefinitely beginning in 2025, as new additional millage in excess of the limitation imposed by Michigan Compiled Laws section 211.34d, to restore City Charter operating millage authorization previously approved by the electors
as reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, to provide funds for general operating purposes? It is estimated that 8.5856 mills would raise approximately $8,181,810 when first levied in 2025.
Amend Ferndale Charter Dedicating Portion of Operating Millage to Police Fire Recreation Facilities and Staff
It is proposed that Chapter IX, Section 12 of the Charter be amended to provide for the dedicated use of four-tenths (4/10) of one per cent (4 mills) of the assessed value of all real and personal property subject to taxation in the city for the sole purpose of funding improvement, maintenance, and operation of police, fire, and recreation facilities with any excess revenues thereafter to be used for the sole purpose of funding police, fire, and recreation operations and staffing, effective when electors approve restoring the operating millage to 20 mills. Shall the proposed amendment be adopted?
Foraker
Hanlin
Ross
Proposals
to be subject to annual reduction by application of the Headlee Amendment.
“Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Ferndale, County of Oakland, State of Michigan be increased by 8.5856 mills ($8.5856 per thousand dollars of taxable value) indefinitely beginning in 2025, as new additional millage in excess of the limitation imposed by Michigan Compiled Laws section 211.34d, to restore City Charter operating millage authorization previously approved by the electors as reduced by operation of the Headlee amendment, to provide funds for general operating purposes? It is estimated that 8.5856 mills would raise approximately $8,181,810 when first levied in 2025.”
City Manager Joe Gacioch said the city has been trying to be proactive in giving voters all the information they need to make the decision.
“We’ve put out educational videos about the facilities that really help walk the public through how our police and fire experience the facilities, where the deficiencies are, where the inequities are,” he said. “We can show that our female facilities are grossly inadequate and undersized. So we’re really trying to make sure that the public truly understands, one, the state of our facilities, and two, how that relates to the people that work for us. At the end of the day, the Headlee override is principally going to fund people and the facilities that those people reside in.”
The city estimates that a new public safety facility would cost between $35 million and $40 million.
The second ballot question, “Amend Charter Dedicating Portion of Operating Millage to Police Fire Recreation Facilities and Staff,” would earmark 4 of the 20 mills to be spent on public safety and recreation purposes in perpetuity, and the funds would be used for the construction and maintenance of facilities.
The ballot language reads, “It is proposed that Chapter IX, Section 12 of the Charter be amended to provide for the dedicated use of four-tenths (4/10) of one per cent (4 mills) of the assessed value of all real and personal property subject to taxation in the city for the sole purpose of funding improvement, maintenance, and operation of police, fire, and recreation facilities with any excess revenues thereafter to be used for the sole purpose of funding police, fire, and recreation operations and staffing, effective when electors approve restoring the operating millage to 20 mills. Shall the proposed
amendment be adopted?”
If the first proposal passes but the second doesn’t, Gacioch said the only difference would be that the funding would not be earmarked for public safety and recreation purposes, though the money would still go toward those purposes.
For more information on the proposals, visit ferndalemi.gov.
Is there a better way?
Resident Mike Thompson has been advocating against the passage of the proposals with his Facebook group, Taxes Here Are Terrible.
The group has presented several arguments against the proposals, such as how the operating millage and building projects are two separate issues that they feel shouldn’t have been paired together and that removes a choice from voters. They’re also against how the first proposal has no expiration date.
Thompson stated that he doesn’t feel the city can afford what’s being presented with the millage.
“We live in Ferndale for a reason because we like the community, we like the people there, we think we have kind of the same values, but we knew that if we were struggling to afford this, that there had to be other people that were in the same situation and maybe not as kind of resilient if something were to happen in the economy as far as, you know, income goes.”
Thompson stated that the group “wholeheartedly” supports the Police and Fire departments, but they think there’s a better way to proceed to improve the facilities.
“When they propose something so ambitious and they tie a recreation center to kind of necessary facilities and they don’t put an end date on it, then it really gives people pause,” Thompson said.
“We’re saying let’s put an end date on the funding for new facilities, let’s maybe do one at a time or use a bond, like other cities,” he continued. “We’re not saying no. We’re saying let’s do something a little bit more conservative that allows us to sort of keep tabs on the city, but also gives the employees kind of the confidence that they will be supported.”
Thompson and the group also argued that the proposed 8.6 mills with no expiration date is too much for what the city is seeking.
“This is an 8.6 mill proposal (that) came out of nowhere,” he said. “They essentially were short about $2 million and then they came back with $8.1 million is what they were asking for in revenue.”
City manager addresses questions
Gacioch stated that, because the current Headlee millage override expires after 10 years, that puts the city in the situation
Residents in Ferndale will decide on two proposals in November that deal with a renewal of a
override millage. Here is a sign at a Ferndale home urging people to vote against the proposals.
