General Election Voter Guide - Birmingham/Bloomfield

GENERAL ELECTION

•

NOVEMBER 6, 2018

VOTER

GUIDE Special Publication of Downtown Newsmagazine

PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY SPONSORS: ASTREIN’S CREATIVE JEWELERS BIRMINGHAM FOOTCARE SPECIALISTS ROBERTS RESTAURANT GROUP SHADES OPTICAL

Voters should choose their politicians not the other way around.

Politicians and lobbyists draw voting maps behind closed doors WKDW GLUHFWO\ EHQHĆ“W themselves, instead of putting the interests of voters or communities of Michigan Ć“UVW

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FAIR - Voters—not lobbyists and politicians—will draw election maps that cannot give one party or candidate an unfair advantage

Voters Not Politicians is a nonpartisan, grassroots group that collected 425,000 SHWLWLRQ VLJQDWXUHV IURP 0LFKLJDQ YRWHUV WR Ć“[ the problem by putting Proposal 2 to create an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission on the November 6, 2018 ballot!

IMPARTIAL - Maps will be drawn through compromise by Republicans, Democrats, and voters who GRQĹ?W DIĆ“OLDWH ZLWK either party and must follow strict criteria

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Paid for with regulated funds by Voters Not Politicians | PO Box 8362 Grand Rapids, MI 49518

VOTER GUIDE 11.18

This November General Election Voter Guide provides readers with candidates' answers to questions posed by Downtown newsmagazine.

To be represented in the Voter Guide, candidates had to return a questionnaire.

Only one candidate failed to respond to Downtown newsmagazine.

Downtown newsmagazine's recommendations of the best candidate for each of the offices appear on the Endnote page in the final pages of this edition.

4

9th District U.S. House / Andy Levin vs. Candius Stearns

6

11th District U.S. House / Haley Stevens vs. Lena Epstein

Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and part of Macomb County, including Eastpointe, Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Clinton Township.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, southwest Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, west Oakland lakes area and south Oakland County, along with parts of western Wayne Country, including Plymouth, Livonia and Canton.

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12th District Michigan Senate / Rosemary Bayer vs. Michael McCready

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13th District Michigan Senate / Mallory Marrow vs. Marty Knollenberg

12

40th District Michigan House / Mari Manoogian vs. David Wolkinson

14

12th District County Commission / Cherie Horrigan vs. Shelly Goodman Taub

17

13th District County Commission / Marcia Gershenson vs. Michelle Dinardo

18

48th District Court / Diane D'Agostini vs. Amy Wechsler

20

Bloomfield Hills School Board

24

Birmingham School Board

Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, along with Orion, Independence and Oxford townships.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Berkley.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, along with part of West Bloomfield.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township.

Southwest Bloomfield Township, part of West Bloomfield and part of Farmington Hills.

november 6 general election voter guide Bloomfield Township

DEMOCRAT

TAX CUTS Do you support the tax cuts enacted by Congress at the urging of the Trump administration? Explain your position.

Levin lives in Bloomfield Township, attended University of Michigan and received his law degree from Harvard. He was the acting director for the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Growth, and Chief Workforce Officer for the state of Michigan. He currently run an energy company.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS When President Trump came to office, he began to roll back a number of environmental regulations enacted by the past administration and reversed a number of decisions dating back to the Clinton administration that were designed to promote a cleaner environment. Do you support the administration’s efforts to minimize environmental regulations?

We have a moral obligation to protect and preserve our land, air and water, starting with our Great Lakes. We have to tackle overtaxed and outdated sewer systems that threaten waterways like the Clinton River and add pollutants to Lake St. Clair.

Indeed, we need to protect our water not just in the wilderness, but also in Flint and every other city. Above all, we must address climate change with tremendous urgency. Saving our planet and our people from global warming is a moral imperative, but it's also an economic opportunity. I created Lean & Green Michigan to help businesses and nonprofits retrofit their buildings for energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy like solar. We have facilitated almost $13 million in clean energy projects, creating well-paying jobs, making our businesses more efficient and competitive, and reducing our carbon footprint. I know from experience that we can speed the deployment of electric vehicles, solar, wind, biomass, and other clean energy along with advanced batteries to store the new energy we create. In Congress, I will help make our state a leader in clean energy technology, which will create reliable, good-paying

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No, I do not. The GOP tax plan gave corporations and the wealthiest Americans a huge, permanent windfall while working families got tiny cuts that expire after several years. This plan was not a reform; it was a shakedown. How unfair was it? The richest 1 percent of Americans will reap 83 percent of the benefit. Especially given that the distribution of income and wealth in this country is already the most unfair it’s been in a century, that’s a moral obscenity.

Let’s implement a fair tax system where corporations and the wealthy pay their share to fix our roads, protect Social Security and Medicare, and provide quality education for every child.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket.

There has been talk of Congress now attempting to reduce the deficit by cutting back on programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Do you support trimming these programs to reduce the budget? Are there other areas of the budget that should be targeted to bring the budget back under control and over time reduce the national debt?

No, we should not cut Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid in order to balance the budget. These programs are the safety net for the middle class, and we must not only protect them but improve and expand them. The Trump tax giveaway adds $1 trillion to the national debt, so start by repealing that. Then let’s cut back on the massive $700 billion increase in defense spending approved in the omnibus budget Congress approved in March. We need to maintain a strong defense that maintains our military superiority over other countries, but we can trim military spending further without calling that into question. We should emphasize diplomacy and multilateralism rather than acting as the world’s policeman.

And we need to turn back to nuclear disarmament, reducing our stockpiles along with those of Russia, China and others, further decreasing spending that way.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE Despite attempts by the current administration and Republican members of Congress, a substantial number of persons continue to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as Obamacare.

What is your position on the current Affordable Care Act and the issue of a national health care plan in general?

Health care is a basic human right. Period.

Having access to quality health care and affordable prescription drugs shouldn't be contingent upon your zip code. As a cancer survivor and the father of two sons who live with Crohn's disease, I understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of chronic illness and why it is so important that we pass Medicare for All and address the astronomical costs of prescription drugs. If elected, I will fight any efforts by the Trump administration to deprive Michigan families of medical care, I will work to fix problems with the ACA, and I will work to ensure access to health care for every American.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY President Trump has eliminated the policy governing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that granted deportation relief for immigrants who came here as children (under the age of 16), which was created in 2012 by the Obama administration. Do you support continuation of the DACA program?

Should Congress move to find a common ground that will provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

Yes, I support continuation of the DACA program. Trump should never have ended the program, and his legal reasoning has been rejected by the courts. Ending DACA would represent a humanitarian and economic disaster for our state. Michigan stands to lose $13 million in local and state taxes and $400 million in economic activity each year if our Dreamers are deported. We must provide these bright young people with a path to citizenship. I also support broader immigration reform.

I’ve been active on this issue for decades, ever since I co-founded a group called Immigration Reform, Advocacy, Training and Education after the Immigration Reform and Control Act was passed in 1986. There are approximately 11 million undocumented people in this country. The vast majority of them are working, contributing to the economy, living peacefully, and doing nothing more than my own ancestors did – seeking a better life in America. The 9th District is full of such families. We need a reasonable system where people who have spent “x” number of years living, working and paying taxes here, can become citizens of this country over time. Ripping families with clean records apart simply because they came to the U.S. illegally or overstayed a visa many years ago is immoral and counterproductive. With birth rates dropping, we need immigrants to help revitalize our cities and inner suburbs and fill out our workforce, which otherwise will face critical shortages in the years ahead.

GUN CONTROL What is your position on the need for added gun control legislation? Which, if any, of the following gun control measures could you support: Requiring

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Bloomfield Twp.

Troy

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham Franklin

Bingham Farms

ANDY LEVIN

jobs, protect the environment and keep communities safe from pollutants.

Sylvan

U.S. CONGRESS - 9TH DISTRICT

Beverly Hills

City of Southfield

Southfield Twp. Lathrup Village

Clawson

9

Royal Oak

Berkley

Madison Hgts

Huntington Woods

Oak Park

Pleasant Ridge

Ferndale

Hazel Park

Royal Oak

Bloomfield Township, along with Franklin, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and parts of Macomb County, including Eastpointe, Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Clinton Township.

expanded background checks?

Background checks at gun shows?

Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons? Banning military style weapons?

As the father of four kids educated in public schools, the bottom drops out of my stomach every time one of these tragedies strikes. As a person of faith, I’m sick of hearing the “thoughts and prayers” coming from the very people who are supposed to take action. Congress does nothing because the Republican party is beholden to the NRA. We need universal background checks, gun violence restraining orders, a new assault weapons ban, a bump stock ban, and more. It will likely take a movement like those for civil rights, women’s rights and the environment to tackle the epidemic of gun violence. We have to build this movement, and young people are leading the way. I will not accept money from the NRA. I will fight for sensible gun policies, which is why I’ve received the Gun Sense Candidate distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Should this or any President be required to consult with Congress before sending our military forces into foreign countries?

Absolutely, the President should be required to consult with Congress before sending our military forces into foreign countries. But that isn’t enough. We need to elect people to Congress who will work to shift our foreign policy, which is stuck in the imperialist mindset. I organized demonstrations against the Iraq War, and would have voted against it had I been in Congress at the time. It’s been a huge disaster and created a mess that spawned ISIS. Jimmy Carter’s saber rattling response to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 helped give us Osama bin Laden – we literally funded his group back then. I believe we should shift our efforts towards peace, diplomacy, cultural exchange, and providing significant aid to developing countries (which costs a small fraction of military intervention) and try to prevent and solve some of these

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

problems instead of taking sides by arming various parties.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS The current administration has expressed its desire to withdraw from many of the international trade agreements entered into by past administrations. The President has also authorized import tariffs in recent months. Do you agree with the President on the trade agreements? What will the impact be of the import tariffs?

With Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs (like everything else), he acts or tweets without thinking or listening. But politicians are just as wrong when they overlook American workers' justifiable frustration over the series of bad trade deals and economic policies pursued by China and others that led to Trump’s tariff action. We need a fighter in Congress who will stand up for trade policies that protect workers’ rights and end the race to the economic bottom for workers around the world. It’s time for a new trade regime aimed not at freeing capital to move all the work where wages are lowest, worker safety regulations are the weakest and environmental protections lacking, but rather at raising the standard of living for workers in all countries involved and protecting our one, precious planet everywhere. We need to crack down on dumping, currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property and other violations by China and any others who do the same.

Let’s change our tax policies to incentivize creating good jobs at home, and increase job training and apprenticeships.

people’s problems. I got Democrats and Republicans in Lansing to come together to appropriate funds for No Worker Left Behind, and my current Lean & Green Michigan program has been adopted by very “red” counties, very “blue” counties, and everything in between. But the bottom line is that I’m a local kid who has devoted my life to fighting for people over profits. I was born and raised in this district. I’m a product of Berkley public schools and all four of our kids are graduates of or still attending public schools in the 9th District.

We’re putting them through college. I know what it’s like to try to raise a family in this era when the middle class is under attack every single day. If you send me to Washington, I will not be a backbencher, but a leader in the fight for broadly shared prosperity that used to define this country, and must once again.

CANDIUS STEARNS

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

I strongly support tax cuts enacted by the president and Congress. Since the tax cuts were enacted, we have seen unprecedented economic growth, and southeast Michigan workers and families have more money in their pocket to help make ends meet. Our GDP is at 4.1 percent. Businesses are expanding and investing in their companies. The largest city in my district, Warren, will experience 2,500 new jobs as a result of the passing of the tax cuts and jobs act. Fiat Chrysler announced it would invest more than $1 billion dollars into the Warren Truck facility. Other large employers have made similar promises to help southeast Michigan residents. DTE, for example, expects that nearly $190 million in saving will be passed along to customers this year.

We must address our national debt and exploding deficits, or our country is going to go broke. The first to suffer are going to be our most vulnerable citizens who rely on safety nets like Medicare and Medicaid. As such, we must look at our federal budget from top to bottom, and do everything we can to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. That includes ensuring that only our most vulnerable are using our social safety net services – and that they aren't being bankrupted by those who wish to commit fraud.

REPUBLICAN

WHY YOU

I created and ran Union Summer for the national AFL-CIO, putting over 1,000 young people on union organizing and bargaining campaigns across the country, garnering national press coverage. I helped hundreds of nursing home workers organize for a better life in the 1980s. I created and ran No Worker Left Behind, which helped 162,000 Michigan workers attend community colleges, universities and other approved training programs for free during the Great Recession. I founded and currently run Lean & Green Michigan, which is putting people to work, reducing our carbon footprint and making our businesses more competitive by helping companies and nonprofits finance energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy improvements. I’m the only candidate in my race with significant state government, federal government and private sector experience, but also decades of hell-raising experience to demand justice for working people in this country. I’m ready to go to Washington and help lead a new movement to restore the American middle class. I’m somebody who likes to work with everyone to solve

TAX CUTS

Stearns, of Sterling Heights, received her associates degree from Macomb Community College. She owns her own health care benefits company, and has been treasurer of the 9th District Michigan Republican Party, and served as a Macomb County Republican Party Executive Committee Member.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS Just like everybody else, I believe in clean air and clean water. However, I also strongly believe you can have a vibrant economy that creates jobs and benefits workers while also protecting the environment. For far too long, nameless, faceless bureaucrats in Washington, DC have buried workers and businesses in regulations and red tapes. It has killed jobs and prevented America from competing in the global economy, all the while doing very little to strengthen our environment. A strong economy and a strong environment are not mutually exclusive, and I support efforts to promote both, such as eliminating regulations and protecting southeast Michigan workers and industries.

I stand firmly against a single payer Medical system. Medicare for All will not solve our current healthcare problem.

Even our seniors on Medicare have to purchase additional insurance to gap the deductibles and cost of medical care not covered by Medicare Part A and B. The ACA did nothing to lower the cost of prescriptions and medical care. It actually did the opposite by requiring American’s to buy insurance coverage that some didn’t need. I believe our healthcare system needs transparency of medical costs. Americans should not find out the cost of their care after the bill arrives in the mail two weeks after treatment. We need to inject actual competition into our healthcare system through the competition of cost of care transparency. Patients and their doctors need to share procedure costs and medical options with each other when making decision that are most intimate or life threatening health issues. I will also work to restore the funding in Medicare which our seniors depend on which was cut in the Affordable Care Act.

then, can we have an honest discussion about our immigration system. There is no question our system is broken, but we cannot fix it without first addressing the root cause of the problem.

GUN CONTROL I believe strongly in the Second Amendment and right to bear arms, and I do not believe limiting our Constitutional rights is the solution to preventing future tragedies. Instead of trying to pass laws that limit our rights while doing nothing to stop mass shootings, we should be discussing how we can defend soft targets like schools, and we should be finding ways to strengthen mental health and prevent sick individuals from gaining access to firearms.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Our Constitution requires an act of Congress to declare war on another country. As our commander in chief, the President has the ability to approve and exercise military action abroad. The President has “limited authority” to exercise forces aboard. This authority allows the President to protect the American people from enemies who seek to destroy American’s and our way of life.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS Tariffs are a bad idea, assuming every country followed economic theory and played by the same set of rules.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. In a perfect world, each and every single tariff would be eliminated, and in fact, the president has advocated for doing so.

However, that is not reality, and until other countries come to the table and agree to a level playing field, I support efforts by this administration to negotiate better terms for our workers and businesses so that we can better compete in the global economy.

WHY YOU This isn't about me – it is about southeast Michigan citizens who have suffered under decades of rule by the Levin family dynasty.

Voters in the Ninth District deserve to have a voice in Washington, and I want to serve them and be that voice. I’m a small business leader who knows how to create jobs, make payroll, and budget responsibly.

