Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN10.22

GRAVEL MINING BATTLE A TEST OF LOCAL CONTROL

There is a set of bills that could come before the state House as of early this fall’s post-election lame duck session that may wrest local mining permitting control away from Michigan’s local governing bodies and place them in the hands of the state.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

David Hohendorf talks about the November 8 general election Voter Guide appearing at the back of this issue and the importance of Downtown Newsmagazine followers to pay particular attention to candidate choices when it comes to the local school board races.

CRIME LOCATOR

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

Michigan congressional Democrats stiff their own party; more bad news on SOS candidate; support fracturing for homophobic Meshawn Maddock; Epstein arrested at the Grand Hotel; Hernandez and the Three Percenters; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

BSD director hired; planners revisit parking district request; Wilders; bistro approved; final draft of city master plan; township numbers go online; outdoor dining rules still not set; judge still doesn't rule on road work lawsuit; values and goals for Brmingham schools; plus more.

Photo by Jacek Dudzinski| Dreamstime

Design Inspiration

Absentee ballots for the November 8 general election are starting to arrive in mailboxes across the local area so in this edition of Downtown Newsmagazine we are providing a 35page Voter Guide at the back of this issue, along with our recommendations on office-seekers and state-wide, county and local issues appearing on the ballot.

As in the past, we offer candidates' responses on a variety of issues we have raised with those seeking office, starting with Congress and then state Senate, House, Oakland County Commission and school board races.

We were particularly disappointed that a few candidates failed to respond to our numerous requests –emails and phones calls – to return questionnaires that serve not only as the content for the Voter Guide but also play a role in our endorsement process in which we combine their issue positions with our further research. In such cases, we publish the responses from the lone candidate responding, and writeoff the others as likely not serious candidates for office or in some cases just names on the ballot as an accommodation to political party pooh-bahs who needed to fill a slot, something that I have witnessed more than once in some 50 past elections in which I have been involved.

We can only guess that there are probably a few who refused to participate in sharing their views with voters because of our policy or marker, if you will, that we laid down with the August primary election and continue to follow for the general election. As we announced in our July issue: as a matter of policy, we will not give our endorsement to any candidate who does not accept the results of the 2020 election. If someone running for office lives in an alternate reality which includes the belief that the 20220 national election was somehow stolen or rigged, after countless audits, recounts and 64 court rulings to the contrary, then we will not help advance that person to a position of power where they could inflict further damage to our democracy which is already teetering on the edge thanks to this vocal subset of the general population.

As we did for the August primary election, we asked all candidates their position on this critical issue, including those running for local school boards, in large part because we see politics creeping into the world of education where it should have no place, despite the efforts of some misled political leaders in Oakland County that would have otherwise. We can report that not one candidate running for local school boards subscribed to the 'Big Steal” conspiracy theory.

As a side note on the topic of school boards and the upcoming election, I can't stress enough the importance of our followers focusing their attention on this part of the general election ballot because the quality of the local education system is at stake.

For far too many years, school board elections in this state were held in May and in most cases drew less than 10 percent turnout of voters, which meant that a minority of the population decided the fate of one of the most important pieces of the public agenda puzzle – public education.

In 2011 the state legislature passed and Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a requirement that school districts move board elections to the November elections of even-numbered years.

The logic was that school districts would save an estimated $8 million by not holding elections in off-months and off-cycle years, and the move would increase participation by a broader base of voters.

Opponents at the time countered that putting non-partisan school board elections at the end of a November ballot would water down participation but that has not proven to be the case. There is a drop off in voting for school candidates, just like judicial candidates, probably due to the fact that voters (likely those without kids in school) often know less about school board hopefuls than those running in the partisan part of the ballot. But overall the original logic behind the legislation has held true – more voices are being heard when it comes to school board races – and that 's a good outcome.

After all, that was the principal behind our system of schools when first created in the 1800s by Horace Mann, often referred to as the Father of American Education. Publicly funded, open to all. Non-sectarian. Students with a variety of backgrounds, races. Education based on the tenets of a free society. An equal footing for all students as a benefit to the community atlarge.

But we are starting to detect disconcerting attacks on the basic logic behind public education, both from outside the education system and inside some districts. Attempts to syphon off tax money to route funding to private and religious schools. Bold attempts in some areas to force religion into the classrooms. Even bolder misguided attempts by some parents to impose their limited view of what their children should be taught as the order of the day for all students in the school.

Take the time to read in our Voter Guide about the school candidates and their views. Then turn to our choices for the board of education in the two local school districts. We have spent considerable time determining who would be best at assuring the schools reach the goals of public education that were envisioned many years ago.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

Jumbo mortgage options for your needs to buy, build or borrow.

The right mortgage supports your nancial goals and ts your long-term nancial strategy. Get the personalized mortgage service and guidance you deserve, backed by the strength and stability of U.S. Bank.

Bene ts of a U.S. Bank jumbo mortgage loan:

Work with a mortgage lender from your neighborhood.

1. A fee applies to the Builder Lock program extended rate lock. Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association.

Member FDIC. ©2022 U.S. Bank 789305c

LEADERSHIP

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through September 22, 2022. Placement of codes is approximate.

Sexual

Letter to granddaughter

David Hohendorf's 'Letter to Dakota' (From the Publisher/August) was both beautiful and powerful. Thanks for sharing it. I'm sure when your granddaughter is old enough to appreciate it, she will treasure the wisdom you've shared. Until then, I'm grateful to have been a collateral beneficiary. The world would certainly be a better place if each of us would embrace what he has written.

Robyn O'Keefe Birmingham

SPEAK

OUT

We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities.

Although we do not have a fixed maximum length for letters sent to us, we recommend a maximum length of 175-200 words. We also reserve the right to edit letters for length if necessary.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

Helping the planet

I am so pleased that you included my long letter in the Incoming section of the latest Downtown (September). With all that is going on, it is important to let folk know that there are ways to help with the planet.

Annis Pratt Birmingham

Great piece on book banning

Lisa Brody did a wonderful job bringing in so many people and getting the viewpoints out there (Book banning/July).

I really appreciate this excellent piece and how timely it is, especially in light of the recent news about the Patmos Library millage failing because of censorship challenges.

Cathy Russ Library Director

West Bloomfield Public Library

ELECTION

As a matter of policy established in the past, Downtown Newsmagazine will not be accepting letters related to either candidates or ballot issues in the November issue just prior to the November 8 general election. As a monthly publication, there is no time for anyone to respond prior to the election.

Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown Newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

DO THE RIGHT THING:Jeff Sakwa, former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, has had it up to here with current party co-chair Meshawn Maddock and her foul-mouth diatribes against anyone who is not a hardcore MAGA Republican. What finally prompted Sakwa to publicly speak out was Maddock’s homophobic attack on Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is a gay former officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and served overseas, as a “weak little girl.” “As the former co-chair of the Michigan GOP there is no room for this kind of rhetoric. While I do not agree with most Pete Buttigieg politics, I respect that he served his country for every citizen. There is no room for homophobic attacks in the MIGOP. These comments do not reflect the majority of Republicans,” Sakwa wrote on Facebook. He then told Downtown Newsmagazine, “I’m also embarrassed that more public officials and people affiliated with the party have not denounced this. One thing I’ve learned about politics is it’s a game of addition and not subtraction.” Maddock for her part tweeted “I’m never going to back down to the woke leftists trying to destroy this state and our country. This week I was attacked for calling a man weak. I believe America is desperate for strong leaders and sick and tired of weak leaders!” Sakwa responded that while he’s not a supporter of Buttigieg’s politics, “he fought for our country, and anyone willing to put their life on the line for this country, I respect. Last I looked, neither Meshawn nor Matt Maddock (R-Milford)did that.” He noted he’s previously been private about his displeasure over her leadership, as this is just one example of many that have irritated or embarrassed many in the party, “but I cannot sit idle any longer. More Republicans should stand up and push her out of leadership. But the grassroots are nuts.” Sakwa believes that Republican candidates are going to pay for Meshawn and her party leadership this cycle. “Our grassroots have won the battle at the convention but they are going to lose the war. I believe a majority of Republicans will not vote for them – or they will sit it out.”

HEIL WHO? Continuing in the “You did what??” category is Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Shane Hernandez, who proudly sent out a tweet standing with different people while at the Port Austin farmers market. Prominent in one photo, Hernandez, a former state lawmaker, is standing with a man with the flag for the Three Percenters movement behind them. For those who may not hang with militia folk, Three Percenters are part of the militia movement –which according to the AntiDefamation League, “supports the idea of a small number of dedicated ‘patriots’ protecting Americans from government tyranny.” The feds have tied Three Percenters supporters to the January 6, 2021 insurrection and efforts to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Not sure who Hernandez felt he needed protection from –though he deleted the photo after the expected brouhaha, and said he had just been buying honey from a small business owner who wanted a photo with him, and he never noticed the flag in the background. How sweet.

BUTTIGIEG

MADDOCK

SAKWA

IN FOR A PENNY: Word is, some congressional Democrats are not ponying up to support each other. According to Punchbowl News, during a recent closed-door meeting of House Democrats, Speaker Nancy Pelosi took many to task because she’s been hearing from Dem donors who have been questioning why more House Democrats don’t donate to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which works to elect Democrats to the House. “Put more bluntly, Pelosi was complaining about her Democratic colleagues not ponying up their dues to the DCCC,” Punchbowl wrote. Only 22 members are paid in full. So we took a look at Michigan House Dems, and were stunned to see that our representatives are hardly supporting their own. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), one of 16 Dems in leadership, has $869,645 cash on hand, and donated $130,000 in dues out of a goal of $450,000 – 29 percent. Retiring Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield), with $962,130 cash on hand, has donated $10,000 to DCCC, three percent of her goal of $400,000. Both Rep. AndyLevin (D-Bloomfield Township) and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Waterford) have given nothing so far, with Levin having over $1.1 million in the bank, and Stevens over $1.8 million after beating Levin in the August primary. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) has also not given to DCCC, and she is sitting on $1.14 million. “Frontline” members – 36 House members who are considered to be in tough races in the November election, are essentially exempt from funding the DCCC because they need that money for their own races. Both Reps. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) are in that category. Kildee has donated $25,000 to DCCC out of a $300,000 goal, and has almost $3.2 million cash on hand. Slotkin, however, hasn’t donated a penny of her $150,000 goal while sitting on $6.5 million.

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES: Those who know her have been whispering for a while that GOP candidate for the University of Michigan Board of Regents, and former congressional candidate, Lena Epstein of Bloomfield Township could have a drinking problem. Now comes documents and revelations that seem to confirm that, along with the news that a year ago, on September 2, 2021, she was arrested at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for allegedly assaulting her then-boyfriend (and possibly reconciled flame) Ted Goodman, in front of her daughter, who was then threeyears-old, while she was under the influence of alcohol. The arrest and allegations were revealed during a child custody battle stemming from her divorce from Eric Medwed, her daughter’s father, who shared the state police incident report with an Oakland County Circuit Court judge in an effort to modify their custody and support agreements. Emily Long, Medwed’s attorney, wrote, “Epstein’s continued consumption of alcohol has inhibited her ability to put the child’s safety and well-being first.” The document further stated Epstein had relapsed after “a long and documented history of mental illness and substance abuse.” The custody battle records noted child protective services were contacted as a case of “actual or suspected child abuse” because the daughter was present – and that Medwed only learned of the Mackinac Island incident because the young child told him.

MORE DIVORCE FILES: Lena Epstein is not the only November candidate with dirt laundry being aired from their divorce filings. Now comes Republican Secretary of State candidate Kristina Karamo, whose Florida ex-husband has raised personal details from the candidate’s past in his filing to have his visitation schedule with his daughters changed. The story was first broken by the left of center –but highly factual –Business Insider. We took our own look at the filings in the Family Division of the Oakland County Circuit Court. Her ex (Adom) claims in

LEVIN

STEVENS

SLOTKIN

EPSTEIN

his filing that when he first approached Karamo about a divorce (filed in 2014), she threatened to kill him and their two daughters. The ex further claims that the SOS candidate did time in “an institution for evaluation due to her efforts at selfharm and suicide.” Karamo’s campaign issued a denial to the reporter for Business Insider and then proceeded to cast some shade on Adom filing and disclosing such personal information during a campaign cycle, which makes us wonder about the legitimacy of the denial. In February of this year, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Julie A. MacDonald issued an order basically granting what Karamo’s ex had requested, with stipulations, relative to holiday, offschool days and summers to be spent at his Florida home.

DAY OF RECKONING: With just about a month left before the final votes come in on the balance of power in the Michigan legislature, prognosticators are projecting that one or both chambers in Lansing could change hands. Republicans hold 22 of the seats in the Senate, while the Democrats have 16. Over in the House, the Republican party has a three-seat advantage over Democrats, 56-53, with one vacancy. The GOP has held the Senate majority since 1984 and the House since 2011. But all that could change with the 2022 balloting on a state-wide basis. Some say that the recent redistricting by the first independent commission could foster change but that remains to be seen. In Oakland County, there seems to be agreement that Democrats won’t be making any inroads on the current office holders make-up in the county itself, but when it comes to Michigan as a whole, it’s a different story. Most predict that the balance of power in the House will remain with the Republicans, with one predicting that it would take a “Blue bloodbath” to flip that chamber to control of the Democrats. Keep in mind that it would only take the loss of one or more seats in the House on the part of Republicans to transfer power but, most are predicting no change there once state-wide votes are counted. In the Senate, collective opinion among a number of Republicans range from “questionable” to “definite” when it comes to Democrats taking over. Said one Republican consultant about the Senate chances: “Democrats have not been in a better position in 40 years.”

MARI MANOOGIAN CALLING: As state Rep. Mari Manoogian (DBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) enters the final few months of her second term in Lansing, her future seems to be fair game for speculation among members of both political parties following her decision this past spring to not seek a third term in the House. When she first was elected to the 40th district House seat in 2018, she was considered one of the potential rising stars in the party. Prior to entering the halls of the Capitol, she had interned in the office of Congressman John Dingell and the U.S. Department of State. She was even featured as one of 17 keynote speakers at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. But a legal skirmish last year involving a court order of protection following a soured relationship with a Republican colleague from Macomb County seemed to send her standing down hill in the state House, including with some members or her own party who she had dissed in texts exchanged with him that were made public in court proceedings. Some say that the messy relationship break-up and the derogatory texts about fellow Democrats basically means finding an appointment in Lansing when this year ends is out of the question. Rumor has it that Manoogian is hoping to find some employment in the administration of President Joe Biden. She has been spending some time in Washington D.C., including being present for the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act on September 13 at the White House. But a possible soft landing there must not be that realistic because we hear her resume has been circulating of late for possible jobs in Michigan and in Oakland County.

MANOOGIAN

KARAMO

1267 Club Drive Bloomfield Twp

Luxuriously Exquisite Lower Long Lakefront Estate with Breathtaking Views. Located in a highly sought after area.

Brett Berk

A s a seasoned freelance writer, Brett Berk writes non-fiction pieces for major publications, such as Architectural Digest, The New York Times and Vanity Fair. He is also a contributing editor to popular titles like Car and Driver and Road & Track. Born in Detroit and raised in Farmington Hills, attending Cranbrook Schools, Berk and his boyfriend, Tal McThenia, now divide their time between New York City and a house in upstate New York, but he still has family and friends in metro Detroit, where he’s always happy to return for work or a personal visit.

“I have a strong affinity for Detroit and the Midwest in general,” said Berk.

He also has nothing but praise for Cranbrook. “It was a very foundational place for me in my life,” he said. “I was there as a scholarship student with a single working mom. The opportunity to go there was the beginning.”

The support and guidance he received were instrumental to his success. “I was there at a time when my family was falling apart and school acted as a substitute family. Teachers and friends and even friends’ families provided a lot of structure,” said Berk. “For a career, with an emphasis on the arts, it shared the possibilities of life as a writer.”

Berk would go on to Oberlin College to major in writing. “Cranbrook really opened my eyes to different concepts of what I could be in the world,” he said. “It exposed me to what could be pursued and that really inspired me.”

His first pursuit was fiction writing, which he studied as an undergraduate. He published short stories and taught fiction writing at The New School University in New York City.

Berk earned a master’s degree in early childhood education and became a preschool teacher before running a preschool in NYC, and also wrote a nonfiction book called “The Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting.”

After taking a lengthy break from fiction writing, he has been working on a novel. “It’s nice to touch base again,” said Berk. “The two really inform each other, so I was excited to come back to fiction.”

He seems to be equally talented at both. “It’s about how to create something that is engaging and amusing in addition to being informative,” he said.

The passion he has for his profession shows in his work. “I just have a love of writing,” said Berk. “For me, the joy of writing is part of what keeps me going –and the exploration. If I’m not making new discoveries, the reader isn’t either. Nine times out of 10, I’m making a discovery in the process that brings the story to life in a different way.”

Berk has a way with humor and enjoys the topics he covers, like cars. “It’s been a blast to write about where the automobile meets culture and finds its way into art, architecture, books and movies,” he said. “I also like to write about architecture, art, film or books, and I get to write about parenting and child development and cars as a mainstay.”

Luckily, he likes to hustle. “I enjoy that part about the freelance world. I like to make connections and meet new people,” Berk said. “Temperamentally, I’m wellsuited to it, but it can be a struggle sometimes. I tend to travel a lot for work and that can be challenging.”

A creative career like his takes a leap of faith and commitment. His advice for writers starting out: “Set aside time for yourself. Turn off your devices. You’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: James Lipman

BY STACY GITTLEMAN

ichele Joliat lives on a hilltop home with her husband Tom in the rural township of Metamora in Lapeer County. When they purchased their home in 2001, they could drink the water that came from the well on their property that was fed by aquifers. What they were not aware of was that the section of town they moved into was zoned in a category known as Ag-2, which meant it was zoned for mining as well as agriculture.

In 2006, those aquifers became contaminated by a plume of 1,4 dioxane contaminant that was sourced from the site of a former unlined landfill declared a Superfund site in the 1980s. The polluters involved pay for the bottled water they must use to cook, bathe and drink.

But complete reliance on bottled water is not the couple's biggest concern. Joliat, who is active with the Metamora Land Preservation Alliance, said for decades her small town has been battling American Aggregates, a subsidiary of The Edward C. Levy Co. The mining company wants to mine 30 million tons of gravel over the next 30 years from a 724-acre site which sits just yards from her home – and 300 feet from that actively leaking Superfund site. Any activity of a new mine there could strip the land away of clay and other materials that serve as a natural filter that slows the spread of the toxic plume. Ironically, the site of the proposed gravel mine sits atop the Flint River watershed.

American Aggregates proposes to remove 400 acres of woodlands and destroy nine acres of wetlands. The mine would run 12-hour weekday shifts, beginning at 6 a.m. and from 6 to noon on Saturday, from mid-March through the end of November. A proposed onsite gravel crusher will create fugitive dust, an air pollutant that easily penetrates lung tissue. The plan calls for 100 trucks per day, some weighing 100,000 pounds when fully loaded, to haul away gravel and rumble down local roads.

Berl Falbaum, a spokesman for The Edward C. Levy Co., said aggregate materials are essential to everyday life and more is needed beyond what existing mining operations can supply.

Lapeer County is already home to 30 aggregate mines – proof enough, Joliat said, that local municipalities have approved mining plans and operations within reason.

But there is a set of bills that could come before the state House of Representatives as early as this fall’s post-election lame duck session that may wrest local mining permitting control away from Michigan’s local governing bodies and place them in the hands of the state.

Joliat explained that the Levy Company, on multiple occasions, lost its case in court to expand mining on this spot. In 2006, Metamora Township denied Levy’s request to mine the property, citing the negative impact on property values and the impact of gravel traffic on roads in the township. Both Dryden Township and the Village of Dryden also objected to Levy’s request, citing concerns about truck weight, safety, and noise on Dryden Road.

In 2004, the Detroit Area Council of Boy Scouts of America signed a lease with The Edward C. Levy Company, involving a portion of their property at the D-Bar-A Scout Ranch on Sutton Road in Metamora Township. The agreement gave the Levy Company permission to conduct mining operations at the Metamora location, and provide the Boy Scouts with monthly royalty payments on mined minerals. Metamora refused permitting, and Levy and the Boy Scouts sued the township again and lost.

“When the Levy Company had their lawsuit thrown out, that’s when they went to the state to create the set of legislation in question,” explained Joliat. “The bills essentially say that the mining industry no longer needs to care about local zoning ordinances around the whole state.

“We understand that every community needs to do their share to provide materials for road repair, and we already have mining in Metamora. But if these bills pass, they will basically strip all Michigan communities on the ability to say where mining can happen,” Joliet said.

“We are fighting for Metamora, but we're also fighting for every community in the state of Michigan.”

Geological Survey (MGS) reported that Michigan was one of 12 states that produced more than $2 billion worth of aggregates in 2021.

According to statistics from Western Michigan University, there are currently 325 aggregate mines in Michigan and 19 are in more rural areas of Oakland County. Still, the aggregate industry wants to open new mines and claim that local governments for decades have been dragging their feet in approving up to 10 new mining permits across the state, while at the same time working to change their zoning laws to prevent or block mining altogether in their municipalities.

This summer, a set of aggregate mining bills known as Senate Bills (SB) 429-430 narrowly passed in a bipartisan vote in the state Senate 19-17, and now are in the Michigan House where they may be up for a hearing and vote as early as the post-election lame duck session. For the first time in six years, there was a discussion of the bills last June at a Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee, where nearly every source interviewed for this article offered testimony. They included officials from the Michigan Townships Association (MTA), the Michigan Municipal League (MML), township officials and environmentalists who argued against the proposed legislation.

In summary, SB 429 would modify regulations for the mining of sand and gravel operations. SB 430 provides for sentencing guidelines for a violation of an intentional false statement in a mining permit application or report, and SB 431 modifies conditions under which a zoning ordinance may prohibit the mining of valuable natural resources unless serious consequences would result.

albaum said the Levy Co. has always been responsive to the individual community’s needs. When asked if breaking ground for a proposed mine close to the Metamora Superfund site would be a breach of trust between the company and the township, Falbaum said that moving such a permit proposal to the state level would allow for more thorough evaluation.

“We have always been responsive to the concerns of the local communities. I don't think we've had a problem anywhere whenever there has been a complaint if there has been one. We respond to it,” explained Falbaum. “The state will conduct a thorough review of such a mining application, and it will hear from the various local communities, and everyone will have input. And from these hearings, the state will respond (to details of a permit application) where they feel it would be essential to make those changes. We look forward to continuing to work in and with those communities, and if they file concerns, we will be responsive.”

We all know the campaign slogan. This summer, Governor Gretchen Whitmer continued to “fix the damn roads” by announcing the completion of four more road and bridge projects to the tune of $6.3 million and plans to repair over 16,000 lane miles of road and more than 1,200 bridges, supporting nearly 89,000 jobs before 2022 is over.

As her administration continues to accelerate the pace of road and infrastructure repairs, Whitmer signed the bipartisan 2023 budget, which includes $2.3 billion to help fix local roads and bridges and $1.7 billion to fix state highway roadways and bridges.

That’s going to take an ample supply of aggregate – sand, gravel and other materials that must be mined and then transported to road and repair construction sites to complete the task. According to the Michigan Aggregates Association (MAA), it takes 85,000 metric tons of aggregate material to construct one mile of an interstate highway or one quarter mile of a four-lane road.

