Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

INSIDE:

AUGUST VOTER GUIDE

B I R M I N G H A M

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B L O O M F I E L D

JULY.2020

THE RULES GOVERNING LAW ENFORCEMENT

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DOWNTOWN07.20

38

Local police policies: the rules governing officers Downtown newsmagazine reviews what the police departments in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, plus a few others, have in terms of written policies to govern use of force and other critical protocols that are now in the news.

LONGFORM

53

Oakland County has about 150 dams that control lake levels and the flow of water through several river systems, some of them 100-years old. Keeping up with monitoring and repairing those is a major undertaking to avoid trouble.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

16

David Hohendorf explains to readers about policy changes at the newsmagazine, some in response to the new 'woke' culture, along with the publication's long-running argument with Facebook.

CRIME LOCATOR

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A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

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Anti-Semitism and misleading claims on campaign trail; Manoogian national shout-out; election law complaints; James-Peters race by the numbers; Johnson's new absentee voting position; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

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Body-cameras for Birmingham cops; water and sewer rates drop; preliminary okay for Mountain King site downtown; Boutros lot combination approved; update on Maple Road work; plus more.

THE COVER Cover design: Chris Grammer.

We’re Here for You The world has changed, but special moments remain.

We’ve reopened our store and can’t wait to safely welcome you back.

With new hours or by private appointment, we’re here to provide you personal and trustworthy service. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Astrein d r a h c i R & y r a G

36

Jaida Turner, Naomi Richardson

METRO INTELLIGENCER

88

Reporter Dana Casadei returns to our prior format in which she brings interesting news items to the newsmagazine's readers, certainly made easier now that the restaurant industry has started to re-open.

AUGUST PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE

1B

Through the center of this issue readers will find a 36-page Voter Guide that is designed to serve as a road map for the August 4 primary election.

FACES

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Jaida Turner, Naomi Richardson Phoebe Mainster Mikayla Bouchard Ed Fraga Adam Green

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FROM THE PUBLISHER y column space this month is being used to bring readers up to date on some changes we are making in how we handle reporting of news stories in Downtown newsmagazine – in our print edition and online – providing me and readers a break from political commentary.

use in America, mugshots often carried a tagline of “Irishman” or “Italian” – lending credence to the theory that mugshots or booking photos were often intended to be a public shaming of the accused and often with an ethnic or racial connotation.

M

Now mugshot or booking photo usage is the latest issue to be debated in newsrooms, with some news organizations deciding to no longer publish them.

CAPITALIZING RACE: Long before the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis which spawned the nationwide and worldwide protests over police violence, news organizations have been grappling with how we handle the identity of race when writing news stories.

The vast majority of news organizations rely on the style book created and constantly updated by The Associated Press (AP), including Downtown newsmagazine, with some personal variations, as the basis for writing style when presenting the news.

The New York Times has its own style guidelines which adhere to much of the AP rules but with its own take on grammar and usage.

The protests over racial inequities in the past couple of months have brought to the forefront the discussion of how race categories are presented in news stories at both major and smaller media outlets.

AP appears to be the first news outlet, in mid June, to announce that Black would now be capitalized in news stories to describe people of African ancestry. The New York Times and Washington Post have also joined the movement, along with a host of print and broadcast outlets across the country.

In the announcement by the news organization, AP Vice President of Standards John Daniszewski noted the change “conveys an essential and shared sense of history, identity and community among people who identify as Black, including those in the African diaspora and within Africa.”

Still being debated in many newsrooms is whether the racial identity terms “white” and “brown” should also be capitalized.

Downtown newsmagazine will be capitalizing Black, White and Brown in the future, much like other terms used to described members of other racial and ethnic groups like Asian, Native American, Hispanic, Latino, Chaldean, etc. It's a practice recommended a couple of years back by the National Association of Black Journalists.

For those who disagree with the style changes, I leave you with this thought from Mike Abrams, The New York Times Senior Editor for Editing Standards: “We don't treat the stylebook as an instrument of activism; we don't view it as at the vanguard of language. We generally want the stylebook to reflect common usage.”

MUGSHOT USEAGE: About three years ago I had an email exchange with a local reader who questioned why we ran mug shots with some stories about those headed to trial after being arrested for crimes in the local area. Her objection was that mug shots, created during probably one of the worst days of anyone's life, helped characterize or stigmatize the accused even before they had gone to trial.

Further, this reader also contended that pre-trial mugshots of Black men seemed to appear more frequently in print and on television than mugshots of White people who were arrested, thereby adding to a stereotype of an entire race of people as more likely to commit crimes. Possibly a valid point but as I noted to her at the time, newspapers are at the mercy of police departments that transmit the mugshots, and publications most often use them as a graphic illustration to accompany a story.

Since that exchange I have monitored what is happening in our industry and I learned that mugshots were first developed in the late 1800s in France. Put to

Downtown newsmagazine's new policy is that we will not use booking mugshots prior to someone going on trial. We will, however, continue with the practice of publishing security camera photos and video supplied by police departments when local law enforcement is seeking the public's help in identifying a crime suspect.

WEBSITE COMMENTS: We are no longer allowing pubic comment on downtownpublications.com - our website.

The long and short of it is that we are following the lead of other news organizations that in the past year have turned off the public comment feature on their websites, starting with mlive.com last year and most recently the Metro Times.

The powers that be at the Metro Times said it best – we have a small staff and having to start each day and continue during the day to monitor what people are posting is time consuming, all because of online trolls who either post misinformation and complete falsehoods.

We continue to welcome letters to the editor for our Incoming section of the print edition. Letters can be sent to my email address which is listed below.

FUTURE OF FACEBOOK: I have been taking a look at our use of Facebook over the past year, thanks to an ongoing argument we have had with the social media giant since at least 2019.

We have had several clashes with the anonymous Facebook employees who control your fate if want to pay to “boost” a post you have made on your website.

On numerous occasions we have paid to promote wider distribution of a news item we have posted to our Facebook page. Usually we have not had a problem but our most recent skirmish was last month when we attempted to boost a post of a news story on the local lawsuit against the NextDoor community website. I selected the geographical area and age group that I wanted our post to reach but Facebook rejected the paid boost of the item – with no explanation. I appealed the decision and was rejected once again.

This is not the first time a news story has been prevented from being boosted and the result is always the same. This continues even after last year being invited by Facebook to be certified as a legitimate news organization so we would not have any problems in the future.

So, yes, I am giving consideration to ending our Facebook page.

As a social media site, it no longer draws the same level of involvement by the general public and has an increasing tendency to trend older.

In good conscience I simply cannot be part of Facebook if they reject valid news stories while at the same time allowing Donald Trump to go unchecked with his postings, along with postings from a slew of far right groups that pose a danger to our democracy.

So stay tuned.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei | Stacy Gittleman Austen Hohendorf | Gigi Nichols | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills.

Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $15 annual charge.

To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

DOWNTOWN GOALS/MISSION The personnel at Downtown newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential.

Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

Downtown newsmagazine captures life in the local communities through coverage of major municipal and school issues, personality profiles, the latest news from the business community and the all important social non-profit circuit that makes these communities unique. We also devote considerable effort each month to address major issues facing local residents through our longform story-telling efforts, further setting us apart from others competing for readers' attention.

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com METRO INTELLIGENCER metrointelligencer.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

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Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through July 9, 2020.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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INCOMING Stance on masks Just finished reading David Hohendorf’s From the Publisher article in Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield June 2020. Nicely written.

I very much appreciate his firm stance on wearing masks, and supporting our local businesses.

We are in this together...at least we should be.

Keep up the good work.

Chris Chanko Birmingham

Predicting prison term Excellent article by Dana Casadei on Predicting Prison Terms and Parole: Efficacy and Dangers (April/Downtown).

I found it informative, balanced, well researched and important.

I would be curious about one further element in sentencing. Beyond jail, prison or probation, has the court been offered a plan for the offenders’ rehabilitation? In some systems there are excellent alternatives such as the various treatment courts which give the justice system better alternatives.

Related in many ways to this article is Malcolm Gladwell’s book Talking to Strangers. In essence, humans are not always good predictors of future behavior. See chapter Getting to Know Der Fuhrer.

Thanks for the longform real journalism.

Martin I Reisig Birmingham

State leaders failing Our government leaders in Michigan have failed us.

With massive unemployment since late March 2020, our unemployment system has not been available by telephone or text to those that are in dire need of their unemployment income to live. Numerous repeated cases have been reported where people cannot reach a live person at Michigan UIA but are met with a consistent busy signal and a disconnect on the phone.

The same is true of trying to use the website to send a message. Many Michigan residents are having to wait 810 weeks to get a check and in the meantime they are suffering.

Our governor has ignored pleas for help from her constituents. Why not open up some new jobs by hiring some of those laid off workers to work for the Michigan UIA. Fix the system and give your constituents the service they deserve.

Pamela D. Coultis Redford

Protests from memory lane As I read David Hohendorf’s column in Downtown's latest (July) issue, it was like taking a walk down memory lane. I downtownpublications.com

tell my children that the protests, issues and sentiments expressed these last few months feel very much like those we marched against in the 60s and 70s.

Much to the dismay of my parents who were huge supporters of Dr. King, I marched in Chicago with the Black Panther Party. We protested then, like now, against police brutality, especially after the murders of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. Mayor Richard Daley Sr. was in charge and we didn't see any change except heightened force against the protesters.

So, here we are again staring down the same issue. This time, I believe, will lead to real change and finally eliminate the "license to kill" culture in police departments that has been so out of hand for decades.

My mom was right, all things in time, and so was Dr. King who said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Renee Prewitt Bloomfield Township

Democrats not the solution Many thanks for your publication.

Relative to David Hohendorf’s June column, he was harsh on the President and “GOP congressional enablers.” The President’s bombastic style is clearly not to be admired. However, I respectfully submit Hohendorf’s criticism would have more credibility if he took the time to focus on what the other political party has done to improve the well being of those who live in inner cities such as Detroit.

The Democrats have been running most large metropolitan areas for more than 50 years. And as Hohendorf stated – “Not much has changed.”

If anything, in the area of education, it appears a child growing up in Detroit is worse off now than 50 years ago. And yet when schools of choice are suggested as an alternative to unsafe public schools, there is one political party who creates roadblocks, and it is not the GOP. The Dems do not want to lose the financial support of the teachers’ unions, so they forsake the children and I suspect this occurs in every state of the union.

In states such as Florida where progress is being made on alternatives to public education, it is the GOP that is leading the charge. It is my understanding there are long waiting lists for charter schools in cities like New York where the minority parents have had their fill of the poor quality of education in public schools.

If you know of any local Democrats who support schools of choice, they should be commended but good luck finding any.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Doctor Loan Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

UH-OH: Federal and state campaign finance laws are extremely specific, mandatory in their requirements and very well spelled out for candidates to follow. Yet two candidates running in Bloomfield Township for clerk – Republicans Tom Smyly and Dave Thomas – have apparently run afoul of the campaign finance laws, with complaints filed with the Michigan Secretary of State’s office on June 23 by political consultant Joe DiSano, among other complainants. Chief among the campaign SMYLY finance allegations are, for Smyly, campaign website with lack of attributions of who has paid for the website and mailers; and in Thomas’ case, on his website, Facebook page and mailers, who has paid for them, as required by the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. On July 6, a warning letter was sent to both Smyly and THOMAS Thomas by Adam Fracassi of the state Bureau of Elections, specifying that “phrase ‘paid for by’ followed by the full name and address of your committee” must be included in all future candidate materials.

“This is a rookie mistake. Transparency isn’t just a word to throw around.

It has meaning,” DiSano pointed out. As another writer to Downtown put it, “Thomas, who repeatedly claims that he will bring transparency to the office of clerk, doesn’t seem to think that those rules apply to him.”

QUESTIONABLE RETURN: While no one – yet – has filed a campaign finance violation on Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, who is running to retain his position, we’re wondering if one is potentially in the offing. A letter making its way to many Oakland County residents has a return address from “Oakland Strong” in Royal Oak, and on the envelope the line:“An important message from County Executive David Coulter.” The letter inside has “David Coulter, Oakland County,” in bold at the top, before thanking the letter holder for “all you have done and continue to do to limit COULTER the spread of COVID-19.” Subsequent paragraphs inform the reader of highlights of Coulter’s year in office, ending with “We are just getting started.” There is no recognition of paid attribution, and a quick check of Oakland County’s election site and Michigan Secretary of State shows no political action committee for “Oakland Strong.” And if it were a routine mailing from the county executive – as have been sent out – it would have been identified with the county seal. This letter? Nada. Makes us wonder about what its true nature is all about – and who’s funding it.

BOW DOWN TO WHO?: If Republican Senatorial candidate John James is looking to expand his withering base, it might have backfired during a recent TV appearance where he made an anti-Semitic statement. On the Sunday, June 28th show “Flashpoint” with Devin Scillian on WDIV Local 4 News, in speaking about how the political parties could, or should, reach out to African Americans, James, who is Black, said, “The Republican Party doesn’t even try, and the Democrats neglect us. We need to make sure that we force both parties to treat us the way they’re genuflecting for working JAMES class white males and for our Jewish friends. They need to work like that for us.” Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus chair Noah Arbit condemned the statement as an anti-Semitic remark, noting “At a time in which Americans are confronting the legacy of generations of racism and experiencing unprecedented levels of anti-Semitic rhetoric and violence, it is reprehensible and deeply offensive that James would think to describe the Democratic Party as ‘genuflecting...to our Jewish friends’” – meaning to bow down and worship. Arbit continued that this kind of dialogue of pitting Blacks and Jews against each other is “hateful and dangerous.” downtownpublications.com

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BACK To birmingham

SALE Wednesday, July 22 – Tuesday, July 28 The week Birmingham goes on sale! Shoppers will find discounted high-end merchandise throughout downtown Birmingham. Whether you are looking for clothing, jewelry, artwork, antiques, dishes, vases, or toys, Birmingham is the place to shop! FREE PARKING AND FREE VALET AVAILABLE ALL WEEK! Curbside pick-up also available at our 5-minute “Buy and Fly” parking spaces throughout the city or shop individual retailers online. Please visit individual retailers’ websites for their specific days of sales, times of operation, and promotions at www.AllinBirmingham.com/shop It’sl

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BOGGED DOWN: It’s possible John James (R-Farmington Hills) was just trying to make a little noise when he put his foot in his mouth on Flashpoint, to break out from the downward spiral that being associated with President Trump has left him in as Trump’s nosediving numbers are helping tank Senatorial candidates around the country. A New York Times/Siena poll in late June painted a grim reaper-like picture for Republicans down ballot in Michigan, Arizona and North Carolina, with registered voters in Michigan preferring Democrat Senator Gary Peters, the incumbent, 41 percent to James, 31 percent, with 29 percent saying “other,” including those who hadn’t made up their mind yet. The pollsters said the numbers mirror Trump’s prospects, especially in Michigan, where former Vice President Joe Biden is leading Trump by 11 points. “Taken together, the three battleground states paint a grim picture for Republicans right now – and suggest that if Mr. Trump does not arrest his fall he could hand Democrats control of both the presidency and the Senate next year,” the New York Times said in reporting the poll.

GRASS NOT GROWING: One Democrat making sure nothing – and no one – is going to get in her way from a second term is freshman Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, representing the 8th District, which she flipped blue in 2018. The district encompasses Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland County and winds through Livingston and Ingham counties. Slotkin just announced her second quarter of 2020 fundraising total of $1.4 million, which her campaign said came from “riding a wave of grassroots support into the final five months of the 2020 campaign.” Those SLOTKIN grassroots efforts are from small donors, $100 or less, Slotkin said. Slotkin made a pledge in her 2018 campaign to decline any contributions from corporate special-interest PACs, and she is continuing to honor her pledge. She reports having $4.7 million cash on hand as of July 15.

SAY WHAT?: Mike Detmer, a Republican primary candidate in the 8th District with hopes of facing Elissa Slotkin (D-Rochester, Rochester Hills) in November, has a bit of a habit of espousing what some would call White Nationalist sentiments. At a recent rally at the Michigan Capital that promoted “well-regulated militias” (are there any other kind?), Detmer, of Howell, proclaimed, “This whole race nonsense is fake.” Countering the current Black Lives Matter watchword, Detmer said, “Here’s the reality: If you are someone of faith, you understand that all lives matter.” Detmer continued. ‘It was decided by the blood of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago.’” If readers recall, in April Detmer was featured in a Facebook post defending the Proud Boys, a neo-fascist group. When confronted, rather than renounce them, he instead stated that “the Proud Boys had been wrongly labeled as a racist hate group.”

PINOCCHIO CHECK: Another of Slotkin’s potential Republican challengers, Paul Junge, of Brighton, appears to have a little problem with fact-checking. Junge apparently is a fan of fracking, and took on presumed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s position on banning fracking, and the impact it could have on Michigan’s economy.

According to the Detroit Free Press, “The Junge campaign said that a ban on fracking would eliminate 516,000 Michigan jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that only 1,577 workers in Michigan were employed in natural-gas extraction, oil and gas drilling, and related support activities in 2019.” Even over the course of five years, a ban would be unlikely to cost Michigan 500,000 jobs or billions of dollars. The Freep determined that the statement was “mostly false.” In another Pinocchio moment, Junge held a campaign event in May where we hear a speaker spread multiple falsehoods about coronavirus, including stating the virus was no more serious than the seasonal flu and that hospitals were inflating the number of COVID-19 deaths in order to “get a higher payment.” As cases rise astronomically all over the country, we give that four long noses.

WRONG CENTURY: A political postcard making its way around downtownpublications.com

Macomb County, paid for by Solidarity Michigan, a civil rights, social action and advocacy organization, has the provocative headline, “No Negros Need Apply…(Macomb County) Democratic Party Boss Ed Bruly Has Shut the Door on Macomb County’s Black Community.” According to sources and news reports, Bruly has run the Macomb County Democratic Party with an iron fist, “along with a racist, shadow party called the Phil Hart Democratic Club.” Local Phil Hart clubs are fundraising political action committees working to support the election of local Democrats and defeat members of other political parties. Except, it seems, in Macomb, where Bruly, a county commissioner, is being opposed in the August primary by a Black woman, Antoinette Wallace. State and local Dems recall Bruly playing dirty in 2018 when he had his local party refuse membership to African American pastor Rev. R.J. Rideout, and he allegedly “broomed” the first – and only – person of color, former Macomb County commissioner, Bobby Hill, from office, and then took his seat, among other shenanigans. The Oakland County Democratic Party has limited involvement with its Macomb County counterpart, Oakland County chair Vaughan Derderian said, primarily sharing bingo games and a bingo hall – pre-Covid, when they were still permitted. “There are a lot of people whose names have been out in the public who are loyal Democrats,” Derderian said, noting in running bingo games, “there are a lot of compliance issues. They’ve always worked to help us out to make sure we’re following the necessary laws.” As far as racism? “I have not witnessed the supposed racism,” Derderian said, noting bingo games have a wide demographic pull. “The majority of customers are people of all ethnicities.”

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT: State Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield), who is running for re-election in the 40th District, received a major national shout out from the popular podcast Pod Save the World, created and hosted by Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor under President Barack Obama.

Rhodes called Manoogian, “an amazing state rep out of Michigan, Mari Manoogian, who I got to know when she interned for (former United Nations Ambassador) Samantha Power, descendent of Armenian genocide MANOOGIAN survivors. In her 20s, stepped up, flipped a seat in the state House. Made a very persuasive case, ‘We need Gary Peters back in the Senate to have a shot at ditching Mitch McConnell. Gotta win Michigan if we’re going to win the White House back. And we can turn the state House blue, as well.’” That blinding light you see is Manoogian’s star burning brighter.

ELECTION DOUBLETALK: As Secretary of State, Ruth Johnson (RHolly) pushed a very recalcitrant GOP-controlled state Senate and House of Representatives to permit no-reason absentee ballot voting. They said, ‘no thanks,’ so as we all know, a much more expansive proposal went before voters in 2018, and voters said, ‘Oh yes!’ by a wide margin. Lo and behold, Johnson, now a state Senator elected in 2018, has reversed tack. During a state Senate hearing on June 24, Johnson attacked Michigan’s vote by mail system – after stating on her Senate website on May 19, “I supported JOHNSON secure, no-reason absentee voting as secretary of state, and I think absentee voting can be a really good option for people – especially with the coronavirus pandemic. Michigan voters can already request and complete an application, receive an absentee ballot, and mail in their absentee ballot – all without ever leaving their homes.” Her issue, she went on to say, was with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, her Democratic successor, mailing out applications for absentee ballots to all 7.7 million registered voters in the state. “Local clerks are the ones who have always handled these requests, not the secretary of state…

The secretary mailing an application to every voter is an unnecessary expense that will cost millions of dollars… There are also integrity concerns with these mailings.” Are there only integrity concerns when Democrats mail them?

DOWNTOWN

31

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2020. B NG IR I M PR

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SHOP BIRMINGHAM. BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL DRAWING! That’s right. During the April – August portion of the Birmingham downtown paving project, continue to frequent retailers and businesses in downtown Birmingham and look for the Dig This City logo on entranceways to participating merchants.

If you make a purchase at a participating merchant (nearly 30 of them), you will be asked fill out an entry blank to be entered into a drawing at the end of August. Participating merchants appear on the next two pages and throughout this issue of the newsmagazine.

We will be giving away four Delta airlines flight cards, two with a face value of $500 each and two with a face value of $250 each. Four shoppers will win one of four $100 gift cards to local restaurants. Plus there are special items from local merchants that will be in this drawing, like Shades Optical ($500 certificate); Lucido Fine Jewelery (five $100 gift certificates); Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 gift certificate); Steele Angel ($100 gift certificate); and Tender (two $200 gift cards).

Downtown newsmagazine has partnered with merchants in downtown Birmingham to demonstrate to shoppers that – excuse the mess – downtown Birmingham is open for business during the road reconstruction project and it is an especially good time to visit the shops in downtown Birmingham.

There are a number of activities planned and special shopping incentives are being offered by the downtown businesses, so watch for further updates as we move through the construction project this spring and into part of the summer.

Here's the list of merchants participating in the Dig This City promotion and drawing at the end of August: Adventures In Toys Barbara Boz Be Well Lifestyle Center Birmingham Tailor Castaldi's Formal Wear Ceresnie & Offen Furs Cincchini Custom Clothier DessiS Douglas Cleaners Fabrik

Flemings Steakhouse Found Objects Gazelle Sports Harp's Lingerie ICG Investments Legato Salon and Spa Lori Karbal Lucido Fine Jewelry My House of Style Merwins Antiques

Optik Birmingham Sara Campbell Shades Optical State Farm St. Croix Shop Steele Angel Tender Birmingham The Italian Dish Triple Nickel

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Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

In addition to the Dig This City promotional contest, organized by Downtown newsmagazine, the downtown Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) will be hosting a number of activities during the construction period.

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TER G I . EN V EOP H

Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

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During the months of April through August, if you make a purchase at one of our two dozen participating merchants, your name is entered into a special drawing taking place at the end of the threemonth period.

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TER G I . EN V EOP H

Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

In addition to the Dig This City promotional contest, organized by Downtown newsmagazine, the downtown Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) will be hosting a number of activities during the construction period.

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Jaida Turner & Naomi Richardson wo local teens have teamed the organizations they helped create to encourage peers to raise their voices for civil rights and urge educators to more deeply cover the long-arching effects of slavery and racism in American history classes.

Naomi Richardson, 18, of Warren, attended Seaholm High school before transferring to Center Line High School for her senior year. While at Seaholm, the AP student also helped create Seaholm’s Black Student Union (BSU). With a minority student population at 12 percent, the BSU serves as a place where students of all races can socialize, discuss racism they may have faced in and out of school, learn about how to address racial unrest, and bring up any problems at school associated with racism.

Jaida Turner, 16, of Birmingham, is a rising Seaholm senior who has been an active member of BSU throughout her high school years. She said BSU organizes assemblies for Black History Month and MLK Jr. Day and hosts other social meetings.

“Our doors are open for anyone to learn with us about the Black community,” said Turner. “One of our past presidents was White. It is also a place where school administrators drop in to learn about bias or racism Black students may have experienced.”

When the pandemic shut schools and reports of police brutality on Black people increased, Turner said the purpose of the BSU became even more vital. Students were drawn to the BSU’s monthly Zoom calls where they discussed their concerns about increased racial tensions and created a book club to discuss This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewel.

Following the death of George Floyd, BSU students agreed to combine efforts with a new anti-racist group started by Richardson and others called Eyez to the Future (Instagram: @Eyez2thefuture) and organized a peaceful protest at Birmingham's Shain Park.

“Right now, as young Black people, it seems like our future is blurry and we cannot see too far into it,” said Richardson. “Eyez gives Black boys and girls a platform to discuss how to keep each other safe and let our voices be heard.”

The protest attracted a diverse group of 70 people, including some high school educators and administrators. It began with the singing of Lift Every Voice and included readings of original poetry from students. There was no police presence at the protest, said Turner.

“People had a lot to get off their chest, and they did so through marching, saying slogans, and reciting poems and statements they wrote,” Turner said.

Outside of her involvement with BSU, Turner has attended Minority Student Achievement Network conferences, learning about educational inequities and achievement gaps faced by minority students. As she heads into senior year, Turner may consider a career in engineering, but also is thinking about music and art.

Richardson and Turner hope their activism impacts the way American history is taught at the high school level.

“Schools need to do a better job of teaching history – and Black history is American history,” said Turner. “Lots of times, Black history is smooshed into one unit or you have to take an elective on the topic. It would be great if all students learned this information.”

With her eyes on the future, Richardson will attend Wayne State University in the fall, where she will study African studies and film. Now that she is 18, Richardson is also excited to also express herself by voting for the first time in November.

“Forming BSU and Eyez made me realize I can do even more to express myself (through anti-racism activism). The two groups have helped me find my voice.”

T

Story: Stacy Gittleman

Photo: Laurie Tennent

LOCAL POLICE POLICIES WARRIOR VS. GAURDIAN APPROACH TO ENFORCEMENT IN AN ERA OF CHANGE

BY LISA BRODY

O

ur society erupted in late May and June after the heinous and unprovoked murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and watched over by three other officers, fostering the Black Lives Matter movement. It seemed like the final straw for a public which had for decades been exposed to police brutality incidents.

Yet while monumental societal transformations may seem to appear out of nowhere in reaction to a single incident or deed, tectonic shifts in public attitudes can actually be anticipated, as evidenced by the police departments across the county which years ago began preparing for a reckoning prior to May 25, 2020, incident in Minnesota. These departments' command officers have been proactively reviewing their operating procedures, revising use of force policies, adding bias and de-activation training, and in some cases, seeking out statewide accreditation to meet the highest national and local standards or in some cases establishing the same.

That's the conclusion reached by Downtown newsmagazine, which set out to review policies of Oakland County law enforcement agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; expecting to encounter a wall of resistance when filing Freedom of Information requests with police department's in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, police departments in the adjacent communities of Royal Oak, Southfield and West Bloomfield, the Oakland County Sheriff Department and Michigan State Police.

Quite the opposite took place, however.

Most departments were more than willing to provide department policies and the three local departments even initiated a joint meeting to help discuss their department policies and operating procedures. Only the city of Southfield denied Downtown newsmagazine its Freedom of Information request to review its police department policies, and Southfield Chief Elvin Barren did not return repeated requests for an interview; the city of Royal Oak did not return its policies in time for this article, and Royal Oak Police Chief Cory O'Donohue was out of town and did not return requests for an interview prior to deadline.

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Aside from having access to department policies, Downtown newsmagazine also learned of a move underfoot to upgrade the overall professional operations of police departments on a statewide basis.

“We started back in 2015 as an association, embarking on an accreditation policy,” said Robert Stevenson, executive director of Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the former chief of police of the Livonia Police Department.

“We have 108 policies that we feel police departments should have and should strive for – and if you hit those, we send in people for two days to verify and then accredit you.”

Under the direction of The Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police created an accreditation manual, which is now in its fourth edition, as of April 2020.

“Accreditation is a progressive and timeproven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances. The foundation of accreditation lies in the adoption of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives.

Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives.

When the procedures are in place, a team of trained assessors verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented,” it states at the beginning of their standards manual. “The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) has pursued the concept and development of a voluntary law enforcement accreditation program for Michigan’s law enforcement agencies. This effort has resulted in the formation of the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC), consisting of commissioners appointed by the MACP. Personnel from the MACP provide support services to the commission and to applicant agencies.”

Accreditation can cost an agency $1,500 to $6,000, depending on its size and if it is nationally accredited. Annual continuation fees range from $600 to $2,000.

Accredited status is granted for three years, with files reviewed on a regular basis in order to make sure there is compliance. “The agency is required to submit an annual report to the Program Director on the anniversary of their accreditation award for the two years between the granting of their accredited status and the next required Commission onsite,” the manual states.

MACP's accreditation process for Michigan police agencies is a step ahead of both the national and states' reactions in response to the Floyd murder. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on June 16 designed to guide police reform around the country after weeks of public protests over police killings of unarmed Black Americans, and it recommended creating federal incentives through the U.S. Justice Department for local departments that seek independent credentialing to certify that law enforcement is meeting higher standards for the use of force and de-escalation training.

Trump's order would ban the controversial use of choke holds, “except if an officer's life is at risk.” The order also would incentivize local departments to provide experts in mental health, addiction and homelessness as co-responders to “help officers manage these complex encounters,” under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Stevenson said accreditation has suddenly “become the big buzzword, but we currently have 24 departments that are accredited and another 30 or so in the process. Another 200 (agencies) have come to us to learn about it or get started.”

In the state of Michigan, there are 401 municipal police agencies and another 83 sheriff departments. Stevenson said the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission has now added two spots on the board for sheriffs' representations from Michigan Sheriffs' Association. Participation in accreditation at this point is voluntary.

Each of the points in the president's order are already specified in the

state accreditation standards.

Of the 24 accredited agencies, which range across the state, they include the Auburn Hills Police Department, Battle Creek Police Department, Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department, Bloomfield Township Police Department, East Grand Rapids Department of Public Safety, Farmington Police Department, Farmington Hills Police Department, Grand Blanc Township Police Department, Howell Police Department, Livonia Police Department, Marquette Police Department, Marshall Police Department, Meridian Township Police Department, Midland Police Department, Mott Community College Department of Public Safety, Northville Township Police Department, Novi Police Department, Port Huron Police Department, Portage Department of Public Safety, Rockford Department of Public Safety, Roseville Police Department, University of Michigan Flint Police Department, White Lake Township Police Department and Wyandotte Police Department.

Of the 30 departments undergoing accreditation, Birmingham Police Department, Chesterfield Township Police Department, Clawson Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, Dearborn Heights Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Grand Rapids Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Plymouth Township Police Department, Romulus Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, Warren Police Department and Ypsilanti Police Department are all at various points in working towards certification.

Stevenson emphasized accreditation is not simple – nor should it be.

The standards and manual for accreditation are on the group's website, allowing both agencies and the public the ability to preview and assess necessary standards – and what police departments must be working towards and maintaining. “It's why Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township are so proud of their accreditation. They're ahead of the curve,” he pointed out.

“Accreditation, for all three departments (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township), before George Floyd – we decided to take the dive,” said Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence. “What it allows is, before with policies they were subtly addressed, but now they're spelled out. Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township – we want to be ahead of the curve. The (Birmingham) City Commission funded the cost of accreditation in last year's budget.”

“Only four percent of the departments' in the state are accredited,” pointed out Bloomfield Township Police Chief Phil Langmeyer. “You'll find with the accreditation process that national standards are the right way to do things. We always prohibited choke holds. Well, okay, we're going to spell it out. It's the right way to do it. This is where to go to stay in our profession.”

“It's reviewed annually, and there has to be a buy-in by every officer,” said Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Chief Noel Clason. “The whole department has to meet these – every officer, every dispatcher is tested on these – and exceed them on every item. It's much more stringent than the state requirement for mental health and for all new hires.”

Included in the standards and mandates are very specified use of force policies, duty to intervene, which Stevenson said is “number two – it was always important, long before the incident in Minneapolis.

Officers should know to intervene. Besides, there are laws if they don't.

There can be malfeasance, malpractice and even manslaughter (charges). We've thought for years about them. Your use of force policies should reinforce them.”

“Law enforcement officers are held to higher standards,” Langmeyer said. Of the George Floyd incident and video, he said, “To watch that as an officer was appalling.”

Clemence said he couldn't watch the whole video. “It made me sick,” he said.

“Bias-based policing is prohibited,” Stevenson said, having put it in

MACP's accreditation process for Michigan police agencies is a step ahead of both the national and states' reactions after the fact in response to the Floyd murder.

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writing long before the recent Black Lives Matter movement. “We've been very proactive. The things people are talking about now, we've been advocating for four years. There's training – and then there's retraining. You have to have retraining at least once every three years. These are best practices of what every department needs to be doing – at least.

“A lot of things they're talking about are already there,” he said. “We've been blowing that horn for four years. As a profession, we've been helping our departments for years.

“When they say the police needs to reform, I say we're always reforming,” Stevenson said.

“What we did two years ago is not what we're doing today. And what we'll be doing two years from now will hopefully be different, regardless if they pass a law.”

Setting uniform standards and policies for departments is a good idea, according Scott Wolfe, associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.

He noted that nationwide, there are 18,000 agencies, with each needing to develop policies and follow standards.

“Most agencies have really good policies that are up to national standards,” Wolfe said. “Agencies need to look to national standards for best practices. National agencies that disseminate their best practices are best to follow their lead, because with 18,000 agencies, not every policy fits every one. Follow the guidelines, but it's not a good idea to have a one-size-fits-all.”

On June 29, Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled plans for a fourpart plan to reform policing in Michigan.

Her plan calls for bans on choke holds; further limits on the use of no-knock warrants; incentives for law enforcement agencies to hire/retain officers where they live; call on an arm of the department of health and human services to recommend best practices to police responding to calls involving people who are mentally ill; and promotion of programs to improve relationships between police, communities and community leaders.

She would also like legislators to send her a bill which would classify “false, racially-motivated 911 calls” as hate crimes.

“All Michiganders, no matter their community or the color of their skin, deserve equal treatment under the law,” Whitmer said in a news release.

She said she would also support legislation for the formation to require an independent investigation of all police shootings or use of force that results in the death of an unarmed civilian.

State Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Groveland Township) has proposed legislation which would require law enforcement agencies to punish officers who fail to intervene when a colleague breaks the law.

“It's a good time to listen,” noted West Bloomfield Chief of Police Michael Patton. “We treat people with dignity here. The police department is listening.

“It's a noble profession – yes, it has its challenges, and there are some who should never have gone into it,” Patton said tactfully, referencing Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin, as well as others accused and/or convicted of wrongs against suspects or civilians. “It's a service job. I tell everyone – from the moment you walk in the door, it's no longer about you. “(Minneapolis) makes us think also...are there people like that here?

Are there people like that who could lose their temper and use excessive force? Is it a lack of training? I know in West Bloomfield it didn't happen,” he said. “We train officers to be flexible, to speak in a more officious manner in daily events… If I believe an officer has malice in their heart, I'll make sure they don't wear the badge anymore.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard concurs. “Yes, there are bad police officers, and they need to be held accountable. If they're evil, we don't want them, like any other professions,” he said. “There are 800,000 police officers – if there are 80 bad officers, they make it to

the news. I'm not minimizing it, but we have to highlight the good.”

He noted “there are state laws preventing us from doing more…especially with background checks. We're prevented from giving polygraph tests. It's one more thing that can go deeper, ask more questions on psychological and behavior issues. When I was becoming a police officer (in the 1970s), I took a polygraph test. We'd like to do psychological testing. We'd like to be able to review social media. We'd like it required of them to give us their social media and their passwords – because someone might have a secret account and be saying terrible things. That's a ticking time bomb.

“We want people who are coming in to serve their communities, who want to make a difference at often what is the worst time in someone's life,” Bouchard continued. “It's an opportunity for you to help them at that time. We don't want someone coming in on a power trip.”

Patton said he believes in, and tries to guide his department, by Sir Robert Peel's three core ideas. In 1829, Peel established the London Metropolitan Police Force and became known as the “Father of Modern Policing.” Peel and his commissioners established a list of three core ideas and nine policing principles that are still considered the bedrock of today's law enforcement. Of the core ideas, the first is the goal is preventing crime, not catching criminals.

“An effective police department doesn't have high arrest stats; its community has low crime rates.”

The second goal emphasizes the key to preventing crime is earning public support. “They will only accept this responsibility if the community supports and trusts the police.”