I’ve been working and building relationships to help others in our community my entire life. Our district finally has an opportunity to send a champion for southeast Michigan to our nation's capital, and a vote for me will be a vote to represent all members of our community.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY First and foremost, we must build a wall along our southern border to prevent the illegal flow of criminals who wish to do us harm into our country. Then, and only

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills

U.S. CONGRESS - 11TH DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

After years and years of corporate executives buying seats in Congress, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans repaid the debt to their donors and then some with a massive tax giveaway to people who need it the least. They might call that bill a “tax cut;” I call it a massive return on investment for the wealthy donors who bought their members of Congress and expected something in return. I could never support that kind of approach to policymaking. We need to stop giving out millions and billions and – in this case – $1.5 trillion in tax breaks like they are party favors. Let’s target tax breaks for the middle class families who work hard and just want to get ahead.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

Stevens currently lives in Rochester Hills after growing up in Birmingham. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at American University, and served as chief of staff of President Obama's Auto Rescue, and worked for the White House Office for Manufacturing Policy and Office of Recovery for Automotive Communities and Workers.

Recently, she led a national workforce development program.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS When President Trump came to office, he began to roll back a number of environmental regulations enacted by the past administration and reversed a number of decisions dating back to the Clinton administration that were designed to promote a cleaner environment. Do you support the administration’s efforts to minimize environmental regulations?

Absolutely not. President Trump’s reckless rollback of environmental protection standards not only damages our environment but hurts our economy. Like it or not, climate change is real and we need to start acting accordingly or we will not be able to compete with the rest of the world.

I served as Chief of Staff on President Obama’s auto rescue. When our auto industry was in crisis we not only helped save GM and Chrysler, we did it while improving fuel efficiency standards and spurring American auto companies to build the cars of the future. We designed and implemented Cash for Clunkers, an incentive-based program that allowed consumers to trade in old, environmentally inefficient vehicles for 21st century models.

I don’t buy the argument that we can have a clean environment or cars but we can’t have both; for over a decade Detroit’s automotive industry has shown the opposite.

TAX CUTS Do you support the tax cuts enacted by

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In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket.

There has been talk of Congress now attempting to reduce the deficit by cutting back on programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Do you support trimming these programs to reduce the budget? Are there other areas of the budget that should be targeted to bring the budget back under control and over time reduce the national debt?

Social Security and Medicare are a promise we made to America’s working families – our guarantee that if you work hard and put your time in you will be able to retire with dignity. That means financial and health security without forcing your kids to pay for your ability to get by. That is why we need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. It is unfathomable that Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington think it is OK to hand out a $1.5 trillion tax giveaway while trying to balance our national debt on the backs of the people who need our help the most.

That is true for Medicaid, too. I would never support a plan that cuts these critical benefits, and to strengthen them I would start by cutting Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthy.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE Despite attempts by the current administration and Republican members of Congress, a substantial number of persons continue to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, sometimes referred to as Obamacare.

What is your position on the current Affordable Care Act and the issue of a national health care plan in general?

The two biggest things President Obama accomplished were the Auto Rescue and Obamacare. I stepped up and served as Chief of Staff for the Auto Rescue when our economy was in crisis, and now that Donald Trump is creating a healthcare crisis

I’m stepping up again and running for Congress. I supported the Affordable Care Act and do not believe it is Congress’s job to remove people from their healthcare plans without alternatives. Let’s protect and improve Obamacare, not sabotage it. Let’s ensure that everyone has access to health coverage, that we tackle the costs of prescription drugs and bring forward a public option. It is time we focus first on how to meet Americans’ healthcare needs, then focus on how we get our healthcare companies to step up to the challenge.

Profits should never be put before people.

field p.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY President Trump has eliminated the policy governing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that granted deportation relief for immigrants who came here as children (under the age of 16), which was created in 2012 by the Obama administration. Do you support continuation of the DACA program?

Should Congress move to find a common ground that will provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

For generations, families have come to America seeking a better life for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. We are a nation of immigrants, but sadly our immigration system today is broken. It can and must be fixed without tearing apart families who come here in pursuit of the American dream. I support the DACA program and our Dreamers because I do not believe Congress should be in the business of punishing children brought to this country through no choice of their own. Many of our Dreamers know no other country or home and serve our nation proudly. We must pass common sense legislation to fix DACA and our immigration system so that America will always be the city upon the hill we strive to be.

GUN CONTROL What is your position on the need for added gun control legislation? Which, if any, of the following gun control measures could you support: Requiring expanded background checks?

Background checks at gun shows?

Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons? Banning military style weapons?

In Congress I will be the NRA’s worst nightmare. My commitment is that on day one of the 116th Congress, I will have issued a letter to every single one of my colleagues asking them to join me in passing gun safety legislation that will include universal background checks, reinstating the assault rifle ban from 1994, “no-fly-no buy” provisions, banning bump stocks, and raising the age in which individuals can purchase guns. I made this commitment on January 3, 2018, one year before I plan to follow through on it. Our country’s gun violence epidemic is not

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham am s

HALEY STEVENS

Congress at the urging of the Trump administration? Explain your position.

Beverly Hills

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, southwest Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, west Oakland lakes area and south Oakland County, along with parts of western Wayne County, including Plymouth, Livonia and Canton.

going away and Michiganders can count on me to continue being an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. It is time we elect bold and courageous leaders willing to take on tough challenges – I will be one of them.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Should this or any President be required to consult with Congress before sending our military forces into foreign countries?

Going to war with a country is one of the most grave and serious decisions any President can make. It costs time and money and, most importantly, the lives of the most patriotic Americans – our service members. We cannot afford to make that decision lightly. It does not matter if our President is a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, or a reality TV show host – he or she must consult with Congress before committing an act of war.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS The current administration has expressed its desire to withdraw from many of the international trade agreements entered into by past administrations. The President has also authorized import tariffs in recent months. Do you agree with the President on the trade agreements? What will the impact be of the import tariffs?

I oppose NAFTA and other free trade deals that hurt American workers, but, as with all things, Donald Trump’s approach creates massive dysfunction and inconsistency.

While I agree we need to renegotiate trade agreements to make them more beneficial for workers, the President’s inconsistent approach to trade and import tariffs troubles me.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

In 2009, economists were singing Detroit’s swan song. The auto industry was in crisis.

Analysts wanted to let Detroit go bankrupt.

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november 6 general election voter guide

I disagreed: I believed then, as I do today, that Detroit hustles harder. So I went to Washington and hustled, serving as chief of staff for President Obama’s auto rescue that helped save more than 200,000 jobs.

I’m running for Congress because I see a different kind of crisis today: Donald Trump’s reckless agenda is hurting us and raising healthcare costs. America’s working families can’t afford inaction – we need real leadership, and that’s what Michiganders can expect from me. I’m a Seaholm alum and proud product of this district. I got into this race when it didn’t seem easy but I outraised the incumbent and soon after he announced his retirement. I’ve delivered for Michigan before and voters should choose me because I’ll always deliver for Michigan in Congress.

LENA EPSTEIN REPUBLICAN

to succeed. We need to cut waste and abuse; however, I will protect Medicare and Social Security and make certain we keep our promises to our seniors.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE First and foremost, we need to ensure those with pre-existing conditions are covered. But, we can cover pre-existing conditions without messing with everyone else’s healthcare plan. The Affordable Care Act caused many to lose their healthcare plans. And under the ACA, we saw out-ofpocket costs sharply increase. I support federal subsidies for state-run high-risk pools or any sort of state-run program that will provide coverage for those with preexisting conditions. I support the federal government block granting Medicaid funding to the states. And, young people should be able to stay on their parent’s healthcare until they are 26. When we talk about healthcare, I firmly believe we can find solutions that work for everyone.

by way of job creation and not by way of Washington, DC. I am an outsider. DC elites got us into this mess, they will not get us out. We need more practical problem solvers who have accomplishments in the private sector. I am reaching across the aisle and taking my message to Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike. I have created jobs.

I have signed both sides of a paycheck.

When I look at a bill or proposed policy, I can tell what the impact on jobs will be.

My primary mission is job creation. We live in a special place. This district has a rich diversity. We have people from every walk of life, but we all agree that we want more opportunities. I will work to keep southeast Michigan a special place where persecuted people can seek refuge, where business owners can set up shop, and every child grows up knowing that they have a shot at the American dream. We need to work together and I’m ready to unite the people of this district and be their voice in Washington, DC.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY I support enforcing our current laws. I want to secure our borders. I also believe it is vitally important that we reunite families with children and work to keep families together.

GUN CONTROL I support the right to keep and bear arms. I support enforcing our current laws more stringently.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS

Epstein, a resident of Bloomfield Township, is a co-owner of Vesco Oil. She has an economics degree from Harvard and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Our President is the Commander in Chief of the military. He cannot declare war; only Congress can. However, he has broad powers in dictating military operations. The proper course of action for a president to take depends on the nature of the situation. Generally, I would prefer more congressional oversight. However, there are times when a president must act swiftly and will not be able to consult Congress.

I support the President’s efforts to roll back outdated regulations that place an undue burden on our economy and businesses in southeast Michigan. I strongly support efforts to protect our Great Lakes so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy them and help keep out tourism economy strong.

I support the President’s efforts to renegotiate trade deals that have put American workers at a disadvantage. The result will be better deals for working families of southeast Michigan and across the country.

TAX CUTS

WHY YOU

I support the tax cuts. They have enabled the citizens of southeast Michigan to keep their hard earned money and invest it as desired. The result has been economic growth; our GDP was up by 4 percent last cycle. The tax cuts are working.

I am a member of the community of southeast Michigan with deep ties to the business and Jewish community. I have lived almost my entire life right here in southeast Michigan. I grew up here, I am raising my family here. My husband, Eric, and I are getting ready to celebrate our daughter, Emma’s, first birthday. We want America to offer Emma and all of our nation’s children the tremendous opportunities that it offered me. I am a business leader who comes to the district

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT I support a full audit of the Pentagon.

However, I also support our military and will work to get our troops whatever they need

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TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER It does little good to sit on the couch and complain, then not exercise your voting rights.

Registered voters have the power to decide who will make the policy decisions that set the public agenda.

Your vote is the most direct way to communicate with those in power.

So if you are not registered to vote in the November 6 general election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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november 6 general election voter guide Bloomfield Township

GUN REGULATIONS CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on gun control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

Bayer lives in Beverly Hills, and has computer science and math degrees from Central Michigan University and a MBA from Lawrence Technical University. She is the co-founder and chief inspiration officer of a database technology company, and is co-founder of Michigan Council of Women in Technology.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Michigan has a rich history of protecting the environment but in recent years there have been several legislative attempts to restrict the DEQ as to rule-making to implement laws of the state, including the now pending legislation that would place control of future rule-making with an appointed committee comprised of special interests, including factions of the business community. There has long been a realization that the DEQ is underfunded in terms of being able to carry out its mission of protecting the quality of life in the state. Do you agree with recent attempts to curtail the DEQ? Do you feel that more funding needs to be allocated to the DEQ for enforcement purposes?

I would allocate more funds to the DEQ to compensate for 18 years of budget reductions, particularly severe cuts in the last eight years. This year’s reduced funds included cuts for: lead and copper water system testing; cleanup of vapor intrusion sites like the emergency cleanup recently experienced in Franklin; chemical sites; waterfront and state park cleanups and emergency cleanups; the recycling program; and more. Michigan DEQ failed its last federal audit, due to critical shortages in people and knowledge. We need to reinvest here, rapidly. We are facing an estimated 11,000 PFAS (water contamination) sites that must be cleaned up, plus an identified 4,000 vapor intrusion sites (hazardous chemical vapors from

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Yes. Since Congress failed to act, Michigan must act to protect our children from senseless gun violence. I support common sense gun regulation including expanded background checks, closing loopholes like gun show exceptions, implementing red flag laws and banning military style weapons and bump stocks for non-military use. In addition to sensible regulations, we need to invest in providing school counselors again. They serve as the front line defense to identify and help those who may take violent action in schools. And we must properly fund and restructure our state’s decimated mental health system. It is an outrage that red flag law legislation has languished on the desk of the head of the House committee who could have brought it to the legislative body over one year ago. He is now running for state Senator in another district. He, and all who take no positive action, should be defeated.

ROAD REPAIRS While the state has announced that $175 million will be disbursed this year for road and bridge repairs, do you feel that is sufficient while we wait three more years for the road funding proposal to finally kick in? Should the state rainy day fund be tapped in the interim, as some have suggested?

Our state road commission reports road funding needs at $4 billion annually.

Instead, the current administration cut road funding from $3.3 billion to $1.9 billion. Adding $175 million doesn’t dent a $1.4 billion annual reduction.

Corporate tax cuts, seven years ago, eliminated over $2 billion annually, forcing cuts in roads, schools, etc.. Like all “trickle down” attempts, this failed completely. We haven’t recovered the $2 billion per year, let alone seen growth.

Pushing this cost to taxpayers through additional user fees continues to shift the burden from corporations to people, including carrying the burden of the heaviest nationwide trucks on Michigan

Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures. Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews.

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K12 system that we have relied on for education?

Increase charter school controls; eliminate for-profit charter funding.

Michigan’s K-12 system is among the U.S. weakest. Since 2008, as charters exploded, Michigan students dramatically declined in reading/math with national data showing systemic deterioration: all students, all schools, regardless of race, economic strata. 2018 Brookings Institution national analysis ranked Michigan last in proficiency improvement.

EMO’s operate 80 percent of Michigan charters, versus 16 percent nationally.

With the most for-profit charter schools and minimal oversight, even staunch charter advocates blanch. Companies that own for-profit charters protect return on investment but don’t ensure learning.

Seventy percent are in the bottom 50 percent, and 16 are on the Michigan Education Department’s list of 21 failing schools. Charters selectively enroll; kids not at the top or needing help cannot enter or obtain support – unlike public schools. We should stop giving tax dollars to for-profit entities, and establish charter performance/finance control.

Public funding without accountability is profoundly irresponsible.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION What is your position on the marijuana legalization proposal appearing on the November ballot?

I’m glad the issue is on the 2018 general ballot for Michigan voters to decide, and I will vote yes on the ballot proposal.

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roads. Tapping the rainy day fund may be necessary. But only if it includes a long term plan to restore our budget to a sustaining level, where everyone pays a fair share and schools, infrastructure and the environment are funded adequately to sustain our quality of life.

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ROSEMARY BAYER

underground tanks), and countless (huge) numbers of lead water pipes to be replaced. We need the DEQ strongly funded to lead, identify and manage all these activities for the health of our people and environment.

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STATE SENATE - 12TH DISTRICT

Beverly Hills Southfield Twp.

Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, along with Orion, Independence and Oxford townships.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and transparency, leaving Michigan ranked near the bottom in comparative studies with other states. Would you support financial disclosure by state lawmakers?

What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt?

Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors? Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

I support all initiatives mentioned: financial disclosure for state lawmakers, removing FOIA exemption for all branches including the governor, and prohibiting “pay to play” for legislators approving contracts. In addition, since much money in politics is contributions to campaign funds, I will work to eliminate all “dark money” contributions, requiring full disclosure of PAC donors. I would also limit total contribution from all types of PACs or individuals to each candidate; and limit the amount a candidate can spend per election cycle as well as the time candidates are allowed to campaign. I support any effort to eliminate contributions, gifts, travel, from lobbyists and PACs to our state legislators. I think transparency in Michigan government is long overdue. My leadership philosophy has always been based on full information disclosure and transparency. I will continue to run my Senate office that way, and encourage colleagues to do the same.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE Are you pro-life or pro-choice? If you are pro-life, are there any exceptions

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november 6 general election voter guide

to prohibitions on abortions that you find acceptable? Explain your position on this issue.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

MICHAEL MCCREADY REPUBLICAN

I am pro-choice. I fully support a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. I am endorsed by Emily’s List, Michigan List and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Should the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act be amended to extend civil rights protections in housing and employment to include sexual orientation? Why or why not?

Yes. The claim that the existing ElliottLarsen Civil Rights Act is sufficient protection for LGBTQ+ people is inaccurate, particularly since our Attorney General issued a statement in July 2018 stating explicitly that the Act does not extend protections to LGBTQ+ people. All people are people.