Luckily, Michigan is among the nation’s biggest sand and gravel producers thanks to leftover underground deposits dragged here from as far away as Canada from receding glaciers from the last Ice Age. According to figures from the U.S. Geological Survey, Michigan produced about 44.7 million metric tons of sand and gravel in 2016, valued at $249 million, making it one of the top five producers of sand and gravel used in construction. The Michigan

SB 429 would add Part 639 (Sand and Gravel Mining) to the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). Part 639 would preempt any local municipal or county government ordinance that prohibited or regulated certain aspects of a mine. It places all aspects of permitting, from accepting and expediting the processes of a permit, to overseeing approval, operations, permit renewals and responding to complaints and violations on the department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

SB 430 would amend the 1927 Code of Criminal Procedure Act for the establishment of sentencing guidelines for violation of intentionally false statements in a mining permit application or report.

ost concerning to officials from municipalities and townships is SB 431, which would amend the 2006 Michigan Zoning Enabling Act to prohibit a county or township from regulating or controlling aggregate mining and specify that the county or township would not have jurisdiction over the issuance of a permit, approval, or other authorization for the location, operation, abandonment, or reclamation of an aggregate mine unless certain conditions were met.

As it stands now, the zoning law states that an ordinance cannot prevent mining extraction of a valuable natural resource from any property unless very serious consequences would result from the extraction of those natural resources. Under the law, a local government can regulate, within reason, hours of operation, blasting hours, noise levels, dust control measures, and traffic.

The new set of bills is sponsored by state Senator Jim Ananich (D-Flint) who testified in the June hearing, saying he would be amenable to changing language in the bills to reflect that the legislation could only be applied to new mining permit applications

and new mining operations moving forward, and that local municipalities would still remain in control of existing mining arrangements. Ananich did not return repeated requests for comment on the legislation and the question of how much he may be influenced by a $1,000 campaign contribution in May of 2021 from the aggregate industry group MAA which has been an active contributor to many state House and Senate members.

Supporters of the bills include organizations representing the concrete, construction and aggregates industries, labor unions and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, claiming a need for expansion of aggregate mining due to limited supplies.

Levy's Falbaum said a transfer of permitting and oversight authorities from the local government to the state level would provide municipalities and the industry a consistent framework to conduct business and respond to the needs of the communities they work in to extract sand and gravel.

“We believe that we need a uniform approach to this issue,” Falbaum said. “Our products are needed for the Michigan economy to prosper. It’s needed to fill potholes, for construction, airport runways and many other applications. It is just simply essential for the well-being of the Michigan. We don't believe the proposed legislation will hurt our relationships with local communities, as we have been in this business for more than 100 years.”

In the marketing campaign for the bills, called “Build it Michigan Strong,” supporters using professionally produced videos say the bills would reduce the cost of road building materials by increasing access to the gravel and sand needed to make roads smooth and pothole-free. Expanding or creating new mining operations closer to where aggregate is most needed is more sustainable, they said, because it reduces the carbon footprint required to truck the materials if they came in from greater distances.

MAA, which supports the passing of the legislation, claims that the industry is most challenged by environmental regulations and getting zoning control to increase access to extract the minerals.

MAA spokesperson John Sellek said there is adequate language in SB 429 that would provide up to $500,000 per year to EGLE for staffing and other resources. Sellek maintained that Michigan’s dire need for road and infrastructure repairs, as well as new housing construction, warrants loosening regulations at the local level for more mining expansion.

“Michigan's aggregates supply chain has been broken for years because of dark money-funded campaigns that scare local officials into inaction,” said Sellek. “Aggregates are the basic building blocks of all concrete and asphalt that people depend on every day of our lives. Unfortunately, they are only available where Mother Nature happened to deposit them.”

the state level. Local input would still take place, and strong environmental standards would be enforced while allowing access to sand and gravel close to the major road construction sites the public so badly wants repaired."

But environmentalists, officials and grassroots organizations are concerned that EGLE is not up to the task. They say the agency is chronically underfunded and understaffed and cannot take on the complexities and nuances of permitting mines down to the municipal level.

ellek said that Whitmer’s actions to accelerate the pace of road repair are something looked favorably upon by voters and the pieces of legislation have bipartisan support are at the center of what’s needed to accomplish this “to deliver the raw materials required to get the job done.”

Sellek said the association’s members at the local level are encountering increased “not in my backyard” resistance in the local permitting process.

"The legislation, if passed, will alleviate the negative political pressure placed on local officials to constantly deny or delay mining permits," Sellek said. "It will fix the broken aggregate supply chain by placing it in the hands of environmental experts at

ennifer Rigterink, the assistant director of state and federal affairs for the MML, explained that municipalities are already limited in what they can regulate when it comes to mining, such as trucking routes, dust mitigation, hours of operation and setbacks from housing and business property lines. Typical setback parameters are between 300 and 500 feet from residential property lines, which is consistent with permitting requirements from EGLE, according to the June House testimonial records.

Rigterink said the set of laws are a pushback on local ordinances, such as plastic bag and Styrofoam bans that have been attempted in places like Ann Arbor. But this has more far-reaching implications.

“As with many legislative pushes for preemption, there is usually one interest group – and this time it’s the aggregate mining industry – that things have not gone exactly the way they want them to go,” she explained. “And then what is proposed is this onesize-fits all approach at the state level as we see in these pieces of legislation. The MML opposes SB 429-431 because they make null and void existing regulations that have been tailored at the municipal level, cancel existing working relationships between municipal governments and mining companies, and silence concerned residents that are living near existing or proposed mining operations.”

As a compromise, Rigterink said the league supports House Bill 4875. Introduced in 2021 by state Rep. Julie Alexander (RHanover), it serves as a middle ground for industry and the communities where they operate mines. This legislation intends to address complaints from the industry about lagging response times to their permit application submissions and puts finite time parameters on the mining permit submission and approval process.

“HB 4875 is a compromise because it will fast track any permitting applications that are not raising concerns from the community,” Rigterink said. “It puts in time parameters that mining companies are asking for when they are looking for a response from the local government, even if that response is a request for more information. This bill would be a solution, where the other set of bills are just solutions which are seeking problems.”

Placing the entire permitting and operating monitoring process on EGLE, SB 429 states that any mining permit submitted to the agency – at a cost of $5,000 to the permit applicant –would need to be processed within 14 days. The permit would require the applicant to provide a mining and reclamation plan and all reclamation provisions to be carried to completion with reasonable diligence and be conducted concurrently with mining to the extent practicable.

EGLE would have to communicate to local communities that a mining permit application had been filed through local media and local municipal officials within 42 days after receiving an administratively complete application.

The public would be allowed to submit comments in writing to

Courtney Monigold

EGLE within 30 days after the notice was published. If EGLE determined that there was enough cause from these public comments to contest the permit – EGLE would have to hold a public hearing on the application. The permit issued by EGLE would be valid for the mine’s operating lifetime and the mining permit could be transferred or amended with approval. Any public complaints about the mine would need to be submitted in writing to the agency.

Environmental organizations say there is not enough specific language in the bills to give EGLE the teeth it needs in terms of staffing and oversight to effectively carry out a statewide aggregate permitting and oversight program or be responsive enough should problems arise at local levels.

“Every year, the Michigan Environmental Council fights back on cuts to EGLE that come down from the state legislature,” said Megan Tinsley, the organization’s water policy director. “Our concern about shifting permitting control from the local level to the state is, while EGLE has the expertise among its personnel about protecting things like water resources, would they have the capacity to handle the volume of incoming permits? Do they know the ins and outs of every little town? Therefore, we believe that the local communities still need to have some sort of say, when it comes to things like air pollution, water pollution and noise. These bills preempt all local involvement. It removes the local voices of the people who will be impacted by the mining. And that's a big concern.”

EGLE spokesperson Hugh McDiarmid Jr. said the agency has provided input and suggestions to legislative leaders as the proposed legislation is considered.

“EGLE has not taken a position on current versions of that legislation, which we expect to change as negotiations continue,” McDiarmid Jr. said. “We suggest that legislative appropriations and fees paid by newly permitted mines provide adequate resources and capacity for EGLE to effectively and efficiently carry out any new regulatory program that would be necessitated by these bills. EGLE has tried to impress that if the legislature decides to move this permitting authority to the state, we have an adequately funded program that we can effectively administer, and the agency would be able to provide a high level of environmental protection. EGLE’s primary focus is that the environment and public health be rigorously protected from the potential impacts of mining operations in local communities.”

Allen also upheld the point that at the root of this tug of war between mining companies and municipalities is the lack of geological mapping that should have been in place and used as a tool for creating zoning ordinances that could have planned for mining first, and then development later. The state has not funded geological mapping since 1978, and lots of development has happened since then.

“I have had conversations with my counterparts in other states on the topic and they are surprised to learn that Michigan has not thoroughly mapped and surveyed where the minerals and aggregate materials are located,” Allen said. “Without thorough mapping, she contended that it is tough for municipalities to properly zone land for residential, commercial or industrial uses.” If the proposed legislation goes into effect, Allen said municipal officials her organization represents fear aggregate miners can submit to the state an application to mine anywhere – next to open spaces like parks or golf courses, residential areas, schools or daycare centers.

“We've had some local townships contacting us saying their residents are up in arms because sand and gravel mining operation might be going in right next to a housing development, a school or a golf course. Having that knowledge (geological mapping provides) would be empowering to potential home and property buyers if there is a chance that their surroundings may someday be rezoned for the sake of mining. As residents and taxpayers, there is a long-standing trust you are putting into that community, and you need to know if an adjacent parcel of land may someday devalue your investment if one day a mining permit is issued next to your property.”

One place in Oakland County that has mined for sand and gravel for decades is Groveland Township, which runs along I-75 and Dixie Highway. The township has been home to nine mining operations over the decades, a number which is currently down to four.

udy Allen, director of government relations for the MTA, said the township organization has always understood the need for mining aggregate materials in order to improve infrastructure. What the MTA opposes is the overruling of local ordinances and the possible overreach of state government into municipal decisions that is built into the three pieces of legislation.

“MTA supports access to materials necessary for infrastructure to fix Michigan roads and for development and from construction in the state,” Allen said. “However, we oppose (SB 429-431) because they represent a dynamic shift from local oversight that has been in place since the enactment of the 2006 Zoning Enabling Act to a one-size-fits-all approach. If passed, the legislation would incorrectly treat all communities and mining companies the same and would install industrial type standards with the state doing the oversight.

“The Zoning Enabling Act is very clear that a municipality must grant permits unless it can clearly demonstrate serious consequences as to why it should be denied.”

ownship Supervisor Robert DePalma, who has held this post for 27 years and was on the township's planning commission 16 years before that, said there never has been a time when Groveland Township has denied a permit for aggregate mining. As he puts it, the new proposal to take municipal authority and transfer permitting, oversight and regulations to the state is “a solution that’s actually looking for a problem.”

“Because of the Zoning Enabling Act, a township cannot legally tell a mining or mineral operation that they cannot extract materials unless that town can specifically prove there would be significant damage to the town,” DePalma said. “Every permit we have issued is under a consent decree, and that means there is a partnership between the town and the company to lay down reasonable parameters such as hours of operation, trucking routes and determining setback lines so the mine does not infringe on other properties. In the decades I’ve been working with mines, there has never been an issue that has arisen that has not been solved between the township and the company. All the mining reviews came through me. So, what will happen if these same processes now go through the state?”

DePalma, who testified at the June hearing in Lansing, expressed his lack of confidence in EGLE’s ability to quickly get up to speed on all the history and all the nuances of every issued mining permit across the state judging by how underfunded and understaffed the agency has been.

“I have no idea why the legislature is trying to push this through, and how EGLE is going to get up to speed and do this in any orchestrated manner,” he said. “The state does not have everything in place – they just don’t want to deal with municipalities. This is 'cart before the horse' thinking.”

But Oxford Township Supervisor Jack Curtis said is he is not concerned about the possible transfer of mining permitting power from his office to Lansing. Curtis said whether permitting rests at the state or local level, at the heart of the matter is not local or state control, but partnerships and good communication. The small township in northern Oakland County was once known as the sand and gravel capital of the world, and aggregate has been mined there for over 100 years, he added.

“Over the years, former gravel pits have been remediated into beautiful subdivisions in Oxford,” he said. “Any time Oxford has asked of a gravel company for something – like decorative boulders to put in front of a public building, or 20,000 tons of crushed gravel for our sidewalks, they have given it to us. We have the relationship to ask the mining company to alter hours of operation if residents complain of the noise level or there are too many trucks on the road, and they respond. Those people in Metamora are fighting the mines because it’s about the noise and dust. Nobody likes that. That’s where these mining operations get their bad reputation.”

Curtis believes that if local control would be transferred to EGLE, the state agency would be more strict and more responsive to complaints from local residents than local governments. Plus, he said mining companies may be more compliant if they knew they would have to answer to the state.

“When someone files a complaint with EGLE, there are mounds of paperwork to deal with, and I don’t think any mining operation wants that. Even so, Oxford has had decades of experience and relationships with aggregate companies, and I don’t think those relationships will be diminished.”

Some who testified in Lansing this summer are calling for more robust funding for geological mapping, a much-needed tool to more judiciously determine zoning areas and create better legislation around aggregate mining.

properly zone for mining,” Yellich said on a call out in the field in Allegan County. “Either they may be building over the most ideal locations to mine, or homeowners may someday find themselves living close to an area that will be mined which they had no intentions of living nearby. In this regard, Michigan is way behind other states like Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois.”

eologist Mike Wilczynski, who worked for 11 years as senior geologist at Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), said the history of the call to create zoning regulations for areas with potential mining value dates to the 1960’s. That’s when geology faculty members at Wayne State University served on a gubernatorial committee to study how mining operations would impact groundwater quality.

Wilczynski said geologists advised the state to fund the creation of a thorough geological mapping survey of sand and gravel reserves and other precious minerals to prevent the land to be developed for residential commercial or other uses.

“Back then, geologists were pushing for zoning laws that allowed the state to first mine for gravel deposits and then develop the land for other uses,” said Wilczynski. “Now this idea is resurfacing, and it took a long time for this idea to catch on here in Michigan while this has been the practice in other states such as Wisconsin and Minnesota where they have conducted statewide geologic mapping. So, we build over these deposits and then we complain that we don’t have enough supplies close to where the aggregate materials are needed, or now we have to open up mining operations too close to communities because there was no overall regional planning that took place.”

John Yellich, director of the Michigan Geological Survey, explained that statewide comprehensive geological mapping is something both local government and aggregate industry leaders have supported “1,000 percent.” However, from 1980 to 2011, a time when the state saw much suburban and exurban development, no mapping or data was compiled due to zero funding. It was only in 2011 when the mapping project received funding through three special appropriations through the state in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Still, Yellich cannot hire full time staff.

“Not having accurate mapping makes it a challenge for towns to

or example, Yellich explained in the last three years, the Michigan Geological Survey completed mapping Calhoun County. The survey had discovered about 166 square miles of potential underground aggregate resources. But most of this area had already been zoned for housing or contained development areas that contained sensitive wetlands. “Once you took away land zoned for housing development or wetlands that should not be disturbed, Calhoun was left with about 44 square miles available for mining,” Yellich said.

Another crucial reason to map, Yellich insisted: wherever there is sand and gravel, there is water.

“I have been advising town officials to restrict the growth along their city boundaries for years, but people tend to like to develop and build homes along rivers and waterways, which is right where sand and gravel reserves are located,” Yellich said. “Where you have sand and gravel, you have water resources, and we need to know where these are in order to protect them. Wetlands represent near surface water which must be protected from contaminating the groundwater, which seeps into the sand and gravel. What ties all this together will be a solid mapping program to identify and protect water resources as well as depths of where sand and gravel resources are located. So, accurate geological mapping is a win-win for everyone.”

Tim Minotas, legislative and political coordinator and chapter compliance officer for the Sierra Club Michigan chapter, said the aggregate industry has misled the public to believe there is a looming shortage of aggregate material, and said SB 429-431 would create a statewide program that serves only to favor the aggregate mining industry at the expense of our local communities and environment.

“Michigan is not experiencing a shortage of aggregate mines nor materials,” explained Minotas. “Recent data shows that the state has about 600 companies mining in about 1,300 sites throughout the state. While some may have been idle due to the COVID pandemic, they are not completely closed. And if there is an aggregate shortage in the state, why is Michigan one of the top exporters of gravel in the country?”

Citing the aggregate industry’s argument for more closely located aggregate activity would offset emissions if materials would not have to be trucked from long distances, Minotas said that the existing mines are already evenly dispersed throughout the state and any reduction in a carbon footprint would be minimal.

Though Minotas said the Sierra Club is not opposed to mining and the organization would like to ideally see a baseline framework of regulations set by EGLE for the aggregate mining industry, he noted the current legislation as it is written provides no details on how this will be accomplished.

“Under the current laws, where mine permits are regulated at the local level, we don’t see a problem at all. There are some localities (like Metamora) that are doing a great job, and others that need more of a framework and resources,” Minotas said. “And while it would be great to have a piece of legislation that would require EGLE to create some framework for baseline standards for permitting to then be adapted at local levels, we would be for that. But the way the bills are currently written, they truly fail to provide any sort of effective and truly robust regulatory framework for oversight and review of these mines and protecting the environment. So, full stop, we are against the currently proposed legislation.”

Nicole Festian

I n Nicole Festian’s role as a counselor at Seaholm High School, her contribution and commitment to helping students was recently recognized by The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and Affiliates as one of 10 school counselors nationwide who were selected to receive a 2022 National Certified School Counselor Award.

“The award honors extraordinary efforts by school counselors to address youth mental health needs and initiate suicide prevention programming in school communities,” Festian explained. “I’m passionate about helping people and the social-emotional wellbeing of our students – and I was honored to receive this award.”

She was excited that the award came with $1,000 to be used toward furthering mental health programming at her school.

According to Festian, the top mental health concern counselors encounter among Seaholm High School students is related to anxiety, which, she said, has only gotten worse with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Seaholm is a rigorous school and, while that is good, it brings with it a higher level of pressure and a specific type of anxiety associated with high performance and perfection.”

As a high school counselor, Festian works with students on three main areas: academic planning, college and career planning, and social-emotional wellbeing. She serves on the UMatter committee, which hosts an annual spirit week dedicated to student mental health and wellness while promoting the message that “everyone matters” – individually and to the school community. She is also involved in various student support groups and leads safeTALK suicide alertness training inside and outside the school environment.

Festian grew up in Troy and attended Oakland University (“I’ve always been local”). She has been a counselor for 10 years and worked in Holly Area Schools before starting her position with Birmingham Public Schools five years ago. Outside of the school setting, she has been in private practice since 2017 as a contractual licensed professional therapist at Healing Hearts and Minds Center for Counseling in Rochester Hills, focusing on individual, family, and play therapy.

“While I enjoy working with students, I missed helping a client long-term –developing coping strategies and seeing progress. My school role is more solution-based and referring students outside who would benefit from more indepth counseling,” she said.

In addition to her busy professional schedule, Festian leads an eventful personal life. She is engaged to be married and, on top of planning a wedding, she and her fiancé recently bought a new house in Lake Orion. She loves spending time on the water, cooking, practicing yoga, and being with her dogs –two Australian Shepherds named Kona and Dahlia, one of which is a therapy dog she has brought to work with her at Seaholm High School.

Festian noted that when it comes to mental health at any age, there may be times that the old way of approaching life challenges is no longer effective and professional help is needed to begin the healing process.

“At any age, it’s important to identify patterns and triggers, especially with anxiety, then work toward ‘How do I manage better?’ While it’s a different formula for each person, professional help along with strategies such as breathing, mindfulness, getting out to exercise or socialize help many people.”

She added, “As each year progresses, the stigma is reduced. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – know that there are resources available.”

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

Story: Tracy Donohue

Strategic planning of recovery funds

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Township officials on Tuesday, September 6, held a special study session to discuss how best to spend $4.4 million in federal funds granted through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided to offset revenue losses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh said the funds, which total $4,407,946.33, are a one-time disbursement, and must be used in accordance with specific guidelines. Township administrators and trustees met with department heads who presented potential projects and discussed how best to utilize the funds. Walsh said the money must be obligated by the end of 2024, and spent by December 31, 2026.

“This is a one-time thing because of coronavirus,” Walsh said.

Bloomfield Township department heads on September 6 presented roughly $42 million in proposed projects that could utilize the federal funds. Walsh said the money can’t be spent on debt service or pension liability, and must fall into at least one of four categories: replacing lost public sector revenue; supporting COVID-19 public health and economic responses; providing premium pay for eligible workers performing essential work; and investing in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

Proposed uses of the money ranged from multi-million-dollar initiatives – such as sewer projects and replacing the fire station at Maple and Telegraph – to smaller items, such as purchases of specific public safety equipment or technology upgrades. Initiatives, such as developing a new strategic plan for the township and upgrading records management and document storage, were additional areas discussed for consideration.

Bloomfield Township Trustee Michael Schostak said he favors addressing several smaller projects that would have the greatest impact, rather than one or two big-ticket items.

“I have some thoughts and am taking it all in, but I'm glad we are going to reach out for feedback from the community,” Schostak said. “The federal government in their infinite wisdom thought it would be good for everyone to have this money, so we better do something good with it.”

Trustee Neal Barnett said he believes the money could be used to

Final draft of city 2040 master plan

By Grace Lovins

The final draft of Birmingham’s 2040 Master Plan, formally called The Birmingham Plan 2040, was reviewed by the city's planning board on Wednesday, September 14, with the recommendation that the mandatory 63-day distribution period be authorized by the city commission.

A work in progress for over two years, the 2040 master plan includes recommendations for future land use, supporting mixed-use districts, advancing sustainability practices, embracing managed growth and retaining neighborhood quality. While drafting began in 2019, the planning consultants received direction from the city commission to begin working on the third and final draft on April 18, 2022.

At the September 14 meeting, planning board chairperson Scott Clein emphasized that the planning board’s obligation at hand was to decide whether to recommend that the city commission authorize the distribution period for the public to review the final draft.

The city is required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act to provide at minimum a 63-day distribution period where the public will have the opportunity to review the final draft and submit comments. The draft will be sent to surrounding municipalities, Oakland County, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), CN North America, Public Utilities and SMART for review as well.

Board member Daniel Share began the discussion noting that while he believes it is a terrific plan, there are minor adjustments needed in the introduction. He noted that the section is too long and merits more positivity, an opinion shared by board members Janelle Boyce and Bert Koseck. Boyce echoed Share’s comments about the length of the introduction and pointed out incorrect spellings and language not suited for a master plan.

Koseck noted that the flaw in the context of the plan is in the narrative, as it does not provide a positive picture of the city.

“The general planning aspects of this, what I would expect in a master plan, I think are wonderful and I’m excited by us being able to use it as a tool as we do our work in the future. But, the flaw to me is in the narrative and it begins with the very first page, the context,” Koseck said. “It’s a bit frightening and it’s not positive. … If there is a narrative it should really represent who it is that we are.”

Given the shared opinions on the introductory section, Share stated that it would be appropriate for the board to give thought to being more involved in the writing of the final draft.

Along with the other members of the board, Clein said that he believed the plan was well thought out and ready to move forward for public distribution. While the public will be able to access the final draft, board member Bryan Williams noted that it will be adjusted based on comments from the public and the organizations that will also receive a copy, so the finalized plan may not be the same as the final draft.

The board voted unanimously, with alternate member Nasseem Ramin voting in place of Robert Boyle, to recommend the city commission authorize the final draft for a 63-day public distribution period.

undertake a mix of both larger and smaller projects.

“I think we need both,” he said. “I agree that smaller projects are affordable, but they may also increase efficiency and safety without being too expensive. We could do a number of things that increase public safety, efficiency and customer service, but at the same time get some of those larger projects that are important.”

Township Clerk Martin Brook recommended the board develop an

objective ranking system to help prioritize what projects should be considered.

“Just with some quick numbers, there’s about $42 million in projects,” Brook said. “The township has been great at expense management and keeping taxes to a minimum, but after a while bills come due.”

Brook recommended board members develop a list of criteria to help rank projects in a more objective manner.

“Perhaps we prepare a list of

criteria, versus everyone identifying their favorite projects,” Brook said. “Criteria could be: is it eligible under the guidelines? Does it reduce tax liability for residents? Does it have long-term cost savings for the township over time? Does it define a direct resident impact? And we view them with the idea of bringing some objective measurement to the process.”

