Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

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BIRMINGHAM VOTER GUIDE

OCTOBER 2019

ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPERS: WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS GENRE? ENDNOTE: OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CITY COMMISSION SOCIETY NOTEBOOK • OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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DOWNTOWN10.19

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Invisible poisons enter food chain, grocery shelves Recently uncovered tests dating back nearly two decades show that dangerous pesticides and toxic PFAS chemicals have been found in everything from organic fruits and vegetables to chocolate cake and adult and children's cereal.

LONGFORM

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The alternative press has come a long way from its inception when the first alternative weeklies of the 1960s were referred to as “the underground press” because they appealed to cultural outlaws – think 'drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll.'

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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Racism was on full display locally with the recent planned, and then cancelled, anti-Muslim event in mid-September at the Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church. It says a lot about how our society has not evolved much in recent years.

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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Not all thrilled with Potts; Rocky county exec rumor; another Bouchard on horizon; chowing down with lobbyists; latest JamesPeters numbers; Rakolta confirmed ambassador; plus more.

THE COVER Cover design: Chris Grammer

MUNICIPAL

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No change in township structure; Boutros runs write-in effort; Sherr sentenced; new eateries in Mitchell's space; Birmingham clerk resigns; compensation study; Rail District restaurant; plus more.

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Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us provide quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK

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Society Notebook reporter Gigi Nichols provides the latest news and snapshots from the society and non-profit circuit fundraising events.

ENDNOTE

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Our recommendations in the November Birmingham City Commission election; vote YES on Birmingham Schools and OCC millages.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER everal weeks ago I was fortunate to see the Broadway play To Kill A Mockingbird, the Aaron Sorkin adaption of the 1960 novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee, starring Michigan native Jeff Daniels.

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For those not familiar with either the novel or the stage adaptation, the story is based loosely on Lee's recollection of an event that took place near her Alabama small hometown in 1936, involving the trial of a black man accused of raping a white woman. Although Daniels, playing attorney Atticus Finch, is able to demonstrate to the all-white jury of farmers that the charges are false, the accused is convicted anyway.

There are many parallels that can be drawn from the play to the modern-day political and racial turmoil engulfing this country.

Daniels himself, in a television interview with Nicolle Wallace on MSNBC in May of this year, offered up a moving explanation that the play was his opportunity to go in front of an audience each night of the week during the play's one-year run and “pin the ears back, basically, of white America” with a theatrical performance that focuses on the theme of race, racial injustice and the cowardice of the mob as exemplified by the jury in the play and the Ku Klux Klan group that shows up on stage at one point.

As Daniels explained back in May, the current leader of our country, and his enablers in Congress, in both the 2016 election and now their reelection effort, determined they could prey on the dark side of humanity to strengthen the party base and win an election – appealing to the fear of some white voters that their majority in this country is being challenged by people who look and think differently than they do.

What was even more disappointing, however, was to return home only to be confronted with the real-life drama of racism on full display in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area with the recently planned, and then cancelled, anti-Muslim event in mid-September at the Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church at 3600 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, timed around the anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. Tragic, but it says a lot about how we, as a society, have not evolved much in recent years.

As detailed in a story in this edition of Downtown, the pastor of the church, Donald McKay, told Fox 2 TV that his announced two-day event involving speakers addressing a perceived threat to Christians and national security from the Islam religion was not an indication that he hated Muslims, just the “ideology they are identified with.” Sorry, pastor, no matter how you attempt to spin it, if it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck...as the saying goes.

At the risk of unleashing the anti-Muslim, anti-Islam and antiShariah members of the public who have written to me in recent years, this cancelled event is just one more example of where we have arrived in the current political climate in which our national political leaders have basically given the high sign that it is now acceptable for the long-hidden views to rise to the surface relative to race and ethnicity. Much of this sentiment is out of fear that those who look different or think differently than the eroding white

majority pose a threat to the dominant race in the country.

In this particular area of Oakland County – with one of the highest educational and income levels in the state – one might think that things would be much different.

But we are only deceiving ourselves, unfortunately.

There's a certain comfort, I suspect, when we read from a long distance about a recent incident involving a Booneville, Mississippi event hall refusing to host an interracial couple's wedding celebration. Likewise, it's easy to dismiss the Macomb County municipal candidate in recent months who pulled out of an election after blowback to her comments about how she wanted her community to remain “white” as opposed to encouraging a more diverse population.

But Oakland County by far is not immune from these same views among our residents.

I took time for this column to write down incidents I have personally observed in my over four decades in Oakland.

I think back to my time in the western Oakland County lakes area in the 1970's with the start of an increased Chaldean population and the unspoken and sometimes verbalized resentment when that industrious group starting acquiring businesses in the local area.

Or the physical confrontations that took place occasionally between white/black students in the after school hours in some school districts in that area. Or how malcontents set fire to a new home under construction in Commerce Township when it was learned that the owners were African Americans. Or the often whispered comments as West Bloomfield attracted a growing Jewish population and their places of worship, let alone when African Americans starting buying homes in the community.

And let's not forget that we have seen racial conflict raise its ugly head in more than one incident in our local school districts here, showing us that we are faced in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area with the same threats to the principles of Democracy which this country has strived to uphold post-slavery and the Civil War. How we break this cycle of racism becomes another question. In the Wallace-Daniels interview this spring, Wallace crystalized the issue when she shared with the actor that her concern was “our children are watching.” In other words, attitudes on race and a diversified society are shaped in the home, so that has to be the starting point.

Even more important, we have to reverse the trend we see in public discourse where it has become acceptable to target groups – by race, religion, gender and sexual orientation – for purposes of political gain.

We must eradicate this undercurrent because Democracy is at stake. Or, as Atticus Finch tells us in the play, “We have to heal this wound or we will never stop bleeding.”

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

SIES MARJAN

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CURATED. COLLECTED. COVETED.

271 West Maple • Birmingham • 248.258.0212 •

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Austen Hohendorf | Gigi Nichols Bill Seklar | Judith Harris Solomon 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 $12 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.

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INCOMING Downtown longform Thank you for including professor Sam Srauy in the news article (August/Downtown) about gaming.

You do such a nice job with your longform articles and use so many sources. Just not used to seeing that in today's journalism world.

It really sets your publication apart and I hope we can provide more interviews and interviewees for you going forward.

Brian Bierly Director of Media Relations Oakland University

Oversight still lacking Taxpayers should be aware that Oakland County school superintendents and administrators are still having a hard time complying with public oversight at the Okma International Academy. And that could be a real bad deal for taxpayers.

I wrote Downtown newsmagazine this past February to try to bring to public light the Okma International Academy's opening and operating of private schools in China. Michigan's constitution prohibits public schools and their employees from "directly or indirectly" directing resources to private schools – here or in China.

Indeed, parochial schools in the state are contesting in court this constitutional block, arguing that state mandates force them to spend dollars the state won't provide. More generally, though, most would agree it is bad precedent to have public schools here using their time to own and operate private businesses abroad. But that is what happened.

How? The answer, in part, is that the Okma IA is governed by a loose agreement from the 1990s that gives governance of the school to the "joint steering committee" – a group composed of administrators from the 13 consortium schools that can send children to the lottery magnet school.

This means, in short, that the public has no direct oversight when it comes to the Okma IA. The school is not governed by locally elected school boards. This loose structure, it seemed, worked well enough when responsible administrators were checking in – but even that stopped in and around 2008 or 2009. The Okma IA, then, does not hold open meetings and is responsible to no one.

You see the problem. It is an old one in American politics. Individuals in public institutions without oversight start to see public money and time as their own. So private, forprofit schools in China made sense if downtownpublications.com

you were looking to make some bucks and take a few junkets. All this was brought to the attention of Bloomfield Hills Schools and, in particular, some newly elected board members. BHSD is the fiscal agent for the school and its board last winter and spring.

Downtown's Lisa Brody wrote up some of the aftermath (March 1, 2019) explaining that the "joint steering committee" had cleared the IA administration and other K-12 administrations of wrongdoing. This was, well, a complicated assertion.

First, and again, the "joint steering committee" had not really been functioning. So they weren't in a position to investigate anything.

Second, even if they could investigate, they were not a body beholden to public scrutiny. Brody, it seems, was fed bad information by Bloomfield Hills School District (they have since had some considerable changes in administration).

What actually happened from last winter to now went something more like this: several Bloomfield board members and other local board members – notably from West Bloomfield – work as a "task force" to try to set things right. Representatives from the consortium schools did hastily try to hold actual meetings and function as a governing body. The latter didn't work out so well. The "JSC" couldn't manage meetings with a quorum. And they couldn't agree on writing a new consortium agreement that would work. The former had more success. They developed a proposal for a new "Joint Steering Committee" that would provide legitimate public oversight. An elected board member would serve on this new committee, guaranteeing at least some public scrutiny. But even this is too much for Oakland County superintendents, particularly in Troy and Birmingham.

They are pushing hard for no public oversight. None. That's right.

These folks liked the opening the flawed IA governance structure gave administrators. Even after all this. The question is why? What is it that prompts public school officials to fight so hard to keep the public from seeing what is going on? After the private schools in China you do have to be impressed with the out and out arrogance to try to shut down public scrutiny – even by elected school board members.

Ken Jackson Bloomfield Hills DOWNTOWN

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

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 September 19, 2019.

Placement of codes is approximate.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL 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 each month via email.

GOSSIP DEPARTMENT: We fully acknowledge this is pure gossip – but it’s such good gossip. As the Republicans in Oakland County admit that 2020 isn’t going to be their year to take back the county executive seat, the potential candidates rumored to be going for it keep dwindling. Despite speculation, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard (R) has no intention of going for the top spot, preferring to stay top dog of the sheriff’s department for at least another four-year term.

Bouchard, who was appointed to the position in January 1999 after the untimely death of Sheriff John Nichols, was a state senator at the time. At one point, he had aspirations of higher office, running unsuccessfully for governor and U.S. Senate. He BOUCHARD has been re-elected five times – so far – to run one of the nation’s largest sheriff’s departments, with over 1,400 employees and with a budget bigger than that of the Oakland County Executive. He also has a national profile with the National Sheriff’s Association. So, here’s what’s running around the rumor mill: He’ll run again in 2020, and maybe also in 2024. Then his son, also named Michael Bouchard, an Army vet who became an Oakland County sheriff’s deputy in the last year, will run for the top spot. With the same name… will the public spot the difference?

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DRUTHERS FOR ANOTHER: Republicans looking for a 2020 challenge for first term state Representative Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) don’t appear to be satisfied with the pending candidacy of former Oakland County Commissioner Dave Potts of Birmingham, who was supposed to announce September 17, that he is seeking the Republican nod for the 40th District, but hasn’t yet followed through. We know that because Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) Executive Director Ingrid Tighe confirmed she’d been asked recently by party insiders to run for the very same seat. “I was honored to be asked, but I am not running,” said Tighe, who adds that at the present time, she is happy where she is at.

Tighe, who has a master’s in public policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at University of Michigan, was with TIGHE the Michigan Education Development Corporation (MEDC) before joining the BSD, and was a captain in the Army, is the mother of four young sons.

“I love public policy, and I have several friends from the Ford school in the state legislature,” she said, acknowledging that one day she may be interested in running for office. “I was flattered to be asked.” While some Republicans like Potts, a knowledgeable Republican leader said, “I don’t think the numbers are good in Oakland County for any Republicans. I think Mr. and Mrs. Potts (retired Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Potts) will have a lot of time for their retirement.”

AS THE COUNTY TURNS: The attempt to appoint a new Oakland County Executive has certainly generated its share of rumors, including the following two tidbits. When it became clear to Democrats that board of commissioners’ chair Dave Woodward – who months ago announced he’s running for the exec post in 2020 – did not have enough votes to become the designee, and neither did county treasurer Andy Meisner, the party turned to Dave Coulter, an announced 2020 candidate for the state House seat covering Ferndale, Huntington Woods and Oak Park. Coulter, who prior to the appointment was the mayor of Ferndale, was recruited to be a seat filler until next year’s election, with a promise of a deputy executive position in either a Meisner or Woodward administration if he doesn’t win the state House race. And now we hear Coulter is currently considering running for executive in 2020. The second nugget, sources say Republicans were negotiating to keep interim executive Gerry Poisson in place through the end of 2020, promising not to sue over Woodward’s shenanigans if the Democrats agreed.

But, as we know, there was no agreement, the Oakland County GOP sued, and while a judge did not issue the temporary restraining order local GOP chair Rocky Raczkowski demanded, the suit is ongoing.

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HOLDING OUR BREATH: The political drama that led to the appointment of Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter (D) is far from over, according to Oakland County GOP chair Andrew “Rocky” Raczkowski. Rocky and Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) are hoping to have Coulter removed from office through an Oakland County Circuit Court case claiming the process was illegal. “He’s not doing anything, he’s just appointed a bunch of political appointees, but not a lot of people with private sector or world class experience,” DOWNTOWN

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Raczkowski asserted. “Our issue isn’t with the executive, it’s with Mr. Woodward (county commission board chair Dave Woodward) and the Democratic caucus.”

Meanwhile, there has yet to be a Republican willing to step up to run for the executive seat in 2020, with several key GOP leaders declaring the seat “unwinnable” for any Republican with President Donald Trump at the top of the November ballot. Rocky dismissed rumors that he’s considering running for the county executive position. “I’m currently running my business. If I feel called, I will do so, but I’m actually trying to lead our caucus and repair things that need to be repaired... I feel some good names will be popping up really soon.”

NUMBERS GAME: He lost by only – only! – six points to Michigan’s Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) in 2018, so Republicans are positively gleeful that Republican Senate candidate John James appears to be within just a point of catching Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) in some recent polling. Of course, the 2020 election is over a year away, and a lot can happen in 14 months – either way. But Peters, who has been lottery commissioner and congressman – even after having his district changed – and senator since 2014, has often beaten projections. Republicans, both locally and nationally, are counting on the charismatic James to flip the seat and help keep the Senate. “James looks at this as a non-politician, as a public servant. It’s his belief system, he’s part of the church. John sees it as a calling,” said former state Sen. Randy Richardville (RMonroe), who will be part of combat veteran James’ campaign. But James is not the only vet in the game – Peters served in the Persian Gulf as a Navy Reservist, and then again went overseas after 9/11. “James’ numbers are very good. He’s the best speaker in the Republican Party. He’s a strong presence,” said one veteran Republican fundraiser. “But I don’t think James will win, because (President) Trump will sink everyone.” Peters spent the summer recess from the Senate on a statewide motorcycle tour, while Democrats have claimed James has been “in hiding” – he has been spotted at several out-of-state fundraisers, including one in Florida hosted by Trump’s finance team. GOP flacks push the narrative that Peters is benefitting from West Coast liberal donors.

SAVE

DO AS I SAY: As President Trump and the GOP continue their war on illegal immigrants and fight for beefed up border security, a Taiwanese immigrant who said she lived in the United States illegally for 16 years as a youth – until she married to remain in this country – has announced she is taking on Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Troy, western Oakland, western Wayne county) to flip the 11th District back to the Republican side of the ledger. Whittney Williams of Canton announced her candidacy in mid-August, with Scott Hagerstrom, who led Trump’s Michigan network in 2016, as her chief strategist. Williams, a professional model and actress, traveled the country as an auto show product specialist for the last several years, as well as the WILLIAMS director of diversity and Canton Township precinct delegate for the 11th Congressional District Republican Committee. She said she came to the U.S. at the age of 10 with her parents, who overstayed their visas. She lived here illegally for the next 16 years, until she married at 26, and became a U.S. citizen three years later. “I am running for Congress because I love our country, believe in the American Dream, and want to fight back against the radical left’s socialist agenda,” Williams said in a press statement. A Republican Party leader said, “We can’t find anyone to run against Stevens,” noting both her fundraising prowess and that Oakland County’s 2018 blue wave will likely continue in 2020. As for rumored 11th District GOP candidates John Akouri and Dillon Breen, the party source said he doesn’t believe Akouri is going to follow through and run.

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Michigan businessman, and a top contributor to the Trump presidential campaign, John Rakolta Jr. was confirmed on Tuesday, September 17, as the next ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Rakolta, who heads up Detroit-based Walbridge construction, has admitted he would be at a slight disadvantage compared to career foreign-service officers who have traditionally held the position. However, he said he brings “other experience” that would be beneficial. Rakolta was the top donor to Trump’s 2017 inauguration, and his family gave more than $275,000 to the president’s 2016 campaign. Rakolta also is related to RNC chair Ronna Romney McDaniel, who is Rakolta’s niece through RAKOLTA his wife. While about 30 percent of ambassador appointments have been to non-career diplomats since the 1950s, more than 40 percent of Trump’s ambassador appointments have been to political supporters, rather than foreign service officers. Rakolta, who was confirmed by a 63 to 30 vote that included Michigan U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, will be the first non-career diplomat to serve as ambassador to the country. The ambassadorship is considered a key position in the region, with the UAE home to downtownpublications.com

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three U.S. military bases. Former diplomats have criticized the appointment, calling Rakolta unfit for the position due to a lack of foreign policy experience.

FREE LUNCH PROGRAM: While all members of the Michigan legislature earn too much money to qualify for free meals from the National School Lunch Program, lobbyists paid for food and beverages for all but 24 of the state’s 148 lawmakers during the first seven months of 2019. Legislators who received the most amount of lobbyist-funded food and drinks were Reps. Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo) $5,682; Jim Lilly (R-Park Township) $5,325; chair and vice chair of the House Ways and Means committee; Speaker of the House Rep. Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) $4,142; Mike Webber (RRochester) $2,368; and Curt VanderWall (R-Ludington) $2,002. The totals, which are compiled each year by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, represent a new record in spending, with registered lobbyists reportedly dishing out more than $517,000 from WEBBER January through July. Webber, who consistently ranks among the top five recipients of lobbyist-funded food and drink, leads all Oakland County lawmakers. Others on the list include Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) $1,175; Rep. Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield) $523; Sen Jim Runestad (R-White Lake Township) $433; Rep Ryan Berman (R-Commerce Township) $384; Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy) $197; Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-Huntington Woods ) $130; Sen. Mallory McMorrow (DRoyal Oak) $123; Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford) $108; and Rep. Kathy Crawford (RNovi) $61. Reps. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac), Jim Ellison (D-Royal Oak), Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham), John Reilly (R-Oakland Township) and Sens. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) and Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) did not receive any lobbyist meals or drinks, according to finance disclosures.

TRY, TRY AGAIN: Novi Republican Chase Turner was about 700 primary votes shy in 2018 of ousting GOP incumbent Kathy Crawford (R-Novi) from the state’s 38th House District seat. Crawford, who is term-limited in 2020, went on to win the election by just 588 votes over Democratic challenger Kelly Breen. Turner, who served as field director for former 11th District Republican congressional candidate Lena Epstein, describes himself as a “pro-Second Amendment advocate who has no problems associating with President Trump” according to Michigan’s Independent Source of News & Information (MIRS). At 24-years-old, Turner would be older than Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) who was elected to the House at just 21. As of press-time, Turner is the only Republican running for the 38th District Seat, while Breen and fellow Democrat Megan McAllister are running for the seat in next year’s primary election.

YOU GO GIRL: Oxford resident Jody LaMacchia hadn’t taken a shine to politics until shortly after Donald Trump was elected president. Now the north Oakland County Democrat is hoping to be the first openly gay woman elected to the Michigan House, she said in a recent Washington Post article, which focused on the influence suburban women are having on local and national races.

LaMacchia is running to unseat Oxford Republican John Reilly from Michigan’s 46th District House seat – a position that has been held by Republicans for decades. LaMacchia also helped found the 600-member North Oakland Women Making a Difference (NOWMAD) group that supports Democratic candidates. The group and LaMacchia’s campaign are evidence of the growing influence that suburban women are having at the state and national levels – LAMACCHIA notably flipping two Oakland County congressional districts blue in 2018, along with the state’s governor, secretary of state and attorney general positions. While Reilly, a hard-line Republican, was re-elected in 2018 by more than 10 percentage points, LaMacchia is hoping the pink wave that washed over Oakland County and Michigan in 2018 will repeat again in 2020 as other women in traditionally conservative districts seek to bridge the current partisan divide.

VOICE OF AMERICA: It would seem unlikely that a Republican mayor of one of the safest cities in Michigan would be leading a push for national gun control measures.

Then again, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett – who was recently elected as the president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors – has broken the mold before. The national mayors group, which represents cities with populations of at least 30,000, is pushing President Trump and the Senate to take up legislation that would require additional background checks on some gun sales, as well as longer wait times for the transfer of firearms. Barnett, who is running as an unopposed write-in candidate for his fourth term as mayor in the thriving 75,000-person, Republican-leaning community, said he believes 90-percent of voters support background checks, telling the Detroit Free Press recently that the National Rifle Association (NRA) is out of step on the issue. Barnett also has talked about the issue on the national stage with National Public Radio and MSNBC, and is lobbying Congress on the issue. “With 260 mass shootings in 2019 alone, the status quo just doesn’t seem acceptable,” he said on social media on August 29. “I hope the Senate moves on the two bills related to background checks next month. I’ll be there to add my voice.”

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FACES Mark Nordman f you had asked Mark Nordman 30 years ago if he thought he would have his current job, he would’ve laughed.

“Absolutely not,” said Nordman, president and CEO of Woodward Avenue Records.

“I would’ve thought I was a pretty good piano player and trumpet player once upon a time. I was never really good enough to be great.”

He might not have had the musical talent to be the next Louis Armstrong or Chet Baker, but he knew business and music well enough to create Woodward Avenue Records in 2010.

After having worked in the hospitality business for almost 30 years, the Cranbrook Schools and Interlochen alumnus decided to take a giant leap after his dad died – who had worked in music for decades – and go back to something he’d known his whole life, music.

“The music business is two things, music and it’s business,” he said. “I thought, music has been a part of my life forever and business is all I’ve done for the last 25 years, so, let’s put the two of those things together.”

Then, Woodward Avenue Records was formed. Yes, it’s named after the Woodward Avenue in Michigan, a street Nordman traveled daily as a kid growing up in Bloomfield Hills.

Nordman’s first project with the company was a maxi single – when there are multiple versions of the same song – of King Floyd’s “Groove Me” with jazz guitarist Nate Najar and Melba Moore, an R&B legend.

“When we did ‘Groove Me' people were like, what the heck? You’ve got Melba singing, and who is this guitar player?” he said. “We kind of made a splash. From that point on, things just started lining up for us.”

They’ve gone on to have multiple Billboard number one hits, and lots of radio time, including “Groove Me,” which Nordman still catches from time-to-time on SiriusXM. Currently, the company has multiple signed artists getting ready to put out albums, like DW3, a trio from California who play Urban Soul; Jack Magnet (real name, Jakob Magnusson) an Icelandic jazz keyboard player; and Jacqui Brown, wife of Grammy Award-winner Paul Brown, who is also a Woodward Avenue Records artist.

The boutique label predominantly known for producing smooth jazz is getting ready to expand into new genres.

“Great music is great music. So we don’t want to be defined by just a particular box or genre,” said Nordman, who now lives in Florida.

They are looking at signing country artists, and have a pop record coming, as well as an American-folk project that will be out at the first of the year.

Leaving the world with excellent music is part of why Nordman decided to go about this career endeavor in the first place. He wanted to leave something that would not only keep his family and dad’s legacy alive, but last for, well, ever.

Being able to listen to music before others hear it is an added bonus for Nordman, especially when he’s sent a track or demo with someone asking what he thinks.

Pursuing his passion doesn’t hurt either.

“It’s cliché, but when people do what they love, and especially if it’s something that you feel like you’ve got knowledge of...that’s what life’s about, right?” he said.

It might have taken Nordman some time to break into the music industry but he has no plans to leave now that he’s arrived.

“I’m going to do this the rest of my life,” he said. “There’s no end point.”

I

Story: Dana Casadei

ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPERS HISTORY OF THE UNDERGROUND PRESS

BY LISA BRODY

“We were the original disrupters. It was our version of reality.”

That’s how Harvey Ovshinsky describes the impact of underground newspapers in the 1960s on high school kids. And he would know – Ovshinsky was a pioneer of the movement, founding the Fifth Estate in Detroit at the age of 17, considered one of the first and longest-running underground newspapers.

“I always wanted to get things off my chest, and journalism was my way,” Ovshinsky said.

Raised in Detroit, when he graduated from Mumford High School, he said, “my mom took me out to Los Angeles. I was popular in high school, but I was a rebel. She wanted me to start over. I hated it out there. I worked for the Los Angeles Free Press, and I got enthused, and I wanted to run home and start a similar paper, and so I did.”

The Los Angeles Free Press was among the most widely-circulated underground newspapers in the 1960s, founded by an unemployed tool-anddie worker, Art Kunkin, who was also a former organizer of the Socialist Workers Party (SWP), where he had served as the business manager of that group’s paper, The Militant. The LA Free Press was originally published from 1964 to 1978, and was notable for its radical politics, which had rarely been seen in print before. It is often cited as the first of its kind. The paper wrote about and was often directly involved in major historic issues and was in the orbit of noted people of the ‘60s and ‘70s, from the Chicago Seven, to Timothy Leary, Allen Ginsburg and Abbie Hoffman.

In 2005, a new incarnation of the LA Free Press was revived, with no ties to Kunkin, as an alternative to “corporate-controlled media.” It continues to publish.

“This was a new kind of journalism of that time,” said Bob Levin, author of The Pirates and the Mouse: Disney’s War Against the Underground. “The Free Press saw itself as an advocate of personal freedom as well as a vehicle to aid the anti-Vietnam war movement.

Because of its coverage, of the Vietnam War and how it became a touchstone for anti-war activists, the Los Angeles Free Press is given degrees of credit for ending the war.”