The third goal is that the police earn public support “by respecting community principles...by hiring officers who represent and understand the community, and using force only as a last resort.”

A force representative of the community, along with enlightened leadership, ranks high in the prescription for a successful police force promoted by professor Robert Sedler of Wayne State University Law School who has a long history studying law enforcement and the community it serves “In 1974, only 17 percent of officers in the Detroit Police Department were Black, and only five percent of the captains and lieutenants were.

When Coleman Young came in, he started affirmative action, hiring a Black officer for every White officer. The Detroit Police Officers Association challenged it in court, and I wrote the Friend of the Court brief,” Sedler said. “Eventually, the police department got it right, especially under chief Craig. With all of the recent protests, you're not seeing the looting and rioting in Detroit like in (some) other cities.

“While Trump and others blame it on rogue cops, I think it starts at the top. When officers use excessive force, they seem to know they can get away with it, from leadership and from unions,” he said. “It's the leadership and the unions, and the policies they create and enforce.

You need cameras, you don't use choke holds, and you don't use facial recognition. In my view it depends on the policies put into effect by the department and it needs support from the community. It took a long time, and a lot of litigation, but now you have a Detroit police force that has the support of the community.”

“The most egregious thing is we've had deaths where officers are standing by watching (criminal acts) happen,” said Samuel Walker, professor emeritus, School of Criminology at University of Nebraska Omaha. He noted the Minneapolis Police Department had a “duty to intervene” policy in effect for several years, and yet three younger officers were standing by, watching and not intervening.

“The question is, did they not know the policy? Did they not read it?

Did they not have any in-service training? Did they not train with any sergeants? Where was the chief – was he not making sure it was in effect?” asked Walker. “George Floyd should be alive if the chief had done his job.”

Essential to prevent another incident – anywhere, in any community

Included in the mandates are very specified use of force policies and duty to intervene. It was always important, long before the incident in Minneapolis, local chiefs say.

– is training, training, and more training.

Ongoing training is part of all policies Downtown newsmagazine reviewed and was stressed by command officers in interviews – training is now part of their DNA, with critical directions now no longer left to assumption, intuition or changes of leadership.

For those looking to become a police officer in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and/or Bloomfield Township, a recruit must have completed a fouryear college in any major, or an associate degree in criminal justice.

Bloomfield Hills Chief Clason noted many officers have masters degrees as they continue to put themselves through higher education.

“They're often the guys we promote,” he said.

Then, for every potential applicant at every local agency comes the real training – at the police academy.

“To be certified, they have to complete the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) academy for 17 weeks,” said Bloomfield Township Chief Langmeyer. “But you have to get a job within 12 months of completion. If you don't, you're no longer certifiable. Once we hire someone, with us, there's another 17 weeks, minimum, of field training with an officer looking over their shoulder, and then one-year of probation. That, and then there's continuing education. There are things we each mandate and trainings they go to outside. There's an amazing amount of training throughout their entire career.”

For example, Langmeyer said, MCOLES only mandates one training in firearms per year, but in Bloomfield Township they do three others.

Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills do as well.

“You have to train for every single situation because it will happen here – it just won't happen as often as it does in Detroit or Pontiac,” Birmingham Chief Clemence pointed out.

In West Bloomfield, Patton said they require a two-year college degree prior to training at the MCOLES police academy.

“We would like to have people of diverse backgrounds who don't have a law enforcement degree,” Patton said. If they like what they see, “We will sponsor them through the academy, as a professional stepping stone. We get to see their work ethic. It's not an automatic that they'll get a spot with us. It's very competitive, and we can be very selective.”

While the West Bloomfield Police Department currently has two Black police officers and “a fair number of female officers,” he said hiring minorities is a “challenge.” But he emphasizes it's a noble profession.

To become a Michigan State Police officer, a college degree is not required. A candidate must be at least 21 years old, have a high school degree or GED, “although a high school degree helps for promotion,” said Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Mike Shaw, public information officer for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. “They then must go through our live-in academy in Lansing (Monday through Friday). Even if they've been a local officer, they have to go through our academy.”

While it varies, the most recent class was 26 weeks, Shaw said.

What about the image of the “macho” warrior police officer? Is that ingrained and perpetuated at training academies?

“It is a military model for training. We are a paramilitary organization,” Shaw said. “We rank, we salute officers, and at the beginning, we march. But as we go along (in training), we want them to think on their own, make split-second, good decisions, use other recruits – use their peers, to make decisions. By the time they're done, the recruits are running that school.”

While training is rigorous and strict, the emphasis on being a “warrior” is no longer the acceptable standard, Shaw and other law enforcement officers said.

“Warriors – no. We want to be part of the community. I live and vote in the community,” Shaw said. “It's not a warrior mentality. Part of law

enforcement is writing tickets, slowing people down, fighting crime – but the other part is being a role model, a member of the community. It's getting out and being a leader in the community.

“For new recruits, we teach conflict resolution,” he said. “Ethics, interpersonal connection, de-escalation, is all built right into our training. Our biggest use of force or our tool is our mouth, because if something goes wrong, it's because we're not communicating well. A lot of times, in any part of life, you're going to get people to do things if you communicate well.”

“It's more of a guardian outlook than warrior, but that comes from the department,” said Clemence. “That's the Birmingham or Bloomfield way.”

“The leadership has to set the tone,” Langmeyer concurred. “Our officers don't think of themselves as warriors, though they sometimes have to be.”

“This isn't the Vietnam-era cops that now grew up,” said Clason. “These younger cops grew up in diverse high schools. They're young and have a different attitude.”

Implicit bias training has been part of training for both recruits and seasoned troopers since 2016, with retraining occurring for all MSP officers in 2019.

“We require seven hours of continuing education every two years on whatever a trooper wants,” Shaw said, in addition to all annual mandatory training, which includes firing a weapon three times a year, defensive tactics, proper pursuit training and hazardous materials training.

In June, the Michigan Senate approved legislation sponsored by state Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) that would require police officers to complete training on de-escalation techniques, implicit bias, procedural justice and mental health resources.

At the Birmingham City Commission in late June, a request from Clemence for a proposal for bias awareness and sensitivity training that will cover how biases impact decision, perceptions and interactions was unanimously approved.

The controversial use of choke holds is something already spelled out in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Oakland County Sheriff and Michigan State Police policies – and in all cases, it is prohibited, unless the life of the officer or a civilian is threatened.

Bouchard said their defensive tactics program is based on threat pattern recognition use of force standard, Michigan Edition, “which does not utilize or allow chokeholds or strangleholds. After applying handcuffs and once the incident is under control, deputies shall ensure that the subject is placed and remains in an upright or side position that will prevent positional asphyxiation, in accordance with training.”

De-escalation is required, he said, and training is done for all deputies. Bouchard said groups of deputies are trained every Wednesday at their facilities.

“I've been trying to build a state-of-the-art facility for years. I would like $5 million in allocations from the state legislature and the feds.

We're the only one in the county to have a training unit – and they do a great job, but if we had a facility we could push them so if they make a mistake, it's done there, so when a split-second decision is made, they're ready,” Bouchard said, noting it would provide a facility for training for local agencies as well.

As for the issue of regulating the use of force, all department policies review by Downtown newsmagazine addressed the issue.

“It is the policy of the Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department that officers use only the force necessary to effectively bring an incident under control, while protecting the lives of the officer and others. The use of force must be objectively reasonable in effecting the lawful arrest, and/or in the lawful performance of duty,” the township's policy reads. “Deadly force Targets: Head/Neck/Throat and Clavicle: Impact weapon strikes to these areas shall not be used unless the officer is justified in using deadly force. These striking points have high

When officers use excessive force, they seem to know they can get away with it, from leadership and from unions and the policies they create and enforce on rank and file.

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implications for creating severe injury in the forms of great bodily harm or death.”

Bloomfield Township's Use of Less Lethal Force Policies and Procedures spells out “objectively reasonable use of force,” with severity of crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of officers and others, and whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest or attempting to evade arrest by flight.” Verbal commands are preferred, but when ineffective it notes that an officer may escalate to control methods that may involve the use of physical force, including strikes, kicks, pressure point tactics, take downs, joint locks, handcuffing, Taser, chemical agent, impact weapon, such as a baton, or lethal force.

It states “Officers will receive de-escalation training annually,” along with lethal force training, Taser re-certification, and physical control techniques and handcuffing training, which is conducted twice a year.

“The use of unreasonable, unnecessary force, and/or the failure to provide proper medical treatment following the use of force, shall, in every case, result in certain and severe disciplinary action against those who use or fail to intervene in cases of suspected excessive force by another officer, or fail to provide for the care of persons in custody. The use of a carotid neck restraint is prohibited except in a deadly force encounter,” states the Birmingham Use of Force directive.

The West Bloomfield Police Department, similar to Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, approves, trains and issues its officers Tasers, collapsible batons and aerosol subject restraint – chemical or pepper spray, which is considered intermediate tools.

“Officers shall not use deadly force to effect the arrest of or stop a suspect fleeing from a misdemeanor crime, or to stop a suspect who has escaped from custody after having been arrested or convicted for a misdemeanor crime,” West Bloomfield's policy continues.

If an officer does something egregious on duty, “All members of the force have a duty to intervene, and they have a duty to report,” said West Bloomfield's Patton. “Even if they see something later. We've always had that.”

President Trump's recent executive order mandates the justice department develop and maintain a database of bad cops – to track when officers have been terminated or decertified, have been criminally convicted for on-duty conduct or faced civil judgments for improper use of force.

The problem of bad, or “rogue” cops jumping from department to department has ceased to be an issue, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Stevenson said, since 2018, when Public Act 128 went into effect to stop cops jumping departments without their knowledge of problem issues.

PA 128 requires a law enforcement agency who is hiring a current or previously licensed law enforcement officer to request and review the reasons for, and circumstances under which an applicant left employment with a previous law enforcement agency. It also requires an agency receiving a request to disclose this information. The act provides for liability protection from such disclosures for the previous agency and allows an applicant due process to object to information with an explanation.

“Prior (to PA 128), you could only have name, date of hire and date of release,” Stevenson said, recalling his days as chief of police in Livonia. “Many city HR departments would only release that information, so when you'd to go hire someone, it was possible to not know what you were getting, because HR departments would seal their files. PA 128 resolved that.”

Hiring someone from out of state can still pose an issue, so without a national database, departments still hire at their own risk.

Body worn cameras are also being addressed by local departments.

Birmingham will have the addition of body worn cameras in the near future to aid their officers, joining local departments such as Royal

Oak, Ferndale and Northville. They're a tool Bloomfield Township is starting to look at, but Bloomfield Hills and the Oakland County Sheriff's office are not. All three local departments, along with West Bloomfield and the state police, have in-dash car cameras.

“I've got mixed feelings because of transparency,” Bloomfield Hills Chief Clason said.

Clemence said a 2017 Michigan law, PA 85, Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Privacy Act, protects crime victims and establishes that body-worn camera recordings would be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), except under certain circumstances.

For West Bloomfield Chief Patton, “We are pricing out body cameras, but they are costly. It's not an insignificant cost. But, if not now, when? I don't anticipate any resistance or reluctance from our township board.”

While Bouchard claims he's a “fan” of body cameras, he asserted “the legislature won't do what is necessary to make it a good program. We wanted to have it for police accountability and have it exempt from FOIA, just to have it triggered for internal misconduct investigations, to keep it for police accountability. We see some things we can't release – medical, personal situations. We see people's worst moments, so the body cameras see those worst moments.”

He also said the storage requirement is oppressive.

“We'd have to have people go through what was and wasn't admissible, and that would be millions of dollars,” he said.

As for the national rallying cry by some critics to defund the police – the movement receives no local law enforcement or academic support.

Wayne State Law's Sedler said, “The slogan 'defund the police' is really not helpful. You're talking about reform and restructuring policing. You talk about the best way to deal with domestic violence incidents, for example, maybe you need police and social workers. You need to talk about restructuring and it's going to be city by city, community by community.”

“Disbanding a police department, getting rid of them, is actually very common. But creating a new one is very rare,” said Bill King, professor of criminal justice, Boise State University. “It's never because there's too much crime. Most police agencies get disbanded because they're small, not a lot of crime, and often rural. That's often when a sheriff's department comes in. In urban and suburban situations, in Ohio, which I studied between 1970 and 1999, of 115 disbanded agencies, one-half were because of their budget; about one-third were because of police misbehavior – cops doing something criminal and getting arrested; and the rest were generally government merger, like a township police department and village police department.

“Disbanding is rarely racial – it's financial,” he emphasized. “If it's about police misconduct and the community is upset and diverse; it could be a way of hitting the reset button.”

He said in a 2015 national study, 54 police agencies are disbanded across the United States each year.

“Do there need to be changes in policing? Absolutely,” said Shaw of the Michigan State Police. “Yelling at each other doesn't get you there.”

Bloomfield Township's Langmeyer said defunding isn't the answer, but rather a need to figure out how to fund in different ways, notably to have officers better trained to help the mentally ill. He said they are looking at creating crisis intervention teams.

“We have officers trained in that,” he said. “It needs to be multijurisdictional.”

“We need partnerships with hospitalizations, social workers, intake specialists, mental health experts,” Clemence of Birmingham said.

“Police work is so much more than policing. There are avenues to add, in mental health and others. Police is the first avenue. Could additional resources be added? I wouldn't want to slide out a social worker without a police officer first.”

Prohibition on choke holds is spelled out in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Oakland County Sheriff and Michigan State Police.

AUGUST 4 PRIMARY

SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE

VOTER GUIDE 08.20 Inside this August primary election Voter Guide readers will find candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; answers to questions Downtown newsmagazine raised with those who have opposition in the August 4 election. A primary election is designed to let voters determine which candidate in either the Republican or Democratic party will advance to the general election that will be held this November. As a result, voters must decide in which party they will vote in a primary.

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9th District U.S. House/Republicans

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11th District U.S. House/Republicans

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Oakland County Executive/Democrats

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.

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.

Oakland County Executive/Republicans Oakland County Prosecutor/Democrats Oakland County Sheriff/Democrats Oakland County Clerk/Republicans Oakland County Treasurer/Democrats Oakland County Treasurer/Republicans Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner/Republicans 12th District Oakland County Commission/Democrats 13th District Oakland County Commission/Democrats Bloomfield Township Supervisor/Democrats Bloomfield Township Supervisor/Republicans Bloomfield Township Clerk/Republicans Bloomfield Township Treasurer/Republicans Bloomfield Township Trustee/Democrats Bloomfield Township Trustee/Republicans

august 4 primary election voter guide Bloomfield Township

U.S. CONGRESS – 9TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN Two Republicans are vying for the party nomination to challenge incumbent Democrat Andy Levin in the November election. Only Gabi Grossbard responded to Downtown's questionnaire.

GABI GROSSBARD

Grossbard of Southfield works at Northland Chrysler. He has not held political office.

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 August 4 primary election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CRISIS How would you rate the response by the Trump administration to the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the country? Specifically, the national supply of personal protection devices and critical supplies for the medical first line responders. Likewise, was there a clear and timely national policy response on containment of the virus? And what about a national policy on reopening the economy?

Our system of government sets responsibilities for federal, state and local authorities. Each state regulates the amount of hospital beds, ventilators, PPE, doctors and more. State shortages fall on the state, not the federal government.

Though the federal government should have adequate backup supplies. As for a clear national policy, this is a novel virus, meaning it's new. The experts at the CDC did not have a lot of info, mixed in with wrong information. They did have faulty models which they kept updating with new data. We are still learning about this virus, and will continue to learn more for a long time.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS When President Donald Trump came to office, he and his administration began to rollback a

number of environmental regulations enacted by the administration of President Obama, and reversed a number of decisions from prior administrations dating back to the Clinton era that were designed to promote a cleaner environment.

The last count put the total at over 100 environmental rules that have been weakened or eliminated by the Trump administration. Do you support what the current administration has done on this front? Explain.

I can’t speak to over 100 rules, but Iet's talk about a big one, the withdrawal from the Paris Climate accord. That agreement was flawed, especially when it comes to correcting the issue of climate change. That agreement had the U.S. on the hook for three billion dollars per year, and committing the U.S. to reduce our greenhouse emissions by 26 percent by 2020.

All the while the largest polluters and wealthiest countries (such as China and India) do not need to reduce, in fact they can increase pollution till 2030. They don’t contribute funds, in fact they collect our money. So yes, we were paying them to increase pollution, and I support withdrawing from such a agreement.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN 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?

Obamacare is not perfect; the architects of the system knew it.

The part that I’d like to see fixed is the premiums for those who do not qualify for the government subsidy part. Some people are paying $24,000 to $40,000 per year for insurance for their family. That’s absurd and must be corrected ASAP.

the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons?

Several states, government agencies and the military were not reporting about individuals with violent history and mental illness to the background check system, resulting in many approved guns sales that shouldn’t’ve been allowed. The fix NICS act, signed into law by President Trump in 2018, is supposed to close many loop holes and prevent illegal sales.

I’d like to see if it works, and if not, analyze where it fails. Just arbitrarily passing laws restricting gun sales to law abiding citizens is not a solution since it won’t prevent any mass shootings. Military style automatic weapons are illegal, and have been illegal for a while.

REASON FOR RUNNING You must think there are failings with the incumbent Democrat or you would not be seeking office.

What failings to do you see?

The incumbent ran on a promise of bipartisanship and compromise. His voting record points to a different story. Progressive Punch rates Andy Levin as the number one most progressive member of the House, voting 100 percent with the leftwing agenda. The constituents of the 9th district are not the most progressive people in the nation.

Seems that the incumbent is not representing the people who voted for him, but rather he’s representing his own ideology.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should primary voters support you in this Republican primary? Be specific when offering comparison with others on the August ballot.

Representation is about representing the people. I am the only candidate in this race who can reasonably represent voters from both sides of the aisle in a reasonable way. Exchanging the extreme left incumbent with my primary challenger who’s from the extreme right wing, won’t solve the problem. Most voters are stranded in the middle. That’s where I stand.

GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION 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

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

august 4 primary election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills

U.S. CONGRESS – 11TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN Five Republicans are running in the August primary to challenge incumbent Democrat Haley Stevens in the general election. Only Eric Esshaki responded to Downtown's questionnaire.

ERIC ESSHAKI

America’s health care system, doctors, nurses, and general medical staff have proven themselves during this crisis.

They have risen to the occasion at great risk. They have not been given enough credit. But our political leaders are still failing our most vulnerable.

There is no clear policy and support system for nursing homes. Nursing home residents are consistently the most at-risk. I don’t think a national system for re-opening is the solution.

We have a massive country and the appropriate re-opening standard in rural Montana is not the same as Detroit. What we do need is for the leaders of the country to have adult conversations with the public, explaining why it’s unlikely that we will have a quick magic medical cure and what that means for all of us. We need to be having conversations about what we can do to stay safe and limit the spread, while simultaneously reopening our economy.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Eric Esshaki of Birmingham has a bachelor's degree in integrative studies from Oakland University, his law degree from University of Michigan Law School and a nursing degree from Oakland Community College. An attorney who previously worked at Howard & Howard, he has not held political office before.

RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CRISIS How would you rate the response by the Trump administration to the coronavirus crisis that has gripped the country? Specifically, the national supply of personal protection devices and critical supplies for the medical first line responders. Likewise, was there a clear and timely national policy response on containment of the virus? And what about a national policy on reopening the economy?

As a former medical professional there have been several distressing things about our country’s response to the pandemic. This should not be a politically polarized issue. Health officials should have been the lead on guiding the public, but the press would not let that happen – that has been true as it relates to the president, or the governor of New York or Michigan.

Politicians are famously not precise and political. Now, health officials have stumbled as well. Ventilators turned out to be less helpful than originally thought, and the World Health Organization has been unduly influenced by China, oftentimes sending conflicting information about this virus. On the other hand, AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

When President Donald Trump came to office, he and his administration began to rollback a number of environmental regulations enacted by the administration of President Obama, and reversed a number of decisions from prior administrations dating back to the Clinton era that were designed to promote a cleaner environment. The last count put the total at over 100 environmental rules that have been weakened or eliminated by the Trump administration. Do you support what the current administration has done on this front? Explain.

Caring for our environment is important and we have a responsibility to protect it. There have been successes with mitigating damage like removing DDT. Environmental regulations are important, but we need to ensure that those regulations make sense, are science-based, and that they work. The superfund law, for example, has spent a enormous amount on litigation, not mitigation.

We have to ask ourselves how we can strike a wiser balance. Details matter, and I support a rolling review of all regulations to make sure that it will continue to advance the goal of a clean environment and make economic sense. This will result in a shift based on science, not politics.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN 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?

We have the greatest healthcare system in the world. We must continue to work to improve that system while also ensuring that everyone has access to quality affordable healthcare. The increasing costs of healthcare continue to serve as an impediment to universal access.

The high costs have disproportionately hurt the middle class, who are spending more and getting fewer benefits in return. I was a nurse for nearly ten years and witnessed firsthand the failures of Obamacare.

Obamacare failed to address the rising costs of healthcare and has actually caused those costs to continue to increase. Further, ObamaCare is forcing the consolidation of medical providers into ever larger big companies (insurance, hospital and individual doctor networks). Big medicine is not a remedy to cost or quality. Healthcare is complicated, and we need to start having serious conversations about driving costs down. Medicare-for-All, and other similar proposals are not the answer.

They will inevitably give Americans fewer choices, and lead to increased costs and decreased quality.

GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION 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?

I am an attorney and a constitutional conservative. I support the Constitution. The rights of law-abiding citizens must be protected. But we must also do a better job of enforcing the laws that we currently have to ensure that firearms stay out of the hands of criminals. We have numerous tragic cases where a person was reported to law enforcement as a threat, but there was no follow-up.

Congresswoman Stevens voted last year to not report illegal immigrants who try to buy a gun to ICE. Suicide is another area where guns can be an issue, yet we continue to treat mental health issues very poorly on all levels.

These are examples where we should be able to find common ground to reduce gun violence.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

REASON FOR RUNNING You must think there are failings with the incumbent Democrat or you would not be seeking office. What failings to do you see?

Our Congress is broken. My opponent, Haley Stevens, epitomizes the problem. She claimed to be a moderate and pledged not to follow the Democratic party line. Now she votes with Nancy Pelosi 100 percent of the time, and every policy that she supports calls for bigger government and higher taxes. She is one of the most partisan members of the Michigan delegation. These policies will crush our economy and continue to add to our nation’s debt. She supports a range of policies that will damage our health care, our economy and just violate common sense. Her health care plan will eliminate 100,000 doctors and nurses. That is a stunningly bad idea. Endlessly larger government is not the solution to our problems. But that is Haley Stevens’ answer to every issue we face. We need leaders in Congress who will end the partisan games and focus on fixing real world problems like health care and our economy.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should primary voters support you in this Republican primary? Be specific when offering comparison with others on the August ballot.

I am running for Congress because we need leaders who will stop playing political games and actually solve problems. These days, politicians don’t even attempt to have a reasoned conversation. They just yell and spout talking points. Congresswoman Stevens claim to fame is yelling at constituents and on the floor of Congress, where her own party had to yank her away from the microphone.

For over eight years as a nurse, I helped by caring for people in crisis.

As a lawyer, I work tirelessly to solve complex problems, promote justice and right wrongs. Today the politicians in Congress seem less concerned with finding solutions for the people that they are supposed to serve and more concerned with pandering to the special interests funding their campaigns. As a nurse, I fought for my patients everyday. As a lawyer, I recently took on Governor Whitmer in federal court where four judges, appointed by presidents of both parties, agreed with me that her actions were unconstitutional. I’ve proven that I’m willing to stand up and fight for the principles that have made this country great. I will continue doing that in Congress.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE/DEMOCRAT DAVID COULTER

EXECUTIVE VETO POWER An elected county executive has veto power over ordinances, polices and resolutions passed by the county board of commissioners. Most recently, the county board, controlled

by Democrats, adopted a policy that gives county employees the day off to vote in an election, by some estimates an added cost of $1 million for the county and its taxpayers. In that state voters approved no-reasons absentee voting, some say this new policy is unnecessary. Do you think the county board policy change should have been vetoed by the executive?

Coulter resides in Ferndale and received an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. He was an Oakland County Commissioner from 2002-2010, mayor of Ferndale from 2011-2019, and was appointed county executive in August of 2019. He has held several board positions with community nonprofit groups.

STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICE At the present time, with an appointed county executive, it would seem to members of the public that the office is operating with the same basic structure that has been in place during all the years L. Brooks Patterson held the office. What changes are you proposing, either in the structure to the executive office itself or to the general operation of the position?

Explain the logic behind the changes.

Will the changes involve added budget for operating the office?

As county executive, I have hired the most diverse leadership team in county history, including the first woman to serve as chief deputy executive and the first African American deputy executive.

This team is complemented by a former city manager, and an expert in economic development, budgeting and procurement. I recently appointed the county’s first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer to focus both on internal and external efforts in this important area. We have approached our work in a collaborative fashion evaluating every department from IT to facilities to seek improvements and efficiencies. We also conducted an outside review of our economic development department in order to create a new strategy for the next 10 years. We have maintained strict adherence to fiscal discipline approving a three-year balanced budget with progressive values and maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating in March.

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An active and engaged electorate is a bedrock principle and we need to do everything we can to eliminate barriers to voting and to promote civic engagement. I supported Oakland County joining with Macomb County, Wayne County, the state of Michigan and many private sector companies in providing election day as a day off for our employees. Our completely voluntary workforce of current poll workers is aging and it is vital that we encourage others to become involved in working polls and assisting our local clerks. This new policy costs $304,800 and was approved in the context of Oakland County’s balanced three-year budget.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK How does a county executive balance the responsibility of focusing on the local county's needs, now and in the future, while at the same time being an active participant – rather than an impediment – when it comes to regional issues?

I believe we can both stand up for our residents and reach out to our regional partners. As county executive, I have done that by making Oakland County an an active member of the region again.

For example, I felt strongly about rejoining the Detroit Regional Partnership.

This 11-county partnership focuses on attracting businesses to the region. As the economic engine of the state, we know we are competing not against ourselves, or our neighbors in the region, but as a region against other parts of the country and globe. I am confident if we join together to attract out-of-state and global companies, Oakland County will get its fair share of business activity.

I have also worked closely with leaders in the region during the pandemic coordinating on testing and health orders to keep our region and its residents safer from the spread of the virus.

recently voters in this county have been less enthusiastic in terms of tax increases to support a system beyond what we now have through SMART or an expanded system that does not provide equal benefits for all Oakland County communities. At the same time, the future for the modes of personal transportation is a big question. Plus, one of the impacts of the pandemic crisis is the number of employees who have been working remotely, which raises a legitimate question of whether there will be even less demand for an expanded mass transit system. What are your thoughts on the mass transit issue?

ANDY MEISNER

A new regional transit plan must address the economic development needs of our communities, provide frequent and reliable service for workers, seniors and the disabled, utilize new technology and create flexible mobility options for communities in all parts of Oakland County. I believe that transit will make our region more competitive economically and attract younger people who want transit options. I am committed to finding a transit solution that will benefit our county and the entire region.

Meisner lives in Huntington Woods and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from University of Detroit-Mercy.

He served as a Michigan State Representative for the 27th House District from 2002-2008 and has been Oakland County Treasurer since 2009.

He has held several board positions with community non-profit groups.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICE

Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

The county executive office has lost a great deal of experience in county government since the appointment, especially in the area of budget and finance. Most current appointees had no county government experience. We also seem to have discontinued the use of a five-year fiscal plan, which has been one of the hallmarks of the county’s financial management. I would correct that to protect our AAA bond rating and our ability to address liabilities before they are realized.

I have achieved results as county executive, maintained our AAA bond rating and led during a crisis. I was a unifying voice after the passing of L. Brooks Patterson and my collaborative leadership style has allowed my team to move quickly to achieve results and pull everyone together during the pandemic. I have demonstrated that you can stand up to President Trump’s agenda when it is wrong for Oakland County. When Planned Parenthood was defunded, I stepped into to ensure family planning was available to Oakland County women.

When immigrants and refugees were demonized, I made Oakland County a welcoming county. I am proud to be the only candidate in the Democratic primary that has endorsements from the county officials I work with every day. The road ahead calls for a county executive who is already implementing the plans to address our challenges and seize our opportunities.

MASS TRANSIT The issue of mass transit for southeast Michigan has been a hotly debated topic for over four decades. More VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

EXECUTIVE VETO POWER During my years in public service I have strongly supported measures to encourage participation in elections and to uplift the franchise. I question the timing of this particular move given the passage of Proposal 3, allowing noreason absentee voting, and given the cost as county employees I speak with would much rather avoid the cuts they’re experiencing now, and may continue to experience, instead of getting election day off when they can simply mail their ballot in without affecting their work schedule in any way.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK Long-time County Executive Brooks Patterson, whose term the interim executive is completing now, held the view that any gain by others in the region was a loss for Oakland County. continued on page 9B AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

august 4 primary election voter guide

OAKLAND COUNTY EXECUTIVE/REPUBLICAN MICHAEL KOWALL

oppose it.” Oakland County takes a bad rap for supposedly not being regional. We launched Automation Alley and the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information Systems (CLEMIS), we helped to support and grow these initiatives well past our county’s borders to the benefit of the region and beyond. We came together with the region to establish the Cobo Hall (now FCS) Authority and the SMART/DDOT system. We come to the table as active members of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).

We offer our eGovernment services and expertise to many local governments in Oakland County, the region and throughout the state.

JEFFREY NUTT

REGIONAL OUTLOOK

MASS TRANSIT Kowall resides in White Lake and attended Oakland Community College and served a five-year carpenter apprenticeship. He was White Lake Township Supervisor from 2004-2010, State Representative from 1999-2003, State Senator from 2011-2019 and served as Senate Majority Floor Leader from 2015-2019.

STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICE While the structure is similar to that of L. Brooks Patterson, the assignments are different. I would better align the talents and expertise of each deputy executive, and spread out the responsibilities more equitably. Economic Development, Finance and IT are separate disciplines. I would also maintain department directors/managers to run the operations of each department and reserve deputy executives for the larger issues such as overall oversight, developing policy and planning the future direction of the county. Such realignments would be budget neutral.

EXECUTIVE VETO POWER Yes. Not only is this costly to the taxpayers, they now have another day in November when they can’t access county departments or services. We already have Veterans’ Day on November 11th and then Thanksgiving Day weekend towards the end of November, and now an “Election Day” holiday.

REGIONAL OUTLOOK Anyone elected to an Oakland County office – be it countywide or county commissioners – should put the interests of Oakland County people, who they represent, first. I think Brooks had the right philosophy when he stated, “If it benefits the region and it’s good for Oakland County, I’ll support it. If it benefits the region and is neutral for Oakland County, I’ll support it. If it benefits some in the region, but hurts Oakland County, I will AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

I think you pretty much said it all. I do support the efforts by local government to establish transportation systems and authorities. These work for the areas they serve and could be expanded upon as needed. If there is to be any consideration of mass transit in the future, all parts of the county must be included in the development of a plan, including meaningful input as to the service and taxation aspects of such a plan. I believe in local control and no local governments should be forced into a system they don’t want or benefit from.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU As a state representative and a state senator, I was a cheerleader for Oakland County and always kept the county uppermost in mind during policy and budgetary decisions. During my tenure in the legislature, I served in many leadership roles and came up with creative solutions for complicated problems. I have successfully taken on many difficult legislative issues, such as the autonomous vehicle bills I spearheaded. I stepped in to help out with controversial scrap metal legislation, bringing all parties together to enact responsible, sensible laws curtailing the problem of metal theft. I currently maintain many relationships within state government that will be beneficial to Oakland County. As White Lake Township Supervisor, I brought $95 million worth of new development to our township during the Great Recession. I worked collaboratively and have developed good relationships with most of Oakland County’s local elected officials and continue to do so, especially when we encounter an issue that unites us. I believe that in order to make Oakland County strong, we need to recognize and consider the input of each city, village and township in our county.

government but instead shifted the burden of coping with reduced county service to more than a million residents who do not have the luxury of a paid day off for election day.

Nutt lives in Troy and has an undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University, was a Fullbright Scholar and obtained his law degree from American University. He has spent time working in the U.S. Supreme Court, in U.S. Senate offices and the U.S. State Department.

STRUCTURE OF THE OFFICE To say the basic structure remained the same after L. Brooks Patterson defies common sense. The number of top executives increased after Brooks left by 50 percent. That is an increase from two to three C-Level executives. To save time and expense, using the best digital meeting technology across the 10 major departments/units, I will flatten the organizational chart and use two deputy county executives – not four – one over finance and the other over operations.

Finally, for the two C-Level executive positions to both be retained, I would expect one to also promote rapid economic growth with high paying jobs and the other, a world class education/ health care system, accessible by the very best transit.

EXECUTIVE VETO POWER There are already 10 federal/county holidays for most county employees per year in addition to the five personal time off (PTO) days. By executive order, the county executive can encourage supervisors to grant staff one-two hours of modified work hours, resources permitting, on election day. This would obviate the need for the policy granting a day off on election day for all county employees. A veto was needed to assure that the other nearly 1.3 million county residents are not disadvantaged with reduced county services on election day.

No-reason absentee voting can be a practical alternative to the policy approved by the narrowest of margins that did nothing to enhance the effectiveness or efficiency of county

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

In our world of increasingly interdependent communities, we can retain our independence while actively addressing regional issues through creating and building connections. Oakland County must be a leader, not a follower, promoting regional cooperation through sincere concern with practical support for the common good. Completing the ninemonth competitive Regional Chamber Leadership Detroit XIX Training Program with a former Michigan governor engrained in me a deep desire to be sensitive and responsible to regional issues through sincere concern and practical support.

MASS TRANSIT The question of mass transit is simplified when considering a) a new federal funding option and b) a new economy light rail design as distinguished from the Q-Line/M1 street level design. I will demand a state law reform enabling Oakland County to draw down nearly $100 million in new transit funds we pay in federal taxes that are spent outside Michigan by using a new entity having no taxing power and no elected officials. We begin with two lines, e.g. north-south and east-west but unlike the M-1 design that takes longer to move a car from a rail than a train took to move a buffalo in in the 1870s, at great cost in time and expense, the best option is elevated or below ground rail. Atlanta started with two lines; Panama City, Panama built nearly 40 miles of elevated light rail in eight years.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Now is not the time for a career politician. Republicans question my opponent’s votes. A State Bar Champion of Justice, Trump supporter, Oxford Fulbright Scholar and Troy community activist with vast private, nonprofit, and public sector experience, I never raised your taxes. I led a multi-million dollar legal organization that served 50 local communities and more than 60 schools.

I have overseen 100 professionals/ consultants and 20 finance departments.

A lawyer, online dean and podcast host, I served individuals and businesses in Oakland County and 30 nations. Earlier, I served in all three branches of the federal government, including Chief Justice Warren Burger, two Senate offices, the U.S. State Department AID Environmental Affairs, and on the state level in Oakland County. A pro-family, pro-worker, progrowth Republican married to an OB/GYN, I will fight as a voice for every unheard youth, family, senior, worker, business, school, and community.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

OAKLAND COUNTY PROSECUTOR/DEMOCRAT JESSICA COOPER

Cooper lives in Beverly Hills and obtained her undergraduate and law degrees from Wayne State University.

She was 46th District Court Judge from 1979-1986; Oakland County Circuit Court Judge from 1987-2000; Michigan Court of Appeals Judge from 2001-2007; and has been Oakland County Prosecutor since 2009.

Cooper has been involved with a number of professional and community non-profit groups.

REFORM OF BAIL SYSTEM Across the country we are seeing calls for reform of the current bail system. Is the bail system in need of reform? If so, what would you suggest? If not, why?

Yes. Judges and /or magistrates set bond for an individual charged with a crime. In Oakland County we have 31 different district court judges. Many times the “fines” and “costs” and a portion of the cash bonds are used as a funding source for local district courts. We have been talking to legislators about the interim bond act since I was elected. A few years ago my office took part in a work committee of attorneys, judges, legislators, and pretrial services to discuss bail reform and set the groundwork for the expansiveness of the project. Those early discussions were eventually subsumed by the current Michigan Joint Force of Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, which generated its report on January 10, 2020 with pending recommendations to our legislature. I am in full agreement with the report’s recommendations.

SENTENCING DIVERSION PROGRAMS Rather than jail time on some more minor offenses, we are witnessing the use of diversion programs. What 8B

diversion programs are currently being used by the Oakland County Prosecutor's office? Do you agree with the movement in the last threefour years of increasing use of these programs? For what types of crime would you support diversion programs rather than jail sentences?