Township Treasurer Brian Kepes supported Walsh’s desire to develop a strategic plan for the township, which would help procure other unrelated grants in the future and keep the township on track for being “best in class” as a community.

“My sense is that we are going to be implementing a good portion of these items that are on the list. My question is: how are we going to do it and when are we going to do it?” Kepes said. “I also like Martin’s (Brook) thought for having some objective criteria we can come to make a decision. My sense is, this is a bucket of money and I think residents want to know what we spend it on. It’s difficult to say we did 10 or 20 projects. I think it needs to be something that has real impact.

Unfortunately, the items that have significant impact are multiples of what these dollars are. Again, with a strategic plan, we will get from here to there, but we have to really start with that as a basis.”

Trustee Valerie Murray said many of the projects impact more than one department or area of service. For instance, updating information technology items could help public safety and services, such as quicker issuance of building permits.

“There are so many important things we touched on: public safety, communications, IT. It all comes together because you need communications for police and fire, and the building department and senior center, and IT is in the middle of all that, too. It’s going to take a lot of thinking,” Murray said.

Walsh said the board will continue to study the proposals, develop criteria and ranking, and solicit input from the community. She praised the board’s cohesiveness and importance of input from all members, as well as the community.

“This group has been so great at figuring things out together that I wanted to bring them to you and say, ‘this is what we see on a daily basis… it’s amazing how things are so intertwined with one aspect that involves four or five department heads,” Walsh said. “Even though these sound like individual needs, they are going to help a lot of different areas.”

Personalized mortgage options to t your nancial strategy

At U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, we tailor the home nancing experience to t your needs.

Customized mortgage options include:

•Residential one to four units, xed, adjustable or interest only mortgage options

•Mortgage priority process, products and scheduling to meet your loan closing date

•Primary, second home, condominium, co-op and investment one to four unit properties

•Residential single close construction, lot loan, renovation & expansion options

•Ability to hold title in an approved Trust, LLC, LLP, Corp or other non-operating entity

•Conforming, jumbo and super jumbo loan size availability

•Lending in all states (some loan types are limited to speci c states)

Get started today. Contact your to find out more about residential mortgage options.

Mark Webberly

41000 Woodward Avenue, Suite 350 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 248.991.9385 mark.webberly@usbank.com NMLS#: 139326

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©202 U.S. Bank.

Township approves water meter billing

By Kevin Elliott

Water customers in Bloomfield Township will be receiving monthly water bills in upcoming years under a water meter replacement and upgrade program unanimously approved by the township’s board of trustees on Monday, September 12.

The multi-year replacement program is part of an effort for the township to attain more accurate water usage information which can be shared with customers, make a move to monthly billing in the future, and meet state law that requires the removal of any lead service lines owned by the township, said Bloomfield Township Public Works Director Noah Mehalski.

“There is a service line at the end of the stop box that feeds water into people’s homes, and in this state because of the weather, the meters are inside,” Mehalski said. “The meter then talks to a sender unit to get meter readings. Right now, we are on a radio-read environment, in which we can drive by on the street and collect the readings. We want to move toward a monthly billing and usage-based billing, and we want to move to getting more robust data through the use of a cellular network and having a cellular endpoint, rather than a radio read.

“Additionally, this involves state regulations to get into the home and do a test on the service line material coming into the home. We would have to do it anyway, so we are coupling these together. The hardest part will be getting into homes, so if we can do that one time and satisfy multiple regulations, that’s how we are going to do the program.”

Mehalski said nearly half of water customers in the township won’t need full meter replacements, instead requiring only an updated cellular “endpoint,” on the outside of the home, which will send water usage data via a cellular connection in real time. That information would be available to customers in real time through a customer portal. The data would then be used to develop a monthly billing program based on precise usage data. Meanwhile, the contractor conducting the work will be able to check service lines in homes with older meters to meet new lead safety standards.

“So, if someone got a meter two years ago, we don’t need to change the meter, just the endpoint,”

Bloomfield Township trustee Michael Schostak confirmed.

Schostak said more accurate data will help detect leaks in the system, noting that a water leak at his own home ended up costing him about $2,000 before it was detected.

Mehalski said residents who require meter replacements wouldn’t be charged directly for the change.

“This funding is included as part of the rate of any given year, and the $300,000 for this year is already included in this year’s rates,” he said. “Indirectly, the rate payers are paying for it.”

Trustees unanimously approved a contract with SLC Meter to conduct the work in an amount “not to exceed $300,000 for the 2022-23 fiscal year.”

Mehalski said the total cost of the program will be spread over several years. The cost to replace all meters in one year was estimated at nearly $7.9 million. However, he said that estimate doesn’t contain the actual number of meter replacements, endpoint updates and related work, rather the cost to replace all meters.

“That’s why it’s a ‘not to exceed’ price in the first year,” he said. “In following years, we will have usage rates and know a budget amount.”

Some township residents attending the board meeting expressed concern during the public comment period, prior to the matter being discussed.

“My comment is about the new meters – $8 million, and that excludes that cost of the meters. How are we going to pay for that? I don’t want higher rates,” said Bloomfield Township resident Mark Antaki.

Mehalski later said replacements would start with high-end water users and commercial customers in the first few years and collect water usage during that time to develop accurate usage readings that could be used for determining rates. Usage data and progress made each year will then determine how long the entire project will take, as well as overall cost.

“We bid this out by unit cost, and then we extrapolated that over the multi-year program for 18,000 meters,” he said. “If we chose to do this in one year, the big number is about $7.9 million. We have to parcel this out year-to-year. There are many reasons why: a $7-8 million hit to the budget isn’t prudent planning; you don’t want to replace meters that don’t need it, so you want to do this over several years.”

Three-story luxury townhomes proposed

By Grace Lovins

A preliminary site plan for a new three-story development, to be called Forest Townhomes, to occupy space once housing an office building and a surface parking lot on the corner of Elm Street and Forest Avenue, was reviewed by the Birmingham Planning Board during their meeting on Wednesday, August 24.

Forest Townhomes, will feature six attached single-family units with internal parking. Each proposed unit will have a private two car capacity garage where residents of each unit with more than one vehicle will park front-to-back as opposed to side-to-side. Planning director Nick Dupuis noted that all entrances to the actual units will be located on Elm Street, but the internal parking would be located on the east side of the building in an existing alley off of Elm, currently curbed off from Forest, preventing through traffic.

While the preliminary site plan provided most of the necessary information, Dupuis pointed out that he hoped to hear the board’s input on a proposed screen wall – essentially asking if a non-masonry screen wall for the development would suffice – as well as some proposed streetscape elements. With minor changes to the design, including the screening of HVAC units on the roof of the building and the inclusion of bike racks to accommodate bicycle travel, the planning division recommended approval of the site plan.

Board member Bert Koseck stated that he had trouble understanding the relation of the development in the context of the surrounding buildings and residential areas as they were not included in the provided information, which he said was necessary to formulating a decision about the property. Koseck’s concerns were shared by board member Bryan Williams, who noted that he wished to see the surrounding buildings or residential areas from the east side of the building.

John Marusich of Marusich Architecture affirmed to Koseck and the rest of the board that he will include a complete view of all surrounding properties on each side of the proposed development in the final site plan and design review. After announcing the development would not gain his support because the necessary information was not provided, Koseck stated that he thinks the development is a good project and one that the board envisions, but the information that should be presented at a preliminary hearing was just not provided.

Residents living on Forest also voiced their concerns over the new development, stating that the street already faces issues with nonresidents using the street for parking as well as the possible implications the development might have on property values.

“With the building of the new addition of the All Seasons, which is currently underway and the building of this proposed building, [it] will very effectively box us in. … Currently we enjoy sunsets and a view of the city from our deck, kitchen and upstairs living areas, and that will be completely eliminated. We feel that the building of this building will affect our property value in a negative way,” said Richard Geraghty, a resident on Forest Avenue.

Allison Everett, also a resident living on Forest, supported Geraghty and echoed the issue of parking residents currently face. According to Geraghty, the residents of the street already have issues with patrons from the commercial buildings using the street for parking, where the residents have to pay to park on the street since it is residential permit parking only.

Everett added to Geraghty’s statements, noting that if the families or individuals living in the residential units have guests, there is no additional parking located at the townhomes for those individuals to park, which will most likely lead to more people occupying the street spaces on Forest.

Ultimately, the board voted 6-1, with Williams dissenting, to approve the preliminary site plan and design review of the development with the conditions that the applicant submits a revised roof plan that shows adequate screening and specifications of rooftop equipment and prepares a footprint and massing showing the neighboring structures in all directions.

Stormwater sewer cleaning to begin

By Lisa Brody

Following last summer's significant rain events, Bloomfield Township discovered several storm water sewers and drains were owned by the township and needed maintenance, which led to trustees unanimously approving a storm water asset cleaning and televising contract to begin the process at their meeting on Monday, August 22.

Noah Mehalski, director of public works, explained that during the summer of 2021, multiple large rain events occurred causing flooding impacts throughout the township. “Although the most of the flooding impacts occurred on private property, some sections of storm water conveyance were either owned by, deeded to, or maintained by Bloomfield Township. In order to guide and facilitate the ongoing maintenance of these conveyances the township, through its engineering consultant Hubbell Roth & Clark (HRC), Inc., is developing a storm water asset management plan (SWAMP).”

He said the first step is to clean and close circuit televise the process of the pipes and drains to see if there are any critical issues present and then analyze what to do with them.

Two bids were submitted to the township, and a recommendation to award the contract for cleaning and televising of storm water assets to Pipetek Infrastructure Services in the amount of $249,708.

Mehalski said included in the plan can be anything from pipes to “many kinds of drainage systems. This is to guide our future management of our assets. There is no first hand knowledge of them. We took them over – they're from a time when development was booming (in the township) and pipes and drains were put in,” but developers and the township did not map them.

“This is the first step in our gaining knowledge of this infrastructure,” Mehalski said. “It's an investment.”

Treasurer Brian Kepes concurred. “I think it's just the beginning of dealing with our storm water assets,” he said. “Clearly, last year was an eye opener. If something went into the ground 30, 40, 50 years ago and it hasn't been maintained, we're going to find something, and we have to take care of it.”

Trustee Michael Schostak asked if the bid was only for township, not county, property, and Mihalski said it was.

“This is for 50 sites, and there are thousands out there – but some of them have thousands of feet feeding off of them,” Mihalski said. “Each one of these was a source of flooding last year. Each one of these entered a home… Before last year, we thought we didn't own any storm water assets. Then we learned we own them all.”

“This cost will pale in comparison to homeowner damages and costs,” said clerk Martin Brook.

“The '50s, '60s, and '70s were years of huge growth. They're 50, 60 year old pipes. If they haven't failed yet, they will,” said supervisor Dani Walsh.

Township to receive county ARPA funds

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved an agreement to apply for a $100,000 grant for local government critical infrastructure planning from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners as part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding (ARPA) at their meeting on Monday, August 22.

In a letter from the board of commissioners, Bloomfield Township Director of Public Works Noah Mehalski reported the township has been selected for a grant award. The letter stated, “The purpose of this funding is to provide matching grants to local governments for project planning, engineering, analysis, and other related professional services in support of critical infrastructure projects...funds received from this grant must be used by December 31, 2022.”

Mehalski said some of the grant money will be put towards the storm water asset cleaning project to offset some of the costs, and other dollars will be used to help look at lead service line.

“We have to randomly check lines to make sure we don't have any lead in our connecting lines,” said supervisor Dani Walsh, noting that is a state requirement for all municipalities.

City weighs in on country club noise

By Grace Lovins

After numerous complaints from Birmingham residents regarding noise and a proposal for a pickleball courts at Birmingham Country Club, the Birmingham City Commission addressed the issues at their meeting on Monday, August 29, noting they do not have the authority to enforce anything as the club is in Bloomfield Township.

At the commission’s previous meeting on Monday, August 15, several residents from Saxon Drive and Norfolk Street in Birmingham, bordering the country club, expressed their concerns to the commission over incidents of speeding, issues with parking and persistent noise coming from members of the club. Because the club is located within Bloomfield Township and is regulated by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees, the commission is not able to offer much in the way of changing or managing the club operations or development.

Mayor Therese Longe mentioned on August 15 that the commission would be able to draft a letter to the board of trustees that recognizes the complaints made by Birmingham residents and offered suggestions as to how to possibly mitigate or address some of the issues brought up. Many of the complaints from residents focused on the issue of excessive noise coming from the tennis and paddle ball courts and the concern over the club’s proposal to construct pickleball courts on the corner of the property close to Saxon Street, but on property owned by the club.

A representative with the country club, Dan O’Hara, offered his input on the decision to construct the pickleball courts close to the neighboring homes, given that the courts will be built in the same location the paddle ball courts had previously been moved out of following resident complaints about noise. According to O’Hara, the paddle ball courts were moved because of lighting. Trees were planted around the courts so the lighting would not impede on the neighbors, but the pickleball courts will not have any lighting at all.

Referencing the trouble with noise coming from the courts, commissioner Clinton Baller asked O’Hara about mechanisms or policies for reducing sound such as fence blinders or alternative balls. Pickleball has been known to create

Board selects new BSD executive director

By David Hohendorf

A new Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) Executive Director, Christina Sheppard-Decius, was approved by the group's governing board at its meeting on Thursday, September 1, to fill the management spot left vacant since early May with the resignation of Sean Kammer, who had the position for about one year.

Over 30 applications had been received for the position and a special committee has been working to arrive at finalists for the position. The top two candidates met with the selection committee on August 31, at which time the panel arrived at a recommendation for the BSD board consideration.

The top two candidates were discussed by the BSD board which eventually gave a unanimous vote for the Sheppard-Decius hire.

BSD Board Chairperson Amy Pohlod said that as part of each finalist's background check, the selection committee talked to officials and businesses in communities where Sheppard-Decius had or is currently working and “businesses were very impressed by her performance.”

Sheppard-Decius is the founder and president of Pow!Strategies, a downtown business management consulting firm, the clients of which have included Downtown Dearborn Development Authorities (seven years), Pontiac Main Street, National Main Street Center, Main Street Oakland County (15 years), Ferndale (15 years), the Brighton PSD, Auburn Hills and Downtown Clawson.

She is currently under contract with Dearborn until the end of December but the BSD board will be requesting that, as part of the hire, Sheppard-Decius work to see if the contract can be ended earlier or request that she at least attend Birmingham BSD-related meetings and possibly be able to spend one-two days each week in the office here until she assumes a full time position with the city.

BSD officials noted that they still need to “work out details of the contract.”

According to Birmingham Assistant City Manager Jana Ecker, who is serving as interim director of the BSD, contact negotiations will be taking place. The salary range of the director position is $93,172 – $119,012, along with benefits that include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, 401K, retirement health savings, 457, life insurance, FSA, short/long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.

loud noise from its racquets and balls, a complaint made around the country. O’Hara stated the country club is planning to use green racquets, which are considered the softest of racquets in terms of noise, and the club has plans to conduct a sound study in the upcoming week.

O’Hara also noted that the neighbors have asked the club to conduct a parking study, which they plan to complete, along with a sound study for the courts, but he maintains that parking is not really an issue aside from a few times a year when the club hosts tennis finals and swim meets.

City manager Tom Markus questioned if the country club has its rules and appropriate conduct displayed near the courts or anywhere at the club. When O’Hara confirmed that rules were not posted, Markus suggested that a sign or plaque be posted on the fences of the pickleball, paddle ball and tennis

courts. He additionally suggested that the country club establish regular meetings with the neighbors to improve communication and the relationships between them.

“Recognizing that they aren’t directing you but they are interfacing with you, you’re developing a relationship with them. You might find it works both ways. You might have some challenges with some neighbors in terms of encroachment and other things that impact the golf course but you can get those things flushed out if you have a regular committee to do that,” Markus suggested to O’Hara.

After addressing the noise concern brought up by residents, the commission addressed the issue of parking that was brought to their attention. Residents claim that club members regularly park in the street parking on Saxon Street, which is legal public parking that provides a shorter walk to the different courts

than if they were to park in the club’s parking lot. It was also stated that while parking is a persistent issue, club members have also been seen by residents speeding through the residential areas while going to or coming from the club.

Commissioner Katie Schafer encouraged O’Hara and country club leadership to communicate to the members of the club what they are and are not allowed to do and acknowledge when members are not following the rules. She cites her own experience and policy that is upheld for employees of her business.

“The message comes from the top,” Shafer stated. “My staff knows that they are not to park on the street in front of other people’s homes. It is public parking, they’re allowed to park there, but they know that if I catch them parked in front of somebody’s home that they’re going to hear from me. … If the messaging comes from up here that ‘we want to be good neighbors where our business is located,’ I think you can be effective that way as well.”

The commission decided that a letter would be sent to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees that addresses the complaints they have received from Birmingham residents neighboring the country club. Mayor Longe noted the letter will include the recommendations from the commission that were discussed during the meeting.

Planners work on outdoor dining rules

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham Planning Board continued revisions of the outdoor dining ordinance proposal during the meeting on Wednesday, September 14, with the board moving closer to a final draft, leaving a grandfathering section for future discussion.

Birmingham Planning Director Nick Dupuis presented the changes made to the ordinance proposal by staff after the board’s last study session on August 11. The revisions included specifications regarding placement of an outdoor dining facility, a height limit for windbreaks, and a minimum and maximum height for overhead weather protections, like umbrellas and awnings.

The board had minor suggestions for changing the revised sections which boiled down to sentence structure. After a brief discussion over the placement and height specifications, the conversation turned to address the

WELCOME BACK!

At Beauty we have gone above and beyond CDC and Michigan regulations to ensure we are implementing extensive health-related safety precautions to protect our clients and team members during the COVID-19 pandemic. So make your appointment now!

“grandfathering” section of the ordinance.

Grandfathering, or exempting existing businesses from a new law, has raised a lot of concerns from all board members, but since the board has not yet heard an opinion on the language of the section from city attorney Mary Kucharek, they decided against addressing major details or changes.

Board member Stuart Jeffares shared his thoughts on the concept of a potential sunset date which was included in previous drafts of the section, saying he doesn’t feel good about putting businesses into noncompliance by changing the rules and forcing them to adjust to fit the new compliance standards.

“Grandfathering in my mind doesn’t have a sunset [date], essentially saying, ‘You were in conformance, we changed the rules, and everyone else has to come into conformance and if you replace or tear down or whatever, you’ll have to come into conformance,’ but to do it the other way I don’t feel good about it personally,” Jeffares said.

Chairperson Scott Clein responded

that the board ultimately has the option to either leave the issue out of the ordinance and in the hands of the city commission, or come up with a solution to mitigate the issue on the board’s level. “I’d prefer not to do anything, but I hate the result that might come from that,” Clein said.

Clein questioned if the board would feel more comfortable without including a grandfathering section in the ordinance, but board member Daniel Share urged that the section should remain. He noted that outdoor dining platforms are removable, not permanent structures, and businesses shouldn’t expect to have the platforms forever.

“I’d like to see uniformity among these platforms. I think that some of the problems that have caused us to want to change the language, if they’re allowed to remain forever, will continue to be problems forever. I think that there’s a fair period, whatever that is, in which people can come into conformity without extraordinary financial burden,” Share said.

Dupuis agreed with Share’s comments, noting that most of the

outdoor dining facilities rest on city property, therefore the space is a privilege and not guaranteed.

Ultimately, the board gave Dupuis minor suggestions to revise specific sentences in various sections of the proposal, as well as direction to draft a potential section addressing restrictions to entertainment systems, such as amplified speakers, on outdoor dining platforms due to a public comment about excessive noise. They will also revisit the proposed grandfathering section after Kucharek is able to provide input.

Homeowner seeks historic designation

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham’s Historic District Study Committee will begin preparations for a preliminary report for the residence located at 1283 Buckingham Avenue to continue the process of obtaining designation as a local historic resource after receiving direction from the city commission at their meeting on Monday, September 12.

Keith and Carol Deyer purchased the home in 1976 and have occupied the residence since. Keith Deyer explained to the commission his decision to obtain a historic designation for the house came after seeing houses demolished with affordable housing or larger homes in mind, a theme of the city’s 2040 master plan. The Deyers aimed to preserve the history and character the residence brings to the city.

“What sort of tipped me over the edge relative to requesting historic designation is I’ve been really bothered by the number of tear downs,” Deyer said. “When we moved to Birmingham, it was the character that really intrigued us: the difference in houses, the housing stock, the neighborhoods. I think all that’s changing, and while I understand change is inevitable, it really can be managed. … I think there’s a lot of issues at play and as we move forward and try to decide what the city is, I think it’s important to maintain some character.”

The house was originally built in 1925 by American architect Wallace

Frost, a peer of the well known Detroit-based industrial architect Albert Kahn. Frost designed 44 houses in or near Birmingham, and was known for mid-sized cottages allowing lots of natural light. His designs included a mix of French, Italian and English influences, featuring woodwork and limestone frames around doors and windows.

Planning Director Nick Dupuis ran through the process and result of obtaining a designation for the commission. First, he explained, the commission will direct the Historic District Study Committee to begin preparations for a preliminary report, then city staff will conduct a photo inventory of the outside of the house.

Next, research into the history of the house will be conducted and will be made into a report for the city commission, which will also be shared with different bodies, including the State Historic Preservation Office and the city's planning division, ultimately leading to a public hearing with the city commission, where a final report will be provided.

Keith Deyer noted that once the

house has been designated a local historic resource, if significant changes want to be made to the house, the owner would have to go to the Historic District Committee and have a review. If someone were to decide they wanted to tear the house down, there would also be additional reviews. However, the house is not completely immune to any future demolition or modification.

Commissioner Andrew Haig shared his appreciation for Deyer’s enthusiasm and willingness to obtain the historic designation for the 96-year old house. “The house I grew up in was built in the 1790's, the main part of it was, and another part was built in the late 1800’s. … I really appreciate your efforts. They do take a lot of work to do. … I love watching your progress. I love watching your enthusiasm for doing this. Thank you for doing it,” Haig said.

The commission voted unanimously to direct the Historic District Study Committee to begin preparation of a preliminary report for the residence.

Planners revisit parking assesment

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham Planning Board revisited a zoning ordinance amendment request during their meeting on Wednesday, August 24, that would enable a D4 zoned property outside of the parking assessment district (PAD) in the downtown overlay zone to request a waiver of the zoning ordinance from the city commission.

Doraid Markus, the property owner of 469-479 S. Old Woodward, petitioned for an amendment to the current D4 parking standards, which was previously seen by the planning board during their meeting on July 27. Previously, Markus and his attorney, Stephen Estey, informed the board that Markus was seeking an amendment to the ordinance because of an opportunity he has to lease the first floor of retail space to a furniture store, which would become the property’s anchor tenant.

However, with the current parking

requirements, the property would be lacking roughly 40 to 50 parking spaces. Typically, a property would then request a variance from the ordinance from the board of zoning appeals (BZA), but Estey noted that after a recent city commission review, it would be unlikely to be granted a variance from the BZA.

Senior planner Brooks Cowan presented the revised ordinance to the board, but noted that there are still concerns among city staff with the language in the proposed amendment. After the last meeting, Estey and Markus proposed making the parking waiver from the city commission contingent on a special land use permit (SLUP), but Cowan notes that a SLUP is meant for specific uses outlined in the zoning ordinance and Markus and Estey are proposing that a SLUP be applied to other uses under the ordinance.

“It is a concern when applicants cannot satisfy the requirements of the zoning ordinance, they go to the board of zoning appeals to request a variance, not the city commission for a waiver. We are concerned about the precedent of allowing a zoning

ordinance to be amended where zoning requirements may be waived through a SLUP from city commission instead of obtaining a variance by demonstrating a hardship, as would generally be the case,” Cowan said.