Constitutionally, and morally, all people deserve the same rights and protections, period. There is no acceptable discrimination. In our history, every time we try to separate human beings, and discriminate against some group of people, we are later proven wrong and need to make amends. This is just another case of doing that, and setting our government up for extensive future reparations. This is unconscionable. It simply exemplifies the current government’s desire to punish those who are not “the same” as the majority in our government today.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

I bring a set of skills/experiences that our government sorely lacks. First, I am not a career politician. I’ve had a successful career solving real problems in the real world. I am a software engineer, leader, business owner, with decades of experience collaborating with teams who don’t always agree, building innovative solutions to reduce costs while making things work better. I bring a lifetime of civic achievements, improving lives and communities, including co-founding a non-profit that brings technology education and support to thousands of women and girls across Michigan. I am a mom, wife, daughter, aunt, sister – I bring the caring commitment I learned in all those roles. Lastly, I know how to listen and be of service. District 12’s citizens deserve more than career politicians who accomplish little, follow the party line, and ignore what people need, especially in public education, public health, personal healthcare and environmental protection.

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I support the rights of parent to have the ultimate choice in the educational path for their children. Charters are one of the many options that should be available, in addition to traditional public schools as well as parochial, private and home schooling.

Regardless of the avenue our educational system as a whole must be held to strict standards to ensure that we are properly preparing our future generations for the challenges they will face.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

McCready, a business owner from Bloomfield Township, is the current state Representative for the 40th District, a position he has held since 2012. Prior to that, he was a mayor and city commissioner for Bloomfield Hills, and served on the city's planning board and zoning board of appeals.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The beauty and wonder of our natural environment is an integral part of our state’s identity as well as it is a powerful economic driver of Michigan’s robust tourism industry. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) should be a partner with our business community to continue to help drive economic growth, while preserving our natural beauties for the next generation.

My colleagues and I in the legislature worked diligently in 2016 to implement a new and improved regulatory framework for medical marijuana, to give those legitimately suffering from debilitating conditions or disease more flexibility, and safety when pursuing medical marijuana as a treatment option as well as give marijuana producers more certainty in the market. I believe that we should continue to allow that system to work before moving to the step of legalization of recreational marijuana.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Transparency is an important facet of a government that is accountable to the people, and that is why I support transparency for both the legislature and the governor. I have voted twice (2016 and 2017), to apply the Freedom of information Act to the legislature and the governor’s office.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE I am proudly pro-life. The only exception is when the life of the mother is in danger.

GUN REGULATIONS

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS

Discussions on firearms are always contentious and divisive, but we can all agree that government should work to keep firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them. I support working towards that goal while also not infringing on the rights of law abiding citizens.

Because of this I would support implementing a red flag law in Michigan, but only if it includes strong protections for due process and stringent penalties for frivolous complaints.

I don’t believe any changes are needed to the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act. The act already includes sex as a protected class, which has been interpreted by the courts to include members of the of the LGBT community.

ROAD REPAIRS There is no debate that our roads, particularly in Oakland County, are in serious need of repair. I supported allocating the $175 million dollars to be used for road funding but more is needed. It is why I have publicly supported spending the higher than expected forecasted revenues directly to road repair. In addition, Act 51, which determines that distribution of road dollars to counties and cities, needs to be overhauled to better reflect the higher need of more populous counties which have larger road systems that see more use.

WHY YOU I have lived most my life in the Bloomfield area of Oakland County. From humble means I started my own business, McCready and Associates, which celebrates its 28th year anniversary next year, and raised a family. My experience in business and from serving in local government, has given me insight to the challenges faced by local governments and the residents who call our community home. Having served in the legislature as the Representative for the 40th District, I now understand the complicated appropriations process which ultimately determines where we invest the taxpayers’ dollars. These experiences have given me the necessary tools to represent our communities and their needs in the Michigan State Senate.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 6?

You can request an absentee ballot from your local municipal clerk’s office. Simply phone your local clerk’s office and ask for an absentee ballot application.

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back.

Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the November 6 election.

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

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STATE SENATE - 13TH DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

McMorrow, of Royal Oak, has a degree in car and industrial design from Notre Dame. She is a self-employed industrial designer.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Michigan has a rich history of protecting the environment but in recent years there have been several legislative attempts to restrict the DEQ as to rule-making to implement laws of the state, including the now pending legislation that would place control of future rule-making with an appointed committee comprised of special interests, including factions of the business community. There has long been a realization that the DEQ is underfunded in terms of being able to carry out its mission of protecting the quality of life in the state. Do you agree with recent attempts to curtail the DEQ? Do you feel that more funding needs to be allocated to the DEQ for enforcement purposes?

Environmental protection is one area where we can’t afford to let the market decide. As the Great Lakes state and home to 21 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, we have a unique responsibility to protect our water and environment. We need an independent body to oversee that protection. I’ll always support collaborative efforts with the business community to develop sustainable solutions that move us all forward, but we should not let biased corporate interests self-regulate. I support more funding for the DEQ to adequately protect our water and environment for generations to come, especially in the wake of reductions in the EPA on the federal. We must protect our Great Lakes.

GUN REGULATIONS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun

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Michigan is in the Top 10 Most Concerning States for violence and threats of violence against schools.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, with research indicating that the decision to take one’s life is often impulsive and made more dangerous by easy access to a firearm. We need to take lobbying for gun-maker profits out of politics and pursue common-ground legislation that protects Michiganders while respecting the Second Amendment. Research shows that despite rhetoric from organizations like the NRA, a majority of Americans favor various measures on regulation, including expanded background checks, banning bump stocks, and passing Red Flag laws that would temporarily remove firearms from those deemed a threat to themselves or others. I support these efforts and would work collaboratively with conservationists, hunters, gun owners and non-gun owners alike to forward solutions that put the safety of residents first.

originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews.

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K12 system that we have relied on for education?

We need to authorize and oversee charter schools the same way we oversee public schools. While Michigan’s education rankings continue to drop to some of the worst in the nation, we should take a page from Massachusetts which consistently ranks at or near the top for both public and charter schools.

We should disallow private, for-profit charters who put their financial bottom line before students. We should hold all charters to the same standards as public schools. Charter and public schools can co-exist to benefit all students and should be overseen by one unifying State Board of Education.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION What is your position on the marijuana legalization proposal appearing on the November ballot?

ROAD REPAIRS While the state has announced that $175 million will be disbursed this year for road and bridge repairs, do you feel that is sufficient while we wait three more years for the road funding proposal to finally kick in? Should the state rainy day fund be tapped in the interim, as some have suggested?

I support the ballot proposal to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and transparency, leaving Michigan ranked near the bottom in comparative studies with other states. Would you support financial disclosure by state lawmakers? What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt? Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors? Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures. Charter schools were

Transparency, accountability, and accessibility are some of my top priorities – and further some of my strongest personal values. I know that much of our cultural and political divide stems from people lacking trust in those who purport

On roads alone, Oakland County residents pay an average of $865 per year on car repairs due to bad roads. A recent analysis from the Detroit Free Press of Governor Snyder’s 2011-2017 budgets highlights a staggering shift in tax burden from corporations to residents. While corporate taxes shrunk by $1.2 billion, or 57.1 percent, personal income taxes increased by $2.5 billion, or 32 percent. Businesses benefit from these public services and infrastructure as much as residents and they should be required to pay their fair share to ensure we have adequate funds to provide public services and infrastructure.

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ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on gun control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

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Beverly Hills Southfield Twp.

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Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Berkley, Clawson, Franklin, Royal Oak, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Troy.

to represent them. We need to do everything in our power to make the process transparent. I support opening up the Governor’s office and legislature to FOIA, requiring disclosure of finances and potential conflicts of interest, prohibiting “Pay to Play” and reversing Michigan’s “Citizen’s United on Steroids” law which has allowed unlimited amounts of money into our campaign process. Additionally, I wholly support Proposition 2 which would eliminate partisan gerrymandering of the state’s electoral districts and create an independent redistricting commission, ensuring every voter that their voice and vote truly matters.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE Are you pro-life or pro-choice? If you are pro-life, are there any exceptions to prohibitions on abortions that you find acceptable? Explain your position on this issue.

I am fiercely pro-choice and will always fight for a woman’s right to choose and have access to necessary reproductive healthcare. I’m against any efforts to limit that access. Recent efforts in states like Colorado have shown that the most effective way to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions is to increase access to science-based sex education and contraception, and in that state’s case – they were able to reduce the overall rate of teen pregnancies and abortions by over 40 percent over a sixyear period by providing long-term contraceptive devices to young women free of charge. As a woman who was raised Catholic and attended the University of Notre Dame, I deeply understand how personal this issue is for so many, but I challenge the notion that we cannot find common ground on this emotionallycharged issue to protect women’s healthcare while simultaneously reducing unwanted pregnancies. The data is there. .

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Should the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights

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november 6 general election voter guide

Act be amended to extend civil rights protections in housing and employment to include sexual orientation? Why or why not?

Yes. Legislators have a responsibility to serve and protect all Michiganders, and it’s shameful that in 2018 our LGBTQ residents are not guaranteed the same protections from discrimination as the rest of us. I was heartened to see the Civil Rights Commission vote in May to expand the interpretation of the term “sex” to include sexual orientation but was incredibly disheartened to see Lansing Republicans then move to have that interpretation invalidated only a few short months later. It’s time we amend Elliott-Larsen to explicitly include all Michiganders, once and for all.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

I got into this race for no other reason than to try to make Michigan better – for us, and for the next generation. I bring more than a decade of proven high-level management, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving as an industrial designer and creative director for companies like Mattel, Mazda, and Gawker Media to offer a fresh new approach to our politics. I’m the only candidate who has committed, if elected, to relinquish my current job in order to focus 100 percent of my time and energy on being your state Senator.

Like so many people I talk to, I’m tired of feeling like our system is broken, and of the divisive rhetoric we hear every day that keeps us apart more than it brings us together. I’d be honored to represent you, to hear and share your stories, and to work with you to create a Michigan that works for everyone.

MARTY KNOLLENBERG

County resident and graduate of Bloomfield Hills Schools and Albion College. He was an Oakland County commissioner from 2003-2007, a state Representative, 2007-2012, and since 2014, the state Senator for the 13th District. He owns an insurance company and Sedona Taphouse in Troy.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Stakeholders impacted by DEQ decisions should have a voice at the table, but ultimate DEQ rulemaking and enforcement should – and does – reside with the department. I support a robust DEQ that has the resources and tools to protect our environment, using measurable and scientifically proven methods. Further, I oppose the untrue scare tactics that some are using for political purposes. I was disappointed to hear my opponent tell an interviewer that Birmingham's water supply is tainted with lead. It's not. This sort of intentional fearmongering has no place in our public discourse, and makes it more difficult for those of us who care about the environment to achieve consensus.

There has to be a balance. Some parents view charters as the right fit for their children. They like having that option, and we must have a place for them. But at the same time, it must be a fair option. I'm concerned that charter (and cyber) schools are cherry picking the most able students, and leaving the most costly students for traditional public schools. That's not fair to traditional public schools. I have a unique perspective on this. I was born hard of hearing, which wasn't discovered until I was three-and-a-half years old. I credit my public school teachers for helping me catch up with my peers. Because of my teachers, and all that they did for me in helping me reach my potential, education has become my passion. I’m especially sympathetic to the mission of traditional public schools.

They must be protected from unfair competition.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

The federal government needs to enforce existing gun laws. Under current federal law, individuals barred from purchasing a firearm because of mental health issues often are still able to do so because local law enforcement cannot access their health information in a timely manner because of HIPPA privacy rules. The federal bureaucracy makes it very difficult for our local law enforcement to do its job, and that has to change – but that's a change that has to occur at the federal level.

Further, a key component to this is school safety. I was the only Senate Republican to vote to allow schools to have gun free zones. Local schools and communities should decide what’s best for them, not Lansing. I oppose loopholes to purchasing a firearm. I support banning bump stocks. I do not support banning firearms based on cosmetics, but on what they do. I support red flag laws.

ROAD REPAIRS

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CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

GUN REGULATIONS

REPUBLICAN

Knollenberg, of Troy, is a lifelong Oakland

process. It was a missed opportunity.

Tapping the rainy day fund is shortsighted.

We should save that money to protect our vulnerable citizens during the next economic downturn.

Michigan is investing an additional $800 million into roads and bridges this year, not $175 million. And I’m pleased to have obtained additional funding this summer for important road projects in my district.

Roads didn't crumble overnight, but over the past generation – under both Republican and Democratic administrations. It's disappointing that Senate Democrats refused to work with Republicans on a bipartisan roads solution; choosing, instead, not to offer any legislation or amendments, and then – with the exception of one Senator – all voting NO on the final bill. Democrats wanted a campaign issue more than they wanted their constituents to have good roads. We could have done so much more for our citizens had they participated in the

I personally oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana, and I’m voting against the ballot proposal in November.

This ballot proposal will create a Wild West environment for recreational marijuana similar to that which Michigan experienced for 10 years following legalization of medicinal marijuana. However, I respect the will of the people and will abide by their decision.

post first trimester, late-term, Downs syndrome, gender selection, etc…People of good will can disagree on this issue. It's not black or white and there used to be common ground that abortion was not a desirable outcome. Hillary Clinton famously said, "Abortions should be safe, legal and rare." For 20 years, that was the policy of the Democratic Party. Not anymore. There's a radicalized wing of the Democratic Party that promotes abortion as a morally positive, progressive action. Indeed, actor and Democratic activist Lena Dunham told her podcast listeners in 2016, "I still haven't had an abortion, but I wish I had." I find that tragic.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Yes. As for codifying it into state law, it’s not likely to be taken up. However, if it is, I will vote for it.

WHY YOU • Increased education funding by $2.8 billion/year • Obtained $340 million for career development • Wrote the law to keep schoolchildren safe • Wrote the law to increase the number of teachers • Wrote the law to protect sexual assault survivors • Wrote the law to combat opioid abuse • Wrote the law to give seniors more housing options • Voted to eliminate the senior pension tax • Wrote the law to give disabled individuals easier access to handicapped parking placards • Wrote the law to ban animal shelters’ use of gas chambers

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY People don't contact their state Senator when their life is going great. They contact their state Senator when they're desperate and afraid. The letters, calls and emails that I receive are from people who don't know where else to turn – they're about to lose their home to foreclosure, or their utilities are about to be turned off, or they don't have food for their children, or they have some other type of personal family crisis. Opening up their files to public inspection through FOIA requests does not serve the public interest, and I will resist it.

As for campaign finance, committees are currently required to declare late contributions that arrive after the filing deadline. The technology is readily available to require immediate (24 hour) disclosure of all contributions. Allow the people to see for themselves if contributions are being made to coincide with legislation.

Finally, I'm the likely next chair of the Education Committee, where I can do even more for our schools.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE It's been said the true measure of a society is how it treats those least able to defend themselves. I'm pro-life. I find it interesting this question doesn't ask pro-choice candidates if there are circumstances when abortion shouldn't be permitted, such as

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

STATE HOUSE - 40TH DISTRICT

Manoogian, a Birmingham resident, attended undergrad and graduate school at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. She was the program officer in the Office of English Language Programs, and Digital Engagement Officer, Office of eDiplomacy, both at the U.S. State Department.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Michigan has a rich history of protecting of the environment but in recent years there have been several legislative attempts to restrict the DEQ when it comes to rule-making to implement laws of the state, including the now pending legislation that would place control of future rule-making with an appointed committee comprised of special interests, including factions of the business community. There has long been a realization that the DEQ is underfunded in terms of being able to carry out its mission of protecting the quality of life in the state. Do you agree with the recent attempts to curtail the DEQ? Do you feel that more funding needs to be allocated to the DEQ for enforcement purposes?

I disagree strongly with recent attempts to curtail the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. This agency is critical to ensuring Michiganders are healthy and safe, and that our natural resources remain for generations to come. We should be relying on scientists and public servants for staffing this rule making agency, not corporate polluters and CEOs who have a financial interest in how the rules are made.

I support increasing resources for the DEQ, so that they can fully ensure a healthy and safe Michigan.