What limitations (types of crimes) would you not support for diversion programs rather than jail time?

Rather than jail time on some more minor offenses, we are witnessing the use of diversion programs. What diversion programs are currently being used by the Oakland County Prosecutor's office? Do you agree with the movement in the last threefour years of increasing use of these programs? For what types of crime would you support diversion programs rather than jail sentences?

What limitations (types of crimes) would you not support for diversion programs rather than jail time?

The courts impose incarceration when the crime endangers the safety of the public, such as an assaultive crime or when there are repeated offenses or a violation of the court’s conditions of probation. My office has always had a first offender diversionary program, a Teen Court Program, referrals to Youth Assistance, and requests to the court for delayed sentences (economic crimes giving the offender the opportunity to make financial restitution to the victim). The courts also have the option of YTA, Extended YTA, 769.4a (for Domestic Violence), and 7411 (minor drug offenses). All of these programs are used to try and keep individuals out of our jails and prisons. And for many, if they successfully complete the program or conditions of probation, they will not have a criminal record.

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT This primary on the Democrat ticket is taking on the appearance of contests nation-wide where progressive policies are challenging those who have held this position for years. Is that a fair description of what Democrat primary voters are facing in August? How much of he policies being suggested by the progressive movement are actually data-based, research-based?

Local “progressive” groups use national numbers and do not address the specifics or accomplishments within a particular county. As the county prosecutor we have seen a steady decline in criminal case filings in circuit court (41 percent reduction) and juvenile filings (63 reduction).

While my opponent spouts progressive rhetoric, her actions and history are

quite opposite. As a family court judge, she sent an individual to jail for civil contempt for failing to vaccinate her child. There were less draconian ways to get the child vaccinated. She sent another 19 individuals to jail for civil contempt of court, again without the right to a jury trial or a standard of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Karen has received substantial funding from my Republican predecessor, David Gorcyca, who co-sponsored three of her fundraisers. Not sure if she is a Democrat, let alone a progressive.

CHANGING ENFORCEMENT CULTURE Because some of the suggested changes to the prosecution system could be viewed as actually pushing change in the culture of law enforcement which may be more accustomed to a heavier-handed prosecution of crimes, does the county prosecutor need to meet with law enforcement leaders to explain a change in prosecutor philosophy to avoid blow back to policy changes?

Likewise, should there be a meeting of minds with judges of the district and circuit court system?

You don’t have to be an ideologue to work against the dire problems and disparities that exist in the criminal justice system. In fact, it requires an open and agile mind and knowledge of the law to effectuate change. What seems to be lost in the rhetoric is that victims of crime suffer from the same over whelming ethnic and cultural disparities. My attorneys are taught that ethics and fairness and excellence are the mantra of the office. We teach law at the police academy. You bring about change by earning respect for your knowledge, your hard work and your intellectual honesty. People only listen if they trust you. The courtroom is the one place where it is critical that the public have confidence in the fact that they will get a fair hearing. There is no justice system if we have judges or police officers or prosecutors with agendas.

lot of fanfare; I’m not using my office as a bully pulpit. My attorneys are well trained and highly skilled. I think my continued endorsements by first responders are a metric. I think the lowered crime rates are a metric. I think my work during the pandemic is a metric. I think our 99 percent affirmance rate in the court of appeals is a metric. I think the happiness on the faces of the kids at Mandy’s Place every Christmas morning is a metric.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU What qualifies you for this position rather than your opponent?

Experience, thoroughness and authenticity is the glaring difference.

Over my career, I have made a difference in a lot of lives, one case at a time. I haven’t cured the social ills of our lifetime, but I stood up and tried and continue to try. I run a fair, ethical and professional office. My opponent worked as a district court prosecutor for David Gorcyca 20 years ago. She was never promoted to circuit. She was a family court judge for only one term. She spent most of her career in civil law. She has never tried a murder or capital case, has no knowledge of complex forensic evidence and absolutely no administrative experience. With the rise of hate crimes as well as the pandemic and the economic crises, this is not the time for on the job training or to bring back the horrific headlines of the Gorcyca administration.

KAREN MCDONALD

ASSESSING PERFORMANCE Is there a system of metrics or performance standards that county citizens can use to gauge the performance of an elected county prosecutor?

There are 701 times specific duties of county prosecutors are mentioned in the Michigan Constitution, statutes and court rules. My best metric is the trust the voters have placed in me by returning me to office time and again.

That’s because I have been a fixture in the schools and in the senior centers and now on webinars. There is not a

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McDonald resides in Birmingham and obtained her undergraduate degree from Alma College and law degree from Wayne State University. She was an Oakland County Circuit Court Judge from 2012-2019. McDonald has held positions with a number of professional and community groups.

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REFORM OF BAIL SYSTEM

ASSESSING PERFORMANCE

ANDY MEISNER

Yes. Cash bail is a product of a racist, wealth-based criminal justice system.

It inordinately affects women, poor people, and people of color who are less likely to be able to afford cash bail and risk losing their houses, jobs, and even families while awaiting trial.

Meanwhile, wealthier people who commit the same crime are able to post cash bail and return to their jobs and families. If we ever hope to create a truly equal justice system, we need to end biased prosecutorial practices like cash bail.

Although conviction rates and sentencing may provide some insight into prosecutorial performance, they cannot account for the complexities of sentencing on a case by case basis.

Measuring performance in this way does not encourage just, fair sentencing that takes all facts into account, but instead puts pressure on offices to seek maximum sentences regardless of surrounding factors.

Instead, we should rely on statistics that reflect crime rate and overall community safety, such as tracking recidivism rates and reducing prevalence of racial and social inequality. When using these metrics to evaluate performance, prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers are encouraged to fulfill their roles in a way that is best for the community as a whole, rather than for their respective careers or ratings.

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SENTENCING DIVERSION PROGRAMS Our current prosecutor refuses to participate in treatment courts or diversion programs, despite the availability of programs in Oakland County. As prosecutor, I will not only invest in veterans and treatment courts, but also establish new mental health courts to ensure that all Oakland County residents have access to treatment rather than funneling them into the criminal justice system.

I will also establish first offender programs and diversionary programs for all nonviolent, low-level offenders so that they can receive the help and resources they need to avoid unnecessary incarceration and further run-ins with the justice system. By doing so, I will reduce crime, keep low-level offenders out of jail as much as possible, and provide defendants with the help they need to successfully reintegrate into society.

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT Yes, and these progressive challengers are receiving such widespread support for a reason. Criminal justice reform is not just an ideology—it is a necessity.

We know from scientific research on bias and brain chemistry, as well as from in depth reports conducted by reputable groups such as the Michigan Task Force on Jails and Pretrial Incarceration, the ACLU, and Michigan Liberation that our current system is failing juveniles, poor people, and people of color. It is imperative that we not only conduct this important research, but act on it to help create an equal justice system for all people.

CHANGING LAW CULTURE Yes. In order for our justice system to work effectively in this transition to progressive criminal justice reform, it is essential that the prosecutor work together with policy makers, law enforcement officers and judges.

Although the prosecutor has the most power to enact immediate criminal justice reform in Oakland County, we cannot hope to create a truly fair system without the involvement of all criminal justice stakeholders. If elected, I will work tirelessly to meet and collaborate with other community leaders to make these changes a reality for Oakland County.

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WHY VOTE FOR YOU Over the past twenty years, I have served Oakland County as a circuit court judge (2012-2019), assistant prosecutor (1999-2004), and private practice attorney (2004-2013). I have seen firsthand that our broken criminal justice system is failing Oakland County residents—especially poor people and people of color. Our current prosecutor has had twelve years to implement criminal justice reform in Oakland County, but has failed to do so. I stepped down from the bench in 2019 because we need a prosecutor who will actively work to end mass incarceration and implement progressive criminal justice reform that will create a fair system for all people. With my background as a judge, assistant prosecutor, and attorney, I am uniquely qualified to lead the prosecutor’s office in this pursuit with experience and understanding in all areas of the court.

I fundamentally disagree with this assessment and believe that the regions that are enjoying the greatest growth in economic vitality and population (at least pre-COVID) are those that have branded themselves as a region and competed with other regions, countries and trading blocs. We don’t want to simply move jobs around the region, but instead, we want to bring more investment to our region knowing full well that Oakland County will get at least its share given our amazing schools and communities, highly-skilled workforce and extraordinary recreational opportunities.

MASS TRANSIT I support regional transit knowing that health issues raised by the pandemic must be addressed and resolved. That said, there are very few or no major markets thriving nationally without regional transit. We need what regional mobility systems bring: investment, increased property values, young people, the ability to get to work, and for seniors and persons with disabilities to navigate the region. The current interim executive’s failure to get a plan on the ballot is a terrible blow for the cause. I never thought the transit situation could be worse off (no Macomb County at the table, even a Swiss cheese approach on opt-outs that failed in Lansing) under Democratic control than it was under Brooks Patterson, but that is where we stand today. I will change that as Executive and do so in a way that protects the public health and provides real value for everyone in Oakland County.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I have a strong record of delivering innovative public service to Oakland County as treasurer for 10 years and State Representative for six, as well as work on Capitol Hill as a policy advisor and in the private and non-profit sectors.

My opponent does not. As treasurer I’ve helped 30,000 families save their homes from foreclosure, while protecting our AAA bond rating and supporting small business. My opponent has not. I am proposing a comprehensive and innovative agenda as county executive spanning gender and racial equity, small business, healthcare, education and sustainability, among others, which can be found in detail on my website. My opponent has not. I have shared in the sacrifice during the COVID crisis as county employees pay is being cut, taking a voluntary pay cut. My opponent has not. I am focused on the future of Oakland County. My opponent is not.

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CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, August 4?

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 August 4 primary election.

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OAKLAND COUNTY SHERIFF/DEMOCRATS VINCENT GREGORY

battle between life and death and the governor's orders are in place to protect and save lives.

OAKLAND JAIL CONDITIONS

Gregory lives in Lathrup Village and has a degree in criminal justice from Madonna University. He has been a member of the Wayne County Sheriff Department, Oakland County Commissioner, State Representative and State Senator.

ENFORCING GOVERNOR'S ORDERS During the current pandemic crisis, there are a half dozen county sheriff's in the state who have announced they would not be enforcing the governor's executive orders relative to stay-at-home, social distancing, and business closures. Despite the fact that the oath of office for sheriff includes a promise to uphold the Michigan Constitution, several of these sheriffs have stated that they don't feel they answer to the governor and therefore would not be enforcing her executive orders, which have been upheld by the state attorney general and now the courts. As sheriff, would you enforce executive orders from the governor?

Yes, as the Oakland County Sheriff, I would enforce executive orders from the governor relating to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The sheriffs who have declared that they won't comply with the governor's executive orders have a duty to respect and obey the law; they do not have the luxury to select the laws that they will enforce versus those that they choose to ignore. The sheriffs who have publicly declared that they will not enforce the governor’s executive orders have in essence given the citizens in their counties permission to defy the governor's orders as well. This is not the message that the top law enforcement officer in the county should send to citizens, especially when we are literally in the middle of a 10B

A lawsuit on behalf of prisoners was filed in federal court, claiming that the sheriff has not adequately provided COVID-19 safeguards for prisoners. The federal judge has basically agreed with the plaintiffs and has called for changes plus a list of prisoners and their criminal history for possible release during the coronavirus crisis. Are you familiar with Oakland County Jail conditions and should more have been done in terms of prisoner protection from possible virus infection? Should there have been a more aggressive program of releasing prisoners to avoid spreading the virus?

I learned about the lawsuit through researching and reading various reports. During my career as a deputy, I witnessed the efforts of attorneys on behalf of their clients who were inmates and grieved the conditions of the jail. During that time, I know for a fact that the attorneys worked diligently to secure remedies on behalf of their clients and filing lawsuits was generally a last resort resolution when they failed to reach an acceptable solution. The status of the court case against the Oakland County Jail and the restraining order that was implemented serves as evidence that the current Oakland County Sheriff failed to respond to the concerns of the inmates in a manner that would ensure that inmates were protected from the spread of Covid-19.

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT Oakland County is getting a small taste of the progressive prosecutor movement in the August primary for prosecutor, which nationally includes diversion sentencing programs rather than jail time for some crimes, lessened bail amounts or no bail amounts rather than jail time until trial, and other changes to the current system. Some say this movement will ultimately change the culture of law enforcement, moving away from hard-handed enforcement. Do you think this will impact the law enforcement part of the criminal justice equation? Is this good or bad?

The job of the Sheriff is to protect and serve the public. Progressive prosecutors, who push for more diversion programs upon sentencing, decreases in bail amounts or no bail at all, instead of the accused being confined in jail until the time of their

trial, are on the path to impacting law enforcement in a positive way and one that ensures that all citizens who are accused of committing crimes receive treatment that is fair and equitable. As a country, we are moving away from hard-handed law enforcement and law enforcement professionals must adapt to and embrace these changes in order to be recognized as an ally to communities that we serve.

streamlining the absentee voting process for overseas service members; and as a State Senator, being a part of a subcommittee for expanding Medicaid to 600,000 more Michigan residents. I have a history of getting things done.

BARNETT JONES

WHY YOU ARE RUNNING You must think improvements are needed in the county sheriff's office or you would not be seeking office.

What failings to do you see with the incumbent county sheriff and what specifically needs to change?

I’m running for Oakland County Sheriff because I am an experienced leader and I have always lead with integrity, accountability in a manner that reflects inclusivity and respect for all of the citizens that I have served. As a U.S. Marine, Vietnam Veteran, former County Commissioner, former State Representative, former State Senator, and career law enforcement officer, I’ve been elected to and held leadership positions that afforded me public trust for decades and I am running so that I can use my leadership skills to continue to serve the citizens of Oakland County. I am running for Oakland County Sheriff because there are some areas that have not been addressed during the tenure of our current sheriff and I will ensure that these changes are implemented. These changes include deputies being a visible presence throughout Oakland County and encouraging the advancement of qualified women and minorities so that our leadership reflects the communities that we serve.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Tell us why voters should select you rather than one of your opponents?

Voters should elect me as the next Oakland County Sheriff because I have a history of leadership experience that has placed me at the table in a position to negotiate and bring about change on the state and county level as an elected official and within law enforcement as the leader of the sheriff's deputy union. A few of my accomplishments include: Lobbying and securing funding for secondary roads so that the sheriff’s departments across the state could increase their support of the local police departments; as a county commissioner I was instrumental in keeping Catalpa Oaks a green space instead of becoming another area of condos; as a State Representative,

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Jones resides in Lake Orion and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Madonna University, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan. He has served as the chief of police in two municipalities and was a member of the Oakland Sheriff Department, and Rochester Hills councilman from 1991-1993.

ENFORCING GOVERNOR'S ORDERS The one thing I can tell you about the decision made in Oakland County is it had nothing to do with upholding the law, and everything to do with upholding party politics. Yes, as a sworn law enforcement officer, I feel I am duty-bound to uphold the law.

There have been several times throughout my career that my personal opinion has clashed with my professional responsibility. However, I swore an oath to serve and uphold the laws of the land, regardless of my personal opinions.

OAKLAND JAIL CONDITIONS I started getting personal phone calls and texts more than two-weeks before the lawsuit was filed on behalf of the prisoners; deputies working in the jail asking for my help. Yes. I'd say there should have been a much more aggressive plan on how to handle this.

It's a blatant example of bad leadership and lack of vision. If you go back and read the initial reports you'll see almost nothing is said about the deputies and civilians working at the jail, and can you remember hearing anything from the sitting sheriff? No. AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

Per usual, when there's bad news he makes the undersheriff deal with it. As a captain at the OCSD I was in charge of corrective services and am well aware of both the conditions that existed and improvements that have been made which is why I can tell you, there is a long way to go. I would have made use of the latest technologies such as tethers and monitors to get the non-violent offenders out of the jail, which would have lowered the population, thus reducing the exposure to both prisoners and jail staff. This, along with providing the proper equipment to the jail staff and the inmates, may have deterred the Covid-19 problem the jail has experienced. Additionally, testing all the inmates and staff, and curtailing inmate visits may have also lessened the exposure, if it had been done sooner. Unfortunately, because there was no demonstrated leadership vision or even the ability to find a middle ground with the inmate's attorneys, the court is now having to provide the proper way to move forward with this situation.

and will change include: Promoting female deputies - there hasn't been a female deputy promoted to the rank of captain in twenty years. There was recently a shooting in Pontiac that should have been turned over to the state police or another department to do the investigation. Instead the sheriff decided to have the investigation done internally and you can't create community trust that way.

One of my first steps will be to create a citizen advisory board that will work with the sheriff's office to help review patterns of misconduct, help with the monitoring and auditing of internal investigations and their findings, and make recommendations for police policies, training and services. It's the citizens of Oakland County that will help us make the needed changes.

This panel will include members of the sheriff's staff, representatives from the unions and most importantly, volunteers from each of the communities that contract with the department. When I say I want our citizens involved in this new direction, I mean it.

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

It is long since time for our law enforcement officers to return to being our community guardians and not the warriors we now project ourselves to be. I have said since the launch of my campaign that it's time for a change. I don't think that could possibly be more clear. So, yes, I actively support this initiative. Locking non-violent poor people up only causes them to lose their families, their jobs, their faith in law enforcement, and other resources.

It is not likely they have the resources to flee the country or the county, so we should treat them like other arrests that have the money to pay their bail.

We could also hand them "appearance tickets' which was a paper arrest with your court date scheduled in the future. This would have eliminated housing a person in jail that could not afford to post their bail in the first place. I believe, with training and the adoption of new policies, law enforcement officers can be even more effective because the act of making arrests for non-violent crimes takes officers off the street. Reduce that from the equation and you have officers with more time to contribute to community engagement practices.

There is no other candidate in the 2020 race for sheriff with my resume as an officer of the law and now more than ever I am uniquely qualified because I understand the issues of social justice as few can. I remember traveling with my grandparents in the South and having to stop outside of town because we knew nobody would let us use the public restrooms and for more than 40 years I have watched as our nation has struggled with finding a way to guarantee "justice for all.â&#x20AC;? More than just having those experiences, I have the educational background as well: Associates Degree in Police Sciences from Henry Ford College; Bachelor's Degree in General Studies from University of Michigan-Dearborn; Masters in Liberal Studies/Technology from Eastern Michigan University; Masters Educational Leadership from Madonna University; Certified State of Michigan School Administrator; graduate of the FBI National Academy; graduate of Northwestern University School of Staff and Command; graduate of the United States Secret Service Dignitary Protection Academy; currently a certified law enforcement officer; and certified fireman. My education has allowed me to teach internationally. My education, both on the streets and in the classroom, and my years of practical experiences leading and training law enforcement officers have taught me what makes bad police officers and more importantly, how to consistently create good ones. We have seen what happens when politicians are left in charge. It's time for a change, it's time to put a real lawman in the office of the Oakland County Sheriff.

WHY YOU ARE RUNNING Inclusion, transparency, social justice and community engagement. These have been at the core of the policies and programs I have established dating back to my time on the command staff with Oakland County; proven policies and procedures that worked when I was as chief of police in Sterling Heights, chief of police, fire and public safety in Ann Arbor, working for the emergency manager in Flint, and in my current role as chief of security and integrity for one of the world's largest utilities. Things I would AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

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OAKLAND COUNTY CLERK/REPUBLICAN TINA BARTON

solution could be a combination of enforcement and education.

NO-REASON ABSENTEE VOTING Voters in 2018 overwhelmingly approved no-reason absentee voting. Did you support that? Have the provisions of the ballot issue been implemented or have there been instances where election officials have not followed the ballot proposal exactly, as recently outlined in a lawsuit by the League of Women Voters of Michigan?

Barton resides in Springfield Township and holds an undergraduate degree from Great Lakes University and a Masters from Great Lakes University. She had been a deputy clerk in Bloomfield Township and is currently the city clerk for Rochester Hills. Barton has been involved in both professionals and community groups.

VOTING FRAUD The Republican Party on a national basis has latched onto alleged “voter fraud” as a campaign issue, often times as a guise for voter suppression that has been documented in a number of states in the South and Western portions of the country. Has there been voter fraud in Oakland County, and, if so, how widespread? How would you counteract voter fraud if it exists on any measurable basis?

I have been an election administrator in Oakland County for over 15 years and I am unaware of widespread voter fraud in our county. It is important to counter misinformation with fact. The fact is that no system is 100 percent foolproof; fraud could be committed at the precinct as well as through absentee voting. We must recognize and value the “gatekeepers” of the process: voter identification or signed affidavits, signature checks, receiving boards, canvasses, audits, and imprisonment and fines. As with any crime, a report would be filed, the police would investigate, and the prosecutor would prosecute if they had enough supporting evidence. Counteracting fraud could be a different approach for varied scenarios. My approach would be to isolate the incidents and determine what led to the fraud and how the fraud was carried out. The 12B

I do support no-reason absentee voting. No-reason absentee voting was introduced in 2015 by then Rep. Lisa Lyons and then Secretary Johnson. With the passage of Prop 18-3, it has been implemented under Secretary Benson. In response to not counting ballots postmarked on Election Day but received after Election Day, The Election Officials’ Manual, Michigan Bureau of Elections Chapter 6, November 2019, states, “An absentee ballot must be transmitted to the applicant by mail if there is an adequate amount of time for the voter to receive the ballot by mail, vote the ballot and return the ballot prior to 8:00 p.m. on the date of the election.” Any contradictions in election laws or new interpretations of laws must be cured through legislative action or a court ruling. In response to whether clerks are meeting the 40-day deadline to have ballots issued/ready to be issued, you must recognize that the 60-day certification deadline becomes a challenge for proofing, printing, delivering, testing, and issuing AV ballots. In March, there were jurisdictions throughout the state that received their ballots much later than others. The timeline must be adjusted on the front end in order to allow time for the clerks to receive their ballots in adequate time to meet the 40-day deadline.

CHANGES TO ABSENTEE VOTING What legislative changes do you think are needed to the current absentee voting system to allow for improved administration of elections by clerks?

Our Permanent AV List jumped from approximately 8,300 voters to over 15,000 after the passage of Prop 183. In August of 2019, over 80 percent of the ballots cast in Rochester Hills were done by absent voter ballot. The Bi-Partisan Policy Center released a report earlier this year and made the following recommendation: “Election administrators should be permitted to process vote-by-mail ballots beginning

at least seven days prior to Election Day but must be prohibited from producing results.” I have testified before the Senate Elections Committee and openly advocated for more time for the clerks to process absentee ballots. “Processing” could take on different meanings. I have requested the ability to remove the ballot from the envelope and prepare the ballot for tabulation, with no tabulation taking place until Election Day. The integrity of the process is paramount. We take our jobs seriously and there are consequences for any clerk or person who violates election laws. This is not only an efficiency issue for clerks, but it is also a safety concern for our senior workers who will be working grueling hours and then driving home.

MAILING ABSENTEE APPLICATIONS The Michigan Secretary of State announced she would be mailing applications for absentee ballots to all registered voters in the state in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Some local clerks had already made plans to do the same thing. Do you think local clerks should be doing such mailings in the future? Is voting by mail the future of elections even once this crisis has passed?

In the Michigan Bureau of Elections, Election Officials' Manual, Chapter 6, November 2019, under "Maintaining a Permanent Absent Voter Application List.” The last sentence in that paragraph specifically states, "Clerks may not mail absent voter applications without having received a verbal or written request." MI Court of Appeals 2007 decision in Taylor v Currie, the court held it was unlawful for a clerk to send unsolicited, unrequested AV applications to voters. That is “the law” of this state unless/until the legislature changes the election law or the Michigan Supreme Court reverses Taylort. As mentioned in a previous answer, we were already seeing dramatic increases in absentee voting due to the passage of Prop 18-3. While for some voting by mail is about convenience, the pandemic may cause the voter to view it more as a matter of health and safety than convenience. I do believe that voting by mail will continue to be the choice of voters post COVID-19.

ONLINE IMPACT IN CLERKS OFFICE If there was any lesson learned during the pandemic it was that some of the in-person contact that has been part of our past routines can now be replaced by virtual or

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online interactions. Is the county clerk's office up-to-date in terms of employing digital/online applications to fulfill office duties? Please explain.

I am always looking for ways to work smarter not harder, as well as opportunities to provide better customer options. I value each person’s time and resources. I have been recognized nationally for innovation. I specifically received an Outstanding Innovations in Elections award from the Election Assistance Commission for an Election Day Precinct Support Portal. Other large cities in Michigan have adopted the portal successfully. Additionally, I just created an informational video about the 2020 absent voter process. This video has been shared by nearly 100 clerks across the state. One thing I would implement immediately is the use of several social media platforms to relay information. This is currently only being done on a very limited basis. I would create a Clerk’s Office Innovation Committee that would meet once a month and brainstorm ideas about how we can provide better service, utilize online tools, and save money by streamlining processes.

REASON FOR RUNNING Obviously you must think improvements are needed in the county clerk's office or you would not be seeking office. What failings to do you see with the incumbent county clerk and what specifically needs to change, either on the election or the register of deeds portion of the office?

I have a healthy record of collaborating with clerks, election officials, and advocacy groups from across our county, state and nation. I am respected for my ability to reach across the aisle in order to get work done. In the last year, I have been a speaker at GOP events, for the DNC, as well as with the ACLU and Indivisible. There is no question that in August of 2018 the incumbent county clerk not only let the clerks of this county down, she let the voters of our county down. Voters and clerks in Oakland County deserve and should demand a partner and advocate in the county clerk’s office.

We need a county clerk that is less concerned about partisan politics and more concerned about people and processes. We need a leader. We need a leader that has a vision for our county and not just for her career.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should voters select you over AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

your primary opponent? Be specific.

I am the city clerk for the City of Rochester Hills and have served as an election administrator for over 15 years. I have an MA in Management and Leadership and a BA in Business Administration. I am certified by the IIMC as a Master Municipal Clerk and a Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk II by the MAMC. I serve on the Election Security Commission, appointed by SOS Benson. I also serve on the Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors, appointed by the US Conference of Mayors. I have received a Clearie Award for Election Innovation. Under my leadership, Rochester Hills was the first city in Michigan to conduct a Risk Limiting Audit pilot. I have been honored by Leadership Oakland as a Leader of Leaders in Public Service and by the MAMC as the City Clerk of the Year. I am the President of the Oakland County Clerks Association. I am a professional Clerk, my primary opponent is an attorney with no experience in elections. Our elections are too important to place them in the hands of someone with no experience.

PATRICK WILSON

with Covid -19 and the difficulties it will create for in-person voting as well as absentee voting. It is not the job of the clerk to legislate, but to work with the legislature for improved administration to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to vote and every vote counts.

MAILING ABSENTEE APPLICATIONS Going to the polls is a treasured American institution. People like to go in and vote and get their sticker that says “ I voted.” No matter what happens, going forward people need to be able to vote in person and feel safe doing it.

LOCAL MATTERS. municipal coverage school news

ONLINE IMPACT IN CLERKS OFFICE It is always important to look to new technologies to improve accessibility and lower costs while improving performance.

personality profiles crime map

REASON FOR RUNNING The clerk’s office should be made more accessible and user friendly through the use of technology. The clerk’s office and register of deeds needs an app that would allow for greater accessibility, improved performance and better serve the community.

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WHY VOTE FOR YOU You deserve a clerk’s office that continues to improve everyday. I know that together we can set new standards for clerks’ offices state and nationwide. I would be honored to continue serving the community in a greater role as county clerk.

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Wilson lives in Bloomfield Township and has an undergraduate and law degree from Western Michigan University.

VOTING FRAUD

WE COVER THEM BEST.

The question is biased. It presumes the Republican party is attempting to suppress votes which can not be further from the truth. Republicans want everybody to vote and for their vote to be counted. As a Republican candidate I want all legitimately casted votes counted.

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12 ISSUES FOR $15.

The clerk’s job is to ensure the law is followed and not allow politics or partisanship to play a role in the performance of their duties as clerk.

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CHANGES TO ABSENTEE VOTING We are living in unprecedented times AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

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OAKLAND COUNTY TREASURER/DEMOCRAT the county investment portfolio performed? Provide specifics.

experienced staff in a way that makes sense and benefits the public.

COUNTY BOND RATING

Corbett lives in Madison Heights and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Detroit. He has been a member of the Madison Heights City Council and has been involved in professional and community groups.

Over the past decade, including more recent periods, a generally conservative portfolio such as is in place has served the county well.

Currently the county pursues a largely cash or near-cash position on the majority of its holdings, which I think serves the taxpayers well. As I’ve learned serving on the city council of a community which is frequently lauded for professionalism and exemplary results in governmental finance, continued adherence to best practices and retention of highly regarded bond and finance advisors is key. I think that will be especially important over the next 18 to 24 months as the economy and, most notably, finance markets recover from the current crisis. I would place an emphasis on investment policies that encourage custodial financial institutions to invest and support banks and financial institutions that invest and support Oakland County.

ROLE OF TREASURER

OFFICE STAFFING PLANS

ROBERT CORBETT

What is the primary role of the Oakland County Treasurer's Office?

What prior experience and skills do you bring to the job to fill the role of treasurer?

The treasurer’s role includes serving as custodian of the county funds and advisor to both the county executive and county commission on financial and income projections for budget preparation and expenditure. As part of the custodial function, a number of other legal processes are performed by the treasurer, including disposal/sale of forfeited properties and redemption of debts owed to local municipalities as dictated by state law. Under that category might be replacement of delinquent water and tax bills owed by private entities to cities and townships. As a 20-year veteran of the Madison Heights City Council, I’ve helped guide our community through multiple economic downturns by prudent budgeting and insisting on greater efficiencies in spending. We actually emerged from the 2008 recession with higher credit ratings higher than neighboring communities and higher than we had prior to the downturn.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR COUNTY In revenue terms, what do you see as the impact on county investments and investments for local communities that the county helps manage given the turmoil expected in the current economy?

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Oakland County has for years maintained a AAA bond rating. What efforts can, and will, the treasurer's office make to ensure that Oakland County maintains this high rating?

Maintaining a high credit rating is the result of prudent financial policy meeting quality investment strategies.

Approving the county budget and establishing spending priorities that reflect the best interests of Oakland County are the responsibilities of the executive and county commission.

Promoting transparent and sensible investment practices is the obligation of the treasurer. The treasurer must also be prepared to offer honest and unbiased advice in the formation of spending priorities so that the attractiveness of Oakland County as a place to live, work, and invest is enhanced.

TAX DELINQUENCIES

A large part of the success of the Oakland County Treasurer's office has been that over the terms of the last three treasurers they were able to assemble a strong and experienced staff. Have you already started to assemble a staff and will some of your organization plans include key staff members already working for the county?

This is actually a more complicated question than it may first appear because the next treasurer of Oakland County may not know until after November when she or he will be taking office. I agree with the observation that for many years, the treasurer’s office has been staffed with an extraordinary collection of public servants. Good sense and my past practices suggest that I would look to retain many of the current staff. However, if the treasurer-elect ends up taking office immediately, then the first consideration will be ascertaining which members of staff would follow Andy Meisner, should he be elected and leave for the county executive office. I have considerable experience in more than 20 years of governmental service of dealing with unexpected turnover of key personnel in multiple departments. If, on the other hand, someone other than treasurer Meisner becomes county executive, then I would have until July 1, 2021 – the end of the treasurer’s normal term of office – to evaluate staff and make personnel choices.

Again I would look to leverage

Given the current economic challenges faced by many county residents, do you envision an increase in tax delinquencies similar in nature but not necessarily in scale as experienced during the recent Great Recession? What can the office of county treasurer do to assist county residents in terms of an economic downturn that is expected?

Unique among all the candidates for treasurer is my direct, hands-on experience with the treasurer’s office over the course of four decades. I know what it was like back the 20092013 period, when government offices at all levels were overwhelmed by the foreclosure crisis. The treasurer’s office back then was deluged by lenders and homeowners, desperately working to clear the backlog. In my professional judgement there will be, as a result of the current economic crisis, a sharp increase in defaults and properties eventually subject to foreclosure.

However, unlike during recent market declines, mortgage liquidity appears adequate to cushion most segments of the market from collapse. The treasurer’s office should continue to expand and broaden its mortgage counseling programs with cities and townships throughout Oakland County.

KEY ISSUES

I believe the treasurer’s office will be directly in the center of the most pressing priorities facing our county in the years to come. Quality investments in emerging sectors of the county must be supported by state-of-the-art strategies for conservative investment of the county’s assets. Oakland County should use its financial muscle to assist local communities in pursuing their infrastructure investment projects.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU How do your skills sets prepare you to represent the county better than your opponent?

Twenty-one years member of Madison Heights City Council; five years serving as mayor pro tem; 34-year member Madison Heights Zoning Board of Appeals, two years as chairman; and 34 years service on the zoning board of appeals. I believe I was an influential voice in my community, guiding Madison Heights through the Great Recession from 2008 through 2013. Like many local communities, Madison Heights and its residents were economically devastated by the financial collapse.

We did, however, as a community emerge strong and viable with a credit rating slightly higher than before the recession. I’m confident that my experience, unique among the candidates currently vying for treasurer, will be needed in the months and years to come.

ROBERT WITTENBERG

Wittenberg resides in Huntington Woods and holds a bachelors degree in business management. He is currently a State Representative, first elected in 2015.

What do you believe are the key issues facing Oakland County at this time? Why? How would you work to resolve the issues?

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AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

ROLE OF TREASURER The county treasurer is the banker for the county government, manager of county debt and steward of taxpayer dollars. The treasurer's office and staff, under the leadership of the county treasurer, have many roles within the county government, including the management of the property tax foreclosure process. As a third-term State Representative for southern Oakland County, I've demonstrated trustworthy leadership in the execution of my duties. In my previous career as a life and health insurance specialist, I garnered firsthand experience navigating the challenges of operating a small business. Additionally, I currently serve as treasurer of the community coalition for the Berkley and Oak Park school districts. I believe an effective public servant should be both fiscally responsible and socially conscious. As treasurer, I will be a compassionate steward of resources for all residents across Oakland County.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR COUNTY The county treasurer invests funds of the Oakland County Local Government Investment Pool using a conservative investing strategy outlined in state statute and the Oakland County investment policy.

Through careful analysis of every investment decision, I commit to never losing a penny of invested funds under my fiduciary responsibility. Each month, the county treasurer's office generates transparent, publicly accessible reports spelling out their performance. Because the investment pool is well diversified with laddered maturities, the county's investments have been performing strongly in recent years, millions of dollars in interest being generated each month for our local communities and outperforming the benchmark. Simply put, our taxpayer dollars have been put to work to maximize return for the further benefit of the taxpayers, while still following the requirements of safety first in every investment decision, then looking to liquidity needs, then finally to yield. Markets presently continue to show resilience in the face of recent economic turmoil, and as treasurer I will be vigilant to ensure that we follow the Oakland County Investment Policy and swiftly adapt to any changes or turmoil the economy presents.

OFFICE STAFFING PLANS I have a great deal of respect for the professionalism of the experienced staff in the Oakland County Treasurer's office. My organizational approach to managing the office includes incorporating as many staff members already working for the county as possible. It would be presumptuous of me to assemble a AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

staff this far ahead of the elections, and I will wait until a more prudent juncture to set more concrete decisions in regard to staff. However, I can promise that if elected, I will ensure our office reflects the diversity of the residents of our county when staffing decisions are made.

COUNTY BOND RATING Maintaining the AAA bond rating is one of my top priorities. Our strong rating helps save taxpayer money by reducing the county's borrowing rates when bonds are sold to fund capital projects within Oakland County. It has been and can continue to be put to work, benefiting our local units of government when partnering with the county. A critical effort by the county treasurer in maintaining the AAA bond rating is ensuring the county continues multi-year balanced budgets, strong tax collection and a diversified local economy. As county treasurer, I will be a strong leader on advocating for balanced, long-term budgeting and forecasting.

TAX DELINQUENCIES It is very likely that we will see an increase in tax delinquencies, but I don’t think it will be to the level of the Great Recession. For most people, their home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetime. I will ensure that people are able to stay and thrive in our neighborhoods. I will actively engage with all taxpayers facing financial challenges to help address their needs and set them up with resources while developing collaborative plans to help prevent foreclosure. I will also leverage relationships in the private sector to implement public-private partnerships to create small business and homeowner relief funds to address the lasting impact of COVID-19.