If approved, the funding for the millage would be used to fund facility improvements with the Police, Fire, and Parks & Recreation departments. Here is a sign at a Ferndale home showing support for the millage proposals.
it’s in right now where it’s concerned about the $4 million that the millage expiring in 2025 is worth.
“If you put a term limit on it again, you’ll be here in the same place whenever,” he said. “So ‘perpetuity’ is a legal term that the state requires, and the state requires that (legal term) when a community simply just asks voters to reset the operating millage to the maximum limit of 20, and that’s what this is. Now in practice, it’s not in perpetuity, because the Headlee rollbacks occur every year. So if voters approve it, it will be restored to 20 and that millage immediately begins to roll back based on the economy. So that’s, I would say, practically how it works.
“Why would the city not put a term limit on it? Why is because, with this funding, they’re looking to build public safety headquarters, and to build that you have to borrow money,” he continued. “And if you borrow money, you’re going to have to have annual debt service. You need to bring in the revenues to pay that debt service. So that’s going to be a 30-year loan, which is pretty typical for building a facility like that. So we’re expecting right now that that facility would be about $35 million to construct. We would borrow the money to construct it and pay it back over 30 years at an annual payment of $2.3 million. So you can’t put a 10-year limit on a Headlee override millage when you’re taking out a 30-year mortgage.”
Ferndale is estimating that, for a home with an assessed value of $250,000, a $125,000 taxable value, the projected breakdown of the tax increase on the 2026 summer tax bill would be $313 for public
safety, $68 for a Martin Road Park facility and $156 for union contract adjustments. This would be an increase of $537 annually, or $45 a month, for residents on their summer tax bills.
Gacioch also addressed the concern of why parks were included on the ballot when the main concern has been about police and fire facilities. According to the city manager, following the pandemic, the city looked to leverage federal funds that support building community, recreational and park facilities.
“We’ve been bullish about going for those grants, and we’ve secured $2.1 million to put toward a rec center at Martin Road Park … which is about 21% of the estimated cost to build,” he said. “So 21% of this facility, should it get approved, would be built with other people’s money, and that’s just because this moment in time following the pandemic, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, you’re seeing a lot of this funding get created for local communities to compete for grants. And we’ve been competitive. So that’s the why and, in the scheme of things, it’s a much smaller facility than the public safety facility. In return for building this right now, the cost of that remainder, that $7 million is what it would cost, that’s the gap funding that’s needed, would cost the average house about $54 per year on their summer tax bill to pay off the debt.”
A flyer promoted by Taxes Here Are Terrible argues that the first proposal removes checks on future spending and that once the projects have been paid for, the city will have a large surplus and it would be a
See PROPOSALS on page 15A
Photos by Brian Louwers
LEFT:
Headlee
RIGHT:
HOMES
14A/OCTOBER 9, 2024
WOODWARD TALK
FALL: A TIME FOR GARDENERS TO PREPARE FOR NEXT SPRING
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Fall gardening can look daunting, but remembering a few simple steps could make it easier.
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care of outdoor spaces, said fall is a critical time for gardening because what gardeners do right now determines how everything looks in the spring.
“One of the challenges (is) you won’t see it immediately,” Kiser said. “If you’re going to overseed the yard or fertilize or dethatch, now is the time to do it.”
He also said this is the time to plant bulbs for the spring.
Raking leaves or not depends on how many trees are in the yard.
“If you have lots and lots of trees and you have a lot (of leaves), it can become suffocating,” Kiser said.
If a resident has a couple of trees that drop leaves on the lawn, Kiser recommends to mow the leaves with a mulching mower.
“That mulch is a terrific natural fertilizer,” Kiser said. “It’ll help the lawn and breaks down over the course of the winter.”
Residents should continue to mow their lawns as long as the lawns keep growing. Kiser said that when the lawn stops growing will depend on where a person lives.
“It does depend on temperature, water, sunlight,” Kiser said.
Aerating the lawn is also very important. It dethatches it and loosens up dead grass as well as punches holes in the ground. This is good for those who want to overseed. Kiser said overseeding is the best way to get a great spring lawn.
Kiser recommends that residents plant any perennials they have now, and they can plant just about anything aside from spring or summer flowering plants.
“(They can) get acclimated and growing some roots before the first freeze,” Kiser said. “Typically, when the first freeze comes, they’ll stop and they’ll go dormant. Some evergreens will stay on a little longer.”
A quick online search will tell what bulbs and plants are best at lasting through the winter and into the warmer seasons, Kiser said. He also said regional garden centers and nurseries buy plants that are ideal for their specific climates. He suggests asking the employees at these places of business for gardening tips and tricks.