“The first alternative weeklies of the 1960s were referred to as ‘the underground press’ because they appealed to cultural outlaws – think ‘drugs, sex and rock ‘n’ roll’ – and they sprouted up in big cities with titles like the Berkeley Barb in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles Free Press, and the East Village Other in New York City,” said Michael Fuhlage, assistant professor, Wayne State University. “But they also appeared in smaller places, most typically college towns, in the midwest. The Kansas Free Press published its first issue in November 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas. Its goal was ‘to help remedy the inadequacy of the American Press.’ Its writers urged an end to racial oppression against black people under Jim Crow, nuclear weapons proliferation, and U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.”

In Ovshinsky’s case, he returned to Detroit from LA in 1965 and began what he called an “under the radar” underground newspaper that was mimeographed and handed out at high schools. He called it the Fifth Estate.

“Everyone thinks I named it the Fifth Estate as a backlash to the fourth estate (mainstream media) – but that’s not true,” Ovshinsky said.

“The Fifth Estate was the name of the coffee house in LA, in the basement where the LA Free Press was published, and I spent a lot of time there – so I called it the Fifth Estate.”

At the time, Ovshinsky said, there were “hundreds of underground newspapers. They were mainly mimeographed or xeroxed or photooffset, and handed out at schools. Increasingly, school papers were becoming the disrupters. They were investigating the news and looking into issues, both in content and graphics.”

The underground press was, for the first time, giving voice to the younger generation, and they had a lot to say.

Ovshinsky said it was a major change from the daily newspapers at the time, “who only wrote about kids if they got into trouble, or about women if they were in the society pages. But we were highly-motivated because of the war and the draft.

“Without motivation, things don’t get done. There has to be some level of jeopardy – just like in a good screenplay,” he pointed out.

Before the Fifth Estate, Ovshinsky passed out newsletters for the “Boys Club,” made on carbon copies. “I always wrote. I was always a writer and journalist. I started the creative Boys Club, not to have meetings, but to

have a newsletter to pass out in the neighborhood,” he recalled.

That morphed into the Transylvania Newsletter, which sold for 10cents a copy in his Seven Mile and Greenfield neighborhood, before he began a literary magazine at Mumford, the Idiom.

“That almost got me expelled from Mumford, because some counselor though an image was pornographic,” he said. “It wasn’t.

“I always wanted to get things off my chest, and journalism was my way.”

After creating the Fifth Estate, the impact was immediate and strong.

He was joined in his efforts by Peter Werbe, who continues to this day, and John Sinclair.

“I wanted to be a beatnik. I was a jazz fanatic. I wanted to write poetry,” Sinclair recalled. “I was a Negrophile, because of the music – R&B, Ray Charles, Charles Brown. I was a fanatic as a teenager. It was all black music and I wanted to understand what made it all so great.”

In addition, “I was pissed off,” he said. “They killed the president.”

Ovshinsky tapped into Sinclair’s anger and talent, and Sinclair became the Fifth Estate’s arts writer from the second edition on.

“In the underground press, I was a star,” Sinclair said, recalling he had been the editor of his college paper at University of Michigan-Flint.

He came to Detroit in 1964, and with other artists, poets and musicians, started Detroit Artists Workshop.

“We were the weirdos around Wayne State University,” he said. “It was a Bohemian Embassy. We were learning about mimeographing poet magazines, music magazines. The mimeograph revolution was the beginning of the underground newspapers, and the tabloids came from that.”

“We were listening to underground music, underground culture, underground radio stations,” Ovshinsky recalled. “Underground then meant ‘below the radar’ – until the mainstream press caught on and we were in the dailies and on TV. We didn’t pay too much attention to the straight media because we were too busy doing our thing – but they all paid attention to us.”

Sinclair said a syndicate of underground papers – Underground Press Syndicate – would share articles around the country, extending their reach and influence.

“No money was involved. Nobody got paid. But you would driven by your beliefs,” he said. “But my writing in the Fifth Estate was published across the country, so that was a beautiful thing.” Later on, when Sinclair became manager of the MC5 band, “I’d write about them, and they’d be reprinted all over. When it was printed in a New York paper, we got our record deal.”

Sinclair moved on from the Fifth Estate to edit the Detroit Sun during its brief run.

The counterculture moved to an area near downtown Detroit, on Plum Street, that Ovshinsky said “simulated Haight-Ashbury, with coffee shops, incense, candles. Barry Kramer (publisher of Creem magazine, which later had its offices on S. Old Woodward in Birmingham) had a shop there, Gilda Radner would hang out. It increased our circulation.

The music companies really discovered us, and that increased our ad revenue. The records, books, art, cinemas, the full culture – we were all part of it. It was exciting.

“I didn’t know we were making history. I knew we were recording history.”

In 1968, Ovshinsky moved on from Fifth Estate. One, he said he was restless. And two, he was drafted. He became a conscientious objector, doing his alternative service at the Lafayette Clinic as a nurse’s aide, where he met his wife. Later, he became involved with radio, TV and screenwriting.

“I told my story in different media,” he said. “Creativity and storytelling has always been my thread.”

Fifty-five years on, the Fifth Estate is still in existence, although Ovshinsky no longer has any ties to it. Werbe, still carries the torch forward, identifying it as an anarchic press.

“An anarchic vision to us is not violence – it is how people live a vision of a cooperative society,” Werbe explained. “In a village, no one dominates over another. Modern society has eliminated the change that philosophers envisioned for 19th century harmonious classes, like peaceful co-existence, not power over others. This society is one of chaos, one that is steeped in chaos, genocide, land dispossession. It might not be possible, but it’s our ethics.”

In its heyday of the early 1970s, Werbe said the Fifth Estate was one of 500 other alternative weekly newspapers in the country with a combined weekly circulation of four million.

“There were lots of publications, and many military ones, that opposed the Vietnam War,” Werbe said. Around 1970, a police informant was planted in their midst. “Some suppression was local,” he said.

“Local police would sometimes come to printers, and say, ‘Why are you printing this Communist paper? They’re opposing our boys.’ Yet we supplied to many GIs, and we still do.”

People reading the Fifth Estate, “and the 499 other weeklies, weren’t believing The Detroit News but believing the alternatives. We took on all alternative movements – civil rights, black rights, gay rights, youth and labor struggles, women’s rights. There were a lot of grass root movements,” Werbe said. “Strident calls for revolution became standard fare on our covers.”

After the war ended, he noted, “499 or so other underground and alternative papers disappeared. We were the only one who still had a critique of the whole system.”

At one point, the Fifth Estate had a weekly distribution of 20,000 papers. Today, Werbe said the goal is to publish yearly, with a distribution of about 4,000 papers. As they always were, a lot of their distribution is free, because Werbe said that is the expectation. There are also no ads in the paper.

“We refuse any ads. We call it the ‘Voice of Capital.’”

Unlike other papers, mainstream or alternative, the Fifth Estate has no editor or publisher, but an editorial collective of about five people, each with an equal say. “We used to be in the Cass Corridor. Now we’re in cyberspace,” Werbe said. Each issue costs the paper about $4,000 to print and mail, with all revenues coming from subscriptions and donations.

“We got huge readership – and then we got more ads,” he laughed as he recalled selling the ads, as well as writing for it.

“When the Vietnam War ended, a lot of them moved on. The underground press was everywhere. They spoke to all difference voices of the counterculture. They were all united against the war – whether the gay press, lesbian, women’s rights, black, Native American, Puerto Rican, Chicano, prisoner’s rights, socialist, labor, or New Age – they were all different genres and different readerships. All of them were anti-war, and that was what unified them,” Wachsberger said.

For those who primarily read The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, New York Times and Wall Street Journal, alternative newspapers, or altweeklies, are newspapers that don’t cover general news but instead choose more stylized social and political reporting, with opinionated reviews and columns, investigations into avant-garde or offbeat topics, including in-depth magazine-style longform feature stories, and have an emphasis on local arts and culture. Typically published weekly in tabloid format and printed on newsprint, they represent a more commercialized and mainstream evolution of the 1960s counterculture underground press. Some of the most famous of the era were The Village Voice, The Stranger, LA Free Press, LA Weekly, SF Weekly, Houston Press, Boise Weekly and Detroit’s Metro Times, all of which were always free, earning their keep through advertising.

Wayne State University assistant professor Michael Fuhlage said other eras of upheaval have seen their own versions of underground or alternative newspapers.

Ken Wachsberger, an underground press chronicler living in Ann Arbor and author of Voices of the Underground series, helped start and work on a few underground papers in Lansing after becoming what he called an “accidental revolutionary” in 1970, when he casually attended a student strike at the student union at Michigan State University following the shootings of unarmed students at Kent State University in Ohio. Before he knew it, “the doors swung open and the cops came in. They had the doors and windows blockaded, and if anyone had wanted to escape they would have jumped into the arms of a cop.”

“That kind of alt-weekly also was available in Ann Arbor. When the Ann Arbor Argus debuted in 1969, its credo declared, ‘There has to be an alternative to the Ann Arbor News – Michigan Daily, Detroit News/ Free Press ‘objectivity.’ … we want to get as much down as possible with what’s happening news-wise, politically, musically and everything else that’s happening.’ So they were doing what a good community newspaper does: fulfill the needs of their readers by reporting on topics they were interested in, in ways they could relate to, and in ways they could not find in the mainstream press. ‘Objectivity’ wasn’t enough.

They wanted to know what was going on from people who shared their point of view and related to the world in ways that they did.”

Fuhlage said that not all of them were so focused on politics. “The first issue of Detroit’s The Sun, in 1967, contained tips on how to get high by smoking banana peels and how to not get arrested for selling and using drugs. It also promoted the local music scene and alternative newspapers at Cass Tech and Grosse Pointe high schools. When they were able to endure, it was because they provided news and opinion that their readers and patrons thought was worth supporting through single-copy purchase. If you look at the actual issues, you can see that they also relied on advertisements by clothing boutiques and bookstores and anyplace else that saw potential customers in those papers’ readers.

Those that didn’t get revenue from those sources got it from donors, but many alt-weeklies had to be funded out of the editors’ own pockets because they saw them as labors of love. Those editors really were in it out of a sense of mission.”

Over time, some of the same forces facing traditional media have impacted alternative press. Some alt-weeklies succumbed to their time.

Others merged, and others have been purchased by media conglomerates.

“The pressures we’re facing are similar to the ones facing the dailies and magazines. They’re all going through the same things, not just for print, but everyone revenue-wise,” said Jason Zaragoza, executive director of Association of Alternative Newsmedia, a trade association of alternative weekly newspapers in North America which currently has

Wachsberger, previously unpolitical, was the first of 132 to be arrested – but the last to be arraigned.

“I finished the semester, but needed to pull back and reflect...all of a sudden school wasn’t relevant,” he recalled. He finished the semester but dropped out two semesters shy of graduation, moving off-campus into a house with his friend Davey Brinn, who had been working on the underground paper Generation, “an anti-war, counterculture, lifestyle, pot, women’s rights paper. We were best friends and we did everything together. That was my intro to the underground press. Then I worked on another underground paper, on campus, Bogue Street Press, that was more into health food, and was also anti-war.

“Every underground paper was anti-war.”

The two papers combined and put out the Joint Issue, from 1971 to 1975. He said they were the one of the first underground papers that came out free, supported by ads.

“We’ve had an alternative press in the U.S. for as long as we’ve had political dissenters with the means to pay to fund their own publications,” Fuhlage said. “Newspapers provided the connective tissue of the anti-slavery movement before the Civil War, the suffrage movement from the 1850s through passage of the 19th Amendment a century ago, and radical protest movements against the Vietnam War.

131 newspapers in 42 states, Washington D.C. and four Canadian provinces.

Zaragoza said a tenet of alt-weeklies is “We don’t have a subscription base, which the dailies have had, and advertising revenue has plummeted. So some of our papers have been looking at online components.” Among the different courses of actions different papers have been sampling are reader revenue, subscription programs, paywalls, and offering extra perks, including early entrance to stories, and member-only monthly events.

“And some are asking – can you pitch in $5 or $10 a month? And that’s not just us – it’s across the board, at magazines and dailies,” Zaragoza said. “This is not just us, it’s industrywide because the advertising side is plummeting and will continue as advertising keeps going to Google and Facebook.”

Once upon a time, classifieds, including apartment listings and phone sex and escort service ads, filled the back pages of many altweeklies. Then came Craigslist and other online sites.

“The back-of-the book ads have basically vanished – the massages, personals – they’ve gone to Craigslist,” said Rick Edmonds, media business analyst, Poynter Institute, a non-profit school for journalists.

Readers who assume all the income is being made on publications on the internet would be wrong.

“That industry has been slow to adapt to changes to the rhythm of producing a weekly to the demands of up-to-date websites,” Edmonds said. “If you’re the New Yorker, they have a terrific website that’s up-todate daily, but they have tremendous resources. It’s more difficult for others.”

Edmonds noted it’s compounded by the nature of alt-weeklies advertisers, who are often restaurants and nightlife, “where there is more competition to verticals, other places to get that information.”

“For a little while, they (online alternative publications) were flying high because investors, including venture capitalists, were betting on their economies. Then they cut their losses and decimated their staffs,” Zaragoza explained. “Things like Buzzfeed, Mike, the Huffington Post, Patch, Vox Media – all have had major layoffs and closures.”

Edmonds points out that the costs for printing and distribution are very expensive – but there are costs for digital only as well, including the necessity of having quality systems in place, such as a content management system, a good mobile system, “as well as the cost of producing the journalism. None of that is completely easy or cheap. I hate to be pessimistic, but we’re kind of in a transition period.”

“It’s not that people’s appetite for news and information has decreased. The reach, between papers, online and social media is greater than ever,” Zaragoza pointed out. “We have a bigger reach than ever. It’s just that it’s not converting to advertising dollars.”

“Alt-weeklies had a really good readership in their heyday, but they really stuck with an audience that is now older, and as they’re aged, some of their audience has died off,” Edmonds said. “Hence The Village Voice. It’s why many of them have died off.”

For devotees of alternative press, the August 2018 closure of The Village Voice was painful and poignant. It was first founded in 1955 as a nickel weekly by three New York writers, including Norman Mailer, and assembled investigative journalists, writers and critics – many who became famous for their work – who engaged readers with wit and intelligence.

While it had been sold before, including to Rupert Murdoch and petfood magnate Leonard Stern, the final death knell came when Pennsylvania publisher and billionaire Peter Barbey bought the company in 2015, promising to invest heavily in the publication. By August 2017, he stopped print publication, becoming an online-only newsweekly, and by the time he closed it on August 31, 2018, editors and staff had become a revolving door.

Zaragoza said many of the association’s papers have found renewed strength and revenue in creating events “because they’re known for cultural events.”

It’s not uncommon to find a Margaritafest in many cities in the

midwest and south, a Baconfest and a Bourbonfest.

“They steal from each other,” Zaragoza said of various publications’ events. “People are making those into moneymakers at local bars and restaurants. Some of them pay to participate. ‘Best of event’ – and the ‘best’ pay to participate.

“It’s a change from the missions the founders started the presses around,” he acknowledged, noting that many current owners of alternative papers have bought into the papers.

Detroit’s own Metro Times is one alt-weekly that is forging on, and true to what Zaragoza said, with a change in ownership since its founding in 1980 by Ron Williams and Dr. Laura Markham, who met at Antioch College in Ohio in the 1970s.

“We were driven to start Metro Times out of a desire of promoting the social good,” said Williams, who today is executive director of Free Speech TV in Denver. “There were many fine precursors to ours in the Detroit area that didn’t fill the void that we felt we could. The Detroit Sun was the most significant predecessor who successfully did it for a year or two or three, but weren’t able to make it continue.

“Laura and I weren’t innovators,” he continued. “Alt-weeklies were very establishment by the 1980s. Detroit was just one market where they weren’t yet established. But when you looked at the top 10 markets, Detroit didn’t have one, so it made sense to come home and promote the social good.”

Markham said she had never been to Detroit before, “but Ron said, ‘Detroit needs us, and we can do great things.’ At the beginning, I wanted to the make the world a better place. I wanted to change the world. I was a journalist – ‘if you give people information, they will make good decisions.’ It’s a little crazy to think you can just start a paper, but my mother was an entrepreneur, and in high school, I grew up in Washington DC during Watergate, reading the Washington Post. When we started out, Reagan had just been elected, and we saw the dismantling of social systems. We saw ‘trickle down economics’ – when really, the economic structure, money flowed up.”

Williams recalled they started the paper with $5,000. He wrote the business plan; she did the budgeting.

“When I wrote the original business plan, I thought we needed $250,000 in order to get started – and we were unable to raise any at that point,” Williams said. “We had a friend from college who gave us $5,000, and we said either we’ll roll the dice or we give the money back.”

They opened a small office on the 24th floor of an office building on Grand Circus Park and Woodward. “Herb Boyd, who was an African American scholar, came on as editor, and he got us cardboard desks and got us chairs. Toni Swanger (prominent in the women’s rights movement) was one of our original employees – she had been a typist at Ford – and she eventually became a managing editor.”

Williams said 1980 was hardly a prime time to start a newspaper in Detroit.

“At the time, Detroit was a deeply divided metro area, which harms everyone,” he said. “We called it ‘Metro Times’ because there was a sense of apartheid with an African American city with a predominately white ring and incredible tensions surrounding it.

“We were deeply committed to publishing a newspaper that was valued and respected in the city and the suburbs, by people of color, African Americans, people in Dearborn, the suburbs, people who were white,” Williams said. “We felt the sense of separation – that issue being addressed was central to the metro area, whether you lived in Detroit, Clawson, Sterling Heights, Royal Oak, Warren, Birmingham. No one cares where you play. At that time there was this thing about 8 Mile Road. One of our central issues was creating shared experiences across all false lines of separation – but especially across the false line of 8 Mile.”

Williams and Markham both sought to focus on local issues – “we were a fiercely Detroit newspaper,” she said – and to cover news, but also to emphasize arts coverage, primarily music coverage, and to do a calendar that would be both a “must see” but also a “must be in.”

“We wanted to be a guide to all the hippest, coolest cultural experiences, political as well as arts and cultural,” Williams said.

“The idea that there was nothing going on in Detroit was so wrong.

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We had a calendar full of events,” Markham said. “At the beginning, we hired someone to call and find information of what was going on in Detroit. It helped the clubs and organizations build attendance and grow. We benefitted from those because as they grew, we received advertising from them.”

“Before we could establish our journalistic integrity, people were looking for our calendar of events,” Williams said, along with looking for their classifieds, which he said they ran for free, “and many were quite quirky – entertaining and unique. Combined with a controlled distribution, it removed the primary barrier, cost, and we were able to run up the circulation. Then we were able to do the work to quantify who your readers are and sell them to your advertisers.

“At one point, at our highest, we were doing 120,000 papers a week in circulation.”

“We wanted local issues on the radar of the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News,” Markham said. “We always put stacks of papers in the lobby of the Free Press, and by noon Wednesday, they were always gone. Yes, we would be thrilled with the credit, but often we knew if they saw them, they would pursue the issues. It was so fulfilling to see the power of these articles, that people knew about things because of these articles.”

After five years, no longer a couple, Markham decided to go back to school and moved to New York, returning every three months for the next 15 years, even as she became a successful psychologist and author, with a husband and family. “You work on what’s important to you,” she said.

Williams said that by 1993, “the paper was quite profitable, and we were able to do what we aspired to do, which was investigative journalism, our original focus.”

He said Metro Times hired Curt Guyette from the ACLU, and along with two other full-time investigative journalists, “we did profound, significant groundbreaking pieces. They did many investigative reports that were months and months of work. The investigative component was the final step that distinguished it from being bar ads and a free paper. We became a respected and impactful source of local, state, national and international news. Everyone began to follow us – TV, the dailies – and we began to set the agenda. That is the highest level as a newsroom. It took us to final level of financial success, and made us a very profitable business for a time.”

With himself as CEO, Markham COO, and a consultant, they decided to expand, purchasing alt-weeklies in Columbus (which they closed after a while), Orlando and San Antonio.

Then, in 1999, he and Markham knew it was time to move on.

“Alternative media was at its peak in 1999,” Williams said. “The internet was starting to pick up, and classifieds were starting to migrate to Craigslist. We had been approached to sell many times. We put the chain on the market. We had Larry Gabriel, W. Kim Heron and Desiree Cooper, three top level African American journalists. We said we’ll take less money to find the right owners. And we did. We felt the family company out of Scranton, Pennsylvania (Times-Shamrock Communications) had great journalistic integrity.”

Metro Times was sold once again in 2014, to Euclid Media Group.

Jim Cohen, the associate publisher, started as an ad rep in 1983, and today handles the day-to-day business of the alt-weekly.

“The market has changed in many different ways, but we’ve stayed true to our roots,” Cohen said. “We let people know about hippest, coolest things the best. We do really good restaurant coverage that is different than others. You’re going to find out about a place that you don’t know about. Same with all the arts.”

As Zaragoza, of Association of Alternative Newsmedia, and Edmonds, of Poynter Institute, pointed out, “the business has changed,” Cohen said. “The biggest challenge is advertising. The business is dominated by Google and Facebook, and we’ve had to learn to do social integration with social media. We’ve had to learn to master social media, to drive people to our site. It’s been a huge adjustment. We have unique content in print.”

Another area Metro Times is active in – like other alt-weeklies around the country – is by creating events and social experiences.

“We sell tickets that not only creates revenue, but creates a different

experience – not just for readers, but for our advertisers to get in front of readers,” Cohen said. “It’s interactive. We’re deep into that, and it’s where we’re headed, and will continue, with more events and more social media.”

Not all alt-weeklies are struggling, and not all markets have been hurt as hard as others. “The biggest closures were in the big markets,” Zaragoza said. “Some of the mid-size and small markets are hanging in there. The east coast in particular has been hit pretty hard – Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore have all been gutted, closed down. San Francisco and LA technically are around, but have been purchased by conservative investors who have laid off all the staff – the papers are shells of the original papers.

“When we have conferences, the big presence is coming from Colorado, Arkansas, Tennessee, Vermont, New Orleans – smaller markets, the middle of the country, often in cities where dailies have been decimated so they have stepped up,” he pointed out.

Edmonds concurred. “If you’re in a place that has been abandoned by a good daily – and you’re starting with a strong digital only, occasionally doing print, may all be on digital – that may be a way to rebuild the approach. Because it’s happening so fast on the web and with social media,” he said.

Berl Schwartz, publisher of Lansing City Pulse, has gone against the tide, founding the altweekly in 2001, following a lifetime in traditional journalism, including as the Washington bureau chief for Scripps Howard and United Press International, and instead of encountering declining revenue, “these last two years have been extremely profitable.” He lays credit “we have an incredible sales guy. Because of him, we’re staying ahead of the curve.”

While Schwartz said that competition from the internet, especially for younger readers, is an issue, “we’re not growing. We’ve been at 20,000 (issues a week) for quite a while, and what we’re finding is that as they get out of college – we’re free. We have a huge listing, so they pick us up, and we’re considered cool.”

From the beginning, the “mainstream/ alternative” newspaper has focused on news, primarily Lansing city government, the environment, lots of arts and entertainment and “the strongest events marketing in the area,” Schwartz said. “What we’re doing is branching out. Two years ago, we started a Margarita Festival, and sold it out twice. We’re going to expand into a couple other smaller events, and do a bigger event with the legalization of pot, called the Cannabis Cup. We have a strong brand. This will be added revenue,” he said. “For some other altweeklies, they’re barely breaking even, so their events are making them profitable.”

What is challenging the paper, is an unexpected crisis – in early September, Kroger had decided to eliminate all free publications from the front of their stores.

“For some us, its 15 to 25 percent of our circulation,” Schwartz lamented. “For us, it’s 15 to 20 percent of our circulation a week – that’s 3,000 to 3,300 newspapers a week that people are picking up.”

When asked why, he responded, “Kroger has decided that print is dead, everything is digital, so why are we allocating space to something that lacks customer engagement?” Schwartz said, noting that they encountered a similar attitude from Meijer about seven years ago. “So we’re going to convince them otherwise. It’s so hard when a corporation’s made a decision – it’s like turning around a steamship.

Alternative newspapers are at the mercy of their distribution points, and we do pay to have them in the stores, to have the racks in the stores. It’s scary when Kroger – who you are paying – decides to not have us.”

Currently, the Lansing City Pulse has about 50,000 readers, Schwartz said, with a weekly distribution of about 19,000 copies.

He’s confident that by the time this article is published, they’ll have a strategy in place.

“I’m 72. Someone’s been paying me for journalism since 1966.”

Almost as long as Harvey Ovshinsky.

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Ruth Mossok Johnston uth Mossok Johnston’s current focus? Salt. Yes, salt, and she’s making a lot of it with her company, Lot’s Wyfe, which she sells at farmers markets in Troy, Royal Oak, Birmingham, and Howell.

“No one else who makes salt seems to get the flavoring like I can,” she said.

There are a lot of flavors to pick from. She’s currently at 20, including her garlic turmeric. She said that one is a rock star.

Other popular flavors include alder smoke, which tastes like bacon, though there's no meat; a charred onion; and multiple lavender flavors.

Her background as a chef and cookbook author – where she focuses on flavor profiles – help her come up with unique flavors.

No matter how much you ask, though, she won’t give away her secret recipe – she won’t tell her own children either, unless they come into business with her.

She’ll gladly tell you how Lot's Wyfe started, though.

Johnston – who is the author of nine national cookbooks – was working on a cookbook for the American Heart Association focused on low-salt recipes. She said they were trying to eliminate salt but wanted the recipes to still taste delicious.

So, many years later, that cookbook inspired the idea for Lot’s Wyfe, which she’s been doing the last four years.

“The reality is, we all need salt, you need salt to live...but you need the right sodium and you don’t need vast amounts of it,” she said. “The salt that I’m selling is so flavorful that you need very, very little, and part of that stems from Feed Me Heartfully.”