City staff maintain that they do not approve of the ordinance as written by Doraid and Estey, according to Cowan, because of the lack of approval or denial standards for a waiver to be included in the proposed amendment, the appearance of bypassing the process to obtain a variance from the BZA, and that the property, under Article 4 of the ordinance, would not typically be subject to a SLUP.

Estey maintained that the purpose of Markus’ petition and the proposed amendment is to correct a very specific problem of Markus’ property being the only D4 zoned property to not be included in the parking assessment district. He insisted that the board set a public hearing so he, Markus, the planning board and the city commission could provide input and receive input on the amendment from the public.

Inclusion in the parking district allows a property to be included in the use of city parking decks rather than provide onsite parking.

Board member Brian Williams stated that he believes the passing of the amendment could essentially open a pandora’s box, but the applicant is entitled to a public hearing.

“My own observation is I think it’s dangerous if we start picking out a particular parcel of property to treat differently, but I think we ought to have a public hearing and hear from the public, hear from the applicant again, and then decide at that time what our recommendation is going to be and I think we shouldn’t get into the details of the recommendation before we have the public hearing and we hear the public.” said Williams.

Cowan and Estey additionally commented on the possibility of the city adjusting parking requirements in a more comprehensive manner that would assess the issue on a broader scale than just Markus’ property. Various other cities around the country have implemented a

“payment in lieu” policy that allows businesses or property owners to pay a designated amount to the city to make up for any parking spaces the property lacks based on a zoning ordinance. Board members took an interest in the possibility of a similar policy, but said it would have to be decided along with the city commission.

Chairperson Scott Clein echoed his comments from the previous review of the proposed amendment, saying that he would like to hear an opinion from the city attorney, Mary Kucharek, on the legal implication of giving parking assessment district benefits to a property that is not part of the district

Ultimately, the planning board approved a motion to set a public hearing for Wednesday, September 28, in a 6-0 vote, with board members Stuart Jeffares and Janelle Boyce absent from the meeting and alternate board member Nasseem Ramin recusing herself from discussions stating the property owner is represented by a partner at her law firm.

Parking discussed at commission workshop

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners met on Monday, September 12, for their third special workshop discussing issues around parking in the city, where they continued to analyze the city’s parking system, including expired parking assessment districts, and review if the issue currently warrants action.

The commission previously held two special workshops related to parking in May and October of 2021. On May 10, 2021, the commission reviewed background information on the city’s parking system, including parking meters, city owned lots, and parking structures.

During the workshop on October 4, 2021, the commission discussed the future of the city ’s parking system and whether it may be further developed to include the Triangle District. The workshop addressed questions surrounding expired

We welcome parents to explore the wonders of the Lower School (PK-Grade 3) at Detroit Country Day. This Lower School admissions session is a parent only event with a full program beginning at 1:00 PM.

Beginning at 2:00 PM explore our Middle School (Grades 4-8) and Upper School (Grades 9-12). Engage with students, faculty, and parents, about our philosophy and program. Through guided tours gain insight on our program inspired by our motto - Mens Sana In Corpore Sano ~ A Sound Mind in a Sound Body. scan the QR

parking assessment districts, and affirmed that the city currently has no parking assessment district and it would not be possible for any properties to buy into an assessment district as they have all expired.

The presentation by assistant city manager Jana Ecker echoed previous discussions regarding parking assessment districts. She reiterated that the city currently has no active parking assessment district as they have all expired, and suggested the commission refer to the parking system as the Downtown Parking District.

After the question was raised by the commission during past workshops about past planning boards considering future growth and development in the city, Ecker later emphasized in her presentation that future growth was considered during studies conducted in the 1960’s through the 1980’s.

“The zoning ordinance that we have right now is consistent with exactly what was intended and it’s been in place like that since 1955,”

Ecker said. “Future development was included. We can’t assess for new development that comes in because we don’t have an assessment district. There’s nothing to assess, and even if you could – they’ve already paid for it. Unless you’re going to provide some new structure, some new parking benefit, that’s something you could decide to set up: A new parking assessment district.”

Commissioner Clinton Baller noted the city has a history of responding to demand, and one of the concerns expressed is that parking is a finite resource and new developments are going to consume the finite resource, which has been the case since the 1950’s. He stated that the response to the question of supply and demand should include the commission talking about adding more parking.

City Manager Tom Markus responded that the city is in a period of deescalation as opposed to growth, leaving the commission to decide if parking is an issue that should be looked at right now, referring to many

offices working virtually or in hybrid mode.

“I think our biggest fear right now is we may be at a point where parking goes into decline. We really don’t know that yet, but that’s kind of a fear to me,” said Markus. “We’ve always been in this growth mode and now all of a sudden we’re in a deescalation mode and that’s something we haven’t experienced. I think that’s the risk that many of us see happening right now, but I’m not convinced that it’s going to be long term. I think you’re going to have to wait this out some more and see.”

The workshop concluded with the commission in agreement to revisit the parking issue at a later date.

Hearing held on two motions in city suit

By David Hohendorf

Federal District Court Judge Mark A. Goldsmith held a hearing August 22 on two motions before the court in an American Disabilities Act

(ADA) lawsuit against the city of Birmingham over the S. Old Woodward Road project but has yet to issue a ruling in the case.

The federal lawsuit was first filed on May 18 by 555 Building managing partner John Reinhart, Anthony Wenzel, who says he frequents an exercise studio in the building, and architect Robert Ziegelman, who has an office in the 555 Building.

All three plaintiffs claim physical disabilities and that the final design for the completed road project will make it difficult for handicapped persons to access the 555 Building due to the loss of 60 parking spaces in the overall project area, and they are contesting the relocation of a bus stop, now on Bowers Street, to the front of the 555 Building.

In its answer to the lawsuit, the city of Birmingham raised a number of points, including the fact that the final design of the road reconstruction project provides for an ADA-compliant parking space which

If any real in 2022, please call, text or email me anytime. I work as both a buyers agent and as a listing agent assure you my best effort, honesty and integrity with 22 plus years of experience in the local market. work with me, I will be your only point of contact, not a team of others.

76 Closed Sales over the last 12 months in Oakland County

400 Martell - Bloomfield Hills - $2,750,000

Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 6.1 bath estate home on a 1.5 acre lot blocks from Cranbrook campus. Spacious floor plan with chef’s kitchen, custom master suite and theater room. In-ground gunite pool.

3675 Squirrel - Bloomfield Township - $1,145,000

Newly built from the ground up in 2015 – 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with gorgeous kitchen open to dining room and family room. Large 1.24 acre lot with beautiful hardscape patios. 3 car garage.

3895 Oakland - Bloomfield Township - $699,900

Incredible opportunity to build on this .65 acre vacant lot in Oakland Hills Country Club sub. Site cleared and ready to build your dream home.

171 N Worth - Birmingham - $675,000

Charming 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath English cottage style home in Poppleton. Beautiful plaster archways, spacious updated kitchen, large primary suite. Private backyard. Easy walk to downtown.

538 Westbourne - Bloomfield Township - $499,900

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch in Westchester Village. Nice remodeled kitchen with large center island and dining nook. Four season room overlooking the beautiful pool and yard.

3330 South Blvd - Bloomfield Township - $485,000

First floor master in this 3 bedroom, 3.1 bath colonial built in 2000. Two additional bedrooms both ensuite. Two-story great room, office, 3 car attached garage. On over half an acre.

15637 Buckingham - Beverly Hills - $419,900

Absolute turn key 2 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch extensively renovated with high-end finishes throughout. Gorgeous kitchen and baths. Fully fenced back yard. Detached garage.

17235 Birwood - Beverly Hills - $400,000

Beautiful extensively renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch. Newer kitchen, spacious primary bedroom suite, refinished hardwoods. Fenced in yard with trex deck and paver patio. 3 car garage.

590 Riverside - Birmingham - $399,000

One of 2 vacant sites remaining in Riverside Placeexclusive development of 8 detached condos steps from downtown Birmingham. Design and build your dream home.

County error on land rezoning fixed

By Grace Lovins

Developers of Westbrown Condominiums at 695 W Brown Street came before the Birmingham commission on Monday, August 29, seeking to rezone an adjacent undeveloped land parcel and obtain a lot split following an error made in 2018 by Oakland County, and commissioners unanimously approved them.

Back in February 2018, LB Land LLC obtained final site plan approval from the Birmingham Planning Board for eight single-family attached residential units, with the stipulation that the open land to the south of the development be used for staging and then to restore landscaping until the owner brought forward a proposed development for the site.

LB Land LLC officials explained they submitted the master deed documentation to Oakland County that fall for taxable IDs for each condominium. However, they said a mistake was made on the part of Oakland County, which led to the creation of an ID for the “balance parcel” – the open lot intended for staging and landscaping. The county made the open space a new lot, separating it from Westbrown Condominiums and creating a lot division at the county level.

The city treasurer then unknowingly approved the new parcel IDs, creating a new lot without city commission approval. After the owner was informed, two choices were given: either follow through with the city’s lot division process or the city would return to Oakland County to request the lot split be reversed and the lot added to the condominium development as one lot. LB Land decided to continue with the city’s lot division process, which requires the R8 zoned land to be rezoned to R2 –single family residential.

However, when the property owner returned to the planning board seeking to rezone the property, the planning board denied a rezoning of the land from R8 to R2 after what they described as a “misinterpretation” of the zoning ordinance. Originally, planners believed the development had maxed out its ability to construct more residential units and was not able to build more units on the open lot. However, the zoning ordinance states that an “R8 zoned property may have multiple buildings that do not contain more than eight residential units rather than only allowing eight residential units on one property.”

On June 22, 2022, LB Land LLC returned to the planning board, which admitted it had misinterpreted the ordinance, and the mistake was corrected, allowing the rezoning request to head to the city commission for approval. At the commission meeting on August 29, senior planner Brooks Cowan noted that the requirements for rezoning –an explanation of why a rezoning is necessary, why the existing classification is no longer appropriate, and why the proposed rezoning would not be detrimental to surrounding properties – were satisfied according to the planning board, and that an R2 zoning of the property would follow the recommendations of the city's master plan.

The commission expressed varied opinions on the issue of rezoning the property, all acknowledging the mistake made by the county had disrupted the typical approval process. Commissioner Andrew Haig said that he felt the error from the county seemed to have backed the commission into a corner, and that they were voting on the least worst option. Haig also questioned if this situation may set a precedent in any way, creating a situation where a property owner or developer could manipulate zoning through a lot division.

Cowan assured the commission that after the mistake was originally caught, the process for obtaining a new taxable ID was improved so that it must be vetted by the building department and planning department before the city treasurer signs off on it in order to ensure all properties have gone through proper city commission approval for lot divisions..

Commissioner Clinton Baller responded to the question raised by Haig, noting that the developer has always had the intention of constructing a building on that lot and it is the commission’s responsibility to decide on the issue at hand: whether the lot is better suited for one single family residential unit or several attached units.

The commission approved both the rezoning of the land parcel and the lot split request, in separate motions, with a 7-0 vote for both items.

the city said will replace one noncompliant space at the 555 Building. Further, the city's response said that the completed project will provide 19 parking spaces between Hazel and Haynes streets, noting that the ADA guidelines do not require on-street parking, only that ADA compliant parking spaces must be provided, which they are.

The city has also noted that the issues raised in the current lawsuit had already for the most part been addressed in a 2019 federal district court lawsuit against the city over lack of compliance with ADA guidelines on overall accessibility in the city when it came to parking spaces for visitors with disabilities and crosswalks in the city. As a result, Birmingham has been addressing issues in the 2019 lawsuit, with a court-ordered annual report to the judge in that case.

The city's response also noted that the 555 Building itself was not ADA-compliant, with visitors having to either climb or descend stairs to reach any of the businesses housed there.

The plaintiffs in this case have asked the court to provide an injunction on the city's plans and the city in June had requested a ruling on its motion to have the case dismissed.

Both motions were before Goldsmith in August but no time frame for issuing a ruling on either motion was given by the court, according to Birmingham City Attorney Mary M. Kucharek, who said it could be weeks before the judge's ruling is issued.

What is shaping up to be the real issue in the case is the city's plan for placing a bus stop in front of the 555 Building.

In its response to the original lawsuit, Birmingham has noted that the current bus stop location near the 555 Building is poorly lit and its proximity to Woodward creates risks with vehicular traffic. According to the city's response, the placement of the bus stop at the front of the 555 Building was determined by a city engineering consultant to meet general industry standards in terms of safety protocols for bus stop locations relative to street intersections and pedestrian crossings.

However, 555 managing partner and plaintiff John Reinhart, according to the city's response to the lawsuit, has made a number of disparaging comments about the likely make-up of the potential riders on the bus, including, “Once they learn the bus schedules, they will steal things and hop right on, “ considered by a number of observers as racist code language.

Animal shelter contract approved

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills will be working with Oakland County Animal Control for future animal shelter and disposal services following the unanimous approval of a contract on Tuesday, September 13, by the city commission.

Bloomfield Hills City Manager Dave Hendrickson said the city had previously contracted with a local veterinarian hospital to take in stray animals when they were found and unable to be reunited with their owner. However, the former provider no longer offers shelter services, requiring the city to seek other options.

Hendrickson said initial discussions with Oakland County Animal Control included dog licensing services, in addition to animal shelter and control. Further negotiations allowed the city to form an interlocal agreement for providing shelter for lost or stray animals.

“This approach would allow our city to continue issuing dog licenses, not Oakland County,” he said. “Oakland County Animal Control wouldn’t be checking for dog license compliance.”

While the city will still be responsible for dog licensing services, the agreement requires dogs to be vaccinated and licensed before Oakland County Animal Control releases any dog to its owner when sheltered. Daily boarding fees will be $25 per day in 2023; $26 in 2024; and $27 in 2025. The county will also provide disposal services for those animals destroyed, as well as deceased animals turned over to animal control from residents or the municipality.

Traffic calming in city not needed

By Grace Lovins

Following a request by Birmingham City Commissioner Andrew Haig made at the meeting on August 15, the commission examined potential traffic calming measures that could be employed throughout the city during the commission meeting on Monday, August 29, and following information provided by the police department, determined it is not an immediate concern, but warranting continued study by staff and committees.

On August 15, Haig proposed that the commission revisit the idea of adding speed bumps in the city for traffic speed management. He relayed his experience in London, England, noting speed bumps, speed tables, and other traffic measures are commonplace, stating these techniques are frequently used and effective.

After receiving direction from city manager Tom Markus, Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence looked

into prior traffic calming measures that have been discussed by city staff. He noted that the topic had been looked at in March of this year by the traffic and safety board, however, the conclusion presented to city staff regarding traffic measures suggested that it was not an immediate issue.

“The traffic consultants, city staff and the multi modal transportation board felt that speed bumps or speed tables were not an issue that the city of Birmingham should be using at this time based upon the current statistics,” Clemence said. He additionally proposed that if the commission would like to continue looking into traffic calming measures, they could instruct him to work with the multi modal transportation board to conduct more comprehensive research on the topic.

Multiple commissioners indicated that while there may not be an immediate need to implement measures like speed bumps right now, the topic is worth deeper evaluation. Haig referenced Chief Clemence’s report which mentioned that Ruffner Avenue, which could

potentially serve as a test site for certain traffic measures.

“Your report mentioned that Ruffner may be an ideal spot to do a study because there is a lot of cutthrough traffic both east and west on Ruffner. I would whole-heartedly support going down that pathway if we could to understand, because that may be a test case for us. Historically there has not been a need, but it does appear as though many behavior patterns are not changing for the positive with driver behavior,” said Haig.

Commissioner Clinton Baller echoed Haig’s concerns over driver behavior and cut-through traffic, an issue he says he has observed on several occasions sitting on his own porch. Baller indicated that with all of the tools available to alleviate issues surrounding traffic and speed, the city should be able to slow down traffic with a concerted effort. Despite Baller’s push for action, Clemence acknowledged that inappropriate use and placement of such measures could hurt more than help.

“If you don’t put things in the right place at the right time, it’s going to

make things worse. I know it’s not what a lot of residents want to hear because they feel a stop sign is the end-all-be-all to everything, but the reality is that driver behavior doesn't follow that and we have to be smart about what we do with those things,” Clemence said.

He reiterated that he would be more than willing to continue working with the multi modal transportation board, engineers and traffic specialists to identify streets throughout the city that would meet the criteria to test certain calming measures.

Commissioner Elaine McLain and mayor Therese Longe additionally expressed their support of a continued evaluation into traffic issues, Longe noting that it appears to be a worthy topic of concern to citizens. Longe instructed Clemence to continue looking into the traffic issues in conjunction with the multi modal transportation board to conduct more comprehensive research into traffic issues and applicable calming measures.

School districts addressing safety

By Lisa Brody

In the aftermath of numerous school shootings, including at Oxford High School, local school districts have instituted more proactive measures to keep students safe.

In Bloomfield Hills Schools (BHS), superintendent Pat Watson announced, “Please know that we take a proactive approach to safety and it is a priority for this and every school year. Our goal is to create as safe an environment as possible with intentional layers of support for our students and staff.”

In keeping with that, the district hired an administrator of public safety, Patrick Sidge, who is a retired police sergeant with an extensive law enforcement background and as a school liaison officer. Sidge is working in collaboration with district and school administration to review and establish appropriate guidelines, procedures, and plans to ensure safe and secure schools.

“Among other responsibilities, Mr.

Sidge will regularly review and update the district’s Emergency Operations Plans (EOP), work with our technology team to manage security camera systems, and serve as the district’s liaison to work collaboratively with local law enforcement partners,” Watson said in an email. He said Sidge has extensive training which includes working as a school liaison officer, non-violent crisis intervention, safe schools, and FEMA preparedness for educational facilities. He also has training with ALICE, an active shooter training solution and preparedness education program which is utilized by many school districts, including both BHS and Birmingham Public Schools. ALICE stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate.

This year, BHS will have two school resource officers, Marisa Miller and Kelly Mcgraw. “Our SROs work collaboratively with local police departments, staff and administration. Officers Miller and McGraw routinely visit our schools and outdoor properties. They are particularly active in school functions

engaging both staff and students. It is through these interactions that meaningful and proactive relationships are established,” Watson said.

He said there are also social workers in all schools, with two programs, Mental Health First Aid and SafeTalk, introduced to school staff members to share potential warning signs of a student in emotional distress and provide ways to provide additional support or immediate intervention. “We are also continuing with the PrepareU mental health program in all grade 9 health classes,” he said.

A therapy dog will continue to be dedicated to each school.

The district has also updated their discipline process for administrators and support for students in adverse circumstances.

“Adhering to well-established and robust district protocols, our administrative team, in partnership with other well-trained staff such as social workers, child psychologists, and local law enforcement, BHS proactively utilizes behavioral threat assessments, conducts searches,

wellness visits to a family’s home and partners with clinical mental health providers to help ensure the safety of our schools. The discipline process adheres to all BHS Uniform Student Code of Conduct, Board of Education Bylaws, BHS Administrative Regulations, and local, state, and federal requirements,” Watson said.

“All school administrators utilize these robust protocols for investigations, student discipline, threat assessments and Title IX investigations to ensure student safety. District administrators underwent an extensive full day of Title IX training with lawyers from Thrun Law and reviewed and updated all our Title IX policies and procedures.”

Birmingham Public Schools also emphasized that “ensuring a safe learning community is of utmost importance within the Birmingham Public Schools. Ongoing reviews of our standing procedures and facilities through the lens of our evolving environment inform our continuous improvement.”

Immediate concerns were addressed through new secure entry

Must mention coupon. Up to 250 sq. . each room. Not to be combined with any other coupons/o ers. Expires 10/29/22.present coupon at time of rug drop-o . Not to be combined with any other coupons/o ers. Expires 10/29/22.

Must mention coupon. Some restrictions Not to be any other Expires 10/29/22.

Must mention coupon. Some restrictions apply. Not to be combined with any other coupons/o ers. Expires 10/29/22.

vestibules at each school; over 1,000 new "smart cameras" with 24-hour video surveillance covering the interior and exterior of their buildings; a new emergency communication system for local municipal police that improves response time and provides first responders with relevant information; investment in safety improvements and focus on procedures with local law enforcement has led us to partner with the ALICE Training Institute.

Digital budget book puts finances online

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township Finance Direct Jason Theis introduced the new digital budget book at the board of trustees meeting on Monday, August 22, a way for all residents to view the budget process and the township's funds and finances in an easy to access format.

The digital budget book, which is already live, can be accessed via the township's website. “There is a link on our website, and it will take you

directly there. Once on the digital budget book, there are several different drop downs that provide you with a summary of our budget process to highlights of revenues and expenditures, personnel changes, fund summaries, capital improvements, debts. Residents can dive right into line items if they wish,” he said.

Theis said all of the township's 2022-2023 budget numbers will be uploaded, as well as a summary of the budget process, the organization wide structure, and “it gets into accounts and fund structures.”

He noted that U.S. census data information is automatically uploaded to the site, and they will be updating data regularly. Each of the township's dedicated funds will have its own page. “Its purpose is to summarize the last few years in a chart, detailing revenues and expenditures. We can compare prior year's actuals of revenues and expenditures by types.”

He noted there are drop down pages that summarize total outstanding debt for the fiscal year, detailing each type of debt. As for capital improvements in the township, pages detail one-year plans as well as multi-year plans and

explain what the capital improvements are and why they need to be done.

Theis said if a resident is not comfortable viewing everything on a computer, there is a print button that sends an email link.

“The whole thing is 392 pages, and it printed quickly,” Theis said.

Search for new public safety director begins

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday, September 13, unanimously approved contracting with the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to conduct an executive search to help find a replacement for Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Director Noel Clason, who will be retiring at the end of 2022.

Bloomfield Hills City Manager David Hendrickson said while the city has promoted leadership positions from within the department, it has consistently conducted executive searches to ensure all qualified candidates are considered. Internal candidates who meet the requirements

for the position are encouraged to apply.

“The commission wants to offer the position and see who is interested, and if someone from public safety has the qualifications, they may apply,” said Hendrickson, who previously served as the city’s director of public safety.

“They did the same for me when I applied for city manager. They knew who I was, but felt I needed to go through the process.”

Hendrickson said the Michigan Municipal League’s search will take about 120 days, with Clason retiring at the end of this year.

Clason joined the Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Department in 1998, and has held the rank of public safety officer, sergeant, lieutenant and detective/lieutenant prior to becoming director. He previously worked with the Clarkston Police Department, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office and Center Line Public Safety Department. He also is a paid-on call firefighter for Fenton Township and North Oakland Fire Authority. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command.

Significant financial gains in school district

By Lisa Brody

At the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, September 20, it was revealed by interim assistant superintendent for business services Dr. Maria Gistinger that final amended adjustments to the fund balance for the 2021-2022 school year leave it $489,756 in the black.

In March, superintendent Dr. Embekka Roberson revealed to the board and school community that while working on budget amendments, it was determined that the district has a $14.3 million shortfall due to a variety of factors, including a former financial director miscalculating school enrollment figures for several years.

Gistinger noted, “As you know, we leveraged every tool we had –every fund, every grant – to increase the operating position of our general fund. This includes one time transfers from our federal projects, operating balance transfers, last minute grants we were receiving that I knew were considered as a candidate for I didn't include them in the amended budget because I wanted to make sure we were actually going to receive them, as well as just general overall tightening our belt and not spending our overall budget allocation.”

Gistinger said as of June 21, 2022, the district had a projected audited change in its fund balance, with non-cash adjustment of -$2.9 million. Now, with final accounting and an adjustment based on investments “we will continue to adjust based on the fair market value of our bonds, it made our fund balance appear to be in the red, at$684,435. Without that adjustment, our fund balance would have been in the black.”