Madison Heights resident Merri Busch is an avid gardener and has been cultivating her garden for around two years. Before she moved to her current location with her sister, she gardened at her home for around 30 years. She said gardening is a yearlong endeavor.
“In the spring, you’re basically preparing your beds, and in the sum-
mer, you’re planting everything and deadheading and cultivating and weeding,” Busch said. “And in the fall, you’re putting in more perennials that you want to add that are on sale, and in the winter, you’re looking at gardening catalogs and seeing how the stuff you planted survived.”
Busch got into gardening at a young age. Her mother was a farmer and Busch saw how much she enjoyed it.
“I think there’s a combination of both it being in my genes and me just finding joy in it myself,” Busch said.
Her garden is made of many different species of plants with some that attract pollinators, including marigolds, violets and others. She has a mixture of native and nonnative plants. This time of year, she thins a few plants such as her irises and waits until everything is done blooming to prune everything back.
Some of the leaves on the plants have turned yellow, and Bush said she used to think this was a nutritional issue. Through research, she found that the plant was going into dormancy.
“What I’ll do is when it gets, like, around November, I’ll just cut all those leaves down,” Busch said. “Throw a little mulch on top. Not much.”
When planting near sidewalks, Busch said it’s important to find plants that are salt tolerant. A few of the plants she has are junipers and Russian sages. Busch said that in the fall, she leaves her plants alone.
“I leave everything for the birds because there’s lots of birdseed out
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
TOP: Merri Busch’s garden is filled to the brim with flowers, pollinators and many other plants. ABOVE: Bees are attracted to plants, such as caryopteris, commonly known as Bluebeard, in Busch’s garden. LEFT: Busch centered the theme of her garden around reading. Several teapots with old necklaces hanging out of them decorate her space.
From watching her mother farm to cultivating gardens for more than 30 years, Busch has been gardening all her life.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Gun shop
from page 3A
“I see you, Berkley. I hear you,” she continued. “I want to thank each of you who reached out to share your thoughts on this matter. We got your emails; I’ve read them all, I know that my colleagues at this table have read them as well. Your commitment, your voice makes our community stronger and we truly value your input. We’re committed to working together to ensure Berkley remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. As we move forward with updating our ordinances, we’ll continue to keep you informed and we welcome your ongoing participation in this process.”
Dean directed residents to visit berk-
Proposals
from page 13A
“recipe for wasteful spending.”
Gacioch said if the measures are approved, a resolution would be drafted to issue bonds for any construction. As such, when the public safety facility project is in motion, that money is obligated and can’t be used any other way.
“That charter amendment earmarks the spending increase only for public safety and recreation services. And recreation services is, relatively speaking, a drop in the bucket compared to the public safety facility,” he said. “Outside of the facilities, the spending is earmarked for only those departments. So the police and fire combined to make up 60% of our budget. The recreation department makes up, I believe, less than five.”
There’s also a possibility that Gacioch might not be around to manage these projects. He currently is a finalist for the city manager position in Royal Oak.
Gacioch said that most internal controls are systematized regardless of who is city manager and that if a charter amendment is passed, then the finance director is beholden to reorganize the budget to separate those dollars for police, fire and recreation.
“No matter who is here, that’s going to be controlled already, and that’s subject to an outside auditor every year per state law,” he said.
“The remainder, as I’ve been saying, is really about people. It’s about union contracts,” he continued. “As we’ve shown, Ferndale has not kept up with the exorbi-
leymich.org/zoning for more information about the zoning ordinance rewrite.
Though the business now will not open in Berkley, residents still took time to speak on both their concerns and support of the idea of a gun shop in the city.
Bridget Mahrle said she was happy that the business withdrew its application.
“When I discovered that Berkley had no restrictions preventing a gun store from opening just a minute’s walk from our high school, I knew immediate action was necessary,” she said. “I am incredibly thankful that the community’s concerns were addressed and that the proposed gun store will not be open. I am very grateful to that business owner. However, our work is far from complete. … Our children deserve to learn in an environment where their safety is a priority.
So let’s ensure that our zoning laws reflect this commitment.”
Carla Osborne stated that after doing a Google search of all the gun shops near her home, she found they were all located on main roads and they didn’t have schools near them.
“It’s very important that we get this ordinance and these zoning restrictions in place as soon as possible,” she said. “I know that’s something that you guys have been working on. I know that it’s something that we have fallen into this with our puppy stores. We’re on the back end of this trying to dig ourselves out. We’re being contacted by other cities to come and talk at their council meetings to explain what happened in Berkley so that they can enact those ordinances in their cities so they don’t have the same thing
happen that we had here, where it’s too late. We don’t want to be on the back end of this with a gun store. So, I ask that you keep this in mind when things come before you and make sure that, you know, really take a good look at it.