GUN REGULATIONS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on the gun

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ROAD REPAIRS While the state has announced that $175 million will be disbursed this year for road and bridge repairs, do you feel that is sufficient while we wait three more years for the road funding proposal to finally kick in? Should the state rainy day fund be tapped in the interim, as some have suggested?

We know that $175 million is insufficient for road funding; some estimates put the amount at $2 billion annually to adequately fund road and infrastructure repairs. Waiting for three more years to repair our roads is untenable. This is costing Michiganders across our district, and indeed our state, an average of $700 in repairs per year. It is estimated that our state will have a budget surplus between $279 million and $348 million. This money should not be allocated to the rainy day fund; it must be used to begin the much needed repairs to our county and local roads.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures.

Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews. Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state

Orchard Yes, the ongoing expansion of charter Lake Bloomfield schools has negatively impacted our K-12 Bloomfield Hills Twp. public school system. We must take the st Bloomfield profit motive out of educating our children. I Twp. support capping the number of schools that Birmingham can be chartered in any given year.

Presently, charter schools are able to use Beverly Hills Franklin taxpayer dollars, but are not subject to the Southfield Farmington Twp. same transparency laws that local schools Hills and school boards must be compliant with. I Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills will champion legislation that will ensure and West Bloomfield. transparency wherever our public dollars are spent on education. Given our state’s struggles with meeting third-grade literacy standards, and falling test scores, Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act underfunding our local schools is not the (FOIA) to the legislature and governor’s answer to the question of how to build a office. This will allow lawmakers to provide Michigan that is prepared for the 21st much needed oversight and a check on the century. executive branch. Additionally, I support prohibiting “Pay to Play” regarding MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign What is your position on the marijuana contributors. Ethics and transparency laws legalization proposal appearing on the should also be extended to the MDEQ, and November ballot? other agencies operating in the executive branch. I also support increased I support the legalization of marijuana. By transparency with regard to any taxpayerlegalizing marijuana, our state can regulate funded expenditure, including public dollars and tax it, similar to how alcohol is that are spent on charter schools. regulated, and we can conduct better research on its impacts. Additionally, the PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE legalization of marijuana is also a civil rights issue, given that criminal enforcement Are you pro-life or pro-choice? If you are disproportionately impacts low-income pro-life, are there any exceptions to communities and communities of color. prohibitions on abortions that you find While other states have made marijuana acceptable? Explain your position on this legal with some net positives and some issue. challenges, our state has the opportunity to get it right.

I support a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. The choices a woman ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY makes regarding her health should be between her and her doctor.

Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and Should the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act be transparency, leaving Michigan ranked amended to extend civil rights protections near the bottom in comparative studies in housing and employment to include with other states. Would you support sexual orientation? Why or why not? financial disclosure by state lawmakers?

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I support implementing common sense gun laws in Michigan that will keep our communities safe. I am proud to have earned a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction. On student walkout day, I spoke at the Capitol in Lansing, and advocated for red flag legislation at our state representative’s office hours. I support expanding background checks, including requiring background checks at gun shows. I firmly believe that weapons of war have no place in our communities, and bump stocks or other modifications to firearms to make them automatic should be made illegal. I support red flag legislation that takes into account civil liberties, but also ensures an individual will not be able to harm themselves or others. I do not believe arming teachers is the answer to making our schools safer. I will advocate for increased funding to ensure schools across Michigan are able to take proper safety precautions.

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control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K-12 system that we have relied on for education?

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MARI MANOOGIAN

control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks?

Background checks at gun shows?

Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons? Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt? Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors?

Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

As a former U.S. Department of State program officer, I strongly support strengthening Michigan’s ethics and transparency laws. I support financial disclosure by lawmakers and expanding

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Every Michigander must be considered equal under the law, therefore the ElliottLarsen Civil Rights Act should be amended to extend civil rights protections to every citizen regardless of sexual orientation. I applaud the decision of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to extend the definition of the word, “sex” to sexual orientation and gender identity with regard to Elliott-Larsen via a regulation. However, we must take steps to amend Elliott-Larsen to ensure Michigan is inclusive under the law, in the event a future MCRC repeals the regulation.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

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november 6 general election voter guide

I was born and raised in Birmingham and it’s the place I’ve called home for my entire life. I’m proud to be this district’s hometown candidate. Over the years, I’ve been a Harlan Hare, a BCS Cobra and a Seaholm Maple – and I believe it really does matter that the leaders we elect to represent us in government can understand our district. I’m proud to have a diverse record of public service experience from my time in the Office of Congressman John Dingell to working with Ambassador Samantha Power at the United Nations, to representing America abroad at the State Department and the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. After eight years of Governor Rick Snyder and an incredibly long 20 months of President Donald Trump, it’s clear that the experiment of electing leaders with no experience in government has failed Michigan. Democrats shouldn’t follow down that same failed path.

DAVID WOLKINSON REPUBLICAN

considering new regulations or stricter enforcement of current ones absent a compelling reason otherwise.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION GUN REGULATIONS I believe very strongly in the Second Amendment. Our right to bear arms is entrenched in our Constitution. However, our recent history of gun violence has made it clear that we need to be more effective in getting guns out of the hands of those that are severely mentally ill and are prone to violence. I do not think that all, or even most, of our horrible gun violence can be solved with new legislation, but it is clear that certain perpetrators of these horrendous crimes (like the young man in the recent Parkland shooting) should never have had access to the guns that he did.

He had demonstrated mental incapacity to possess weapons and an eagerness to commit violence. If legislation were proposed to increase the effectiveness of background checks and it was narrowly tailored, so as not to infringe on the rights of law abiding Americans, I would support it.

ROAD REPAIRS

Wolkinson lives in Birmingham and is a small business owner. He served as Gov. Snyder's policy director and administrative vice chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. He has undergrad, masters, and a law degree from University of Michigan.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION In 2010, I served as policy director for Gov. Rick Snyder’s gubernatorial campaign. I met with business leaders, environmentalists and other stakeholders throughout the state. Under the Granholm administration, the single most complained about state agency was the DEQ. Governor Snyder came into office determined to roll back what he viewed as an overly aggressive DEQ and given the nature of this question, it appears he was quite successful in doing so. There has been no greater failure of this administration than the Flint water disaster.

That disaster (shamefully, totally manmade) reminds us why strong environmental regulations are so important (they are literally of life and death importance.) With that said, I would be very wary of swinging the pendulum in the other direction. It is important that we be conservative about

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appropriate to consider tougher oversight of those failing schools.

$175 million is not sufficient. Our roads are in serious disrepair. While I would support legislation to use money from the rainy day fund, my first priority would be to fight for our district’s fair share of the current road money being spent. We are the biggest donors to the state (as far as House districts go). In Oakland County, we only get back some 70 cents on the dollar of what we send to Lansing – in the 40th district it is even lower. Thankfully we are the wealthiest district in the state, but the formula for road money does not account for either a) how much we disproportionately send to Lansing for the entire state’s benefit; b) being the economic and social engine of the metro Detroit region, how much our roads are driven on.

The bottom line is that Oakland County (and the 40th district in particular) do not get our fair share of road revenue based on the current formulas and the next state representative needs to fight for our fair share.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS The idea behind charter schools having less accountability than traditional public schools is that no one is obliged to attend a charter school. Public schools in our district are for the most part fantastic, but there are other places (like the city of Detroit) where plenty of parents failed their kids are trapped in a failing system. Charter schools were created to give parents more choices. Unlike traditional public schools, if a charter school is failing then the parents have the option of pulling their child out. This is an inherent accountability that does not exist at traditional public schools. With that said, the state funds a major part of every student’s public education dollars. If charter schools are failing, then it would be

Let the people decide. The people are smarter than Lansing politicians. As William F Buckley once said, “I’d rather be governed by the first thousand names in the phone book than the Harvard faculty.” I think the people have been way ahead of the politicians throughout the marijuana legalization process. I have great confidence in the people and will support whatever decision they make.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Yes, I believe that there is a deep deal of insider dealing in Lansing and there are a number of reforms that I would support to hopefully transform this negative/corrupt culture. This is most prevalent when one examines the state’s economic development efforts. Simply put, investing is hard, it is not easy (I do it for a living) it is not the role of state bureaucrats (or legislatures for that matter) to speculate as to what the next economic “growth” area will be. Our economic development efforts should be narrowed to providing a safe secure place to invest, top flight infrastructure and fantastic educational systems. It is not the role of the state to invest in private enterprise (directly or through the tax system). Predicting winners and losers should be left to private citizens and I think draining Lansing of this money will clean up the ethical environment in state government.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE I am pro-life.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Yes. Same gender loving couples (LGBTs) and all Michiganders deserve the same housing and employment rights. This is past due. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Of course, there must be robust protections of our religious freedoms (no church or synagogue should ever be forced to violate their beliefs) but extending Elliot Larsen to the LGBT community should be done immediately.

WHY YOU I am a businessman. I have built up a small but successful real estate management company in the last five years. I know how economies work and I have deep experience in public policy from my years of activism in the Republican Party and my service as Governor Snyder’s policy director. I think I am the candidate with the best combination of energy and experience to fight for what matters to voters in the district. I know how government works and I want to fight for more money for our roads, more dollars in the classroom and to make Michigan the best place to live, work and raise a family.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

THE WASTED YOUTH VOTE The U S government reports, election after election, that the age bracket that turns out to vote less than any other is the 18-24 years of age group.

The youth vote in 2018 could be one of the more powerful voting blocks ever. But you must vote.

Call or visit your local municipal clerk’s office to register for the November 6 general election.

Youth holds the power.

Use it.

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY Horrigan-Happy lives in Bloomfield Hills. She is a technical advisor for Apple, and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wayne State University.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY After failing in 2016 by only one percent in Oakland County, there is a new regional transit plan proposed for the November ballot. Do you think a regional transit millage proposal should go on the ballot for all Oakland County communities? Why or why not? Should some Oakland County communities be allowed to opt out?

A regional transit system is essential to the economic vitality of southeast Michigan and for the quality of life for our residents in Oakland County. Cited as a major reason why Amazon did not consider locating their headquarters in the area, the lack of a seamless, areawide public transportation system will continue to impede southeast Michigan from outside investment considerations.

Additionally, as new talent is needed to sustain and grow existing businesses, mobility will be necessary to deliver the workforce. Recognizing that the demographic of the workforce is everevolving, transportation systems must be flexible and evolve to meet the new needs of the market. Without the skilled workforce readily available, growth for our businesses and communities will diminish.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Oakland County receives a limited amount of money – although increased from previous years – from the state for road construction. Do you think the county, either by itself or in cooperation with neighboring counties in southeast Michigan, should pursue a millage or a dedicated gas tax strictly for road repairs?

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Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAAratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate. The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should be launching at this time?

One of the most significant responsibilities of the Oakland County Commission is to prepare our community for the future. Our leaders must be in touch with current trends in business, the needs of our emerging workforce, and our ever-changing demographics.

Providing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the demographic makeup is essential to the growth and stability of our community. Addressing the growing need for access to mobility for our emerging workforce and recognizing the need for easily accessible transportation for our aging generation are two examples of efforts that should take priority in our county commission.

REGIONAL COOPERATION Do you feel Oakland County is doing all it can to be a strong partner in the southeast Michigan region as it applies to the issue of regional cooperation?

Neighboring communities should be on the same team. The regional nature of economics which includes shared infrastructures maintained cooperatively will benefit not one but all communities within a region. A cooperative strategic policy will project a positive view to outside businesses looking to locate and expand. It’s clear considering the recent publicity around the Oakland County Executive that he does not want to participate in regional cooperation. This divisive nature of the communication by our elected official presents a chaotic image of southeast Michigan and discourages new enterprise from emerging in the area. To prosper, we need a fresh and inclusive perspective.

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funding for services. Knowledgeable professionals along with the model “multi-tiered system of supports” delivers the proper framework for early interventions. The county board of commissioners should be working in tandem with the county mental health division to establish school programs.

Programs should team on-campus social workers with counselors and teachers to identify early symptoms and start treatment for children with mental health issues.

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CHERIE HORRIGAN-HAPPY

State funding for Michigan roads is distributed through Public Act 51, an antiquated and obsolete formula that distributes state funding based on a compromise between rural and urban lawmakers. The law was established in 1951 and has not changed in 67 years.

Roads in northern Michigan receive the same funding as roads in southeast Michigan. Clearly, this distribution makes no sense. To be fair, state funding for roads should take into consideration large population centers and heavy industrial road use. Elected officials and lawmakers need to work together to develop common sense solutions to repair and maintain our seriously neglected infrastructure in southeast Michigan. Making good use of existing funds will benefit our county without imposing additional tax to our citizens.

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COUNTY COMMISSION - 12TH DISTRICT

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Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township.

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commission, I will provide transparency, integrity, and compassion for my fellow citizens. I believe that everyday people feel left out of decision making processes by our local officials that do not include issues that matter in their lives. Things like public transportation, clean drinking water, access to care for our seniors and affordable child care, common sense gun control, voting rights, equal rights and affordable health care are issues that matter to everyday people. I intend, as Oakland County Commissioner, to champion the issues affecting everyday people.

SHELLEY GOODMAN TAUB REPUBLICAN

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

MENTAL HEALTH According to experts, teens and young adults are experiencing mental crises, with rising suicide rates. Hospitals are experiencing larger influxes of mental health patients. What should the county mental health division be doing to address this issue? Is there anything the county board of commissioners should be doing to address this issue?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, for a young person with symptoms of a mental disorder, the earlier treatment is started, the more effective it can be. Early treatment can help prevent more severe, lasting problems as a child grows up. The CDC describes surveillance systems as critical for policy and program development, with a directive to support allocation of

With the launch of the Oakland County Healthy Lakes Initiative the board of commissioners has taken the right step toward monitoring the lakes and waterways of Oakland County. The report of elevated levels of PFAS in fish from Kent Lake and the Huron River raise serious alarms that must be addressed with more aggressive ordinances to remove this pollutant from our environment.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

I am a first time candidate and I believe that my background prepares me well to provide fresh ideas and new thinking for the Oakland County community. As a new member of the Oakland County

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Taub, a county commissioner since since 2009, and from 1993-2002, lives in Bloomfield Township. She is a former teacher who taught for 30 years, with a degree from the University of Michigan.

She is also a former state Representative, 2002-2008, and the past chair of the Michigan Association of Counties.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY RTA will not be on the ballot in November.

Should a proposal be put on the ballot in the future? If the plan is reasonable and

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

serves the entire area, it should be considered, but the Oakland Board of Commissioner (BOC) does not have the ability to do so. The RTA Authority by statute places issues on the ballot. Oakland and Wayne County communities have always had the opt-out/opt-in provision.

Why would an opt-out community ever optin when the RTA Authority has not ever had a plan to provide any bus service to most of the opt-out communities. Their current plan was to provide Ann Arbor with a train to Metro Airport. Is that where we want our tax dollar to go?

informed that a mental health patient can and should be sent to the Common Ground Crisis Center (800) 231-1127. This is the only crisis center with inpatient beds in Michigan. All police officers and deputies in Oakland County are trained by OCHN to spot mental trauma. They transport people to Common Ground located on the county campus. The Health Department has a Suicide Prevention Program. The Board of Commissioners funds a Bullying Training Program at the ISD. OCHN funds Narcan for the county.

Wolkinson For State Rep VOTE

NOVEMBER 6TH

REGIONAL COOPERATION ROAD IMPROVEMENTS The Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) has a limited jurisdiction. RCOC takes care of county and township roads, excluding Bloomfield Township which has its own road mileage. Cities and villages are state-funded and must care for their own roads. This is based on Public Act 51. If a mileage was placed on the ballot, distribution of the revenue could follow PA 51 unless a variance is chosen. Oakland County is unique in our tri-party funding, which adds more money to roads as well as funding for city and village road projects.