“In lay terms, we received additional one-time money over the summer,” Roberson said. “In addition, we asked everyone to tighten their belts, and we had people who didn't spend their entire bond money last year. We did not replace positions. We were able to be in the black for $489,000… We have a good story for 21-22, but we want to make sure for 22-23, we have dotted all the i's and crossed all the ti's.”

Gistinger also revealed that enrollment is coming in higher than expected for the 2022-2023 school year, with only 19 students less than

Big Night Out to support Next organization

Next, which supports the 50-plus communities in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms, is getting a bit of support of its own with a stunning benefit on Thursday, October 20, at Birmingham's Daxton Hotel ballroom.

Imagine a special evening reminiscent of something you might see in an old movie – but not ever get a chance to experience. Candlelit tables surrounding a stage and dance floor in a magical intimate setting. A phenomenal entertainer belting out classic after classic with a full jazz orchestra backing him up, filling the elegant ballroom with delightful sound. It's reality with Birmingham's Big Night Out, when at 7 p.m. the doors to the luxurious Daxton ballroom will open and Mark Randisi and the 16-piece Motor City Jazz Orchestra will whisk attendees away to another time and place with timeless music made popular by such greats as Sinatra, Bennett, Crosby, Martin and more.

Next is a non-profit organization enriching the lives of the 50-plus population of Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin and surrounding areas since 1978. It is also supported by Birmingham Public Schools, with a working partnership with Baldwin Public Library.

“There really is not any other service organization that is more intertwined with our community,” said Cris Braun, executive director of Next.

For several years, Next has been leasing space in the former Midvale school as a senior community center, which the organization has long outgrown.

“The combination of the financial difficulties at BPS, the growing senior population and the increased use of the center and its services have severely stretched the resources of Next. It is unlikely the current facility can provide an acceptable level of service much further into the future,” Braun noted. “Thus, to survive and thrive, Next is ramping up its fundraising capabilities. Leading this effort, in what we hope becomes the marquee adult community event for Birmingham, is Birmingham's Big Night Out (BBNO).”

Doors swing open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Dancing, appetizers and desserts are included in the evening plus the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) is supporting this event and promoting BSD businesses by offering Birmingham Bucks e-Gift cards with each ticket purchase.

Front row dance floor/stage seating is $150, general seating is $75. Tickets are available at birminghamnext.org or by calling Next at 248.203.5270.

fall 2021, and more incoming in classes besides kindergarten. They had anticipated a decline of approximately 145 students.

Due to that, Gistinger said, “We have made a millage adjustment to catch the winter tax bill, a slight increase from 2.4815 mills approved in May, to 2.5326 mills,” she said, due to preliminary student count and increase in property values.

“It's a result of that increase in enrollment, because it's a calculation of enrollment times property values, and we just have to increase those mills a tiny amount to the $3,755 per student of homestead millage we are permitted to levy,” Gistinger said.

“That is a cause for celebration after what we have been through,” said trustee Lori Ajlouny.

Wilders bistro set for N. Old Woodward

By Grace Lovins

Wilders Bistro, a new restaurant to be located at 460 N. Old Woodward, received approval for a special land use permit and final site plan and design review from the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, September 20.

With a new three-story mixed use building being constructed on the site, Wilders Bistro will occupy the first floor and lower level of the new development, with the second and third levels reserved for offices and residential uses. The bistro will also feature an on-street outdoor dining platform holding 24 seats and eight tables.

The bistro was one of two chosen to receive a specialty liquor license in 2022,

which provides the opportunity for restauranteurs to obtain liquor licenses beyond the limited number of Class C licenses available. However, they are required to have a traditional bistro appeal by maintaining outdoor seating, as well as limiting seats to 65 or less, including 10 at the bar.

Owner Sammy Eid told the commission he was excited to move forward with the project after almost three years of planning. “This has been a passion project now for the better part of two-and-a half-years, held up quite a bit by COVID-19 and life in general of course. This is born out of what, I think, the spirit of the bistro license was at its inception,” Eid said. “We’re a foodfocused restaurant team that loves the city of Birmingham and would love to make another addition. This is one we’ve been waiting for and we’re very excited and honored that you guys are taking the time to consider it.”

After a concern was raised about the safety of the parking lot during public comments, architect Victor Saroki explained the precautions that were taken to ensure a safe route in and out of the lot. He noted that the plan actually improves the situation, an opinion he said was shared by the planning board. The new development and the existing office building next to it will have a common shared driveway with a oneway entrance and exit.

Saroki additionally stated that the bistro would be happy to put up signs directing traffic, indicating parking spaces for each business, and potentially a stop sign at the exit to ensure cars don’t impede over the sidewalk too quickly and endanger pedestrians.

However, commissioner Andrew Haig questioned if there is a need for traffic consultants to look at the space.

Assistant city manager Jana Ecker responded, saying that in her experience working with traffic engineers, the area would be considered safe because it allows access management.

“You’re going from two areas where you’re going to have conflicts between people and cars down to one, which is always their goal,” Ecker said.

Commissioner Elaine McLain highlighted the bistro’s thoughtfulness and willingness to collaborate with the building next door. “I’m looking forward to the signage and this discussion of safety as being a template for other businesses working together in the future,” McLain said. “This is a good example.”

The commission approved the special land use permit and final site plan and design review for Wilders in a 5-0 vote, with commissioners Brad Host and Pierre Boutros absent from the meeting.

FACES

Mickey Shapiro

Born in a displaced persons camp in Germany, Mickey Shapiro came to the United States at the age of two. Now the Birmingham-based real estate developer and philanthropist, who went to Southfield High School, honors his late mother with the new feature film “My Name is Sara,” which has already earned numerous awards.

After escaping a Jewish Ghetto in Poland and losing her family during the Holocaust, his mother Sara Goralnik passed as an Orthodox Christian in the Ukraine, where she was taken in by a farmer and his wife. Still a child herself, around the age of 12, Sara worked on the farm and cared for the couple’s two young boys.

Produced in association with USC Shoah Foundation, the film was an Official Selection at more than 50 festivals internationally, taking home five Best Feature Awards. Strand Releasing brought the movie to New York theaters in July and is now unveiling it nationwide.

“I never wanted to make this movie,” said Shapiro, who served as coexecutive producer. After some convincing, he had a change of heart. “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. It came out spectacular and it’s been getting great reviews.”

The film was made in 2018, after his mother passed away. “She was a very private person. She didn’t want to talk about it. She would say, ‘What happened to me, you don’t want to know,’ but she finally opened up later in life,” he said.

In 2015, a trip Shapiro took to the Ukraine would be the genesis of the project.

“I wanted to see where I came from,” he said about his family history and the heartbreaking childhood his mother was forced to endure.

“She told me certain things, but my mother was a very quiet woman and she was very protective of her children. She loved her children, but she couldn’t show emotion because she never had it growing up. All she had was a dress and a pair of shoes. She had no relatives, and she was eating berries to survive.”

The film that tells her harrowing tale was originally set to be released in 2020, but it had to be put on hold during the pandemic until this past July.

“It really focuses on a young girl and what she did to survive and how she handled herself. It’s quite a story. We want people to know what was going on to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Shapiro said.

“How a child survives such an unimaginable situation by listening and not talking…she got to the farm and raised the couple’s two young boys, navigated their complicated marriage and did a number of chores while keeping a low profile.”

A premiere was held at the Maple Theater in August for the film that was to be in 35 markets by September. Steven Oritt, director/producer, and Stephen Smith, former executive director of Shoah Foundation and a close friend of Shapiro's, were among the others who worked on the project.

When asked what he learned from the process, “Don’t do this for a living,” Shapiro quipped. “It’s not why we made the film.” One benefit is that there is an educational component for teaching curriculums about the Holocaust in high schools and universities.

While his mom might not like the idea of her personal story being told at first, upon seeing it resonate with so many others, “She’d be happy,” Shapiro said.

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Rare opportunity to own a stylish, architecturally interesting mid-century home in prestigious Morningside Heights. Original owner, home has been loved and maintained with many original interior fixtures and elements in pristine condition. Soaring 2 story foyer invites plenty of light. Front home entry faces east. All four bedrooms and three full bathrooms upstairs. Spacious first floor laundry/mud room area. Circular driveway and side entrance attached garage. Backyard surrounded by established greenery, providing superior privacy. In ground sprinkler system and invisible pet fence. The huge basement is unfinished for ample storage or future additional living space. Award winning Birmingham Public Schools. +1 +1 BIRMINGHAM

“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, 99-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, education and society. As such, The Community House salutes and proudly celebrates National Arts and Humanities Month during the months of October through December. Some of our fall arts & culture events/partnerships include:

SAVE THE DATE

27th Annual Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards. The Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield, in conjunction with community partners, The Community House, Hometown Life (formerly the Birmingham Eccentric), the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, and Bloomfield Cablevision, announces the 27th Annual Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards. The Cultural Arts Awards honor persons in our community who a jury of local arts enthusiasts have selected for having had an extraordinary impact on the cultural life of our community. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at a limited in-person event at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center on Friday, October 14, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The ceremony will be broadcast on local cable and be available on our website following the event: culturalcouncilbirminghambloomfield.org.

Back By Popular Demand: The 3rd Annual Holiday Concert Series hosted by The Community House, will once again take place at The Community House in the Wallace Ballroom on December 8th, 14th and 21st. Featuring sounds of the season performed by Musician-Extraordinaires from various world-renowned orchestras and theatres including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Stay tuned for more details.

Story Time with Santa, brought to you by The Community House, will take place on Saturday, December 10. Delight in the magic of the season at the 2022 Community House’s Story Time with Santa events. Children will enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, crafts and some of Santa’s favorite stories read by Old Saint Nick himself. Photos are welcome, so be sure to bring your camera. Seatings occur at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and a.m. Space is limited to 25 children per seating, make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Tickets are: $25 per child (includes two accompanying adults) and can be purchased either by visiting: communityhouse.asapconnected.com or calling 248.644.5832. This is a sell out event so purchase your tickets now.

The 8th Annual Bates Street SocietyDinner – Saturday, February 11, 2023. The Community House created the Bates Street Society Dinner - at which annual Pillars of Vibrancy; Education, Wellness, Culture, Philanthropy and Business are celebrated and honored. The purpose is to publicly recognize extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated selfless service and philanthropy toward others while helping to “Create More Vibrant Lives” in the community - selfless service offered and provided out of a genuine and deep desire to help and be of service to others. Over the last few years, 69 pillars in our community have been recognized and inducted into The Community House’s Pillars of Vibrancy. 2023 will be no exception. Recently, The Community House announced the

2023 Pillar Nominees: Jim Berline – Business & Philanthropy

Gary Van Elslander – Business & Philanthropy

Linda Gillum, Ph.D. – Education and Health & Wellness

Nancy Susick, R. N. – Health & Wellness and Business Priscilla & Huel Perkins – Culture & Philanthropy

Matthew Rizik – Business & Philanthropy

Greg Schwartz – Business & Philanthropy Nada & Sam Simon – Business & Philanthropy

Sponsorships, program ads and tickets are available now. For more information, please contact Christopher Smude, Vice President of The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org.

ANNOUNCING…

The newly updated Hoglund Room is now open for your holiday business. The Community House is delighted to announce the renovation of this exquisitely designed, state-of-the-art gathering space to our customizable collection. When it comes to private meetings for business, community engagements, or just about any other occasion, the Hoglund Room will far exceed your expectations. When you add up amenities such as carefully restored trim work, new coffered ceiling and lighting, state-of-the-art technology, a charming refreshment area, concierge service, and many more contemporary offerings, you’ll see why our Hoglund Room is the perfect setting for your big (and not so big) ideas to flourish. For more information or to reserve the Hoglund Room for your special occasion, please contact Tim Hunt, COO, at 248.594.6402

A BIG THANK YOU

Back by popular demand, House Tour 2022 proved to be a grand success. After a two-year hiatus, friends - far and near - returned in record numbers to support The Community House, our community, our architectural masterpieces, garden designs and interiors. 2022 broke our prior record with 704 attendees/visitors attending this year. Special thanks to Founding Presenting Sponsor, The Agency Hall & Hunter, and Supporting Sponsors, Gorman’s Home Furnishings, Trion Solutions, and Chief Financial Credit Union and many more. And finally, to our many very generous homeowners for opening their exquisite homes and gardens for a good cause.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers have been involved in the every-day life of The Community House for 96 years. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart. Our extraordinary volunteers link us to the many neighborhoods, towns and cities that make up the broad range of communities we serve and most of all, they are our best ambassadors. The Community House and The Community House Foundation invite you to consider joining our esteemed volunteer team - and by doing so, you can be assured that your precious donation of time and talent will be greatly appreciate and will positively impact the lives of those we serve. Help is needed.

For more information about volunteering at The Community House, please visit our website at communityhouse.com to download a volunteer application or call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403.

For reservations, tickets or more information about TCH fall or holiday classes, gathering space or events, please go to communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.

Bill Seklar

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

FACES

Barry A. Franklin

Barry A. Franklin, Ph.D, helps patients with heart health as director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, and is the author of numerous academic papers and books. His recent publication is the book GPS for Success. Yet instead of reversing heart disease in this endeavor, he empowers a new mindset. He navigates the reader on a road to success by offering attainable strategies. His passion is studying successful people, which he acknowledges in this unique resource book for entry-level professionals and aspiring leaders.

His passionate journey began decades ago by setting his own goals. As a college student and gymnast at Kent State University, he mastered an iron cross maneuver on the still rings, which requires tremendous strength and perseverance. He then set his sights on graduate schools – University of Michigan and Penn State. He wrote his first book in 1984, and began envisioning himself as president of national organizations, which he achieved. While aiding heart patients during the day, at night he immersed himself in studying the habits of successful people and reading dozens of self-help books. Some of his favorites are Rhonda Bryne’s The Secret and The Success Principles by Jack Canfield.

“These books had a profound impact on me,” says Franklin. Canfield’s book particularly was a springboard for Franklin's thinking about writing his own formula.

Franklin believes GPS for Success is distinctive because it’s an aggregate guide for success. “It’s one-stop shopping and the most comprehensive book on this topic ever written,” he explains.

Franklin observed a missing link in college education. “Students are not prepared adequately for the real world,” he explains. Soft skills like

interactions with people, collaborations, accepting criticism, and active listening are a few examples of what’s not taught in basic curriculum. In that vein, in 2012, he developed a college course, “Success Strategies,” and began teaching it at Central Michigan University (CMU). “Having witnessed, firsthand, Dr. Franklin’s presentation of this material to our students, I’m delighted that he has chronicled his life’s experiences and career advice into this invaluable resource,” says Thomas Masterson, dean of the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at CMU. “It’s a must read for all students as it will help them succeed, not only in the classroom, but more importantly in life.”

Franklin taught the one credit course for five years to rave reviews and students began asking for a textbook.

GPS for Success is slated to be used as a textbook in professional advancement courses at Penn State University and the University of Michigan. This book took more than three years to complete, with many starts and stops. During COVID, Franklin sheltered in his home with his wife and finished the book. He hopes it will be his legacy, because he reveals his personal “ultimate success” is making a difference in young people’s lives.

There is an extensive index at the end of the book with additional references, as well as an appendix of inspiring quotes from Albert Einstein to J.K Rowling to Magic Johnson. Franklin’s favorite quote is from a bumper sticker – “You are your own fortune cookie.”

Perhaps the most illuminating quote is from Franklin himself. “I wrote this book to help young people entering the work force, to live the life that they imagine.”

Story: Carla Schwartz

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

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. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com

5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. 5thtavern.com

Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com

Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com

Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com

Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com

Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com

Birmingham Pub: American. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old

Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com

Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com

Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com

Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Hazel’s: Seafood. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. 248.671.1714. eatathazels.com

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com

Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Ihop.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com

Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills,

48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com

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. leosconeyisland.com

Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com

Madam: American. Breakfast, Monday-Friday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com

Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com

Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexrestaurants.com

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com

Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. oph-mi.com

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. phoeniciabirmingham.com

Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876. qdoba.com

Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com

Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com

sidecarsliderbar.com

Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475.

slicepizzakitchen.com

Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com

Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.550.0455. statesidedeli.com

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. streetsideseafood.com

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com

Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320. 248.369.3360. sylvantable.com

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com

Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867 thaistreetkitchen.com

The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com

The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com

The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com

The Morrie: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com

Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com

Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale

Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Dinner, WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. assaggibistro.com

Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, ThursdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. bluenileferndale.com

Bohemia: Mediterranean. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2883. eatatbohemia.com

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com

Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com

Cork Wine Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Avenue, Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. corkwinepub.org

Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net

Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459.

lilysseafood.com

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

lockhartsbbq.com

Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220. 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com

Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2875. pearlsdeepdive.com

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com

One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com

Otus Supply: American. Breakfast, FridaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 345 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.6160. otussupply.com

Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com

Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. roninsushi.com

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com

Sozai: Japanese.Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com

The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com

Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. eatattoast.com

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com

Vinsetta Garage: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com

METRO INTELLIGENCER

Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester

Alpino to open in Corktown

A new restaurant project, Alpino, is in the works in Detroit’s Corktown, on the corner of Bagley and Trumbull – the former home of Lady of the House. The 3,200 square foot space is being brought back to life by Detroit native and New York hospitality veteran, David Richter. David and his family moved back to Michigan last year to begin this project. “I’m thrilled to be back in Detroit, opening a restaurant in the city my heart never left. The culinary scene was being talked about in the cities I was living in, inspiring me to come home and be part of the growth,” says Richter. The restaurant’s menu will weave together traditional dishes from countries along the Alpine Mountains in Europe, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The concept of Alpino is inspired by the agriculture found in and around mountainous terrain, sourced from hills, rivers and streams, focused on yearlong diversity, be it fresh or preserved. Alpino’s beverage program will offer a unique list of lesser-known, affordable wines from that part of the world along with curated cocktails and European-style beers. The restaurant plans to open this winter, before the 2022 holidays. 1426 Bagley Street, Detroit alpinodetroit.com

New happy hour at Mare

Birmingham seafood restaurant Mare Mediterranean opened in November of 2021. This past summer, they added outdoor dining and now they have launched an all-new Happy Hour that will be available Tuesdays–Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. –6:30 p.m. The menu, created by owner Nino Cutraro and his culinary team, features food for $11 and wine by the glass for $8. Featured items include Salmon Tartare with fresno chili, cilantro, lime, shallot and lemon oil; Saganki Shrimp with feta cheese, white wine, onion, tomato, calabrese chili and garlic; Cozze featuring mussels, marinara, white wine, cherry tomato, parsley, oregano and garlic oil; and Beef Carpaccio, a prime filet mignon, baby arugula, parmesan Reggiano, olive oil, black pepper and lemon. The beautifully appointed 6,900 square-foot restaurant seats a total of 190 guests, inclusive of 30 seats at the bar and 40 on the patio. There are three different private dining room/lounge spaces with seating capacities ranging from 14 to 35 guests. Happy Hour is available at the bar, patio and lounge area. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham maremediterranean.com

Say Cheese!

Michigan native Holly McClain honed her talent for hospitality in Chicago and Las Vegas, where she played an integral role in the development and operation of five award-winning restaurants throughout the last decade. In September of 2020, she opened Olin Bar and Kitchen in Detroit – a creative American brasserie. At that time, she also opened a walk-up window on the side of Olin called Twist, featuring takeout soft pretzels and cocktails to go. Now the concept is evolving again, with the closing of Twist and the opening of Better Half Grilled Cheese Co. “Our intention from the beginning was to serve lunch at Olin. Since we opened during the pandemic, that never happened. We opened Better Half Grilled Cheese Co. because we wanted our walk-up window to offer something more substantial – more than just a snack,” said McClain. Currently, the Better Half Grilled Cheese Co. is opened Friday and Saturday from 1- 9 p.m. Customers will find a rotating offering of hearty gourmet cheese sandwiches to-go, such as the Original Grilled Cheese featuring a cheesy house blend of cheeses; the Pizza Grilled Cheese with pepperoni and mozzarella; the Bacon Grilled Cheese with bacon, cheddar and onion jam; and the “I Like it Spicy,” with pepperjack, havarti and buffalo sauce. The window also offers homemade lemonade, which includes an option to “make it boozy” with a shot of Elijah Craig bourbon, Lunazul Blanco Tequila or Deep Eddy Vodka. 25 East Grand River Avenue, Detroit

Brunch takeover at Dragonfly

Chi Walker and Nik Renee Cole say that they were brought together by their passion for good food and fellowship. In October 2018, they opened the comfort food pop-up, Fried Chicken & Caviar. Recently, Dragonfly, a small bites bar in Detroit owned by business partners Sandy Levine and Doug Hewitt, announced on social media, a chef residency with this dynamic duo dubbed “The Communion.” “We are super excited to announce their residency at Dragonfly

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. thecapitalgrille.com

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com

Grand Castor: Latin American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.278.7777. grancastor.com

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com

The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com

Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. mortons.com

Naked Burger: American. Lunch, TuesdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858. nakedburgerdetroit.com

NM Café: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com

Orchid Café: Thai. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com

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.

recipesinc.com

RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com

Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com

Bigalora: Italian. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com

The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoat-tavern.com

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.8954. spositas-restorante.com

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor.

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 Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com

West Oakland

Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com

North Oakland

Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 thefedcommunity.com

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com

Detroit

Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com

Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com

El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. joemuer.com

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com

Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner,

Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com

Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com

Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com

Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226. 313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. greektowncasino.com

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Highway, Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668. taquerianuestrafamilia.wordpress.com

The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com

The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com

Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226. 313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com

Smith & Co: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden Street, Detroit, 313.638.1695. smithandcodetroit.com

Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com

Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net

The Whitney: American. Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com

where we’re bringing the first brunch of its kind to the city! A space where amazing food, exceptional drinks, a poppin’ playlist, and great fellowship come together on a Sunday. We bring you Communion!” The residency event began in September, and according to Dragonfly, will continue multiple times before the year ends. The brunch hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check Dragonfly’s Instagram for updates @dragonflydetroit. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit dragonflydetroit.com

Nain Rouge Brewery, Smith & Co. reopens

Over the past few years, we’ve seen restaurants come and go and come back again. This is true of Smith & Co. – a casual dining restaurant located in the former home of the 100-plus year-old Smith Welding Supply & Equipment Company in Detroit’s Midtown. The eatery opened in 2019, closed in March of 2020 and finally reopened again in February 2022. The operation is owned by the Mission Restaurant Group which owns several restaurants including several Jolly Pumpkin locations, Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. in Ann Arbor, North Peak Brewing Co. in Traverse City and more. Located next door to Smith & Co. is the newly opened Nain Rouge Brewery, also under the same ownership. The two businesses share an outdoor patio, with Nain Rouge beer sold exclusively at the restaurant. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including Boppin’ Red IPA, D.A.P. Pilsner, Wisehead Chocolate Vanilla Porter, Made in the Shade Amber Lager and Bee’s Knees Honey Hibiscus Wheat. Light fare is also available at Nain Rouge Brewery, including the Smash Burger, a house beef blend, smoked cheddar, bacon, and garlic aioli; the Turkey Club, with white cheddar, bacon, tomato, mixed greens, and garlic aioli; and a Wagyu Chili Dog, with Michigan beef chili, Michigan smoked cheddar, chopped onions, and Mrs. Dog’s disappearing mustard. Also of note, Nain Rouge Brewery has also partnered with Eastern Michigan University as a brewing school to help promote diversity in the beer industry. 666 Selden Street, Suite B, Detroit nainrougebrewery.com

Sports & Social DraftKings at Somerset

The country’s first Sports & Social DraftKings venue is slated to open this fall at Somerset Collection South. The collaboration will bring together Live! Hospitality & Entertainment’s market leadership in operating high-energy, dining and entertainment venues with DraftKings’ sports gaming platforms. Sports & Social DraftKings will offer live sports viewing and wagering experience with its 32-foot LED media wall and premier gameday watch parties. Guests will be able to access DraftKings’ mobile platforms to play daily fantasy sports and wager on sports from their mobile devices across various sports. The menu will feature made-from-scratch gameday favorites, curated cocktails, specialty drinks, and a variety of beers from national brews to local favorites. A brunch experience will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with favorites like Chicken & Bliss, avocado toast and savory breakfast skillets. The 10,400 square-foot space, located in the former McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant at Somerset Collection South, will include an exclusive DraftKings Lounge that can be utilized for private parties and events, as well as a dog-friendly outdoor patio that will provide an enjoyable setting for al fresco dining and live music. The venue also plans to have a wide variety of social games, such as skeeball, hoops, Beirut, foosball, shufflepuck and arcade games. 2850 Coolidge Highway, Troy

Harvest Farm Wine Dinner at Frame with Chef Evan Sumrell

Hazel Park’s Frame kicks off its fall season of culinary events with a Harvest Farm Wine Dinner on October 6. The organizers at Frame claim that this dining event is “somewhat of a gastronomy love story with shared passion, sincere hospitality and sustainable cooking.” After five years and thousands of meals, Chicago Chef Evan Sumrell moved to his wife’s hometown of Midland, Michigan, to open a coveted farm-to-table concept named Aster Michigan. Chef Evan will be in town for 48 hours to craft an ambitious and playful fall harvest menu featuring tasty offerings from certified organic Goodstead Farm and Traverse City’s Werp Farm. Diners can expect hand-selected wine pairings from Frame sommelier Sean Crenny and a bonafide dinner-party-with-friends kind of vibe. The five-course dinner will include coconut squash soup; lyonnais salad featuring frisee, warm bacon vinaigrette, poached egg, bacon bites and potato strings; scallops with apple brown butter and fennel; squab with horseradish cream, pickled onion, French onion jus; and sweet potato ice cream topped with candied walnuts, toasted mallow and orange zest. Seatings are at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. $68 per person plus fees and tax. Contact Frame for reservations. 23839 John R. Road, Hazel Park framehazelpark.com

VOTER GUIDE

This November General Election Voter Guide provides readers with candidates' answers to questions posed by Downtown Newsmagazine. To be represented in the Voter Guide, candidates had to return a questionnaire. Downtown Newsmagazine's recommendations of the best candidate for each of the offices appear on the Endnote page in the final pages of this edition.