Currently, I am working with treasurer Meisner to draft legislation giving county treasurers more flexibility to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes. Either way, I am eager to proactively tackle the problem before it becomes an even larger issue for our residents.

many residents and businesses will be challenged by the lasting effects of COVID-19. That is why my plan to implement public-private partnerships to create small business and homeowner relief funds, will go a long way in helping people who are facing hardships. I intend to responsibly and thoughtfully make our taxpayer dollars work the absolute best for our residents.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU My proven track record as an elected state Representative, along with my experience as a licensed life and health agent and as treasurer for our multi-community coalition, positions me best to serve as the next county treasurer. I love helping people, and that is why I am in public service. I believe our treasurer should be accessible, reliable, and trustworthy.

These are all traits that I have exhibited as a state Representative. I have been on this campaign trail since September, and I am proud to have the endorsement of the current treasurer, Andy Meisner, all the Oakland County Democratic state legislators, and numerous county commissioners, mayors, and city council members. Being raised in Oakland County helped shape me into the person I am today. And as a current homeowner, husband, and father of young children in Oakland County, I'm committed to strengthening the quality of life for all residents throughout the county.

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.

KEY ISSUES I believe my top priorities as treasurer will address the key issues facing Oakland County. My priorities include the financial security and well-being of every resident, helping to recruit new businesses while supporting existing ones, and maintaining our AAA bond rating. I will be an innovative and proactive leader on these issues. My plan as Oakland County Treasurer is to continue the proven, trustworthy leadership I've delivered as a state representative.

For example, I developed innovative programs that can increase access to capital for small businesses in Oakland County – ultimately giving them a better chance to succeed. The financial security of VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

The youth vote in 2020 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 August 4 primary election.

Youth holds the power.

Use it.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

OAKLAND COUNTY TREASURER/REPUBLICAN SUSAN E. ANDERSON

for the college. I currently serve on the board of directors of OUR Credit Union. I am a consultant to numerous non-profit organizations looking to carry out their fiduciary responsibility with respect to accountability and investment oversight of their organizations. I assist organizations in establishing prudent internal control policy, systematically used to prevent misuse and misappropriation of assets, such as occur through theft or embezzlement.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR COUNTY

Anderson lives in Royal Oak and holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in business and accounting from Walsh College. She is an elected trustee for Oakland Community College and serves as treasurer.

ROLE OF TREASURER The primary responsibilities are: collection of delinquent real property taxes; receipt, custody of, and investment all county monies, including funds received from the townships, villages, cities, and from state and federal agencies; responsible for keeping permanent records of tax rolls and delinquent tax rolls; providing public access to historical tax information; responsible for the processing of the forfeiture/foreclosure properties due to non-payment of property taxes.

My experience and skills to successfully represent the people of Oakland County are: I am a graduate of Walsh College with a Master of Science Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. I am the founder and owner of SE Anderson and Associates, a professional firm providing quality and efficient computerized accounting, bookkeeping and tax services to small and medium sized businesses. I was elected to the Oakland Community College (OCC) Board of Trustees in 2016.

With five campuses, it is one of the largest community colleges in Michigan and has the state's third largest undergraduate enrollment.

The annual operating budget is approximately $170,000,000. I was appointed treasurer of OCC by my fellow trustees and also serve as chairperson of the audit committee 16B

These funds are invested in conformance with PA 20 of 1943 and the Oakland County Investment Policy. This investment policy demands three standards for investing: safety of principal, liquidity of investment and return on investment. The Oakland County Investment Policy also restricts the investment portfolio to no more than 15 percent with a single financial institution and no more than 60 percent with a single security type. The novel coronavirus pandemic is not only a public health crisis, but also an economic one impacting local communities such as Oakland County, its communities, the state and the nation. The pandemic is having a massive impact on local government budgets. The state’s stay-at-home orders led to a loss of revenue from sales, occupancy and other taxes, causing the widespread budget shortfalls. Despite the present economic troubles, I believe Oakland County is well-positioned to weather the storm. The county has very strong liquidity, with total government available cash at 125.2 percent of current total governmental fund expenditures and 43.2 times current governmental debt service. As to investments, the investment return over the past three years has continued to exceed the previous year. In addition, the return on investment has exceeded the 30-day Treasury bill rate. This is primarily due to maintaining healthy reserves, as well as a sound investment policy not only for the county but also for its 61 communities as well.

OFFICE STAFFING PLANS I believe previous treasurers have done an excellent job in representing the people of Oakland County. I am particularly impressed with the foresight of Hugh and Pat Dohany in their implementation of sound investment policies. The treasurer’s office has many qualified

and committed personnel, including key staff members. I will assess the needs of the treasurer’s office when elected and certainly will consider key staff members already working for the county, as well as qualified personnel outside the county.

COUNTY BOND RATING Moody’s March 6, 2020 AAA report indicated “Oakland County's financial condition will remain healthy given management's track record of maintaining strong fund balance and liquidity. The county has posted eight general fund operating surpluses over the past ten audited fiscal years.” Standard & Poor’s March 6, 2020 AAA report indicated: “The 'AAA' rating also reflects our view of Oakland County's very strong management, with strong financial policies and practices under our Financial Management Assessment (FMA) methodology; strong budgetary performance, with an operating surplus in the general fund and break-even operating results at the total governmental fund level in fiscal 2018; very strong budgetary flexibility, with a high available fund balance in fiscal 2018 of 104 percent of operating expenditures; very strong liquidity, with total government available cash at 125.2 percent of current total governmental fund expenditures and 43.2x current governmental debt service, and access to external liquidity we consider strong, but an exposure to a non-remote contingent liability risk; strong debt and contingent liability position, with debt service carrying charges at 2.9 perdent of expenditures and net direct debt that is 85 percent of total governmental fund revenue, as well as low overall net debt at less than 3 percent of market value and rapid amortization, with 82% of debt scheduled to be retired in 10 years…” It is clear from the bond rating agencies that sound business practices in running the county as well as sound investment policies are instrumental in maintaining the AAA bond rating. The fact that the return on investment for the county increases each year as well as outperforms the Treasury rate will be key in maintaining the AAA bond rating in the future.

TAX DELINQUENCIES

information and programs assist county residents on how to build their credit, schedule free financial counseling services, negotiate with lenders and landlords, and obtain unemployment benefits. The current foreclosure policy helps prevent foreclosures through counseling, repayment schedules, and persistence. I would continue these policies and work with our residents to addressing these challenges.

KEY ISSUES The key issues are: securing our financial future – I would work with the county executive and other; countywide elected officials to insure we maintain prudent fiscal policies; protecting our property values; maintaining Oakland County's AAA bond rating.

Maintaining Oakland County's AAA bond rating is paramount in minimizing future interest costs on Oakland County projects as well as local community projects. The financial strength of the county and its communities is greatly impacted by the bond rating.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU As an accountant and business owner, with over 30 years of accounting, tax, financial and investment experience, and treasurer of one of the largest community colleges in Michigan with an annual operating budget of approximately $170,000,000, I would be a dependable and effective administrator of Oakland County funds and resources. I will continually study and monitor county investments and banking functions to achieve maximum efficiency in the Treasurer's office. I will look at ways to improve office functions to provide an even higher level of customer service to the citizens of Oakland County. Everyone is challenged with limited budgets.

This is true for individuals as well as government operations. Safety of fiduciary funds is critical especially in a low interest rate environment we are experiencing today. The treasurer’s office collects over 1.4 billion dollars every year, and these funds must be handled responsibly, and by an experienced office holder.

I believe I have the experience to successfully manage the treasurer’s office for the people of Oakland County.

There is always the risk of an increase in tax delinquencies.

However, the treasurer’s office provides foreclosure prevention programs, financial opportunities for families and businesses. This

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

JOE KENT

employee retirement funds (not managed by the treasurer) serve only to further confuse uninformed observers. This lack of transparency is of great concern to me and calls attention to my future administration’s commitment to providing disclosures that set a national standard for clarity and thoroughness.

OFFICE STAFFING PLANS

Kent resides in Oxford and has an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a masters degree in business from the University of Michigan. He has been involved with several local community groups.

ROLE OF TREASURER The Oakland County Treasurer is tasked with receiving and safeguarding the nearly $1 billion in property taxes and fees collected by the county. A detailed record is also to be kept of all disbursements. A key function of the treasurer’s office is the collection of taxes deemed uncollectible by local municipalities, and advancing these amounts to the municipalities so as to ensure the continuation of day-to-day local government operations. The treasurer likewise decides if and when to foreclose on and seize properties. My education (University of Michigan MBA), licensing (US Treasury) and 25 years advising hundreds of county businesses and families as an expert in business management and taxation make me ideally suited. I am well known and proven as a highly capable, trusted, and prudent voice who loves Oakland County and is committed to protecting it for future generations.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR COUNTY Investments under the Oakland County Treasurer are strictly prescribed to be of the most conservative possible. Specifically, they are limited to bank deposits together with obligations backed by the federal and state government.

As such, current economic turmoil is not likely to cause any appreciable change in performance. Regrettably the public has insufficient tools with which to evaluate the performance of these investments. Indeed, the investment reports available through the offices of the current treasurer are especially unhelpful as they show only the allocation of the county’s funds without disclosing performance. Reported yields of AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

I admire the standards and performance of the administration of L. Brooks Patterson. I likewise admire and am deeply proud of his administration’s commitment to providing levels of service that became benchmarks for county governments across the United State. The treasurer’s office is populated by a great many women and men who exemplify these standards. I similarly believe that stability is a hallmark of well-run organizations, especially those dealing with financial matters. I am in communication with current and past Oakland County government personnel so as to be in a position to ensure that taxpayers receive the highest possible caliber of service without disruption.

COUNTY BOND RATING I stand in firm opposition to tax increases. Oakland County’s AAA bond rating is a central concern.

This rating bears directly on borrowing costs for the county.

There is in turn a domino effect on local municipalities. If borrowing costs rise, then a case will be made for higher taxes – both at the county and local levels. The county’s past practice of issuing “fiscal notes” to disclose the cost of budget changes was greatly admired by bond rating authorities. Last year the new Democrat majority of Oakland County Commissioners voted to discontinue issuing fiscal notes. I will advocate for their return. It is unacceptable for a curtain to be drawn around the books of Oakland County government. It is similarly unacceptable to expect commissioners to make prudent and informed judgements in the absence of this information.

TAX DELINQUENCIES While I do not expect an increase in tax delinquencies on par with what was experienced during the Great Recession, COVID-19 has caused financial devastation. I commend the Oakland County Treasurer in the establishment of the Oakland County Foreclosure Prevention Initiative in collaboration with United Way, Lighthouse of Oakland County and other entities. I similarly support the treasurer’s Taxpayer Assistance Meetings as a means of counseling with at-risk homeowners. We do not benefit as communities when people who wish to retain ownership

of their homes are unable to do so.

As treasurer I will seek to expand these services by placing a special emphasis on communication.

Current practices allow months to pass and fines to accumulate when collection responsibility is handed off from local municipalities to the county treasurer’s office. Errors by homeowners and lenders go undetected far too long. I will enact new procedures to close this information gap.

KEY ISSUES The key issues of the Oakland County Treasurer’s race are the protection of taxpayers, the restoring of integrity in county government and securing the county’s financial future. These issues rise to the top because they collectively represent a departure from the standards that Oakland County residents justifiably expect. The need to protect taxpayers is evidenced by the recent Michigan Supreme Court case over the seizure and sale of an Oakland County residence over an $8.41 property tax mistake. Integrity is called in question by steps to hide financial details. The county’s financial future is jeopardized by sharply increased spending.

Disclosing financial data is the starting point for getting the county back on the path that L. Brooks Patterson so ably mapped out. The public has a right to know. Next comes a commitment to best practices as defined by the financial community rather than by political expedience.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU My life is driven by a love for God, family, country and community. I built a thriving business based on the premise that customers deserve the highest caliber of service, and that no person should pay more in taxes than the law requires. I hold the tax profession’s most sought after license. I hold an advanced business degree from the university that stands for being “leaders and best.” I do the hard things that prove I’m committed to what I say.

In 2015 I crisscrossed my township campaigning against Proposal One to increase Michigan’s sales tax. In 2016 my team and I knocked on 17,000 doors as I ran for the State House of Representatives. I came up 15 votes short, but was endorsed by L. Brooks Patterson, the Michigan Bankers Association and the MI Association of CPAs. I am the right person to be Oakland County’s next treasurer.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, August 4?

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 August 4 primary election.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

OAKLAND WATER RESOURCES COMMISSIONER/REPUBLICAN ROBERT BUXBAUM

Buxbaum lives in Oak Park and holds an undergraduate degree from The Cooper Union and masters and doctor degrees in chemical engineering from Princeton University.

ROLE OF WATER RESOURCES COM. What is the role of the county water resources commissioner?

My main role as water resource commissioner would be to manage the water infrastructure of our county. Ideally this infrastructure provides our county with clean water at a reasonable price and a reasonable pressure — suitable for everything from dish-washing to firefighting. This also includes the infrastructure for managing rainwater and sanitary sewage. My training as an engineer, from my PhD work at Princeton to my own business now, allows me to understand and innovatively manage this infrastructure. A current lack of science and engineering shows up in the recent high-water bills and regular flooding of our county roads and basements. The collapsed dam in Midland and the poisoned water in Flint are examples of what happens when infrastructure is managed badly. As water commissioner, a secondary job is education. This is an area that has been left to the wayside in the current administration; my opponent does not understand the work he authorizes. I hope to help people understand water management in ways that are both practical (e.g. keeping backyards dry and wells clear) and technical to help them understand the chemical background. I am especially looking forward to useful discussions about lake heights and river management.

TOXIC CHEMICALS How can the water resources commission office work to both educate AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

and prevent the public from using toxic chemicals, and then once it does get into the water systems and wells, mitigate its damages? Should the county adopt a ban on the use of certain chemicals?

The water commissioner sits on many boards involved in keeping toxic chemicals out of our water. In Flint, people had lead, copper, and bacteria in their water because the relevant boards of oversight fell down on their job – a job that includes water testing and water treatment. In Ann Arbor, people are finding PFAS in their rivers, and their boards are responsible. This job is (or should be) heavily connected to testing.

In Oakland County, we test for lead, copper, and bacteria. We don’t test for viruses or PFAS – but we should, and that is one thing I hope to change. After all, you can’t regulate what you don’t test for.

In some cases, we can remove toxins by regulation. We demand that the water we buy from GLWA has limited lead, arsenic, copper, etc. We could do more, removing metals and viruses by adsorption or filtering. Many homeowners do this, but the county does not. In some cases, we add chemicals, too. Flint’s problem with toxic drinking water were largely problems of not adding enough chlorine or phosphate. Finally, there is the problem of the toxins we put into our rivers. The worst violator here is the county itself. On a regular basis, our combined sewers send millions of gallons of near-raw sewage into our rivers and lakes. These toxins often close our metro beaches, and this summer we can expect the sewage may contain COVID-19. Macomb County plans to test for the virus in their sewers; we have no such plans. The remedy is engineering, and that’s what I can bring to the job.

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? If so, what would you suggest?

Our county environment could be a lot better. About once per month, we send near-raw sewage into the Rouge and the Clinton River upstream of our freshwater intake. The beaches downstream become un-swimmable, and several of our rivers become unfishable. With engineering we can make these sewer overflows rare, and we can help the rivers clean themselves from highway runoff. I

want to make Oakland County a place of safe, clean, fish-filled rivers.

SCHOOL WATER TESTING What more needs to be done on the issue of school water testing? Although the state has issued ne requirements in recent years, do we need more regulation in terms of testing?

Currently, every township in the county does some testing for lead, copper, and organics. I favor expanding this to test for viruses, especially including COVID-19.

Testing doesn’t solve the problem, but it’s an important part of solving it. To protect our drinking water, we’ll want to treat the water right, with filtration and UV, and by adding the right chemicals in the right amounts. It will also be important to not dump sewage into the Clinton River; the Clinton River exits upstream of our water intakes.

life experience. I have worked in engineering my whole life, and I am excited and equipped to learn more. My opponent has – and is – not. I have a vision of where to and how to get there: beautiful and cost-effective ways of providing clean water and flood control.

My opponent’s ideas often betray his lack of knowledge of what those aims actually entail. I believe I will greatly improve the ways our water is being managed now.

STEVEN JOHNSON

REASON FOR RUNNING Obviously you must think improvements are needed in the water resources commissioner's office or you would not be seeking office. What failings to do you see with the incumbent water resources commissioner and what specifically needs to change in this office.

The main reason I’m running is to improve the way we deal with water, mostly rainwater. To the detriment of the county, my opponent ignored drainage problems in the years leading up to the flood of 2014, and has not addressed those weaknesses since. We are just as vulnerable now as we were then. He has proposed a four-mile-long rain storage tunnel, 16 feet in diameter, 100 feet below Hwy 75. This, frankly, makes no sense and is far too expensive to receive funding. A similar tunnel under Tokyo cost the city two billion dollars and protected only a fraction of the city. The tunnel to Windsor is less than one mile long and nowhere near as deep-down. I propose a far more cost-effective (and simply effective) approach, a French Drain and bicycle path combination with a controlled runoff flow. This approach is far more beautiful, viable, and flexible. San Antonio did this with their Riverwalk. It’s also how Disney World avoids flooding despite heavy rains and a flat topography.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU How do your skills sets prepare you to represent the county better than your opponents? Be specific.

I’m an engineer, and a good one, running for a job that has always relied on engineering. On the other hand, my opponent is a political scientist; he is very capable of framing his ideas nicely, but his ideas themselves lack basis and real-

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Johnson resides in Highland Township and holds both a bachelors and master degree. He is the owner of a consulting business.

ROLE OF WATER RESOURCES COM. There are many laws, regulations, and guidelines, such as: Michigan State law, known as Drain Code, Act 40 of 1956; Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, Public Act 399 of 1976; Act 451 Water Quality Rules, State and Federal Wetland Regulations, and Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Part 327, declares that groundwater and surface water are one single hydrologic system.

Plus many more. I would say – Water is life, without it we are nothing. We are so very fortunate to live in the Great Lakes region, with its abundant resources. The role of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner is to protect and be a good steward of those resources. Following the laws listed above, providing enforcement as needed. Taking care of the great resources that we have and protecting them for future generations.

TOXIC CHEMICALS Chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, and in some cases excessive discharges of organic materials can harm our water supply. Chemicals were developed to continued on page 20B

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STEVEN JOHNSON

august 4 primary election voter guide

from page 19B benefit industrial processes, agriculture and the daily lives of people. Without proper use, containment, and disposal, they can become dangerous and toxic problems. Where there are issues, we need to correct problems to ensure the chemicals are handled properly from manufacture through disposal. When it becomes apparent that a toxic chemical is dangerous to the community and the environment, yes, decisive action must be taken to rectify the problem, whether it is through a ban, or other means.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

COUNTY COMMISSION - 12TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT economy. Ridership in Oakland County was up before Covid. As Oakland’s office, retail, restaurant, daycare, home healthcare and nursing home workers return to work onsite, so will ridership.

KELLY DILLAHA

VOTING DAY OFF FOR EMPLOYEES The county board, controlled by Democrats, recently adopted a policy that gives county employees the day off to vote in an election, by some estimates an added cost of $1 million for the county and its taxpayers. In that state voters approved no-reasons absentee voting, some say this new policy is unnecessary. Do you think the county board policy change was necessary? Explain.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Yes, I would recommend that we provide more chemical/toxic material disposal events. Reporting of dumping potentially dangerous materials needs to be encouraged and proper enforcement action applied. Clean-ups are expensive, it is best to ensure compliance with regulations through educating our communities and businesses to avoid potential issues.

SCHOOL WATER TESTING Proper water infrastructure and filtering must be in compliance, with filters changed and systems maintained. We need to follow current mandates for now and if testing shows that safety levels are near the threshold of the desirable range, then armed with those facts, we take action.

REASON FOR RUNNING It is my feeling that the incumbent recognizes the ticking time bomb of the count's water-related infrastructure but is failing to lead with creative ideas to tackle the tasks and problems.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I am rather analytical, curious, and creative by nature and have a technical background professionally. Thus, I will analyze and prioritize issues in cooperation with the engineering staff to ensure that we are not only addressing maintenance and repair issues but planning for our future in making system improvements with leading technology. We cannot afford problems like sewer blobs as Macomb County had, the Flint water crisis, and dam failure as in Midland. Empathy, humility, and understanding are important traits in recognizing that not all have the means to afford their water bills. It is my goal to develop a basic level of service that may be available to all or just low-income families at no charge. There are some things that can be done to conserve and save, greywater reclamation systems as an example, and some other ideas that may save Oakland County families money.

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Dillaha of Birmingham has bachelor's and masters degrees in sociology from Wayne State University. She owns Fat Cat Concierge Services and has not held political office in the past.

MASS TRANSIT The issue of mass transit for southeast Michigan has been a hotly debated topic for over four decades.

More recently voters in this county have been less enthusiastic in terms of tax increases to support a system beyond what we now have through SMART or an expanded system that does not provide equal benefits for all Oakland County communities. At the same time, the future for the modes of personal transportation is a big question. Plus, one of the impacts of the pandemic crisis is the number of employees who have been working remotely, which raises a legitimate question of whether there will be even less demand for an expanded mass transit system. What are your thoughts on the mass transit issue?

To remain economically competitive, Oakland County needs a transportation plan that addresses the needs of residents: getting seniors to appointments, workers to work, students to school. We need to consider both current needs and how those will change over the next 15 years. By 2035, 40 percent of our population will be aged 65-plus and will have unique transportation needs.

Younger people care about negatively impacting the environment, and student debt makes it difficult to pay for and maintain a car. They still need to get to work, so they chose to live and work in cities with reliable and convenient transportation. The companies that hire them locate there, too. Investment in transportation attracts skilled workers and businesses and is good for our

By having Election Day off, Oakland County employees can now fully participate in our democracy and so can their families. Employees can choose to work for the day at an election precinct or count mail-in votes; they can assist relatives and neighbors who need extra help to get to the polls; or they can care for their young children while their partners do these activities.

County employees performing essential duties will not be able to take Election Day off, such as clerk’s office staff, Children’s Village staff, and sheriff patrols. Those employees will be allowed to take a different day off in lieu. The cost associated with giving employees just two days off every two years is a fraction of the amount mentioned.

BUDGETARY SAFEGUARDS Republican critics of the Democratically-controlled county board are claiming that Democrats have done away with a long-standing budget procedure of providing a cost impact analysis when proposing new programs, suggesting that ultimately this will threaten the financial picture and eventually the bond rating for the county. Your reaction to this criticism?

I believe residents should be able to easily understand how their tax dollars are being spent and how resources are used. The board’s current practices provide the oversight and transparency we need. When new resolutions are introduced, today’s costs as well as long-term impacts are noted directly in the resolution. Additionally, during the Covid-19 crisis, the executive office provides weekly reports to the board with cumulative totals detailing spending to keep our families safe and to support businesses. Oakland County’s 2020 AAA bond rating was reaffirmed and the 2020 three-year budget was approved with unanimous bipartisan support. As a business

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owner, I think it’s important to regularly review and tweak business practices to best serve my clients and remain on top of my game. Oakland County needs leaders who aren’t afraid of change and easily adapt to modern ways of thinking and doing business. I will provide that leadership.

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? If so, what would you suggest?

We deserve clean, safe drinking water.

Oakland County has 80,000-plus residential and commercial septic systems. It’s estimated 10-20 percent of these are failing, exposing residents and groundwater to raw sewage, viruses and other health concerns. Currently, the county regulates septic systems for new buildings or renovations only. We need to add regular inspections of existing septic systems, and increase and improve nearby well inspections to detect contamination early and protect groundwater. I also want to prioritize replacement of lead service lines connecting water mains to our homes.

In Birmingham alone, 730 houses have known lead service lines. Local municipalities are responsible for replacing these lines, but it’ll take years to complete and residents are exposed to lead in the meantime. We need to explore ways to help local municipalities make these repairs now county wide, such as low-cost loans and negotiating county-wide repairs to create economies of scale.

KEY ISSUES What do you believe are the key issues facing Oakland County at this time? How would you work to resolve the issues?

As county commissioner I will bring smart, forward-thinking, compassionate leadership to Oakland County. I will fight to keep families safe and rebuild our economy in the wake of Covid-19, ensuring businesses have information and protective equipment to reopen and operate safely, and the County has resources to fight future outbreaks.

Stop the Oakland County “brain drain”: young people and families are moving away and taking their talents and skills continued on page 21B

AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

august 4 primary election voter guide Bloomfield Township

COUNTY COMMISSION - 13TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT Two Democrats are competing in the August primary for this seat, and the winner will face Republican Max Rohtbart in the November general election. Only incumbent commissioner Marcia Gershenson responded to the Downtown questionnaire.

MARCIA GERSHENSON

MASS TRANSIT I support improving mass transit in our region. Better transit is needed to transport workers to jobs, assist people who don't drive or own cars to appointments, get students to school and keep our communities connected.

I support developing a transit proposal that will require the approval of our county voters to move forward and provide benefits to all. As residents age, the transit needs of our senior population will grow exponentially.

While some workers can work remotely, workers in need of transit are generally in jobs that cannot be done remotely such as lower wage health care and service sector jobs. Improving transit is essential to sustain and grow our regions economy, attract the workforce we need, and improve the quality of life in southeast Michigan.

VOTING DAY OFF FOR EMPLOYEES

Gershenson, a resident of Bloomfield Township, is a former English techer with a degree from the University of Michigan. Gershenson is the incumbent county commissioner for the 13th district, first elected in 2004.

KELLY DILLAHA from page 20B with them. We need to ensure Oakland has the amenities that keep and attract a talented workforce, or workers will keep leaving and companies will follow.

This will be devastating for our economy.

Address the unique needs of our growing senior population, projected to make up 40 percent of Oakland County by 2035.

I cared for my mom when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so I know first-hand the challenges that seniors and their families face.

I support Election Day being a county holiday as it is an opportune time to celebrate our democracy. The Republican cost estimate is not accurate. and was corrected by our human resource department. Election Day is a holiday in over 30 states and there is legislation pending in Michigan. The day off provides an opportunity for many county workers to and volunteer work, I have built strong relationships with community groups, business leaders, educators and government. I am proud of my reputation as someone who works hard to get things done on time and within budget. I’m not a career politician, and I don’t hide behind a computer. I’m active in the community as a business owner, a parent, and volunteer and a leader.

WILLIAM GAGE

This is completely false. Democrats instituted a policy that requires all actions and resolutions spending ANY county money, have budget amendments included in the resolution. This reform enables commissioners and the public to fully understand county spending. All budget amendments are required to align with our three-year budgeting practices. Commissioners are committed to the long term success of our county and unanimously passed a three-year budget. Another reform advanced this term, was a requirement that departments submitting grant proposals committing county resources, receive board approval at the beginning of the process. This was often done at the end of the process by the previous administration.

Democrats led an effort to require political office before.

MASS TRANSIT I am in favor of mass transit. I believe we need to solve the first and last mile problem to make it more attractive for elderly and rural users. I think it’s important for the communities to work together to the extent possible.

I agree that voting day should be a holiday. I think we should do everything possible to encourage people to vote and perhaps get a return to a real democracy.

Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

BUDGETARY SAFEGUARDS

VOTING DAY OFF FOR EMPLOYEES

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

This week, our twin sons Aidan and Brady graduated from Seaholm amidst the pandemic. The outpouring of well wishes reminded my husband Scott and I why we chose Oakland County for our home 20 years ago: caring neighbors, excellent schools, vibrant shops and safe streets.

In a few years when our sons finish college, we want them to start their careers and raise their families here. I’m running for county commission because I want to play an active part in shaping Oakland’s future. Through professional

volunteer at local polls where there is a need. We currently have over 500 local precincts and absentee ballot counting boards. This year, with the pandemic, there is concern the traditional poll workers whose average age is 70, will be less willing to work. New volunteers and workers will be needed to support running our elections. Voting is one of our most important civic duties and a cornerstone of our democracy.

BUDGETARY SAFEGUARDS Normally the Republicans use this tactic to prevent funding of needed projects. I doubt they’re good faith.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I think this is part of the infrastructure problem which has been underfunded for decades and I believe we should definitely invest in our natural resources and our infrastructure.

KEY ISSUES Gage is a retired attorney living in Bloomfield Hills. He has never held

contracts come before the board for approval, a practice that had been ignored for decades. Our county's AAA bond rating was sustained this year, and the rating agencies affirmed our increased transparency, fiscal discipline and budgetary practices.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Protecting our lakes, water and streams is a top priority. I led the creation of the Oakland County Safe Lakes Initiative that resulted in a 400 percent increase in lake testing across the county and joined a statewide effort to post data publicly. We are taking many additional steps to protect our environment. I support reducing Oakland County's carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030 and we are in the process of conducting a county energy audit to establish a benchmark to achieve that goal. I support creating a new county Energy Sustainability Office to lead our efforts. Lastly, I believe we need to find ways to inspect firms that use toxic chemicals annually.

Partnering with the state, we can do more to protect our environment. I want to prevent another “Green Ooze” disaster and lead in communities pipes from ever happening again.

of the richest counties in the state, if not the country. However we have great disparity in housing, schooling, medical care, and a number of other public services. I believe most people would rather live in a just and equitable society where we don’t have to close our eyes to the suffering that goes on around us. Although the board of commissioners has little legislative authority, they do set the policy for the county and allocate almost $1 billion a year.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why me? This is really for the voters to decide. Fortunately my Democratic opponent in the primary seems well qualified and would likely do a good job for the citizens. I offer my legal background, many years of experience.

We are in the middle of what I believe could be massive changes. One of the things that finally needs to be dealt with Is structural racism. I was around after 1967 and handled a number of civil rights cases including cases involving police killings. I think criminal justice reform is one of the primary issues we need to deal with and I believe that I am particularly qualified to deal with these issues.

I believe Oakland County could become a model county for the country. It is one

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MARCIA GERSHENSON

august 4 primary election voter guide

from page 21B KEY ISSUES I support protecting and expanding health care in Oakland County. I supported the largest expansion of our public health department in decades. I am committed to moving public health beyond the traditional clinical approach and integrate new services. This will include adding family planning, women's heath, family medicine, mental health and dental services. My second priority is to keep our drinking water safe. I supported replacing all drinking fountains in our schools with filtered bottled water refilling stations. I am committed to work with our local communities to replace lead service lines to protect our drinking water. We have a growing senior population. It's imperative we fund the necessary resources to support seniors so they can lead independent and productive lives. I actively participate with our County's senior Advisory Council. and I eliminated the wait list for critical senior services at our largest County Senior Service agency.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR/DEMOCRAT Two Democrats filed for the party nomination, Dani Walsh and Scott Nadeau, the latter telling Downtown that he was withdrawing from the race and endorsing Walsh, although his name will still appear on the ballot.

trustees, zoning board of appeals and Preservation Bloomfield. As your supervisor, I will provide leadership you can trust. Bloomfield will thrive again once we focus on transparency, responsibility, and inclusion to our community.

DANI WALSH

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT

This past year, a township trustee introduced the concept of a township superintendent, who would supersede the supervisor and act similarly to a city manager in running the township. What are your thoughts on this idea, and why do you think it would, or would not, work for Bloomfield Township?

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Never before has experienced leadership been so important. I’ve worked hard to understand the needs of residents and am very active and accessible in the communities I represent. I use my experience to help people access vital services during this pandemic. I am a strong advocate to dispense the federal government's CARES money to help get businesses operating again. I advocated to use this money to assist non-profits, schools, libraries and senior centers and give financial assistance to our most vulnerable residents. I worked with a bipartisan committee to support safe and responsible gun ownership, advance women's issues and secure more local funding for roads. I am determined to expand opportunities for all residents, make our communities stronger and continue to practice strong fiscal discipline. I am proud of the work I have done over my tenure and have much more to do!

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Walsh is a business consultant who received a kinesiology degree from University of Michigan. She is completing her first term as a trustee in Bloomfield Township. She also serves on the township's zoning board of appeals and was an alternate on the design review board.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES As one of three full-time elected positions in the township offices, along with the clerk and the treasurer, the supervisor is essentially the CEO of the township. What are the duties of the township supervisor? What skills and experience in Bloomfield Township do you possess to assure residents that you would be the best CEO they could hire to run the township?

I have spent 20-plus years working for global corporations and honing my skills in strategic planning, organizational management, process and budget efficiencies, procurement, training and workforce development, and management. As a business consultant, I help businesses redefine or reinvent themselves to improve and succeed in a changing business environment. My vast business experiences developed an arsenal of innovative business ideas that can bring the township business practices out of the 1980s and into the year 2020. Streamlining processes, adjusting the way we approach our finances, changing the structure of government, could lead to savings that would then be passed on through increased services. In my four years with Bloomfield, I have sat on the board of

When supervisor Savoie and treasurer Kepes rallied that the treasurer position be reduced to part-time in 2015, it opened the conversation of updating the township structure. In addition to making the treasurer part-time, I agree with making the supervisor role part-time as well. The current financial issues we face with OPEB debt being ignored for decades, asking for a new SAD tax before making a single budget adjustment, operating without a master plan, curbing the voice of the community in public meetings, withholding information from some trustees, and locking in long-term contracts with raises and generous benefits amidst the financial uncertainty of a pandemic, may have been avoided if the township had been run by a superintendent with a masters degree in public administration that reports to the entire board. By changing the treasurer and supervisor to part-time positions, we would have the funding available for a superintendent.

TOWNSHIP FINANCES There has been a tremendous amount of debate the last several years over the state of Bloomfield Township's finances, and now in light of the COVID-19 crisis, there is concern once again that there will be even greater budget concerns. Moving forward, how would you provide the services residents expect from Bloomfield Township while dealing with necessary financial decisions and budgetary concerns?

Doing a full financial audit to find areas to reduce expenses, improve efficiencies, and planning ahead with a master plan, will help end the reactionary spending that currently occurs. I asked that we implement shared sacrifices and budget cuts before asking for new taxes, like the SAD in August of 2019. Instead, the majority voting bloc spent about $250,000 on Plante Moran, resident survey, and special election to realize my

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suggestion was correct. That wasted money would have been enough to save the animal shelter, hazardous waste, shredding, and open house. More recently, we spent $117,000 for an employment compensation and staffing study. That money was wasted since the administration rushed through longer sixyear contracts with higher raises and lucrative benefits during financial uncertainty of the pandemic and before the study was received. Ending waste and choosing fiscal responsibility will leave us more money to provide services to citizens.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES How familiar are you with your community's master plan and zoning ordinances? Is there a part of the master plan or an ordinance that you feel needs to change?

I am on the zoning board of appeals. We deal directly with zoning ordinances and variance requests. We find balance between the character of the respective neighborhoods and the requests of the homeowners. Unfortunately, there is no current master plan for our community.

It expired about six years ago, under the current administration. As a business consultant who focuses on long-term sustainability, it is frustrating that my requests for an updated master plan falls on the deaf ears of the majority voting bloc. A master plan is an asset that protects against short-sighted decisions, such as crowded condo style developments replacing green spaces and larger lot sizes, or financial issues caused by ignoring long-term debts. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” As supervisor, I will create a committee of citizens, community leaders, and employees to update our master plan.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY There has been an increased lack of civility at township board meetings and social media postings, contributing to a divisiveness and lack of respect and cordiality. Given the very public struggles that have taken place in the township, what would be your plan to unify the community and the staff?

As a citizen I was shocked for years by the fighting on the board. As trustee, I realized it was caused by the antagonistic and autocratic management style of supervisor Savoie and gets worse each year. Information is withheld from trustees and citizens for power plays, the community voice is reduced, budgets are passed without being balanced in hopes continued on page 24B AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

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august 4 primary election voter guide

from page 22B a tax or outside force saves it. Recently, the supervisor did not provide trustees the customary four days to review details of contracts to be voted on.

Instead, we received contracts moments before the vote. This is a typical power play of the administration. Their overt lack of transparency, inclusion and respect, and the constant pitting of employees against citizens, is a direct cause of the divisiveness on the board and with the community. My transformational management style will provide avenues to rebuild bridges with the board, community, employees, and schools.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR/REPUBLICAN way to implement it if that is the direction the new board and our residents choose to go.

DAN DEVINE

TOWNSHIP FINANCES

KEY ISSUES What would you consider the top three issues facing the township and how would you address those issues?

Financial concerns – liabilities, spending, and accounting practices are an issue.

Our OPEB liability was only funded at four percent, lowest tier in the state.