What really has to happen to enable Oakland to receive the correct amount of state funding is a re-write of PA 51 which was passed in 1951. In 1951, Oakland County had more cows than cars.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY There are lots of good jobs in Oakland County without enough skilled workers to fill them. Workforce Development has partnered with colleges, high schools and businesses to train the unemployed and underemployed for those positions. In November, Oakland County Workforce Development along with the Workforce and Education Roundtable (I am a member), local businesses and Oakland County Community College and others will have a hands on event, “ My Career Quest’ at the Surburban Collection in Novi for high school students. There will be four segments, Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology and Construction. Students will move from area to area, doing not just watching. It is the first time this type of event has taken place in metro Detroit.

We also are busy trying to change the mindset in the community by repeating that every child does not have to go to college to have a fulfilling life.

MENTAL HEALTH Mental Health in Oakland County is an authority which is totally separate from county government. It's new name is Oakland County Health Network (OCHN).

OCHN is responsible for mental health and substance use disorders. (I am chair of the Substance Use Advisory Board.) The OC substance abuse program is a model for Michigan. No waiting for substance abuse in- patient care! Area hospitals have been

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

Of course we want a strong and prosperous region. Oakland County is a good regional partner and regional leader having just passed the SMART millage as well as supporting the DIA Authority, the Zoo Authority, Cobo Hall and the Great Lakes Water Authority, all regional entities. Problems do arise when rather than being a partner, Oakland County is expected by some to be a funder without a voice. I believe that a county that has been voted over and over again as having the best management in our country should always have a seat at the table and a voice at the table. It has always been my contention that if you are not at the table, you are the dessert.

PRINCIPLED, PRAGMATIC, EXPERIENCED

FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE PAID FOR BY DAVID WOLKINSON FOR MICHIGAN P.O. BOX 2024, BIRMINGHAM, MI 48012

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I am a member of the Board of Commissioners Clean Water Task Force looking into whether septic systems are leaching into lakes. Michigan is the only state without a septic code. Some states have the county health department inspect septic fields with state funding to supplement the cost. Other states have private contractors who charge the home owner or business. I have been working with the Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) on this issue. The bill writer will be working with MAC in the fall to figure out the funding stream. Last winter, the OC BOC offered a free two Saturdays seminar on lake testing for residents. Over 100 riparians attended are testing their lakes this summer. Public Schools will have new water fountains this fall thanks to the BOC. All schools were offered either bottle filling or bottle fill and drinking fountains though a grant from the BOC. WHY YOU 1. I know how to get things done.

2. I am a leader in Oakland County: Caucus Chair; Chair: Substance Use Advisory Board; Chair: Community and Home Improvement Advisory Board; Chair: Birmingham Youth Assistance I am a leader in Lansing: President: Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) I am a leader in Washington, DC: Chair of the Arts and Cultural Commission: National Association of Counties ( NACo) Vice Chair of Health, Human Services and Education, NACo Member of the NACo Board of Directors

CAST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 6?

You can request an absentee ballot from your local municipal clerk’s office. Simply phone your local clerk’s office and ask for an absentee ballot application.

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back. Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the November 6 election.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Local clerks contact phone numbers: Birmingham: 248.530.1880 Bloomfield Hills: 248.644.1520 Ext. 1403 Bloomfield Township: 248.433.7702 15B

BECAUSE EVERY VOICE SHOULD BE HEARD.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSAL 3 http://www.promotethevotemi.com PAID FOR WITH REGULATED FUNDS BY PROMOTE THE VOTE, 2966 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT MI 48201

november 6 general election voter guide Bloomfield Township

COUNTY COMMISSION - 13TH DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

We have been frustrated over the lack of state and federal road funding sent to our County for years. All options to raise more money should be on the table.

Raising the gas tax to generate more money for road repairs in our state should be discussed. Many local communities already have a dedicated road millage so a countywide road millage should be on the ballot for voters to decide. If the voters show interest in a countywide road millage, those communities that already have a road assessment should be allowed to roll their payments over to the new county millage so they do not pay twice.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY

Gershenson, a Bloomfield Township resident, has been an Oakland County commissioner since 2004. She has a degree in English with a secondary teaching certificate from University of Michigan.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY After failing in 2016 by only one percent in Oakland County, there is a new regional transit plan proposed for the November ballot. Do you think a regional transit millage proposal should go on the ballot for all Oakland County communities? Why or why not? Should some Oakland County communities be allowed to opt out?

I am a strong proponent of transit and think it should have been on the ballot in November for voters to decide if they support it. Studies have shown, millennials and businesses looking to relocate prefer a place to live and work that has a transit system. Transit promises to bring many economic benefits to our region. We need a system that can help connect residents to their jobs, hospitals, airports, recreational facilities and each other. Providing a comprehensive transportation network will benefit our seniors as well as attract millennials who prefer transit to cars. As our population ages, we need to be sure our seniors have reliable access to resources that will help them live independent lives. We should work together as a region to find the best options for each community Transit will benefit everyone, and we should all support it if voters pass it.

Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAAratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate. The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should be launching at this time?

Yes, I think there are other areas the county can help residents in our local communities. Currently, only two of five eligible students access a free school breakfast. That is unacceptable rate for one of the wealthiest counties in America. I would like to see a task force formed to focus on correcting this low participation. Oakland County could partner with other agencies to share costs for green infrastructure. All new projects in our county should be designed with sustainable materials and have partnerships to help with the costs.

Additionally, the county should be looking to help fund portable weigh stations for trucks that use our roads. Many of the weigh stations have closed, and it would help maintain our road condition if vehicles were weighed to assure they are carrying the proper weight.

MENTAL HEALTH According to experts, teens and young adults are experiencing mental crises, with rising suicide rates. Hospitals are experiencing larger influxes of mental health patients. What should the county mental health division be doing to address this issue? Is there anything the county board of commissioners should be doing to address this issue?

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS Oakland County receives a limited amount of money – although increased from previous years – from the state for road construction. Do you think the county, either by itself or in cooperation with neighboring counties

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

The Board of Commissioners and our health department are very actively addressing the rising rates of suicide among our residents. We have formed The Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force to develop a plan to focus and coordinate suicide

prevention efforts in our county. This task force will guide and implement these activities by engaging public and private stakeholders. The Board of Commissioners recently designated 2018 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month resolution (MR#18277) on July 19, 2018. Last year (2017) the Oakland County Health Department promoted a documentary film – “The S Word” at the Emagine Royal Oak theatre, this included a Q & A with the film director, Lisa Klein, along with a panel of local suicide prevention experts. We are always open to engage with more partners to address this rising, frightening trend.

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in southeast Michigan, should pursue a millage or a dedicated gas tax strictly for road repairs?

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Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills.

REGIONAL COOPERATION Do you feel Oakland County is doing all it can to be a strong partner in the southeast Michigan region as it applies to the issue of regional cooperation?

I do not feel Oakland County is doing everything it can to strengthen regional cooperation. During the recent transit debate our county joined another to obstruct efforts to put transit on the ballot. Oakland County's leadership does not appear to see the value in regional cooperation and transit. We have been dealing with this lack of foresight for too long. It is unproductive and unhelpful to our region. As our entire region succeeds, it will benefit all the communities, including Oakland County, and our state.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

experience and dedication to my job. I have demonstrated my ability to work in a bi-partisan way on many important issues, such as our gun safety committee. This committee has held gun safety lock giveaways; partnered with Oakland County Health Department on suicide and mental health programs; Oakland Intermediate Schools to help fund anti-bullying programs and our Sheriffs department. I regularly attend the council meetings of the communities I represent. This helps me to understand the local issues my constituents are dealing with in their neighborhoods. I am proud of the work I have done over my tenure and have many more exciting initiatives on deck. I intend to continue to help local communities fund local road improvements, support our seniors through our senior advisory council and continue to protect the quality of our water.

I have been a riparian home dweller my whole life. The Oakland County Health Department monitors the health of many of our Oakland County lakes. I convened a group of environmental groups that are active in our community and developed partnerships to test an additional 50100 lakes each year. From the information that comes from this testing we will work on suggesting local ordinances to communities to protect our lakes, one of our most valuable resources. We have been alarmed by the Phragmitie vegetation growth around some of our lakes and I am working on implementing a partnership with local communities to fund remediation.

WHY YOU Why should a voter choose you over an opponent on the ballot?

Voters should re-elect me because of my

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

48TH DISTRICT COURT DIANE D'AGOSTINI

caseload increased since the 2011 report was issued?

The legislature placed the 48th District Court on track for elimination of a judicial seat when a retirement occurs. The court’s caseload fluctuates based on a variety of factors and has ranged from 33,00052,000 cases annually. Labor intensive civil cases, motions and landlord/tenant cases have increased. Caseload has also increased from 2017, so I do believe that the court necessitates three judges.

However, the court will follow the intent of the legislation when a retirement occurs and will work diligently to ensure that cases be handled without delay and continue to serve the public diligently.

JAIL TIME FOR FIRST TIME MIP

D'Agostini, a Bloomfield Township resident, has served as a judge for the 48th District Court since 2000, where she is Chief Judge.

Prior, she was an assistant Oakland County Prosecutor. She received her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law, and has degrees from Wayne State University and Oxford University.

COURT STREAMLINING Michigan Public Act 123 and 124 took effect in 2015, designed to streamline the process of preliminary hearings and to allow district courts to accept felony pleas. Have these efforts at streamlining impacted the 48th District Court? In what ways?

I am in support of this legislation and collaborating more with the circuit court to streamline cases. Accepting felony pleas in district court minimizes court appearances and stress for the families of crime victims, defendants and attorneys. It also allows defendants to move through the court system more efficiently. This translates into quicker placement into treatment programs and collection of restitution for the crime victim. Of significance, the legislation allows for a prompt transfer of defendants to the Department of Corrections, resulting in the savings of space and tax dollars at the Oakland County Jail. While the plan is efficient, a defendant still has the right to a jury trial in circuit court and the district court plea must only be used when the defendant freely and voluntarily waives their constitutional rights.

ELIMINATING JUDGE IN 48th A 2011 report on the Michigan judiciary recommended, based on caseload and a population decrease of .8 percent from 2000-2010, that one judge could be eliminated from the 48th District Court.

The elimination would supposedly be based on attrition at some point in the future. Do you agree with the state’s assessment that there is current work for only 2.3 judges in the court? Has

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There has been ongoing criticism of some judges in the 48th District Court who have given jail time to first-time offending minors who have been found guilty of minors in possession of alcohol. In some cases, the criticism has also involved probation requirements that seem difficult to meet and then the minor is sentenced to jail time. Is jail time for first-time offending minors appropriate?

No, a first MIP is a civil infraction, not punishable by incarceration. The overwhelming majority of MIP cases have been dismissed without record for the individual. Some teens drink to dangerously high levels, use drugs and present themselves with addictions, mental health issues or other problems that need intervention. This becomes an opportunity for the court to address it with treatment protocol which may include education, counseling or testing designed to help and treat the individual. In these difficult cases involving alcohol dependency, I have received tremendous positive feedback from teens and their parents as they work toward recovery. My partnerships and field trips with many of our local schools also further my desire to educate and encourage our teens to be healthy, responsible and productive individuals.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR DRUNK DRIVING Are there special programs that the 48th District Court could be using to deal with drunk driving offenders as an alternative to jail time?

Judges are mandated to make decisions that protect the community and sometimes incarceration is warranted when drunk drivers gamble with the safety of our citizens. The court also uses special programs. For example, every defendant convicted of drunk driving goes through a comprehensive substance abuse assessment. The court’s drug/sobriety treatment protocol puts people on a path to recovery and includes intensive outpatient/in-patient treatment, frequent testing, 12-step programs, sponsors, and

ignition interlocks with intensive monitoring by dedicated probation officers and the judges. Significantly, our defendants have only a 9.7 percent recidivism rate for reoffending with a new drug/alcohol crime within four years, while the state’s recidivism data for drug/sobriety courts is 16 percent, according to the Michigan Supreme Court 2017 annual report on Problem Solving Courts. Additionally, I have sentenced defendants, including drunk drivers, to complete over 148,200 hours of community service, translating into over $1 million of labor being put back into the community.

supporting me in this extraordinary position these past 18 years.

AMY WECHSLER

DISTRICT COURT IMPROVEMENTS Are there any changes you would recommend for the district court that would improve procedures and/or help to conserve financial resources?

The Michigan Supreme Court has appointed me to serve as Chief Judge for four terms, as I continuously seek ways to improve efficiency, not wasting tax dollars. For example, the 48th District Court, like many neighboring courts, operates its own successful drug/sobriety treatment programs without seeking more tax dollars or grant funding, placing countless individuals on a path to recovery. I have implemented longterm cost saving measures by restructuring positions, cross-training staff, and reviewing all expenditures and legacy costs, resulting in savings of over $1.7 million. I am endorsed by many of our local elected officials, Republicans and Democrats, based on effective leadership at the court. This past year, I joined the voices of my fellow judges in urging the legislature to rescind Driver Responsibility Fees, which are now set to be rescinded. I am currently working on the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission standards, which will improve the indigent attorney system.

WHY YOU Why should a voter pick you over your opponent in this election? What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?

Every day, I make critical decisions about people’s lives, families, and homes. For the past 18 years, I have made rulings at criminal arraignments, preliminary examinations, sentencings, evidentiary hearings, bench and jury trials, motions, probation violation hearings, traffic infractions, performed weddings and am on call 24 hours a day for search warrants. My partnerships with our local schools have educated our children and teens about the law and substance abuse. I have been tireless in my mission to keep kids away from the grips of drugs and have been a witness to the recovery of countless defendants from drugs and alcohol through my court-ordered treatment programs. I believe that my record exemplifies experience, wisdom, even temperament, and a dedicated work ethic that is required to make important decisions for our community. Thank you to the citizens for

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Wechsler, of Sylvan Lake, owns her own law firm and is a managing broker at Woodward Commercial Group, is a graduate of University of Michigan Dearborn and University of Detroit School of Law.

COURT STREAMLINING I am not able to answer this question as it specifically relates to how it has impacted the 48th District Court, because I am not privy to that information. However, I can answer based on my experience as a defense attorney, practicing in District Courts across the metro area. I have handled numerous felony cases and by courts streamlining the process for preliminary hearings and accepting felony pleas, it has made the criminal process more efficient for everyone involved. It reduces the number of court appearances, which in turn decreases court docket congestion.

ELIMINATING JUDGE IN 48th I am familiar with the recommendation and the possibility of the 48th District Court eliminating one seat. However, I cannot answer this question because I am not privy to the current workload of the judges or whether the caseload in general has increased or decreased since 2011.

JAIL TIME FOR FIRST TIME MIP As a defense attorney, I saw this practice first hand at the 48th District Court for several years. I represented numerous minors in possession of alcohol cases, where the minor received beyond difficult probation conditions, and when they inevitably violated, they were put in jail. I was always against this practice and do not believe it deterred behavior or protected the community. I have been told this practice ruined many lives for years. The law was changed in 2016 reducing first offense MIP’s to a state civil infraction. As of January 2018, judges can no longer jail first offense

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minor in possession of alcohol. They can however order substance abuse classes, community service and fines. Second and third offenses remain misdemeanors, meaning jail is still a possibility.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR DRUNK DRIVING Absolutely. We now know that Substance Use Disorder is a chronic brain disease, and relapse is part of it. There are 185 Problem Solving Courts across Michigan, with a focus on rehabilitation as an alternative to jail. These treatment programs are monitored and certified by the Michigan Supreme Court. Currently, the 48th District Court does not participate in any of these highly successful treatment programs; they use standard probation and jail. Drug/sobriety programs follow a model and a best practices guide, to help ensure the participants receive the treatment they need. These programs have been proven to reduce recidivism and relapse rates, thus providing a safer and healthier community for our citizens. Further, courts that are certified in a treatment program are able to grant restricted licenses, with interlock devices, to eligible probationers for drunk driving offenses. This practice helps to reduce unemployment rates as well.

Rehabilitating our non-violent addicted citizens is a necessity for the health and welfare of our community. It is time that the 48th District Court implements this highly successful program!