U.S. CONGRESS – 11TH DISTRICT

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

MICHIGAN SENATE – 7TH DISTRICT

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, part of Waterford, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Southfield, part of Detroit

MICHIGAN SENATE – 8TH DISTRICT

Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, part of Detroit

MICHIGAN HOUSE – 5TH DISTRICT

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

MICHIGAN HOUSE – 19TH DISTRICT

Part of Birmingham, Part of Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Part of Farmington Hills, Part of Southfield

MICHIGAN HOUSE – 20TH DISTRICT

Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

MICHIGAN HOUSE – 54TH DISTRICT

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

MICHIGAN HOUSE – 56TH DISTRICT

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, most of Troy, Clawson, part of Royal Oak

COUNTY COMMISSION – 1ST DISTRICT

Part of Birmingham, Part of Troy, Part of Royal Oak

COUNTY COMMISSION – 9TH DISTRICT

Part of Bloomfield Township, Part of Pontiac

COUNTY COMMISSION – 11TH DISTRICT

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake

COUNTY COMMISSION – 19TH DISTRICT

Most of Birmingham, Part of Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Ferndale

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Six-year terms, Non-partisan, Vote for two

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Four-year terms terms, Non-partisan, Vote for four

HALEY STEVENS DEMOCRAT

U.S. CONGRESS/11TH DISTRICT

supported this common sense legislation.

Military aid to Ukraine

The United States has given untold billions in finances and military equipment to Ukraine in its battle with Russia. Should there be an established limit on how long we can afford to keep funneling funding and weapons to Ukraine? Please explain.

movement on college campuses, continuing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, and the lack of focus by this and the last administration to address the twostate solution. Where do you align on the issue of Israeli and Palestinian concerns and economic support of Israel? Is it a religious issue or a democracy issue?

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

Haley Stevens is currently in her second term as congresswoman for Michigan's 11th District. She previously was chief of staff to the United States Auto Rescue in the Obama Administration, as special advisor to the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administrator. She is active with Women in Manufacturing and the Pontiac Farmers Market, and is a frequent speaker at her alma mater, Seaholm High School. A resident of Waterford Township, she earned both bachelor's and masters degrees from American University.

Inflation Reduction Act

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, a 730-page piece of legislation, addresses health-care costs, the issue of climate change, raises taxes on some larger companies and reduces the deficit. Congresswoman Haley Stevens voted in favor of the act in the House. Had you been in Congress, would you have supported this legislation? Why or why not? Are there specific portions of this Act to which you object and are there items you feel should have been included in this legislation?

Rising costs are squeezing too many hardworking families and seniors in Michigan’s 11th District and across our country. The Inflation Reduction Act – historic legislation that lowers energy costs, out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs, combats climate change, tackles the deficit, and generates millions of good-paying jobs – fully paid for by finally making big corporations pay their fair share in taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act will offer Michigan families much-needed relief and I am proud to have

I remain absolutely sickened over the images and reports coming daily from Ukraine. My heart is with the incredibly brave Ukrainians who have had their lives uprooted overnight and continue to see their cities ravaged by Putin’s brutal regime. We must continue to lead by example and support democracies across the globe. Putin’s attack on Ukraine was an attack on democracy everywhere. The United States Congress has led the world in supporting Ukraine from both a defense and humanitarian perspective and must continue to do so.

Classified documents at Mar-a-Lago

With the recent action taken by the Department of Justice to retrieve government documents of varying classification levels from the home of former President Donald Trump, there is the question of whether the former president should face enforcement on a number of federal acts that provide penalties for illegally taking critical documents as he left the White House. What is your position on this issue?

I am deeply concerned about the recent revelations that disgraced former President Donald Trump concealed highly classified materials from federal law enforcement officials. I voted twice to impeach this president because of behavior that was unacceptable for the office he held and this is yet another example of Mr. Trump’s belief that he and his family are above the law. I fully support the DOJ as they investigate this matter. No one is above the rule of law and we must have accountability.

Israel-Palestine conflict

Both political parties have consistently offered support for Israel, initially as it was the lone democratic state in the Middle East. However, in the last decade there has been a growing divide in that support, with the rise of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS)

I am proud of my commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and will continue working in Congress to support policies that strengthen our alliance. I will stand alongside Israel against the BDS movement, which seeks to undermine Israel’s economy and legitimacy. I believe in Israel’s fundamental right to self-defense. As the only democracy in the Middle East and our strongest ally in the region, Israel’s safety is paramount to American interests at home and abroad. I believe in the worth and value of every Palestinian and every Israeli and will work to support a negotiated solution resulting in two states – a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic Palestinian state – living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. In my re-election effort I am proud to have the endorsements of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Democratic Majority for Israel, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America.

Immigration reform

Title 42, which allowed the federal government to turn back immigrants at the border during a public health crisis such as COVID-19, was due to expire at the end of May. Estimates are that Title 42 allowed the U.S. to turn away some two million immigrants in the past couple of years. Southern states in particular are concerned, along with critics in general, that the current administration lacks a clear policy of how to deal with immigrants at our southern border. Further, several groups are calling for a complete overhaul of the immigration policy. What do you feel is needed in terms of an immigration policy at this time?

Unfortunately, our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive reform. In Congress, I have voted repeatedly to secure our borders and worked to provide a path to citizenship for those living, working, and paying taxes in the U.S., and serving in our military. Dreamers are American in

every way except on a piece of paper, and the United States is the only home they have ever known. I have also supported bipartisan proposals to make it easier for high-skilled immigrants to come here through the employment-based green card system and contribute to our economy. We need safety and fairness in our immigration system now.

National health care insurance

We often hear the concept that health care is a right for everyone. But it would appear that candidates have a slightly different approach for how to handle health insurance. Please explain in detail your health insurance policy position and the potential cost to the government/taxpayers for this.

Michiganders must continue to be able to choose the best health care for themselves and their families. I strongly support the Affordable Care Act, and Medicare, and Medicaid expansion. Last year saw record levels of sign ups for the ACA, which means that this program is working and stronger than ever. I support Congress considering legislation that provides individuals more options for care, like a public option and opportunities for individuals to buy into Medicare. It’s unacceptable that Americans remain uninsured due to job loss or high costs. I have voted twice to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices which would have an incredible impact for our seniors in addition to capping monthly insulin costs.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes. I believe in democracy and a peaceful and smooth transition of power. I will of course accept the

outcomes of the 2022 primary and general election. I am saddened that this question even needs to be asked.

Your top issues

What would you list as your top three-five issues that you hope to address in this next term of Congress?

Lowering costs for families! From prices at the pump, to child care, to college, Americans are feeling price pressures – and middle and working class families are bearing the brunt. For eighteen months I have been the leading congressional voice on passing the CHIPS Act and bringing relief to our automotive manufacturers – the economic engine of Oakland County. I am proud to sit on the committee that is overseeing the passage of that bill and next Congress will continue to be a champion for Michigan’s automotive sector. I will continue to be a champion for women at a time where our rights are under attack by radical Republicans like never before. I voted for a bill that will make Roe v. Wade national law while representing one of the most endangered seats in Congress. I will never stop fighting for a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.

Why voters should select you

Tell us why voters should select you over your opponent in this race. Please be specific in drawing your comparisons.

As a proud daughter of Oakland County, the mission that drives my entire office is delivering for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. I am so proud that we have returned over $100 million dollars to constituents that came to us with casework needs. This is by far the most of the Michigan delegation and one of the highest totals in the entire Congress. We have helped veterans access benefits, small businesses get COVID aid to keep their doors open and assisted seniors who were facing the loss of their homes.

Further, I delivered $18 million dollars through community funded projects ranging from infrastructure to critical mental health response programs to updating Livonia’s senior center. When Michiganders need help accessing benefits or navigating complex federal processes, and when municipalities need a strong voice in Washington, they know they can count on me to get the job done. My record of delivery is proof positive of that.

“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials but the voters of our country.”

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

32ND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

MARK AMBROSE REPUBLICAN

could be construed as an escalation that would carry the risk of NATO entanglement. Our current response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is largely correct. The Biden Administration was right to dismiss the loud voices advocating for the U.S. to impose a “No Fly Zone” over Ukraine. That would have meant a willingness on the part of the U.S. to kill Russian pilots, a step that could have spiraled out of control. Prior to this conflict, however, the Biden Administration removed sanctions on Russia’s Nordstream 2 Pipeline. The administration was also responsible for the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Those actions demonstrated appeasement and weakness, and they served as a dangerous signal to Vladimir Putin.

Bank or the Gaza Strip. When I traveled to the West Bank, it was a starkly different situation. It was chaotic, poorly-governed by Fatah, and there did not seem to be any real protections for religious minorities. We must stand with democracies and those countries that protect all their citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious group. It is for that reason that Israel has my unwavering support. The Palestinian people must stop electing terrorist groups, like Hamas in Gaza, in order to be eligible for any type of support from the United States.

Immigration reform

solutions to our most pressing problems like this.

2020 presidential election results

Mark Ambrose is an investment banker with Wells Fargo Bank who lives in Bloomfield Township. He served in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of captain. He is a graduate of West Point Military Academy, and received an MBA from Columbia University Business School and a master of international affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He has been involved with Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metro Detroit and Homes for Autism.

Inflation Reduction Act

As is the case with too much legislation produced by this Congress, unrelated initiatives are packed together in one bill. In this scaleddown version of Build Back Better, there are aspects that I support and others that are irresponsible. For example, I support the effort to reduce drug costs, but I do not support the hiring of 87,000 IRS agents. I am an advocate of renewable energy, but I also believe that the free markets are the most efficient way to allocate resources and bring about lasting change. We appear to be entering a stagflationary environment, similar to the one our country endured under President Carter. The misnamed Inflation Reduction Act, coupled with $300 billion in unwarranted student loan forgiveness, will add to the inflation that we are suffering through. The debt burden that these initiatives will force on our children and grandchildren is indefensible.

Military aid to Ukraine

While it is difficult to give a precise dollar figure for the limit of U.S. support, I am opposed to giving Ukraine weapons systems that would allow it to strike deep within Russian territory. That

Classified documents at Mar-a-Lago

I condemn in the strongest terms any threat against the FBI or the Justice Department. I support law and order and honor our law enforcement at every level. They are public servants and heroes. As of late August, we had not seen any portion of the affidavit that justified an FBI search of former President’s Trump’s home at Mar-aLago. Until we have that information, I will reserve judgment on this extraordinary step by the Justice Department. I am deeply troubled by the prosecution through leaks technique that employees within the Justice Department appear to be utilizing again. They damage the department’s credibility by leaking to The Washington Post and New York Times only those details of the investigation that they think will hurt the former president. At the same time, Merrick Garland argues to keep secret the details within the affidavit. Those employees responsible for the leaks must be prosecuted.

Israel-Palestine conflict

First, I would disagree with the premise that the last administration had a lack of focus when it comes to Israel as President Trump’s administration achieved the historic establishment of our embassy in Jerusalem. My response to this question is not anecdotal but very personal and based on experience as I have stayed in Akko, Israel (an Arab town near the border with Lebanon) and I have traveled to Nazareth, also an Arab town within Israel. The people living there are full citizens of the state of Israel, enjoying all the rights and freedoms of that country. They have representation in the Knesset, and the Israeli-Arabs I spoke with had no interest in moving to either the West

This administration’s neglect of the crisis at our border is hurting both U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants. It is irresponsible and cynical. I am a strong supporter of legal immigration and support those who wish to abide by our nation’s laws and processes to become lawful citizens of the United States. As an Army reservist, I served along our southern border in Arizona. I was shocked at the violence this small Arizona town endured due to human trafficking and drug smuggling. This is not sustainable, and it is killing U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants alike. Our priority must be to secure our southern border.

National health care insurance

From a constitutional standpoint, legal minds with years of experience still argue over whether healthcare is a right or not. While we often hear of healthcare described a right, that does not mean it is universally accepted. It is, however, the right and decent thing to do to care for those who are unable to care for themselves. We need to have a safety net to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, but the government should not mandate the type of coverage that the population at large is allowed to have. Government is inefficient in its allocation of resources. We must trust families enough to make their own decisions as to what healthcare package works best for them. Additionally, until we settle on a more moderate solution to our healthcare problem, it is virtually impossible to estimate the potential cost to taxpayers. What is clear is that the current unfunded mandates and costs associated with “Obamacare” are unsustainable. This is another reason I have posted a debt clock on my website so people can see (in realtime) the costs we are placing on our future generation’s shoulders due to Washington’s inability to find better

Two principles that are foundations of our democracy are 1) Civilian control of the military and 2) The peaceful transfer of power. While Democrats questioned the validity of the 2016 election and Republicans questioned the results of the 2020 election – rule of law asserts we must accept the results of the elections of the past and work toward taking steps which will restore confidence in our electoral system in the future. I will argue strongly for reform that will strengthen our belief in the credibility of our elections, such as voter ID requirements and strict rules around absentee voting and the chain of custody for ballots. Voting rules should never again be changed by executive orders and the rulings of judges. Rule changes must be voted on by state legislators. Otherwise, too much power flows to the executive or judicial branch in each state.

Your top issues

1) Reduce inflation and improve our economy through responsible economic policies. 2) Security: border security, public safety, and honoring our police. 3) Build our military, so that it will never be challenged. 4) Create jobs for Michigan and America through fair trade and economically encourage business to invest, build and manufacture in the United States. 5) Cure Autism – dedicate resources to ending this disease.

Why voters should select you

I believe I have the background that can address some of the most pressing challenges we have today: 1). Reducing inflation – I earned an MBA from Columbia University and have worked in banking for 24 years, also earning my designation as a Chartered Financial. I understand economics and the causes of inflation. I know how to fix it. 2) Military – I am a graduate of West Point and served as a tank officer in the U.S. Army overseas and here at home. 3) Border security –While in the Army Reserve, I served along the Mexican border in Arizona and witnessed the violence and crime that a porous border invites. 3) Foreign Policy – I earned a Master of International Affairs at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs with a specialization on Russia and the Post-Soviet states.

JEREMY MOSS DEMOCRAT

STATE SENATE/7TH DISTRICT

Voters are also going to be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

Legislative bans on education topics

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Jeremy Moss is currently finishing his first term as a Michigan state Senator. He previously served as a Southfield city councilman and state representative. He is a graduate of Michigan State University who majored in journalism and political science, and is a resident of Southfield. He has been active as an advisory board member on the Dr. Martin Luther King Task Force and Fair Michigan, and Congregation Beth Ahm.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I am a pro-choice legislator. I do not believe government should dictate how women and families access reproductive care. I’m appalled and disgusted by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade. This ruling is dangerous and will immediately put women’s health at risk, stripping away their bodily autonomy and imposing personal health and family planning decisions upon them. It is also out-of-touch and discards the real-life implications that families deal with and dictates policy that a majority in this state and country do not want. We need a prochoice majority in the legislature to repeal the 1931 Michigan law making abortion a felony in our state. I have already co-sponsored legislation to repeal that law and I enthusiastically support the Reproductive Freedom for All campaign to enshrine the right to choose in our state Constitution.

Voting rights and policies

Voting rights secure all other rights. I join the two-thirds of Michigan voters who supported Proposal 3 in 2018 to enshrine voting rights and promote access to absentee voting. I support similar efforts to protect these rights that may be on our November ballot. Nevertheless, Republican Senators have introduced legislation to restrict how you vote, chasing disproven claims about our election. I am leading the fight in the state Senate against Republican bills that could make it harder for you to vote. Instead, we should be embracing positive reforms that keep voting fair, accessible and efficient. We must ensure that Michigan's election administrators receive adequate resources and proper training for each election. I'm also working on proposals to permit clerks to start processing absentee ballots earlier, just as other states do, thereby expediting the results and avoiding election night chaos.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in term limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

I supported bringing this proposal to the ballot for voters to decide and I will vote for it. The current system is flawed, especially in the House where we have seen years of legislative scandals due to inexperience, ineptitude, and unaccountability. Lawmakers in consequential leadership positions – some who earn these influential spots in just their first year in office – make short-term policy decisions with impunity because they won’t be around when future legislators clean up their mess. This proposal also requires state lawmakers to disclose our personal finances, an effort I’ve long supported and have voluntarily provided. Michigan is one of only two states without that type of disclosure, therefore allowing lawmakers to introduce and vote on legislation that could personally enrich them. We must fix this.

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

In 2016, I co-sponsored legislation that was signed into law requiring instruction in Michigan public school curriculum on genocide, including the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide. That bill passed 105-1 in the House and 35-3 in the Senate because our legislature at the time recognized that by requiring our students to learn in the classroom about past atrocities –factually and comprehensively – we are providing the most impactful tool to ensure they are not repeated. This approach allows our students to strengthen their sense of empathy for those who may look or seem different and their resolve to take action against injustice and prejudice. We have more work to do. Sadly, an effort that was once overwhelmingly bipartisan has now been politicized and I do not support efforts in the legislature to repeal this type of curriculum or restrict truth in education.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

This specific billing dispute is currently working its way through court and no other community should absorb

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, part of Waterford, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Southfield, part of Detroit

liabilities as we await legal clarity on exactly what debts are owed. I’m a fierce advocate for government transparency and GLWA must ensure full disclosure on how this issue escalated to this point. The core problem is decades-long disinvestment in our communities by state government. Generations of legislators slashed revenue sharing – tax dollars we send to Lansing with the expectation they will fund essential services back home – and, as a result, cities in Michigan receive the least state support compared to cities around the country. Highland Park defaulted into emergency management due to funding cuts and emergency management accelerated the crisis the city is facing today. I established the Municipal Caucus in the legislature, a bipartisan group of legislators who previously served in local government focused on solving our broken municipal finance system.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

The 2020 election was the most scrutinized election in Michigan history. A bipartisan Michigan Senate Oversight Committee report found that indeed the results were accurate and there is no systemic fraud in our voting systems. I accept the result of the 2020 election and will accept the results of the 2022 as an accurate reflection of the will of Michigan voters.

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws

Bloomfield

involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

Gov. Whitmer has rightfully required policy bills and spending bills be drafted separately to gain her signature and become law, and I support that approach to prevent manipulation of the referendum process.As state Senator, I have led many reforms to increase public participation in our lawmaking process when bad actors in the Legislature instead work to diminish it. The Michigan Constitution guarantees that citizens can put an initiative on the ballot if they gather enough signatures, but that proposal first appears before the legislature, where a simple majority in each chamber could adopt it without sending it to a public vote. We’ve seen shameful legislative tactics deployed to fasttrack some proposals and prevent others from ever becoming law. I introduced a resolution to increase the threshold for the legislature to pass a public-led proposal – from a simple majority to three-quarters vote –otherwise, it must go to the ballot.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

In addition to protecting reproductive rights and voting rights, as outlined above, my other top issues include: Demanding action on common-sense gun reform: I sponsored and cosponsored well-researched, proven measures that would mitigate gun violence in our communities, including universal background checks, safe storage requirements, reduced magazine capacity, and red flag laws. Investing in public education: I was educated in our district (2004 Groves High School graduate) and proudly voted in the Senate to return the investment by delivering an historic K12 budget that provides more equitable funding among public school districts. Tackling rising everyday costs: We’re all feeling pain at the gas pump and with everyday costs, and I am leading the fight to strengthen Michigan’s price gouging law, while working to provide financial relief by championing legislation to repeal the retirement tax and restore the earned income tax credit.

CORINNE KHEDERIAN REPUBLICAN

believe that every United States citizen that is a resident of the state of Michigan should have the right to legally vote in Michigan elections. Every citizen should provide a government photo identification as a requirement to vote to ensure election integrity. Further, signatures should be verified. Absentee ballots should only be mailed upon request. Voter rolls should be cleaned up eliminating those who are no longer residents of Michigan and those who have died. Safeguards must be in place so that citizens feel secure in the outcome of elections.

Term limits and transparency

expensive water bills. To put the burden of Highland Park’s debt on Oakland County communities is not fair and correct. This is an issue for Highland Park to resolve and not the state of Michigan. Highland Park must work in good faith with GLWA to come up with a plan of debt forgiveness and debt repayment.

2020 Presidential Election results

Corinne Khederian is a former Bloomfield Township trustee, member of Bloomfield Township Election Commission, and zoning board of appeals. An attorney and community volunteer, she is active in Republican politics as vice chair and member of the Oakland County Republican Party. She previously served as director of district affairs for former state Sen. John Pappageorge and was executive office representative for Oakland County for former Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. She is co-chair of state of Michigan, Armenian Assembly of America, and previously was vice chair, State of Michigan Governor’s Council on Genocide and Holocaust Education, appointed by Governor Rick Snyder. A resident of Bloomfield Township, she earned her bachelor's degree from State University of New York at Binghamton and her law degree from Syracuse University.

Abortion Ballot Issue

If this ballot proposal to enshrine abortion rights is placed on the ballot in November, I will be voting against it since the circumstances allowing for abortion in this proposal is too expansive. For example, this ballot proposal wrongly allows for abortion up to the time of birth, and further, allows minors to obtain an abortion without the consent of their parents. I am a pro-life candidate and believe in allowing for abortion only in the following circumstances: 1) a woman’s life is in question; 2) a woman is a victim of rape; 3) a woman is a victim of incest.

Voting Rights and Policies

I will be voting against it since it opens up the possibility of abuse and puts into question security concerns. I am against this proposal since it allows for convicted and incarcerated felons to vote in our elections and further, it allows voters to vote without a government issued ID. I

While I am in favor of one part of the ballot proposal allowing for a lawmaker to serve up to 12 years in the Senate or House, I will be voting against the ballot proposal since I am opposed to all the disclosures required by it. My reasons are as follows: 1)I am in favor of lawmakers serving 12 years in House or Senate – There is a learning curve to serve as a lawmaker and just when they do, they are term limited. This portion of the ballot proposal allows for a seasoned lawmaker who has learned the process and knows the needs and wants of their constituency to continue to intelligently serve. 2) I am opposed to lawmakers needing to divulge all personal and private aspects of their life in order to serve in office as long as they have not committed a crime or fraudulent activity.