Feed Me Heartfully, the LLC Johnston owns, is her website and food blog that started as a place to post heart-healthy recipes and other articles while dealing with her husband’s health issues. The website now

R

also features some of her cookbooks, “The Art of Cooking Morels” and “The Buffalo Cookbook: The Low Fat Solution to Eating Red Meat.”

Speaking of cookbooks, Johnston is currently working on a children’s book that will be food-related. It will have fun, healthy recipes for kids as well as a greater educational component.

Getting kids interested in food from a young age is essential. Luckily for Johnston, who grew up in Detroit, her dad owned a potato chip company.

She was interested in food from a young age and her parents took notice.

“In 1963, my parents gave me my first Julia Child cookbook, which was probably the smartest thing they ever did,” she said.

Over the years her cooking style and careers have changed. Johnston even took classes with Julia Child, who would become a friend. She taught at the culinary center in Macomb, co-owned a pre-school and kindergarten in Birmingham, has written for a variety of publications, and ran multiple kitchens for Hiller’s Market.

Right now though, she’s a one-man band with Lot’s Wyfe, and in the midst of figuring out how big she wants to get. Eventually, she could see herself adding people to her team, like her kids, who had quite the reaction when she told them this was her next career move.

They asked, why not just retire?

“I said to my kids, did you ever stop to think I’m having a blast doing this?” she said. “It’s creative and it’s fun. I love my customers. I’m having so much fun with this.”

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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CINDY OBRON KAHN 248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com FRANKLIN 27200 Ovid Court $1,499,000 Impressive 2.5 acre private estate surrounded by mature trees. Expansive interior includes several grand scale rooms including a 48x19 bonus room. Master suite is highlighted by separate sitting room, enormous walk-in closet & spa-like bath.

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BIRMINGHAM 1011 Kennesaw Street $1,399,000 Absolutely stunning Poppleton Park custom designed home. Expansive kitchen and great room create fabulous space for daily family life & entertaining. Great room features custom built-ins & French doors leading to beautiful backyard, sports court & covered porch with fireplace & automatic screen doors.

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BIRMINGHAM 775 Bennaville Avenue $744,000 Beautiful main level is accented by bright 2-story entry, floating staircase, high ceilings, and an abundance of windows creating an airy feel. The kitchen showcases top of the line appliances & floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry. Finished lower level boasts media room, sauna and ½ bath.

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INVISIBLE POISONS IN OUR FOOD SUPPLY

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

A

s Americans become increasingly health conscious and embrace the importance of a healthy diet, more attention is being paid to ingredients and nutritional information of the food being purchased, but food contaminants from pesticides and other chemicals in the environment that infiltrate the food system are being consumed by millions of adults and children every day without their knowledge.

Most consumers have been taught since childhood to wash off fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides, dirt and other contaminants. And

concerns about unknown substances and residues in our food have helped to spur the popularity of organic foods. But food tests conducted in recent years – as well as recently uncovered tests dating back nearly two decades – show that dangerous pesticides and toxic PFAS chemicals have been found in everything from organic fruits and vegetables to chocolate cake and adult and children's cereal.

Results of food tests released in June of 2019 commissioned by the non-profit Environmental Working Group found what it deemed "troubling levels" of the pesticide glyphosate in all 21 oat-based cereals and snack products sampled in its latest round of testing.

Those foods included some of the nation's most popular brands of food. Previous tests showed similar results, including detectable levels of the pesticide in organic foods that were never directly treated with the weed killer. lyphosate, the main active ingredient in the weedkiller Roundup, is one of the most widely used pesticides on the planet. In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans." In 2017, glyphosate was classified as a known carcinogen by California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Since August of 2018, three California juries have awarded more than $3.3 billion in three separate verdicts against Bayer-Monsanto over claims that Roundup caused cancer and that Monsanto knew about the risk for decades and went through extraordinary lengths to cover it up.

Likewise, PFAS – a group of more than 5,000 chemical compounds that have been linked to serious health illnesses – has been found in everything from public water supplies to ground hamburger. Testing by federal regulators led to the license revocation of a New Mexico dairy farmer whose product was tainted by the toxic chemicals.

Further, food tests conducted by 3M, one of the former leading producers of PFAS chemicals in the United States, found PFAS in various foods at supermarkets across the country, but kept the findings secret for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, PFAS chemicals in some fast food packaging continues to contaminate food across the country on a daily basis.

Perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoralkyl substances, better known as PFAS, are a class of chemicals that include thousands of compounds. The substances have been used in various stain-resistant clothing applications, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, chrome plating, the production of Scotchgard, and many other applications.

While main sources of production have been taken out of use, PFAS aren't easily broken down by sunlight, microbes or other processes, earning them the moniker "forever chemicals."

As some PFAS accumulates in the blood and tissues of plants, animals and humans, they may accumulate in a person's body over the course of their life. The chemicals have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, decreased antibody responses to vaccines, liver damage, thyroid disease, increased risk of asthma, decreased fertility, birth weights and other ailments.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention measured a dozen different PFAS in the blood serum (the clear portion of blood) of participants 12-years and older who have taken part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey since 1999. Scientists found four PFAS chemicals in the serum of nearly all of the people tested, including widespread exposure to PFAS in the U.S. population.

In June, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its most recent tests found levels of PFAS chemicals in various fruits and vegetables, cheese and milk. The agency said PFAS wasn't detected in a majority of foods tested. Further, officials said there isn't any indication that those found pose a safety risk to human food.

"Overall, the findings didn't detect PFAS in the vast majority of foods tested," the FDA said in a statement. "In addition, based on the best available science, the FDA doesn't have any indication that these substances are a human health concern, in other words, a food safety risk in human food, at the levels found in the limited sampling."

The statement is of little assurance to health and environment advocates who say the federal government is lagging in its oversight

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of the food system when it comes to PFAS and other contaminants.

Meanwhile, some states, including Michigan, tired of waiting on the federal government to solidify rules and regulations on PFAS have begun putting their own regulations in place.

"A big problem right now, as it's related to (PFAS) food testing is that we, meaning the state, have been looking for guidance from the federal government – both the FDA and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), not only on criteria but on protocol. How do you test for PFAS in the food supply?" questioned Thomas Zimnicki, agricultural policy director with the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC). "Absent that, Michigan isn't dissimilar from other states, but we are being a bit more reactionary. But there's no standard out there on how they should be testing for PFAS in the food supply."

Two of the most studied PFAS are perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which were widely used in upholstery, food packaging, cookware and other uses. In the United States, PFOA was produced by DuPont to make Teflon, while PFOS was produced by 3M to make Scotchgard.

In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published provisional drinking water health advisories for the two PFAS chemicals, with levels for PFOS set at 200 parts per trillion (ppt) and 400 ppt for PFOS. Those levels were updated in 2016, when the EPA set lifetime health advisories that combined the two chemicals and set a 70 ppt advisory levels. However, because the levels are considered "advisory" levels, there remains no real regulation for PFAS at the federal level. Michigan is currently in the process of establishing its own regulatory levels for PFAS, with levels much lower, including 6 ppt for PFNA; 8 ppt for PFOA; 16 ppt for PFOS; 51 ppt for PFHxS; 370 ppt for GenX; 420 ppt for PFBS; and 400,000 ppt for PFHxA. The levels are anticipated to be enforceable standards in the state by late spring of 2020. ichard DeGrandchamp, a toxicologist at the University of Colorado, who also co-authored a report for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (now the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) about widespread PFAS contamination in the state, said findings by scientists in the European Union found widespread exposure of PFAS to the general public in the food supply is already high enough that any standard above 0 ppt for PFAS is too high.

"The way toxicologists view safe levels of exposure of any compound is that we look at the total exposure that occurs daily," DeGrandchamp said. "You would be exposed to PFAS in food and in water if you live in a community where drinking water is contaminated. What you need to do is make sure that levels in food and drinking water combined, or the sum, don't exceed the daily allowable level. But what has been going on recently with the development of the safe drinking water levels the state is working on, they aren't looking at other levels of exposure.

"Often what happens when scientists look at contaminants in any environmental medium, like dirt, water or food, they focus just on that medium. So any statement that levels of PFAS in food may not be excessive or unsafe – they aren't taking into account that there are alternate exposures to PFAS." DeGrandchamp cited a study released in March by the European Food Safety Authority that reviewed the presence of PFOS and PFOA in an attempt to determine what is a safe level of exposure to PFAS for food. He said the study took into account all sources of exposure to PFAS before looking specifically at the food system.

"What they found was that the levels of PFAS in food in the European Union food supply are already exceeding safe daily levels," he said. "They looked at the total amount of PFAS that could be ingested without any toxic effect and found a large portion of the

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European population was eating food with PFAS that exceeded the daily acceptable amount."

Considering that a majority of PFAS chemicals that have been available were produced in the United States, DeGrandchamp said there's no reason not to believe the United States population isn't ingesting similar amounts of PFAS. "If we are eating PFAS contaminated with food at levels above what the EU came up with as safe levels, that means anyone living near a contaminated site shouldn't be exposed to any additional PFAS in drinking water," he said. "What that means is that Michigan has embarked on this test of finding a safe level, so if they come up with any level above zero, that would be unsafe for the population."

The study, "Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in food," found tolerable weekly intake of PFOS to be 13 nanograms/kilogram of body weight, with PFOA at six ng/kg. "For both compounds, exposure of a considerable proportion of the population exceeds the proposed total weekly intake," the report stated.

DeGrandchamp said the FDA hasn't conducted analysis as extensive as the EU food regulators, but it's clear from blood testing by the CDC that the United States population has high levels of PFAS in their systems. Meanwhile, he said evidence continues to grow that shows that PFAS exposure is considered a greater risk than previously believed.

"We keep finding these compounds are more toxic than the day before," he said. "Michigan uses a drinking water standard of 70 ppt, and now it's proposed to be down to eight ppt. It could go as low as one ppt, and when you get to that level, you're near a level that analytical laboratories can't identify."

Despite the concern, he said he doesn't expect to see any guidance from the FDA anytime soon as to what safe levels of PFAS exposure are. ccording to the FDA, groundwater and soil contaminated by PFAS is typically limited to areas near industrial facilities where PFAS was produced or used. From there, PFAS can occur in plants and animals exposed to PFAS contamination. Prepared foods may also become contaminated if they come into contact with packaging containing PFAS, such as some fast food containers.

FDA testing of dairy food in 2018-2019 looked at samples from two dairy farms near Clovis, New Mexico, with PFAS contamination in the groundwater. That contamination was traced to a nearby Air Force base with contaminated ground water from PFAS-laden firefighting foam. The FDA tested cheese from one farm and milk from another, both which had detectable levels of PFAS. While the cheeses were considered by the FDA to be at levels that didn't raise a health concern, milk samples from one farm were a health concern, and all milk from the farm was discarded.

In 2019, the FDA tested 91 samples of meat, dairy and grain products collected in 2017 as part of a national Total Diet Study. Of those tested, 14 had detectable levels of PFAS, again at levels the FDA said don't pose a health risk.

In 2018, the FDA tested 20 samples of produce from an area in Fayetteville, North Carolina near a PFAS production plant. The analysis showed that 19 samples had detectable levels of PFAS; however, the FDA said levels don't present a human health concern.

In 2016, the FDA tested 42 samples of cranberries from a bog containing water with PFAS contamination. None of those samples had detectable levels of PFAS. IN 2013, the FDA tested 46 samples of fish and shellfish from 13 species of freshwater and saltwater fish from around the country. Of those, scientists found 11 had detectable levels of PFAS. The FDA said the result were inconclusive.

In 2012, the FDA tested 12 raw milk and 49 retail milk samples

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from across the country. Results of that testing showed one raw milk sample had PFAS that was traced to biosolids fertilizers applied to the field.

Biosolids are created from the leftover sludge created during the sewage treatment process. It is literally the boiled down and dried out remnants from residential and industrial sewage that gets treated and used for fertilizer. Statewide, about 85,000 tons of the sludge was applied to 18,000 acres of agricultural land in 2016, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

Some PFAS contamination in food has been traced to the use of biosolids on farm fields, which is transferred from the sludge to the soil and taken up by the plants, which may be used for human or animal feed. evin Beasey, public health project specialist with MDARD and a member of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) created by an executive order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, said biosolids were the source of PFAS contamination of a corn field in Lapeer.

"The site in Lapeer is the highest level of PFAS we have found on a farm field," Beasey said. "They have since taken it out of production.

That was a city-owned facility."

The state's MPART traced the source of the PFAS contamination to Lapeer Plating and Plastics, a decorative chrome plating facility that pretreats and discharges wastewater into the city's sanitary sewer system for treatment at the Lapeer Wastewater Treatment Plant.

While the facility, which specifically stopped using PFOS in 2013, makes up about 4.4 percent of the total influent to the city's treatment facility.

Biosolids produced at the wastewater treatment plant were subsequently applied to a farm field owned by the city and leased to an area farmer. Soil samples at the field, which had been used to grow corn, found PFOS samples ranging from 20 ppt to 17,000 ppt, and PFOA samples between 110 and 1,100 ppt.

Lapeer City Manager Dale Kerbyson said biosolids at the plant must now be disposed at a landfill that is authorized to receive hazardous materials. He said the plating facility has conducted remediation activities and since lowered the amount of PFAS entering the city's wastewater. However, the city is still unable to apply biosolids to any fields, which had led to a buildup of sludge being stored at the plant for a time.

"We applied to several fields over the years, but the one we owned next to our plant was almost every year," Kerbyson said. "That was contaminated to a much higher level ... It had been growing corn for a number of years. Michigan State University came over and collected samples of the corn to see how much PFAS was taken up, if any. We took the field out of lease and production.

"We are fortunate because the farmer that was leasing confirmed to the DEQ and us that it was only used for ethanol production. We are going to plant a tree farm. We also are lucky that the contamination on this parcel is really landlocked, and there's a layer of clay below it, so it's not migrating or moving. We have tested all around the property to see if PFAS has moved off property, and it's not. It appears to be encapsulated in the property, and we think a tree farm is the best answer. We've been informed that trees take up PFAS the fastest."

Kerbyson said the city is in the process of having the existing biosolids at the plant site removed to an authorized facility. The city also is in the process of cleaning equipment to ensure any PFAS contamination is removed. "We were in an emergency scenario because we couldn't get the sludge hauled and we were filling up," he said.

Kerbyson said the city has invested about $2.3 million in the cleanup of the facility and field.

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"Not a chance," he said about his expectation of financial assistance from the state or federal government. "They are more focused on drinking water than surface water."

Beasey, with the MDARD and MPART, said the state's Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (DEGLE) is the lead agency in the state on PFAS issues, as the thrust of investigations is to locate PFAS contamination that is impacting drinking water. However, MDARD works with the FDA and USDA to identify potential contamination in the food system.

"The majority of work is around water. They can find a little in food, but where people are really at risk, it is with water," Beasey said. "If we have a question, we have an arrangement with the USDA and FDA. They will run numbers to see if there is a health risk."

By tracking the locations in the state where PFAS has impacted water, the MDARD can look for potential agricultural operations that may be effected.

"We are adding new sites every few weeks or so," he said. "If they are finding stuff, that's when we start looking for any agricultural impacts." aura Campbell, manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's Ag Ecology Department, said Michigan has stepped up and taken an aggressive and proactive approach to testing.

"The main focus has been on drinking water, as that is the main exposure pathway, but they have been doing some testing for crop tissues and farm fields," she said.

Campbell agreed the state is lacking guidance from federal regulators.

"What we are really lacking is any kind of gesture or leadership from the FDA or USDA," she said. "It's one thing to test a very straight-forward drinking water source and say this is a level of contamination. Testing PFAS is difficult because there are so many different compounds. On top of that, if you're testing in food or soil, it's that much more difficult. We need them to step up and set up standards and protocols."

Campbell said Farm Bureau members are in favor of testing dairy and livestock.

"Nobody in the state is really panicking, and I credit the state agencies for that. They have been very transparent and posting all the results of their studies. They are getting in touch with farmers, so they don't feel there is a need to panic. They are more in a 'wait-andsee' mode."

While concerns about PFAS in food is considered an emerging concern, documents uncovered by attorney Rob Bilott, who represented thousands of clients in a suit against 3M, reveal that the company was aware of PFAS in foods throughout the country.

According to the documents, the tests were commissioned by 3M, which in 2018 paid $850 million to settle a lawsuit brought against it by the state of Minnesota.

The tests, conducted in 2001, show that certain PFAS in foods was found in six different cities in the United States. Those results, which include the level of contamination, type of PFAS, food and location, include:14,700 ppt PFOA in bread (Cleveland, TN); 2,350 ppt PFOA in apples (Decatur, AL); 1,130 PFOA in apples (Pensacola, FL); 1,090 ppt PFOA in ground beef (Port St. Lucie, FL); 852 ppt PFOS in milk (Pensacola, FL); 693 ppt PFOS in milk (Columbus, GA); 587 ppt PFOS in ground beef (Mobile, AL); 573 ppt PFOA in green beens (Mobile AL); 524 ppt PFOA in bread (Pensacola FL); 504 ppt, PFOA in ground beef (Port St. Lucie, FL).

While PFAS contamination has been in the state and national spotlight as of late, food testing for pesticides has shown glyphosate to be found in a multitude of cereals and snacks.

The main use of glyphosate is on genetically modified corn and soybean that is "Roundup ready," or engineered to be resistant to the herbicide. However, glyphosate is often sprayed on oats before

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harvest as a drying agent, or desiccant. As such, it kills the crop and dries it out so it may be harvested sooner.

Olga Naidenko, vice president of science investigations for the Environmental Working Group, said the organization recognizes the worldwide dependence on herbicides like glyphosate.

"We recognize that in today's world there is so much connection to pesticides, so to stop use immediately isn't possible," she said.

"Glyphosate is used in various contexts, including being spayed on crops, like wheat and oats, before harvest. That results in really high levels of pesticide exposure, so that is what we are focused on."

In August of 2018, the EWG released findings of dozens of foods contaminated with glyphosate. In each of the tests, products were sampled three times. The results showed even organic foods that weren't treated with glyphosate at harvest time were contaminated from drifting residues.

Granola products tested and the results in (parts per billion or nondetectable levels/ND) included: Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond granola (ND, ND); Back to Nature Classic Granola (620 ppb, 170 ppb); Quaker Simply Granola Oats, Honey Raisins & Almonds (430 ppb, 400 ppb); Back to Nature Banana Walnut Granola Clusters (30 ppb, 30 ppb, 340 ppb); Nature Valley Granola Protein Oats ’n Honey (220 ppb, 170 ppb); KIND Vanilla, Blueberry Clusters with Flax Seeds (50 ppb, 60 ppb).

Instant oats tested included Giant Instant Oatmeal, original flavor (760 ppb); Simple Truth Organic Instant Oatmeal (ND, ND); Quaker Dinosaur Eggs, Brown Sugar, Instant Oatmeal (620 ppb, 780 ppb); Great Value Original Instant Oatmeal (450 ppb); Umpqua Oats, Maple Pecan (220 ppb, 220 ppb); Market Pantry Instant Oatmeal, Strawberries & Cream (120 ppb, 520 ppb).

Oat breakfast cereal included Kashi Heart to Heart Organic Honey Toasted (ND, ND); Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat (490 ppb, 470 ppb, 530 ppb); Lucky Charms [marshmallows removed] (400 ppb, 230 ppb); Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls (340 ppb, 300 ppb); Kellogg’s Cracklin’ Oat Bran (250 ppb, 120 ppb).

Snack bars tested included Cascadian Farm Organic Harvest Berry, granola bar (ND, ND); KIND Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut (ND, 120 ppb); Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Oats ’n Honey (340 ppb, 120 ppb); Quaker Chewy Chocolate Chip granola bar (120 ppb, 160 ppb); Kellogg’s Nutrigrain Soft Baked Breakfast Bars, Strawberry (30 ppb, 80 ppb).

Whole oats tested included 365 Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (ND, ND); Quaker Steel Cut Oats (530 ppb, 290 ppb); Quaker Old Fashioned Oats (390 ppb, 1,100 ppb, 1,300 ppb); Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats (300 ppb, ND); Nature’s Path Organic Old Fashioned Organic Oats (30 ppb, 20 ppb); Whole Foods Bulk Bin Conventional Rolled Oats (10 ppb, 40 ppb) Bob’s Red Mill Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats (ND, 10 ppb, 20 ppb). dditional test results released by the EWG in June of 2019 show glyphosate contamination isn't limited to oat products. The two highest levels of glyphosate found in those tests were in Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch (883 ppb) and regular Cheerios (729 ppb). Additional test results included breakfast cereals: Honey Nut Cheerios (147 ppb); Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal (729 ppb); Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios (400 ppb); Cheerios Oat Crunch Cinnamon (283 ppb); Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch (833 ppb); Multi Grain Cheerios (216 ppb); Nature Valley Baked Oat Bites (389 ppb).

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Naidenko said levels of glyphosate could vary from location to location and individual box of the same product, as grains are shipped all over the world and mixed together, all which have been harvested at different times and locations. he Environmental Working Group in March announced a number of food manufacturers and retailers joined its petition to limit glyphosate residues allowed on oats and prohibit the pesticides use as a pre-harvest drying agent. Those companies include Amy's Kitchen; Clif Bar & Company; Earth's Best Organic; GrandyOats; INFRA; KIND Healthy Snacks; Lundberg Family Farms; Organic Valley; Patagonia Provisions; PCC Community Markets; MegaFood; Ben & Jerry's; Stonyfield Organic; MOM's Organic Market; Nature's Path; One Degree Organic Foods; National Co+op Grocers; and Happy Family Organics.

Michigan-based Kellogg Company declined to comment for this story.

"This is a big change because for a long time, they simply said they stand by their products, but the reality is that people don't buy into that," Naidenko said. "It's not like the prices of oats have dropped, so consumers aren't seeing benefits (from glyphosate use).�

While consumers may be able to limit their exposure to glyphosate or other pesticides by selecting organic products, PFAS exposure can be a bit trickier, as it could be nearly anywhere in the food system. However, Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist with EWG said there are some practices that may help to avoid exposure.

"People assume there is federal testing for these, but there really isn't," Stoiber said. "That's where a lot of additional testing was borne out of. And the first time everyone was really surprised that we tested and found it in a lot of places."

For PFAS especially, Stoiber advised to avoid products that are known to transfer substances to food, such as fast food packaging.

"The best thing you can do is avoid as much take out food and fast food as possible because we know its so pervasive in those packaging items," she said. "Some states are starting to take action with those. Maine has passed regulations, and Washington, as well. The city of San Francisco has banned it, but that has to do with requirements for food packaging to be composted, since PFAS is in compostable items. That takes effect in 2020."

Stoiber said molded, fibrous plates and bowls used at some carryout restaurants contain PFAS. A study published in 2017 found PFAS in more than half of fast food packaging tested in 2014 and 2015. That study included 407 samples of paper and paperboard food wrappers and related food packaging from fast food restaurants in the United States. Sample were collected from restaurants in Washington, Massachusetts, Michigan, California, and Washington D.C., from 27 large fast food chains.

The study found about 46 percent of food contact papers contained at least one PFAS. Of those, about 38 percent were sandwich/burger wrappers and 57 percent were used for Tex-Mex or dessert/bread wrappers. PFOA was the most commonly found PFAS. As awareness of PFAS and pesticide contamination grows, advocates are hopeful that the federal government and industry will respond.

"People in the general public are becoming hyper aware of what is in their food and what is allowable in their food," said Zimnicki, with the nonprofit Michigan Environmental Council. "When you see reports about pesticides or other chemicals in your food, that worries people. There are allowable limits and caps on those trace chemicals that are found on food, but its indicative to the general public right now. Seeing that's where people are focusing attention, it's causing folks in the industry to look at long-term management plans to limit exposure to people."

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FACES Dana Jacobson hen Dana Jacobson left Bloomfield Hills and moved with her family to West Des Moines, Iowa, after her freshman year at Bloomfield Hills' Andover High School, the future award-winning journalist knew she would return to the Great Lakes State.

"I said, 'when I get into (The University of) Michigan, I'm coming back.' I left knowing I would come back," said Jacobson, who has co-hosted CBS This Morning: Saturday, since July of 2018. "I wanted to act. I thought I was going to be an actress. I was convinced that was what I was going to do with my life because I loved it so much. I went to my first audition at Michigan and realized I am a horrible actress. 'This isn't going to be for me, so what else do I think I like to do.'”

With little more than an interest in writing and interviewing, and a naturally inquisitive nature, Jacobson set her sight on radio and television, taking on her first internship at then-CBS affiliate WJBK in Detroit. She landed her first on-air job at WPBN/WTOM-TV in Traverse City, before moving to the Sacramento market and working in television and radio. Jacobson then spent a decade at ESPN before joining CBS Sports and CBS News.

"At that age, I was fortunate to grow up in a house that 'if you can think it and dream it, you can do it.' I was 100 pounds overweight. I had no TV experience. I didn't know the job, but I saw elements that I liked, and said, 'That's what I want to do.'

"As I started interning, I found I may not like all of these things, but I think I am the one to do it rather than someone else."

While Jacobson was a competitive swimmer and enjoyed playing and watching sports, she had no intentions of pursuing a career as a sports journalist.

"The sports part came later out of a fluke," she said.

When a news director in Traverse City offered her a position covering Big 10 sports, she jumped at the opportunity to take an on-air spot for the station.

"I think for me, it was learning the mechanics of being a sports anchor. You do everything – cutting, shooting – and I was still working news at the time. I learned about personalizing a story... you don't just ask the obvious questions. Maybe it's what isn't the appropriate question. You can ask. Someone doesn't have to answer. I did find I found stories behind the games."