FREEDUMB

DISTRICT COURT IMPROVEMENTS The court can apply for both state and federal grants to implement a treatment program. These grants are given to participating courts annually to help offset the costs associated with getting the treatment program off the ground, and helping them continue to function year after year. These treatment programs improve court procedures and conserve financial resources.

WHY YOU As an attorney for over 18 years, I understand the enormity of what we do for a living, whether I am representing someone that could lose their freedom, or representing a child that may be separated from their parents. Every day, I am tasked with making difficult decisions that affect countless lives. I must be unbiased, tough, compassionate and fair, simultaneously, putting aside any personal beliefs to do what is the best interest of my client. I can comprehend voluminous amounts of complex information, and make critical decisions quickly. I am excellent at listening to all the arguments, multitasking, research and writing as well. But most importantly, I have the experience, leadership and passion to take the 48th District Court to the next level. There are more innovative and creative approaches to ongoing issues that are plaguing our community, that I would like to see implemented in the 48th District Court.

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DON’T VOTE THINGS ARE JUST FINE THE WAY THEY ARE

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION CONTROL OF REFORMS

HOWARD BARON

Baron, who retired from the financial industry, has served on the Bloomfield Hills School Board since 2013. He received his undergrad degree from MIT and his MBA from University of Chicago.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS Michigan has fallen in nationwide rankings educationally to 45th out of 50 states, with only 29 percent of fourth grade students at or above reading proficiency levels in 2015. More alarming, for affluent white students, who had ranked 17th in the nation for fourth grade reading levels in 2003, they came in dead last in 2015 – one of only five states that had actual reading performance level declines. What do you believe has attributed to this stark deterioration in reading and education levels, and how would you work to turn around your district? What can be done to best prepare students to compete in a global world economy?

Since 1994, the state of Michigan’s K-12 education strategy has been disjointed at best and counter-productive at worst. In 2016, though, state Superintendent Brian Whiston created a visionary strategic plan to make Michigan a "Top 10 Education State in the Next 10 Years." He integrated this plan with recommendations of numerous other studies, including the ones from the Governor's 21st Century Education Commission and the School Finance Research Collaborative (SFRC).

Recently, Launch Michigan, a coalition of business, education, and philanthropic leaders, was created to develop a legislative roadmap to make Supt.

Whiston’s plan a reality. Having been a BHS school board member for the past six years, I have been very actively involved in education policy in Lansing and Washington DC. I look forward to being re-elected so I can continue to advocate for what is best for the children of Bloomfield Hills Schools and the state of Michigan.

20B

Should educational reforms spring from local boards of education or from the state department of education and the state school board? If this is a local determination, why should it be made at this level? What immediate educational reforms do you support, and which will you seek for the district if you are elected in order to maintain the district's high performance level?

The answer is not either/or but both.

Michigan, using Top 10 in 10, now has a statewide strategy on how education should look in the classroom, how to provide an effective educator workforce, how to leverage strategic partnerships, and how to have a systemic infrastructure. Using the state-provided research, resources, and support services, it is the local boards’ responsibility to customize and implement this strategy. They are able to tailor the state’s vision for their community so that it is successfully implemented. Since 2012, I have become an authority in Michigan’s current one-size-fits-all school funding model. 1994’s Proposal A removed local school boards’ ability to determine their own revenue and placed this responsibility 100 percent in the hands of Lansing. Using the SFRC’s study, I have been working with the Lansing elected officials and candidates to implement significant changes to increase the money available for Bloomfield Hills’ classrooms.

studies community’s recommendations. So, yes, I am aware of the effort, and no, I am not in favor of the adjustments that have been recently made. The work of the social studies community should be honored and their recommendations restored.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN The district will be undertaking a new strategic plan, with goal setting metrics.

What do you perceive as the categories the district should be focused on in the next three to five years, and why?

Bloomfield Hills Schools developed its last strategic plan in 2008. Much has changed since then: The Great Recession and its impact on school funding; the Federal Every Student Succeeds Act; the 3rd Grade Reading Law; a heightened district focus on diversity, academic equity, and race relations; the rightsizing of Bloomfield Hills school buildings; the building and opening of Bloomfield Hills High School. So, what should the district be working on between now and 2023? Here are some things that our community might consider: Unleashing excellence through equity and inclusion which will result in the closing of achievement gaps; competency based education; project based learning; moving to a balanced school calendar; later high school start times; future utilization of the Lahser campus; Long term investment in our preschool-8th grade buildings.

Why are you the right person at this time to be a member of your local school board?

Having served on the Bloomfield Hills School Board for the past six years, I’ve worked hard to keep BHS one of the leading school districts in Michigan. Staffed by exceptional administration and worldclass teachers, BHS provides a top-notch education, including the visual and performing arts, to the district’s students.

But there’s still much that needs to be done. We must continue to help all of our children to be successful, especially those who aren’t achieving to their highest potential. We also must support the School Finance Research Collaborative and Launch Michigan, a partnership of Michigan business, education, labor, and philanthropy leaders who want Michigan to provide a high-quality, equitable, and student centered education system. Maintaining my philosophy of "Educational Excellence and Fiscal Responsibility," I want to continue to build on the past successes of our district as we take on the challenges of the future.

JENNIFER COOK

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS DETERMINING CURRICULUM State lawmakers have long had the ability to pass legislation dictating changes to curriculum, such as the 2016 law requiring a set number hour for teaching about genocide (including the Holocaust) or specific teachings in sex education.

Most recently, conservative members the House and Senate have forced a review of social studies standards and proposed rules are now pending that would make changes such as stripping from the expectations the teaching of climate change in sixth grade geography and reducing the number of times the Ku Klux Klan and NAACP are mention when teaching about the civil rights movement, as just two examples. Are you aware of the effort by lawmakers, and what is your position on the proposed changes to be decided by the state board of education?

Periodically, Michigan Department of Education updates the standards that all school districts use to develop their K-12 curricula. Over three years ago, MDE joined 27 other states to create the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies. For the past 16 months, the state social studies community has reviewed and updated the Michigan Social Studies Standards through the lens of the C3 Framework. During that review process, a focus group that included several prominent Michigan conservatives, made some significant adjustments to the social

With the rise in school shootings in the last few years, has the district done enough to safeguard students and staff?

Should there be more security guards and liaison police officers at schools?

What can and should the district do to better prepare teachers and staff for the possibility of a rogue individual with a weapon? Should more attention and dollars be spent on mental health awareness and help?

Safety is the number one priority in Bloomfield Hills Schools. Over the last few years, BHS has: installed “The Boot” device to secure all of the interior doors in the district; installed the BluePoint system at Bloomfield Hills High School. This system is like a fire alarm for the police; locked all doors during the school day and controlled access; employed a School Security Officer for the district and a School Liaison Office at the high school, both of which are Bloomfield Township police officers; passed a Sinking Fund millage in May 2018 which now permits spending for district security; adopted Board Policy 5400, which prohibited firearms and other weapons on district premises. At this time, there are no plans to add additional police officers to our buildings. All staff have received active shooter training. Mental health assistance is provided through our staff of counselors, social workers, and psychologists.

WHY YOU

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Cook, a veterinary pathologist, has degrees from Yale, Texas A&M and her DVM from Cornell.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS Lack of a centralized, coordinated, empowered infrastructure for collective learning and continuous improvement. As a result, reforms have been incompletely/ inconsistently applied.

Other problems include outmoded funding systems, failing privatization model, poor support of low performing schools, and insufficient educator support. Our district needs to close achievement gaps via a strategic plan for universal early literacy, which is aligned with K-12, and which also broadly identifies general developmental and reading disabilities. Other measures include increased student engagement/ accountability with agreements, visible progress tools (e.g. logs with different genres), and inexpensive tangible rewards for levels of achievement (e.g. movie night

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for best-read class, lunch with principal, etc.). Preparation should keep every larger strategy focused on the classroom; foster positive environment that engages student self-awareness/accountability for their learning and IB character tenets; expand teacher development (team approach, teacher-leader model, evaluations, etc.); stress deep/critical thinking and community connectivity; research/adopt programs of consistently high performing/improving states.

CONTROL OF REFORMS Based on the downward trajectory of Michigan performance, reforms should be implemented/evaluated by a properly mandated and funded DOE that provides support (top-down initiatives are working in high-performing states), while districts provide data/other feedback in a loop of evidence-based improvements. I support reforms for aiding struggling schools/ districts, broader early literacy/ intervention, better mechanisms of data reporting of quality indicators of student and teacher achievement, competitive teacher salaries, and use of coordinated, researched initiatives. To these ends, I support collection of kindergarten readiness and teacher effectiveness data, enhanced internships/work-study summer programs, continuing inclusion and restorative practice efforts (maximizing attendance/engagement), increasing inter-student tutoring (inexpensive opportunities for ownership/achievement gap closure), and fully empowering teachers as models of excellence. Board members need to write commitments to initiatives proven effective for continuous improvement/allocation of resources therein, listen to the ongoing needs of students and administration, enhance community/local business/teacher college relationships, and support the superintendent’s operational lead.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM Yes, and my position is that information (historical, scientific, artistic/cultural, or informed criticism) is not political nor optional, given that the task of education is to instill a deep, critical, rationale, dispassionate, ethos of comprehension and problem solving among our future citizens/voters/professionals/educators/policy makers. Because the proposal is restrictive, I do not support it; removing information is a slippery slope toward rewriting history and turning away from universal physical laws, which to their logical conclusions move toward the demise of free society and reversal of technological progress. Two spins of a great quote: “Know from whence you came [and] there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

(J.Baldwin). “If you don’t know where you come from, then you don't know where you are; if you don't know where you are, then you don't know where you're going; if you don't know where you're going, you're probably going wrong.” (T.Pratchett) DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

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Close achievement gaps and raise cultural competency – raises quality and positivity of academic experiences and creates mindfulness toward partnerships in a global marketplace. Enhance critical thinking and community alliances – exposure to expertise improves college, career, and life preparedness, and raises district visibility/collaboration with non-parental stakeholders. When more community members obtain value from excellent education/positive local impact, the community’s political capital can be better utilized for common goals. Ensure all district objectives/budgeting laser to superior classroom experiences/empowering teachers therein – attract the best talent and recognize/leverage outstanding teaching with commitment to improving instructional resources/support, team models, mentorship, professional development/evaluation, and efficient delivery. Support a stronger MDE and work with other Michigan districts for shared mission of improving statewide performance, and research select districts/ states of excellence for modeling/ mentorship. Hold ourselves accountable for positive change; work with ISD/state to inform and implement evidence-based reforms with firm timelines for evaluation.

solve the challenges of our district and those of the larger educational landscape. I have no political or personal motivation other than promoting a safe, fun, stimulating learning environment. My experience in the processes of planning, methodology, performance indicators, and scheduling evaluation, action steps, and re-evaluation of implemented changes (i.e. evidencebased cycles of continuous quality improvement) provides a comprehensive, objective, and long-term perspective for making crucial monetary and strategic planning decisions.

LISA EFROS

DETERMINING CURRICLUM

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS Our district has worked extensively in this area, with a HS guard and dedicated district officer liaison to coordinate all security. The security budget should be scrutinized for cost/benefit vs. other options regarding ideally having a guard in each building.

Preparations: research of best practices; revising the comprehensive safety plan annually with input from partners (fire, EMT, police, red cross, etc.); physical modifications (e.g. bluepoint, line of sight); safety partner drills at schools after hours; staff/student drills on threat assessment and emergency procedures; model/table top exercises with staff and public safety officials; threat assessment training with strict chain of command; and, consideration of non-commissioned personnel (ala community watchdog). It would be ideal for the BHHS to have a drop-in counseling center (proven effective in other areas). We can intervene early in mental health by training all students, from Pre-K, in equity/inclusion to help mitigate isolation that can lead to violence.

WHY YOU? I owe everything to public education and want to service this for others, as all five year olds are smart, and superior education is the straightest line to lifelong fulfillment and to maintenance of a free and prosperous society. In my career (DVM pathologist and chair of our national quality/standards committee), I am ensconced in total quality management systems that are cross-disciplinary and would come to the board with a tireless work ethic applied to researching and helping to

must be state initiated because of the way we fund our schools from a single state aid fund, split equally among all students regardless of district (with some flexibility for districts to raise funds for limited purposes by passing property based millages and bonds). Other reforms, like later start times for high schoolers (which I support because it is scientifically proven to benefit student health and academic performance) should come from local districts as transportation and other needs of districts will always vary.

Some reforms must come from the federal government, such as providing guidelines that clearly define a public school’s obligation to comply with the special needs of all students and educate them in a way that is equal to their peers.

Efros, an attorney, has served on the Bloomfield Youth Assistance Board of Directors; the Diversity, Academic Equity and Race Relations, the Bloomfield Hills School District Global Champions, and is a gradute of University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS Most BHS students exceed national and state averages on standardized measures but we have more work to do. In our district’s admirable quest to close the gap (examples include diversity awareness training for teachers and staff, and adding more paraprofessionals in early elementary classrooms), we must be mindful of failing to provide relevant curriculum for all students. For example, the district eliminated academic enrichment for grades K-8 (except for 8th grade algebra). Our district must support high achieving learners even as it continues to close the achievement gap for others. When we address the needs of all learners, we best prepare everyone for the global market. On a state-wide level, we cannot continue to compromise funds for public schools and expect to remain competitive on a national or international stage. Top ranked states for public schools spend, on average, over twice as much per pupil as Michigan does.

CONTROL OF REFORMS Government responsibility for reform depends upon the issue and the goal. Big picture issues such as per pupil spending

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Most of our legislators are not qualified to design, reform or implement education curriculum. I am familiar with state Senator Colbeck’s suggested changes to the K-12 social studies curriculum and submitted written opposition to the Michigan Department of Education last June. Over 10 years ago, I helped edit the Oakland Schools elementary social studies curriculum. The goal was to create a useful resource for teachers with links to additional resources for a range of learners, create ways to expand certain lessons and to offer alternatives so that teachers could tailor their lessons as needed. The process took time and involved the research, analysis, and grade appropriate curriculum of teachers, professors, and educators from all over the country. No state or local legislator should be allowed to substitute that intimate process with his or her own personal, religious or political agenda.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN Our strategic plan must include: Effective Communication: We must rebuild the community’s eroding trust in the administration with honest, proactive and timely communication. Communication must include easy-to-find links to relevant information. Administrators should encourage community dialogue and commit to meaningful follow-up. All written communication should meet a drafting skill consistent with the excellence we expect from our students; Assessment: We need concrete measurement of the progress of administrators throughout the year to ensure they are meeting goals and expectations. We also need a more collaborative process for setting goals for our administrators to achieve; Action: Practical problems must have timely and transparent solutions. There is a disconnect between what we claim is happening in our initiatives and what is actually happening in practice; Support and resources: Teachers and staff must have the support and resources they need to be able to do the job we expect.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS

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We cannot guarantee student safety when guns are involved, short of eliminating incomprehensibly easy access to guns. We have witnessed the vulnerability of even those schools that do limit entrances, and that employ armed guards, security cameras and metal detectors. We cannot spend limited financial resources on expensive measures that provide only a false sense of security. However, having a plan like we do for fire and tornados costs nothing and will relieve some of the fear of gun violence that our students feel. We should have building appropriate plans unique to each school. We should post “no guns allowed anywhere on the premises” signs that signal zero tolerance to every person who enters our schools – even those who legally carry a gun. Money earmarked for safety must be spent on mental health counselors to address the epidemic level of anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns of our kids.

WHY YOU? I am a lawyer, experienced parent of four, and a 16 year volunteer in this district. I am always prepared, do my homework, read voraciously and have a genuine interest in education on the local, state, national and international level. I understand the district’s challenges because of my experience as a PTO president (seven times), an appointed member of many district committees, a room parent, sports coach and a regular attendee at school board meetings and even at school board study sessions and retreats.

I will eagerly and responsibly add the perspective of parents, students and teachers to board discussions and decisions.