New concerns surround the contracts negotiated before the compensation and staffing study was completed. I would find opportunities for efficiencies and reduction in spending while maintaining services and end pitting employees against citizens. This should be a great place to live and work. No master plan–Implementing a master plan would end the knee jerk decisions being made that are taking away from the vision and character of the township. I would implement a committee filled with leadership, employees, and citizens coming together to help. Outdated structure – “That’s the way it's always been done” obstructs improvement. A part-time treasurer and part-time supervisor would allow funds for a superintendent that reports to the entire board. With about 400 employees, we need a human resources department.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

My previous primary opponent, Scott Nadeau, has withdrawn from the race and has publicly given me his endorsement and support. I want to thank Scott for his trust and am honored to have him joining my campaign for supervisor. As a trustee, I see the lack of transparency and outdated business practices that risk the sustainability of Bloomfield. As a public servant, whether it was going public with the OPEB and spending concerns, approving a land swap to save the nature center to the detriment of my property, or bringing citizen perspective to board decisions, I always put the citizens needs first. As supervisor, I will bring successful business acumen and leadership you can trust to make Bloomfield stronger and rebuild the bridges with our schools, our employees, and our community and within the board.

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Devine is a Notre Dame University grad with a degree in psychology, a law degree from Detroit College of Law and is in private practice. He was the Bloomfield Township Treasurer from 2000-2016, and an Oakland County Commissioner from 1995-1999.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES The supervisor is required to support the Constitution of the United States and the state of Michigan. Free Speech is the most crucial right being smothered by the current administration. MCL 42.10 lists 15 duties of the Township Supervisor, all important but most relevant to the current election: Enforce all laws and township ordinances; prepare and administer the annual budget; and efficient administration of all township departments. As township treasurer, I worked with former supervisor Payne to achieve our AAA bond rating by prudent investments and strategic planning. That rating is vulnerable now due to policies of the current board which is why I pledge to develop a Resident Focused Strategic Plan like the one that lapsed in 2014. As a Certified Public Finance Administrator (CPFA) and a municipal law expert, I am experienced in employing best practices to formulate balanced budgets and long-range financial planning for Bloomfield Township.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I pledge to fully investigate the pros and cons of the concept through the Resident Focused Strategic Planning process with the new board of trustees and the taxpayers as the first order of business. I believe my experience and skills make me the best suited candidate to serve as township supervisor but I would embrace the concept and find the most efficient

I do not favor higher taxes. Through the development of a new Resident Focused Strategic Plan, we will prioritize the exemplary services most crucial to maintaining and enhancing our community driven by the needs and desires of the taxpayers.

Efficiencies can be explored in that process through the public discussion of the Plante Moran study done last year and the Comprehensive Compensation and Staffing Study that has yet to be completed by the current board although commissioned in January 2020 in the wake of the defeated SAD Tax Request in August 2019.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES I have participated in updating Bloomfield Township’s master plan over the years. It is a different legal instrument than a strategic plan and will have to be integrated into the thought process of the new board of trustees with full involvement of our residents. It is the backbone of our community’s essence in maintaining the beauty and value of our residential properties. We will take our direction from the new Resident Focused Strategic Plan to determine which areas of the plan or which ordinances need to be revised. I will form a new advisory committee comprised of experts in all areas dealing with real estate and residential property rights in the process of developing our new Resident Focused Strategic Plan to assist the updating of the Master Plan.

Board meetings will allow for respectful involvement by the trustees, residents and employees without fear of retribution.

KEY ISSUES I pledge to re-prioritize residents as job number one again. We will re-open Township Hall with a five-day work week and prohibit free luxury cars for elected officials and department heads. I pledge to straighten out the water and sewer department’s poor business practices involving exorbitant and unfair billings to resolve the issues called out by Judge O’Brien in the lawsuit lost by the current administration. The case could have been settled for $2.5 million but is now costing the taxpayers over $12 million in damages, interest and attorney fees. I pledge to provide full financial transparency and encourage respectful public participation in all we do before decisions are made. We will establish free online access to all accounting records in real time to track revenues, expenses, debt and all water, sewer and road projects.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I have the patience and desire to respectfully listen to all participants in the discussions required to lead the township board and our residents as we navigate the future in these troubled times. My experience and track record of honesty, integrity and success involving the appropriate management of Bloomfield Township sets me apart from my competition. I grew up here and raised my children in Bloomfield Township. We need to work together as a community to ensure a bright future for generations to come.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY The last few years of my tenure as treasurer were marked with constant personal attacks upon me generated by the current supervisor because I opposed his policies. Since then, he broadened his personal attacks on any trustee or resident courageous enough to question his policies. He just sued certain residents and a social media platform called Nextdoor to silence dissent. The root of the problem stems from refusal to provide verifiable documentation in a timely manner (if at all) to the board and our residents so that discussions devolve into angry arguments rather than cooperative efforts to solve problems. I pledge to only present agenda items that have been fully researched, documented and shared with our residents and board members well in advance of meetings where action is required.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

LEO SAVOIE

Savoie has a bachelor's degree in business, with an economics minor, from Indiana University of AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

Pennsylvania. He is the incumbent township supervisor, a position he has held since 2011. Prior to that he was a Bloomfield Township Trustee, 20042011.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES The duties of the supervisor’s position are both internal and external. Internal duties are concerned with the operations of the township. The main internal responsibilities are human resources and finances. Although we are confronted with new challenges currently, our finances have only grown stronger since I became supervisor. We at Bloomfield Township have risen to financial challenges over past years through great diligence and with success. This is due to intensive attention to detail and my deep understanding of best practices.

Interaction with the public is my number one priority. Externally, I am very effective at communicating with the public and other municipalities. I have been and will continually be available for the residents. I give every resident my cell phone number and encourage them to call me first. Based on my strong financial background and my strong skills in other areas, I am the best candidate for supervisor of Bloomfield Township.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT The concept of a township superintendent, although unusual, is not a foreign idea. The difference between the two is, a superintendent works directly for the board of trustees while the supervisor works directly for the residents in conjunction with the board of trustees. A superintendent is equivalent to a city manager. The superintendent is subject to the board of trustees directives and not those of the residents. I have seen numerous instances over the years where a city manager has been removed by the new commission coming in when in fact that manager was doing an outstanding job. As an elected supervisor, I have the ability to act quickly and decisively to meet the residents’ needs and deliver quality services. Over the past nine years, I have worked tirelessly 60 to 80 hours a week for the residents and will continue to do so.

TOWNSHIP FINANCES Bloomfield Township has always balanced its budget and remains a top rated community in the state and nation. We have monitored the budget closely since the COVID-19 pandemic began. We have been cognizant of financial constrictions due primarily to a decline of state revenue sharing.

Last fiscal year our main general fund operations were under budget by $3,378,000. This allowed us to fund long-term retiree pensions and healthcare obligations that were ignored in the past. In the past 12 months, we successfully reduced our AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

unfunded liability for retiree health care by over four percent. This is because of a stringent plan for savings as well as changing healthcare programs. Long term, we will closely monitor all aspects of the budget. Based on current analysis, we believe our expenses will not only meet our revenues, but there will be no need to utilize reserves. We will continue to offer quality service to the residents.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES I am extremely familiar with our master plan and zoning ordinances. I sat on the zoning board of appeals for years long before I became an elected official. The master plan is required to be updated every 20 years and reaffirmed every five years. The master plan went through a complete update in 2007 and was re-affirmed in 2012 and 2017 by the planning commission and the board of trustees. I feel the master plan is very comprehensive and reflective of a residential community. In the past there have been some rezoning requests that have been contrary to the master plan. The township has been very protective of the master plan. The only way to consider a rezoning that has been contrary to the master plan has been to go through the entire public process of changing the master plan first to insure public input has been received and considered.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY Overall, I feel the community is unified.

The vocal criticism is coming primarily from a very small group of individuals that have their own political or personal reasons to attack most board of trustees members and the employees. This same group has been using social media to attack the operations of Bloomfield Township and individuals personally. There has been no fact checking on individuals’ posts, so this small group keeps spreading their falsehoods with reckless abandon. Fortunately, a number of residents are fed up with these false, negative and unwarranted attacks and have been responding back. I get emails and letters every day from people who are pleased with the operations of the township and the quality services we provide. I will continue to do what is right and to the best of my ability to get the correct facts out there so the voters can make a well-informed decision.

runs dominate the activity of our fire department. Last year we had over 6,000 EMS runs which is a 100 percent increase over the last five years. I fully believe we as leaders have an obligation to provide the best fire/EMS and police protection available. Infrastructure also has to be a priority. We have seen the devastation caused by municipalities that fail to upgrade their water and sewer systems. I have, and will continue to, expend the time and resources necessary to protect the residents of our community. Finances were covered above.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why elect me? My proven track record.

I have balanced the budget every year and funded long-term liabilities that have been ignored by administrations for the past 50 years. My opponent has a lifetime pension and lifetime healthcare from Bloomfield Township. I will receive none of these as municipalities cannot sustain themselves with the kind of benefits my opponent afforded to himself. My opponent has been erratic in his behavior and in his decision-making process, to the point other municipal and county leaders were reluctant to work with him. In his previous role as township treasurer, he spent very little time in the office and ignored his number one priority – investing the township's money. In fact our current treasurer has increased investment returns 600 percent while not increasing any risk. Bloomfield Township cannot afford to have him back. Re-elected, I will continue to face the challenges of the supervisor's position with the same proven work ethic and broad skill set that I have brought to job for the last nine years.

My main goal has been, and will always be, to keep Bloomfield Township the special place our residents have always known it to be.

KEY ISSUES The top three priorities are public safety, infrastructure and finances. The number one function of government is to protect the citizens. This protection comes from both our police and fire departments. We live in a relatively safe community. That does not happen by accident. Our officers follow every lead to apprehend individuals who have broken the law. Our fire department is extremely important to the protection of our residents. EMS 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 August 4 primary election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP CLERK/REPUBLICAN ABSENTEE VOTING

MALISSA BOSSARDET

Bossardet is a graduate of Indiana University, majoring in theater, and is a self-employed specialty pharmaceutical consultant.

CLERK DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS As one of three full-time elected positions in the township offices, along with the supervisor and the treasurer, the clerk has a full load of statutory duties. Explain what the duties of a township clerk are.

What kind of experience and qualifications does an individual need, besides the basic requirement of being a resident over the age of 18, to be a good township clerk?

The township clerk is responsible for many vital tasks that are essential to the community. The clerk is the custodian of all township records, so government transparency begins with that office. Maintaining the minutes of meetings, ensuring the publication of ordinances, compliance with records retention laws, and acting as the Freedom of Information Act coordinator are just a few of these duties. The clerk is the chief election officer for our community. This responsibility includes maintaining voter records, training of election workers, establishing polling sites, processing absentee ballots, and administering all election day operations. The office maintains neighborhood association contracts, processes a variety of licenses, and provides residents with convenient notary service along with acting as a passport agent. The next clerk should possess a working knowledge of Bloomfield Township's election process, have careful attention to detail, and an extensive history of customer service – all qualities I possess.

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Michigan voters in 2018 approved changes to state voting law. What are the key changes that voters approved? Have local communities like Bloomfield Township adhered to the new voting changes? Please be specific.

In 2018, voters amended the Michigan Constitution with the passage of Proposal 3. This amendment changed several critical points in Michigan election law: requires overseas military and civilian absentee voters receive their ballots 45 days before an election, changes deadlines for voter registration, allows for straight-ticket voting, requires automatic voter registration with address changes, and, most importantly, permits "no-reason" absentee voting. No-reason absentee voting opened the door to all voters being able to request a ballot without justifying their reason why to the election authority. This change serendipitously paved the way for a legal vote-by-mail alternative to voters wishing to avoid the risks of exposure to COVID-19. Clerk Jan Roncelli has complied with the requirements of this constitutional amendment and the administrative rules promulgated by the Michigan Secretary of State.

There have already been several elections since the adoption, and Bloomfield Township has met the challenge each time.

MICHIGAN FOIA Many changes have been made to the Freedom of Information Act over the last few years. What are your views on government transparency?

Does FOIA go too far or not far enough?

The public pays for the creation and archiving of all public records, and, with very few exceptions, I believe that information belongs to the public. In too many cases, the custodians of public records around the state treat these records as their own. In recent years, Michigan legislators and courts have done more and more to frustrate the transparency initially intended by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Government units hide behind layers of bureaucracy designed to discourage the release of information.

Fees to review and copy records have, in many cases, become prohibitively expensive. Some government units deny FOIA requests as they (correctly) anticipate that many people are unable to afford prohibitively expensive litigation to fight denials. Even when the government loses a FOIA case, courts

seldom award full the penalties specified in the act. I am a firm proponent of open and honest government and will not block the people from what is rightly theirs.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES How familiar are you with your community's master plan and zoning ordinances? Is there a part of the master plan or an ordinance that you feel needs to change?

Residents of Bloomfield Township continue to benefit from years of solid planning practices and sound zoning ordinances. The planning commission's authority comes from the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (2008). The commission is responsible for adopting a master plan for the community – a guide of future development goals for the township. The current plan was last approved in 2007, and has since been twice reviewed (2012, 2017).

The commission also serves as a recommending body to the township board after providing an initial review of development issues such as commercial site plans, rezoning requests, and residential development plan reviews. It also recommends to the township board any text amendments to the zoning ordinance – changing the requirements of any given zoning classification. These requirements include permitted uses, setback, and frontage requirements.

The zoning board of appeals must review any requests for a variance to the requirements of the zoning ordinance.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT This past year, a township trustee introduced the concept of a township superintendent, who would supersede the supervisor and act similarly to a city manager in running the township. What are your thoughts on this idea, and why do you think it would, or would not, work for Bloomfield Township?

A township superintendent (or township manager) performs the administrative duties typically performed by the elected supervisor.

This position is akin to a city manager appointed by the community's governing body and serves at their pleasure. Several dozen Michigan townships have created this position, including the nearby communities of Oakland Township, Northville Township, and, most recently, Redford Township. This management structure change has worked best in townships where the elected officials, including the supervisor, agreed to it and planned for its implementation. The

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recent transition in Redford Township occurred more like a coup than a thoughtful management change. The rest of the township board imposed an administrator mid-term. Michigan law forbids the reduction of an elected official's pay level during a term without the consent of that official. Redford Township is therefore stuck with two full-time salaries and considerable acrimony in town hall.

While I am open to studying any concept, I will not support that change in the management structure of Bloomfield Township during the next term.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY There has been an increased lack of civility at township board meetings and social media postings, contributing to a divisiveness and lack of respect and cordiality. Given the very public struggles that have taken place in the township, what would be your plan to unify the community and the staff?

I have spent years working with people both professionally and in a volunteer capacity. In every case, I have encountered difficult personalities, each having individual wants and needs in any given situation. Throughout my work life, I have listened to each point of view before taking action. It is not realistic to offer a vague "unity" plan when that unity depends upon the willing participation of every single party. I will work with every stakeholder in the community, regardless of their political affiliation or personal disposition. I have never subscribed to the unfortunate belief that someone is either 100 percent with me or 100 percent against me. I hope to lead by setting an example of cooperation and refusing to engage in petty fights and intrigues. As clerk, I will make the residents of Bloomfield Township my number one concern. I'll leave the infighting to more accomplished practitioners.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

I'm the only candidate for the office of clerk with election training and the hands-on experience of being an election worker for the Bloomfield Township clerk's office. I've received extensive training in the use of election day processes, understanding the Michigan Qualified Voter File, and the Electronic Poll Book. As the clerk is the chief election officer in the township, my training and experience give me an AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

advantage over all of my opponents. I have more than two decades of experience in healthcare, veterinary, and pharmaceutical sales. My career has centered around serving the needs of busy healthcare professionals. Realizing that our residents' time is valuable, I will bring that same gold-standard level of customer service to the clerk's office.

As a mom who has been active in my kid's education, I understand the importance of teaching our children about the government. I will partner with local schools to encourage voter registration of high school seniors and teach kids the importance of local government in their lives.

TOM SMYLY

ABSENTEE VOTING No Reason Absentee Voting was approved in 2018. Michigan voters can now vote absentee without providing a reason for their request on election day. Moreover, voters can request to be placed on a permanent absent voter list to be mailed an application for absentee voting for every future election. Bloomfield Township, under the steady leadership of retiring Clerk Jan Roncelli, has complied with and made residents aware of the new changes, with approximately 10,000 residents asking to be put on the no reason absentee list. This election cycle, however, is quite different with the concern about COVID-19. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson decided to send out an absentee ballot application to every one of the 7.7 million people on the Michigan voter rolls. This action has caused significant controversy and raised concerns about the possibility and potential for voter fraud.

MICHIGAN FOIA

Smyly graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in psychology and Grand Valley University Police Academy. He is a Bloomfield Township police officer and realtor.

CLERK DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS I’ve had the distinct honor of protecting and serving the residents (my neighbors) of Bloomfield Township as a police officer for the last 12.5 years. The role of clerk, similarly, is largely non-partisan with a focus on providing excellent customer service and treating every resident respectfully. The clerk’s office provides a host of support services across a broad spectrum including, but not limited to, running elections, voter registration, passport and notary services, and handling FOIA requests.

The clerk position, therefore, requires personal integrity, the ability to multitask effectively, the willingness to listen and work diplomatically with others who may hold opposing views, while always conducting oneself professionally. Having a lengthy, proven track record of serving the public well is extremely helpful and reassuring. Additionally, the Clerk maintains the minutes and also casts one of the seven votes at Bloomfield Township board meetings along with the supervisor, treasurer, and four trustees.

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I believe government at every level is employed by and works on behalf of the citizenry, not the other way around. To that end, I strongly support the individual citizen’s right to be informed of most government action with the exception of high-level security or legal issues which must be kept classified. I believe it is in the best interest of government to have this view as well, since transparency is essential to citizens’ ongoing trust in governmental institutions, while holding them accountable for improper actions or potential overreach. Simply put, darkness does not exist in the constant presence of light. With that said, however, I do not support abuse of the FOIA process where individuals or political groups may attempt to create havoc with a constant stream of vindictive FOIA requests done simply to slow down or hinder a government entity.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES Bloomfield Township passed its initial master plan in 2007, the same year I began my career with the police department. I found it essential to familiarize myself with the master plan over a decade ago, while more recently studying the updated 2018 addendum which addresses the rezoning and redevelopment of the large parcel of land at Squirrel and South Boulevard. As a realtor and homeowner association president, it’s essential I understand the zoning ordinances and be able to answer many questions that come from both clients and other residents. One thing I greatly appreciate about Bloomfield Township is its leadership has historically adopted ordinances which protect and support individual property rights of residents, as well as safeguarding the peaceful enjoyment of the community. I believe it’s

important to maintain this approach in the future.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I worked the night shift as a Bloomfield Township police officer for almost 10 years. During that time, I often enjoyed the assignment of providing a police presence during township board meetings on Monday nights, which provided me with the unique opportunity to observe our local government in action. While there are occasional disagreements among government officials and residents, and sometimes among board members themselves, I do not believe the answer is to jettison decades of established precedent and a proven government structure which has worked well in creating the wonderful community my family, friends, neighbors, and I enjoy today.

I am not against innovation or changing with the times when needed but history has shown Bloomfield Township is consistently ranked as one of the best municipalities in the state. Bloomfield Township is not broken, and I don’t see the need to overhaul it.

committed to customer service, and able to multitask while never sacrificing excellence. I have come to love this community as both a resident and employee, and I look forward to serving in an even greater capacity as Bloomfield Township Clerk. You can see a short video, and learn more about me, my platform and vision for Bloomfield Township at ElectTomSmyly.com.

DAVID THOMAS

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY This focuses on an issue I believe Bloomfield Township residents care deeply about. I know I do. While disagreements will occur, as is the nature of our democracy, there is simply no reason to disrespect another individual in any venue, whether publicly or online. Robust discourse and the free exchange of ideas can be accomplished without personal attacks. This is the exact reason I’ve made the phrase “Serving Every Resident with Excellence and Respect” a central focus of my campaign and why it's listed on every piece of literature I’ve produced. I will always listen and show respect to every individual, even those I may disagree with. As a long time Bloomfield Township resident and police officer, I have always been dedicated to helping my fellow citizens regardless of political party or individual differences. My outlook as clerk will be a simple continuation of what I already believe and practice in my daily life.

Thomas has an undergraduate engineering degree from University of Michigan Dearborn, and an MBA from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He is a mortgage loan originator and a real estate agent.

CLERK DUTIES/QUALIFICATIONS Clerks duties by law: Conducting all elections, training the election workers, maintaining the records associated with the election and delivering the election results to the Oakland County Clerk and annual audits of accounts; custody of records, books and papers. I have done similar functions in private industry. I have 39 years at Ford, most in management positions where I managed departments, teams, held meetings recorded and published the minutes of those meetings. I managed processes, budgets ($150 million), outside suppliers and supported senior management.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

ABSENTEE VOTING

I have an unmatched history of public service and dedication to Bloomfield Township and its residents. Simply put, public service is in my DNA. While being a police officer over the last 12.5 years, I have been recognized for two lifesaving awards, multiple MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) awards, have trained new officers, and participated in our empowering self defense classes for women. As a homeowner association president, I provide leadership and help serve over 350 homeowners in Hickory Heights. I am competent, personable, detail-oriented,

The changes are: Automatically registers people to vote when they obtain or renew their driver's license or state identification card, as long as they are a U.S. citizen and age 18 or older; allows people to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day, including on Election Day. The current registration deadline is 30 days before the election. Allows voters to obtain an absentee ballot without providing a reason. Absentee balloting is currently limited to people who are age 60 and older, disabled, poll workers or who sign an

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august 4 primary election voter guide

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TREASURER/REPUBLICAN MARK ANTAKLI

Antakli received both his undergraduate mechanical engineering degree and his MBA from University of Michigan. He is a selfemployed insurance agent.

TREASURER RESPONSIBILITIES As one of three full-time elected positions in the township offices, along with the supervisor and the clerk, the treasurer has a variety of

DAVID THOMAS from page 27B

affidavit saying they will be out of town on Election Day. Reinstates the option of a straight-ticket vote for all candidates of a particular political party by marking one spot on the ballot. The Republican-controlled legislature passed a law ending that practice, and this November election will be the first time that option is not allowed.Proposal 3 also allows voters to seek an audit of statewide elections. In addition, it will add the current legal requirements for secret ballots and military and overseas voting to the Michigan constitution.

Currently, the right to a secret ballot and the military/oversees voting timetables are part of Michigan election law but are not in the constitution. The most recent changes are in the same day voter registration and the attempts to expand the absentee voter rolls.

Talking with the present clerk, actions have been put into place to address the same day registration. Those processes have been tested through several recent elections. The absentee ballots process will add many hours to the election night duties for the clerk.

The ballots cannot be counted until the polls close so with an increase in the number of ballots and the cross 28B

responsibilities. Can you tell us the statutory responsibilities of the treasurer? What qualifications do you have to be township treasurer?

Be specific.

Treasurer is a member of the Board of Trustees which has the following statutory requirements, from the Michigan Compiled Laws for the Township Board: MCL 41.70-41.75b.

Regarding education qualifications: graduate degree, University of Michigan – Dearborn – master degree in business administration, concentrating in finance. I graduated with distinction and was accepted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Honor Society for Business Schools. Undergraduate degree is in mechanical engineering, from University of Michigan, College of Engineering – Ann Arbor. I have an extensive business background, utilizing my finance background to support board and management activities such as: forecasts, budgets, cost savings initiatives, financial analysis, and stakeholder relationships.

TOWNSHIP FINANCES For a number of years there has references needed to ensure the integrity of those ballots, the workload on election night will increase significantly. The reinstatement of straight ticket issue will affect the ballots but will not add to the workload.

MICHIGAN FOIA There can never be too much information in the public’s hands. If elected, I would put everything online.

The key item that will be online is the township checkbook that is tied directly the approved budgets. All accounts would show their approval authority, what was budgeted, and the present variance to budget. If any overruns occur, they would not be authorized until the board of trustees approves it. This will drive accountability and will create trust and transparency with the residents.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES The entire master plan needs to be revisited and redone. The present master plan is over 10 years old and has been ether been ignored or amended ad hoc. Each time the supervisor has said that he was going to reissue the plan but has failed to do so. The entire plan needs to be redone and presented to the citizens for their input and approval. It should

been concern about the township's finances and whether the township had invested its money correctly. In the last several years there have been changes in how investments have been handled which have produced improvements. Can you tell us the changes that have been made in the investments of the township? Be specific. As a township, what investment vehicles can a township use? Can you tell us how the township's portfolio has performed in the last two years?

Investments the township can utilize are identified in Michigan’s Compiled Laws and are referenced in the year end March 31, 2019 audited financials. Township utilizes laddered maturities of CD’s to cover the cash needs of daily operations. Recently, the township utilizes Oakland County’s government investment pool and has increased the holdings in that account. A few years ago, the majority of these investments were in short-term bond mutual funds, with other investments being in certificates of deposit. Per fiscal year end audited financials, investment fees have increased from $86,208 in 2016 to $267,851 in 2019. Per the 2019 audit, investment returns on the address the future needs in infrastructure and how the upgrades will be funded. It must include a threeyear review because of the rapidly changing technology and its potential impact to the plan. As clerk, I do not write the ordinances, I publish them. I think they should all be reviewed for relevance and technology impacts.

Government is the one cost that really impacts citizens. The ordinances should be reviewed for their effectiveness and their economic impact to businesses and citizens.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I would fully endorse a superintendent type of governance of the township. It needs to be reviewed and studied, and it must have the resident’s input and support. But, yes, I am in favor of it.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY Treat everyone equally with respect and fairness. That includes the residents, employees, and vendors.

Our Constitution First Amendment allows for a redress of grievances by the citizens. It goes for all levels of government. Elected officials may not like what some of the electorate is telling them. It is symptomatic of an issue or a different perspective. If you are leading, you want the best

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pension trust net investment expenses were: 2019, 2.3 percents and 2018, 4.7 percent.

AAA BOND RATING Bloomfield Township received its first AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor's in April 2011, prior to a $3 million bond sale to finance improvements in its sanitary sewer system. The township has maintained its AAA bond rating since, which has been attributed to a well run township at every level. If you are elected, how will you work to maintain that AAA bond rating?

Bloomfield Township is also rated by Moody’s. Moody’s downgraded Bloomfield Township to Aa1 on August 8, 2019. Credit challenges highlighted in Moody’s report on December 12, 2018 were: tax caps; high leverage and fixed costs from bonded debt and unfunded postemployment liabilities; a weakened economic profile. A new threat was added this spring. Six-year employment contracts were approved, increasing salaries and postemployment benefits by over 15 percent. A long-term balanced budget was not provided to residents, supporting the increase. I will work to solutions so you must consider all the views around the issues before taking a decision.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I have been at the forefront of many recent township issues. The sewer and water overcharges, organizing the opposition the proposed Special Assessment District proposal that was put to a vote last August. None of my opponents have been that involved in the community. None of the others have had that level of impact to the community. My desire to serve coupled with my work experience and academic achievements are far beyond any of my challengers. None of my competitors have the experience in managing employees, processes, and budgets that I have. Why me?

Courage to do the right thing, putting my community first. I will not take a township vehicle for compensation. I was the first candidate to make that pledge. My experience: No competitors have the experience in managing employees, processes, and budgets that I have. My integrity – I do not have a real or perceived conflict of interest as does one of my competitors.

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reinstate a 10-year financial plan to improve strategic decisions and provide long-term fiscal responsibility.

Predict and address financial challenges before they become large financial issues/burdens. I will work to reinstate a Consolidated Operating Budget, which was removed from the budget adopted on March 23, 2020.

The consolidated budget would identify revenue by source and planned expenditures; identify surplus or deficit budgets; recommended by Michigan’s Department of Treasury.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES How familiar are you with your community's master plan and zoning ordinances? Is there a part of the master plan or an ordinance that you feel needs to change?

The master plan includes infrastructure requirements. Updating infrastructure increases the township long-term debt and can constrain expenditures during an economic downturn. Therefore, having a 10-year financial plan for the township will improve long-term decisions made by the township's planning division. I will work to reinstate a 10-year financial plan.

Show our revenue, expenses, and debt projections year by year for a rolling 10-year period. Help the township make strategic decisions and provide long-term fiscal responsibility.

Help the township predict and address financial challenges before they become large financial issues/burdens, saving taxpayers money.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY There has been an increased lack of civility at township board meetings and social media postings, contributing to a divisiveness and lack of respect and cordiality. Given the very public struggles that have taken place in the township, what would be your plan to unify the community and the staff?

I will respect First Amendment rights and core political speech of residents.

I will work to reinstate a Consolidated Operating Budget, which would provide transparency by showing where all revenue will come from and what expenses are planned. Show residents if the township is operating with a balanced, surplus or deficit budget.

Consolidated budgets should include water and sewer. Consolidated budgets are recommended by Michigan’s Department of Treasury. I will work to reinstate a 10-year financial plan to show revenue, expenses, and debt projections year by year for a rolling 10-year period. I will help the township make strategic decisions and provide long-term fiscal responsibility and help the township predict and address financial challenges before they become large financial issues/burdens, saving taxpayers money. I will lead by example and will not accept an exorbitant perk of a Ford Expedition. I AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

stand for total transparency.

Transparency makes for better governance.

BRIAN KEPES

KEY ISSUES What would you consider the top three issues facing the township and how would you address those issues?

Lack of a long-term financial plan to fund over $160 million in postemployment liabilities. Fiscal responsibility. Financial transparency. A long-term financial plan to fund $160 million in post-employment liabilities is more than making payments according to an actuarial; a long-term financial plan includes making additional payments during an economic expansion. Fiscal responsibility includes providing a long-term financial plan and updating the plan annually. Reinstating a consolidated operating report to the annual budget.

Updating the consolidated operating report on a quarterly basis and comparing actual results to estimates.

Working a five-day week. Not accepting the Ford Expedition the current Treasurer uses, 24/7/365 at tax payers expense. Financial transparency includes providing residents access to all records. Adding a consolidated operating report to the annual budget. Providing on-line quarterly updates. Addressing postemployment liabilities. Providing online quarterly updates of investments.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

I will respect First Amendment rights and core political speech of residents.

I will work to reinstate a Consolidated Operating Budget, which would provide transparency by showing where all revenue will come from and what expenses are planned. Show residents if the township is operating with a balanced, surplus or deficit budget.

Consolidated budgets should include water and sewer. Consolidated budgets are recommended by Michigan’s Department of Treasury. I'll will work to reinstate a 10-year financial plan. Show revenue, expenses, and debt projections year by year for a rolling 10-year period. Help the township make strategic decisions and provide long-term fiscal responsibility. Help the Township predict and address financial challenges before they become large financial issues/burdens, saving taxpayers money. I will lead by example and will not accept an exorbitant perk of a Ford Expedition.

Antakli stand for total transparency.

Transparency makes for better governance.

Brian Kepes is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in accounting, is a CPA and has owned his own real estate company. He is the incumbent township treasurer. He previously sat on the township's board of trustees from 2009-2016, zoning board of appeals, which he also chaired, from 1994-2009, and tax board of review, 1993-2009.

TREASURER RESPONSIBILITIES Collect real and personal property taxes and other monies due to the township, account for and deliver them to the county treasurer and other tax assessing entities. Maintain a uniform accounting system. Deposit monies in approved depositories. Disburse checks according to the state law or township board. Invest monies in investment instruments as authorized by state statute and the investment policy set by the township board. Vote at township board meetings. Appoint a Deputy Treasurer. Post a surety bond. I believe I possess the requisite skills, have provided solid results and a proven record to continue to serve as your Bloomfield Treasurer. I am a fiscal conservative. I have provided 26 years of experience and service to the township; 15 as a volunteer on the zoning board of appeals and tax board of review, seven as trustee, and four as your treasurer. Professionally, I earned a degree in accounting and am a certified public accountant, who has started, built, and managed successful businesses’ for over 30 years.

Additionally, I have provided active long-term leadership in diverse community organizations.

the last four years by eliminating excessive broker fees and investing in safe government bonds. Since November of 2016, the defined benefit equities (DB) and Retiree Health Care Trusts (RHCT) have increased over 40 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The difference in the returns for the DB and RHCT is the DB contains only equity, while the RHCT contain equity and fixed income instruments. From the beginning of my term as your Treasurer, every financial relationship and provider was examined, renegotiated, and/or rebid and replaced. All of the costs, fees, and expenses associated with these relationships were either substantially reduced or eliminated, while providing as good as or better service than before.

AAA BOND RATING Bloomfield’s AAA credit rating, as stated by Standard & Poor’s, is a reflection of Bloomfield’s economic strength and management’s demonstrated ability of managing its budget. The AAA rating allows Bloomfield to borrow at the lowest rates and reduce the bottom line cost to taxpayers. As your township treasurer, I diligently work with the supervisor and finance director to meticulously manage the finances and budget by refinancing debt to lower interest rates, continually pay down debt, and reduce township liabilities, increase our investable assets, and increase our reserves. To maintain Bloomfield’s AAA rating, I plan to continue my solid record of proven results.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES We live in a beautiful community, primarily planned, built, and maintained for residential use. The township's rolling hills and many water features are accentuated by our residents’ superior designed and maintained homes, which are supported by township ordinances, that we should all be proud. As a participant in Bloomfield’s master plan process and having chaired and been a member of its zoning board of appeals for over 15 years, I have great appreciation and respect for the planning, zoning and ordinance process. While the residential nature of the community has been set long ago, things do change and I believe that the master plan and ordinances need to constantly reflect the resident’s needs and desires now and in the future.

TOWNSHIP FINANCES

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY

Township finances are strong and performing extremely well. While under my responsibility, in the last four years, township reserves have earned $2,881,000 as compared to Dan Devine’s last four years in office, where he earned only $476,000. Despite historically low interest rates, the township performed six times better in

Civility, cordiality, honesty, kindness, transparency and mutual respect are fundamental to a sound and healthy community and organization. I have lived my personal, business, and community volunteer life committed to these values and will continue to work as a professional in a cooperative spirit

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BRIAN KEPES

august 4 primary election voter guide

from page 29B

with all board members and residents to place Bloomfield’s interests first.

KEY ISSUES Key issues facing Bloomfield are as follows: First, continue to meet and exceed residents' expectations of a safe, secure, and stable community while balancing the limited revenues available, even in the face of these hopefully once in a lifetime catastrophic events. As such, we need to remain committed to fiscally conservative policies and keep our tax rates low for residents. Second, provide and support innovative solutions to our challenges that include road maintenance and/or provide opportunities for new roads and the essential maintenance and restoration of our aging water and sewer infrastructure. Furthermore, provide and improve the very best services to our residents while retaining and attracting top quality staff to perform these vital services like police, fire, and advanced life support. Third, we need a cohesive township board that can maintain the trust of the taxpayers and provide a local government we can all be proud of.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why keep Brian Kepes your Bloomfield Treasure? My extensive experience in the private sector, as a CPA, founding successful businesses, and my lifetime active leadership of community nonprofit boards and organizations, has provided me the crucial ability to work with all types of people in all types of environments and build strength. When you write more checks to government than you receive, you gain a true respect for the value of every tax dollar and take seriously the responsibility of managing public funds. In my first term as your treasurer, I have enjoyed the opportunity to substantially reduce or eliminate every financial investment provider’s cost/fee and treasury staffing levels while simultaneously increasing the transparency, service and/or productivity providing significant value to Bloomfield taxpayers. Your treasury department has also continually provided enhancements to the treasury process to simplify and improve your experience. These advancements include allowing you the option of paperless water/sewer billing, online payments processes for all departments, and point of sale credit card use at the counter. We’ve only just begun… To date, we have eliminated approximately $1 million in annual perpetual treasury related costs and fees. I will maintain a laser focus on continued taxpayer cost reductions and value enhancements of the treasury services for the benefit of Bloomfield Township residents.

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BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE/DEMOCRAT FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

STEPHANIE FAKIH

A great deal of time as trustee is spent going over the township's budget, finances, special assessment districts, and other economic and investment issues. What is your background, and what qualifications would you bring to the table that would be an asset on a sevenmember board?

Fakih earned her undergraduate degree at University of Michigan and her law degree at Fordham University. She is an attorney with First Rights Law and has not run for political office before.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES Unlike the full time positions of supervisor, clerk, and treasurer, trustees are part-time positions, one where you in essence stand in for your constituents, the residents of the township. What do you think is the role of trustee? What qualifications do you have to perform in this position?