On the other side, Charles Tyrrell said he was “horribly disappointed” at the news of the withdrawn application.
“It is a legal business,” he said. “It meets all the requirements for being in that space. Everything was fine and dandy. … What are we teaching our children when a small, very vocal, very loud minority can bully somebody to leave their plans behind and not open a business here in Berkley in a space that has been vacant for quite some time.”
A representative from Storm Strong Arms declined to comment on the story.
tant increases in wages across the public safety facility. You know, we’re about 20% behind our neighbors in terms of base pay for our Police Department right now. So after you get through the facilities, that’s really the remainder and I would expect, if we want to maintain the current service levels, those contracts are going to probably assume the majority of it. So while a 4-mill increase is a lot to an individual household, I understand that and respect that, but in terms of a government budget, the 4 mills goes quick if you’re building a facility, and if you’re looking at, you know, negotiating, we have five union contracts that are up after January and all five of those contracts were negotiated before inflation increases. So all five of those have got to be reconciled with what’s happened over the past three years.”
Police Chief Dennis Emmi declined to state his position on the proposals as a public official, only stating that it is a fact that revenues are declining and costs are rising, and the department’s facilities are outdated and costing them potential candidates at the department.
“Our facilities are outdated in terms of best practice design building for 2024,” he said.
“The latest renovation was fairly cosmetic internally and didn’t really address any of the structural or mechanical issues that the building is facing,” he said.
“It’s important to know that we want to keep pace with some of the other agencies in terms of attracting top talent. You need to put out a competitive wage benefit package, and facilities are really part of the recruiting process in terms of where you’re going to spend most of your time when you’re not with your family.”
ATTENTION: OAKLAND COUNTY RESIDENTS
Would you beneft from afordable, high quality rental housing?
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), may be able to help. The HCV/Projectbased Voucher (PBV) program is a federally funded rental subsidy program that may assist persons living at Royal Oak Towers/Ferndale Park with paying their rent.
Royal Oak Towers is undergoing a preservation of afordable housing due to 236 IRP expiration which will convert this project to a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development with HCV Project Based Voucher rental assistance. With this conversion the in-place tenants will be ofered rental assistance prior to others placed on the waiting list.
MSHDA’s HCV/PBV program is partnering with Royal Oak Towers (CSI) Non-Proft Housing Corporation and Community Management Associates, Inc. The development has a total of 200 units with 77 units set aside with rental assistance (71/1 bedroom, and 6/2 bedroom) located at 20800 Wyoming Avenue, Ferndale, MI 48220.
The PBV waiting list will be established by MSHDA beginning Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The waiting list for the PBV rental assistance program will remain open indefnitely.
You may qualify for assistance at Royal Oak Towers, if your income falls within the allowable limits (50% percent of area median income) for Oakland County, and you meet the following program requirements:
• Elderly – 62+
In-Place Tenants will have a preference on the waiting list.
Staf at Royal Oak Towers will be accepting inquiries beginning Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Please call 248-542-0881 between the hours of 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment to determine your eligibility for placement on the project-based voucher waiting list for rental assistance.
NOTE: Proof of legal identity (birth) and proof of a valid Social Security number will be required for all members of the household.
High school interest in career and technical education soars
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The rising cost of college, combined with growing demand for skilled workers, is driving more students to enroll in career and technical education programs, known as CTE programs.
The state projects more than 520,000 Michigan jobs and approximately 45,500 annual openings in the professional trades by 2030.
Amid skilled-labor shortages across the nation, many students are choosing CTE programs to explore a future career, get college credit, find an internship, and/or earn industry recognized certifications, all while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.
At Oakland Schools Technical Campuses, high school students from the county’s 28 public school districts, public academies, private learning institutions and home schools can learn practical career technical education. Enrolled students spend part of their day studying at their home district and the remainder involved in one of several career clusters offered at one of four of the county’s technical campuses — Pontiac, Clarkston, Walled Lake and Royal Oak.
Across Michigan, many high schools and specialty programs offer CTE courses aligned with in-demand, high-wage careers in fields like business, information technology, health care, hospitality and manufacturing.
“Career and technical education is preparing students for high-wage, high-skill, high-demand
jobs,” said Paul Galbenski, the dean of Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northeast in Pontiac.
OSTC offers a total of 17 state-approved CTE programs: — including agriscience and environmental technologies; automotive technology; collision repair and refinishing; computer programming; construction technology; cosmetology; criminal justice; culinary arts/hospitality; cybersecurity networking; energy-electrical technology; engineering, robotics and mechatronics; entrepreneurship and advanced marketing; graphic and communication design; health sciences; machining; medium/heavy truck and equipment; and welding.
The primary focus of OSTC’s program is for students to marry their technical and academic skills together, so they are career ready. Because being career-ready looks different for each student and their field of interest, there are many options.