Jacobson has been honored by the Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation as a Hall of Fame inductee, and has earned National Headliner and Edward R. Murrow Awards for sports reporting, at the same time proving her ability to cover both news and sports.

As a woman in the sports field, Jacobson said she had to earn the respect of many men, where there were fewer female reporters and anchors. Whether covering sports or news, Jacobson said it's telling each person's story in a moving and emotional way that has stuck with her.

"My dad would watch when I sent him tapes, but he said he would still rather watch a guy do sports," she said, referring to her time working in Sacramento. "Later, he eventually just said I was good. It used to be, 'You're OK – for a woman.'

"It goes back to what my mom said to me: do you want it to be you or be someone else."

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Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: CBS News

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM •

NOVEMBER 5, 2019

VOTER

GUIDE Special Publication of Downtown Newsmagazine

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE Eight candidates are competing to fill four four-year seats on the Birmingham City Commission in the Tuesday, November 5, election.

The names of two incumbents whose terms are expiring, Patty Bordman and Carroll DeWeese, will appear on the ballot, along with the names of candidates Clinton Baller, Jake German, Brad Host, Therese Longe and Matt Wilde. Although the name of current incumbent Pierre Boutros will not appear on the ballot, he has filed to be an official write-in candidate.

Candidates were asked by Downtown newsmagazine to address a number of issues facing the city and their responses appear below.

CANDIDATE QUESTIONS Parking solution post-bond vote Voters in August turned down what was proposed as a possible solution to a perceived parking shortage in the immediate downtown area. Do you think parking in the immediate downtown area is an issue? If so, how do you think the city commission should now proceed to address the problem? Please be specific.

Possible new location for RH Although there was strong opposition to the ballot proposal for a new parking structure and the extension of Bates Street, one of the side benefits to the proposal was the commitment

by Restoration Hardware to locate their popular RH store in Birmingham.

Should the city be working toward a goal of proposing a new location in the downtown area to retain the RH store?

Affordable housing in downtown area One of the components of a successful downtown is maximizing residential density in the immediate downtown area but at more affordable levels than offered by some of the recent developments. Do you think more affordable housing in the downtown area is an issue and if so, is that even an achievable goal?

New Birmingham master plan Urban planner Andres Duany of DPZ partners is expected at the start of next year to present preliminary results of a new master plan for Birmingham, which will include recommendations for the neighborhoods, among other areas.

This past spring Duany gave an update on some concepts that may be part of the final master plan product. Based on that update from Duany, were there any concepts that 54

caught your interest. Please be specific.

Economic development liquor licenses Birmingham created a specific area of the city to award economic development liquor licenses to help spur major development – generally along the Woodward Avenue corridor.

Do you think the economic development area should be expanded into other areas like the Rail District to help spur development?

Change in city hall administration At least one of the candidates running for city commission has called for a change in the city manager position in Birmingham. Do you think there is a need for replacing the city manager or other members of the administration? Why or why not?

If you think change in administrative positions is needed, if elected, what ones would you like to see changed and why?

Senior citizen center There have been suggestions in recent years that perhaps the city should look at building a senior citizen center. Do you agree or disagree, and why? If you think a center is necessary, how would you suggest construction and ongoing operations be funded?

Your special plans for city What do you consider your special concerns that should be addressed if you are elected?

Why vote for you Why should a voter select you over other contenders for the open seats on the city commission?

CLINTON BALLER

Clinton Baller is the founder/president of Avid Pay

Solutions, and previously was on the city’s Corridor Improvement Authority.

Parking solution post-bond vote Parking has long been, and most definitely remains, an issue downtown. One year ago, a national parking consultant delivered a comprehensive Downtown Parking Plan. It has received little attention. It made many recommendations for increasing supply, increasing capacity, decreasing demand and reallocating existing resources. Incredibly, the report noted, “The City has contracted with SP+ for facility maintenance and operations for its five parking structures since 1991.

The service agreement has not been subject to competitive bidding or amendment since the original signing date.” That has since been done, but it tells you something: We need to run a much tighter parking ship. Many of the report’s recommendations have not been implemented, and should be. If we expand the system, it should be into the Triangle District, where an all-new, above-ground deck would be less expensive, serve the needs of downtown, and spur muchneeded development in the Triangle.

Possible new location for RH Let’s be clear: The city had no commitment from RH. The developers had a non-binding letter of intent, not a commitment. After the election, I spoke to representatives of RH, who said they wanted an iconic location downtown and gave me specifications. Within days, I offered the Birmingham Theatre. It had everything they wanted, and more: frontage on two streets and parking decks on both sides. That was early August. As of early September: crickets. Makes you wonder. But for sure, we should be talking to RH and any entity that can contribute to the city’s prosperity. At one of the master planning sessions, city officials were told they needed to talk to developers. They were asked: “Do you call developers?” The sheepish answer: “We call them back.” That’s not good enough. To get what we want, we need strong relationships and ongoing dialogue with developers and property owners.

Affordable housing in downtown area More, and less-expensive, downtown housing is important not only to the health of the downtown, but to the city as a whole, because that is what will a) attract the younger demographic we need to stay vital and b) allow seniors to age in place.

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It is achievable. It’s all in the planning. Our master planners have suggested loosening the amount of on-site parking we require for residential buildings downtown, and allowing use of our parking system instead. It’s not a new idea; it has been raised before. We should try it on a limited basis. There are other things we can do to tip the balance away from office toward residential.

Again, we need to talk to property owners and find out what would encourage them to build smaller, less expensive condos and apartments downtown. Then we need to adjust the regulations to match the planning objectives.

New Birmingham master plan The suggestion that we legitimize neighborhood associations by facilitating their organization is a terrific idea. It aligns perfectly with my theme of doing a better job engaging residents in government. The ideas for taming big Woodward, and knitting together east and west, are a great start in that department. That’s a problem we have ignored for far too long based largely on the false notion that MDOT is unwilling to consider creative solutions. Several years ago, I helped debunk that falsehood by bringing together property owners and others, including MDOT, to discuss a possible bridge across Woodward just south of Maple. The great thing about planners is that they get people thinking, talking and developing visions. But it is important to note that the new plan is nowhere near finalized. I want to hear what residents have to say before anything is finalized.

Economic development liquor licenses Liquor licensing is a reasonable tool for spurring certain kinds of development. But it is just one tool in our toolbox, and unless a property owner (and the city) wants booze to be part of a project, it’s worthless. I think we constantly need to study the tools available to us, and grow our toolbox, for encouraging the kind of development we want, and for discouraging the kind of development we don’t want.

Change in city hall administration We need a change in culture, if not people. Let’s address three issues: Fear, arrogance and the proper roles of those in government. Fear guides too much at City Hall. Morale is down at every level. No one, least of all commissioners, should fear speaking to one another, to staff, or to constituents. We can’t eliminate fear, NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE but we can recognize and tame it. I tried to find a kinder word than “arrogance” to describe city leadership in the Bates fiasco. But when the administration and commission are virtually unanimous, and 68 percent of voters disagree, the shoe fits. But we can cure the “out-of-touch” syndrome. Finally, the cure to fear and arrogance may start with getting everyone on the same page: The manager (our COO) works for the mayor and commission (our CEO and board of directors), which serves at the pleasure, and represents the interests, of residents.

Senior citizen center What the city needs to do is follow through on its commitment to lead a group of communities in assuring that the growing demand for senior services is met. Our senior center, Next, does a terrific job, and its biggest contributor is not the city, but the Birmingham School District, which allows Next to occupy a portion of Midvale School rent-free. But those quarters are tight, and the district could pull the plug any time. The Ad Hoc Joint Senior Services Committee, on which Mayor Bordman and City Manager Joe Valentine sit, is supposed to be working on a solution.

But it hasn’t met in nearly a year.

Next needs a permanent home. It doesn’t need to be elaborate. It may eventually mean simply purchasing Midvale. But the ball stopped rolling nine months ago, and if I have anything to say about it, the committee will resume its work.

Your special plans for city If I go to another city meeting where the same handful of people show up and comment, my head is going to explode. So my three biggest concerns are resident engagement, resident engagement and resident engagement. In that order. But it’s a tall order. It starts with a belief that our highly educated, affluent community wants to be engaged, and will be if we give them the opportunity. It continues with an understanding that it’s not easy, that you have to give it more than lipservice. And it involves a variety of tools based in both the virtual and real worlds. We have a gigantic untapped reservoir of talent and resources here, and we can and should take much greater advantage of them than we do now.

Why vote for you Because of the concerns I mentioned above. I want to engage you in city government. That’s what I did when I NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

created the Birmingham Buzz 18 years ago. It’s what I did when I recruited and led a design team for Booth Park in 2004. It’s what I did a few years later when I researched and made a convincing case for the bistro ordinance. It’s what I did when I brought together property owners, city officials, MDOT and others to discuss a bridge across Woodward a few years ago. And it’s what I did this summer when I prompted debate about the Bates project. I didn’t do those things myself. I made them happen by engaging the community.

That’s what leadership is all about.

So if you want a proven leader who will offer you more and better opportunities for engagement in city government, honor me with your vote.

PATTY BORDMAN

Patty Bordman is finishing her first term as a city commissioner, and is currently Birmingham’s mayor. She is a retired attorney, liaison to Birmingham Next and served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Board.

Parking solution post-bond vote The lead-up to the election was very divisive, and the city needs a pause, time to take a breath and reflect. At the same time, downtown parking remains frustrating to residents, businesses and visitors. The city has already assigned to the Advisory Parking Committee (APC) the task of studying alternative ways to manage the parking squeeze. During the pause, however, the commission should prioritize matters that protect the quality of our neighborhoods, and that maintain Birmingham as a desirable community. Once the APC delivers its suggestions, the commission should present these suggestions to the residents through an online and/or mailed survey so that the commission has a fuller understanding of community interests

prior to considering any parking remedies, and to ensure that all are heard.

Possible new location for RH Having successful businesses is important for any downtown.

Following the bond vote, the city administration contacted RH, and RH indicated continued interest in a Birmingham location. The challenge is identifying another location that accommodates RH’s desired footprint. Discussions with RH, its brokers and downtown property owners are ongoing, a process the city follows with any retailer that shows interest in locating in Birmingham.

Affordable housing in downtown area Yes, reasonably priced housing is crucial to a vibrant community. One of the best tools for the commission to use to encourage reasonable housing prices is the zoning code. Current downtown zoning limits building height to five stories and 80 feet. By allowing more stories within the same 80-foot height, say seven stories, more units can be built which could reduce the price of each unit.

Additionally, the city should consider incentives to encourage smaller units which mean more units per floor, and therefore, result in lower unit prices.

We also need to study the parking requirement for residential units in the downtown core to see if eliminating it would result in a lower unit price.

Entry-level housing in the neighborhoods is also becoming a concern. Birmingham should be a place where anyone, at any stage of life, can find a place to live.

New Birmingham master plan I am concerned that Birmingham is losing its entry-level priced housing.

Andres Duany proposed changing Birmingham’s zoning to allow small apartment buildings, limited to six units, along neighborhood “seams” or edges. This idea might allow for entrylevel family units while not having a significant effect on the feel of the neighborhoods. This plan deserves study and discussion.

Also worthy of further study and discussion are Duany’s ideas to blend Birmingham’s east and west neighborhoods along big Woodward.

Duany suggested merging districts, so that the Triangle and South Old Woodward districts would be known as “Haynes Square.” Duany also recommended adding many more

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pedestrian crossings across big Woodward to help unify our City.

These ideas caught my interest, and I am interested in hearing our residents reactions to them.

Economic development liquor licenses Expansion to the Rail and Triangle Districts occurred on November 20, 2017, when the commission voted to expand the economic development liquor license option to those areas. I voted in favor of that expansion. A few parcels in the Rail District, however, were not part of the expansion. An applicant is currently seeking to have his property included in the Rail District economic development boundaries. This applicant is likely to come before the commission within the next few months, and I, together with the other commissioners, will examine the request carefully to determine whether it is in the community’s interest to approve it.

Change in city hall administration As a current commissioner, I have closely observed Joe Valentine’s work, and I find him to be an exceptional asset to our town. For those who don’t know, Joe manages the staff and day-to-day city operations. In contrast to managers in other communities, there has never been a hint of impropriety concerning Joe. He is not only trustworthy, Joe is also hard working, knowledgeable about municipal government, financially savvy regarding municipal matters and unusually capable in relating to our residents. Birmingham is a model city that has received many awards, and is the envy of municipalities in this state. In fact, Birmingham is one of the very few communities that can manage capital projects without seeking a special millage to pay for it.

This doesn’t happen without an excellent manager of a staff that provides first-rate services. No change in management will be sought by me.

Senior citizen center Birmingham’s current senior center, known as Next, offers a wonderful array of programs for our senior population, and is staffed by friendly, helpful and experienced people. Next also serves the communities of Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin. However, because Next shares a school facility with a preschool, and with increasing senior demand, Next may require more space and stable funding. In June, 2018, recognizing these pressures, the four communities reactivated the 55

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE Joint Senior Services Committee (JSSC) to evaluate the necessary funding, and whether a permanent building is feasible to effectively provide adequate senior services to residents. Birmingham’s commission appointed me as its representative to the JSSC. The JSSC is in the midst of its work, and I have participated in all of its meetings. The JSSC will soon be presenting an agreement to the four communities that will begin to address the future needs for senior services.

Your special plans for city Making sure that Birmingham has a wide range of housing options, including reasonably priced choices for entry-level homeowners and downsizing seniors is one of my concerns. Therefore, I believe that the commission should consider ordinance changes that encourage more reasonably priced housing units.

Another concern is financial: I intend to continue keeping watch on our budget, endeavor to again lower our millage rate (the commission has lowered the millage rate each of the four years I’ve been a commissioner) and retain our AAA-bond rating. And, another issue that is near to my heart is the need for universally-accessible playscapes that allow children of all abilities to participate in Birmingham’s magnificent parks. I will continue to identify potential funding sources to turn this into a reality.

Why vote for you I have continued to learn and expand my knowledge of municipal governance throughout my four years as a commissioner. I am dedicated, thoughtful and open-minded: I listen to every viewpoint when an issue is before the commission. I thoroughly study the voluminous materials that are provided before every meeting. If there is an issue regarding a house, building or street, I visit the site ahead of time to understand the context. I am independent: I make decisions based on my own analysis.

Although I don’t always agree with the other commissioners, I am proud that this does not prevent us from working harmoniously. I am attentive to residents, and truly enjoy responding to their emails and phone calls, meeting with any constituent that wishes to meet with me. And, I have no hidden agenda: I care what happens to Birmingham, and want to continue to contribute to Birmingham’s future.

PIERRE BOUTROUS

So now that the dust has (somewhat) settled, let’s learn from the experience and come together to chart a smart course forward that keeps us in the national conversation while addressing any and every concern that was voiced on a local level. I believe we can do that, because I believe everyone involved ultimately had – and has – the greater good at heart, regardless of how they define it.

Pierre Boutros is the pharmacist/ owner of Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary in Birmingham. He is completing is first term as a city commissioner, and serves on the boards of Birmingham Next and The Community House.

Parking solution post-bond vote A similar question was asked when I campaigned in 2015, which means parking is clearly still an issue. Many recommendations made by the Ad Hoc Parking Study Committee back then remain unfulfilled, but any visitor, resident or business owner walking down the street could tell you that. So my answer is similar too: We don’t want to be the place people stop visiting – let alone living and investing – because of parking.

But putting the burden on taxpayers is still not the solution. Instead, we must continue to pursue publicprivate partnerships and make this about more than just parking. The value of these partnerships, as we saw in the North Old Woodward parking plan, is that smart ideas emerge to not only address the parking issue but also incorporate residential and retail opportunities that attract local and national investment. With proper planning and public input, we should encourage these opportunities.

Possible new location for RH Absolutely. A major retailer like Restoration Hardware does its homework before selecting a location, let alone a flagship like the one they planned. The mere fact that they made that commitment speaks volumes: Birmingham is a world-class destination for investment.

I’ve had countless conversations with

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folks on both sides of the issue, before and after the vote, and one thing is certain: There was consensus that Restoration Hardware was welcome here. Whether they voted yes or no simply doesn’t matter anymore.

found throughout the city. I was flattered to see the plaza where my business (Mills Pharmacy) is located used as an example because it’s actually what attracted me to the location.

These plazas cannot only provide fundamentals like groceries and dry cleaning to residents of the immediate neighborhood, but also shops and cafes that people on the other side of town want to walk or bike to with their families. That’s how we create one Birmingham.

Affordable housing in downtown area I believe in market forces – not forcing markets.

Economic development liquor licenses We had a similar conversation about the bistro ordinance before the 2015 election, and I remain a proponent of anything that spurs smart development in every district to create one vibrant Birmingham to live, work and play.

If developers are offering prices that are out-of-step with the downtown housing market, I believe demand will ultimately force their prices down based on what that market will bear.

But smart development is inherently responsible development. I believe we must bring all stakeholders together to arrive at innovative ideas that achieve balance.

Instead, let’s look beyond the immediate downtown area to explore the untapped market potential throughout the five-mile radius of our city.

The Rail and Triangle districts, in my opinion, have the most potential for smart development. More importantly though, they are critical to realizing the vision of the new master plan.

The concepts we’ve already seen, grounded in the research and expertise of professional urban planners, encourage development at a reasonable scale in these areas. I believe the commission needs to do its part to align any economic programs or incentives with that vision to ensure we maintain balance in our neighborhoods, yet welcome investment in our community.

I envision one Birmingham, where the quality of life for every resident rivals that of the greatest cities in the world. These cities are great because of their diverse neighborhoods and the unique destinations found within.

If demand in one area of Birmingham drives housing prices up, then whether it’s in the Rail or Triangle District or even next door to Mills Pharmacy, I want other areas to be equally attractive options because residents know that all Birmingham has to offer is just a short walk or bike ride away.

New Birmingham master plan What excites me most about the new master plan is its emphasis on making Birmingham a truly walkable community – not just downtown but across town – to connect our different neighborhoods without sacrificing their unique character.

Specifically, what caught my interest is that the new plan encourages smart development to create retail anchors in each of those neighborhoods. The key is scale: These are modest developments that reimagine the strip malls already

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Change in city hall administration As a business owner, I take termination decisions very seriously.

It’s important to look at the big picture. You need to maintain perspective and move beyond an isolated instance to judge overall performance relative to job descriptions and benchmarks.

I also don’t make these decisions alone: I trust my executive team to ensure I avoid any rush to judgment.

Similarly, I wouldn’t make such a decision alone on the Commission: I was elected along with my fellow commissioners to make every decision together.

As a current member of the commission, I know this issue has not been brought before us, so I don’t NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE have all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Should the issue appear on our agenda, we will give it due process and, with the facts before us, deliberate at length to put the best interests of the city of Birmingham above all else.

Senior citizen center Gandhi said it best: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.”

I believe it is our responsibility to find a permanent home for our senior center: Its current shared location is too small to adequately serve the needs of our active seniors.

Yet the Joint Senior Citizens Commission hasn’t met in nine months. It’s time to make this a priority and arrive at a plan which Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms can share the cost to implement.

My first choice would be to buy or lease the current building and use all of it. Public Act 39 gives cities the power to tax or bond for senior services, so funding could be raised through a dedicated millage or bond.

Whatever the solution, our seniors deserve a facility that lives up to the standards we all enjoy in Birmingham.

streetscape improvements, one vibrant five-mile radius for living, working and playing should define Birmingham.

Why vote for you Above all, voters should consider my record as their commissioner.

During my first term, I did my best to serve the citizens of Birmingham not only as an elected official, but as a fellow resident and business owner.

The experience has truly changed my perspective and I’ve learned many valuable lessons.

Those lessons can be summed up in one word: balance.

People are drawn to Birmingham for its higher standard of living, working and playing. It’s why I’m raising a family here. It’s why I own a business here. It’s why I’m running for office again here. I will continue to work hard to find the right balance between maintaining our way of life and maximizing our potential.

As a pharmacist, people trust me with their health. As a commissioner, people trust me with the health of this great city. It would be an honor to continue to balance both.

CARROLL DEWEESE

Your special plans for city From reducing the tax levy and maintaining our AAA bond rating, to streetscape improvements on Old Woodward and the Chesterfield Fire Station reconstruction, I’m proud of what my fellow commissioners and I accomplished during the last four years – and excited about the opportunity to serve again.

When I think about the next four, my concerns are threefold: Our seniors, our youth and everyone in between!

First, as outlined above, we need a permanent home for our senior center.

Second, all three phases of the library renovation should be completed. For children and adults, this is our epicenter for lifelong learning, and must meet modern standards in accessibility and technology.

Finally, we can create one Birmingham by blurring the line between the east and west sides of Woodward. From smart development in the Rail District to citywide NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

Carroll DeWeese is retired from General Motors, and is finishing his first term as a Birmingham City Commissioner. He previously served on the city’s Planning Board, Ad Hoc Water and Sewer Board and Ad Hoc Barnum Committee.

Parking solution post-bond vote Parking downtown is an issue. One, repair the current North Old Woodward Parking garage. Two, implement parking mitigation strategies, such as was planned for

handling parking while the garage was being constructed, to handle increasing permit parking needs in city and to keep space available for short-term parking. Three, accelerate efforts to get a parking structure in the Triangle District. Four, start a public planning process to get public involvement on the longer-term future of the city property north of Willits and west of Old Woodward.

Possible new location for RH RH came to the city and wanted to locate in Birmingham. The city had talked to them about two other locations but they specifically wanted to be on Old Woodward near parking.

They have a very tight deadline to get out of Somerset Mall. If RH is still interested the city should continue to work with them, but the parking bond vote may have killed RH wanting to be in Birmingham. The city welcomes all retailers that wish to invest in the city, including RH. Affordable housing in downtown area More affordable or attainable housing downtown is an issue. The current situation is created in large part by the city requirement for onsite parking with apartments or condos located downtown. One, removing the parking requirement will reduce developer cost and price points. These residences will use parking garages predominantly at the time that they are most unused (nights, weekends, and holidays) and not at time when they are most used (mid-day), since many will use their vehicles to get to work outside of Birmingham. Two, the zoning code can be changed to provide more incentive for residential and less for office. An example is that within the current heights of downtown buildings limited to 80 feet, it is possible to have 6 floors and not just the current five floors that include office floors. A developer could be allowed to build six floors, instead of five, if the first floor was retail and all the other five floors were residential. This would also lower the price point and encourage more attainable housing downtown.

New Birmingham master plan One, neighborhoods need to be strengthened and have more interaction with each other and the city. Two, Birmingham’s population is aging, and the city needs to be more responsive to the needs of its aging population. Three, the city needs to facilitate opportunities for younger families to be able to live within the city. Four, more attention needs to be paid to creating more attainable

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housing while protecting the basic character of individual neighborhoods.

Five, walkable destinations within neighborhoods should be encouraged.

Six, parking issues need to be addressed downtown and in neighborhoods with spillover problems from commercial and schools. Seven, invest in parking in the Triangle District. Eight, do not lose the character of the Rail District. Nine, find ways to integrate the Woodward corridor into the rest of the Birmingham community.

Economic development liquor licenses Economic development liquor licenses are intended to target development in areas that are not otherwise undergoing intended development.

The south area of the Rail District could use more restaurants and a development license for this are seems appropriate, especially if some of the current buildings can put to adaptive reuse to keep the feel of the area.

Change in city hall administration The city manager and other members of the administration work for the city and report to the city commission.

They are responsive to the directions and concerns of the city commission.

If a person has a problem with the city manager, their real problem is with the city commission. If a person does not like the city manager, change the city commission. They will change the city manager and others if they are not responsive. Continuity in the city manager position is important. Part of Birmingham’s success is having a history of longterm city managers that take the long view and provide a consistency of vision and action.

Senior citizen center Birmingham Next has been serving the growing population of citizens over 50 years of age in the Birmingham area for over 40 years.

Citizens from Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Franklin, and other communities are being served.

Thanks to the Birmingham School District, a building currently exists but is near capacity. Birmingham should become more proactive and take the lead in assessing the current and future needs and working toward getting facilities and programs in place to meet the needs of those over 50. Exactly how to do this is an open question. Perhaps Next could become a quasi-governmental organization, similar to a public library, that could support itself in part through a millage subject to voter 57

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE approval in the affected communities.

I do not have an answer, except I support Birmingham taking the lead in finding a solution.

Your special plans for city The city needs to learn to listen more to its constituents and their needs. It needs to find better ways to get citizens involved and to communicate with them what it is doing and why.

Getting consensus and support is important. Many homeowners, neighborhoods, and others feel that their voice in city government is not sufficiently heard. The city needs to reach out and get more involvement and be even more transparent in its efforts. The new neighborhood focused master plan, once adopted, should be implemented. Phase two of the Baldwin Library should be completed and, once done, efforts made to strengthen the library’s financial reserves and do a phase three when feasible. Address parking capacity in downtown and Triangle District and on dealing with parking issues on neighborhood streets close to downtown and schools. Find ways to accelerate replacing cape-seal street with finished streets that are compatible with their neighborhoods.

Increase the incentives to create attainable housing in downtown and the rest of the city. Continue to work on the city’s infrastructure. Build support for a park bond to improve parks across the city so that everyone is served. While doing all of this and more, continue to lower the property tax rate each year and maintain the city’s AAA bond rating.

Why vote for you Having served one term on the city commission, I am experienced. I have national and international financial, diplomatic, and managerial background that I can and do bring to the job. I listen to everyone and support everyone’s right to express their point of view. I can and do act as a bridge between people with different perspectives. I am always prepared and do my homework. I am independent, open, and honest. I do not prejudge or personalize. I try to find solutions that people can consent to and work beyond their expectations. I am a team player. I can and will work with whoever gets elected. I have high standards for myself and love to tackle challenges.

I love Birmingham and want to give back to this community.