Legislative bans on education topics

I believe that the legislature can monitor what is taught in public school classrooms. Parents are speaking up in the face of restrictive mandates and liberal teaching gone too far. Parents clearly want their children to go to school to learn what school was originally intended to teach their children which is reading, writing, history, math, science, arts and essential life skills (such as personal finance, trade and home economic skills) so that they are well prepared for the outside world when they graduate. Public schools are not meant to go outside these parameters to indoctrinate children with particular ideologies and politicizing issues. If they do, I believe it is the role of the legislature to protect a student’s access to an appropriate quality education and the parent’s say in their child’s education. I support Education Savings Accounts allowing parents to determine which educational option is best for their child whether it be public, private or home schooling.

Highland Park Water and Sewer Debt

This is a very difficult issue that has come up at a time when Michigan families are already struggling with inflation and meeting household bills, including

I think we should move forward to make sure that legitimate concerns about how our elections were conducted in 2020 do not occur again and that all laws are followed properly in future elections. I support voter ID requirements and election laws that do not allow criminals, cheaters, dead persons and non-citizens to vote. Further, a mass mailing of absentee ballot applications by the Michigan Secretary of State during the 2020 election cycle to all registered voters was illegal and in the future existing state law should be followed which says that only local officials can send applications to citizens who request them. Also, if a vote is to be audited, it should only be done by a forensic audit which is the only meaningful type of audit so that all parties are satisfied with the outcome. I accept the results of the 2022 primary and will accept the results of the 2022 general election barring fraudulent activity.

Right of Redress

While I appreciate these questions, they are complex and require me to do thorough research before responding. Unfortunately, given the time constraints to submit my answers for publication, I have not had the opportunity to do the necessary research to thoughtfully answer them at this time.

Top Five Issues

If elected to serve in the Senate, the following are my top six issues: 1) Economy – Inflation is out of control. Government has to eliminate burdensome regulations, lower/eliminate taxes and let businesses succeed and create good, high paying jobs. 2) Education – Every child deserves access to a quality education and every parent deserves a say in their child’s education. 3) Election Security – Every US citizen should have the right to legally vote. Voters must present ID in order to vote and other safeguards should be in place to ensure secure and fair elections. 4) Energy Independence – Lower gas prices and invest in energy resources at home. 5) Law Enforcement – Support our police and increase police funding and investment in programs including training and onsite counseling. 6) Mental Illness – Must be addressed as it is a major root cause of crime and homelessness. A program ensuring the mentally ill quality mental care is key.

MALLORY MCMORROW DEMOCRAT

STATE SENATE/8TH DISTRICT

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

I will be supporting this ballot initiative. Michigan ranks dead-last nationwide in a study on ethics and transparency from the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity, due in large part to lack of required personal financial disclosure by lawmakers. The measure would also allow legislators to serve up to 12 years total in either both or one chamber, rather than treating one chamber as a stepping stone to the other, allowing the opportunity to build experience and institutional memory while still respecting the structure of term limits.

GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Mallory McMorrow is completing her first term as a state Senator. A resident of Royal Oak, she is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in industrial design, and has been involved with the Royal Oak and Oakland County Democratic Clubs. Prior to her Senate career, she worked in product design and advertising for Mazda, Mattel, Gawker Media, and Hearst, among other companies.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters are going to be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I support the ballot initiative. The fall of Roe and the retreat to Michigan’s 1931 would be devastating to women, girls, and all people who need to access reproductive care in Michigan – reaching as far as families seeking IVF treatment, stripping women of the ability to participate fully in our economy by determining if and when to get pregnant, and – because the 1931 law states that abortion is a felony – sending doctors, women, and family members to jail. It’s imperative that we protect the right to abortion and the wide array of reproductive health services that people need.

Voting rights and policies

Voters are also going to be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I support the initiative. This proposal expands on the efforts that were supported by a wide majority of voters in 2018, and are critical at a time when there are efforts to restrict access to voting.

Term limits and transparency

Legislative bans on education topics

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

I am opposed to legislation that bans discussions about topics on racism and gender-based issues. The recent onslaught of attacks against teachers and curriculum have created a difficult and often toxic environment for teachers to teach and for students to learn. We have a responsibility to have open and honest conversations about our nation’s history, how we all exist in the world, and the parts we play in society. We do our children and our communities a disservice when we shield them from learning about how to have hard or uncomfortable conversations. These are important lessons and tools for kids to bring with them into the future, and to grapple with the complex world around them.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a

The state of Michigan can and should leverage federal infrastructure dollars to both mitigate the impact of this debt and invest the critical dollars needed to upgrade our water infrastructure, and separate the combined sewer system to better manage more extreme flooding and extreme weather incidents that have become the norm instead of the exception. Additionally, the state must pass legislation to create a more streamlined process for municipalities to create stormwater utilities – legislation by Senator Bayer that I’ve cosponsored. Currently, Oakland County communities pay millions in legal fees and settlements from a handful of law firms who take our communities to court over this issue –taxpayer dollars that are enriching these few firms but not being used to fix this growing problem.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our communities, state, and system of democracy. I’ve built close relationships with our clerks and election officials and know that Michigan leads the nation in election security. Sometimes our preferred candidates win. Sometimes our preferred candidates lose. It’s incumbent upon all of us to trust the voters to decide what’s next, to accept the results of each election, and to operate from a place of truth.

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

I’ve consistently supported efforts to strengthen and protect the citizens petition initiative process, such as allowing voters to request their name be removed from a petition should they feel misled, and preventing signature collectors from lying about what an initiative does. It violates the Michigan Constitution to include policy

restrictions within appropriations bills and I support efforts to challenge those efforts when they arise.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

1. Excellent education for every child: Increasing equitable investments in K-12 and higher education, safeguarding public dollars for public schools, ensuring teachers have the resources they need. 2. Protecting fundamental and civil rights: Protecting reproductive rights, voting rights, and ending attacks on the LGBTQ community. 3. Protecting our water, environment, and fighting climate change: Shifting to clean energy for a more sustainable future, ensuring our infrastructure is more resilient to climate change, strengthening penalties on bad actors who pollute our water. 4. Reforming economic development, empowering workers and families: Companies go where the talent is, so we need an approach that invests more in workforce development, paid leave, childcare, and small business support versus our traditional top-down approach. 5. Ending gun violence: In 2020, gun violence became the leading cause of death for children. We need common-sense gun reforms like red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and universal background checks.

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest? Please be specific.

In this moment, with so much under attack – from reproductive rights to discrimination against the LGBTQ community, to racial justice and the accurate teaching of our history, to the critical threat of climate change and voting rights – you deserve someone in Lansing who will fight for you every single day. Through it all, we’ve never lost sight of our people. We’ve held dozens of town halls and events, hosted a nearweekly Livestream with direct access to experts, helped over 1,000 people access their unemployment benefits, and supported policies to help all of our residents and small business owners navigate the COVID19 pandemic. We’ve brought millions of dollars back to our district to support parks, pedestrian safety, infrastructure projects, removal of lead water service lines, and so much more. I’ve got a strong track record of fighting every day for my constituents – and against outright lies, hatred, and fearmongering – and would be honored to do so again over the next four years.

Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, part of Detroit

NATALIE PRICE DEMOCRAT

fight against any changes to election laws that limit participation in our democratic process.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Natalie Price is a Berkley city council member, and was previously Berkley Citizens Engagement Advisory Committee Chair. She has a bachelor's degree from Vassar College and a master's degree from University of Exeter in the UK, both in English and critical theory. She has been active in Sierra Club, Equality Michigan and co-creator of Backyard Playroom.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I support reproductive freedom. Denying people access to legal and safe abortions will cost lives and disproportionately harm people in historically marginalized communities. Access to legal and safe abortion care is an essential element of access to affordable quality healthcare, which all people deserve.

Voting rights and policies

Voters will also be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

When more people participate, our democracy gets stronger. Voters strengthened our democracy when they amended our state constitution in 2018 to enable no-reason absentee voting and required automatic voter registration. I support such changes that empower more eligible voters to participate and will

Under the constitutional amendment that is proposed for the November ballot, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to allow lawmakers to serve 12 years overall in Lansing, spending potentially their entire time in the House or Senate or dividing the years between the two chambers. I support this proposal because I understand that the existing law (which limits members of the state House to three two-year terms and members of the state Senate to two four-year terms) does not allow enough institutional knowledge to accumulate for optimal leadership in either of these bodies. As a city council member, I am subject to much stricter standards of ethics and transparency than my state representatives. My communications related to all city-related business are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. I also follow a clear policy that requires me to disclose any possible conflicts of interest before I take action or vote on any related matters. Our state lawmakers, members of the administration, and members of the state Supreme Court and university boards should, at the very least, be required to meet the same standards of ethics and transparency as our municipal leaders. If personal financial information has the potential to impact a state leader’s action or vote, disclosure must be required. I am in support of the constitutional amendment which will require statewide officials to file financial disclosure, putting Michigan in line with what 48 other states and Congress already require.

Legislative bans on education topics

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict

I will not support any legislation that attempts to dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms. As a former teacher and as a mom of two elementary-age students, I know that kids need to be able to discuss race, racism, gender, sexuality, and the difficult realities of our nation’s history in order to learn how to navigate the world in which we live with kindness, compassion, empathy and the ability to make a positive difference.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

The state of Michigan is responsible for this issue and should foot the bill for it. Before 2012, Highland Park had its own water processing facility. The state shut it down and required that Highland Park participate in GLWA on an emergency basis with the promise of a remediation plan for fixing its facility. This “emergency basis” continued for a decade with water rates that Highland Park clearly could not afford. This situation is indicative of a bigger issue of our state’s failure to provide adequate support to our municipalities. Conflicting tax laws (Prop A and Headlee) improperly restrict how local governments can collect the money they need. The state has also diverted $8.6 billion in revenue sharing away from our cities. This has cost Highland Park alone $17,083,580 since 2002. We must fix this broken system in order to give

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

all our cities the resources they need to provide essential services to our residents.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes. We have a safe and secure election process, and the attempts to sow mistrust about the voting process since 2020 are a direct attack on our democracy. We must counteract fear with facts in order to sustain and increase participation in our election process. When more people participate, our democracy gets stronger.

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

Our Constitution says that voters may hold a referendum on any bill passed by the Legislature only as long as there is no money expended. The intent was to prevent a situation in which the state would need to take back money that has already been spent; however, after the Emergency Manager law was repealed by voters, the party in power started throwing in at least $1 to their controversial bills so that voters couldn't challenge them. This is just political voter

SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER

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

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

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

So if you are not registered to vote in the November 8 general election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

gamesmanship plain and simple, and it has been used to deny Michigan residents their voice in our democracy. The legislature should be accountable first and foremost to the citizens of Michigan, which is why protecting access to the ballot through voting rights legislation and passing transparency and accountability laws is so important. Michigan citizens deserve a legislature that won't use legal loopholes and anti-democratic tactics to pass laws in conflict with the interests of Michigan families, but will instead work on behalf of Michiganders to get things done on the issues that matter to the people.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

Education: As a former teacher, I am very concerned about the state of public education. We must increase per-pupil funding and adjust funding to take into account students with the greatest needs. We should implement recommendations from the School Finance Research Collaborative and MSU’s Education Policy Report (Jan 2019). The MSU report provides a framework for how the state can allocate more resources to at-risk students and students with special needs, offer free high-quality preschool programs, and adjust teacher salaries and retirement benefits to keep up with inflation. I also support Gov. Whitmer’s proposed $1 billion investment in school infrastructure, which will help provide safe learning environments for all.

Environment: Protecting our environment is a critical part of strengthening our communities. As a Berkley City Council member, I’ve consistently supported the implementation of Berkley’s energy plan that promotes energy efficiency and sustainability community-wide. I’m also proud to serve on a subcommittee that has successfully advocated for a $100,000 line item in Berkley’s upcoming budget for installing electric vehicle charging stations. Now, I’m ready to take the fight for a cleaner environment to our state legislature. My plan for preserving Michigan’s vast natural resources and green spaces includes: investing in renewable energy to promote sustainability and create new, high-quality jobs for Michigan workers; holding corporate polluters accountable for the contamination they cause, making them cover the

cost of mitigation, and increasing reporting requirements; increasing staffing and funding for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Reproductive Rights: In 2022, Michiganders face the biggest threat to reproductive rights in 50 years. The Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade isn’t just about abortion – it puts the health, bodily autonomy, and personal liberty of everyone who can get pregnant at risk. Every person must maintain the right to control what happens inside their bodies, and to make decisions about their health care with their medical providers alone. Gun Violence Prevention: In the past year gunmen have murdered people – and children – with mass shootings in an elementary school, grocery store, places of worship, and other “safe” spaces where Americans go about their daily lives. Change is long overdue. The Second Amendment does not imply that all weapons should be available to all people. I support a ban on assault weapons, automatic firearms, silencers, explosive ordnance, and other NFA weapons. We must also keep guns away from people who pose a real threat to themselves or others. In Lansing, I will advocate for widely supported gun safety laws like universal background checks, safe storage mandates, and “red flag” laws that allow police to temporarily remove guns from people who pose an immediate risk to themselves or others. Economy: Strengthening Michigan’s economy helps us weather circumstances like inflation and recession, and we can do it by supporting our workers, boosting small businesses, and attracting diverse and resilient industries to our state. Our workers are the backbone of our economy, and I will fight to give them living wages, paid sick leave, and worker protections, including the right to collective bargaining. Small businesses create jobs and provide valuable services to our communities, and I will help them grow and thrive in our communities with the same or better incentives that we give to big corporations. Finally, I will maintain a skilled workforce by promoting postsecondary education, trades, and apprenticeships to keep local talent here and make Michigan appealing to the businesses and industries leading us into tomorrow.

PAUL TAROS REPUBLICAN

Paul Taros of Birmingham is president of Taros & Associates, PC, Certified Public Accountants. He received his BBA from University of Michigan and his MBA from Wayne State University. He is a three-time Ambassador of the Year for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, on the board of directors for Crossroads for Youth, and active at St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Abortion ballot issue

Imagine a baby, moments from being born, is suddenly aborted. That little life being denied its right to go forth and experience the joy, wonder and sorrows that you and I have experienced during our lifetime. One of the most important roles of government is to protect those least able to protect themselves. The state already requires parents to care for their child from birth to the age of 18. Maybe it is time that we lower the starting time of care from birth to prenatal.

Voting rights and policies

I believe that we need a law to require that everyone who votes be required to present a valid ID. Allowing even one person to vote illegally diminishes the vote of all the legal voters. In addition, we need to develop a better procedure for absentee voting, so that we can be assured that the person completing the ballot is the person who requested it. Recently we have seen numerous irregularities when they attempted a recount in Detroit. One such irregularity was discovering fewer ballots than vote totals in a precinct, thereby preventing a recount. These irregularities cannot be allowed to

occur again. Our democracy can only work if we truly have fair and honest elections. The documentary “2000 Mules” highlighted significant issues with unmonitored drop boxes and absentee ballots. Perhaps the most troubling issue being the very real possibility of fraudulent ballots being deposited into these drop boxes. We need to ensure that only registered voters vote and that no fraudulent ballots can be cast.

Term limits and transparency

Many people refer to Lansing and Washington D.C. as the swamp because of all the corruption. I could not agree more. Currently Michigan has some of the strictest term limits in the country. I do not see any good reason to extend the time a state Senator could serve from eight years to 12 years or a state Representative from six years to 12 years. Extending the time these elected officials can serve in office will only allow them to garner more power to use for the benefit of special interests. While I would support requiring elected officials to disclose their finances, I would not support the current proposal since it means relaxing the current term limits.

Legislative bans on education topics

Our Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, has been quoted as saying "A drag queen for every school! That is what would be fun for the kids and lift them up when they are having emotional issues." I would support legislation to prevent things like this from happening. Currently woke teachers think it is acceptable to teach the following to our children: “Individuals bear collective guilt for historical wrongs committed by their race or gender.” We don’t hold children responsible for the sins of their fathers. Why would we hold a whole race responsible for the sins of a few who happen to be of the same race. So, if it takes Lansing to pass laws to reign in woke teachers, then yes, I would support such legislation.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

This nonsense has to stop. The GLWA cannot continue to provide water to the city of Highland Park without being paid. I would propose that effective immediately all residents and businesses pay their water bills directly to an entity created by the GLWA, for the sole purpose of collecting these water bills. This

would at least stop the outstanding debt from continuing to grow. Then the state, city and GLWA can work on a plan to eliminate the outstanding debt.

2020 presidential election results

We all saw how the IRS was weaponized under the Obama administration to go after Tea Party and other conservative groups. Considering the numerous errors and irregularities the Secretary of State’s office made during the 2020 election as cited by the McBroom report, it appears very likely that Jocelyn Benson weaponized her office to steal the 2020 election. The McBroom report stated that the mass mailings of absentee voter ballots and applications were troubling. The report states “it appears the list chosen by the Secretary of State's Bureau of Elections were often older and previously purged.” This raises the question why was this error made or was it done intentionally by people in the secretary of state's office? The report also says that there were significant communications between the “Secretary of State department and Rock the Vote, a group which tends to target young persons and those with more left of center political leanings.” I would not call the group Rock the Vote an impartial organization and I would certainly think that further investigation into these email communications between the Secretary of State and Rock the Vote would be warranted. However, the McBroom committee just glossed over it and moved on. Nothing to see here folks. The report talks about 289,866 illegal votes as determined by the Voter Integrity Project. Again, the committee dismisses this by claiming this term is misleading and causes significant confusion as it implies fraudulent votes. The report goes on to say, “while it may not be lawful to send ballots without first receiving an application, voting this ballot is not an illegal action by a lawful voter and it is not indicative of fraudulent or illicit behavior of the voter nor of the illegitimate vote.” Here the committee is clearly stating that ballots mailed without first receiving an application is an illegal action, yet they did not pursue and investigate this issue. The report talks about the Michigan court of claims striking down Secretary of State Benson's guidance on signature matching which required workers to presume the validity of signatures, ruling that the required presumption

of validity is found nowhere in the state law in mandating such was a direct violation of the administrative procedures act. Here again you have the Secretary of State issuing illegal instructions which certainly could have had a significant impact on the election results. But once again Senator McBroom dismisses this and takes no further investigation. The documentary “2000 Mules” raises many other issues and questions that need to be investigated. There seems to be numerous errors on the part of the secretary of state, which makes it appear that the secretary of state worked in concert with the Democrat party to steal the 2020 election. Without a real impartial investigation into these issues and corrective action taken, there will be a mistrust of election results by millions of Americans henceforth.

Right of redress

Both Democrats and Republicans have used chicanery such as this to accomplish their goals. They have used the rules that were available to them to achieve the results they sought. If we want to stop this, we need to change the laws and rules. What is more troubling is a governor issuing executive orders and when those orders are found to be illegal, she uses unelected bureaucrats to issue the same orders through their departments. We need to reign in the governor and unelected bureaucrats who have unconstitutionally usurped powers from the legislature and the citizens of Michigan.

Top five issues

Eliminate Corporate Welfare: The Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan Economic Development Corporation are used to reward political supporters with grants, loans, and tax breaks. Time and time again we see jobs and new projects promised only to find out that the jobs never materialized, and the company is going out of business. If we eliminated the MFS and MEDC we could use that money to improve the overall business environment of Michigan. Improve Education: We need to stop teaching kids what to think, but rather how to think. Some teachers are such great teachers that we wish we could clone them and share them with all students. Why don’t we? Not clone them, but certainly we can video tape them and share it with students across the

state. These videos would be supplemented with teachers present to answer questions. Fix Our Infrastructure: For far too long the state has neglected our infrastructure. We need to make sure we spend the appropriate amount of money each and every year to maintain our infrastructure. In addition, the state needs to get the best value. Longer lasting roads with warranties which utilize new materials should be sought. The same approach should be applied to our bridges, water systems, and broadband. Lower energy costs: Last year Ford Motor Company cited lower energy costs when it announced that it would be spending billions of dollars and creating thousands of new jobs in Tennessee and Kentucky rather than in Michigan. This must stop. Michigan has to stop trying to buy jobs with gimmicky tax breaks and giveaways. Let’s create a business-friendly environment with lower energy costs. This will not only benefit businesses, but it will also benefit residential consumers. Limiting out-of-state students at our universities: We established and fund our universities for our residents. However, our universities have found it to be more profitable to accept more and more out-of-state students.

By limiting the number of out-of-state students our universities can accept, it allows more in-state students to attend. This will stop out-of-state students from coming here, getting an education, and then leaving our state, resulting in our state not having the educated workforce employers require.

SAMANTHA STECKLOFF DEMOCRAT

STATE HOUSE/19TH DISTRICT

and schools to serve as voting sites, requiring a minimum number of secure drop boxes and prohibiting harassment and intimidation of voters.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

and sewer services? Please be specific.

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Samantha Steckloff of Farmington Hills is currently state Representative for the 37th District, completing her first term. She earned a political science degree from Purdue University, and previously served on the Farmington Hills City Council.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I will be voting yes on this ballot proposal. I believe this medical decision should be between a person and their doctor only. As a breast cancer survivor, I have seen first hand how abortion care is medical care.

Voting rights and policies

Voters will also be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I support this ballot proposal. I typically vote absentee but in person. You can always go to your local clerk’s office to vote in person, or to drop off your ballot. Many states expand that by offering early voting, where polls are open for 14 days as opposed to one. In 2018 we voted to allow no-reason absentee and same day registration. This amendment preserves and expands ballot access by, among other things, providing nine consecutive days of early voting, protecting and facilitating absentee voting, continuing to allow churches

Once again, I am in support of this ballot proposal. After the 2020 election we saw many people lose faith in our elections. By requiring all state elected officials to disclose their personal finances, this will make it easier to see whether our elected officials have possible conflicts of interest, that is, whether they are voting in their own personal interests or their constituents’ interests. Michigan ranks last in this type of transparency. It is past time we fix this and restore trust in state government. Term limits would change, but for the better. A state legislator can currently serve three, two-year terms in the House and two four-year terms in the Senate for a total of 14 years. This means that there is little institutional knowledge among elected officials – especially compared to corporate lobbyists and special interest groups, who hold an imbalance of knowledge and influence. This initiative would reduce the total number of years a legislator could serve to 12 years, but allow all 12 years to be served in one chamber. By allowing longer service in one house, the legislature would regain much of its institutional knowledge.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water

I served on Farmington Hills City Council from 2013-2020, so I was working with both GLWA as it was being formed from the Detroit Water Authority, and with Oakland County Water Resources. Frankly, water and sewage rates have spun out of control, and adding this $58 million debt to our residents’ burden is unconscionable. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the ranking member on the Transportation subcommittee, I sought to include an appropriation to pay off this debt. The state currently has a more than $6 billion surplus, from which this debt should have been liquidated. I will continue to fight for the rate payers and I expect a much more positive result from a majority-Democratic House.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes. Over 100 audits have been done and this was the most secure election ever. I trust my clerks and, of course, will accept the results.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

Education: 1. Establish universal preK. Increase access to skilled trades by lowering the age of Michigan Reconnect to 21. Create an ultra-lowinterest State student loan. Reduce class size to 20. Provide full oversight of charter schools. Provide additional funding to upgrade school facilities. 2. Provide resources including scholarships for students entering the field, student loan forgiveness programs for teachers in the field for five years, tuition reimbursement for certification programs. Include recruitment incentives and bonuses in supplemental budgets, as we have with other struggling professions. Economic Security: The state must invest in additional career opportunities by increasing access to technical programs in our public schools. With raising interest rates and high inflation, the state needs to create programs that alleviate personal debt. Providing paid sick

leave and higher minimum wage will allow folks working 40 hours/week to rise from poverty. We should expand Medicaid and create a state health care program so everyone gets affordable and quality health insurance. Finally, we should increase the Earned Income Tax Credit for hard working families and repeal the pension tax. Environment/Energy: We must strengthen and expand polluter pay laws, create grant programs for hazardous waste location cleanup, create stricter PFAS laws and restrictions, and expand our public trust doctrine. For increasing energy efficiency, we must remove the solar cap and allow individuals to sell power back to the grid. We need to go back to net metering and expand programs like Michigan Saves. Health Care and Reproductive Rights: We must protect reproductive rights and codify abortion access into law as this is medical treatment for so many people. We can expand access to health care by creating a public option, lowering prescription drug costs and expanding Medicaid.