My background as a tax attorney will help the board understand legal obligations that often guide decision making and policy. I am not afraid to ask questions and state my opinions and I will always collaborate to achieve what is best for our students and broader community.

PAUL KOLIN

Executive Committee; the Bloomfield Birmingham Community Coalition; and SEMCOG's Education Commission. He is a graduate of Binghamton University and Baruch College.

STUDENT EDUCATIONL LEVELS Based on state data, Bloomfield Hills School District is performing above the state average and beating the trends described above. The reason for our success is based on the additional funding and support provided by our community in conjunction with our strong teachers. In Bloomfield Hills, we have recently and will continually focus on literacy which focuses on reading comprehension, writing and public speaking.

Our district has made it a priority not just to focus on literacy, but this year, with the hire of a specialist in the area of cultural competency, to be certain that our curriculum is relevant and engaging for all students. This will assist in preparing our students with the skills to be prepared to live and work globally.

will continue to fund the district’s short and long term goals. Trust and Communication – The education of our students is a joint mission between the district and the families we serve. It is important that we develop our relationship with the community and tap the expertise of our residents. In order to work collaboratively as a team for the success of our children, we need good communication and trust.

22B

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS

The feedback from both the students and the community is that we as a district need to spend more professional development and obtain more resources in the area of mental health, not more security guards in schools. As described above, we need more funding for social workers and counselors. I do not believe having more security in the schools is necessary but making everyone in the district aware of the protocols in the case of an emergency is crucial. We need a properly rolled out communication.

Major emphasis has been placed on standardized tests and statewide assessments to the detriment of basic skills. I believe that a heavy focus should be placed on teaching our kids to master the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic in order to bring our rankings back up to the stellar performance levels that we know they are capable of accomplishing. When our children have mastery of the basics, the possibilities become endless and they can truly become “architects of their future," which is in the mission statement for our school district. In addition to mastering the basics, our ability to provide our students with access to the technology of today and tomorrow enhances their level of preparedness for success in life.

WHY YOU?

CONTROL OF REFORMS

I bring both the professional and personal skills necessary to help lead the district toward the three main goals I laid out: academic achievement, financial sustainability, and trust and communication.

I have a recent graduate, and a daughter still in the high school. I also volunteer on the radio station and attend numerous sporting and academic events. This involvement allows me to keep a pulse on what is happening in our classrooms and extracurricular activities. I then share what I learn with the rest of my board team to make sure the policies and budget we pass are supporting student needs. As a CPA, I have particular expertise to offer the district in the area of financial sustainability. In many ways my biggest strength is in the third goal, trust and communication. I feel I have the right combination to make a significant impact.

Proximity to any major issue creates the potential for effective solutions that can resolve the issue. The closer you are to the issue, the more clarity you have on the root cause and therefore the more clarity you can provide to potential solutions. Additionally, the ability to see the issue from a more global or statewide perspective in this case, provides visibility to see the severity of the issue or how widespread it might be.

That said, I believe that a true partnership between local and state boards of education has the potential to create the most effective solutions to our most pressing needs. If I am fortunate enough to serve again, I will work to support the administration in their pursuit of excellence in reading, literacy and helping our kids in their mastery of the basics.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS

CONTROL OF REFORMS I’m a believer in local control. I believe that the best people to determine what is in the best interest of a particular school district is the local boards of education who were elected by the local community. It’s difficult for someone not engaged locally to understand what is in the best interest of a particular district. The state should focus on providing the resources for local districts to succeed rather than writing punitive legislation. I will continue to support our students and community members who have been advocating for resources such as more social workers, nurses, counselors, and lower class sizes.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM I am well aware of the proposed changes and have to question the motives regarding these changes. Again, I am a believer of local control and also believe that these proposed changes have weakened the local curriculum threads. I think it is important that policy is informed by those who hold the expertise. These changes came forward when a politician was added to the curriculum team of educational experts. Our children should not be political pawns; they should be learning what the best research has to offer that is not based on political propaganda from either party.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM

JASON PAULATEER

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

Kolin, a CPA and vice president of the Bloomfield Hills School Board, has served on Bloomfield Youth Assistance's

PNC Bank. He received both his BBA and MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Academic Achievement – Provide a premium educational experience for ALL students that challenges all of them to achieve at his/her highest level. This includes our highest achievers, as well as those counting on their educator to build and implement the supports of an IEP or 504. Financial Sustainability – Continue to look at ways to increase revenue and/or streamline costs as long as they do not negatively impact our students. Maintain a balanced budget that

Unfortunately, I was not aware of these provisions, and equally unfortunate is the potential that these proposals have on sheltering our students from the truth.

While it is important that we protect our student’s innocence by providing instruction, that is age appropriate on all topics but educators are under the impression that they do not have a voice in these decisions. We should insure that the educators we hire to educate our students have a voice in the material and pedagogy used in their classroom and if it is indeed the case that educator are making recommendations for these decisions, the legislature should insure that it is well known by those who will be held accountable to the laws.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

Paulateer, is a Bloomfield Hills School Board Trustee and vice president of

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

First, the district must insure that our students remain safe, so safety is our

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION number one priority. Second, the district needs to do its part to improve Michigan’s literacy ratings/rankings through a continued increased focus on literacy, which began last school year.

Third, the district embarked on a process of making diversity and inclusion second nature and part of its core competencies several years ago and should go deeper in that work developing excellence in this area of focus. Fourth, if we are to enable students to be architects of their future, we must understand each learner’s individual strengths and areas of improvement by growing into the district wide profile of a learner. Finally, the district must maintain sustainability while accomplishing these top priorities for our students by operating on a balance budget.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS The school district has done a good job in protecting our students and staff.

They have installed security measures that are best in class. As with anything, its not perfect and it continues to look for ways to improve. The district works closely with the local police department to stay abreast on updated processes, adjustments to facilities and new technologies. The district should maintain a regular cadence to get and keep all staff trained in active shooter scenarios. Studies show that training for what to do in such situations ahead of and in spite of a live threat increases that chances of more appropriate responses and ultimately survival in case of such an emergency. It would help if every school could have a security guard or police liaison but absent the ability to do that ensuring staff and community member follows the proper protocols to the letter through continuous enhanced training creates a culture where safety is top priority.

WHY YOU? As a parent with eight children in the district, I have a vested interest in the current and long-term success of the district and all of its students. Having been appointed to the board last July and even having had a long history of board service in the community, I immediately began taking courses through the Michigan Association of School Boards in order to become a certified school board member. As of this writing, I am one class shy of that certification. I am committed to community service and continue to believe as Shirley Chisolm that “service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Finally, I am a product of public education and believer in public education as a basic right of all children.

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ANJALI PRASAD

public awareness and inspiring action about the current state of education in Michigan would be a huge step in the right direction.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM

Prasad is the owner of a law firm and is a former Assistant US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. She received her BA from University of Michigan, her MA from College of William and Mary, and JD from Emory Law School.

We cannot escape the truth of our nation’s history, and I have faith that teachers in our classrooms will make sure that does not happen. We should not restrict the art of teaching in the classroom, nor should we censor teachers by eliminating their ability to select examples to illustrate core concepts. I have concerns about politicians dictating academic standards and I am wondering when and why did education become a partisan issue? In the end, no single board person’s opinion is going to rule the day because the mission of the board is to arrive at a unified position.

This is why we should strive for a board of education that is plugged in and engaged at all levels, so that diverse perspectives are represented in the single vision we are tasked with communicating.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

I would attribute at least part of this decline to a general malaise over academia. Our balance of priorities has shifted from academics to activities and athletics, and we now live in a culture where B’s and C’s have become acceptable. Being well-rounded is important, but the pendulum has swung too far. As our students read less, they read less well. The outcome of poor literacy reaches beyond books.

The result is our students won’t be able to grasp problem-solving subjects like math and science, and they will be less able to connect to the liberal arts. I would like to see our district collaborate with our community to drill down on the fundamentals of reading for reading’s sake. The more our students read, not just at school but also at home, the better they get at it.

Strategic planning is the best opportunity we have for community stakeholders to come together and chart our course. In thinking about the next three to five years, I would loosely set our primary categories as follows: safe and caring environment; curriculum and professional development; student achievement and growth; finance and facilities; community coordination; transformative culture.

CONTROL OF REFORMS The true learning laboratory is in the classroom, not the boardroom, which is why reform should emanate locally. We live in a boots on the ground community that is more than able to identify when and where change should happen. But, there needs to be a collaborative effort with the state, because we should be striving to create a learned community in Michigan. In order to accomplish this, there needs to be commonality in what we are teaching students across our school districts, which serve over one million students. If we splinter what we teach across the state, we are never going to produce the educated citizenry that we need to compete in a global economy.

In terms of specific reform, elevating

represent the board and its single vision before the legislature. I have built my legal career on advocating a position, often unpopular, and have devoted my professional life to being the voice of the person who is not in the room. I grew up in Bloomfield Hills and returned to our school district when it was time for my boys to start elementary school. I am completely invested in the community and am grateful to be considered for this opportunity serve our district.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS We can never do enough to safeguard our students because we cannot envision where or how the next threat may occur. I say that having practiced my entire career in criminal law, first as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. We have to take a community perspective to school safety, and need an integrated effort amongst educators, parents, local government, and our students, in order to stay one step ahead of the next threat. Collaborating with the community on, for example, mental health awareness and illegal drug use, should be part of an evolving plan of action to combat the next threat. What we need right now is thoughtful analysis in how to safeguard our students, and not knee-jerk reaction.

WHY YOU? We want an able and engaged advocate on our school board. We want an individual who can advocate her position amongst the board, consensus build within the board, and ultimately

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BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION LORY DOLAN

CONTROL OF REFORMS

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

Should educational reforms spring from local boards of education or from the state department of education and the state school board? If this is a local determination, why should it be made at this level? What immediate educational reforms do you support, and which will you seek for the district if you are elected in order to maintain the district's high performance level?

The district will be undertaking a new strategic plan, with goal setting metrics. What do you perceive as the categories the district should be focused on in the next three to five years, and why?

Dolan, a senior manager of member services and communications in the risk management industry, earned her JD from Wayne State University and her BA from the University of Michigan.

Educational reforms should spring from local boards of education. Local boards know their constituency, as well as the needs and wants of the local community, more than the state does.

Educational issues often require a local touch; not a one-size-fits-all approach.

When the state implements broad reforms and requires all districts to adopt those reforms, the state prevents, in certain cases, the local boards from doing what is best for their respective local communities. Local board control of reforms would allow more tailored and rigorous design of those reforms.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS

DETERMINING CURRICULUM

Michigan has fallen in nationwide rankings educationally to 45th out of 50 states, with only 29 percent of fourth grade students at or above reading proficiency levels in 2015.

More alarming, for affluent white students, who had ranked 17th in the nation for fourth grade reading levels in 2003, they came in dead last in 2015 – one of only five states that had actual reading performance level declines. What do you believe has attributed to this stark deterioration in reading and education levels, and how would you work to turn around your district? What can be done to best prepare students to compete in a global world economy?

State lawmakers have long had the ability to pass legislation dictating changes to curriculum, such as the 2016 law requiring a set number hour for teaching about genocide (including the Holocaust) or specific teachings in sex education. Most recently, conservative members the House and Senate have forced a review of social studies standards and proposed rules are now pending that would make changes such as stripping from the expectations the teaching of climate change in sixth grade geography and reducing the number of times the Ku Klux Klan and NAACP are mention when teaching about the civil rights movement, as just two examples. Are you aware of the effort by lawmakers, and what is your position on the proposed changes to be decided by the state board of education?

I believe that the deterioration in reading levels in Michigan can be attributed to the state’s allocation of available funds intended for K-12 education to other areas, primarily to higher education.

Since 2009, the state has been diverting money that should be going to K-12 education to community colleges and universities; our K-12 students are suffering as a result. Without the necessary funding, school districts often must eliminate programming, which clearly affects student learning.

Moreover, teacher salaries are also impacted by this diversion of funds. It is difficult to attract and retain talent absent funding to compensate teachers appropriately. Electing officials that prioritize K-12 education and the funding of K-12 education would be a step in the right direction and would help Birmingham Public Schools, as well as other districts, improve elementary reading skills.

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I am aware of the effort of state lawmakers to affect the curriculum taught in the public schools. As I mentioned in my answer above, I believe first, that the state should refrain from making such changes, as local boards should determine reforms.

Second, I believe the legislature should avoid censorship as a general proposition. Local boards, administrators and teachers should have the autonomy to determine curriculum and teachers should be able to instruct students without political constraints. It is important that we teach our children to think critically about issues, including controversial issues, from an objective point of view free from political influences.

Over the next three to five years, the district will need to address a number of issues. The deficit should be a focus in the upcoming years, in conjunction with school funding (see above). Another issue that has arisen this past year is the district’s philosophy regarding honors level classes. That philosophy, along with an initiative to increase the number of students from underrepresented student populations in honors and AP level classes should also be addressed. Thus, as a district we need a clear instructional plan across all subject matter areas on how to best educate all children.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS With the rise in school shootings in the last few years, has the district done enough to safeguard students and staff? Should there be more security guards and liaison police officers at schools? What can and should the district do to better prepare teachers and staff for the possibility of a rogue individual with a weapon? Should more attention and dollars be spent on mental health awareness and help?

From an infrastructure standpoint, the district has done an excellent job of making our schools safer. The district implemented safety upgrades to the entranceways of all school buildings, installed cameras, and, in the case of the high schools, placed security guards at building entrances. I would like to see a liaison police officer at each high school full time as a liaison police officer provides a sense of security as well as a trained officer inside the building in the event of a problem in the school. The issue now is to address the social/emotional piece, which ties into the second part of this question. We absolutely need to spend more money on mental health resources for our students, bringing more community resources into the schools.

WHY YOU Why are you the right person at this time to be a member of your local school board?

I believe I have the requisite experience to be a trustee of the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education; I also believe I share the same vision as the great families of this district for the future of Birmingham Public Schools.

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MIKE LEWIS

Lewis is general counsel for the Community Link Foundation. He has his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University and his JD from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS I think someone who is well-rounded is the type of person best equipped to compete in a global economy. It seems that you need to know a little bit about everything to compete these days.

Reading is the key to life. I firmly believe that. Reading is the key to competing in today’s world and it is the secret to a meaningful life. Is it any wonder our literacy numbers have slipped? We communicate 140 characters at a time and no one cares about grammar, punctuation, spelling, diction and style – literally the attributes that make us literate. If we want to improve our reading scores I think we need to get back to celebrating language – reading and writing as a means for selfimprovement, not simply as a means for responding to texts. The problem is phones. The answer is books.

CONTROL OF REFORMS I support incremental reform at any level assuming the ideas are good. On balance, though, I think local reform makes more sense because local school boards are more in tune with the needs and wants of their communities.

Education is a complex challenge and one size rarely fits all. That is why I think local reform is the better way to go. The state sets minimum standards through the Michigan Merit Curriculum but it’s the local school districts that design programs to meet those standards. I think that’s the right balance: more bottom up than top down when it comes to in-the-classroom substance. We have a high-performing district that I don’t think needs a lot of tinkering, quite frankly. However, I would like to see

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

greater focus on language arts given the unfortunate numbers we are seeing in reading proficiency.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM Changing Michigan’s social studies standards would be an enormous mistake. I encourage all voters to examine the proposed changes by googling “Michigan Department of Education Social Studies Standards 2007 to 2018 Side by Side Comparison.” There voters will see the extent to which certain interests in this state hope to erase the existing standards for social studies and replace them with guidelines that give teachers little or no guidance and, worse, encourage the suppression of knowledge. Kids deserve a balanced view of the world they live in. Then they can decide for themselves what they choose to believe and how best to activate their citizenship. I believe the proposed changes deny kids a balanced view. That is why I strongly oppose them.

certifications, for a competitive advantage.

WHY YOU? I think I’m a good steward. I’m pretty good at figuring things out and working with colleagues. I enjoy educating myself about pressing issues and believe that public service is necessary. Service is the price you pay for civilization. I have two kids in the district, my wife is a publicschool teacher, and I work for a nonprofit that helps families raise money for college or trade school. Education is a focal point of my life. What better way to put all the pieces together than to serve on a school board? What can I tell you?