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JAKE GERMAN

Jake German is a consultant for Dunaskiss Consulting and Development. He is a member of the Birmingham Historic District Committee and a precinct delegate.

Parking solution post-bond vote Parking remains an issue; it is an unfortunate problem of success. One way to mitigate parking issues is to invest in smart signage directing residents and visitors to the garage with the most available capacity, as well as tying meter pricing to parking demand. Birmingham has already invested in advanced technology to chart parking patterns. During regular business hours and on the highest peak days, helping drivers to know where those available spots are, and in which garage, would alleviate some parking stress.

Possible new location for RH I believe that this ship has sailed.

Birmingham has never been in the business of offering tax incentives to entice businesses to come downtown and I am not in favor of doing so in the future. We also wisely do not engage in so called “spot-zoning.”

Having said that, if RH approaches the city with site suggestions that would work within the edicts of our master plan I’d at least be open to a conversation.

Affordable housing in downtown area The recent charrette summary makes this explicitly clear – affordable housing in the downtown area is an issue. Indeed, the 1980 master plan identified the lack of downtown housing as an issue. Currently, downtown housing requires off street parking on site, which is not required for non-residential use, resulting in large units that are too expensive – e.g. The Forefront condominiums –

and that don’t meet market demand.

We need market driven housing supply downtown and in general.

Birmingham will need to grow by nearly 2,000 homes by the year 2040; of those 2,000 households at least 600 will need to be reasonably priced.

New Birmingham master plan I like the ideas proposed about increased awareness of neighborhood identity. I submit that many Birmingham residents would be hard pressed to identify in which of the 27 current neighborhood boundaries they reside (I’m in the Torry Estates Association). Reinforcing neighborhood identity and evaluating and making sure that all neighborhoods are equitably and equally receiving services is important. The proposed neighborhood coordinators will act as important bridges between the neighborhoods and the city departments/government. I also like the idea of a permanent farmers market and find the proposed Climate Action Plan interesting.

Economic development liquor licenses I think it should certainly be considered. Thinking about future trends is important and access to passenger rail will likely be an economic driver on its own for this area of Birmingham. I very much like the idea of a “pink zone” for the lower Rail District so that it can continue to be a hub of new business opportunities for younger, entrepreneurial types who cannot pay downtown rents. Liquor licenses in this section of the city could help spawn some of that development and growth.

Change in city hall administration No. Mr. Valentine works well with the city commission; he is responsive and efficient in dealing with citizen concerns, and he did a fine job presiding over the reconstruction of Old Woodward. Further, he has done a respectable job making sure that the city is operating within their budget and has delivered lower tax rates five years in a row. Birmingham is consistently viewed as an exemplar of a well-run city and is ‘primus inter pares,’ if you will, among its neighboring communities. It’s unclear to me how any of this merits his replacement.

though diversity of age is certainly something of which we all need to be cognizant. Having said that, a senior center would likely be very expensive, and the question of construction costs and ongoing operations need to be considered, as does a potential location. Would we need a senior center millage? Remember that Birmingham seniors currently have access to the Birmingham Next facilities on Midvale Street.

Your special plans for city As a member of the Historic District Study Committee (HDSC) it is important to me that Birmingham continues to preserve its many unique and historic buildings. I’d like to continue to work with the HDSC to reinitiate the Heritage Home Program and to conduct an audit of designated historical homes and buildings in the city so that we can then promote the preservation and designation of these historic properties. If elected commissioner, I’d continue to volunteer my time on the HDSC. Why vote for you My work as a public affairs and policy consultant makes me well suited to be an effective commissioner. I have first-hand experience crafting, writing, and enacting legislation. I am a proven dealmaker able to bring diverse factions together to get things done. I think that this is very important in our city at the moment – we need to build some bridges. We need downtown businesses to heed the concerns being brought by the neighborhoods and vice versa. I feel I am well positioned to undertake this work and in so doing continue to make Birmingham the best place in Oakland County to live, work, and raise a family. I hope you will consider me on November 5th.

Senior citizen center Birmingham is increasingly an aging community. Sustainability in a city isn’t just economic and sustainability

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE

BRAD HOST

single family homes aligning neighborhoods to be rezoned for apartments/condos. I do not think our residents want this in their neighborhood. Certainly, a sure-fired way to decrease property values and compromise neighborhood integrity.

THERESE LONGE

Change in City Hall administration I would be presumptuous either way as I do not know these people. We have trust issues with the commission and city administration, and I would work hard to re-establish public trust.

Brad Host is president and owner of Wolverine Contracting. He is a former trustee of Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education.

Parking Solution Spending the $6.3M on the NOW Parking structure will preserve it for decades. The city should explore adding a floor to other structures (one at a time).

Possible new location for RH If they can find sufficient private land inside Birmingham. I believe we should not do any public-private partnerships without a public vote.

Affordable housing in downtown area Yes, it is an issue. One way for affordable housing would be to demand all proposals for a five-story building have retail on the first floor and the above four floors apartments/condos with on-site parking required. Another way would be to demand more money from any developer/builder for demolition of existing housing (and give the added developer/builder fees to that neighborhood). Also the city should encourage homeowners to renovate their homes through monetary incentives.

New Birmingham Master Plan I am concerned about the proposed three hotspots for commercial/office workers to obtain parking permits. I do not think residents want commercial/office workers parking in front of their homes all day. The city should approach these neighborhoods gingerly perhaps offering to give back the commercial permit fees to the neighborhood; this may be negotiable, but the neighborhood decides. Also, Duany suggests seams be created by allowing peripheral NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

Senior citizen center The seniors of Birmingham have “paid it forward” with their yearly taxes, and should be given, within reason, whatever they wish for. I have heard some would like more pickleball courts. We should look into that. I will listen to our seniors’ wishes, act on them and deliver.

Your special plans for city There should be more transparent budget accounting available so the residents of Birmingham see exactly how much of the budget benefits them. The people who live here provide 85 percent of the revenue and are entitled to know how much is given back to the neighborhoods. The “big thinking” of our commission and administration should be toned down, and the quest should be stabilization of our downtown. Further, the city needs to show how our tax dollars benefit the neighborhoods. We are all shareholders and deserve appropriate consideration in all expenditures. I want to build trust.

Why vote for you I will listen to our constituents and will act on their needs and concerns.

I will represent the people who live in Birmingham and represent the neighborhoods. They are my priorities, period.

Therese Longe, a director of the foundation and corporate relations for Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, has sat on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation board for 15 years, and is the current board chair. She has also served on the Barnum Park steering and ad hoc committees, Shain Park study committee, Parks and Recreation Master Plan subcommittee, parks master plan subcommittee, and YMCABirmingham Ad Hoc Joint Venture committee.

Parking solution post-bond vote Several studies document that parking is in very high-demand on weekdays. In the evening and on weekends parking is underutilized.

Short-term, the city can upgrade and improve the electronic information provided to users about space availability in the system as a whole to better match demand to availability. The city should upgrade and automate the permit wait list system to make more permits available on an equitable basis.

Currently, there is no tracking to ensure that unused permits are returned to the parking system when employees leave. The city should also continue to pursue parking mitigation strategies that were identified for large employers for the Bates Street N.O.W. project, such as van pools and circulator shuttles. Long-term, the city should evaluate building a deck in the Triangle District to add capacity to the system. With this capacity in place, a decision about replacing the NOW deck could be made.

Possible new location for RH The city and the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) should

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

continue to work to pursue any national retailer that would be a good fit for Birmingham and would serve as a retail anchor and destination to draw shoppers. The BSD should also pursue interesting smaller retailers that distinguish the Birmingham shopping experience from other suburban destinations. RH was rumored to have looked at many possible locations in Birmingham several years ago before the Bates NOW project, and is likely aware of other possible locations. Certainly, a retailer of RH’s caliber is worth pursuing for a location that works not only for them but for their immediate neighbors.

Affordable housing in downtown area Increased residential density in the downtown will help to support the small businesses that are vital to maintaining a vibrant downtown that continues to be a regional destination. Birmingham also needs to attract young families with children to our neighborhoods to maintain healthy levels of enrollment in our school system. Older residents also need accessible housing options that allow them to remain in Birmingham.

In order to continue to thrive and encourage a balanced community of full-time residents, Birmingham should look at ways to increase the availability of attainable housing in the downtown and the neighborhoods. Several ideas have been proposed in the initial stages of the 2040 master plan. These ideas should be thoroughly publicly vetted for their impact on the community before adoption. One interesting idea proposes to reduce the parking requirements for residential units in the downtown to incentivize the construction of smaller more attainably priced units.

New Birmingham master plan As chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, the discussion of equitably served neighborhoods caught my interest. I agree that all neighborhoods should have accessible parks, and believe that providing parks for neighborhoods that don’t have them, like Torry, is a worthwhile goal. I also support the idea of shed space for a permanent farmer’s market, although I think that this idea might work better as part of a redeveloped NOW property than in Lot 6 as shown in the DPZ plan. The recommendation to invest in the Triangle District by building a parking garage would not only support development in this area, but would add parking capacity to the system as 59

BIRMINGHAM CITY COMMISSION VOTER GUIDE a whole. Suggestions about improving the connectivity across “big” Woodward also merit more discussion, especially ideas that make crossing easier for walkers and bikers.

Economic development liquor licenses Economic development liquor licenses are a useful tool that the city has available to spur development where long-term planning has determined such growth is desired. This tool should be available for use in defined commercially zoned areas in the Rail District on a case-by-case basis, where each request can be evaluated for merit and in the context of the adjacent businesses and surrounding area. It should not be made available as a blanket entitlement for the entire Rail District. The SLUP process required for establishments that serve liquor ensures that resident concerns will be heard. The Lincoln Yard restaurant proposed for the former BPS bus garage in the Rail District would require an economic development liquor license. This project was revised and reduced in scale from its original concept in 2017, and if approved would be a valuable addition that would provide another walkable destination for families to enjoy.

Change in city hall administration One very unfortunate outcome from the August 6th election was that many residents felt that their concerns were not heard or respected. These residents felt disenfranchised, and their trust in governance was affected. It was disheartening to see the divisiveness that has affected political discourse in other communities invade Birmingham. We need to change and improve the ways the city engages with residents to increase transparency, responsiveness, collaboration, and accountability. The city needs to re-engage residents and re-assure them that they will be heard in order for the city to move forward on a vision for our future. The city’s increased use of social media has improved the way the city provides information, but it isn’t true two-way communication that facilitates real conversations about issues that are important to residents.

Senior citizen center The number of Birmingham residents aged 65 -74 will continue to increase and residents aged 75-plus are forecast to be the fasted growing group through 2040. These residents 60

deserve to have access to the resources they need to live fully and independently. A continuum of support services will be needed to allow these residents to age in place in Birmingham if that is their desire.

Next is currently very successful, providing numerous opportunities for life-long learning and socialization. It’s location at Midvale is convenient, but space is at a premium and capital improvements will be needed.

Funding mechanisms could include inter-local agreements with surrounding municipalities, contractual arrangements, bonds, or a dedicated millage. The next step should be the city commission tasking the already established Ad Hoc Joint Senior Services Committee to quickly develop specific recommendations to address these issues.

Your special plans for city Overall, I’d like to work to develop better ways of engaging with residents so that we can have meaningful conversations about issues that concern all of us. I also think quality of life issues are important. I would like to move forward on fulfilling the promises we’ve made to residents to improve our neighborhood parks. We can do more to upgrade our remaining parks, and to replace outdated play structures. Parks are important to our quality of life, preserving open space and attracting families to Birmingham. Finally, I’d like to bring more focus to improving services and activities for seniors so that they have the resources they need.

Why vote for you I’ve had the privilege of living in Birmingham for 35 years with my husband, Chris. I’ve been honored to serve on the Parks and Recreation Board for fifteen years, working to protect and improve our parks and recreational facilities. In that time, we’ve made great improvements at Barnum, Booth, Shain, and Quarton Lake Parks, and renovations of the ballfields at Kenning Park are underway.

I care deeply about our community and want to make it work better for all of us. I believe that our quality of life and community prosperity depend on strong neighborhoods, excellent schools, great services, robust community organizations, and a vibrant downtown. I believe that we can work together for a Birmingham that puts neighborhoods first while remaining a welcoming place for those who work and play here. I’m

ready to work for you, and I’d be honored if you’d vote for me on November 5th.

MATT WILDE

and potential for a parking structure east of Woodward. Second the creation of a city hall position whose job is to connect with the neighborhoods. I would absolutely support the creation of this as our number one priority should always be the serve the concerns of our residents.

Economic development liquor licenses I support economic development in all areas, as long as the residents in those areas are given a voice in the process and are comfortable with more restaurants and liquor licenses near their homes.

Matt Wilde is a business consultant with Tata Consultancy Service.

Parking solution post-bond vote There is without a doubt a parking problem in the downtown area during regular business hours. The best way to alleviate this is to build a new parking structure. Per the preliminary report from DPZ, it was suggested to build a structure near Walgreens in what is known as the Triangle District.

This would not only provide more parking but also help spur development in the area generating more tax revenue for the city.

Possible new location for RH A new location for RH would be the southeast corner of Maple and Woodward. It is currently an empty lot that is full of potential. This space is large enough for RH and for parking.

If we added a parking structure on the east side of Woodward could also help this come to fruition and create development in the Triangle District.

Affordable housing in downtown area There is a lack of affordable housing in the downtown area. At this point combating the affordability issue downtown should not be the communities’ focus, as it is unlikely achievable at this time. Rather, we need to make sure Birmingham stay a great community for young families, children, and our senior citizens. We need to promote parks and our neighborhoods more then we need rent controls in downtown.

New Birmingham master plan From the preliminary results presented by DPZ, two things really caught my attention. First the need

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Senior citizen center I absolutely support the idea of a senior citizens center. Our senior citizens are what connects Birmingham to our past. Many of them have lived majority of their lives in Birmingham and are the substantial reason why are community has been so great for many years. We would need to investigate our books and carve out funding, albeit this may be a tough task, but I believe it is extremely important for Birmingham and ensuring our wonderful age diversity.

Your special plans for city My concerns are for our residents, especially our children, and our elderly. I love downtown and all the wonderful restaurants, but many of our parks our outdated, and our streets are in shambles, and we need a senior community center. I would work to see those improvements.

Why vote for you I decided to run as an outsider simply because I care about our city. My Birmingham heritage runs very deep. I am a fourth-generation resident. Two sets of my great-grandparents moved to Birmingham to raise their families 100 years ago. My grandmother and grandfather met in Birmingham, my grandmother grew up on Woodland and attended Holy Name schools, my grandfather grew up on Brown and graduated from Birmingham High.

They raised my mother in Birmingham who attended Holy Name schools and graduated from Birmingham Seaholm.

I am a proud alumnus of the Birmingham Public Schools (Harlan, Derby, and Seaholm). And now my wife is connected as she is the school social worker at Derby Middle School. I look forward to raising my two young children here, and ensuring Birmingham as a family friendly city for another 100 years.

NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION

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FACES

David McCall Johnston s a youngster growing up in Indiana, David McCall Johnston's mother forced him to go outside and play because he would spend so much time inside drawing and painting. Despite all of her good intentions, Johnston has enjoyed more than four decades as a celebrated artist, earning a spot among the "Who's Who" of American illustrators.

"I was always drawing and painting. It's very much in my DNA," Johnston said. "I had a teacher in high school in Dearborn who was a big influence in pulling the best out of me... I came across a book I made in high school, and it talked about my love for art and what I would like to do in the future. I had my eye set for it.

"My high school counselor said, 'Don't do art. Do drafting,' which I kind of get a chuckle out of now. No other teacher was pushing art."

Johnston's wife, Ruth, recalls her father-in-law's concern about his career path when the couple was just starting out together.

"He was an engineer at Ford," she said. "He couldn't understand why David didn't have a 'real job.' He asked what we were going to do about health insurance. We just laughed. We had it – we just paid for it. There was never a mindset that art couldn't be a profitable situation, and he's still working, now."

Working from the comfort of the couple's local 1840 Greek Revival farmhouse in the Bloomfield/Franklin area, McCall often works family members, pets and personal objects into work, which is known for his signature Americana style. His work has appeared in the Jules Vern Museum in Nantes, France; The Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills; The Henry Ford; and prints of his work have been secured by the Franklin Gallery/Franklin Mint.

Johnston's work also includes commissioned work for Steuben Glass; Norwest Bank's Mt. Rushmore Golden Anniversary; original works for

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Kmart Corporation; Maker's Mark Distillery; The Whirlpool Corporation; Celestial Seasonings; Thorn Apple Valley; Beringer Wine and others.

Johnston's art and illustrations also has appeared in children's books published by Harper Collins, Prentice Hall, Ballentine Books and many others.

Throughout his career, Johnston has lived and worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City and other locations.

"For a number of years, I was recognized as a New York artist, but my first wife wasn't happy in New York City, so we moved back to Detroit," he said.

In 1979, Johnston was alone and met Ruth. The couple has been married for more than 40 years.

"Ruth was responsible for getting the piece commissioned for Mt. Rushmore, and other accounts. That was really important," he said. "About 90 percent of my work has been national. I don't really focus on local work."

Johnston also has returned the support he receives from Ruth, providing design and art for several of her cookbooks. He said he enjoys working together, particularly in and around the Birmingham/Bloomfield area.

"It's important to be a team. We just kind of stoke each others' fire," he said. "And I'm very happy about being in Michigan and being supportive of the community. It has that historic component that I love, and Michigan has great beauty to me."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL Township cuts start following election

By Kevin Elliott

Efforts to trim back the annual budget in order to pay for unfunded employee benefits in Bloomfield Township will result in the township eliminating its animal welfare division, the municipality's annual open house, and recycling events focused on household hazardous waste, electronic waste and paper shredding by the end of the year.

The cuts, which were approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, August 26, are expected to provide a savings of about $280,000 annually, said township supervisor Leo Savoie.

"Those programs will be eliminated and we will not plan for them this year or future years," Savoie said.

The cuts were approved following the township's Tuesday, August 6, election in which voters rejected a 2.3-mill special assessment district (SAD) that would have been dedicated to public safety. The tax was put before voters after the township was advised by the state it would be responsible for funding at least 40 percent of the township's total liabilities related to other post employment benefits (OPEB). With about $165 million in total OPEB liabilities, the township will need to pay an extra $64 million into the OPEB trust fund over the next 30 years, in addition to annual costs that come due. Previous state law allowed municipalities to pay only annual costs and not pre-fund the trust.

The cuts are in line with feedback from the community outlined in a survey of residents conducted by the Glengariff Group. The survey found about 55.1 percent of respondents supporting the elimination of the animal welfare division. The survey also found support for eliminating some optional programs.

However, the board of trustees in March approved a $49.6 million budget that didn't include those cuts or others, preferring to wait until after the August 6 election.

In total, the board will need to balance a $4.2 million budget deficit this year, and a $3.65 million deficit in future years, Savoie said.

"This deficit budget that we put in place, planning on using reserves until we determined which way we were going to go, did not include any 68

Church cancels anti-Muslim event

By Kevin Elliott

two-day anti-Muslim event planned for Wednesday, September 11, and the following day at the Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church on Telegraph Road was cancelled by the event's organizers amidst pressure from political leaders.

The event, "The Trojan Horse of Interfaith Dialogue Between Christians and Muslims," was to be held on the two days at the church, 3600 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township. The event was to host guest speaker Shahram Hadian, a former Muslim who claims to have converted to Christianity, who has essentially demonized his former religion as a threat to Christians. The second day was to feature speaker Jim Simpson, who bills himself as an investigative journalist, who had planned to host a presentation entitled "How Islam is Destroying American from Within."

Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church Pastor Donald McKay told Fox 2 TV that week that while "we don't hate Muslims, we hate the ideology they are identified with." McKay also said he wears the "Islamophobe" badge proudly.

The church on Tuesday, September 10, announced it cancelled the event after receiving national attention and associated backlash.

Michigan Reps. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) and Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) issued a joint statement condemning the planned event.

"Our communities should be outraged by these scheduled toxic and bigoted events," the lawmakers said in a release. "With the rise of mass shootings by white domestic terrorists targeting those they deem 'other,' we are deeply disturbed that a place of worship would host an event that continues to fan the flames of hate and intolerance. Religious institutions should strive to be welcoming centers for all."

The statement echoed a similar one issued by Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township) and Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn).

"There is no place for hate in metro Detroit, in Michigan or anywhere in the United States," Levin and Dingell said. "We implore the Bloomfield Hills Baptist Church to forgo the anti-Muslim events planned for next week and instead recognize America's rich cultural and religious diversity as we reflect on one of the most painful days in our country's history and heal from recent acts of white supremacist violence. As people of faith, we ask Michiganders to unify in peace and celebrate shared humanity to help prevent future acts of hatred."

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funds being contributed to the OPEB trust," Savoie said. "With a $2 million planned contribution into the trust, the budget deficit would have been $4.2 million. Included in this budget is a one-time large-expense item for the mandated replacement of fuel tanks for $550,000. This reduces the proposed deficit to $3.65 million moving forward.

"So how do we close the gap this year, and for future years?"

In addition to the cuts approved August 26, Savoie said the township's recent refinancing of its general pension obligation bonds will save the township about $370,000 each year. Revisions to the township's healthcare plans, which will be presented at a future meeting, are expected to save about $750,000 per year. Further, Savoie said he expected another $40,000 in

cuts that he wasn't yet able to discuss because notifications had not been made to appropriate parties.

Savoie said additional cuts could be made in the police, fire and road departments.

"I'm going to have the heads of those departments make presentations to the board as to how we can operate as Bloomfield Township with lower personnel," he said. "The DPW (Department of Public Works) will do the same, and any impact from road funding will be presented, and how it will impact the community."

Savoie also talked about efforts already in place to provide savings, which include a hiring freeze on employees since 2018 which has left the township with about 14 total vacancies across the township,

DOWNTOWN

including three police officers, four firefighters, one position in the assessing department, one in IT, one in the motor pool, three in the road department and one in maintenance.

Additional positions could be eliminated through attrition, he said.

Additionally, Savoie said cuts are possible to the township's gypsy moth program and by eliminating legal representation for the township's 5G installation.

"Both of these have long-term negative impacts to the community and should be discussed seriously by this board if we are going to go in that direction," he said.

Lastly, Savoie said the township will have a comprehensive compensation study done as they head into employee negotiations in the near future.

"My goal, as is everyone else's goal, is to keep Bloomfield Township best in class," he said. "Bloomfield Township has always delivered and will continue to deliver outstanding services to the residents. We have always been accountable for every dollar we spend, and we will continue to do so."

Savoie sought to retain some animal welfare services on a part-time basis, but was overruled by the board, which passed the preliminary cuts by a vote of 5-1, with Savoie voting no and trustee Neal Barnett absent.

Trustees Dave Buckley and Dani Walsh criticized some of the cuts discussed, but not the elimination of the programs approved.

"From my very thin estimation here, it looks like a lot on the backs of the residents, including the employee issues with attrition or not hiring. We have 14 open positions, but we haven't had an assessment of what the means to services," Buckley said. "It sounds like you're going to have the chiefs and the different heads of those departments speak to us about that and what that means, but ultimately, it seems to be cuts to services to residents. It seems somewhat penal in that the vote didn't go your way, so you seem ready to stick it to the residents. I'm not seeing anything in terms of shared sacrifice in terms of compensation, automobiles, benefits and things like that."

Walsh also said she had issues with some of the cuts discussed.

"It does appear that there's a penalty here, in that all that you mentioned seems to affect the citizens here, it doesn't effect the employees," Walsh said.

10.19

Boutros to run as write-in candidate

By Lisa Brody

irmingham City Commissioner Pierre Boutros has announced he will run as a write-in candidate for commissioner on the November ballot, after failing to be certified for the ballot due to campaign finance filing problems, and has filed as a write-in candidate.

Boutros, who is completing his first four-year term as a commissioner, had filed to run for re-election. However, city clerk Cherilynn Mynsberge on Friday, August 16, determined that she could not certify him for reelection after both a further review of election law and advice from the state of Michigan Bureau of Elections in the Secretary of State's Office, which supported a county elections official's earlier ruling that, due to failure of the candidate to comply with campaign finance reporting requirements from a past election, his name should be removed from the list of official candidates.

Boutros was first elected to the Birmingham City Commission in November 2015, filing as a candidate in July 2015, and is completing his first four-year term.

“When I filed my petition and signed an affidavit to appear on the ballot as a candidate for Birmingham City Commission, I was unaware that there were errors in my July and October 2016 quarterly filings. Both reports included all required information, but some of the data was mis-categorized.

This was a clerical error. When I learned of the errors last month, I quickly amended the reports the same day to correctly categorize the data,” Boutros said at the Monday, August 19, city commission meeting at which he announced his write-in candidacy. “I am disappointed that this unfortunate series of events and clerical errors have led to my name being removed from the November 2019 ballot. However, I respect and appreciate the important role campaign finance laws play in the political and election process. I love the city of Birmingham and for the last four years, I have served the city’s residents with dedication and pride. I am announcing now that I will be running for re-election as a write-in candidate.”

The issue of Boutros' eligibility to appear on the ballot was first raised weeks ago when Joe Rozell, Oakland County Director of Elections, ruled that the city commissioner, who had filed to run for another term in the November 5 election, was ineligible for reelection to the city commission under Michigan election law.

Rozell sent a letter to Mynsberge dated July 30 noting that his office was in receipt of Boutros' affidavit of identity for city commission but the elections division of the county clerk's office could not certify the city commissioner as a candidate for this November's election because of his failure to comply with campaign reporting law. Rozell said the problem had to do with candidate campaign finance reporting problems dating back to July 2015.

“After a review of our records, we have determined that Mr. Boutros failed to file a required amended 2016 Quarterly report. MCL 168.558(4) as amended states, 'An affidavit of identity must include a statement that as of the date of the affidavit, all statements, reports, late filing fees and fines required of the candidate...have been filed or paid,'” Rozell wrote in his letter to Mynsberge.