“They can go into a pathway where they are working on our Oakland Technical Early College, where they could come out with an associate degree in their technical area. They could be in a pre-apprenticeship program. They could go directly into the workforce. They could go into the military. They could go into a speciality trade school. They could go to a two-year community college, or they could go to a four-year university. … All of those options are on the table,” he said.
Through internships, apprenticeships and day-in-the-life job shadowing, students learn what it’s like to work in their chosen fields — in-
See CAREER on page 18A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Antonio Acuna guides Avondale High School junior Angel Mendoza through a dent repair in the collision repair and refinishing course at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses-Northeast.
Grown-Ups
from page 1A
Maccagnone said he was particularly excited for the audiences to experience the space the show will be in, as it brings out the full potential of what a black box space can do.
“I’m really excited for audiences to step into the space and really become immersed in the world of this show,” he said. “Just some of the characters and their emotional journeys that we see throughout the show, one of the counselors is, like, brand-new, they’ve never been to this camp before, and the other counselors have been going since they were 7. So really, the audience can relate to this counselor the most out of anyone, and just seeing even their emotional journey throughout the show is very exciting, and I’m very (much) looking forward to seeing their reactions to it.”
The show is directed by Jennifer Goff, who is the chair of the theater program at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Goff, who’s on a sabbatical from her job, has been a friend of Ringwald stage manager Brandy Joe Plambeck since they went to graduate school at Wayne State University.
Goff said she wanted to do a show that spoke to this moment in time as the country runs up to another election and that could be engaging on a lot of topics.
“This play really deals a lot with the sense of extremism and othering that we see around us, and it seemed pretty apt,” she said. “It was a script that I read a year or two ago and was immediately taken with, and saw it as something that was doing something really important. It’s a play that’s about young characters, they’re all in their 20s, and I think that we sometimes forget to treat young people with seriousness, and I think this really sort of highlights the ways in which society has been failing our young people.”
The show has been rehearsing for close to a month now, and Goff is excited for audiences to experience the play with this cast.
“I’m also just constantly wowed by the actors,” she said. “They are really, really thoughtful and fun and energetic, and I think the audience is really going to respond to their humor and their heart.”
The show dates and times for the play are 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. There also will be two VIP outdoor performances on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.
Tickets cost $25 for Friday to Sunday shows and $15 for Mondays. The two outdoor performances cost $35.
To purchase tickets and for more information, visit theringwald.com.
Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
The people behind “The Grown-Ups” are excited for audiences to experience the atmosphere and space of the theater, plus two outdoor performances. Photo provided by Brandy Joe Plambeck
Career
from page 16A
stead of spending thousands to figure it out in college.
“Students that attend a technical campus have what I like to phrase as a ‘force multiplier of opportunities’ because they are then in each of these programs, working toward and earning industry credentials,” Galbenski explained.
For example, students in the OSTC cosmetology program can earn a cosmetology state license, while those in the computer programming course can become certified in java, HTML, or CSS3. Students in OSTC’s health sciences program, can earn a certified nurse aide license or a patient care technician credential, and those interested in the construction field can earn an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10 safety certification, to name a few.
And, according to Galbenski, it’s all for free at OSTC.
“Every one of these credentials is free. You want to talk about return on investment. … There are many opportunities for students to be successful and look at those careers and pursue those pathways,” he said.
Utica Community Schools offers a variety of CTE courses to high-schoolers in a number of areas, including everything from computer programming, cybersecurity and engineering to finance, radio and television broadcasting, and woodworking — to name a few. The district also features five high school specialty programs, including the Utica Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology; the Utica Academy for Health and Human Services; the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies; the Stevenson Center for Manufacturing and Design Engineering; and the Utica Center for Science and Industry.
Scott Spry, an electronic technology and mechatronics instructor at the Utica
Center for Science and Industry, said UCSI students have access to work-based learning opportunities, including job shadowing, mentoring and work-site internships. Students, he said, focus on the design thinking process and choose one of the three CTE pathways — multimedia production, mechatronics or engineering technology.
“We already know that the pipeline for career and technical education positions is very, very lean, so continuing to try to fill that pipeline from our level has been a priority for the last couple of years,” Spry explained.
At Utica Community Schools, Spry said, many of its CTE students have gone on to work in needed fields within the community.
The same is true for many of OTSC students — including former OSTC health sciences graduates, who have gone on fill vacant, in-demand doctor and dentist positions within Oakland County communities.
LEFT: Chef Justin Howard goes over proper dining room service with students at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses -Northeast. The northeast campus, located in Pontiac, serves students who live in or attend schools in the Avondale, Lake Orion, Oxford, Pontiac and Rochester school districts.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
RIGHT: Lake Orion High School seniors Logan Silaghi, left, and Brodey Selent, right, work on an assembly system. The workstation lets students experience an integrated work system and utilize electrical and mechanical systems at Oakland Schools Technical Campuses-Northeast.