I’ll approach the position with the respect and deference it deserves and do everything in my power to keep BPS at the forefront of education in this state.

NICOLE MCKINNEY

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN The current strategic plan doesn’t really focus on categories. It sets broad goals like inclusion, empathy, diversity and innovation. I think that is a good approach and I would like to see many of the goals in the current plan extended. However, if I must implement categories, reading proficiency would be number one with teacher empowerment finishing a close second. The retention of teachers and other professionals is critical. As the husband of a publicschool teacher, I know how important teacher retention is to the continuity of a school district. Let’s empower our teachers as much as we can and show real commitment by baking this ideal right into the new plan. Teachers are a great resource. We should listen to them.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS I think more attention and dollars should be spent on mental health, but I see this as a broader societal challenge, not one discretely facing education. We’ve done a lot to make our students safe and, just as important, feel safe. The bond issue a few years ago earmarked two or three million dollars for more secure entrances to our schools. We should consider ourselves lucky that we have a district that is healthy enough to raise money outside the usual school funding formula.

But I venture a word of caution: the odds of a shooting incident in this or any other district is very low. I don’t want to get caught up in a hysteria that leads us to make poor decisions. Under no circumstances do I support arming teachers. I think we can rely on local law enforcement to protect us beyond the preventive measures we’ve already implemented.

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

CONTROL OF REFORMS I believe that education standards and reforms should come from state departments, for the sake of uniformity across the state. Parents should be able to expect the same standard of education no matter where they live within the state. However, I also feel that schools should have the autonomy to determine what strategies they use to achieve the standards established by the state board. The immediate education reforms I support include access to high quality pre-schools and early interventions by 3rd grade. I also support individual education programs for students who need them. If elected to the BPS board, I would advocate for college and career readiness opportunities for students through business partnerships, additional programming for students who are less than proficient, teacher training, and a review of our current curriculum to ensure it aligns with the state.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM

helping to establish a school-based health center in another school district, and surprisingly one of the most utilized services of the center was for mental health.

WHY YOU? I am passionate about this work, and I have the qualifications, professional, and volunteer experience that closely aligns with the role of a board trustee. I have dedicated the past decade of my career working with schools preparing students for college and careers, with a successful track record. I have served on several non-profit boards and was actively involved on the PTA at my son’s school as legislative chair before running for the school board. I also work with teachers and school administrators daily, so I understand the language and am familiar with the board process. I also have the educational background to support me in this role, a master’s degree in business administration. I think I have a lot to contribute.

MICHAEL NUMMER

I have read about the proposed social studies changes, but do not agree with them. Unfortunately, I think that relevant information will be omitted from classroom lessons that will keep students from fully understanding history and the ability to formulate their own informed views on social issues. I do not think it is an effective or accurate way to teach.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN McKinney, a work-based learning director with United Way, has a MBA from University of Phoenix and a BA from Spring Arbor University.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS In some cases the school curriculum is not closely aligned with the state tests or a district may not have a curriculum at all. Technology is also an issue because of the way the test is administered. Most students are used to taking tests on paper, but the state test is administered by computer, which is an adjustment for many students. There are also districts who have fewer resources, with students who have high basic needs that aren’t being met, which impedes learning. We also need to provide personalized support where students are not proficient. To prepare students for a global economy, we have to give them an opportunity to apply their classroom instruction through project-based learning and hands-on work-based learning opportunities in a real-world setting. We should also provide them with career readiness skills, dual enrollment courses at college, and/or an opportunity to earn industry

As a school district, our first priority should be to provide a quality education to students and preparing them for the future in a rapidly changing and competitive society. That said, I think we should look at economic trends as well as our district data to help inform what areas we focus on for our strategic plan.

Some areas of interest to me are looking at the achievement data and improving test scores, providing college and career readiness opportunities for students, and balancing the budget.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS I think the district has taken some appropriate measures to safeguard students by adding new security entrances at schools and providing staff training. However, I think we could still add more police officers and security guards at schools. I think there’s also an opportunity for the district to be proactive by supporting our own students more holistically, by ensuring their mental healthcare needs are met, and by providing a safe space where they have someone to talk to. Some districts don’t have this. I received an award for

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Nummer is owner of an investment management firm and is a Bloomfield Village volunteer firefighter. He has a degree from Miami University.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS If elected to the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education, I would advocate for an accurate overall assessment of our students reading performance levels. I would first want to completely understand the current assessment data and our districts standing relative to other districts in the state and nationally. In my opinion, recent reading expectations in our district have been eased and the literature selections are less challenging to our students. If the data indicates that reading scores have declined, then I would support an immediate review and overhaul of our English curriculum.

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CONTROL OF REFORMS I believe that Birmingham Public Schools is in the best position to decide what reforms are best for our students. We would of course act within the parameters that are established at the state level, but our community’s expectations clearly exceed the state expectations. The current board governance model dictates that educational reforms are the responsibility of the superintendent and central administration. I would work towards increasing academic standards for all students and I would push for changes in district policy to allow for the school board to have a greater role and input in the specific reforms that would be enacted.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM I attended one of the forums that was held by the Michigan Department of Education. There is clearly more work that needs to be done with the new social studies standards. It was communicated at the forum that the standards modification process will be extended and that the final standards are still a long way off. Regardless of what the state standards are, the local school boards can establish a curriculum that is more demanding and comprehensive. Once the local school boards have established the district curriculum, the individual classroom teachers then have flexibility in how they teach the district curriculum.

mental health warning signs. If the retired officers interact with students on a daily basis they could potentially identify warning signs that could be a precursor to a school incident. Given the district financial challenges, incremental costs of that change would need to be carefully considered.

WHY YOU? My wife and I have four children who have attended BPS schools. I started my career as a CPA and I regularly analyze financial statements in my responsibilities as an investment manager. One of the most significant challenges facing Birmingham schools is the sizable current and projected budget deficits. I have spent considerable time understanding the nature of the district’s financial challenges.

The structure of school finance in the state of Michigan is extremely complicated and we need board members who have the interest and ability to comprehend the implications of Michigan school aid reimbursement. I have been one of a few regular attendees of board meetings and I have had significant interaction with the current board and administration. I am familiar with the current issues and challenges facing our district and I have the passion and time to commit towards ensuring excellence in learning for all members of the school community.

JENNIFER RASS

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS

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CONTROL OF REFORMS It is critical that every school district have transparency, accountability and empowerment in the classroom. While the state outlines education standards, every district has individual needs and input on what makes sense for that district. Therefore, I believe educational reforms should be a balance of both local and state levels. As a district we need to pay attention to the state reform, yet ensure there is local input from our parents, community members and students; and entrust the professional expertise of our staff members, administration and board members on what is best for our students and schools.

In our district, families have very high expectations for their children’s education. We need education leaders and advocates collaborating with all stakeholders for the personal, intellectual, social and emotional achievement of every single student.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM

The current Birmingham Public Schools strategic plan is a four-page document that extensively details the districts mission, vision and goals. I think that the strategic plan should instead be a onepage document that simply states the districts primary mission, which should be to ensure learning for all members of the school community. The related vision and goals should be concisely stated to ensure maximum comprehension and execution. Other area high performing districts have successfully communicated the same information on a single page document that is easily recalled and accessible.

I think that the district has done a good job addressing school safety, but we need to continue to implement improvements.

In process upgrades to building camera systems and rollout of the ALICE Active Shooter Response Training are significant changes that have been recommended by security experts. At a recent board meeting, local law enforcement officials also recommended that district consider replacing the school contract security guards with retired police officers. Many benefits of that arrangement were stated including the retired officer’s experience and expertise in identifying potential

resources. Our students need and deserve the very best academics, as well as an education that will allow them to compete in a global world economy.

However, competing on a world-wide scale, our education system must evolve from one that has served us well in the past to embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future. Therefore, we must reshape the way we have done things before and ensure all students think and act innovatively, demonstrating high-performance and meeting the highest expectations.

Rass, a director of business operations for Duo Security, has a degree from Eastern Michigan University. She is a trustee with the Birmingham Education Foundation.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS Michigan’s approach to early literacy investment and implementation has been scrutinized and the lack of professional development and training for educators, I believe has attributed to the deterioration in reading and education levels. Teachers and administrators need more support, stronger curriculum and instructional

I am aware of the proposed changes the State Board of Education is considering regarding the social studies standards.

The original intent was to make minor revisions and improvements to the 2007 standards; not rewrite history. However, after engaging some political leaders in the review process the task became controversial when it was suggested to eliminate references to gay rights, climate change, Roe vs. Wade and removing the word “democratic” from “core democratic values.” These standards are put in place to help shape curriculum and guide teachers across the state, not undermine their efforts, the way they teach and the content being taught. It is troublesome and concerning as these standards will impact and shape the education of our next generation of students. I understand the need for streamlining and reviewing the standards, however, I do not support selectively removing key historical events from our curriculum.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN It’s exciting time for BPS, as the district has just completed its five-year strategic plan. We have tremendous amount of opportunities before us to create and develop a new strategic plan. With a new

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superintendent, administrators and three new school board members bringing fresh perspectives to influence and move the district forward, I believe these are some of the areas we should focus on: Resource allocation – as stewards of taxpayers’ money, we must be efficient and effective allocating resources that are most impactful for academic achievement for all students; Advocacy – enhancing academic careers and improving all learners; all students deserve a worldclass education; Strong community partnerships – continue to establish and enhance partnerships in the community; Communication – evolve, elevate and enhance our world-class district’s communication platforms.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS I am pleased the district is committed to increase efforts to safeguard schools, students and staff. The district has recently begun educating and implementing ALICE training (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate) for teachers and school administers. This program encourages staff to be proactive in emergency situations as they would be in other threatening situations. Another way the district is keeping our schools safe and prepared for emergencies is installing Blue Point systems in all schools. This technology will notify the police and provide alerts to teachers and staff in the building through a series of blue lights and an announcement on the PA of the threat. With resources being scarce, I am grateful as a trustee of the Birmingham Education Foundation, we partnered with the district last year to bring a mental illness discussions to all high school health classes through an educational grant bringing more attention to mental health awareness.

WHY YOU? I am a knowledgeable communications and business professional with more than 25 years of experience in corporate, agency, non-profit communications and media relations. I have extensive experience in executing strategic communication plans, public relations campaigns and brand management. My inspiration for running for the BPS board is to give back to what has provided an amazing educational foundation thus far for my two children. I believe my business background, communication expertise and community involvement, I am qualified to serve in this important role.

As an actively involved parent, I am a strong advocate for our children and teachers and would be proud to represent the entire Birmingham School District community. I believe one of the most important tasks would be to make certain the BPS mission is upheld, “by ensuring educational excellence, we challenge and inspire all learners to positively impact their world.”

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BOB SAAD

Saad, an ICT Business and Technical Liaison, is a member of the Birmingham Community Partnership for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. He has degrees from University of Michigan and Western Seminary.

STUDENT EDUCATIONAL LEVELS Thank you for these great questions about some sobering trends. Regarding literacy declines, let me start off by saying that I have a background in education, having taught English grammar and syntax, as well as literary interpretation. Anecdotally, I can tell you that even 20 years ago there was an alarming, downward trend in students’ basic understandings of how English language works. As curricula deemphasized phonetic approaches and structured grammatical instruction (such as diagramming), the trend got worse.

Perhaps if we admit our curricular mistakes, and return to foundational language instructional approaches, English language proficiency with our students will move in a decidedly positive direction. I particularly appreciate the question about competing in a global world economy. However, I think it is important to recognize that economic principles apply to far more than simply financial issues. In addition, there are social economies, cultural economies, emotional economies, educational economies, etc., and we want our students to excel in all of these areas.

Hence, a world-class education should materially address all areas that are salient to student success on the world stage.

CONTROL OF REFORMS I think that those who advocate for full control at the state and federal levels, as well as, those who advocate for full control at the local, school board level, are equally short-sighted in their stances.

Our country was founded by people who out of necessity focused on cooperation and collaboration, understanding that in the real world nobody gets everything that

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he or she wants. Rather, they modeled for us the notion that it is commonly better to give up personal preferences in order to achieve together, that which is greater than any individual entity could accomplish alone. This was, and still is, an excellent model for community success. That said, at a very high level, it seems appropriate that the state would establish minimum levels for mastery, and from that point, local boards would establish whatever reasonable methods are necessary to propel their district’s students to mastery and beyond. Since each local population in the state requires a unique mix of resources for success for its students, the specific methods of obtaining mastery should be left to the local boards. A one-size-fits-all approach, orchestrated by a centralized state or federal office, definitely is not a recipe for success for the melting pot of the American experience. We are far too diverse for such a simplistic approach.

DETERMINING CURRICULUM As an educator, I have been aware of many curricular movements over the years (Phonics and Whole Language, Sex Education and Gender Identity, Common Core, Integrated Math, Evolution and Intelligent Design, Mandatory Foreign Language, History, Earth Science and Climate Change, Diversity and Inclusion, Equality and Equity, Social Justice, Character Education, Achievement Gaps, Entitlement Programs, etc.). Admittedly, it is easy to get excited about a topic that is important to us individually. However I encourage all of us to moderate our opinions and approaches based on two basic principles: 1. Let’s commit to a pursuit of truth at all levels, and 2. Let’s commit to making decisions that intentionally look out for the best interest others, instead of just our own interests. I believe this approach sets the best foundation for determining which curricular changes are helpful and which ones are more of a distraction.

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN At a foundational level, I continue to stress the importance that every plank of the district’s strategic plan should be S.M.A.R.T: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

Unfortunately, I do not believe our current strategic plan exemplifies this, so I will be an advocate for change in this regard.

Also, since a public school is truly a community endeavor, I believe that the planks of the strategic plan should encompass the roles of several key stakeholders such as: students, parents, educators, administration, and the board.

That said, the district’s next, five-year strategic plan might do well to include the following items: 1. Opportunity for mastery-level success for all students; 2.

Exposure to relevant character education for all students; 3. Collaboration between the community and educators with regard to curricular developments; 4.

Administrative and board transparency; and 5. Fiscal responsibility.

SAFEGUARDING STUDENTS I do not believe that there is no one-sizefits-all solution for every municipality in the country on this topic. Each community has geographic realities that make some safeguards essential and others less necessary. Since BPS school buildings are all within a few minutes of current law enforcement and other emergency services facilities, it would be quite appropriate for a select group of our local officers to have work offices in each of our schools. That said, I believe it is equally reasonable for the district to employ additional on-site, armed security officers for each of our schools, which could also be used as affirmative initiative to employ veterans. I am also in favor of the current initiative to install 24-hour, 360 degree surveillance systems on the premises of each school, through the use of existing bond funds. Lastly, although arming teachers may be feasible in rural communities where law enforcement and emergency services may be 30-60 minutes away, I do not see this approach as necessary for BPS in our suburban location.

WHY YOU? I love education, and I love the metroBirmingham area. Twenty years ago, I intentionally moved to this area because of its strong community and excellent educational system. My wife and I also have four children in the district, which motivates me to be active and diligent on behalf of public education. That said, I would like to be a part of the BPS board that shapes the next generation of educational decisions for the BPS community. I have a significant background in both education and business, and I believe this combination best equips board of education trustees.

Anecdotally, I think I have attended more BPS general business board meetings in the past couple years than any other community member. I interact with the board and administration regularly, and I think I have a fairly good understanding of where we presently are as a district, both financially and academically. I am also a frequent community contributor at board meetings, as well as an outspoken advocate for the role and benefits of healthy organized labor. I am fully aware that a voluntary position, for a six-year term, is a significant commitment, however, I want to provide this service for the Birmingham Public Schools District.

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SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER It does little good to sit on the couch and complain, then not exercise your voting rights.

Registered voters have the power to decide who will make the policy decisions that set the public agenda.

Your vote is the most direct way to communicate with those in power.

So if you are not registered to vote in the November 6 general election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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