A township trustee has many roles. A trustee must oversee township operations and be a policymaker for the township. A trustee must be a leader for the township, familiar with the township and having a vision and solutions for the township. A trustee must work effectively with constituents and other elected township officials, listening closely to concerns and helping advance the needs of the township both effectively and ethically. I have the qualifications to fill all of these roles. As a criminal defense attorney, I routinely have to challenge and investigate policies and procedures to ensure both effectiveness and high moral integrity for the justice system. I work with legislative committees to help advance the interests of justice and am familiar with policy-making. I have the interpersonal skills to work with different stakeholders while advancing the interests of the township. I grew up in Bloomfield Township and chose to move back after graduating law school in New York City. I know what issues face the township and I have the ideas and skills to help solve those issues and keep the township a place we all love to live.

I started my law firm, Rights First Law PC in 2014. Over six years later, I have a thriving criminal defense practice in Birmingham. I know how to find solutions to problems, whether it is for a client or for my business. I can review and analyze data to help meet identified goals. I utilize available resources and critical thinking to find resolution. We live in a township full of resources, including our excellent township employees. As a trustee, I will work with township employees, elected township officials and other advisors to make sure every financial or investment decision bears in mind the best interests of the township and its residents.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES How familiar are you with your community's master plan and zoning ordinances? Is there a part of the master plan or an ordinance that you feel needs to change?

Bloomfield Township has an extremely rich, long history and as such has many established homes and properties. It is different from other neighboring areas in that it has little development opportunity. There is not a part of the master plan or a township ordinance that needs to change, but the township needs to work to encourage homeowners to continue to invest in their properties creating more robust neighborhoods. The township should also continue to explore the possibility of creating a park space within the township.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT This past year, a township trustee introduced the concept of a township superintendent, who would supersede the supervisor and act similarly to a city manager in running the township.

What are your thoughts on this idea, and why do you think it would, or would not, work for Bloomfield Township?

I do not think hiring a township superintendent is necessary or appropriate for Bloomfield Township. A township superintendent signals a lack of confidence in the board of trustees.

Bloomfield Township residents and those running for elected office in the

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township are sophisticated, well educated, highly regarded members of society. Residents should have confidence in their elected officials and should not require a township superintendent to oversee township operations. Bloomfield Township residents deserve to feel secure about the township’s future and have a board of trustees they can trust in and be proud of.

PLATFORM ISSUES What is your vision of Bloomfield Township? If elected as trustee, do you see yourself working towards reforming one area, with a specific goal in mind? If so, what is it? If you have a platform issue, how do you expand your vision beyond your goal to understand and represent all of the residents of the township and their interests, which may not be the same as yours?

My campaign slogan of Take Back the Township is about keeping Bloomfield Township a place we all love to live, something every Bloomfield Township resident can support. Bloomfield Township is a desirable community, but we must work to ensure the township continues to be a financially stable community with low taxes, excellent public services and a beautiful landscape to match. In recent years, Bloomfield Township has seen a lack of confidence in its elected officials.

Whether misplaced or not, my goal is to unify the community and work to resolve the problems facing the township.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY There has been an increased lack of civility at township board meetings and social media postings, contributing to a divisiveness and lack of respect and cordiality. Given the very public struggles that have taken place in the township, what would be your plan to unify the community and the staff?

It is important for Bloomfield Township residents to have a board of trustees that speaks with one voice, respectfully and ethically and acts only in the best interest of the township and the residents. It is unseemly for a township of the caliber of Bloomfield Township to be in the news for a lack of civility. If elected as Bloomfield Township Trustee, I will work with all elected officials and constituents to create a township that works for everyone. We all have the same goals for Bloomfield Township – keeping it a top-rated, one-of-a-kind place to raise families and grow old. The township has it all and when we remind people of the things that make this AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

community great, we can all unite to work around those common goals. A united citizenry is integral to maintaining an advanced and desirable community.

meticulous with my approach of deriving at the best solution for the communities.

VALERIE SAYLES MURRAY

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE WHY VOTE FOR YOU Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

I want to take back the township for township residents. I have no special interests. I am just a township resident, ready and able to serve my community.

I want Bloomfield Township to continue its tradition of being a township with robust services, outstanding fire and safety, good financial health and a beautiful residential and neighborly community. If elected as Bloomfield Township trustee, I will bring fresh ideas and a new energy to help solve issues facing the Township. If elected to be Bloomfield Township trustee, I will work to encourage continued investment in township properties. The township is in a unique position with little development opportunity. Bloomfield Township has established properties and we must strive to maximize the value of those properties and other investments. As township trustee I would also work to expand and enhance township services like electronic and hazardous waste recycling, while ensuring the township remains one of the safest communities for families. It is also important to create volunteer opportunities for township residents, increasing engagement with elected officials and with other members of the community.

Encouraging community engagement helps strengthen neighborhood bonds and ties to a sustained township.

MITSUAKI MURASHIGE

My experience working as project managers and working within pre-set budgets, and my years of experience as operations manager required indepth understanding of expected outcomes and finding the issues and reasons for when the result varies from the expectations.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I feel that there is potential for this to work, but any delegation of power needs to be aligned with any overall plan for improvements. We need to avoid any selfish direction which may isolate the township.

PLATFORM ISSUES I do not come with my own agenda for reform, but I will have a broad eye to understand what our community needs for a better future. My initial goal is to understand better of the needs of the community.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY I would suggest and push to try new technology and trends, so that our future generation are informed and are driven to be involved. We need to listen more, so establishing an easier way for the community to express issues and concerns will be necessary to unify.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I am honest and fair, and I am willing to serve the community at the best of my ability. Although, I consider myself a Democrat, I also have Republican values, and I am willing to listen to everyone’s side to make the right decision regardless of political party lines.

Murashige, a project manager at NAGASE America, has a B.A. in visual arts from the University of California, San Diego.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES I believe the trustee’s role is to provide a fair voice for the community. I have experience in various industries and fields to bring diverse insights. Also, I am a problem solver in nature, and AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES I feel the zoning ordinances need to be aligned with the needs of the community and potential community members. We need to evaluate our community to avoid and correct any systemic racism and other rights for equality.

budgeting for the business, along with buying media within budget for large and small companies. In the 1990s my husband and I started a small company, where I handled creating the articles of incorporation, and served as marketing manager and treasurer. I am also skilled and performed tax returns for this corporation, as well as our personal returns.

Murray, a retired school district substitute teacher, has a communications/advertising degree from Michigan State University. She is a political advocate with Voters Not Politicians and Promote the Vote, and has been a member of her subdivision board.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES I have served six terms as a board member on my subdivision board, going back to 1986 serving alongside neighbor (and former Supervisor) Dave Payne. I learned a lot representing my neighbors, especially the year I was chosen to be road paving chair where I coordinated our streets getting paved from dirt roads to asphalt, carrying petitions, and coordinating with the county and township. A trustee would be an even greater level of resident support, following the issues, voting openly and honestly for all proposals or considerations for the very best for everyone. Since the township is 94 percent residential, I would like to see residents input welcomed and greater involvement. As a 20-plus year public school employee I have a good feel for the pulse of the township, and understand the importance of a positive community.

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE I have a BA from Michigan State University in communication, majoring in advertising. This a business degree, including emphasis on economics, marketing, management and statistics education. I’ve also worked in advertising in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area as a media buyer/planner and operations manager. When the state was in a recession, I volunteered to learn bookkeeping in the evenings to wear two hats to help the firm through difficult times. I understand balance sheets, payroll, and definitely watching the bottom line being closely involved in bill paying and

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Unfortunately the township no longer has a strategic plan. Years ago we had one to follow, but about six years ago, under this board, it was allowed to expire and not be renewed, which I believe has led to financial difficulties. You need a solid, structured plan as a foundation for budgeting appropriately. I’d call for a full forensic audit of the township finances, and create a new, sound strategic plan for our financial future. This process would be transparent to the residents, so they would clearly understand shortfalls, and any reason should adjustments in budgets be necessary. Again, it seems ordinances were enforced more in the past. I’ve have had residents complain to me about huge signs allowed in residential lawns, signs too close to the roadway, and odd advertising signs on roadway corners which are not only in violation, they are often unsightly as well.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT David Buckley made this presentation, and I wholeheartedly agree. In our township, there are no checks and balances, and the candidates for office are not required to have any special background or training for their position. For example, Dan Devine voluntarily attended treasurer classes, however, Brian Kepes never did. In our township the supervisor can suggest for example raises, or free cars, and vote to give them to themselves and others. Cities often utilize a professional manager or superintendent. This person is responsible for proposing budgets, purchases, etc. and makes a solid presentation to the board, which the group of seven votes on. This person is hired, and not elected. It’s a much better way to govern, having checks and balances on decisions, while limiting the power of the supervisor to help avoid conflict of interest, and abuse of power which I believe this board has taken advantage of.

PLATFORM ISSUES My top priority, would be to establish a strategic plan, create a balanced budget that we can afford, taking into account all of the expenses, long-term liabilities and OPED debts of the township. It is my belief, if the current board continues in their lavish spending, the township will 31B

become insolvent, and may have to default on long term promises made to retirees, which would be devastating. We owe it to the residents and employees to have a sound plan, and spend every tax dollar wisely. One of the incumbents mentioned wanting to keep taxes low, that’s a rather striking comment since we are at the highest possible taxation allowed by the state, and this board made no concessions.

After the tax was passed, they passed six-year employment contracts, but only a one year budget? There is no plan or proposal to demonstrate how they can afford this.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES

LINDA ULREY

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY Residents are entitled to make public comment. However, it is very clear that resident input is not welcome.

Board members rebuff our ideas, look away from residents, unless it is a compliment. If I am elected, making residents welcome and informed, is extremely important. We have a very intelligent community who have insightful suggestions. Free speech is a First Amendment right.

Sharing posts online of factual information, informing other residents what’s happening in our community is part of our constitutional right. Keep posts factual, civil, and if you don’t agree, no need to be unfriendly or attack, either share your honest facts, or move on. I am personally being sued by the supervisor and treasurer for sharing a difference of opinion on social media. This is a baseless attack by elected officials, and coincidental to confirming myself as a candidate for trustee. An abuse of the legal system.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU A 35-year resident in the township, I truly love this community, raising my three sons here. They had a great environment and excellent education which I value. I want to continue this to be a wonderful place to live, and raise a family. I was elected six terms on my sub board, earning the respect of my neighbors. Ten years as an Adopt-a-Highway volunteer in the township, plus six years as a volunteer foster home for over 100plus rescue animals. I am recently retired from 20-plus years in public education, and have the time and desire to work for the community I so love. I’m dedicated, honest and heartfelt. I feel the two incumbent trustees have done very little, during their time on the board, showing little input, while voting for whatever the supervisor wants, whether it’s in the best interest of residents or not.

Time for a change.

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Ulrey, the director of the Ulrey Family Charitable Fund, has a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and MBA from University of Detroit Mercy.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES Statutorily, township trustees are required to vote on all issues, and are responsible for the fiduciary health of the community. I am sorry to say our current trustees are frequently left out of the information and voting loop on important community decisions. I am knowledgeable of township government operations, have the interpersonal and leadership abilities to engage the community proactively and have policy making skills. My 30plus years in business and industry in various executive roles have prepared me well. But most importantly a trustee must communicate and listen effectively to the people one represents and possess knowledge of what constitutes ethical behavior. All residents are equal in my eyes and have a right to express their opinions freely and without fear of retribution.

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE Bloomfield Township has serious financial debts that haven’t been dealt with sufficiently or honestly as I see it.

If we can’t trust and believe in those who govern us at the local level, it destroys our faith in governance and shortchanges what our community can be for all. I will focus on creative and new ideas for achieving financial recovery and solvency – that don’t rely first on more money from the taxpayer.

Solutions must come from the board – asking residents for more money is a lazy way to govern. We are a community of incredibly talented and educated people, yet little input from this community is sought in any of the board’s important decisions. I intend to change that. My experience as an operations/plant manager has exposed me to business’s harshest financial realities. The road to recovery is always paved with a solid plan and resourcefulness of the stakeholders.

A master plan is a dynamic, long-term plan that guides community growth and development. Our township has not referenced using a master plan in over six years. This is not about just about zoning laws or deed restrictions – it’s a vision for how to want our community to look and develop. Our community leadership should have made a master plan a priority a long time ago – but hasn’t. The result is a hodge podge of building and development decisions that do not serve the community in a sustained way. Creating a master plan would be a top priority but it must include many members of the community to participate in creating a vision and a community that we want to live in and raise families in. I have heard residents call for parks and more open community spaces – we had several opportunities to consider those ideas in the last several years that weren’t pursued.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT Unlike the successful cities that surround our township, Bloomfield Township residents elect our leaders as partisan politicians who have wellfunded PAC’s. I support the concept of a city manager for our community. City managers are professionals who are trained/experienced in municipal management. The concept of a city manager was presented to our board by trustee Buckley, and the board refused to discuss the proposal. It is my belief that many of the township’s fiscal issues would have been more transparent and managed if we had this form of leadership. City managers report to a board of elected trustees so it provides the professionalism of city operations with the representatives of the community to craft the best way forward. Currently it is my view too much power and authority is vested in the township supervisor position with few checks and balances. This is an untenable situation and must end.

PLATFORM ISSUES My vision for our community: create a master plan with extensive community involvement and input; provide answers to escalating water and sewer bills and be honest – tell residents what’s going on; we have a $5 million road department and crumbling roads – an unsustainable situation; township debt is one of the highest, annual budgets and spending keep escalating – a deteriorating situation that requires immediate attention and resolution; respect the residents and taxpayers – they pay the bills – stop the name calling and suing residents for speaking out; treat contractors fairly, publicize all contracts and cost overruns; require board approval for spending and stop unilateral decisionmaking by supervisor; open up the books as other communities have

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done – stop behind closed doors dealmaking; stop the game playing, hiring consultants for studies that are never produced or used; and restore checks and balances.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY The tone for civility in a community is set by the top elected officials. When residents feel disrespected, are unable to have a forum for open, honest dialogue, when requests for information are met with “file a FOIA”; elected leaders have set the stage for divisiveness with their management style and speaking tone. When the supervisor is heard cursing residents and saying he doesn’t like them – there is little hope for improvement.

When the top officials pit residents against the township employees that are compensated by the taxpayers, it's nothing more than poor political drama to divert attention away from real problems. I have spoken with several township employees who are saddened they have been used in this way. Respect and fairness for the role we each play in this community is the key to restoring good relations. We all need each other to make this community work.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I have lived in the township and know it well having served on the board of my association for over 25 years, as well as a director, secretary and treasurer of United Homeowner Associations of Bloomfield Township. I understand the issues and challenges in detail and have been vocal about recent tax proposals that were not in the resident’s best interests. It's time for fresh faces and new ideas on the board. I am also an advocate of board term limits – let's give everyone a chance to consider serving their community. I sense complacency among many of the current board members who seem to just go along with whatever is presented – rarely is there serious discussion or dissent.

Board members are difficult to engage – emails are rarely answered. I want to talk to members of the community and what they want to see happen. I don’t consider the position a burden; I consider it a privilege to serve.

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august 4 primary election voter guide

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE/REPUBLICAN Five Republicans are running for Bloomfield Township trustee in the August primary to appear on the November ballot for one of four positions as Bloomfield Township Trustee. One of the candidates only answered two questions we posed so we have opted to not present his incomplete answers.

NEIL BARNETT

Financial Sustainability Committee for the past four years and was an advocate for its creation.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES I am extremely familiar with the township’s master plan and zoning ordinances. I was a member of the zoning board of appeals prior to being a trustee and as a member of the planning commission was involved in the development and updates of the last master plan. I believe the master plan and zoning ordinances represent the township well. However, I believe we need to have a stronger tree ordinance and emphasize development of more green space. I am receptive to modifying the master plan and zoning ordinances as needed.

WHY VOTE FOR YOU I have been a trustee on the Bloomfield Township board for over 16 years. I provide the institutional knowledge and understanding of the township that the other candidates lack. I have a strong financial background. I have always been non-political and look out for the best interests of our residents. I have been respectful and civil to board members and residents. I have been an advocate for public safety, spearheaded the township’s involvement in maintaining green space at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center and have emphasized the importance of providing exemplary services to our residents.

TIMOTHY ROBERT MEYER

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT

Barnett, an attorney with Sills Charboneau Sills P.C., received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University, a master's degree in clinical psychology from Oakland University and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Barnett has been a Bloomfield Township Trustee since 2004, sits on the township's planning commission, election commission, is an alternate on the design review board, and has served on the zoning board of appeals.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The role of a trustee is to represent the concerns of residents to the board. The role includes participation in policy development, finances, budget, investment issues and ensuring that outstanding services are provided to our residents. I have been a Bloomfield Township Trustee for over 16 years. I have been on the Planning Commission for 15 years, was previously on the zoning board of appeals and am a member of the Bloomfield Township Financial Sustainability Committee and the election commission.

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE As an attorney, my focus is on asset protection and finances of my clients. I manage multimillion-dollar trusts and estates and work with numerous financial advisors. I have been a member of the Bloomfield Township AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

The township has been successful with its current governmental format. Over the history of Bloomfield Township, the residents have voted in supervisors with excellent management skills. I did not support the concept of a superintendent when it was first introduced to the board because I believed the proposal was based more on emotion than on any factual and logical foundation. A superintendent would provide an unnecessary governmental layer and an additional financial burden to the residents.

FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE Academically, I hold an earned MBA. I also have proven executive leadership in public service under the most difficult circumstances. As president of Sault College, I led the institution out of immediate insolvency to one of the top performing educational institutions in five years. Financially, the college went from near bankruptcy to a balanced budget, and holding a reserve of nearly one half of annual operating.

This was accomplished through a practical strategic plan containing priorities, an effective budgeting process, and accountability for action.

As the longest serving chancellor of OCC, I shepherded the college through the Great Recession while continually balancing the annual budget during a time of dropping millage revenue and ever increasing enrollment. Careful fiscal management resulted in providing the lowest tuition in the state while maintaining the highest fiscal credit rating.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES

PLATFORM ISSUES My vision for Bloomfield Township is to continue to provide exemplary services to our residents and to provide a safe, stable and secure community to all residents. I am proud that I have been an advocate for the further development of our safety paths and believe they have helped to provide a sense of community. It is important to offer services to our seniors so that they can continue to live in their homes and to make Bloomfield Township an inviting place for young families.

Meyer received degrees in plant pathology from North Dakota State University, an MBA from Lake Superior State University and a PhD in environmental epidemiology from University of Florida. He is semi-retired after being chancellor of Oakland Community College and a deputy executive to the late L. Brooks Patterson for economic development and community affairs.

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While a township trustee serves many roles, there are several which stand out in my mind. Above all, a trustee is the voice of the people. To do so requires generous listening to understand values, interests and desires of the community, and be able to build consensus even when there may be considerable conflict to bring to the township meetings. A trustee’s role is to work well with other elected officials, whether it is with fellow trustees at township meetings, or those at the state or federal level, since it is the collective body of government which brings ideas into action. And finally, a

Now more than ever, it is important that the board acts with respect, civility and dignity towards each other and with the residents. In turn, the residents need to act with respect, civility and dignity towards the board.

Such conduct cannot be forced, but it should be expected. As Justice Scalia said, “We are different, we are one, I attack ideas not people, some people have bad ideas.” In addition, the township should conduct more public forums to receive resident’s suggestions.

trustee is a steward of public resources to ensure appropriate use and accountability.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

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As former Deputy Executive of Economic Development and Community Affairs for Oakland County, I am very familiar with a variety of community masterplans from the 62 cities, townships, and villages which make up our county. Each one reflects the values of the local community.

What is vital is for the plans to continually be reviewed against future opportunities. Without a solid economic and residential development plan, a community will cease to grow.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT While I have led several major institutional restructurings, I have found it is the person in the position, and the relationship to those around them, which determines leadership success.

Currently, the supervisor is elected by the public, whose actions they are accountable to. The proposed superintendent position would put that choice in the hands the trustees. I strongly believe operational leadership should not be selected by a trustee majority. The supervisor should be of the people and have the latitude for innovation and independent thought, including the people they choose to support them. The supervisor is held accountable to fellow trustees through majority support of motions at public meetings without having to ‘work’ for them. Trustees should have a stronger oversight role and set measures of 33B

success through the strategic plan.

PLATFORM ISSUES I feel the public and political gridlock the township faces is divisive to the vital public debate which our democracy is founded on. What is the value of freedom of speech if no one is listening? The public needs to be heard and the elected officials need to be respected. I feel I can bring the needed civility through my many years of public boardroom experience as a CEO during the most difficult of times. The township needs a strategic approach to resource management and to keep ahead of changes in external funding sources, including the county, state and federal government. There will be many financial changes in society following the Covid-19 pandemic which impact both revenue and expenses.

The strategic plan for Bloomfield Township needs to be comprehensively reviewed though this new perspective.

The social unrest the country is facing needs to be carefully examined as it relates to township policies and practices. Now, more than ever, we need to carefully examine how we relate to each other to ensure justice and equity, while providing appropriate community protection. We need to move in measured and thoughtful ways, and thoroughly engage in community dialogue.

CEO, I have led strategic change in large public service organizations. I am skilled in strategic planning and have a solid record of success in fiscal management. I am very experienced in the boardroom working with peers, and understand consensus and compromise well. I am socially aware and respect all voices of the community. I know when to listen and then to act. Academically, my PhD research is in environmental epidemiology. I have a particular understanding on the biology and impacts a newly introduced disease can have on a population. From this background, I can provide a unique perspective on how we as a community can best protect ourselves through effective practices and policies provided by local government. In particular to Bloomfield Township, I understand the power of economic and community development as former Deputy County Executive of Economic Development and Community Affairs. It isn’t by accident Oakland County is among the top five most prosperous counties in our nation. I can bring this understanding to the businesses and citizens of Bloomfield Township as a trustee.

ERIC PERNIE

WHY VOTE FOR YOU Without a doubt, great social and fiscal change is upon us. As a community, we have two choices: To react to the moment, or respond by anticipating those changes and then adapting them to our advantage. Management is a process, leadership is understanding this opportunity. For over 20 years as a 34B

WHY VOTE FOR YOU

Successfully, I have been operating my own real estate company since 2016, as well as managing a law practice, where budgets, marketing, payroll, finances, investments, and the impact of the most recent local and global economic issues are of concern. I am currently responsible for keeping the budgets balanced at my law firm and real estate practice, which I am confident will be an asset with a sevenmember board, and maintain the principles the community is expecting from us.

Simply put, I only have the community and my family in mind when I ask voters to select me over my opponents.

My agenda is to keep our community safe and to keep our home values up.

My agenda is not some type of political move. I am a father of two girls, married, and I live on the same street as my in-laws. They have lived in Bloomfield Township for over 50 years, and they never plan on moving. And I never plan on moving. Bloomfield Township is the community I love and will continue to love.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES I have lived in Bloomfield Township for approximately 10 years, worked as a Bloomfield Township police officer from 2005-2016, and have been selling real estate locally since 2011, so I am very familiar with the community’s master plan and zoning ordinances. Currently, I am in support of the master plan and zoning ordinances, however, I live in Bloomfield Township because of the charm, safety for my family, schools, and the overall residential living environment. Having young children, I would like to see our community have access to parks, which we are currently lacking.

MICHAEL SCHOSTAK

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I don’t think a township superintendent is needed. Over the last 15 years, I have worked alongside the current supervisor and the previous supervisor, and I believe the current model still works. Our seven-member board has maintained the integrity of the township, by looking out for the same community they live in. A superintendent simply is not needed.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY If people don’t feel they are being listen to, then they stop listening. The greatest attribute to leadership is generous listening. Much of what I have heard at the township meetings are actually a heated agreement, just from different perspectives. The first order to bring civility into the discussions is ensuring a forum where strict rules of engagement are understood and respected. Personal attacks are not acceptable, nor should they be given media attention. If discussions on issues are larger than regular meeting times, then one-onone meetings, special meetings or town halls can extend the dialogue to help seek consensus. Any change requires extensive communication, and the trustees should be prepared for that provision. Accordingly, I would hold regular town halls to gather a broad perspective and attempt to build common understanding and consensus. I would faithfully serve the role as a representative of the people through communication.

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PLATFORM ISSUES

Pernie, a former officer with the Bloomfield Township Police Department, is an attorney with Fraiberg & Pernie. He received a bachelor's degree in criminal justice/law enforcement from Ferris State University, and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The role of a trustee is to act in the best interest of the community and the residents by implementing policies, to maintain the integrity and standards of the community, while also having a forward thinking approach to make the community better. As a licensed attorney and a real estate broker, I think I have the qualifications to serve the community, by using my communication skills and having knowledge of the laws.

If elected, I don’t have a specific policy in mind that needs to be changed. My goal, if elected, is to maintain the community I live in. Not just maintain it, but make the community grow; keeping the residential feel. Bloomfield is very unique and desirable, having beautiful lakes everywhere, some of the most elegant homes in the state, and probably the best public safety around, which is why I live in Bloomfield Township, and is why Bloomfield Township is so attractive to new families.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY Everything doesn’t have to be a fight.

No one will to listen to someone that yells, consistently makes degrading comments, and has their own private agenda. Lately the meetings are embarrassing. Some people need to watch the past meetings online and take a hard look at how they represent themselves and the community. This would probably aid in bringing the staff together and work as team again.

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Schostak earned his bachelors degree in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and his MBA from the Ross School of Business at University of Michigan.

Schostak is the managing partner of Schostak Capital Advisors. He is completing is his first term as trustee.

He also serves on the township water resources stakeholders task force, cable commission and is an alternate member of the Bloomfield Township Election Commission.

TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The job of a trustee is to safeguard and promote the excellent quality of life expected by the residents. A trustee is one of seven votes that sets policy for the township government, approves the budget, and considers changes to ordinances. This requires information gathering and analysis, and consensus building as all action is decided by a vote of the majority. A trustee also has an investigative or oversight function. In this capacity the trustee acts as the “eyes and ears” of all township residents in ensuring that the staff and officers are fulfilling the mission and responsibilities of government. This requires the ability to review and analyze information, ask questions and maintain an impregnable integrity.

Trustees must also communicate findings with the residents and maintain an open dialogue on issues that arise. My experience in both the AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

private and public sector has prepared me to effectively serve as a trustee.

While a contractor in the U.S. Department of Defense I learned how to analyze an issue from both financial and policy perspectives. Tasked with validating proposed defense programs, I cultivated the ability to dig into the weeds of an issue, to ask detailed questions and to formulate a fact-based conclusion. Moreover, I have worked on teams and led teams throughout my career and have built a reputation as a pragmatic problem solver who can “see the forest through the trees” FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE I believe that I have the strongest financial credentials of any candidate in the race. I earned two degrees in economics and finance. I spent two years performing financial analysis on defense programs at Booz Allen Hamilton and three years in investment banking at a top tier Wall Street firm before moving back in 2007. Since then I have held leadership positions in corporate finance for private and publicly traded companies. I currently provide advice on financial and strategic matters to small and medium-sized businesses and for five years I was on the finance department faculty at the Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State. I am just as comfortable diving into the weeds and reconciling numbers as I am presenting high level concepts. Whether the issue is the budget, investment policy, or other economic issues, I bring unmatched financial bona fides to the board of trustees.

MASTER PLAN/ORDINANCES Over the past four years I have become very familiar with our ordinances and the master plan. I think the master plan is in good shape, however, I would like to find opportunities to open up more green space and parks. In terms of zoning ordinances, one that I have worked to change is the requirement that a resident seek a variance from the zoning board of appeals to put up a swing set or basketball hoop. If we want to be a community that is welcoming to families, recreational amenities like these should not be regulated by the township. I have worked on this for two years now and the amendment to the zoning ordinance has passed the planning commission and I expect full board approval this summer.

TOWNSHIP SUPERINTENDENT I think there is a reason that no township of our size has moved to this governance model: residents want to be able to hold their township administration directly responsible at the ballot box. In fact if you look at some of the larger cities, they have full-time “working mayors” similar to our township supervisor. In smaller communities I think it can make sense to have a city manager and a part-time council or board. In a community like ours, I AUGUST 2020 PRIMARY

believe the residents want to know they have the ability to directly affect who is running the local government.

PLATFORM ISSUES I believe that Bloomfield Township is an exceptional place to live, where our residents expect and pay for world-class services. We need a world-class workforce to deliver those services and we need to make sure they have the resources they need to accomplish their jobs. That said, I also believe that our residents expect us in leadership to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. We must be transparent in all affairs of governance and responsive to the needs and requests of our constituents. In terms of goals for the next term, I would like to see us work to find creative ways to reduce the legacy retiree obligations we have – both pension and healthcare. I also think it is time for another multi-year strategic planning process, with our township bicentennial coming up in just eight short years.

REUNIFYING THE COMMUNITY Regardless of who gets sworn into office in November, I believe the single most important task facing the new board will be ending the divisiveness and corrosive rhetoric currently pervasive throughout the community. I believe the board needs to exhibit positive leadership by holding more frequent town hall meetings (live or via Zoom) and by working to address some of the lack of trust that exists. Social media can be an effective mechanism for disseminating information and enabling direct feedback and dialogue between residents and those in leadership.

FREEDUMB

WHY VOTE FOR YOU This election presents a stark contrast between candidates who espouse nothing but doom and gloom about the township and are driven with an irrational hatred of the current supervisor, Leo Savoie. They believe that they can cut their way to making Bloomfield “better”. Cut salaries, cut benefits, eliminate the road department and animal shelter, or the shredding and hazardous household waste events. They want to end the requirement that our police officers must have four-year college degrees. They’ve even suggested making our excellent fire department volunteer. Their goal is lower taxes. But it would cost us the very essence of what makes Bloomfield exceptional. I believe we can maintain the world-class services that we currently deliver while keeping costs down through efficiency and creativity. That has been a hallmark of steps taken by the board in the last four years. I bring years of financial work experience, in both government and the private sector. I approach this position with the optimism and positivity of building on what’s been great about our community, and not the negativity and hostility that others are expressing.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

35B

Now more than ever we urge you to vote for Leo Savoie Jim Bellinson Wilma Cotton, former Bloomfield Twp. Clerk Imam Mohamed Almasmari Alan J. Kaufman C. Michael Kojaian Martin Manna, President Chaldean Chamber of Commerce Mike McCready, former State Representative

Debbie Payne Jim Rosenthal Dave Trott, former Congressman Steve Yzerman Rachelle Angell James Futterknecht Don Kegley Jill Moss Richard Palmer

Jill Slocum Simon Thomas Greg Yatooma Judge (Retired) Barry Grant Judge (Retired) William Hampton Judge (Retired) Barry Howard Judge (Retired) Henry W. Saad Rob Glass, former BH School Superintendent

Police Chief (Retired) Kirt Bowden Police Chief (Retired) Geof Gaudard Police Chief (Retired) Scott McCanham Police Chief (Retired) Donald Zimmerman Fire Chief (Retired) Leo Chartier Fire Chief (Retired) Dave Piche Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard

Vote Tuesday, August 4th, in the Republican Primary Paid for by Retain Leo Savoie Bloomfield Township Supervisor, 1055 Lake Park Dr., Birmingham, MI 48009

FACES Phoebe Mainster hoebe Mainster never thought she would be doing this again.

She’s currently the president of the board of directors for the Jewish Ensemble Theatre (JET), a position she held 20 years ago.

“It’s rising to duty twice in one lifetime,” Mainster said. “If you’re needed you show up, that’s the name of the game.”

She said that they turned to her during this time – where theaters, much like everyone else, are having to reconfigure, well, every aspect of their work due to the coronavirus pandemic – because not only is she a recognized name in the community but they simply thought she would be a good person to take the helm.

“There'll be all kinds of new challenges that will have to be overcome because of this new normal,” said Mainster, who has lived in Bloomfield Hills for nearly 40 years.

Normally, JET would be setting up for their fall fundraiser right around now, and getting ready for their upcoming season, one she said has been planned and planned and re-planned. They are currently waiting to one, be able to open, and two, figure out what type of production they should do. Should it be a full-stage production, a musical, or a one-man show?

This summer, they are considering doing something they’ve never done before, a children’s theater program, with the possibility of an adult theater class as well.

“It would be nice to be able to put your emotions into some kind of approved outlet,” she said.

Wanting to reach children through theater at JET has been a goal since their inception. Mainster would know – she’s not only president, but was one of the theater’s founding members.

When that original team got together over 30 years ago, one of their first goals was to become a theater that represents not only the Jewish community but also has the interests of the general community. But during Mainster’s first run as president they decided more needed to be done.

“We recognized that not only were we a main stage theater but that it was important to reach out to the school communities,” said Mainster, who was an English literature professor at Wayne State University for more than 35 years.

This mindset played a large role in the anti-bullying tours the theater has done for over 20 years. They’ve reached over 800,000 students in Michigan schools with the interactive program which includes a production and talkback with the actors.

Anti-bullying isn’t the only message the theater has become wellknown for throughout the decades.

“We think that the message of The Diary of Anne Frank is crucial,” Mainster said.

JET has done that production annually almost as long as they’ve been up-and-running. Over the past 25 years, JET has produced The Diary of Anne Frank more than any other theater in the world.

Each year students are brought by bus to the theater and for the last several years, they’ve done a two-week run at the Detroit Institute of Arts. For many students, this is often their first time seeing a theater production. Much like their anti-bullying program, this also has a talkback.

And in February, for the first time, they did a production in Phoenix.

That’s only the start for where Mainster hopes to take The Diary of Anne Frank.

“We really think this is a message that needs to be everywhere.

We’d like to see ourselves go to the East coast, West coast,” she said.

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Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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DAMS OF OAKLAND CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MANAGING THE FLOW OF WATER IN LAKES AND STREAMS

BY DANA CASADEI

WATERFALL AT QUARTON LAKE IN BIRMINGHAM

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uke Trumble, a dam safety engineer with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), will be the first to tell you that while most dam failures in Michigan are small and inconsequential, there are a few each year – and about every 10 years Michigan has a large-scale failure.

Keeping in theme with the dumpster fire that is 2020, where every month seems to bring a new surprise of something awful, that 10-year mark, naturally, hit in May, and that dam failure was a doozy.

After days of historic rainfall and flooding, the Edenville Dam in Midland failed on May 19. Billions of gallons of water went downstream and triggered a second failure at the Sanford Dam. The 96-year-old Edenville Dam, owned by Boyce Hydro, had had plenty of problems leading up to the failure, including a poor condition rating from EGLE and having its license pulled to generate power by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2018.

What was left in its wake was around $200 million in damages and more than 10,000 people forced to leave their homes.

After seeing the catastrophic damage in Midland and Sanford, Oakland County Commissioner Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake) decided to take action. At the June 4 board of commissioners meeting, she introduced a resolution requesting annual reports on the condition and safety of Oakland County dams.

“It’s been something that’s kind of been overlooked and certainly we need to know where we’re at with these situations,” she said.

“None of us wants to see remotely what happened in Midland to happen here.”

Originally, the resolution proposed that all dams that fall under the jurisdiction of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s (OCWRC) office, which are 35, be inspected yearly.

But since the OCWRC already does official inspections of the dams that fall under their jurisdiction every three years – a precedent set by the state’s guidelines – this resolution would now instead ask for reports in the other two years to reflect any repairs performed or changes in status.

“Say if that three-year report would have a problem with a dam, structural integrity, etc., that it needed repairs, that would be in the next annual report that they would provide to the board of commissioners,” Kowall said.

The resolution would also make the results publicly availably online.

Those results would include not only the OCWRC dams, but private, state oversight dams as well.

“My resolution also asks for the listing of all the dams whose jurisdiction they’re under, who’s responsible for the dam, the age of the dam, the ratings, and quite a bit more information,” she said. “In talking with the OCWRC, I said that I don’t think we need to necessarily have a significant or comprehensive report on every small dam in the county, that’s say, holding up a mud puddle.”

Said board of commissioners resolution went to the Health and Human Services Committee in the county in June. Kowall sounded positive it would pass.

“It’s good to make sure we have information available to the public when people recognize issues around things like this. That’s a good opportunity to get the education out there. We’re happy to do that,” said Jim Nash, Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, about the resolution.

“I just didn’t want anything happening here in Oakland County when we could’ve done something to assess the situation and to prevent it,” Kowall said.

With approximately 150 dams in Oakland County, that’s a lot to worry about, and a significant amount with an aging infrastructure.

Take for example, the Pontiac Lake Dam, one of the area’s older dams at 100-years-old. Even though it's condition rate is fair, it's hazard potential is considered high.

“They’ve done some work to it over the years, but at some point in time it’s going to have to be fixed, completely redone,” said former state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake). “We talk about economic development...you take an area where basically it was cow pastures and it went to cottages, and now they’re building $600,000, $700,000 houses in there. It is an economic boom for the area – but if that dam ever broke, I know of at least three subdivisions downriver that would probably be wiped out.”