Boutros acknowledged it will be some extra work to run as a write-in candidate, but that he is also excited to run again and meet and work with residents.

“I look forward to spreading the word to residents that I'm eligible for election, and the only difference is that they have to write my name in,” he said. “I'm not looking at it as a challenge but as a unique opportunity.”

Boutros, who owns and operates Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary on Maple Road in Birmingham, said his whole agenda is to better the city “and to help the city not just for my children, but for everyone else's, and for seniors, and for everyone. I live, work and play in Birmingham. My business is here, my children were born and are raised here, and we dine and play here. I'm engaged in the city.”

A total of seven other candidates filed petitions and have been certified for the election to determine four positions on the Birmingham City Commission.

Two incumbents whose terms are expiring, Patty Bordman and Carroll DeWeese, filed petitions to run for reelection for a second four-year term on the commission. Commissioner Andy Harris opted to not seek another term due to time constraints.

Also filing to run for a seat on the commission are Clinton Baller, Jake German, Brad Host, Therese Longe and Matt Wilde.

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Walsh also questioned how the cuts were determined, and that trustees outside of the administration should have more input, as they aren't on the township's payroll and "have no skin in the game" or receive any "kickback," suggesting the treasurer, supervisor and clerk should have compensation cuts.

Savoie said he took issue with Walsh's categorizing of employee pay as a "kickback." Further, he said state law prohibits the board from cutting the pay of those positions. Savoie said additional cuts to employees could result in a massive loss of staff, and that it's prudent to wait until a comprehensive compensation study is completed.

"We are completely out of the realm of sacrifice unless we volunteer to do it on our own, and even then there are certain legal consequences for doing that," he said.

Walsh replied by bringing up the elimination of township issued vehicles – a recurring push by Walsh and Buckley to revoke vehicles used

by Savoie, clerk Jan Roncelli and treasurer Brian Kepes.

"Dani, you may not know because she's a new trustee (three years), but Dave certainly knows because he's a longstanding trustee – you know because you defended the exact same vehicle that I'm driving for the past treasurer," Kepes said to Buckley. "You know that can't be reduced and that compensation can't be reduced. You might want to share that with the newest trustee.

"With regard to citizens having a seat at the table and having skin in the game, I've been a resident of the community for over 30 years now. I have been active in the township for 25 years. I have skin in the game. I live here, I raised my kids here. I'm not sure what other kind of skin in the game you need, but I have it – I pay taxes here. Hopefully everyone here pays taxes," Kepes said as he motioned to Walsh.

Kepes also took issue with Buckley's comments, reminding him that he had previously defended the township-issued vehicle for former treasurer Dan Devine, and that Devine's pay couldn't be cut in the past, under state law.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, these things can't be cut. And you know that," Kepes said to Buckley.

"So to be saying that these things should be cut is just not recognizing the facts or ignoring the facts you

were quoting a few years ago when you so adamantly defended a treasurer who wasn't in his office and wasn't doing the job. Your friend.

"It's insulting to the residents of the township that you are saying these things and are constantly bringing up things where on one hand you said one thing, and another year you're saying another thing... it's unfortunate. You've been here the longest and watched these issues grow and you haven't done anything for a long time. All of a sudden, you seem to have your eyes open. It's good."

Buckley, who took offense to the comments, said trustees are asking administration to make personal sacrifices – specifically turning in township issued vehicles – in order to keep jobs.

It has not been determined if turning in vehicles would actually save the township money, as mileage and other costs would need to be paid and reimbursed instead.

Savoie ended an ensuing backand-forth by the board, steering the discussion back to the immediate cuts proposed for the animal welfare division, recycling events and open house event.

Bloomfield Township Police Chief Phil Langmeyer gave a brief presentation regarding the animal welfare division. He recommended closing the division on November 30, the day prior to the retirement of one of three employees in the division.

Another employee had recently left the township. The division would stop taking new animals around November 15.

Langmeyer said residents would still have some services provided by Oakland County, but only regarding dogs and cats in a contained area.

Removal of wild animals, such as dead deer, will need to be done by a private business at residents' expense.

Begrudgingly, trustees voted to close the division, with Savoie dissenting, as he preferred the police department to continue limited services. Trustees also voted to halt the open house scheduled for October, as well as upcoming recycling events focused on household hazardous waste, electronic waste and paper shredding.

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MUNICIPAL Healthcare change saves $1.1 million

By Kevin Elliott

Changes to the way Bloomfield Township pays for employee and retiree healthcare benefits will provide an estimated annual savings of nearly $1.1 million without changing coverage to participants, township officials said.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said he gave a brief overview at the board's August 19 meeting about potential budget cuts needed to close a funding gap to meet state requirements related to other post-employee benefits (OPEB). He said discussions with the township's healthcare benefits consultants led to implementing a selffunding health care system that will provide an annual savings of $1.1 million.

John Vance, partner at Manquen Vance advisors, formerly Cornerstone Municipal Advisory Group, said by changing the way the township pays its healthcare costs to its provider, Cigna, it can dramatically reduce the amount of fixed fees it pays each year.

"This concept of self-funding, in a nutshell, changes the way the township pays its bill to Cigna, and by changing the bill, it doesn't change its financial claim liability," Vance said.

"The claim liability the township owes is the same whether it pays its bill now

or next year with healthcare trend or inflation... what does change are the fixed fees the township pays to its carrier and it pays to the federal government."

Under the township's current healthcare contract with Cigna, the township is considered by the state and federal government to be a fullyinsured municipality. However, he said the township already has several selffunded elements. For instance, when employees or retirees use their benefits, the township pays the required portion of the claim. However, under the fullyinsured method, the claims are paid the following year under an "experience rating" amount. Under a self-funded system, the employer pays the exact claims in the year they are incurred.

Vance said the goal of the change is to reduce costs while maintaining the exact same benefits to employees and retirees. Essentially, that means finding savings and efficiencies in the healthcare market without having it borne on the back of participants.

By becoming a self-funded program, the township pays actual costs incurred by the township to its healthcare provider, while insured programs pay an estimate of those costs each year based on the previous year's costs. As such, he said there are some fees that are charged to insured programs that aren't applied to selffunded programs.

Township to compare employee compensation

By Kevin Elliott

iting the lack of a comprehensive study into the compensation and benefits Bloomfield Township employees receive and how they compare to similar communities in Michigan, the board of trustees on Monday, September 9, approved the first step to begin looking into the issue.

Bloomfield Township Finance Director Jason Theis said while the township has participated in comparative compensation studies with other communities in the past, the municipality hasn't had its own study done to evaluate its own workforce.

"As long as I've been here – 12 years – we haven't done something this comprehensive. But the prior finance director, as well as I since I have been here, across all the departments, we take part in surveys that come our way. Because we participate in surveys with these other communities that they are doing on wages and various benefits, when they get all the communities who participated, they will then release that information to everyone who took time to participate," Theis said. "We have always

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For instance, insured municipalities in 2020 will pay a federal insurance premium tax equal to 2.7 percent of premiums. By switching to a selffunded program, the township can avoid paying more than $240,000 in federal taxes. Likewise, insured programs are required to pay a state premium tax of .95 percent, which would total nearly $75,000.

Vance said the state assesses a fee of $2.40 per member, per month to insured programs, which doesn't apply to self-funded programs. The change to a self-funded program would provide a savings of about $20,000.

"The big, high-profile item here is number four, this is the majority of how you are going to reduce your costs: the state of Michigan requires all carriers in Michigan that offer fully-insured businesses to offer two fees called 'pooling' and 'retention,'" Vance said.

"These are fees the state of Michigan requires of carriers to hold for insured groups. No carrier in Michigan just pays it and eats that money. They all pass it along to the employer."

By moving to a self-funded program, Vance said the township can avoid those costs, which will provide an estimated savings of about $450,000.

"This may seem like an unbelievable amount of money just by changing how you pay your bill, but what I'll tell you is that this is tried-and-true," Vance said. "We have moved about 15 clients

had those things. While not this comprehensive... those have been helpful over the years to kind of gauge where we are... I wouldn't say that nothing has ever been done. I would disagree with that."

Overall, the city has 21 departments consisting of 311 union and non-union employees. That total includes three full-time elected officials (the clerk, supervisor and treasurer), as well as 242 full-time and 72 parttime employees. The workforce includes 145 employees represented by four different unions or bargaining units, with all existing contracts expiring as of April 1, 2020. Additionally, elected trustees are paid a stipend per meeting.

On September 9, the board of trustees approved issuing a request for proposals from vendors to conduct the study. Vendors interested in submitting a proposal have until Monday, September 23, to submit questions to the township, and until Monday, September 30, to submit proposals, with the hope that a study may be complete by mid-January.

Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said the hope is the study will be available by the time contract negotiations begin, or at least ready if negotiations go to arbitration.

In addition to providing information during union negotiations, the goal of the study is to allow the township to recruit and retain a highly

from your current type of arrangement to the proposed type of arrangement, and these fees do not exist on a selffunded platform, but they do exist when you're insured."

The last item involved prescription drug rebates. As an insured employer, the township doesn't currently receive any rebates offered by drug manufacturers to the insurance provider. By moving to self-funding, Vance said they were able to negotiate with Cigna to provide a 75 percent share of rebates as a pass-through savings, equating to about $300,000 annually.

Trustee Dani Walsh questioned whether the savings to the township would be borne by the township or employees at some other point, and if so, how.

"Literally, everything you pay Cigna to do today, they do as a self-funded client," Vance said. "They process claims the same way, the benefits, the call center, it's all going to be the same.

Whatever the employee costs are and the plan design, that stays the same.

"You are literally changing the way you pay your bill to Cigna. That's what's happening here. And by doing that, you are changing to a true selffunded plan, and you avoid all those taxes and fees... claims do ebb and flow, and claims may go up, but they go up regardless... the liability and risk to the township doesn't change."

qualified workforce. Further, the study will review the current job descriptions and job levels and assist in making any adjustments, if necessary.

Savoie said a committee will be formed to evaluate proposals received by the township. The preliminary scope of the study remained broad, with more than a dozen requirements. Those include conducting a competitive market analysis of pay and benefit levels and workloads; analyzing the quality and competitiveness of the township's benefit programs; making recommendations for changes that integrate with total compensation strategy; developing a job evaluation system; conducting internal equity evaluations of each job; developing pay and classification structures to potentially implement; assisting in the development of an employee communications program; and additional work.

The study, Savoie said, also will include a study of the three elected administrative positions.

Trustee David Buckley recommended the board table the action and delay issuing a request for proposals for at least two weeks in order to take input from the public as to the scope of the study.

The board approved issuing the request as presented by a vote of 6-1, with Buckley opposing."

Township rejects government change

By Kevin Elliott

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, September 9, rejected claims by trustee David Buckley that the township is in the midst of a financial crisis and is in need of new management in order to provide fiscal oversight and accountability.

While the board didn't take any official actions, five of the seven members said during a special study session that they weren't interested in restructuring the township's administration by creating a township superintendent position to oversee the day-to-day operations of the township,which would essentially supplant the duties and powers of the township supervisor position.

Buckley in August proposed a resolution to establish a superintendent position. Under the proposal, the superintendent would head the township's budget process, oversee all departments in the township, serve as personnel director and essentially be

responsible for the daily operations of the township. The elected supervisor position, which is currently responsible for those duties, would be restricted to running board meetings and conducting ceremonial duties.

The proposal followed results of an August 6 special election in which voters overwhelmingly rejected a 2.3mill special assessment district (SAD) that would have been used in part to pay for unfunded liabilities related to police and fire retiree benefits. The township is currently carrying about $165 million in unfunded OPEB (other post employment benefits) liabilities dating back several decades. Under state law that went into effect in January of 2018, the township must pre-fund at least 40 percent of the benefits, equating to about $64 million.

Previously, the township had paid its OPEB costs as they came due each year, with the first pre-payment advances to the fund made in 2016.

The board is now taking steps to close an annual funding gap of about $5 million related to OPEB funding requirements.

Trustees at the board's August 12 meeting agreed to hold a study session

to discuss the proposal. Buckley started the discussion by saying his proposal stems from previous board discussions prior to current Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie's appointment in 2011.

"I would propose removing some of my first comments on the resolution, as they aren't pertinent moving forward, and the election results aren't pertinent," Buckley said.

However, Buckley later cited the election and reiterated his previous comments when it became apparent during the study session, as well as the regular board meeting that followed, that his proposal failed to gain any traction among other members, with the exception of trustee Dani Walsh.

"You're really going to do this to the public," Buckley said, after the board members remained silent after the matter was opened for discussion.

"I thought we agreed in good faith that we would talk things out and get everyone's opinion," Walsh echoed.

"Strange we would agree to this and not discuss it."

Trustee Michael Schostak eventually started the discussion by inquiring about the differences

between a township superintendent and township manager. However, the majority of board members subsequently said they weren't interested in changing the township's style of government.

"I like it the way it is," said clerk Jan Roncelli. "You have consistency when you elect someone for four years. ... there is nothing in the rules or procedures about qualifications except age and residency, and those qualifications come across when you're campaigning. We have never had a superintendent here, and I like the fact we have had consistency in our supervisor, clerk and treasurer roles. I think it brings stability when we haven't had a lot of turnover.

"With a superintendent, some have success and some don't. I don't see the necessity for it. You're taking away all the powers of the supervisor and giving them to a superintendent. At least with a supervisor, if you don't like the way they are doing things, you can cast your vote."

Buckley said a superintendent position would take direction from the whole board, allowing for more engagement on township matters. He

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then referenced the results of the August election, saying he wasn't confident that renewal of a general fund millage in 2020 would be passed by the public if changes weren't made.

"I'm sorry, but we owe it to the residents and voters to give some ideas," he said. "I apologize to the public if our elected officials don't have an opinion."

"You don't have to apologize to me, I don't agree with you," trustee Neal Barnett said. "We have a financial issue we have to address, but I don't believe we are in a financial crisis."

Barnett also pointed out that Savoie was the first supervisor to begin funding OPEB liabilities in advance.

"He started the funding for unfunded liabilities and the previous supervisors didn't," he said. "It should have been done years ago. I believe the voters should be making decisions, and if they're not happy with the supervisor, vote someone else in, and the same for the clerk or any of us. I think that's the best form."

Treasurer Brian Kepes said any discussion of changes to administrative duties also should include the treasurer and clerk position.

"I think as a community we have been very fortunate to have very qualified people filling those seats.

From a funding standpoint, we have a funding issue, and that one ballot issue wasn't passed, and resoundingly," Kepes said. "That doesn't mean you look at throwing the baby out with the bathwater. One problem and one issue doesn't mean you say the whole machine is broken because I don't think it is."

Recognizing a lack of support for a restructuring of the supervisor position, Buckley suggested an emergency financial manager may be needed.

"We may need to look at a financial manager or an emergency manager because of this crisis, because we haven't seen a plan to move forward," Buckley said.

In Michigan, a local government can request a financial emergency manager from the governor if certain triggers occur for a preliminary review, per Public Act 436 of 2012, including missed payroll; creditor's written request; missed pension payments; local petition of five percent of gubernatorial election voters requesting one; deficit-elimination plan breach or lack of such plan within 30 days of its due date; board requesting a review via resolution; or a legislative request. Only the governor can appoint an emergency financial manager, who takes control of the governing body, completely supplanting them. downtownpublications.com

Lincoln Yard reapplies for city Rail District

By Lisa Brody

he second time might be the charm for Lincoln Yard, a restaurant proposed for the former Birmingham Schools bus garage in the Rail District, which received positive feedback on a special land use permit review and site plan review at a meeting Wednesday, August 14, of the Birmingham Planning Board.

The Birmingham City Commission had approved a bistro license concept for Lincoln Yard in October 2016 for a 2017 bistro license, but restaurateur Curt Catallo pulled out of the process in spring 2017 after determining a bistro license would not work economically.

Catallo said he had purchased the bus garage property, located at 2159 E. Lincoln Road in Birmingham, from neighboring property ArmstrongWhite, and is seeking an economic development liquor license for a fast casual American restaurant, to be called “Little Yard,” and a dine-in restaurant, “Lincoln Yard,” that serves American comfort food. Lincoln Yard would have 135 indoor seats and 73 outdoor seats over 6,276 square feet.

Catallo said they would renovate they entire building.

Planner Brooks Cowan said the applicant is seeking an economic development license, which requires an investment of 500 times the original value of the property and an establishment greater than 6,000 square feet.

Cowan said a parking requirement for the site is to provide 65 parking spaces, and they are proposing 58 spots with another 16 at adjacent Armstrong-White, which has an excess of 28 spaces, “so the planning department does not recommend a parking study.”

At this point, planning director Jana Ecker explained, the Rail District is not zoned to permit economic development licenses, which she said were initially for the Woodward corridor. A year ago, in August 2018, the planning board recommended to the city commission that the Rail District would benefit from possible utilization of an economic development license, but “it went nowhere,” she said.

Ecker said the applicant would have to submit an application to the city to amend the zoning or ordinance for an economic development license.

“If we are able to get a Class C liquor license, an economic development license, it would allow us to use the building in a true organic way,” Catallo said. “We really like this iteration because it meets our business plan and it makes this building sustainable.”

Little Yard is designed to serve people on the go, he said, using the same kitchen for grab and go elements that would have a separate eating area.

“This really specific fast service is needed for the neighborhood, and it really appeals to us. It could be a standalone somewhere else, but the fact we can incorporate it here is exciting,” he said.

Tentative hours for Little Yard would be 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; for Lincoln Yard, 11 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday through Saturday.

“I'm glad you're back,” chairman Scott Clein said. “I think it's a great addition to the area.”

“This is a really funky design. It's cool, it's fun. I think it'll bring a lot of people. Good work,” said board member Janelle Whipple-Boyce.

Board members voted unanimously to postpone final approvals pending an application for an economic development license.

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Buckley's suggestion came weeks after township administration announced the refinancing of general obligation bonds that will save the township about $370,000 annually, as well an additional $280,000 a year from the elimination of the animal welfare division, the township's annual open house event and special recycling and hazardous waste collection events. The township also is expected to cut health care costs by more than $1 million

annually under changes approved by the board at its meeting later that evening. Savoie said additional cuts will be brought to the board in presentations by township department heads in coming months.

Savoie said he views the proposal as combining two separate issues.

"We have the issue of a superintendent, and we have an issue of me. I think the superintendent position has been talked about by all

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seven people up here. We aren't in a financial crisis. You were quoted as saying this was a no confidence vote on me," Savoie said to Buckley. "I don't think that's the case either. The people were given a choice and we asked them to make that choice, rather than deciding for them. That's all we did."

Planners recommend liquor permit change

By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham Planning Board unanimously recommended an ordinance amendment to the city commission on Wednesday, September 11, to permit an area in the city's Rail District to be qualified to apply for economic development liquor licenses.

An economic development license is an economic incentive, with Birmingham originally designating underutilized properties along Woodward as areas that could use revitalization. To receive an economic development liquor license, where a Class C liquor license can be brought in from another municipality, the property must be zoned as qualified for it, and have at least $10 million in investments or an increase of 500 percent in value with a completed project.

To date, three economic development licenses have been issued by the city: to Hazel, Ravines and Downtown; Triple Nickel; and All Seasons of Birmingham.

City planner Brooks Cowan said that while none of the properties within the Rail District are currently within the economic development license boundaries, an applicant and owner of 2159 E. Lincoln, the former Birmingham Schools bus garage, is applying to have an economic development license for their restaurant concept Lincoln Yard at the site, and asked the city to consider including the the property for an ordinance amendment to promote activity and redevelopment in the Rail District.

“The southern portion of the district have maintained their original buildings,” Cowan said. “The restaurants in the southern portion are limited. Beyond Juice (2221 Cole Street) is the only one.

“The former bus repair building is a vacant, one-story cinderblock building on .8 acres, with an assessed value of $180,000,” he continued. “New development in the district has been in the northern portion, with development assessed at over $1 million. The justification for an economic 77

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MUNICIPAL development license is it would be a growth catalyst for the southern district.”

Cowan also suggested including not only the 2159 E. Lincoln property, but all properties on the east side of Eton between Cole and Lincoln for eligibility.

“My preference would be to be consistent with the city commission, which would be to amend rezoning to specific areas and not specific parcels,” board member Bryan Williams said.

Board member Bert Kosceck sought clarification. “It doesn't mean every property owner can come in and get an economic development license?” he asked.

“No, and not everyone can meet the criteria,” said planning director Jana Ecker.

The consensus of the board, voting 6-0 as chair Scott Clein recused himself, was to recommend the ordinance change for the area to the city commission.

Sherr sentenced for political sign theft

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Stuart Sherr on Friday, August 30, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor theft charge and was sentenced to community service and fines in connection to the theft of campaign signs in November of 2018 that belonged to a Bloomfield Hills School Board candidate.

Sherr was arrested on November 1, 2018 by Bloomfield Hills Public Safety officers after police said an officer witnessed Sherr stop in the parking lot of 74 W. Long Lake Road, get out of his vehicle and take a campaign sign out of the ground and put it in his trunk.

Police said at the time that officers had been conducting random surveillance of Prasad's signs after she filed a police report days earlier regarding a number of campaign signs of hers that had been stolen from various locations, including the property on Long Lake Road. Prasad told Downtown newsmagazine in February 2019 that about 90 of her campaign signs were removed from properties in the school district.

A police report noted that Sherr trudged through the rain in the dark to remove Anjali Prasad's sign, then walked it back to his car and put it in the trunk. The police officer then followed Sherr to his home and conducted a traffic stop.

Since the time of his arrest, Sherr has maintained the signs were in downtownpublications.com

Birmingham City Clerk Mynsberge resigns

By Lisa Brody

irmingham City Clerk Cherilynn Mynsberge submitted her resignation to city manager Joe Valentine on Friday, September 6, with her last day on the job being Friday, September 20.

Mynsberge had been with Birmingham for about two-and-a-half years, having begun her tenure on April 3, 2017. Prior to her position with the city, she had been deputy clerk for the city of Oak Park for two years, and city clerk for Ferndale from 2007 to 2015. She is a certified municipal clerk by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

The resignation was unexpected, Valentine noted, who said she indicated she is looking to make a career change.

At their meeting on Monday, September 16, the city commission appointed deputy city clerk Cheryl Arft as interim city clerk until a new clerk is hired.

“The clerk's office is adequately staffed to handle the upcoming election,” Valentine said of the commission election on Tuesday, November 5. “Arft has experience running elections.”

The city has begun the process of recruitment of a new city clerk, posting the position on the city's web site as well as municipal sites in Michigan to alert individuals in the profession.

“We're looking for an experienced clerk. Election law is very important to know,” Valentine said.

According to the posting, the clerk's position “organizes and directs the conduct of elections, the tabulation of votes, and reporting of precinct results. Maintains voter registration records. Serves as the city’s FOIA coordinator, recording secretary to the city commission and staff liaison for the Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Board. Maintains official city records and records of commission proceedings, and serves in an official capacity in the execution of a variety of city documents and contracts. Supervises the issuance of various city licenses and permits.”

The position pays between $75,742 - $96,974 plus benefits.

Applications are due back to the city's human resources department no later than 4 p.m. Friday, October 11.

Other information and qualifications can be found at bhamgov.org.

B

violation of the city's sign ordinance, which requires campaign signs to be no less than 10 feet from the roadway as measured from the curb. An officer noted in his report that Sherr had to pass two other signs to reach the Prasad sign, but didn't disturb the placement of those signs. The other two signs he passed over were for candidates he had endorsed on social media.

Officers also noted that Sherr had repeatedly stated that he was friends with the property owners and was acting on their behalf to remove illegally placed signs that could cause a public safety hazard by being too close to the road. Police advised him that the property owner should have made contact with Prasad or the police, and that it wasn't his responsibility to remove the signs.

Court documents show that Prasad had permission from either the property owner or a representative of the owner to place the signs at the properties in question. Affidavits from the property owners themselves in which they

supported Sherr's actions were not obtained until January 2019.

The case was transferred from the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township to the 44th District Court in Royal Oak after judges at the 48th recused themselves. The 48th District Court receives partial funding from the city of Bloomfield Hills.

Sherr, who previously served as mayor and is currently finishing his fourth term as a city commissioner, said he decided not to run for reelection this November as a result of the case.

"This has killed me and my reputation, as well as my desire to ever help anyone again," Sherr said of the incident and subsequent court case. "I think the prosecution was trying to make an example out of me. I couldn't have run for re-election.”

Armed with a four-inch thick folder containing zoning ordinances, photographs, court motions, affidavits and his own campaign literature, Sherr – an attorney and CPA by training who serves as vice president of his family's

DOWNTOWN

real estate and management business – spent about an hour on Wednesday, September 4 laying out his defense to a reporter in a Royal Oak coffee shop.

"Safety, security and stability," Sherr said, repeating his top priorities listed in his campaign literature. "That includes people and property. I always stand by that."

And it was exactly that duty to safety that Sherr said he was following when he removed four campaign signs that belonged to then-school board candidate Prasad. Signs Sherr claims were in violation of the city's sign ordinance and had the potential to distract drivers or impair their vision by being too close to the road.

Further, Sherr noted, through affidavits given in January 2019 by two property owners where the signs were removed, he had express permission by the owners to remove any signs that were in violation of the ordinance.

Additionally, Sherr said he had no other motive to remove the signs and didn't act with any malicious intent.

A trial date had been set for September 23 before 44th District Court Judge Derek Meinecke; Sherr said he opted to enter a plea of no contest to the single charge of larceny under $200 in order to end the case. A plea of no contest means the defendant doesn't admit guilt, nor do they dispute the charge in court. Sherr was sentenced that day to pay $1,125 in fines and court costs, serve community service and 10 days in the court's Weekend Alternative for Misdemeanants program.