Homecoming
from page 3A
the game. Chief Dennis Emmi said the incident is under investigation.
“It’s important to say that nobody was injured when we have no evidence of any serious crime going on inside the stadium,” he said. “I think that a combination of a little bit of overreacting and potentially some type of threat or altercation, it kind of all came together and I think it just spooked the student body. Just like we stated before, out of abundance of caution, they decided to postpone.”
The football game resumed on Saturday, Sept. 28, but took place at Avondale High School. Avondale defeated Ferndale with a final score of 21-7.
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporter: Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Hibbler stated that there weren’t any viable threats based on the incidents and school resumed operations the following Monday, Sept. 30.
“If your student feels the need to discuss and process emotions from attendance at the game, please let the main office staff know and we will make accommodations for support resources,” said Hibbler. “Going forward, we will continue our plans to provide increased safety liaison presence for our school events, and enforcement of our entry requirements. I appreciate the support and feedback from our school community and we will keep you informed as we continue to improve our process.”
Ferndale played on the road last weekend.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note • Rochester Post Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider Royal Oak Review • Shelby-Utica News • Southfield Sun • St. Clair Shores Sentinel • Sterling Heights Sentry Troy Times • Warren Weekly West Bloomfield Beacon • Woodward Talk • C & G Special Edition (Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.) • C & G Special Edition (Oakland Co.) C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
For retail ad rates: Mark Reitenga | (586) 498-1050 | mreitenga@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com
CRIME WATCH
Speeding motorcyclist arrested
BERKLEY — A 20-year-old Waterford man was arrested for reckless driving and fleeing and eluding at 11:29 p.m. Sept. 21 near Woodward and West Lincoln avenues.
According to the report, police observed two motorcycles, one red and one black, moving at speeds of around 100 miles per hour on Woodward. Police attempted a traffic stop, but both bikes sped off, leaving the officer to terminate the pursuit. Police did keep following the motorcyclists at a safe distance.
An officer was able to follow the black motorcycle, overtake the driver and position the patrol car to force the motorcyclist to slow down.
Police were able to get the driver to stop and handcuffed him.
— Mike Koury
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Driver found with fake grenade but real guns during arrest
BERKLEY — Police arrested a driver for felon in possession of a weapon at 11:20 a.m. Sept. 18 near Greenfield Road and Edwards Avenue.
According to the Public Safety Department, officers pulled over a 32-year-old Detroit man, as the vehicle he was driving had an expired plate and no insurance. The driver stated that the vehicle was not his. The man was placed in handcuffs and when asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, he said there was a grenade. A grenade-type object was found in the glovebox. Michigan State Police advised that, based on a photo, the grenade-type object did not have an explosive charge but contained rubber BBs and was not illegal to possess. The driver said it was for paintball.
Police said they did find multiple firearms in both the glovebox and center console with rounds inside. The driver reportedly had stated that there were no firearms inside the vehicle.
Cryptocurrency fraud reported WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Sept. 15, an officer from the West Bloomfield Police Department was dispatched to the 4800 block of Faircourt Drive to take a report of fraud involving cryptocurrency.
The reporting party informed the officer that they followed a fraudulent QR code on YouTube that advertised a service involving cryptocurrency.
The reporting party transferred money for the “service,” which resulted in a loss of over $1,000 in cryptocurrency.
There were no known suspects.
Plants go missing
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A resident filed a police report Sept. 16 stating that two plants were stolen over a one-month period.
The reporting party informed the officer that the plants were taken from in front of the Timber Edge subdivision sign, in the 14 Mile Road and Birchwood Trail area. There were no known suspects.
Extortion email threatens to share video of victim
BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Westwood for a report of extortion Sept. 9 at approximately 9 p.m. The victim, a 33-year-old female resident, said she had received an email from an unknown individual who stated they had put malware onto the victim’s phone and that they had personal information about the victim.
an embarrassing video of the victim to everyone in the victim’s contacts if they did not send the suspect $2,000 in bitcoin. Officers later learned that other residents in the area had received a similar extortion email. An investigation was ongoing.
Intoxicated driver hits parked car
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 10 p.m. Sept. 5, officers were dispatched to Lincoln and Birmingham Boulevard for a car accident that had occurred.
The reporting person stated that a white sedan had struck a parked vehicle and fled the scene.
Officers found the sedan parked nearby. Officers approached the vehicle and immediately identified signs of intoxication on the suspect, a 27-yearold from Auburn Hills. Upon failing field sobriety evaluations, the suspect was arrested and was given a citation for operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Customer pulls knife on employee
BIRMINGHAM — A 49-year-old Troy woman told police Sept. 15 that while she was working the day prior, a disgruntled customer had pulled out a pocket knife and put the knife up to the victim’s face.