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There are seven other dams in Oakland County with a high hazard potential, including the Lake Louise-Ruth Johnson Dam in Brandon Township; the Oxbow Lake Level Control Dam in White Lake; the Sylvan Otter-Price Dam-Dawson Mill Pond in Pontiac; the Clarkston Dam; the Lake Neva Dam in White Lake; Wildwood Lake Dam in Whitmore Lake; and Heron Dam along the Huron River.

The hazard ratings for dams are broken into three parts: low, significant, and high being the most concerning. With a high hazard rating there is expected to have potential loss of life and serve impacts on everything from houses to cars, and for high and significant hazard ratings an emergency action plan must be in place.

To be clear though, the hazard rating has nothing to do with a dam's condition.

“A dam rated as high hazard doesn’t mean that it’s at a high hazard (for) having a catastrophic failure, it means that if there were to be a failure the downstream effects would be a high hazard for impacts on populations and cities and infrastructure,” said Nick Assendelft, EGLE media relations and public information.

Like Quarton Dam in Birmingham, one of the area’s oldest dams, which is in satisfactory condition as of its last inspection but has a significant hazard potential. Another in the area with a significant hazard potential, yet in satisfactory condition, is the Endicott Lake Dam in Bloomfield Hills, which also has three other dams, all with low hazard ratings, Cranbrook Lake Dam and Cranbrook Foundation Dam, and the Vhay Lake Dam. The former two didn’t have a rating listed but the Vhay Lake Dam did and said it was in poor condition. The Upper Straits Lake Level Control Dam in West Bloomfield is in poor condition but currently being worked on; luckily its hazard potential is low, much like another dam nearby, the Storm Retention Pond Dam. Currently, the majority of dams in Oakland County have a low hazard rating and are used for recreational purposes, with only a handful being used for flood control or irrigation. Of those dams, the majority are owned privately, about 80 – which can be anywhere from owned by one person, to a few, or a homeowners association – with the rest spilt between local municipalities and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

There’s serious cause for concern for dams now, but throughout its history there have already been some major dam failures in the county.

Like the retention dam failure in Springfield Township’s Waumegah Lake in 1996. Don’t bother looking it up online – you won’t find much about it.

“It’s probably not going to be one of their proudest moments of the drain commission,” said Mike Kowall, who noted that he didn’t believe anyone in this current administration was there when it happened.

“What had happened was, I believe, there was a battle between Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality (now EGLE) at the time and the drain commission (OCWRC) at the time,” Kowall said.

“Everybody was busy pointing fingers and the next thing you know people woke up the next morning and there was no water in the lake, which would be kind of depressing.” ccording to Ryan Woloszyk, civil engineer with the OCWRC, emergency contractors were called in to do some temporary repairs and in 1998, it became the OCWRC’s newest lake to get a legal level. A new dam was then constructed and as of its last full inspection in 2019, it had a satisfactory condition rating, even though its hazard potential is still significant.

The OCWRC operates and maintains eight lake level augmentation wells/pumps and 36 lake level control structures, many of which are dams, including the Waumegah Lake Dam, and is responsible for the 54 lakes with legally established lake levels, many of which are chains of lakes. These lakes are spread across five watersheds – 34 in the Clinton, 13 in the Huron, two in the Rouge, three in the Shiawassee and two in the Flint.

“Most of our lake levels were set in the '60’s and '70’s,” Woloszyk said. “When the lake level was created, a district was created with it that said these residents within this area are paying for the repairs, maintenance, or rebuild of the structure. It’s a direct tax to the residents that are benefiting from the lake.”

Nash said any project the OCWRC plans to do goes to those special assessment districts before anything happens.

In 2020, the total assessment for lake levels was $819,000 estimated

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for the residents of the current special assessment districts. The average annual budget for the dams ranges from the $5,000 at the Waumegah Lake Dam to $67,000 for the Waterford Multi-Lakes Control Dam-Van Norman Lake, in Waterford Township.

Recently, the OCWRC has completed multiple projects, such as the pipe under the road at the Waterford Multi-Lakes Control Maceday Lake which was replaced. Bevins Lake Control Dam, which has a poor condition rating, is slated for a replacement project that they are currently putting together.

And they are currently in the last stages of replacing the Upper Straits Lake Level Control Dam, West Bloomfield Township, which ballooned the dam’s annual budget to $25,000. That project was not included in the total assessment for 2020 and will cost $900,000.

Nash said that project is going to be paid off over some years, but it’ll be worth spending almost $1 million.

“There’s about a two-inch level difference between the two lakes,” Nash said about the dam. “They all wanted it so you know, you do what they ask for. This should last another 100 years. This lake will be at the level it needs to be for a very, very long time.”

Overall, the condition of the majority of those structures under the OCWRC’s jurisdiction are fair or satisfactory, even those for which they’re working on a replacement plan. Woloszyk said every single site is visited at least once a week.

“We try to take care of the everyday things while they’re out there,” said Michael McMahon, chief engineer at the OCWRC. “Some of them are as simple as clearing debris that could obstruct the gates from opening and closing.”

“The Midland dams had been out of disrepair for 10-plus years...if anything even got remotely near that in high risk or significant risk there would be a project happening immediately,” Woloszyk said.

“Anything involving our high or significant risk dams is addressed as soon as it's noted or at the very least, monitored extensively to make sure that it’s not going to pose a risk to our downstream residents or to the structure itself.”

How did these legal lake levels – established under provisions of Part 307, Inland Lake Levels, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, PA 451 of 1994 – get here in the first place?

“It’s a process,” Nash laughed. “You have to get two-thirds of the people who live on shore to sign up for it, which is not easy. It’s fairly uncommon to get new ones.” fter the petition has been signed by two-thirds of the landowners it must be submitted to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. From there, the board would initiate action to determine what the normal level of the lake is. The OCWRC would do the study to figure out the feasibility of establishing and maintaining a legal level. The study, along with the petition, would go to a judge to set up the special assessment district and also set the legal level at the time.

There would also be public hearings and action by the circuit court.

Once those levels are set, they are very rarely re-visited. If they did, they would have to go through the whole process again.

“It’s something that’s definitely not undertaken...I don’t think we’ve ever actually reset one,” Woloszyk said. “And it’s set by the courts.

That’s nothing we set, it’s a legal precedent.”

The only time those lake levels – two-tenths of a foot is their target range – change at all is when the seasons do. Nash said in the winter they are brought down a little for when the thaw theoretically comes in the spring. But that’s it.

“It’s fairly uncommon to get new ones,” Nash said. “We haven’t had one for years.”

The closest they’ve come to a new one is on Scott Lake in Waterford Township. Woloszyk said their improvement board is currently in the process of discussing the possibility of a dam. He said it would be at least five years down the road before it actually happens.

“They’ve tried in the past to create a dam,” he said. “They want to be able to control the level of their lake. It’s up and down all the time and there’s no control over the lake levels currently. So recreational usage is kind of hard to know what you’re going to have, where your dock should be at, if you don’t have any control.”

One of dams primary purposes is recreation, especially in the case of a river getting a dam to turn that area into a lake. But the history of

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dams in Michigan, and Oakland County, goes back much further than when the biggest worry was figuring out where to dock your boat.

“We’ve been building dams for eons,” said Jim Hegarty, past president of the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. “In Michigan, its (dams) are a big part of our history because we used to be forested and we were deforested...they used rivers to float logs to sawmills, which were created by dams.”

“This region of the country, when it was settled by colonial settlers, some of the first infrastructure they built were dams built for grist mills and saw mills,” said Nicholas J. Schroeck, associate dean of Experiential Education, Associate Professor of Law, director, Environmental Law Clinic, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. During the early to mid-1800s, dams were built so people could figure out a way to use water as power to do different types of work.

Many of those dams are still there today, even though the mills are not, and created the plethora of millponds in the county.

Schroeck’s parents live on one, the Winkler Mill Pond, in Rochester Hills, where the Winkler Pond Dam is. The mill is no longer there but due to the dam they have to still maintain it and pay flood insurance. oving in to the early 1900s, during the age of electricity, there was a push for hydroelectric power dams, like the one in Edenville. These dams were built to generate electricity, sell that, and make money. This big uptick happened primarily during World War II and went in to the 1950s to create domestic energy.

“The idea is you were basically using the force of water flowing downhill to spin turbines,” Schroeck said.

Currently, there are about 100 dams in Michigan under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) due to the amount of hydropower they produce. According to the National Inventory of Dams, there are none used for this purpose in Oakland County. At least not anymore.

Once there was the Holly Dam, completed in 1840. It's original purpose was to power a mill, one that is no longer there. As of its last inspection in 2017, it had a poor condition rating and a significant hazard potential, meaning that if it were to fail there would be a possible loss of life and significant impacts.

During this boom of dams in the mid-20th century, people began to dam up rivers and make lakes, like many in Oakland County, so that people could have lakefront property.

Most of the dams in the county were built for this purpose..

The National Inventory of Dams stats put the average age of Oakland County dams at 75-years-old, about 25 years older than the estimated 50-year design life of a dam.

“So, design life as a term is kind of our best guess,” Trumble said.

“We know that the life cycle of concrete in this environment is about 50 years and steel is about the same.”

“So, when we say design life is 50 years that doesn’t mean that at the end of 50 years the dam fails on its 50th birthday,” he continued.

“There’s a lot that can be done to extend the life cycle of a dam, like proper maintenance and upkeep.”

In Oakland County, there are multiple dams well past that age. In 1829 and 1835, the Lake Orion Dam and Davisburg Dam were completed, respectively. Then there’s the Quarton Dam, built in 1921 and the Wolverine Lake Dam, done in 1925. Many of these older dams have a high or significant hazard rating but do have a fair or satisfactory condition rating.

“If you think about Quarton Lake, if that dam failed you’d have some issues downstream in Birmingham and further,” Schroeck said.

Aging infrastructure isn’t only an issue in Oakland County but across the entire state.

In 2009, Hegarty of American Society of Civil Engineers authored a 2009 Report Card on Michigan's dams, where the overall grade was a D. Age played a large role in that grade and he considered it the most significant issue.

The most recent report card for Michigan’s infrastructure from 2018 moved up the grade slightly to a C-. Of the 2,600 dams in the state, two-thirds of Michigan’s dams are older than their typical design life and in the next five years, over 80 percent of Michigan’s dams will be over 50 years of age.

After the big boom in dam building from the 1930s to 1960s, it has slowed down considerably.

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“You don’t see the type of dam building today that there was prior to all of our environmental laws being passed in the 1970s,” Schroeck said.

Trumble, from EGLE’s dam safety unit, has been with the unit for 10 years and said he’s only permitted construction on three during his time there. The most recent Report Card for Michigan’s Infrastructure stated there’s only been 86 new dams built in the last 25 years.

“We’re starting to realize the cost, the liability, environmental impacts that constructing a dam has,” he said. Trumble also mentioned there’s less of a demand for hydropower, one of the key uses of dams in the past.

For Brian Graber, senior director, River Restoration Program, at the non-profit American Rivers, who work to remove dams, public safety is probably the biggest concern when it comes to dams but there are three big ecological reasons to remove dams as well.

One, dams serve as a barrier to fish and other species to move around. Two, dams turn river habitats into lake habitats, causing a large change in species composition and knocking out those which would naturally be there. Lastly, dams have an impact on the water quality. With all of that water sitting in the sun, it warms up, having a direct impact on the species that need to survive in rivers.

Michigan has removed quite a few dams already. Graber said Michigan has removed more dams than any other state except three, including the Paint Creek Dam in 2011.

Dam removal played a role in why the report card grade went up from a D to a C-. Trumble said Michigan averages about five or six dam removal projects a year.

Local grant opportunities include the DNR Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. The program’s objective is to support a variety of activities that benefit fisheries, aquatic resources, and the public, including dam repair and removal, and now has three different programs under it. For 2019, there was $350,000 available for dam management.

According to Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the MDNR Fisheries Division and co-administer for the grant program, about twothirds of the projects for dam management are dam removal.

“You get long-term health and human safety benefits and long-term ecological benefits when you remove a dam,” he said.

Nohner said they get grant applicants for both small, private dams – 75 percent of the 2,600 dams in the state fall under this – to much larger dams.

One application grant that’s currently pending is the Davisburg Mill Pond Dam in Oakland County, a dam that’s 150-years-old and serviced a mill that’s been gone for almost a century. It falls under the jurisdiction of Oakland County Parks.

“Essentially, what we’re trying to do is restore the natural stream channel,” said Melissa Prowse, supervisor, Planning & Resource Development for Oakland County Parks. “The millpond and the dam are actually stopping up the tributaries to the Shiawassee River in that area.”

Like much to do with dam repair or removal, the project is very dependent on finding funding. It’s estimated it will cost $1.65 million and they currently have it budgeted in their five-year forecast.

Why remove it now though? rowse said they had an inspection done a few years ago that indicated the dam was in disrepair. An outlet pipe the water flows through is crushed on top so it’s losing its flow. Even though the dam is considered low hazard it doesn’t meet the state’s 100-year flood guidelines.

Michigan has some of the least stringent guidelines in the country.

There’s also an impasse over the top of the road since it doesn’t meet those guidelines, causing a hazard.

Oakland County Parks, who have been partners with Springfield Township on the management and maintenance of the dam since 2014, didn’t take removing it lightly. Officials did a visibility study to see what their options were. Ultimately, the decision was made to remove it completely and not replace it.

At this point, the dam isn’t even serving a recreational purpose.

Prowse said Springfield Township has been trying to manage the millpond park’s beach around the pond for years with little success.

“So, if we do remove it and restore the wetlands in that area, the township is interested in putting in trails and overlooks through that area to provide, essentially, a new and different recreation experience for the residents,” Prowse said.

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Removal of the dam would also include restoration of aquatic habitat in a headwater segment of the Shiawassee River and connectivity in the restored riparian wetlands for species including the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and Blanding’s turtle, according to the grant application.

Upstream of the Davisburg Mill Pond Dam is the Trout Pond Dam, owned by the DNR. Prowse mentioned that DNR is in the process to figure out how to remove that dam as well. If successful, between the two removals, they would restore 3,000 linear feet of stream. ue to the state’s guidelines – which requires in-depth inspections of dams every three, four or five years, depending on its hazard rating – that inspection Prowse mentioned was done by the state’s dam safety unit. That unit covers around 1,100 of the state’s 2,600 dams, all of which fall under Part 307, Inland Lake Levels, and/or Part 315, Dam Safety, of the National Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA, 451 as amended. The rest either fall under FERC or are nonregulated due to the consequences of failure being so small. For those, it’s the job of the owner to make sure they are checked regularly.

These dams are either those with legal lake levels – like those under the OCWRC’s jurisdiction, who send their results in – or they are over six feet in height and hold back at least five acres of water.

Trumble plays a large role in the unit considering he covers dams in the entire lower half of the state –all 31 counties.

He’s one of three people on the unit. The other two are Dan DeVaun, who covers 52 Michigan counties, and their unit supervisor Mario Fusco. The annual budget is between $350,000-$400,000.

Trumble inspects between 20 to 40 dams per year and receives at least another 100 inspections from consulting engineers to review. Most private dam owners are good about getting the results in to them though.

“It behooves them too, because they don’t want to have a situation were they say, well, I’m not going to do the inspection this year and then something happens,” said Assendelft from EGLE. “It’s an opportunity for them to make sure they’re doing their due diligence so they don’t end up in any kind of a situation where a lack of action on their part ends up causing an issue.”

For those owners whose dams are in need of repairs and don’t do anything about it within the given timeline, the dam safety unit typically starts with a letter to the owner. From there, if no action is taken, they can start imposing civil fines, which are up to $10,000 per day of violation. If it escalates far enough they can order the owner to limit operations of the dam or remove it.

Trumble said that even if their compliance rates were at 100 percent, dam owners don’t always have the resources and the hazard wouldn't be eliminated. Fines may be a tool in their tool box but typically they try to work with the dam owner to get the issue solved, especially because they know as well as anyone that funding is one of the biggest barriers.

With so many concerns about dams – the cost, keeping up on repairs, how they affect the environment – what’s the point in keeping them up anyway? Does it make sense?

“There’s only two conditions under which a dam makes economic sense,” Hegarty said “One is if it's used to produce hydropower and it produces more than it costs. The other is if you have a special assessment district like you have in a lake association, where all of the benefiting parties would be assessed on whatever it costs to maintain a dam and keep it running, repair it when it needs repairs.”

The latter really does have quite the economic affect on cities given how much is paid to property taxes.

“I think the real benefits are property values – it’s nice to live on the water. If they are all-sports lakes and people can do more activities...then of course fishing, too. We overlook that a lot, a lot of people love fishing...it’s a very lucrative hobby,” Schroeck said.

For those looking in to buying lakefront property a bit of research before is recommended. Commissioner Kowall was almost affected by the Edenville Dam herself.

“I was going to check out that area because it sounded like it might be a nice area...to have a cottage or something,” she said. “I was like, woo, glad I didn’t buy there.”

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Mikayla Bouchard sk Mikayla Bouchard to describe her job at the New York Times and, well, it’s a bit of a mouthful.

She works with the editing team in vision and how to implement live coverage, and determines how that story is going to be packaged. On the analytical side she’s looking at their audience reach. Recently, she’s been working with reporters on different desks across the company to produce a live briefing every day on the coronavirus. She’s worked with the podcast team and oversees the NYT Politics Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Needless to say, she wears a lot of hats.

“I boil it down to I oversee the digital office,” Bouchard laughed. “It’s a really exciting position that I love because every day is a new topic and I get to work with some of the best and smartest people in the business.”

Bouchard has served as an assistant editor who oversees the Washington D.C. bureau’s digital operation for the last five years. She actually just celebrated her work anniversary, which was a little strange to be doing from her home in D.C., where’s she’s been working from.

During her time at the NYT, she said her job has evolved, as has media in general, which she said has really blossomed in the digital era.

“We’re constantly trying to innovate and stay fresh and to be creative,” said Bouchard, who grew up in Birmingham and graduated from Bloomfield Hills’ Marian High School. “I think the difficulty of digital is it's constant, but the great gift is that it allows you to be nimble and be creative and to do something that fits the story to tell it in the most creative and helpful, immersive way that this era quite frankly allows in a way that it hasn’t before.”

Bouchard said there’s been many projects she’s worked on that have stood out, especially within this year, ranging from the impeachment hearings to a global pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests.

A

On live coverage days when she said the adrenaline is pumping, demands for deadlines are down to the second, and there’s just a buzzing in the newsroom. They are some of her longest days, but she loves that sensation.

“I’ve left the bureau at three, four, 5 a.m. and you’re exhausted but there’s a sense of fulfillment that comes along with it and I feel like as a journalist...we are guardians of history, witnesses of history, and we’re there to record it,” said Bouchard, who earned her masters in journalism from Georgetown University. “There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that the day was done well and thoughtfully.”

Her Midwestern roots probably also play a small role in that work ethic.

Growing up in Birmingham, where her mother worked in sales and her father is now Sheriff of Oakland County, and has had a long career in politics – Bouchard and her brothers had parents who prioritized bringing them along their travels and careers.

She was able to see the good and bad of the democratic process from a young age and also realized she appreciated being able to facilitate conversations, both things that served her well while earning her undergraduate degrees in international relations and theater at Michigan State University, and her career in journalism.

Eventually, Bouchard would love to return to broadcast – her first internship was with WXYZ – or do a foreign posting as a journalist. For now, Bouchard and her many hats are content.

“There’s a lot of cool stuff right now in front of me and I’m grateful to be doing it,” she said.

Story: Dana Casadei

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MUNICIPAL Law firm seeks dismissal of NextDoor suit

By Lisa Brody

City police approved for body cameras

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously approved a request from the chief of police to purchase 40 body cameras and to provide bias awareness and sensitivity training for the police department and other city employees, at their meeting on Monday, June 22.

Police Chief Mark Clemence explained he and the department have been researching and studying the issue of body worn cameras since 2016.

“There were privacy concerns, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, department policies and implementation issues that have been matters of debate concerning body worn cameras. In July of 2017, the state of Michigan enacted the Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Privacy Act that took effect in January of 2018, known as the Crime Victim's Act. As far as the pros, there are many, including transparency in today's day. They also provide a level of protection for the officer.”

He said the police department has also been in communication with several Oakland County police departments including Ferndale, Royal Oak and Northville that have all initiated the use of body worn cameras. “These departments report positive experiences with their body worn camera programs and have provided sample policies and procedures.”

Clemence explained the proposed system, from WatchGuard Video, will be used with the in-car cameras purchased in 2019. “When we upgraded, we did so knowing we may do this,” he said. “We have storage space, so we're just paying for cameras. I think this is a great idea. As chief, I'm very comfortable with this. I think it's a great idea.”

The city has had in-car cameras since the early 1990s, he said.

He noted “the officers of the Birmingham Police Department are highly educated, highly trained, professional police officers. All officers take pride in serving this community and the positive reputation the department has earned. The use of body worn cameras will continue to promote accountability and transparency for all officers about the work they perform, further leading to enhanced community relations and public trust. Additional benefits include

providing potential evidence in criminal prosecutions, assessing complaints about alleged officer misconduct and allowing for the analysis of officer performance to enhance training and safety.”

The expenditure of $60,463 was approved, 7-0.

In addition, he explained that every September they conduct annual training. “This training consists of yearly mandatory requirements such as firearms, use of force and Taser. In addition to these, the department adds additional training in a variety of areas, which in the past have included such topics as cultural diversity, respectful communications and autism awareness to name a few,” he said.

Clemence said that this year they have requested and received “a proposal for bias awareness and sensitivity training that will cover how our biases impact decision, perceptions and interactions” from Jocelyn Giangrande, president and founder of SASHE, LLC. Clemence said the proposal is to facilitate four workshops of, “If You’re Human, You’re Biased.” Two of the sessions will be specifically geared towards police officers and be provided to the police department while the other two sessions will be more generalized for other city employees.

The cost for all four three-hour sessions is $14,700, inclusive of materials.

“Considering the timing of it, I see nothing but benefit,” Clemence said.

Commissioners unanimously approved the request.

Township lowers water/sewer rates With charges coming in from water and sewage disposal suppliers to Bloomfield Township lower than anticipated for fiscal year 2021, Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved lowering the rates charged for both water and sewer to residents at their meeting on Monday, June 22.

Trustees had previously approved water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2020-2021, which began April 1, 2020, at their meeting on April 13, based on preliminary charges from the township's water supplier, Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA). and sewage disposal supplier, the Oakland County Water Resource

rian Wassom of the Southfield office of Warner Norcross + Judd filed for a dismissal of a lawsuit demanding $9 million in damages from the California-based company NextDoor and two Bloomfield Township residents, who have been sued by two Bloomfield Township officials, because the lawsuit violates the First Amendment on Wednesday, June 24.

Wassom, along with partner Matthew T. Nelson, are representing Val Murray and Kathleen Norton-Schock, the two township residents.

Township supervisor Leo Savoie and treasurer Brian Kepes, acting as part of a class action suit for local members of NextDoor, filed suit in Oakland County Circuit Court on May 6 against the social media platform NextDoor, as well as Murray and Norton-Schock, the local administrator, alleging the company allowed Murray to monopolize posting boards with demonstrably false postings, to bully, insult and intimidate other members and to spread misinformation to defeat a ballot initiative in August 2019 seeking a $9 million special assessment district, and to continue her actions, and that NortonSchock did not follow the platform's stated policies in monitoring the postings or banning her from the site.

The lawsuit claims, “As a result of defendants’ malicious and intentionally misleading campaign, Bloomfield Township residents were deprived of economic and public service expectancies.”

“All my clients did was share their thoughts on social media about the issues that are important to them and have conversations with their friends,” Wassom said.

The motion reads in part, “Plaintiffs’ complaint would be comical if it were not such an affront and threat to basic notions of representative democracy. The suit arises for the simple reason that the Individual Defendants successfully engaged in online politics… It is a fundamental tenet of American society that all citizens are entitled and encouraged to engage in robust discourse on matters of public concern, no matter how agreeable or disagreeable one may find such speech… This lawsuit is a naked attempt by two petty tyrants to silence their political opponents. The Plaintiffs, erstwhile public servants, are upset that the members of the public that they were elected to serve have the temerity to question their performance. So they intend to use the judicial system to punish the upstarts. This abuse of the courts system cannot be allowed to continue.”

As to the plaintiffs' assertions that Murray, in particular, utilized NextDoor to spread mistruths about issues relevant to the township and the plaintiffs, the motion states, “The allegation that Plaintiffs claim some of Ms. Murray’s statements were 'inaccurate' or 'misleading' does nothing to reduce the constitutional protection her statements merit… Even assuming Plaintiffs are correct that some of Ms. Murray’s posts were false does not deprive those statements of First Amendment protection, since they are speech on matters of public concern.”

As for allegations that Norton-Schock did not follow the platform's stated policies of monitoring the postings, Wassom said that wasn't true.

“She didn't work for NextDoor – she's just a volunteer. Their (the community moderator) only function is to provide and keep tabs on the conversation and make recommendations to NextDoor,” Wassom said.

While the motion claims Savoie and Kepes are seeking $9 million in damages, their lawsuit did not specify an amount. It asked the court to award Savoie, Kepes and all others “similarly situated” monetary damages that are to be held in a trust for Bloomfield Township; award attorneys' fees and costs; and/or grant such other further relief as is just and equitable.

Murray and Norton-Schock are not yet seeking compensation, Wassom said, “but we will eventually ask them to at least pay our legal fees for having this frivolous lawsuit.”

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MUNICIPAL Commissioner's office (WRC). Since then, Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, director of engineering and environmental services, reported, both entities have finalized their charges to Bloomfield Township, with slight decreases in their final charges.

New water rates will drop, from $5.86 per 1,000 gallons to $5.55 per 1,000 gallons, a 5.29 percent decrease. The sewer variable rate per 1,000 gallons from the previously approved rate of $9.56 declined to $9.26, a decrease of 3.17 percent. It is still an increase from last year, when it was $8.37 per 1,000 gallons.

Ready-to-serve charges, essentially the connection charges, remain the same, at $42.50 per quarter for water and $43.50 per quarter for sewer. Sewer flat rate charge dropped to $323.98 from $334.66, a 3.19 percent decrease.

Water is supplied to SOCWA by Great Lakes Water Authority.

Supervisor Leo Savoie said some anticipated costs from GLWA and WRC have been delayed, “and the other portion has to do with the COVID-19 situation we're dealing

with, with the $15 million-plus update to the system. We still have a portion to do, but with unemployment and lower employment we thought this was the right thing to do.”

“GLWA decided to delay charge increases from July 1 to October 1, which led SOCWA to go to their board and request they delay their ready-to-serve charge and not increase their rate revenue until October 1,” Olsztyn-Budry said.

GLWA, SOCWA and WRC begin their fiscal years July 1.

At this time, the township has determined it would be best to remove capital projects and operations reserves from line items, Olsztyn-Budry said, zeroing out the lines for the fiscal year.

“Our rate tonight is based on calculations with staying the same for six months and increasing for six months,” she said.

“So you're not going to reinstate (capital reserves and operation reserves) until April 2021?” asked clerk Jan Roncelli. Olsztyn-Budry affirmed that.

Actuarial results for OPEB show positive The Bloomfield Township Board was presented with other post-employment benefits (OPEB) actuarial results for fiscal year 2020-2021, showing the township is on an upward trend with their benefits, and trustees unanimously approved accepting the results at their meeting on Monday, June 22.

Michelle Boyles of Milliman, which has been the township's actuary for the Bloomfield Township OPEB plan for 13 years, presented the highlights of the April 1, 2020 valuation, for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. She said it takes into account anticipated retirements.

She first explained that “2011 was a significant year for your OPEB program because you froze your plan to new hires – going forward, they could participate in health savings plans…

Over time, your active population has decreased.”

In addition to active retirees, those employed but enrolled who one day will be retirees, the charts also included spouses and beneficiaries of the OPEB

plan. She said the plan also included some who are “terminated and vested – they may have left Bloomfield Township, but are not yet eligible for benefits. They will have these retirement benefits in the future.”

The total active membership in the OPEB plan is 144, comprised primarily of police, fire and township employees; the remainder is made up of individuals from water and sewer departments, building department and the road department.

Boyles explained there are three people in the plan with five to nine years of service; 33 in 10 to 14 years of service; 48 with 15 to 19 years of service; 47 people with 20 to 24 years of service; 11 with 25 to 29 years of service to the township; and two people with 30-plus years with the township.

“Do we expect a lot of retirees in the next five years? Probably not,” she noted. “But if we go out to five to 10 years is where you're going to see a lot of retirements.”

Funding for the OPEB account is at a point that investments for the trust fund are receiving a six percent rate of return, up from four percent.

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Frank Street lot combination granted

By Lisa Brody

After postponing a decision on a request for a lot combination for 211 and 227 W. Frank Street at their meeting on Monday, June 8, in order for commissioners to receive clarification on part of an ordinance, Birmingham City Commissioners approved the request at their meeting on Monday, June 22.

The proposed lot combination of two small 40-foot lots at the southeast corner of Frank and Henrietta was submitted by mayor Pierre Boutros, who recused himself from the discussions. In his application, he said he and his family have outgrown their home on Hawthorne Street in Birmingham and are looking to build a home that better fits their needs with three children.

City planning director Jana Ecker said, “At the June 8 city commission meeting, the commissioners asked for a discussion with the planning board at the joint meeting. We did have

some conversation about it. When the planning board goes through the criteria for lot combinations, we look at the proposed building footprint. We look at the street rhythm and we look at the house layout relative to the street. For this one, we're talking about tonight, it's on a corner. As for elements, we look at how it will impact the neighborhood.”

Previously, Ecker presented the lot combination request, stating one of the current lots has a house and shed on it, which would be brought down, while the other lot is vacant. She said a new house would be built facing Frank Street, and is consistent with zoning and other lots and parcels in the area, as well as the city's master plan.

“In this case, it will line up with what is there on both Henrietta and Frank,” noted commissioner Stuart Sherman. “On the second (vacant) lot, the buildable footprint, it's only about 1,000 square feet if it's not combined.

This was clearly something that we would allow when we look at combining lots rather than some of the others which we wouldn't.”

While noting the ordinance still

needed work, and reading from previous minutes where commissioners Nickita, Sherman, Longe, Baller and Host all stated reservations with the existing ordinance, commissioner Rackeline Hoff said she would support the current lot combination.

Commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the lot combination, with Boutros recused.

Basketball, play structures okayed An ordinance to permit basketball hoops and play structures in back yards was unanimously approved by Bloomfield Township trustees on Monday, June 22.

Previously, residents had to apply to the zoning board of appeals in order to install basketball hoops and play structures, as they were considered accessory structures.

“Over the last 10 years, we saw the majority of these structures were reviewed and approved,” said Patti Voelker, director of planning, building and ordinance.

She noted that in researching the ordinance, neighboring municipalities such as Birmingham, Novi, West Bloomfield, Northville and Farmington Hills permit them.

The new ordinance requires basketball hoops, either garagemounted or with a pole, to be no more than 14-feet in height, contiguous to the driveway, no more than one per home, and if located in the rear yard, have a setback 16-feet from side and rear lot lines.

For play structures, they are only permitted in the rear yard, they cannot exceed 14-feet in overall height, must use neutral earth tone colors for any shade canopies, and have a setback minimum of 16-feet from side and rear lot lines.

Sport courts are not permitted under the ordinance.

“Sports equipment or play toys, such as sports nets and trampolines, are considered temporary in nature due to their ability to be portable and their placement on the ground is without permanent footings or foundations. Portable play items are not regulated,” Voelker said.

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Lot combinations, master plan reviewed

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham City Commissioners and the Planning Board met virtually to review the master plan draft review process, questions the commission had regarding reviewing lot combinations, and a potential economic stimulus program at their annual joint workshop session on Monday, June 15.

Sarah Traxler, of McKenna Associates, and Matt Lambert of DPZ, brought the two boards up to date as to where the master plan draft review process is, and challenges they are facing due to virtual meetings. City planning director Jana Ecker explained in a memo that the master plan process had been paused due to the COVID19 pandemic, “and during this time, the planning board has been working with the DPZ team to revise the review process both to allow options to accommodate ongoing social distancing guidelines, and to better enhance the public review process to enable clear direction for the consulting team to move to a second draft.”

Traxler said they are working on the second draft, and had completed two of the five planning board meetings, reviewing input on themes and objects they had received. After they submit the second draft, they would like to have another commission/planning board joint meeting to finalize the second draft and authorize distribution of the plan for review by the entities as required by state law, she said, and then they will be ready to make final revisions.

“The planning board is looking for input from the city commission – is this an indication of the process you would like us to proceed with?” Ecker asked.

Ecker explained the master plan, focused more on neighborhoods this go-round than on the city's downtown, is focusing on 11 themes, which she said are broad overarching themes weaving throughout the master plan.

The first theme is reinforcing neighborhood identification, to give them a better voice. The second is to encourage neighborhood social structure, and the third is to retain diversity of age, social structure and family structures in neighborhoods.

The fourth theme is to expand the range of housing in the city's neighborhoods, notably to expand downtownpublications.com

more attainable housing, and fifth, to better regulate housing, with sixth, to regulate the projected population growth. The seven theme is to provide equal access to the city's civic institutions and parks, which Ecker noted are not equally spread out throughout Birmingham.

The eighth theme is to encourage multi-modal movement throughout the city. The ninth is to reinforce and establish unique identities for different mixed use districts, and 10, to support and reinforce underdeveloped mixed use districts.

The 11th theme, Ecker said, was to actively support sustainable development practices and business, a recurring theme they repeatedly heard from residents.

Planning board chair Scott Clein said the level of resident involvement had actually increased since the lockdown with Zoom, and asked permission from the city to continue holding meetings that way.

The consensus was to move forward with the identified themes and with Zoom meetings for the time being.

The two boards then focused on lot combinations, with mayor Pierre Boutros recusing himself as he has a lot combination on Frank Street pending before the city commission.

Ecker explained that in the past, lot combinations were approved administratively, and in 2016, there came a request to have language for the commission to review lot combinations, as they do for lot splits, including to have discretion as necessary.

“We were seeing people coming in and buying two, sometimes three lots and building very large homes,” Ecker said. “You wanted to see are they in keeping with the spirit of the neighborhood, is the character being impacted. At the last city commission meeting, we had a second lot combination request, where commissioners were looking for more clarity on a subsection, are the characters of neighborhood being impacted.”

“When we were looking at this ordinance, the first five are basically check the box. The last is questions of elements, characteristics in the neighborhood. Part of it is what kinds of elements should we be looking at?” asked commissioner Stuart Sherman.

“How does a lot combination affect issues of attainability? How does projected growth of the population affect your effectively taking a lot of circulation? How should we go forward as this part of the ordinance

clearly gives the city commission discretion?”

“Why do we allow for more than one house for one lot? Why do we allow for lot combinations?” asked commissioner Brad Host. “Looking at the 2040 master plan, all our lots have been platted. Chances are it's for a much bigger house. It doesn't lend itself to a sense of community.”

“This ordinance was needed. The thing that came to me the first time we used it, the way we implemented it seemed unclear,” said commissioner Mark Nickita. “How does it help transform the neighborhood? What is the goal of this ordinance? We need to make sure whatever is built there will not adversely affect the neighborhood.”

“Every ordinance has some level of discretion,” Clein noted. “Items one, four and six lead to some level of discretion – and that's good and it's frustrating. We don't want to focus on aesthetics. We talk about rhythms, nature, feel, how tightly packed the homes are, then determine if the new home will ruin that. Each neighborhood is different.”

“I think we have an opportunity as we go forward with the master plan to craft a much better ordinance that will be master plan-driven because of what comes out of the master plan,” said planning board member Janelle Whipple-Boyce. “If the ordinance is well-enough written, maybe it can go back to the administrative level. I don't think we can do much for you until the master plan process is done.

In the meantime, you have to follow the rules you have.”

City manager Joe Valentine introduced a potential economic stimulus program for the city commission to consider, to encourage and promote investment within the city by attracting destination uses that would then attract other businesses and stimulate further investment in the surrounding area in light of the pandemic and possible economic challenges which could be upcoming.

Ecker said that by offering an economic stimulus for developers, it could bring in significant development to a potential area. By creating parameters for this type of development, it would target only property located in a zoning classification that permits commercial/mixed use development; only developments that contain a minimum of 50,000 square feet of commercial and/or mixed uses; as well as other criteria the commission and city would want to specify.