While Sherr said he believes he would have been cleared of any wrongdoing at a criminal trial, he said the negative attention from the case had become overwhelming and he entered the no contest plea to put an end to the situation.

"This all took place in November, and today is September 4. The case was going to be adjourned at the trial date, again," Sherr said. "It was already 11 months with no end in sight. I have my limit. I'm only human."

Both Sherr nor Prasad said they didn't know each other when the incident occurred. Prasad – a first-time political candidate – also said she didn't know why her signs were going missing, as the city had not received any complaints about the signs being in violation of the ordinance.

While the case has been closed, Sherr is still working through the sentencing, as well as his own frustrations as he continues to point to the victim in the case, insisting Prasad knowingly placed signs in violation.

Still, looking back at the incident, 81

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BIRMINGHAM Sherr said he questioned his own actions that night, which is why he claims he didn't remove other candidate signs at the time.

"After removing four signs, I was standing in the rain, soaking wet and cold and I said to myself, 'Why am I doing this?'" he said. "I had no motive.

My motive was public safety. All she was to me was an illegally placed sign."

Sherr clarified that nobody had instructed him to remove signs, and that he acted on his own. He said he previously misspoke when he asserted that then-mayor Sarah McClure, currently a commissioner, had instructed him to remove any signs.

Rather, he said, McClure has mentioned that signs can be a problem in general.

"I'm sorry this whole thing ever happened," Sherr said. "I never intended for any of this."

Buckley named to commission opening

By Kevin Elliott

The Bloomfield Hills City Commission on Tuesday, September 10, appointed local resident Alice Buckley to the commission to replace Michael Coakley, who recently moved from the city, making him ineligible to serve the remainder of his term.

Buckley, who is running unopposed for a commission seat in November, is a former corporate attorney for K-Mart and Sears for more than 36 years who retired as divisional vice president of commercial law. She has also served as an alternate on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Coakley, who was recognized by the commission on September 10 for his years of service to the city, was elected to the city commission in 2013. He previously served for 16 years on the city's zoning board of appeals. A former attorney, Coakley retired as a senior principal at Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone.

Coakley's move disqualifies him from serving on the commission. The commission had 30 days to appoint a new commissioner. The commission unanimously approved Buckley's appointment.

Buckley in November will be joined

by Bloomfield Hills resident Brad Baxter, who will fill the vacancy of current commissioner Stuart Sherr, who will not be running for re-election after pleading no contest to misdemeanor theft of election signs in 2018. Incumbents William Hosler, Sarah McClure and Mayor Susan McCarthy are all running downtownpublications.com

unopposed for another term on the commission.

Higher building heights considered

By Lisa Brody

Following a request from a rezoning applicant, the Birmingham Planning Board held a study session on Wednesday, September 11, to review a report from DPZ on potentially having building heights higher than five stories in one block of downtown, between Brown and Haynes streets, and Woodward and Old Woodward avenues.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker said on July 10 the owner of property at 469-479 S. Old Woodward, where Mountain King and a bank had formerly been located, had requested an amendment to the zoning ordinance and/or zoning map, specifically requesting the planning board clarify the applicable standards to determine building height in the D5 zone; to clarify the meaning of “immediate adjacent or abutting;” and determine which properties to consider, if any, for D-5 rezoning.

While the applicant, Doraid Marcus, had previously requested rezoning, Ecker said that since the city commission had had three motions which had all failed, lawyers for both Marcus and the city had determined no action had been taken, and he was able to reapply for rezoning.

She reminded the board that at a July study session they had recommended that a consultant study the issue, and determined to have DPZ, which is doing the city's master plan, do it. After a request for authorization from the city manager which was approved, she said DPZ conducted a focused study.

“Their recommendation was the whole block should be considered for rezoning to D-5, other than possibly the Peabody Mansion, because it's a historical mansion,” Ecker said. “Now we have everything in place to amend the ordinance.”

The city had created a D-5 zoning classification in recent years for nonconforming buildings, such as the 555 Building, Birmingham Place and the Merrillwood Building, which are higher than current height standards in the city's downtown, or overlay, district, where according to the Birmingham master plan and 2016 Plan, in a D-4 zone, mixed use buildings can be no more than five stories.

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Ecker said that D-5 zoning requires a special land use permit, “which allows the city to add conditions as the city sees fit. It can only go as high as an abutting building. If the city doesn't like how it is being followed, it can revoke the zoning. It's the only zoning district we have that requires a special land use permit.”

After discussion and hearing from the public, board members did not feel they were ready to schedule a public hearing, requesting massing drawings of the included properties.

They also said they would like to have more discussion of what “abutting” really means.

Three eateries eyed for Mitchell’s site

By Lisa Brody

Three restaurants proposed for the former Mitchell's site in Birmingham received special land use permit, final site plan and design review recommendations from the Birmingham Planning Board at its meeting on Wednesday, September 11,

and will move forward to the Birmingham City Commission for final approval.

The three proposed restaurants, Sidecar, Shift and Slice, from Birmingham restaurateur Steve Simon, owner of Rojo Mexican and Sidecar, had come before the planning board in late August, but concerns about inconsistencies in the plan, primarily regarding outdoor seating and if there was enough room for the pedestrian sidewalk, required architect Chris Longe to return to the drawing board for revisions.

The site already has an existing Class C liquor license, so there are no restrictions on seating, but city ordinance requires a special land use permit. Mitchell's Fish Market, 117 Willits, closed January 1, 2018, and the site has been vacant since.

Shift, an American eatery, would be in the former bar area of Mitchell's, with food specialties from across the country and custom alcoholic drinks and a contemporary lounge ambiance; Sidecar would relocate from Merrill Street, featuring a full menu of slider options, sides and alcoholic beverages with a rustic pub feel; and Slice is

designed as traditional pizza parlor atmosphere and full pizzeria menu with alcohol service.

At the September 11 meeting, planning director Jana Ecker said the applicant had removed outdoor seating in front of Shift, significantly reduced the seating in front of Sidecar, “and actually added two seats in front of Slice, but reconfigured it, allowing a five-foot pedestrian path.”

She said planters that were supposed to go around the outdoor dining area at Sidecar had been changed to decorative iron.

Board members liked what they saw, and unanimously recommended the three restaurants move to the city commission for final site plan, design review and special land use permit approval.

At the August 28 meeting, Simon was asked why he was moving Sidecar, and he said, “Our lease is up in about a year, and our Rojo lease expires at the same time. We tried to negotiate. We were unable to come to an extension and we've moved in a new direction, with Rojo coming to an end. Slice, being a family establishment, which we feel Birmingham needs, we're

looking to enliven that corner. Shift is having a Sugar House feel.”

Bloomfield Hills library pact okayed The Bloomfield Hills City Commission on Tuesday, August 13, approved the renewal of a contract between the city of Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library for library services.

The contract, which next goes before the library board for approval, will then be placed on the August 2020 election ballot for a millage vote from Bloomfield Hills residents.

About 1,300 Bloomfield Hills residents use library services at Baldwin Library, which includes book circulation, inter-library loans, home delivery, electronic books and resources, reading programs, book clubs, homework assistance and study and collaborative spaces. Library services have been provided since June 18, 2011, after an initial vote of residents to accept the millage rate for funding the services.

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FACES Shari Cohen hari Cohen has some tips for people looking to volunteer with children.

“It takes patience. It takes an ability to see things from a child’s point of view – which isn’t always easy to do. Take it slowly, give a lot of positive feedback, and be willing to give a child a lot of positive recognition,” she said.

Cohen knows what she’s talking about. She was named one of the Association for Women in Communications’ Detroit chapter’s eight Literacy Heroines this past May. The awards, which were presented in June, went to AWC members who serve literacy programs through libraries, schools, and non-profits, while also contributing to the success of AWC’s “Driving Literacy in the D” initiative.

“I was happy and surprised,” the Bloomfield Township resident said about the award. “Normally, you don’t expect to get any public recognition for it, it’s its own award…so it was particularly nice that they recognized me for something I find meaningful.”

Cohen – who works as a communications consultant – has volunteered for many years, working with organizations like the Oakland Literacy Council, where she worked with immigrants and adults who lacked adequate literacy skills. She currently volunteers with children through the Detroit Public Schools Volunteer Reading Corp program. She’s been a part of the latter since 2009, and has worked primarily with those in preschool through second grade.

Cohen doesn’t have a grade preference – she just enjoys working with children, especially those who are receptive and she can see progress with. Each grade comes with its own bonuses, like how preschoolers tend to just be plain fun. With the preschoolers, Cohen said she works on skills like how to hold a book, follow along sentences, and ask questions about the photos, trying to get them to understand what it means to read.

Then there’s sight words and learning to write with the kindergarteners before working on vocabulary and writing sentences with the first and second graders.

She said it’s exciting to watch a child progress and know she was a part of that. Cohen does admit, though, she’s only one factor in their progress.

“Clearly, being in school, and if they have a good teacher, it makes a big difference,” Cohen said.

It also helps when they get help at home. Cohen views her role as a person who is able to assist in filling in the gaps for those struggling to read and write.

Each week she shows up at Pasteur Elementary School in Detroit ready to go. Even on the days when it can be frustrating, which happens very occasionally, Cohen still believes every single one of those children she works with has the ability to learn how to read.

That mindset – along with loving to read since she was a small child – keeps her volunteering, something she doesn’t imagine stopping any time soon.

“I think that reading is critical for success in life,” Cohen said.

“If you can read you can take yourself to places, but if you can’t read, you can’t fill out a job application, you won’t understand the labels at the grocery store.”

Cohen is able to give back to the school district she graduated from too, having attended Detroit’s Vernor Elementary School.

“I feel it’s important for somebody like me to do it,” she said, “Being successful in school is so important to the future, and if I can spare the time and the energy, I’m glad to help the district where I used to go.”

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124 West Maple Road BiRMinghaM 48009

92

Birmingham’s venerable Douglas Cleaner’s, a part of the local community since 1949, has been sold from its original owners, the Underdown family. Amy and André Douville purchased the two stores, located at 900 N. Old Woodward at Oak, and 1794 W. Maple Road at Chesterfield, June 1, from David Underdown III. Amy said all of the staff, most of whom have been with Douglas for more than 20 years, have remained with them. While neither she nor André had previous experience in the dry cleaning business, in a meant-to-be twist, she said, “My great-grandfather opened 23 dry cleaning stores in Detroit. I grew up fascinated by the lines. My father grew up in the business.” The Douvilles assure customers, new and old, that there is no change in the quality and business model of Douglas Cleaners. “It’s the same great service and customer service,” Amy said. The only change is some aesthetic renovations at both stores, including new furniture, carpet, windows and landscaping at the Oak location, and outside renovations on Maple. “We’re so happy and we’re very lucky. We love getting up to go to work in the morning,” she said. “I hear all the time from customers, and it’s an honor for André and I to own such a well-respected business in the community.”

Stylized hair services R. Collective, 383 Hamilton Row in Birmingham, calls themselves “a high-end, client-driven hair salon which offers affordable luxury in a relaxed, ego-free environment.”

While many salons offer head-to-toe services, R. Collective understands what they do – which is all kinds of hair services, from basic cuts for women, men and children, to color, conditioning, blowouts, updos, and straightening, including Keratin treatments. They can also provide correct color treatments, as well as extensions, and offer balayage/ombre coloring. The salon is co-owned by Scott Raymaker, a hair and color stylist with over 20 years in the business; Amanda Raymaker, a highly-skilled colorist who is also known for her trendy women’s cuts, with a decade’s worth of experience; and Tony Raymaker, who also has two decades of experience skilled in haircuts and color treatments. This

is the trio’s second location, expanding from their Clawson location.

Coworking space Shared work space has becoming a thriving industry all over the country, but before Share Birmingham coworking space, 205 Pierce Street, Birmingham was absent from the trend. It’s owned by Michael Sarafa, managing partner of Vision Growth and a partner in Toast Birmingham, along with four other local investors, who have taken unused and what they termed “abandoned” space in the basement of Toast and given it new life. “Now it’s home to a community of innovators and entrepreneurs,” their website states.

Share offers 24-hour access to its space, a private phone booth, “insanely” fast internet, conference rooms, mail service and printer, scanner and copier in a modern design. Available options include a shared desk, or private office for two, three, four or five.

Coworking space part II Birmingham’s Rail District has its own unique coworking space now, as well, called The Den, 2139 Cole Street, and is the brainchild of Kelli DelaRosa and Becky Peters, principals of Partnrhaus, an interiors design company and Kimball furniture dealer located at the same address. Focused on designing for work environments, The Den came about when they leased the 3,200-square-foot location on Cole Street, which was larger than they needed for their company. “We decided we needed a showroom to showcase our work to designers and customers,” she said, and realized that by creating a shared coworking space, “we could learn how people use and work in different ways.” And their experiment is definitely paying off.

“It’s been really good research for us. It’s interesting to see how different generations work,” she said, noting, “We have different CEOs coming in, and not only are they networking, they’re doing business together.” The Den is perfect for “nomads, startups, freelancers, and businesses in need of additional employee space.”

DelaRosa said their space is divided up “just like a house would be – living room, den, kitchen – and function similar to what the room would be. It allows for the collaboration space we need.” They

doWntoWn

offer free internet, coffee and snacks, copy and printing, member wall feature, event space rental, lockable storage and in-space networking and learning events, with monthly, part-time and even day rates.

Cosmetic services Looking to erase a few of those lines from your brow? Ira Harrison is a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner who followed her passion and opened Between the Lines Aesthetics, 280 W. Maple Road, Suite 217, Birmingham, in August. Harrison said it has been her lifelong passion to embrace patients “in finding peace, happiness, joy and a renewed sense of beauty.” As a highly-experienced nurse injector, she said she is fulfilling her dream of helping patients look and feel their absolute best with the use of dermal fillers, botox, Kybella and platelet rich plasma. She is also an avid believer in patient education and enjoys teaching her clients about antiaging therapies. Harrison is excited to help her clients achieve whatever their skincare goals are by improving fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, hair restoration and fat reduction under the chin.

Panera relocation Fans of Panera Bread in downtown Birmingham will have to travel a little farther for their favorite baked goods, sandwiches and salads. As of Friday, September 6, the Panera at 100 N. Old Woodward at the corner of Maple Road, closed for good, reopening in the new Beaumont Woodward Commons development in Royal Oak at 13 Mile and Woodward.

Athletic shop closed Pogo, 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, an activewear and athletic store that specialized in footwear, apparel and accessories, has closed after a sale by its corporate owner.

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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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, MondaySaturday. 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. 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.

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

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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, Monday-Saturday; 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. 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 Dolci e Caffe: Italian.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492.

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GREAT CHANGES AT STEVE'S DELI Our patrons will notice some exciting changes that we are making at Steve's Deli as we continue to grow.

Rest assured that the same owners who started and have run the restaurant for over 25 years remain and continue to offer the best deli food and kosher-style foods and desserts.

Our operating philosophy is also still the same – this is not just a business but a second home to our family, which is why we remain the most popular iconic deli in Oakland County and beyond.

Some of these exciting changes we are making include: • We’ve added a top chef trained under the famous Steve Romanik from the famed restaurant Home Sweet Home.

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6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | stevesdeli.com 95

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.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 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.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Pernoi: Italian/Japanese. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.940.0000.

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 Red Olive: Middle Eastern/American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.7767.

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & 96

Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167.

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, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

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. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

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; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 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.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

Village Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams.

Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 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, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

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.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

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, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. 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,

DOWNTOWN

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.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300.

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.

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.

Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083.

248.817.2424.

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 & 10.19

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Contact Jessie Miller Special Events Director | 586.944.8222 jemiller@aegpresents.com | www.romtlive.com 97

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.

Fine level of dining On September 10, the very highly anticipated Pernoi – 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham – finally opened its doors. Once inside, guests found multiple dining experiences offered at the restaurant, owned by acclaimed chefs Luciano DelSignore and Takashi Yagihashi. There’s the Maple Room – named after its location – the most elegant space in the new establishment, with jackets required for men, and a la carte and prix fixe menu options, the latter which will be rolled out at the beginning of October. Going along with the aesthetic – made to feel like being on a motor yacht in days of yore – is the slightly more casual Port Room, as in port and starboard, which will have the same a la carte menu as the Terrace, a 35-seat outdoor courtyard that is open April through the beginning of November. The menu features items like Moroccan glazed squab, Iowa Wagyu beef, and tuna sashimi with a sweet onion vinaigrette. “I’m proud of every single item,” said DelSignore. Drinks include a wine list with 400 options and a cocktail program with over 100 recipes. Pernoi isn’t just about the food and drinks, but bringing fine dining to another level, with the hospitality to match. “We’re trying to create an experience,” DelSignore said. “This is the finer things in life.”

High in the sky James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain and his hospitality group, McClain Camarota Hospitality, know the views from the top of the GM Renaissance Center – in the former Coach Insignia location – are spectacular.

It’s part of why they wanted to introduce four concepts there, all under the umbrella called Highlands. They hope that view will be the second or third thing guests mention when they tell their friends about them, though. “It is stunning but we really want to create an experience that is equal to the view and equals the level of excellence that we try to bring to our projects,” he said. Among the four concepts – looking to open in mid-November – are Highlands Steakhouse, where the traditional steakhouse model will be put on its head and guests can try an expanded menu with some unexpected items; the much more casual Hearth 71, which is half the size of Highlands and has a small plates menu leaning towards Mediterranean flavors and craft beers; and a highlighted scotch and whiskey collection from around the world at the High Bar. The group also has Highlands Events, a space to hold private events. Ultimately, McClain said they want to become “a musthave for people in the city, and a must-try for people that are visiting the city.”

Otherworldly pizza Pizza aficionados have a new joint to look forward to as Green Lantern Pizza has plans to open up its seventh location this November in Berkley. Located at 4033 12 Mile Road, the pizzeria, which has been family-owned and operated since 1955, will have a similar decor and almost identical menu to their Clinton Township space. They may be bringing a few additions once they open the 5,200-square-foot space, though. “We have been toying around with adding a pasta dish...if we do it, it will be launched with Berkley,” said co-owner John Spreitzer. Menu items include their well-known pizza, and appetizers, like hand-rolled jalapeño popper with bacon and reuben egg rolls.

In addition, there will be a full bar. Spreitzer wants Green Lantern Pizza to fill the gap in Berkley for larger restaurants, ones where friends and family come together and not worry about space restrictions. The pizzeria is also looking in Troy to expand their carryout/delivery stores.

Soulful mix With his restaurant looking to open by mid-November, how is Gary Mui feeling? “Very scared and very excited,” laughed Mui, co-owner of the upcoming Alma Kitchen with Alicia Sanchez. Filled with art deco elements the restaurant – “alma” means “soul” in the kitchen – will open at 14300 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit and have a menu full of Chinese, American, and Mexican flavors. Mui wants to make it extremely clear though, this is not a fusion restaurant, so don’t expect something like almond boneless chicken

Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. 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, MondayFriday. 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, MondaySaturday. 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, Monday-Friday.

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, MondaySaturday. 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.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills,

48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.

538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner

daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday.

Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday.

No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202.

313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

tacos. “It’s kind of like an homage to growing up in the metro Detroit area,” said Mui, who is a first-generation Chinese-American. “We decided that we wanted to be authentic in some ways but also have some familiar flavors with a different preparation, like a modern take.” Examples of their cuisine include their almond boneless chicken with a scallion waffle, and birria tacos, a spicy Mexican stew full of meat and peppers. The drink menu will have craft cocktails with an international flare, and lots of options with tequila.

Upgrading a staple Over the next six months big changes are coming to the Jim Brady’s Detroit menu, thanks to their new chef, Christian Borden. Being done in four stages – with five dishes being executed at a time – Borden said they plan to change the entire core menu at 1214 S. Main Street, Royal Oak along with their other location in Ann Arbor, making it a bit more modern and upscale. The interior of the Royal Oak location is also being renovated in the near future. The first initiative was rolled out at the beginning of September and the dishes are already proving popular. “Immediately, we started selling multiple orders on the same ticket, and it’s not uncommon to have three impossible burgers and a grilled cheese (made with chao cheese, a dairy-free product) going out to a table,” Borden said. They also added a Faygo float, and Borden’s favorite, an exotic mushroom mix appetizer, topped with a brown sugar soy glaze. For those who love their Charlie Brown burger and chili – two items that have been on the menu for decades – don’t worry, they’re not going anywhere.

Unique and accessible The duo behind Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails – Sandy Levine, restaurateur, and Doug Hewitt, chef – are opening up a second restaurant at 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit. Hoping to push the envelope with the upcoming spot, Freya & Dragonfly, it will be treated as two spaces with two separate concepts, each getting their own kitchen, with the one at Freya in the middle of the space. Dragonfly will consist of hand-held bites with a vegetable focus, and will be paired with a cocktail and beverage program, focused on lower alcohol cocktails that use lots of fresh produce. Freya will have a tasting menu with options that will be highly dependent on local harvests. At Freya, named after the Norse goddess of love, the duo want to match the experience of a $300 tasting menu but make it much more affordable. “I very much want this restaurant to be something everybody in Detroit can have access to,” Levine said. While they haven’t started demolition and the drawings aren’t complete, they hope to open by the end of 2020.

Worldly cafe Owner Marizza Alego-Cariño has traveled all over the world and been to a lot of cafes, which is how she found herself wanting to open a cafe in Troy that felt homey and wasn’t just another chain. Enter Cafe Immortelle, which recently opened at 4979 Livernois Road, Troy. The cafe sells Eli Tea Bar, their signature Immortelle tea blend (which Alego-Cariño makes), bubble tea, and a variety of drinks made with Populace Coffee Co. Influenced by her own travels, the food menu doesn’t look like any other cafe, featuring croissant sandwiches, avocado toast – with toppings like chili, and tomato and basil – a Spanish sardine sandwich, spam musubi, and veggie nigiri.

Get your dog on Tarji Carter, chief development officer for the Original Hot Dog Factory, currently based in Atlanta, hopes the coney dog on their menu will get Michiganders in the door, and then have them try a few of their other options.

With over 30 different toppings, and multiple proteins to select from – including chicken sausages, turkey sausages, and veggie sausages – the menu has a number of regional style offerings like the LA Dog and New Yorker. “We love the fact that we cater to pretty much everyone,” she said.

“We like to say that hot dogs don’t discriminate and neither do we.” The company – whose CEO is Michigan native and University of Michigan alumnus, Dennis McKinley – is looking to open two locations of the franchise in Southfield and Midtown Detroit (one by the end of the year), and a total of 10 across the state by 2021. If you aren’t into hot dogs, they also offer sandwiches, salads, burgers, and chicken wings. Those with a sweet tooth can get excited, too. Desserts include deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “October means something very important to the arts world and to communities throughout the United States – National Arts and Humanities Month.”

Cultural institutions and citizens around Michigan celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month via scores of events that proudly showcase our state as an eclectic and dynamic artistic community, rich in cultural heritage.

As a cherished, 96-year old cultural gem, The Community House keenly understands that arts and culture has a wider, more measurable impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education. As such, The Community House will proudly celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month during the months of October through December. Some of these events include: 2019 Women of Influence Series: Dates include October 2nd, 16th, 23rd, and November 5th. Events begin at 6:30 p.m.. A lecture series sponsored by The Community House featuring women shaping Michigan’s cultural and societal landscape. Guest speakers include: Joumana Kayrouz, founder and principal attorney of Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, October 2; Amy Good, CEO of Alternatives for Girls, October 16; Denise Dalrymple, CEO of Girls Scouts of Southeast Michigan, October 23; Mimi Brown, president of the National Speakers Association of Michigan, November 5. Tickets are $15 per lecture, $45 for the series. Reserve your tickets early; seating is limited.

Bill Seklar

Fall Yoga Day 2019 proudly brought to you by The Community House and the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit on Sunday, October 20th at TCH. Join us for a full or half day of yoga and meditative practices that will lead participants through sessions on Finding Stability and Balance, Balancing Energy & Chakra Meditation, Laughter Yoga, and More Ease (Sukkha) Less Suffering (Dukkha). Early registration is advised, space is limited. Ticket prices are: Full Day - $65 (9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); Morning Only - $37 (9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.); Afternoon Only - $37 (1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased by calling 248.644.5832 or visiting communityhouse.asapconnected.com/#Events.

Monster Mash – a night of Halloween fun and adventure at The Community House – presented by the TCH Dance Academy on Friday, October 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be tricks and treats for everyone. Little ones will eat pizza, dance, play games and make spooky Halloween crafts. Children can wear their Halloween costume, dance attire or comfortable clothing they can move in. Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions prior to the event. Please preregister by Thursday, October 24. Ages 3 and up. Tickets: $30 for the first child, $20 for each additional child.

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The TCH Sara Smith Youth Theatre proudly presenting Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., running Saturday, November 9 through Sunday, November 10; Dive under the sea, as we join Ariel and her aquatic friends in this childhood favorite.

We invite you to come “sea” what all the fun is about. Performance Dates: Saturday, November 9 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. & Sunday, November 10, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket prices: Children’s Floor Seating: $10pp; General Admission: $20pp; Reserved Seating: $30pp, Group Tickets (10 min.): $15 pp. Tickets can be purchased by calling 248.644.5832 or visiting communityhouse.com.

The 2nd Annual Holiday Concert Series hosted by The Community House, sponsored by Detroit Public Television and WRCJ 90.9 FM taking place at The Community House in the Wallace Ballroom on December 4, 11 and 18. Featuring sounds of the season performed by musician-extraordinaires from various worldrenowned orchestras and theaters including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Performances confirmed to date: Andrew Wu String Trio and Melody Wooten & Christa Grix.

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William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

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For reservations, tickets or more information about The Community House classes and events, please go to or call 248.644.5832.