The victim did not know who the suspect was, but stated he was a middle-aged male. An investigation was ongoing.
Suspicious vehicle call results in arrest of man for possession of heroin
FARMINGTON — Public safety officers were dispatched to the area of Farmington and Cloverdale for a suspicious vehicle around 3 p.m. Sept. 11.
While investigating the vehicle, officers noticed a man walking away from it. Officers noticed he was walking with an open container of alcohol concealed in a brown paper bag. They detained him and learned that he had multiple felony and misdemeanor warrants out from other jurisdictions.
While taking the man into custody, officers located suspected heroin on him. He was arrested for possession of suspected heroin and open intoxicants, as well as his warrants.
Police spot motorcycle that fled from nearby city
FARMINGTON — On Sept. 5 at 10:04 a.m., a
Farmington public safety officer saw a parked yellow motorcycle that fit the description of a motorcycle that had previously fled a traffic stop in a neighboring community.
The neighboring agency was able to positively identify the motorcycle as the one that had fled
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
OCT. 10
Movie in the Park: Cider, doughnuts and treats at 5 p.m., showing of “Halloweentown” at 5:45 p.m., Oxford Park, located at Oxford Road and Bacon Avenue in Berkley, (248) 658-3333
OCT. 12
Trump Woodward Cruise: Route travels in both directions on Woodward Avenue from Square Lake to 12 Mile roads in Walled Lake, noon-3 p.m., www. michiganconservativecoalition.com
OCT. 13
Ferndale Fire Department open house: Jaws of life demonstration, fire station tours, see fire trucks and ambulances up close, treats and refreshments, and more, 2-4 p.m., Fire Station #2, 1070 E. Nine Mile Road, ferndalemi.gov/event/fire_department_open_ house, (248) 546-2510
OCT. 17
Book signings: Meet and hear passages from Ferndale author Donald Levin and Bloomfield Hills-based author Rick Bailey during release of new novels, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Color | Ink Studio & Gallery, 20919 John R Road in Hazel Park, donaldlevin.com, rick-bailey.com
OCT. 19
Clawson Comic Book and Toy Show: Also meet horror artist Steve Bejma, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Knights of Columbus Father Lynch Council 4188, 870 N. Main St.
OCT. 20
Ferndale Community Concert Band: Free fall performance titled “The Changing Seasons” marks first concert of 2024-2025 season, 3 p.m., Ferndale High School, 881 Pinecrest Drive, fcconcertband.org
OCT. 22
Royal Oak/Ferndale Senior Expo: Connect with dozens of organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free health screenings, prizes, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, seniorexpousa.com
ONGOING
Farmers markets: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursdays until Oct. 31, South Robina Avenue at 12 Mile Road in Berkley, (248) 658-3353, berkleyfarmersmarket.com
• 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3276, more on Facebook
‘The Grown-Ups’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays Oct. 11-Nov. 4, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
to develop a suspect, a 20-year-old man, and also impounded the motorcycle for evidence processing.
Soda, candy bar stolen from hotel lobby
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 8, an unknown person entered the lobby of Hotel Royal Oak on East 11 Mile Road and stole a can of soda and a candy bar.
Handgun taken
MADISON HEIGHTS — An unknown suspect reportedly stole a Taurus 9 mm handgun from a location in the 1000 block of West 14 Mile Road sometime between 2 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14.
According to a police report, the gun belongs to a 21-year-old Detroit resident.
Investigations were ongoing.
OU police investigate report of sexual assault
ROCHESTER HILLS — Police were investigating a sexual assault report that recently happened on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.
The incident, according to reports, happened at 1:20 a.m. Sunday Sept. 8 in a student housing facility. The report was filed with police on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Police said the victim had met the suspect. No other details were released.
Rental vehicle goes missing
SOUTHFIELD — A man went to visit a relative on Berg Road at noon Sept. 2. A few hours later, the man said his relative and his rental vehicle, a 2022 Toyota Corolla, were gone.
Officers apprehend suspect tampering with cars
SOUTHFIELD — At 4:13 a.m. Sept. 4, officers were dispatched to the 18000 block of Westover Avenue for a subject messing with vehicles.
Officers found the subject, who fled on foot, but officers apprehended him and took him into custody.
Scammer demands leads to fraudulent Best Buy purchase TROY — A Troy man reported that he received an email Sept. 3 from an unknown suspect demanding money or his personal information would be leaked.
The man did not comply with the request.