DOWNTOWN

A possible economic stimulus program would qualify under the Commercial Rehabilitation Act of 2005, which encourages the rehabilitation of commercial property by abating property taxes generated from new investment for a period of up to 10 years.

“I applaud the administration.

We're about to go into a very serious situation. We know we're in a recession. It makes sense for the city to position itself for a response,” said planning board member Robin Boyle.

City commissioners were not as receptive.

“I have concerns from an equity standpoint… I'm concerned about favoring new businesses over our current retailers,” said mayor pro tem Therese Longe.

“We have typically shied away from tax incentives except in unusual situations like brownfields because it's reallocating resources from existing taxpayers,” Sherman said.

“There are costs associated with new developments, and you're using your resources while the developer just recoups his investment through tax breaks. You're giving away your money.”

Commissioners agreed to have staff study the program further and report back.

Maple Road project half-way complete The Maple Road construction project, reconstructing and rebuilding the roadway from Chester to Woodward, is about half done, Birmingham officials report.

Work crews have continued to rebuild and enhance underground infrastructure. Recently, they have poured the concrete drive lanes between Old Woodward and Woodward, and completed the installation of fiber optic conduits, and begun pouring the concrete parking lanes. All concrete road work at Peabody and Park streets are complete.

The installation of sanitary sewer leads between Pierce and Chester streets is now about 80 percent complete, they report, and work crews have installed 500-feet of a 12-inch water main between Pierce and Bates.

Sanitary lead installation and twoinch in diameter or less water service lines were being installed between Pierce and Chester. Water and fiber lines are being installed at the Chester and Maple intersection.

The city of Birmingham anticipates a late summer completion.

75

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76

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DOWNTOWN

07.20

S. Old Woodward site clears planning

By Lisa Brody

A preliminary site plan and community impact study for development of the former Mountain King and Talmer Bank sites on S. Old Woodward received unanimous approvals from the Birmingham Planning Board at their meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

The sites, at 469 and 479 S. Old Woodward, have been under discussion and review for several years, primarily because the applicant, Doraid Markus, had originally sought to build a ninestory hotel on the property. Markus then sought to rezone the property from D-4, which permits five-story mixed-use buildings in the city's downtown, to D-5, which was a new zoning district to encompass higher and non-conforming buildings, such as 555 Building, Birmingham Place and Merrillwood Building.

A request to have the site rezoned to D-5 narrowly passed the planning board recently with its recommendation for approval to the city commission, which

is scheduled to review it later this summer.

On Wednesday, June 24, city planner Nicholas Dupuis said the applicant had submitted an application for a new fivestory mixed-use building with first floor retail, second floor office, and 45 residential units on floors three through five, as well as a rooftop patio, encompassing about 116,000 square feet.

In addition, the applicant is proposing 119 parking spaces spread across two underground levels and ground level, utilizing subterranean lifts and electric car charging stations. Dupuis said they are required to have 97 spaces, so they more than meet the parking requirement.

“They have put aside a significant portion of the first and second floor for an anchor tenant, it looks like a bank, with full facades on both sides of the building,” he said.

Some planning concerns included that the plans did not show the amount of bedrooms per units, which Dupuis said were needed to help determine if there was the appropriate square footage for the units; the balconies extend twofeet into the right-of-way, which would need a planning board determination; and the schematics show a permanent

shade structure on the rooftop, which planning director Jana Ecker noted is not permitted in the ordinance.

“It needs a revision without a habitable space or a variance from the zoning board of appeals,” she informed architect Chris Longe, representing the applicant.

Proposed subdivision needs revisions A planned unit development (PUD) site plan review for a proposed residential development to be known as Franklin Forest on Franklin Road north of Fourteen Mile Road met with mixed reviews at the Bloomfield Township Planning Commission on Monday, June 15, and was tabled in order to allow the developers to redesign their site plans.

Patti Voelker, director of planning, building and ordinance, explained the PUD site plan review was initially scheduled for March 16, but was postponed due to the governor's coronavirus-related executive order. In the interim, developers Terry Nosan and Buzz Silverman met with residents

in neighboring subdivisions and received feedback, and revised the site plan. Some planning commission members felt there was confusion as there were a couple of different plans presented at the meeting as site plans.

Nosan and Silverman are looking to develop a 10.02 acre parcel on the east side of Franklin Road north of 14 Mile Road, just north of the Franklin Cider Mill on the opposite side of Franklin Road. The property is currently owned by the George R. Pickering Revocable Trust, and has an iconic red barn on it, which Nosan said is about 100-years old, and will be knocked down.

Franklin Forest would have 15 detached single family residences, clustered in order to allow green spaces, trees, open spaces and wetlands.

There was a lot of vocal opposition from residents from surrounding subdivisions to the proposed development, notably about the removal and destruction of the barn.

Commission members felt the developers needed to come up with a new and different plan for the development. The site plan was tabled for a future meeting.

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77

FACES

Ed Fraga d Fraga’s most recent exhibition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) was one of his longest-running, but also seen by very few people.

At least in person.

As March hit and brought with it quarantine, Fraga was able to have an opening reception for Rising, before the BBAC closed to the general public, except for those who made an appointment, which is what they’re still doing.

“It’s kind of like when a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it really happen? Same with this,” Fraga said. “Does a show happen even though no one sees it? If your heart was in it...then yeah, there’s something about the spirit, the intentions were good, so, good things came out of it.”

The series itself, which consisted of about 15 works, began when Fraga was given blueprints from a friend. Said blueprints ended up being from Michigan architect John Hilberry and were of a building he had designed that was going to serve as a synagogue, church, and entertainment center.

Fraga ended up repurposing them with whitewash to strengthen the paper and then put oil paint on top of the that. You’re still able to see some of the original blueprints in the pieces, but Fraga’s interpretation is very much there.

“I was pleased,” Fraga said. “I could have been really depressed because I put a lot of money into framing the work, but I felt great about how the work looked.”

“I would never have framed them and put them in the show if it weren’t for Annie (VanGelderen, president & CEO of BBAC) kind of rallying behind the work,” he continued. “It was a good sense of accomplishment seeing the work I started in 2014 together, all in one room.”

Rising not only featured the paper works but a table in the middle he

E

reassembled to look like an architect’s table, with construction built on top and below, where a little village with churches, temples, and entertainment centers could be found to encompass the original intentions of the blueprints.

“In the end, I make art that hopefully has some elements of beauty, so that when you walk away you feel that it expresses something soulful and beautiful,” said Fraga, a Kresge Artist Fellow.

The Detroit artist’s love for art itself goes back decades. As a child, Fraga – who likes to work in many mediums but is partial to painting on paper or wood – had an eye injury which landed him in the hospital for months. While he didn’t lose his vision, it ended up impaired.

Once home from the hospital, his parents got him a paint-by-numbers set.

Fraga completed it and was hooked, and decided to start making art from his own imagination.

His earlier works were much more realistic and very representational pieces, while his works now have transformed to more imaginary.

People all over the world have gotten to watch his transformation. Fraga has had exhibitions, both group and solo, from Germany to Michigan, and his work can be found in the permanent collection of places like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Cranbrook Art Museum.

Currently, with art galleries still closed, Fraga has no upcoming shows in the books, but he’s fine with that too.

“I’m still doing my work and one day when it's the right time and the right place, I’ll put it out there,” he said.

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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FACES

Adam Green dam Green wanted to capture the coronavirus lockdown with a very specific idea – quarantine portraits.

Originally inspired by Los Angeles photographer Saam Gabbay’s #touchlessbirthday project, Green decided to do something similar and much closer to his Poppleton Park home in Birmingham.

“I decided to just throw up a signup genie through a note on Facebook,” Green said. “There’s a private Facebook page for our neighborhood...I thought I’d see and check the interest.”

Within 20 minutes over 30 people had signed up, the majority of which were people he had never met in the neighborhood, where he’s lived for the last six years. He had to cut it off within the first hour.

“People had been inside for a good month. They were seeking a connection with someone other than their family,” laughed Green, the director of Green Sky, a production company based in Detroit. “It was a way for them to be a part of something where they could be safe and not have to leave their homes or go outside.”

Over the course of a few days in mid-April, Green could be found walking from house to house with his camera, a long lens, and his drone. With no assistants or fancy lighting equipment, each portrait – over 30 in total – was shot using only natural light and lasted about five minutes.

“There had been some other front porch series around the country where people were taking pictures and having people come out and sit on their front porch. I thought that was cool but then I thought, well, that’s kind of like any outdoor portrait you get any time...nice but not very interesting,” Green said.

“They had no context of the times.”

His series definitely has context. His only rule was that people had to stay inside, behind windows or a door. Other than that, they could pose however they pleased.

A

Green gave them mostly non-verbal directions, and took photos from their sidewalk, driveway, or yard.

“I’d give them a thumbs-up, snap away for a few minutes, then I’d wave bye, and walk to the next house,” said Green, a professional photographer for 12 years.

The portraits vary from large families with lots of kids to people alone in their homes with their animal companions. A few choose to pose stoic, others went a little goofy, and some simply smiled with their families. Green said you can really tell a lot about the many personalities from their poses.

Like the people in the portraits the homes were just as unique, giving Green the chance to show off the neighborhood’s diverse architecture.

“So you’re seeing these typical portraits but they are within another frame,” Green said. “There’s a level of a distance between us but it still pulls you in because people are framed within their windows or doors and it really makes the context of what’s going on.”

After Green posted the portraits on Facebook they were shared across the country. Green said he started getting hundreds of messages on Facebook within that first 24 hours.

“People said they were touched,” Green said. “It brought tears to their eyes, it just made them smile, and they didn’t know these people but they felt the connection because they’re going through the same thing.”

The subjects felt similarly.

“They were just really thankful to be included,” Green said. “It was just a nice connection to have during this quarantine to feel somewhat normal, just making a connection with another person in a safe way...and a way to be part of documenting this historical time in our world."

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Our Journey Back On behalf of the historic Community House (TCH) and The Community House Foundation (TCHF), we hope we find you safe and well. We miss seeing you. I miss seeing you. While our building and property remains partially closed, The Community House and The Community House Foundation remains open; virtually and remotely.

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Though some very tough and unprecedented decisions were made due to the COVID-19 crisis, the virus will not stop our nearly century-old commitment to you, your family, friends and neighbors to maintain this extraordinary “home to those seeking continuity between personal, professional, philanthropic and recreational pursuits.”

Those who depend upon us most cannot wait for “normalcy” to arrive. Us, too. We will not rest while our constituents: our cherished families, class takers, non-profit groups and supporters await our vital and essential programs and services to return. The demands for our services have never been greater.

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On our journey back, determinedly, we have been able to pivot to virtual summer programs, classes and remote summer camps. We continue to give virtual tours and are accepting bookings for weddings, showers, conferences, business Bill Seklar meetings, and other milestone events. Our Early Childhood, Infant & Toddler Centers has started to accept new students for the late summer/fall 2020 semesters. While mailed out hard copy program/class catalogs have been temporarily discontinued, all these initiatives and more – can be found on our website at communityhouse.com or by calling 248.644.5832.

ͻ >ŽĂŶ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ΨϯD • No tax returns

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LuxuryMortgage

®

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines.

The Community House Family has responded heroically. Everyone has had truly difficult decisions to make. That we have done so together will contribute directly to the health, safety and lives of members of our community and countless others. We will continue to do this guided by the best understanding and evidence for what will protect and save lives.

Equal Housing Lender. ©2019 Luxury Mortgage Corp. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. Some products may not be available in all states. NMLS # 2745. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Michigan 1st and 2nd Mortgage Broker/Lender/Servicer Registrant License# FR0021279/SR0021280. Luxury Mortgage Corp.®, luxurymortgage.com®, and Luxury Mortgage® are registered service marks of Luxury Mortgage Corp. All Rights Reserved.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Of one thing I am certain, it will be a gradual process that will take time and patience, and it will likely differ from the old normal, our old life, pre-COVID19. The world will look different coming out of this crisis. Many of those changes will be enduring. The exact trajectory of our recovery is highly uncertain and dependent upon many factors outside of our control such as government mandates, the risk of a second or third wave of infections, and the overall economic backdrop.

According to the CDC and our nation’s top health officials, the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and what lies beyond summer is a cause for concern. We are being advised to plan for the possibility that a second coronavirus outbreak could occur in the fall, especially if there isn’t a vaccine by then. Worse, we are told that there’s a possibility that the assault of the virus on our nation next winter will be even more difficult than the one we just went through. Our obligation is quite simply to do the right thing. Nothing is more important to us than safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors, especially the most vulnerable, our children and seniors.

Due to the continued uncertainty that remains today, including ever-evolving social distancing rules, new sanitization and cleaning standards, fear of a second wave of infections, loss of staff due to layoffs coupled with the unprecedented loss of funding, revenue, investments, donations and other forms of support – The Community House will not be ready to host regular onsite/in-house classes, programs, events/fundraisers, large gatherings or our non-profit or supported groups for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year. It is certainly our hope and desire to recover and find ourselves in a different, much improved, fully-staffed, financially stable “new” normalcy in January 2021. Financially, it remains a most difficult and uncharted path. Outside philanthropic support is key.

On a more positive note, given that Governor Whitmer and the state of Michigan finally lifted the restrictions on re-opening Early Childhood Centers across the state – The Community House re-opened its Early Childhood, Infant and Toddler Centers to working families on Monday, June 15.

We will come out of this, but we must come out of this smarter. Best sciences, financial stability and policies will dictate how and when we return to normal.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

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Open Doors Open Minds The Community House Early Childhood Center preschool is enrolling now!

Take a virtual tour today and see where the magic that starts a lifetime of learning happens.

Our implementation of the internationally respected HighScope Curriculum develops problem solving and critical thinking skills through activities that children truly enjoy.

Our facilities are professionally cleaned and sanitized regularly, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your young ones are learning in a safe environment.

Contact Vice President, Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Guest Services Melissa Rejc today at mrejc@communityhouse.com or 248.594.6411.

380 South Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009

communityhouse.com

PAT T Y BL AIR , REALTOR c. +1 248 613 0465 pblair@hallandhunter.com

NEW PRICE 1744 BRANDYWINE DR., BLOOMFIELD TWP..

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H A L L A N D H U N T E R . C O M | + 1 24 8 64 4 3 5 00 | 442 S . O L D W O O D W A R D B I R M I N G H A M

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday- Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.9607.

Adachi: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.540.5900.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary.

Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese.

86

Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch.

Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000.

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.940.0000.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce

Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations.

3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.

735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor.

575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301.

248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, MondaySaturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301.

248.333.7522.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609.

Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian.

Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday.

No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

DOWNTOWN

No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492.

Leo’s Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.closing. No reservations. Liquor.

525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.9581.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775.

07.20

Go To Our Website For

DELIVERY

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7270.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, parties of 5 or more.

Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only.

Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.

42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. MondaySaturday. Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. downtownpublications.com

248.731.7066.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025.

248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Beer & wine.

6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Morrie: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.940.3260.

The Rugby Grille: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

Whistle Stop Diner: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.949.9999.

WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR INDOOR DINING DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING 6646 Telegraph Rd. (At Maple Road) Bloomfield Plaza

248.932.0800 Fax: 248.932.1465 stevesdeli.com

PLUS OUTDOOR DINING NOW AVAILABLE Open: Mon.-Sat. 9am-7pm Sunday 9am-6pm

Your order of $29.95 or more

Your order of $69.95 or more

NOT VALID ON PHONE ORDERS Dine In or Carry-Out Order

NOT VALID ON PHONE ORDERS Dine In or Carry-Out Order

Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Expires 8/15/20.

Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Expires 8/15/20.

DT

DT

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Expanded comfort options After being open for five years, La Strada Dolci e Caffe owner Zharko Palushaj had the best week at his Birmingham restaurant, 243 E. Merrill Street, in the middle of a global pandemic. Within the first five days of reopening for dine-in service, the restaurant sales increased by 30 percent thanks to a menu makeover and extended patio. Everything at the restaurant is now priced below $35 and there’s more pasta and braised dishes, as well as a wider variety of appetizers. “When things like this happen I think people are going to watch a bit more on spending,” Palushaj said about the menu’s adjustments. “We added lots more comfort food and food people recognize, more like eating at home versus coming once a week.

I see people now even three times a week.” Palushaj thinks his decision to do carryout during the lockdown has also been vital to his recent success. La Strada is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in order to get extra cleanings in. Palushaj brought back his entire staff and his salaried employee program.

Lobster Pound returns If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, or in the case of Hazel, Ravines & Downtown’s Lobster Pound, you simply bring it back to the restaurant at 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. “It just seemed like a no-brainer,” said co-owner Beth Hussey. “All we’ve heard about all winter was how people loved the Lobster Pound and hoped we would do it again.” The Lobster Pound makes its return July 7 and guests cannot only enjoy it inside the restaurant – where they are taking a variety of different safety precautions in the 10,000-square-foot space which re-opened for indoor service in mid-June – but can enjoy it eaten at home via their curbside carry-out, delivery, and catering options.

There have been slight menu changes, such as the addition of non-seafood items, including fried chicken and ribs. Their family feast has changed substantially and taken on more of a traditional lobster boil approach with whole lobsters, clams, shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes all cooked in one pot.

Italian home-cooking Pernoi, 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, is now home to Casa Pernoi, a much more casual Italian restaurant than its former occupant as of early June. The updated concept follows their successful Trattoria pop-up during the lockdown and includes zero dishes from Pernoi. “It just made sense to me that after the pandemic, going back to work, there’s so much uncertainty in our future. I really wanted to build a restaurant that was more recession proof and that’s how we re-branded,” said owner Luciano DelSignore, who designed the menu, which started off with a nostalgic item – the bread basket. Each night five different types of bread are created to pair with an array of antipasti appetizers or other dishes like Charred Octopus, Baked Orata, Veal Chop Parmigiano, and pasta. How are people reacting to the changes, even with new safety requirements, like masks, in place? “They love it. We’re turning away more people than we can seat. It’s been all raves,” DelSignore said.

Return of Grey Ghost They were closed inside for almost 100 days but Grey Ghost Detroit – 47 E. Watson Street, Detroit – is back, and reopened for dine-in service in late June with a brand-new summer menu, safety precautions, and an expanded patio. While the inside was closed they were doing a to-go operation, which is still running, and a menu which had a 90 percent overhaul. “Our summer menu pays homage to the bounty of summer ingredients in the Midwest with our usual playful approach and international influences and of course, our famous fried bologna and cheeseburgers,” said chef John Vermiglio.

Owner Dave Vermiglio said they were able to bring back the entire staff, which played a role in their decision to open in late June. “It was very important to us to do it the right way,” he said. “If I can break even and pay

248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.548.0680.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor.

711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.

418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, MondayFriday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220.

248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.691.7145.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.629.6500.

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday

Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor.

202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American.

Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220.

248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations.

376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.216.1112.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations.

23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750.

Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps Beverly Hills Grill

Still a picture-perfect dining experience.

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my staff and get them all back to work I’m the happiest man alive.” Safety precautions include masks for staff at all times, and they are asking guests to do the same when moving around the restaurant. Plexiglass has been installed, foot-pulls are at all doors, and there are a lot of hand sanitizer stations. Brunch returns July 19.

Introducing new BESA At the end of 2019, BESA – 600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit – went through a chef change and were in the middle of revamping their menu. Then the cornovirus pandemic hit, giving them three unexpected months to brainstorm and open brand new, which is exactly what they did when they reopened for dine-in service in June. Gerti Begaj, managing partner, said this completely different menu revolves around tastes of the Adriatic Sea, and is very vegetable and olive oil focused, with a lot of grains and phenomenal seafood.

Guests’ favorites so far include their calamari, leek and potato tart, mezze platter, and whole fish of the day. Begaj is partial to their chicken paillard with an avgolemono sauce. BESA is currently only open for dinner and they are hoping to get more outdoor seating approved by the city of Detroit. As far as the inside the restaurant, all tables are seven feet apart, plexiglass has been installed, and all guests are asked to wear masks.

Voyager sets sail Like many restaurants now Voyager – 600 Vester Street, Ferndale – is discovering itself doing things they never thought they would. “We’re not doing table service as we would normally do,” said owner Eli Boyer. “We’re normally a full table and bar service, sit-down, reservations restaurant, but in addition to just serving on the patio, we’re doing it in a much more fish shack, fast-casual kind of service style.” This new service style also plays well into the safety precautions they’ve undertaken. Voyager’s menu now matches this new approach with lobster rolls and fried fish sandwiches and therefore, the price point is slightly lower. After a soft opening in late June, Voyager fully re-opened as of July 7 for patio and in-restaurant service.

Voyager also welcomed a new chef, Justin Fulton, who was previously at Pernoi, to consult and oversee the restaurant’s transition as chefs Jennifer Jackson and Justin Tootla leave the restaurant. Voyager’s dockside offerings – nightly pick-up and delivery – will continue for the foreseeable future. “We want to give people more variety in how they can experience what we do,” Boyer said.

Hello Stella For those looking to eat at the award-winning The Root, 340 Town Center Boulevard, White Lake Charter Township, well, you won’t find it. The former hotspot is now Stella’s Table, a more causal Italian concept that owner, Steve Suser, has had the idea for for years. With Stella’s Table, Suser gave the space a slight makeover, which has now been brightened up quite a bit.

General Manager Matt Mullins said the new concept is much more approachable and affordable than The Root was. “Walking into the pandemic we asked ourselves an honest question – is having a finer dining restaurant going to be sustainable? And our answer was no,” said Mullins, who also noted they are taking every safety precaution they can, like their new hire whose job is to solely sanitize and serve as an authority figure to tell people to put their masks and gloves back on. Stella’s Table may be one of the only restaurants happy about the 50 percent occupancy rule; Mullins says this allows them to work out any kinks their new concept may have. As far as the menu goes, the only thing that stayed from The Root was their black walnut old fashioned. The rest is now graced with made from scratch pasta dishes, pizza, antipasti, and entrees like their Tuscan bistro filet and Parmesan whitefish. As for the name? Suser has an Aunt Stella.

So long, farewell While the pandemic has seen the return of many restaurants, others are unfortunately closing their doors permanently, including Mad Hatter Bistro, 185 N. Old Woodward Avemue, Birmingham; Triple Nickle, 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham; and Town Tavern, 116 W 4th Street, Royal Oak.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084.

248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.280.1831.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400.

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations.

5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098.

248.813.0700.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American.

Weekend Brunch. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor.

301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084.

248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese.

Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for August primary oters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills will be determining the fate of primary candidates and a school proposal in the Tuesday, August 4, election, either at the polls or, better yet, by absentee ballots as part of a community collective effort to keep further spread of the coronavirus under control.

This is a primary election in which you must vote on candidates in just one political party, thereby deciding who best can represent your party in the November general election.

Downtown newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in contested primary races, the answers to which can be found in the special Voter Guide inside this edition or online at downtownpublications.com.

When making our recommendations we considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates. In determining who we thought could best represent a party heading into the November contests, we looked at both views of the candidates, their ability to run a competitive campaign and how quickly they could assume office should they make it through the general election balloting.

V

three terms as a Michigan Representative in the state House for part of south Oakland County. He has handled the job of treasurer well, with the help of a good staff, and we suspected for years that he intended to seek this post as long-time county exec L. Brooks Patterson neared the end of his long run. But as the saying goes, “the best laid plans of...men often go awry.” Patterson passed away in 2019 and the county board of commissioners named Democrat David Coulter of Ferndale, nearly a decade as mayor of Ferndale and eight years as county commissioner, to be the interim executive until the 2020 election. He was forced to assemble a mostly new deputy executive staff and showed promise as the manager of the county government. Then the pandemic hit and his management skills were put to an even tougher challenge. Frankly, we think he has passed the litmus test and officials from both parties tell us that, too. They also tell us he has more collaborative inclinations than Meisner, who has his detractors within his own party.

No, it has not been perfect, but no management job ever is. Meisner is left taking on an incumbent who will have one year on the job come the election. We think voters should opt for someone already in the driver seat – DAVID COULTER.

9th Congressional District – Two-year term (Bloomfield Township) Republican Two Republicans filed to run for the party nomination to challenge Democrat Andy Levin, first elected to the U.S. House from this district which includes part of south Oakland County and meanders into Macomb County.

We only heard back from Republican GABI GROSSBARD despite a number of attempts to connect with his primary opponent, so we were left with no choice in this endorsement. Grossbard does seem to come across as a moderate Republican on key issues, with a sincere drive to increase representation from the working class in the halls of Congress, certainly more refreshing than what we been able to glean about his opponent who bills himself as a “patriot.”

11th Congressional District – Two-year term (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) Republican Once again we have been left with little choice when it comes to an endorsement. Five Republicans, two from Oakland County, filed in hopes of being the chosen one to take on incumbent Democrat Haley Stevens in this district which runs from the local area to north of Pontiac and then into the western Oakland and western Wayne County areas. ERIC ESSHAKI from Birmingham, with degrees in law and nursing, appears well versed on the issues and gets our nod in this race.

Oakland County Executive – Four-year term Democrat This race proved to be one of the harder ones in which to determine who would best be the Democratic standard bearer in the general election. Both are baptized Democrats. Both are running strong races. So equally, if not more, important is the question of who can best navigate and manage Oakland County in future years should they win the November general election contest. We have known and liked county treasurer Andy Meisner, who came to this post after 92

Republican Some of us go back several decades with MIKE KOWALL, beginning when he was first township supervisor in White Lake and during his time in the Michigan House and Senate, where he held a leadership position. No doubt he is the better choice in the GOP primary contest for Oakland County Executive.

well end up being the likely winner in November. So voters are best served with making a change in this primary election. Vote for McDonald.

Oakland County Sheriff – Four-year term Democrat We were impressed by two of the candidates – Vincent Gregory and Barnett Jones – running in the Democrat primary for sheriff, the winner of which will face popular Republican incumbent Michael Bouchard this fall. Both candidates bring backgrounds in public safety and suggest improvements to be made in this department if ultimately elected. However, based on his advanced degrees in public safety and on more time in the trenches in actual day-to-day experience managing police forces in larger Michigan municipalities, we give the edge to BARNETT JONES in the Democrat primary.

Oakland County Clerk – Four-year term Republican TINA BARTON is one of two party candidates hoping to challenge incumbent Democrat Lisa Brown in the general election for the county clerk spot. She offers 15 years on-the-job experience working first as a deputy clerk in Bloomfield Township and most recently as the city clerk in Rochester Hills. Strong undergraduate and master degrees in business administration and leadership, Barton is well-prepared to run a spirited campaign leading into the general election during which we expect to hear more about improvements that may be needed at the county. Barton is the only choice in this primary race.

Oakland County Prosecutor – Four-year term Democrat

Oakland County Treasurer – Four-year term Democrat

Jessica Cooper has certainly given of herself in terms of public service, dating back to 1979 when she started as a district court judge, then on the Oakland County Circuit Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals prior to becoming county prosecutor in 2009. No doubt that she has mastery of the law and the system after all those years. But we may well have arrived at a juncture for society where some of the old ways of handling the administration of justice are due for an overhaul, as well are some of the laws that govern the system. And we are not convinced Cooper – who says she does not believe the prosecutor's office should be used as a bully pulpit -- is willing to take on this task. Enter former Oakland Circuit Court Judge KAREN MCDONALD, who resigned from the court bench to run for this office.

Billed as part of the progressive prosecutor movement sweeping the nation, she appears to be willing and capable of using the office to make changes in the inequitable and discriminatory bail system and increase use of alternative sentencing. Cooper talks about supporting the state criminal justice reform report issued this past January. Talk is cheap. We need someone in office to implement some things locally and use the office to push the folks in Lansing on others.We also take into account the criticism of the incumbent we hear from those in the public safety and legal communities, many of whom are hesitant to go public with their thoughts for fear of repercussions. Lastly, we were disturbed by comments the incumbent has made that she doesn’t see in the current system any racial bias. We say — get real. The winner of this race could DOWNTOWN

The current county treasurer has opted to run for county executive so this critical county post is up for grabs. In this primary contest, we recommend those voting on the Democrat ticket go with ROBERT WITTENBERG of Huntington Woods, who is just wrapping up his last term in the Michigan House of Representatives. He is best prepared for this office and will no doubt represent the party well in the general election battle.

Republican We were impressed by SUSAN ANDERSON of Royal Oak who has spent time as an elected trustee on the Oakland Community College board, where she now serves as treasurer. Formal education in the accountancy field along with time actually doing the work, she will make a formidable candidate in the general election.

Oakland Water Resources Commissioner – Four-year term Republican Oak Park resident ROBERT BUXBAUM enters the GOP primary contest well prepared with both formal education (BE, MA, Phd) and work experience in the field of chemical engineering. Buxbaum raises some valid concerns about the current operation of this county office under the incumbent commissioner who 07.20

he will face in November so we look forward to a more detailed discussion in the months ahead.

Oakland County Commission – Two-year term 12th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat The winner of this race will face Republican Chuck Moss in the November balloting. This was a close call between two candidates new to the political scene but we'll throw our endorsement behind Democrat KELLY DILLAHA of Birmingham.

attentive sense for budgeting, with the ability to balance wants and needs on one side with what can actually be afforded, a critical skill at any time but even more important when facing the impact of the coronavirus. He understands a key part of the job is accessibility, and his open door policy, whether to any resident seeking a word to a business owner looking for advice, helps him stand out from his opponent in the race – who believes spreading mistruths is his recipe to win. Savoie deserves to be the Republican candidate in November. Rock steady – not a time for change.

Clerk – Four-year term Republican

13th District (Part of Bloomfield Township) Democrat Democrat MARCIA GERSHENSON of Bloomfield Township has represented this district for 16 years. She certainly has a thorough understanding of how the commission and county function, and we have been generally impressed by her past service. So Gershenson remains the only option in this primary race.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor – Four-year term Democrat On the Democrat ticket, current township trustee DANI WALSH should understand township governance after serving the last four years on the board of trustees. Her opponent, whose name still appears on the ballot, has dropped out of the race and endorsed Walsh, making her the only choice for those voting as Democrats.

Republican Bloomfield Township is an economically-stable, thriving residential community which has come under attack in the last few years by a small, but extremely vocal, minority of residents determined to churn the waters and have everything their way – including a lowering of taxes to the point where services would be decimated, affecting the standard of living enjoyed by the majority of township residents, and the reason they have chosen to live there. But the real vitriol has been reserved for township supervisor LEO SAVOIE, who was appointed to the position in 2011 and elected in 2012 after having been a trustee since 2004, much to the chagrin of his primary challenger, former treasurer Dan Devine, who stokes the dissident group's fire at township meetings and on social media. Devine, as treasurer, squandered his time in office, working infrequently at Township Hall, and not paying careful attention to financial details. And let's not forget the bizarre (dare we say, unhinged?) behavior that included contacting the police department to allege that Savoie had kidnapped his adult daughter when Devine could not reach her by phone one morning. As a counterpoint, Savoie has spent the last several years putting his nose to the grindstone, cleaning up financial disarray in order to save residents money, especially related to unknown excessive fees related to the $80 million bond issuance, employee retirement benefit guarantees with Prudential Insurance, and notably in funding and closing the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), which at one time were a $164 million liability for the township, but which he has worked to reduce. He has an innate and downtownpublications.com

After 16 years of the knowledge and professionalism of township clerk Jan Roncelli, one of the state's premier clerks, we have to admit we were a little disappointed in the field of GOP choices for this position in the primary. We are most hopeful of the potential of TOM SMYLY, and tip our hand to him as the Republican candidate for the November election to take on Democrat Martin Brook. While every job is different, Smyly has already been working in Bloomfield Township government for 12 years – putting his life on the line everyday as a township police officer. He has further shown his commitment to the township as a homeowner's association president and business owner.

Most residents seek an advocate in getting their needs taken care of, not someone with a political agenda, and we believe Smyly is best suited to achieve that of the candidates running.

Treasurer – Four-year term Republican The winner in this two-man race will automatically become the township treasurer because no Democrat filed for the position. In the four years BRIAN KEPES has been Bloomfield Township Treasurer, he has fundamentally revolutionized the office – under his auspices, township reserves have grown almost $3 million, versus just $476,000 under his predecessor; defined benefit equity and retiree health care trusts are up 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively; $1 million in fees in treasury costs and fees were negotiated down; and many customer services, such as water and sewer bills, are available for residents to pay online. Kepes has a proven record of service to the township going back over 25 years, as a trustee since 2009, former chairman of both the board of review and zoning board of appeals, and other boards, dating back to 1994. He brings with him degrees in accounting, as a CPA, and experience in business as a property manager. No question on this one – taxpayers need to retain Kepes.

Trustee – Four-year term Republican Four Democrats are running for four open seats to be placed on the general election ballot, so they automatically advance to the November ballot to face the winners of the GOP primary. On the Republican side, five candidates are running for four open seats.

Incumbent NEAL BARNETT brings years of experience, financial insight, legal and psychological perspective, institutional wisdom and stability to the township, having been a trustee for 16 years. He also sits on the planning board. MICHAEL SCHOSTAK, DOWNTOWN

completing his first four-year term, comprehends the financial implications of budgeting, investment policies, debt and all economic policy issues, as well as having an ability to drill down on zoning and ordinances.

Candidate TIMOTHY ROBERT MEYER offers not only environmental and epidemiological knowledge, but also the experience of having run Oakland Community College and Sault College, and having been a deputy executive of economic development and community affairs for Oakland County under Brooks Patterson.

ERIC PERNIE has shown his commitment for the township through his work as a police officer before becoming a realtor and attorney, and will provide a voice for public safety and community on the board.

Bloomfield Hills Schools – Bond issue When we first examined the details of the Bloomfield Hills Schools' $200.155 million bond proposal to support school renovation, additions, security and the movement of some school populations, it was in February, when it was proposed for the May ballot – before the coronavirus pandemic, before over a million Michiganders were laid off, furloughed or fired, including many in this area. It seems like a lifetime ago, but it was just a few short months ago.

In March, the board of education wisely pulled the bond proposal from the May ballot, moving it to the August primary – a smart move anyway, as we believe May elections should go the way of February elections, and cease to exist by edict of the state legislature.

The Bloomfield Hills Schools district had been looking at school improvements as well as safety and technology upgrades for the last six years, and put together a wide-ranging committee comprising teachers, parents, former parents, residents, community officials, students, clergy and other stakeholders, called the Scope and Design Committee.

Of the $200 million ask, approximately $33 million in costs are immediate needs. The rest are improvements, safety and security upgrades at all schools, renovation costs and a district realignment that would take into account how students learn and will learn for the next several decades – taking the three middle schools and combining them into two middle schools, including reopening the former Lahser High School and renovating it as a middle school, with Bloomfield Hills Middle School as the other site; significant renovations at Conant and Way elementary schools; the movement of Lone Pine elementary to West Hills Middle School, which would become the new Lone Pine, with renovations and updates; Eastover would move to East Hills Middle School, which would become Eastover, also with renovations and updates; Bloomin' Preschool would be housed and expanded at Eastover and Conant; and Bloomfield Hills High School would receive health and wellness upgrades, among other improvements.

This is a new bond proposal. If approved by voters, the school district’s tax rate is projected to increase by 1.85 mills. A mill is equal to $1 in property tax per every $1,000 in taxable value, which is typically about half of a home's market value.

We were impressed in February with the district's plan to redesign and realign the schools and the district, and a second examination does not change our mind. But we recognize the significant cost which it comes with. Education is an investment in our future, and there is a price tag to go with it. If you can afford to, we recommend you vote YES. 93

N N IO IO G IT CT IN ED SE M O ER SS C OB NE T I C S O :BU IN ES C

FA

FACES:BUSINESS

LOCAL ES: SS B U S I N E O RY

UR ST TELL YO AL OCTOBER ECI IN A SP SSY STOCK GLO N IN SECTIO WN O DOWNT

BUSINESS NAME Name of Owner(s) Street Address and Phone Number of Your Business Your Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

WE WILL TELL YOUR UNIQUE STORY IN THIS SPACE FACES:BUSINESS will be a special section printed in full color on a heavier glossy stock and run through the center of our October issue of Downtown newsmagazine. Our photographer will come to your location to capture you as the business owner or manager and our writers will work with you to refine your story.

You will be featured in a full page photo, with prominent display of the name of your business, your name, business address and phone, along with your business website, Facebook and Instagram address if you have them.

And then a 250 word story that tells our readers something about you and your business.

To participate, contact Mark Grablowski: Office – 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 | Cell – 586.549.4424 | Email: MarkGrablowski@DowntownPublications.com

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