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The Nutcracker performed by TCH Dance Academy taking place on Sunday, December 15 in the Wallace Ballroom at The Community House. Two performances at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Spend the holidays with The Community House Dance Academy for this time honored classic. Tickets are $10pp children’s floor seating; $15pp general admission; $25pp reserved seating. Tickets available soon.

Ray Bazzi – Owner

Adams

Sugar Plum Tea Party brought to you by TCH Dance Academy on Sunday, December 8. Take a trip to the Land of Sweets! You and your little one will have the opportunity to dance alongside our Nutcracker performers, make custom holiday crafts, and enjoy scrumptious treats.Tickets are $20pp for children; $15pp for adults. Tickets on sale now.

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SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

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Angels Place Annual Golf and Tennis Classic

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Over 200 golfers and 20 tennis players came out to support the Angelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Place Golf and Tennis Classic at Pine Lake Country Club in West Bloomfield. Attendees enjoyed a full day of activities including continental breakfast, golf/tennis mixer, luncheon, cocktails, dinner and program. Dale Prentice and Robert Sparks served as chairs for the tennis mixer. The golf was chaired by John Frasco and Tim Hildebrand. Over $250,000 was raised for Angels' Place, which provides people-centered services, including homes and professional support, for adults with developmental disabilities. 1. seated-Catherine Pardi of Bloomfield, Ben Gorcyca of Lake Orion, Michaela Rochow of W. Bloomfield. Standing-Frank Jonna of Bloomfield and Barbara Urbiel of Dearborn. 2. Charlie Forberg of Birmingham and Jim Ryan of Bingham Farms.

3. Nora Hamill of Bloomfield, Peter Treboldi of Troy and Chris Ulrich of Birmingham. 4. Dawn Bradley of Huntington Woods and Carole Karbon of Waterford. 5. Co-chair John Frasco of Birmingham and Barbara Urbiel of Dearborn. 6. Michelle Joliat of Metamora and Karen Joliat of Waterford. 7. Beth Hoyt of W. Bloomfield, Debbie Blinstrub of Birmingham and Laurie Van Swearingen of W. Bloomfield. 8. Annette Kizy of Beverly Hills, Linda Powers of Bloomfield and Denise Kizy of Beverly Hills.

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Arab American and Chaldean Council

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The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) was able to award a record 35 scholarships to high school seniors from throughout southeast Michigan at its recent Annual Golf Outing & Scholarship Awards Dinner held at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield. Over 200 people were in attendance at the event. The funds were generated through sponsorships, raffle contest and silent auction. The proceeds benefited the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scholarship awards, as well as youth programs.

Scholarships were based on academic excellence and financial need. 1. Dr. Jacoub Mansour of W. Bloomfield, Awni Falhoury of Troy, Abah Wazeer of W. Bloomfield, Justin Yono of W. Bloomfield, Nabby Yono of W. Bloomfield. 2. Gordon Wong of Northville, Jim Bedson of Farmington Hills, and Kevin Ennis of Plymouth. 3. Kayed, Fadid, Jacob and George Azur of Troy. 4. Donnell White of Detroit and Nabby Yono of W. Bloomfield. 5. Nabby Yono of W. Bloomfield, Chairman of AAC board Abe Munfeh and President of AAC Haifa Fakhouri of Troy. 6. Hafa Aziz of Troy, Nadwa Aziza of Troy and Carmen and Miruna Bordea of Warren. 7. Jonathan and Balsam Nannoshi of W. Bloomfield. 8. Jim Garmo of W. Bloomfield, Rad Kathawa of Bloomfield and Dr. Jacoub Mansour of W. Bloomfield.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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Rose Hill 28th Annual Golf Tournament

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The goal of the 28th Annual Rose Hill Golf Tournament was not only raise money to benefit the residents of Rose Hill Center, but also to raise awareness for mental health and substance abuse. The tournament was held at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Twenty-five teams of golfers participated in the event, which also included buffet lunch, cocktail reception, dinner and awards program. The $85,000 in proceeds will provide financial assistance to those who are struggling with mental illness. 1. John Boukamp and John Boukamp IV of Birmingham. 2. Sara Marshall, Kathleen McInerny, Carol Chisholm of Birmingham and Patty Kelly McNeill of Grosse Pointe. 3. Dick Walsh of Bloomfield and Pat Walsh of South Bend, IN. 4. Rose Hill founders Dan and Rosemary Kelly of Bloomfield. 5. Caryn Chigne of Beverly Hills, event chair Greg Schwartz, Jr. of Bloomfield. 6. Steve Murphy of Grosse Pointe, Greg Schwartz, Jr. of Bloomfield, Petey of Troy, Greg Schwartz III of Royal Oak and Matt Thatcher of Detroit. 7. Dan Kelly of Bloomfield, Pat Walsh of South Bend, IN and Dick Walsh of Bloomfield. 8. First Place Winners: Bob Roland of Bloomfield, Don Carney of Birmingham, Fred Adams of Bloomfield and Mel Vanderbrug of Bloomfield.

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Motor City Mingle, Concours Kickoff Dinner

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The 2019 Concours dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Elegance of America was held at The Inn at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Plymouth. The Motor City Mingle marked the official kickoff to the three-day event. Over 200 attendees were treated to an evening of art, cocktails, wine-paring dinner, music by NUCLASSICA, a live runway show presented by Dolce Moda of Birmingham, and an auction. Auction proceeds of approximately $30,000 benefited Project Beautiful-Inside and Out, a Michigan non-profit whose mission is to build confidence and inspire hope as individuals and families rebuild their lives. 1. Teckla Rhoads of Shelby Twp. and Linda Channell of Northville. 2. Andrea Guttilla of Bloomfield, John Akouri of Farmington Hills, Deanna Lites of Bloomfield. 3. Kip Wasenko and Ricca Gonzalez of Waterford, Ava Sand and Al Trombetta of Royal Oak. 4. Chairman of Concours Larry Moss and Patty Moss of W. Bloomfield. 5. Chris and Suzanne Sadek of Birmingham. 6. Patty Moss of W. Bloomfield, Marty Boda and Dan Sommer of Novi. 7. Jason and Renea Keele of Davison, Marc Beshany of Birmingham and Kimberly Williams of Birmingham. 8. Mark and Leora Tapper of Birmingham.

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Judson Center’s Corporate Golf Challenge

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Since 1992, the Judson Center’s Corporate Golf Challenge has been changing lives, one tee at a time. This year’s event was held at Franklin Hills Country Club and included BBQ lunch, putting challenge, cocktail reception, massage tent, dinner and program. At the conclusion of the event, Judson Center CEO and President Lenora Hardy-Foster announced that the event had raised $160,000. Judson Center provides comprehensive services in southeast Michigan that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. 1. Evan and Michelle McCulloch of Beverly Hills.

2. Fadi Francis of Troy, Mark Smolinski of Bloomfield, Janelle Morck of Shelby Twp. 3. Pierre Boutros of Birmingham and Betsy Reich of Beverly Hills. 4. Nick Papadas of Macomb and emcee Ann Marie LaFlamme of WXYZ-TV. 5. Tim and Laura Kowalski of Milford. 6. John Matuska of Walled Lake and Tricia Ruby of Bloomfield. 7. Jen Thomas of Royal Oak and Joe Rohatynski of Brighton.

8. Alan Blanchett of Monroe and Bruce Rsztak of Bloomfield.

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Paul W. Smith Golf Classic

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The 16th annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic netted just over $430,000, bringing the total financial contribution to more than $6.8 million net since its founding in 2004. Monies raised will go directly to four charities, including the newest beneficiary, The Children’s Foundation, joining Detroit PAL, The Children's Center, and Variety, the Children’s Charity Detroit. In all, the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic proceeds support programs that impact 55,000 youth. The event was held at the Detroit Golf Club and attended by 250 corporate and community representatives. 1. standing: John Karcher of Novi, Jamie Gusinger of Troy, Scott Burns of Monroe; seated: Eric Nagle of Monroe, Paul W. Smith and Kim Smith of Grosse Pointe Farms, Alison Avendt of Toledo, OH. 2. standing: Marc Rosenbrock of Royal Oak, Mike Brown of Oakland Twp., Kyle Smith of Beverly Hills; seated: Jeff Grzymkowki of Rochester Hills, Steve Gonda of Royal Oak and Walter Polleiner of Rochester Hills. 3. Scott LaRiche of Northville, Jim Seavitt of Orchard Lake and Paul Sabatini of Bloomfield. 4. Karen Kazmer of Sterling Heights and Executive Director of Variety Michelle Murphy of Macomb. 5. seated: Felicia Palazzolo-Shaw and Ruthie Seltzer of Birmingham; standing: Karen Gaudette of Birmingham and Barb Brown of Beverly Hills.

6. Luanne Thomas Ewald of Royal Oak, president and CEO, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Larry Burns of Grosse Pointe Park and Sue Brueckman of Troy. 7. Douglas Manigault III of Detroit, Janisha Szabo of Livonia and Chief of Philanthropy of the Children’s Center, Tammy Zonker of Royal Oak. 8. Liz Kellogg of Birmingham, Keith Naughton of Northville and Brad Carroll of Detroit.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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CARE House of Oakland County, The Morrie Charity Preview

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A special charity preview was held for over 100 CARE House supporters to get a sneak peek of Aaron F. Belen’s long anticipated new Birmingham eatery, The Morrie. Attendees had the opportunity to be the first to experience the modern sleek interior of The Morrie while enjoying small plate cuisine, cocktails and live music. The event’s proceeds totaled $10,500 and will benefit CARE House of Oakland County which offers an array of programs focused on the identification and treatment of child abuse victims and child abuse prevention. 1. Director of Operations for The Morrie Keith Schofield and Lea Schofield of Royal Oak and The Morrie owner, Aaron F. Belen of Bloomfield.

2. Ceil Tomalis of Birmingham, Bill Stachnick of Berkley and Joyce Hazamy of Northville.

3. Cathy Weissenborn of Bloomfield and Tim Currier of Troy. 4. Executive Director of CARE House, Blythe Spitsbergen of Farmington and Renee McLeod of Birmingham. 5. Sheryl Hauk of Bloomfield.

6. Joe Bauman of Livonia and Mayor Patty Bordman of Birmingham. 7. Judge Jim Alexander of Bloomfield, Wendy Potts of Birmingham and Bill Ludwig of Birmingham. 8. Beatrice and Pierre Boutros of Birmingham, Denise Abrash of Bloomfield and Nicki Braddock of Birmingham.

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Free Flow Festival Charity Concert

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Free Flow Festival is an annual non-profit fundraising event showcasing local independent music.

This year’s festival was held at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit and was presented by Gifts of Grace Ministries, a Detroit-based street outreach program offering resources and assistance to sextrafficked women. Proceeds from the event benefited four local charities all working to fight human trafficking and/or adult female survivors in southeast Michigan. Charities included Gifts of Grace Ministries, Detroit Crime Commission, Hope Against Trafficking and Sanctum House.

1. Morgan Guerrieri, Kathleen Nagle, Sierra Larson of Bloomfield. 2. Loretta Ryan of Bingham Farms, Edee Franklin of Huntington Woods, Terry Nagle and Chris Nagle of Royal Oak. 3. Mary Ellen King of Northville and Barbara Ruskin of Bloomfield. 4. Margie Anastasio of Farmington Hills and Amy Kanarios of Bloomfield. 5. M.C. Harrington of Los Angeles, Maggie Shannon of Ann Arbor and Sara Uffelman of Auburn Hills. 6. Kathy Gnau of Bloomfield, Julie Pulte of Troy and Jan Burke of Lake Angelus. 7. Stephani Yates and Amy and Steve Ben-Ezra of Franklin.

8. Joyce Helms of Bloomfield, Lisa Guerra of W. Bloomfield and Lisa Smith of Farmington.

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Art and Soul Dreams Photo Exhibit

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Art & Soul Dreams hosted its fourth annual reception and photo exhibit at the Pontiac Creative Arts Center. The grassroots non-profit was started three years ago by Melissa T. Parks with a goal of increasing the rate of adoption in Michigan foster care. To achieve this mission, Art and Soul Dreams partnered with award-winning photographers to capture the soul of older children looking for a forever family. Every child was portrayed as a work of art. The reception featured live music and refreshments along with the opportunity to meet the amazing youths who were beautifully photographed. 1. Wendy Zaremba-Just of Berkley and Art and Soul Founder Melissa Parks of Bloomfield. 2. Jay Tobin and Lisa Emerson of Bloomfield. 3. Melissa Parks of Bloomfield, Judge Debra Nance of Southfield and Celeste McDermott of Farmington Hills.

4. Carol Marshall of Bloomfield. 5. Suzy Bai of Beverly Hills. 6. Ingrid Evert of Bloomfield.

7. Josie Teachout and Lani Parks of Bloomfield. 8. Musician Ali McManus of Troy.

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DIA Fash Bash

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This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fash Bash, presented by the DIA Auxiliary Founders Junior Council and Neiman Marcus, was chaired by Burt Jordan and Marchelle Costa, Matt and Nicole Lester, Chris and Jennifer Granger, Amanda Fisher and Ben Hubert and William and Ashley Slatkin. The upcoming season's hottest couture fashions were showcased in the Art of Fashion Runway Show held at the DIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Hall and Diego Rivera Court. Attendees also enjoyed a cocktail reception and after party on the Woodward Plaza. The net proceeds of $300,000 will benefit the DIA, helping over 700,000 annual visitors, young and old, find personal meaning in art. 1. Connie Hogan of Bloomfield and Cindy Siura of W. Bloomfield. 2. Ken Myers of Detroit, lifetime honorary chair Brenda and Howard Rosenberg of Bloomfield. 3. Co-chair Jennifer Granger of Birmingham and Julie Teel of Sacramento. 4. Co-chairs Ashley and William Slatkin of Bloomfield. 5. David Crain of Bloomfield, co-chairs Marchelle Costa and Burt Jordan of Detroit. 6. Co-chairs Amanda Fisher and Ben Hubert of Birmingham.

7. Mallory Meter of Beverly Hills, Chris and Tatum Schwartz of Bloomfield. 8. Emily Broder of Birmingham, Shira Wolberg of Farmington Hills, Nicole Lester of Bloomfield and Julie Marx of Bloomfield.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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David Mardigian Hope In One Memorial Golf Classic

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The annual Grace Centers of Hope David Mardigian Hope In One Memorial Golf Classic took place at Oakland University's private golf course in Rochester. Over 150 golfers took part in the event which included lunch, dinner 50/50 raffle, live auction and golf bag raffle. Grace Centers of Hope provides refuge, safety and security and a wide range of programs to help people in need rebuild their lives and re-enter society as productive and responsible citizens. The $130,000 generated from the golf classic will support the organization’s men's programs. 1. Jarrett Shattuck of Franklin, Cory Kroneman of Bloomfield, Jason Emerine of Birmingham and David Runyon of Bloomfield. 2. Claude and Sue Shepherd and Paula and Bruce Wendt of Bruce Twp. 3. Dave Bologna of Troy, Bill Zehnpfennig, Jr. of Farmington, Bill Zehnpfennig, Sr. of Sterling Heights, Joe George of Harrison Twp. 4. Emilie and Aaron Fitch of Birmingham. 5. Arik Greer of St. Clair Shores and Mike Miller of Commerce Twp. 6. Jackie and Ed Lanko of Clinton Twp. 7. Tony Knight and Keith Olender of Rochester Hills. 8. Mark Lypka of Plymouth, David C. McKnight of Northville, Eric Fox of Northville and Joe Harris of S. Lyon.

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ORT Rub-a-Dub

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Over 500 supporters attended ORT’s annual Rub-a-Dub event at Franklin Hills Country Club. Patrons were treated to hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, an extensive silent auction with high-end items, an elaborate, alfresco barbeque dinner and a live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. Bubba Urdan was presented with the Hermelin ORT Legacy Award in recognition of his achievements as a visionary leader of ORT and for the impact he has made on millions of ORT students whose lives have been changed due to his leadership. The event raised over $812,000. 1. Brent Barnhardt of NYC, Anna and Seth Rogers of Bloomfield and Stephen Eisenberg of Bloomfield. 2. Natalie and Amy Brooks of W. Bloomfield and Jill Menuck of Birmingham. 3. Honoree Bubba Urdan of W. Bloomfield and Larry Miller of Bloomfield. 4. Ort Director Nicole Miller of W. Bloomfield and President of Ort MI Scott Marcus of Birmingham. 5. Jolie Goodman of Birmingham and Sharon Goodman of Bloomfield.

6. Andrea and Erik Morganroth of Birmingham. 7. Francine Arbit of W. Bloomfield and Robbie Sherman of Bloomfield. 8. Jeffrey and Andrea Belen of Birmingham, Emily and Stacy Korotkin of Bloomfield, Ken Korotkin of Bloomfield, Jared and Lisa Rothberger of Bloomfield.

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Christ Child Society Pink Party

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Amanda Uffelman hosted the Christ Child Society Pink Party at her home in Birmingham. The event served as a pre-fundraising event for the Christ Child Society’s major fundraiser “Night of Angels” which will be held November 2 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Attendees enjoyed appetizers by the pool while bartenders M.J. McDonald and John Uffelman served up pink cocktails and rose wine. The mission of Christ Child House is to provide professional and comprehensive treatment programs for children and families at risk through therapeutic services focused on individualized treatment.

1. Christina Recchia and Maureen Wesley of Bloomfield. 2. Katie Parks and Glenda Meads of Bloomfield. 3. Elaina Ryder of Birmingham, Caroline Johnson of Troy, Bess Paradiso of Birmingham and Lanie Cosgrove of Birmingham. 4. Lynn Sirich of Birmingham and Liz Luckenbach of Bloomfield.

5. Amanda Uffelman and Carol Schmidt of Bloomfield. 6. Cali Cosgrove of Birmingham, Mimi Schwartz of Birmingham, Chris Schwartz of Bloomfield and Tatum Schwartz of Birmingham.

7. Laura Karmanos of Birmingham and Pam Surhigh of Bloomfield. 8. Mary Schelske of Bloomfield, Julie Wells of Birmingham and Patty Clelland of Bloomfield.

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Java with Judson

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The Judson Center presented “Java with Judson” at the Hilton Doubletree in Bloomfield Hills. The corporate breakfast focused on coffee, conversation and collaboration while serving as a fundraiser for the wide range of human service programs that the organization provides. The panel discussion was led by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters and moderated by Detroit Free Press columnist Nancy Kaffer. The Senators addressed crucial health and wellness matters encountered by Michigan families. 1. Don and Pam Campion of Commerce Twp. and Judson Center CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster of Rochester Hills. 2. Tricia Ruby of Bloomfield, Judson Center CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster of Rochester Hills, Senator Gary Peters of Bloomfield and Jim Bayson of W. Bloomfield. 3. Paul Toepp of Birmingham, Gina Buccalo of Troy, Sam Crudo of Shelby Twp. and Sophia Najjar of Sterling Heights. 4. Becky Sorensen of Bloomfield and Betsy Reich of Beverly Hills.

5. Mary Albertson of Northville and Melissa Parks of Bloomfield. 6. Linda Hatfield of Farmington Hills, Andy Joisman of Beverly Hills and Peggy Kerr of Bloomfield. 7. Vincent Gregory of Lathrup Village and James Jackson of Southfield. 8. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow.

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ENDNOTE

Our choices in the Birmingham election Residents in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills are being asked to choose candidates to fill seats on their city commissions in the November 5 election.

In Bloomfield Hills, there are five candidates to fill five open seats, so there is no contest. In Birmingham, eight candidates, including three incumbents, are seeking to fill four open seats.

Downtown newsmagazine invited all eight candidates in the Birmingham race to answer questions via a questionnaire which our editorial staff felt were important and relevant to the job of city commissioner. Responses are available in this issue's Voter Guide as well as on our website, downtownpublications.com, so Birmingham residents can read and review as they make their determinations at the polls and via absentee ballots.

We offer our endorsements on this page, reached after careful deliberation, as one of the voices in the community. Our endorsements are based on candidate answers and our knowledge of the people seeking this office. We established criteria that we felt candidates should meet for our backing. For starters, we looked for depth of knowledge on the issues confronting the city at this point in time and the candidates' positions. A candidate's previous formal involvement in the city also played into our decision. Equally important, we looked at a person's ability to work collaboratively with six other commissioners while presenting their viewpoint, rather than acting just as a disrupter. There is a fine line between being assertive when attempting to sway the opinion of others and being simply combative and confrontational. Toxic personalities have no place on the commission. We also overlooked any candidates who seemed not to understand the role of a commissioner is to set policy and provide long-term guidance for the city, then let the professionals who make up the administration do their job without interference.

Lastly, long-term residency by any candidate does not mean you are qualified to be on the commission.

Three incumbents on the current city commission are seeking a second four-year term, and we give a wholehearted endorsement to PATTY BORDMAN and PIERRE BOUTROS. Without question, they deserve voters returning them to office. It takes time for new commissioners to learn the ropes, and each have found their way. While they do not always agree on every issue, they understand the importance of working respectfully and collaboratively as team players.

Bordman has come into her own this year as the city's mayor. She has her finger on the current master plan discussions and discussions being held on how to moderate prices for residential housing, along with the issues of parking in the downtown core and the concerns of the neighborhoods. She understands the functioning of city hall.

Unfortunately she has been made the target of unfair and insidious criticism fostered by an outlier faction in the community. We call BS. Her knowledge and skills are an asset for deciding the future of the city. She has done a good job and she must be returned to office.

Boutros is a personable local resident and

businessman who, because of a paperwork snafu leftover from the previous election, was not able to be certified to have his name on the ballot – but he is eligible to run as a write-in candidate. Because of his love and dedication to the city, he is making an extra effort to make sure voters retain him. Boutros fully comprehends the incalculable value of pursuing public/private partnerships, the importance of finding a solution to the long-term parking issue in the city, or in determining the right way to achieve more affordable housing in the downtown core, that market forces – not “forcing markets” – must be considered. In order to return Boutros to the commission, voters must first fill in the box on the ballot next to the blank space, then write in his name.

For the third spot open on the commission, we were most impressed with THERESE LONGE, who has spent 15 years of service on the Birmingham Parks and Recreation board, and is the current chair.

Her long-term involvement and commitment to the city gives her an understanding of the issues the commission will face and she has the capacity to bring new ideas for consideration. We expect Longe's learning curve will be brief, and anticipate that through her years of city service she developed collaborative skills and the understanding of how to work as a team in the city's best interest.

Our last endorsement goes to CARROLL DEWEESE, albeit with some reservation. We usually wait for some challenger to raise questions about a sitting incumbent but we simply cannot totally ignore what we know about DeWeese. He talks a good game about his commitment to the city and his understanding of issues – the need for more affordable housing, alternate uses for parking, as well as changes that will be required in the zoning code, and is a strong advocate for seniors and senior services, which it is fair to say was his base of support in the last election. But commitment must be demonstrated better if he gets a second term, which includes putting the city as the prime concern rather than his personal activities schedule.

Further, of all the commissioners elected in the last election, he has shown the least growth after four years in the position, surprising after the years he spent with the city planning board.

We understand the logic of sticking with the devil you know best, but for those looking for an alternative, we are most comfortable with JAKE GERMAN. The city often seeks younger involvement to build the bench, so to speak, for the future, and we were impressed with German. While not yet as knowledgeable as some of the other candidates, he appears to be a quick understudy, with the right attitude and temperament for the job.

Voters won't go wrong opting for German.

State law sets a limit of 14.24 mills on homestead property and the Headlee Tax Limitation constitutional amendment says that the millage amount each year cannot exceed the prior years' tax revenue amount, plus an increase equal to either five percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less. The current millage levy in Birmingham Schools on primary residences is 7.1948 mills. The last time voters were asked to renew this part of the operating budget was in 2016, and the tax won't expire until 2021. Like in all school districts and government units, annual millage amounts get rolled back to keep in line with the state constitution limit on revenue increases from year-toyear.

On non-homestead property, the state caps the maximum tax at 18 mills. The current millage rate on non-homestead property is 17.5821 mills, thanks to rollbacks. Voters were last asked to approve this part of the operating budget tax in 2011, and it won't expire until June of 2022.

The ballot proposal facing voters this November would renew these two separate taxes as one proposal effective through 2028.

On non-homestead property, the district is asking voters to set a higher authorization limit of 21 mills, even though voter-approved Proposal A says only 18 mills can be levied on industrial, commercial, rental and second-home property each year. The district says this would allow it every year to continue to automatically circumvent Headlee.

Here's why Birmingham Public Schools, and other districts in past years, are taking this approach. The state school funding allotted to each district provides what is known as a per-pupil foundation amount each year. This state per-pupil amount assumes that the district is actually levying the full 18 mills of non-homestead tax. The state does not make up the difference between the local revenues that the district has the opportunity to collect, and the minimum foundation allowance. If the district does not collect all of the allowable tax at the full 18-mill rate, the district suffers a cut in funding. In the case of Birmingham Schools, this amounts to a loss of about $500,000 each year.

While we are not big fans of an ongoing override of the Headlee rollback, we also understand the impact of the quirk in the state per-pupil funding formula and assume taxpayers would rather accept this approach than suffer voter fatigue with the district returning more frequently to ask for an override at the ballot box.

So we are recommending that voters say YES to the Birmingham Schools millage proposal.

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS Forty-three percent of the Birmingham Schools operating budget comes from local taxes, which consists of millages assessed on homestead property (your principal residence) and non-homestead property, which is industrial, commercial and rental property, along with second-home residences.

OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE Residents in Oakland County are being asked this election to authorize OCC to continue levying its .7545 mill for 10 years, in an operating millage renewal, from 2022 through 2031. It is a renewal of a 2010 operating millage which expires with the 2021 tax levy. The renewal deserves a YES vote.