The next day, the man received an email from Best Buy that his order was ready for pickup. The man
‘Puffs’: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 11-13, 18-20 and 25-26, St. Dunstan’s Theatre, 400 Lone Pine Road in Bloomfield Hills, www.St DunstansTheatre.com
‘Next to Normal’: Performance by Birmingham Village Players, 8-10:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2-4:30 p.m. Sundays Oct. 25-27, Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 7-10, 34660 Woodward Ave., birminghamvillageplayers.com
‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 25-Nov. 9, also 2 p.m. Nov. 9, Rosedale Community Players inside Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road in Southfield, see showtimes at rosedalecommunityplayers.com
Art exhibits: “Center,” fiber art by Rachel Brunhild, on display 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays until Oct. 26, Woods Gallery at Huntington Woods Public Library, 26415 Scotia Road, woodsgallery.org
• “Fiber Fest,” on display until Oct. 25 with reception from 2-4:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave. (Suite A) in Ferndale, (248) 5440394, lawrencestreetgallery.com
Encore Men’s Chorus: Meets 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Zion Lutheran Church, 143 Albany St. in Ferndale, holiday concert scheduled for Dec. 14, info@encoremens chorus.org, facebook.com/encoremenschorus
Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for kids, science fiction, graphic novels and more, virtual and in person, Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, also groups which meet off site, see full list at fadl.org/ upcoming-events
• Meets 3 p.m. every second Saturday, Roseland Cemetery, 29001 N. Woodward Ave. in Berkley, (248) 541-1154 (ext. 2520), roselandparkmi.com
Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club
Ferndale Senior Group: Meets 11 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 506-7389
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapter-events/527
To view more events and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise, call (586) 498-8000.
had been made for $1,430 using his Best Buy account with a
OCT. 12
Stone Wall Pumpkin Festival: Pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, live entertainment, crafts, food, cider and doughnuts, professional pumpkin carving display and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also see pumpkins lit 7-9 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Eventbrite Haunted Hazel Park: Halloween art fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., facebook.com/CityofHP
OCT. 13
BeWitched & BeDazzled: Hosted by Meadow Brook Theatre Guild with mistress of ceremonies Karen Carter (meteorologist at CBS News Detroit and Detroit 50), includes luncheon, vendors, caricaturist, psychic readers, photo booth, costume contest, raffles, silent auction and door prizes, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Petruzzello’s Banquet and Conference Center, 6950 Rochester Road in Troy, www.meadowbrook theatreguild.com/bewitched-bedazzled
OCT. 18
Historical Haunts Strolling Dinner: Also live music and silent auction at former century-old home of auto baron, 6:30-10 p.m., Chalmers Estate, 5263 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Township, event hosted by Preservation Bloomfield in support of Barton Farmhouse and Craig Log Cabin at Bowers School Farm, RSVP at preservationbloomfield.org/events
OCT. 19
Masquerade at the Museum: Strolling fundraiser featuring seasonal snack stations, costume contest, scavenger hunt and drink ticket, make mask on site or bring own, 7-11 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, www. rochesterhills.org/news_detail_T9_R366.php
Boo Bash: Crafts, games, trick-or-treating for ages 2-12 and live DJ, 1-4 p.m., also hayrides until 3:30 p.m., costumes encouraged, Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen Road, bit.ly/SfldBooBash24
OCT. 21
Pumpkin painting: Decorate a mini gourd and enjoy treats, 6:30-7 p.m., Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Highway, berkleymich.libcal.com/ event/13151399
OCT. 24
Spooky Spaghetti Dinner: Hosted by Royal Oak Woman’s Club with proceeds supporting scholarships for local students, Halloween-themed event includes all-you-can-eat pasta, plus salad, garlic
drinks and dessert, 4:30-7
OCT.
OCT. 26 Truck or treat: Touch a
(costumes encouraged), food trucks, vendor
bounce house, face painting and more, 1-3 p.m., Civic Center Park, 300 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights Trunk or treat: Hosted by Southfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Southfield Chapters of the Divine Nine and others, event also includes resource tables focused on youth programming, free books and toothbrushes, and voter registration information, 4-6:30
p.m., Mother Handsome, 14661 W. 11 Mile Road in Oak Park, glartisanmarkets@gmail.com
ONGOING
Fall Fest at Detroit Zoo: Includes Zoo Boo (treat stations, 5-9 p.m. Fridays and 2-9 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays Oct. 11-13 and 18-20) and Jack O’Lantern Journey (illuminated pumpkin displays, live entertainment and more, 5-10 p.m. Oct. 25-27), 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, detroitzoo.org Downtown BOO!kley: Fall-themed events include Witches Night Out (Oct. 10), Ghost Chase (Oct. 18), Trick-or-Treat Stroll & Monster Mash (Oct. 26) and Vampire Blood Drive (Oct. 29), various locations in Berkley, facebook.com/DowntownBerkley Enchanted: Immersive and