ANTHONY PAESANO REPUBLICAN

Anthony Paesano is a Bloomfield Township attorney and owner of Paesano Akkashian. He received a political science degree from Purdue University and a juris doctor from Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Abortion ballot issue

I strongly believe in protecting innocent life, but I'm not running to be the moral authority on such a personal and religious issue. We need to find common ground, but the

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

Part of Birmingham, Part of Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Part of Farmington Hills, Part of Southfield

radical and extreme constitutional amendment on the ballot is unacceptable. The proposal is extremely confusing and riddled with 43 typos making it even more ambiguous. I don't believe the majority of citizens want abortion at any time during pregnancy. I am open to a discussion about making abortion rare and safe under limited circumstances but would oppose any legislation expanding abortion beyond health of the mother, and rape and incest.

Voting rights and policies

The only way to ensure confidence in our elections is to make it easy to vote, and hard to cheat. There is no need for expanded early voting periods or returning of ballots. I support voter ID, updated and verified voter rolls and ballot security. I support any legislation making it a felony to ballot harvest, or to turn in absentee ballots using another person’s name, or any other action that could give rise to fraud. This is fair and has the overwhelming support of Michigan voters. Public polling shows close to 80 percent of Michiganders support voter ID, 58 percent of Black voters, and even 46 percent of Democrats. This should be non-controversial, and it is unfortunate that Democrats are using this issue to scare voters. Additionally, I support legislation that would prohibit private money funding of elections. No special interest should be funding government-run elections.

Term limits and transparency

I support the bipartisan initiative launched by former House Speaker Jase Bolger (R), and Mayor Mike Duggan (D), to update term limits and increase transparency of financial disclosures of legislatures to ensure no conflicts of interest. The proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution would reduce the number of years for House and Senate positions combined from 14 years to 12 years, but legislators could serve those 12 years all in either the House or the Senate, rather than requiring service in both chambers. I support this initiative because, as in any successful business, continuity and limited turnover of personnel is essential in maintaining efficiencies of operation. In addition to announcing the term limit initiative, former Speaker Bolger also announced an initiative requiring

Michigan legislators, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State, to report financial ties that could directly or indirectly influence their judgement on legislation. While I fully support transparency in government and avoidance of conflicts in government, and support this initiative specifically, it’s imperative that those advocates for the initiative clearly spell out measures to be taken to prevent the disclosure and spread of such personal information. I don’t believe it is enough – especially in this day of social media attacks and political vitriol, to say that the information would be secured by the government officials or oversight boards. I believe this measure has a way to go before it instills trust in legislators and the public, but it is definitely an initiative, in concept, to get behind.

Legislative bans on education topics

Michigan’s public education system is broken and has been so for decades. The COVID pandemic brought these issues to the forefront, especially with a governor showing a total disregard for family control over educating our children. I support the Let Kids Learn petition which is intended to take the power away from the unions, away from the governor, and put it in the hands of parents, by creating new Student Opportunity Scholarships to pay for educational expenses for tutoring and even tuition at a private school and creating scholarships by giving tax credits to individuals and companies making contributions to scholarship granting organizations. We need to be funding the students, and not the system. Our focus in the classrooms must be on students and families and not special interests. The emphasis must be on academics, particularly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), as well as vocational skills, so that we are preparing our children for the future. I support expanded access to charter schools and innovative educational opportunities including homeschooling, full-year school, yearround school, and virtual learning. I also support expanding education savings accounts for higher education and allowing interest deductions on student loans. Rather than tenured teachers protected from poor performance, I believe in merit pay that incentivizes teachers to excel in preparing our children. Our schools should be free of politics in the classroom, learning American history based on facts, not political agendas.

While I support a balanced examination of history, Critical Race Theory is not the right approach and I oppose any efforts that would introduce these radical concepts to our children.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Ten years ago, the state shut down Highland Park’s water treatment plant due to water quality deficiencies and in turn was placed into the Great Lakes Water Authority on an emergency basis. Since that time, Highland Park has failed to pay for water and sewer services, and instead has relied on other communities, including those in my district, to cover its debt. Recently, the Wayne County Circuit Court held that Highland Park has defaulted under its funding obligations. We cannot allow Highland Park to continue to rely on its neighbors and not meet its obligations. I support any legislation authorizing communities participating in this funding to withhold payments to the GLWA earmarked for contribution to Highland Park’s obligations and instead fund such payments into escrow. Furthermore, there needs to be more aggressive oversight of the GLWA and as citizens contributing to this problem, we should be demanding accountability for those within the GLWA.

2020 presidential election results

Obviously, there are many people who continue to question the outcome of the 2020 election here in Michigan, and in many other states. I don’t think there’s any question that secretaries of state in many key battleground states, including Michigan, used the COVID pandemic to change the election rules in extralegal ways that benefitted Democrats.Those changes should not be considered the standard, the rules in place for 2018 are the standard and any changes should be done legislatively, not by fiat. In fact, the Michigan State Court of Claims ruled against secretary of state Jocelyn Benson, who issued illegal guidance to clerks that they should presume the accuracy of absentee ballot signatures without verifying them with the signature on file, as required by Michigan law. Additionally, Benson sent absentee ballots to every voter in the state, also in conflict with state law. Absentee ballots are much more susceptible to fraud than in-person voting. Senator Ed McBroom is a

respected legislator and it is clear that he spent considerable time and effort investigating the claims made about 2020. His committee conducted nearly 30 hours of public hearings, heard testimony from 87 witnesses, experts and citizens, reviewed over 400 pages of testimony and subpoenaed documents from the secretary of state and Detroit and Livonia. The committee concluded, “the results of the November 2020 General Election in Michigan were accurately represented by the certified and audited results. However, if genuine issues arise from continued investigation, I will not hesitate to ask the committee to consider recommending an audit or amending this report in the future.” I accept the committee’s conclusions and support additional investigations upon the disclosure of evidence of fraud.

Right of redress

I do not support the use of expenditure provisions under these circumstances but I do not believe they should be prohibited outright. We live in a republic where we elect representatives to legislate all aspects of an initiative, and if such an initiative becomes law and we, as citizens, are dissatisfied with the representative’s performance or the law itself, we have the inalienable right to vote that representative out of office.

Top five issues

Education (Special Needs); Small Business Opportunities (Manufacturing and Retail): Infrastructure; Public Safety; Election Integrity.

NOAH ARBIT DEMOCRAT

STATE HOUSE/20TH DISTRICT

we cannot rely on a radical, right-wing United States Supreme Court to protect the rights of women or LGBTQ+ people in Michigan. We need Lansing to act.

Voting rights and policies

Voters will be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

Michiganders. Limiting state reps to six years and state senators to eight years means legislators have little time to learn how to navigate the institution before they are termed out; this vacuum of legislative expertise empowers entrenched lobbyists, special interests, and other power brokers at the expense of the people’s elected representatives, reducing responsiveness.

Legislative bans on education topics

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

Noah Arbit is the founder and executive director of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus. A resident of West Bloomfield, he has a degree from Wayne State University in comparative politics and Jewish studies. He previously worked as director of communications for the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, was a staffer for Governor Gretchen Whitmer and worked on the Hillary Clinton 2016 campaign. He is a member of the West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force, sits on the executive committee of West Bloomfield-Lakes Area Democratic Club and is a member of Jewish Labor Committee.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I am a fierce yes, and I encourage all voters to join me in voting for the “Reproductive Freedom for All” constitutional amendment proposal, which will be on the November ballot. It is long past time to repeal Michigan’s snapback abortion ban. I am thankful that Attorney General Dana Nessel and Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald have committed not to enforce the 1931 abortion ban after Roe v. Wade was overturned. But, that is no substitute for legislative action. If elected, I will sign on to be an original co-sponsor of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act, and I will be a fierce advocate for safe and legal abortion access and reproductive health. Additionally, it is long past time to repeal Michigan’s antiquated ban on sodomy, because

I strongly endorse the Promote the Vote constitutional amendment proposal, because I believe in expanding the franchise, so that every Michigander has access to the foundational constitutional right to elect their own government. I will zealously oppose any proposal seeking to curtail that right. It’s time to empower local clerks to pre-process absentee ballots, so the public can receive results in a timely manner; make Election Day a state holiday, and cease underfunding municipal and county clerks’ budgets for election administration. These are the kinds of legitimate reforms that would substantially improve Michigan’s elections and boost confidence and trust in our voting system – not the anti-democratic bile promoted by extremist politicians seeking to appease the egos of disgraced former presidents.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

I strongly encourage all voters to join me in supporting the ballot proposal “Michiganders for Transparency and Term Limits,” because any successful term limits policy would adequately balance two competing goals: the need to retain institutional knowledge in the legislature, and the need to refresh our institutions with new blood and new voices as well as prevent entrenchment, complacency, and sclerosis in our political system. By these metrics alone, Michigan’s current legislative term limits – the most draconian in the nation – are an abject failure that have drastically harmed the quality of governance in our state, to the detriment of all

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Absolutely not. The idea that we should shield our kids from necessary, if difficult, conversations about our world and our history is asinine. But the truth is, those who advocate for silencing educational inquiry are not concerned with kids’ welfare; they are instrumentalizing our kids to obscure their real motivation, which is both simpler and more noxious: bigotry. If we want to raise our kids to upstanding citizens capable of contributing to our communities and achieving their aspirations, we must ensure that they are educated in a holistic manner. That means learning about difficult chapters of history; that means learning about messy, inconclusive debates that polarize our society. I will vehemently oppose legislation that seeks to sanitize curricula.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The State of Michigan has failed to deal with this

I strongly support Governor Whitmer’s recent request that GLWA forestall the portion of its planned rate increase attributed to Highland Park’s debt until the culmination of the legal process or arrival of a political solution between the parties. Clearly, residents of West Bloomfield, Commerce, Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake should not be held financially responsible for the dispute between Highland Park and GLWA. Pending the outcome of the litigation, I am open to working with the Whitmer Administration, members of the Legislature, and experts on various ideas and strategies to arrive at creative, fiscally responsible solutions to the issue of Highland Park’s debt to GLWA – so long as the solution does not involve other communities underwriting that debt.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

It is deeply disturbing and a sad reflection of the state of our politics that this question even has to be asked. Of course I accept the results of the 2020 election, in which Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were duly elected. Of course I will accept the results of the 2022 Democratic primary and general election, regardless of whether or not I am the winner. Our constitutional democracy depends on fidelity to the rule of law, and on the consent of the governed. I will not be party to any action or statement that casts doubt on the legitimacy of free and fair elections, and I will never be afraid to call out election deniers, conspiracy theorists, and demagogues wherever they rear their ugly heads in the state of Michigan.

Bloomfield Township

Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

SHADIA MARTINI DEMOCRAT

STATE HOUSE/54TH DISTRICT

to help “secure the vote” are spurred by election conspiracies from 2020 and are designed solely to make it harder for Michiganders to vote. I believe in continuing to reflect the will of Michigan voters in 2018 and maintaining our current voting laws, including early voting, no-reason absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

unequivocally an infringement of guaranteed rights. Attaching extraneous expenditure provisions with clear intent to block the public from challenging legislation should be disallowed.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

Shadia Martini of Bloomfield Township owns Martini Construction, Great Estate Realty and Pigalle Salon. She has a degree in architectural engineering from Aleppo University and an MBA from University of Michigan. She is involved with National Association of Builders, National Association of Realtors, Muslim Unity Center, and on the board of Syrian American Council and Arab American Center for Economic and Social Services.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I am firmly in favor of protecting reproductive rights. The archaic 1931 law, which bans all abortion, even in the case of rape or incest, does not belong in the 21st century and does not reflect the views of the vast majority of Michiganders. In Lansing, I will fight tooth-and-nail to ensure that the right to an abortion is codified. I am proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood, #VOTEPROCHOICE, and Emily’s List for my dedication to this issue.

Voting rights and policies

Voters will also be asked to establish changes in voting policies, including early voting, absentee voting, and the use of drop boxes. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

Michigan voters voted overwhelmingly to make voting easier and more accessible in 2018. Current proposals

The proposal on the November ballot regarding term limits, if passed, would still make Michigan one of the states with the strictest term limit rules for state legislatures in the country. I will support either outcome that Michigan voters choose in November. I support efforts at mandating financial transparency for Michigan’s politicians.

Legislative bans on education topics

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

I oppose efforts to restrict or ban the teaching of issues surrounding race, gender, and history in our classrooms. In Syria, where I grew up, our curriculum was controlled by the government. We were lied to about history and about the world around us, to the benefit of the dictatorship. America is a free democracy, our children should be able to learn about critical issues without impediments or restrictions imposed by politicians with biased agendas.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the

I support the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling from earlier this month that will require Highland Park to pay their negligent debt. Communities in the GLWA should not have to be responsible for debt they did not accrue.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

I accept the results of the 2020 election in Michigan and I will accept the results of the 2022 general election. I grew up in Syria, a country where only one candidate was allowed on the ballot for president. I know what fraudulent elections look like: no such thing occurred in Michigan.

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

The legislature should not intentionally prevent Michiganders from challenging enacted legislation – this is

Reproductive rights; energizing our economy; lowering prices; funding our public schools; preventing gun violence.

DONNI STEELE REPUBLICAN

Donni Steele of Orion Township is the Orion Township Treasurer. She previously served on the Orion Township Board of Trustees. Steele has a degree in business administration and management from Hillsdale College. She is the chairperson of the Paint Creek Trail Commission, treasurer of Polly Ann Trail Management Council, and is on the Orion Township Parks and Path Committee and Orion Chamber.

Abortion ballot issue

I support the 10th amendment to the United States Constitution which supports states’ rights. At the local level we witness preemptive state legislation constantly which can be very harmful to local governments – as example, the Highland Park water issue. Similarly federal mandates are harmful to state governments, which is

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield

THE WASTED YOUTH VOTE

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

The youth vote in 2020 could be one of the more powerful voting blocks ever. But you must vote.

Call or visit your local municipal clerk’s office to register for the November 8 general election.

Youth holds the power. Use it.

STATE HOUSE/54TH DISTRICT

the essence of this ruling. I support the state law which allows preserving the life of the mother and I believe the state of Michigan should create its own laws.

Term limits and transparency

I support longer terms for the House and Senate collectively; however, I believe the collective term(s) should be longer than 12 years. The leadership, wisdom and knowledge are not being maintained by the elected leaders, they are being maintained by the staff and consultants. By the time legislators learn to be efficient and effective, its time for them to go.

Legislative bans on education topics

Extreme measures on either side diminishes educational excellence. Education should be allowing our students to have critical and analytical thinking on all subjects. Outright banning or forcing teaches to teach these subjects has gotten us so far away from the basics of education. Education should be about excellence, achievement, preparedness all within a safe learning environment – both physically and socially. Our schools should have more learning freedoms and flexibility but the goal should always be the same – academic achievement and excellence. Our Michigan teachers should be the best of the best and be paid accordingly. Our universities should have excellent and rigorous teaching programs for our college students so we can attract the best students who will ultimately live and teach in Michigan. Monies spent for schools in Michigan is not indicative of the outcomes we are receiving from our students. I would legislate for “let’s go back to the basics – educational achievement and excellence.”

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

The state should take responsibility for this issue and come up with a solution. The state made Highland hook up to GLWA and now the state must help these member communities. It is so illogic to assume your neighbors should pay for your water/sewer usage – in essence that’s what we are doing with Highland Park – the neighbors are paying their bill.

One of my concerns as Treasurer of Orion Township is why hasn’t this been exposed sooner? Why hasn’t the Water Resource Commission of Oakland County exposed this, why are they not advocating on behalf of the

communities which they serve? The state should immediately step in with all parties involved and collectively come up with a solution to ensure other communities will not be responsible for Highland Park’s water/sewer costs. Highland Park will never be able to afford this past debt and the state should make the paying communities whole for their past interference. However, moving forward, Highland Park needs to pay for their water and sewer. Unfortunately, at taxpayers’ expense this issue is being settled and exposed in court – what a huge waste of resources that could have been utilized to resolve this issue initially.

2020 presidential election results

Yes, and yes. We as a community; a county; a state and a nation – we must always look forward and work on making things better.

Right of redress

Clearly the government spends too much money and there is far too much overreach with the (peoples) funds. I believe in less government, less spending, less regulations and I would work on diminishing these maneuvers which prevents citizens referendum ability.

STATE

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

It is absolutely time to eliminate the distinction between appropriative and policy legislation that makes legislation containing any amount of appropriations exempt from citizen review via initiative and referendum. The legal loophole is anti-democratic and its continued use only erodes faith in our democratic institutions to represent the will of the people.

Relatedly, it is also long past time to repeal the constitutional provision undergirding the “adopt-and-amend” legislative tactic, whereby the Legislature takes up and adopts a citizen-led constitutional ballot proposal before it appears on the ballot only to amend it later, so as to prevent the substance of the initial ballot initiative from entering the force of law. These are both noxious tactics that fly in the face of democratic principles.

Top five issues

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

Strengthening and reforming Michigan’s hate crimes laws; Expanding access to vital, affordable, mental health care for kids, seniors, and everyone in-between; Safeguarding democracy, voting rights, and free and fair elections; Defending reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and combating gun violence; Protecting our lakes, water, and making Michigan a national leader on climate change prevention.

SHARON MACDONELL DEMOCRAT

Sharon MacDonell of Troy has been a manager for advertising and video at Lawrence Technological University. She has a degree in history from University of Michigan, and has been a precinct delegate.

Abortion ballot issue

Voters will be asked whether they support cementing abortion rights in the Michigan Constitution when they vote this November. How do you plan on voting on this issue? Please explain your answer.

I will vote for the Reproductive Freedom for All proposal because I believe healthcare is a private matter for everyone, and women have the right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare.

Term limits and transparency

Voters this November will be asked whether they support changes in terms limits and to enact financial transparency regulations for members of the legislature and administration. Are you supporting this ballot issue? Please explain your answer.

The Michigan Legislative Term Limits and Financial Disclosure Amendment has now been passed by both houses in Lansing and will appear as a ballot proposal on Michigan’s general election ballots in November. If passed by the people, the amendment to our state Constitution

STATE HOUSE/56TH DISTRICT

will bring Michigan in line with most other states regarding financial items on the ballot. However, the proposal is not as strong as its proponents wish. State legislators will still not have to disclose as much as members of the U.S. Congress do. Left out of the proposal are important disclosures such as income, debts, details on owned property, and travel payments. This information should be made public.

Legislative bans on education topics

In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Although I have a BA in history, most Michigan legislators do not. Therefore, it is not appropriate for state legislators to make decisions for our public schools that should be made by professional educators. I would not support such legislation. It is impossible to teach American history without touching on the topics of race, racism, and gender, therefore, it would not make sense to teach incomplete history.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What

do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

Our county and state government should always work together to keep prices low for all House District 56 and Oakland County residents at a time when people are struggling from rising prices. As a state legislator, I'd utilize my role to explore state level solutions that would help resolve this issue while working with our partners at the county level to ensure these debts don't persist into the future and place House District 56 residents at risk of increased water prices.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general elections? Explain why or why not.

I accept the 2020 election results because they have been audited several times. There is no evidence of any election misconduct in Michigan. I will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general elections because city clerks are still doing their jobs. My only fear for the future is the possible politicization at the Michigan Secretary of State level and down into the county and city clerks' offices. We must do our best to keep the business of these offices nonpartisan, ethical, and fair.

Right of redress

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, most of Troy, Clawson, part of Royal Oak

be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

It is a terrible shame that elected officials can use unethical and anticonstitutional methods to cheat Michiganders out of their rights. It’s a sign that they know their policies are wrong, unpopular, and unwanted. I want to lead the effort to stop this kind of unethical behavior and seek to overturn laws that have been cemented in by these unfair practices.

Top five issues

Properly funding and supporting public education; Protecting voting rights; Fighting discrimination; Improving access to healthcare; and improving Michigan’s economy and infrastructure. voter Bloomfield Township

What would you list as your top five issues if elected to this position.

DAVID WOODWARD DEMOCRAT

David Woodward has been chairman of the Board of Commissioners since 2019, and has been an Oakland County commissioner since 2005. A resident of Royal Oak, he previously served in the state House of Representatives. He has a bachelors degree in mathematics from Wayne State University, is a trustee for Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union and is past president of Oakland County Health Plan.

Mass transit for Oakland County

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners recently voted to place on the November ballot a .95 mill tax for county-wide mass transit.

The millage would be levied for 10 years, starting in 2022. The proposal does not allow for any communities to opt out of the mass transit program, which some communities have done in the past. Some are also questioning whether there will be less demand for an expanded mass transit system given the fact that workplace habits, during the pandemic crisis, have leaned more toward remote working. Do you support the mass transit tax? Please explain.

This proposal is an Oakland County solution for improving transit in Oakland County. It has bipartisan support, and I support it. We need better transit service in Oakland County. We have an aging population with growing transportation challenges. We have veterans, people with disabilities, and others who do not have access to a car to get to health care, work, school, or other places they need to go. We need a basic level of transit for everyone. If this proposal doesn’t pass, there is virtually

no longer funding for public transportation in Oakland County. The proposal on the ballot maintains transit service we have in place, expands routes and increases senior and other door-to-door transit service across the county to make transit better for everyone, and it does so at a rate less than what most are currently paying for public transportation.

Museum millage questions

Earlier this year officials from Detroit had been pushing to have Oakland and Wayne counties place on the ballot a .4-mill tax for up to 20 years for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Although officials eventually backed down on asking for the tax this year, it is more than likely they will return in the future. Would you support placing this millage question before voters in Oakland County and would you personally support this tax request? Why or why not?

The state legislature must act first by passing a new law, and the details of that legislation will inform my position on the issue today and into the future. I value the contributions of all our museums. In Oakland County, we are fortunate to have many museums like the Cranbrook Institute of Science, the Holocaust Memorial Center, the Chaldean Cultural Center, and many other local historical museums. Preserving our history is important, and we need to be working together to ensure these important cultural and historic places are here for future generations.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

The state created this problem. The

state has the obligation to fix it! GLWA is a customer funded operation, and no other community should be expected to or required to pay the debts and obligations of any other community. I’m proud to have supported efforts that ended the GLWA practice for subsidizing one community by all the others. The state should fund the resolution in the short term, and place Highland Park on a payment plan. We all understand the cost to maintain and update old water and sewer infrastructure in the region (some of which dates back to the Revolutionary War) is expensive. We all must pay our fair share in making the investments to guarantee safe drinking water, and the best treatment of sewer water possible. The cost is allocated to each local community proportionally. Every community is expected to pay its fair share.

Oakland's sustainability efforts

Oakland County Executive David Coulter has appointed the county's first sustainability officer as part of the county's effort to address global warming issues in the coming years. Do you support the county's efforts on this undertaking? Should the board of commissioners have a role in setting the agenda for reaching carbon neutral goals in the future?

The board provided the funding to create the position, and we are a key partner in setting the policy and priorities to reduce county carbon emission levels 50 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050. This is a massive undertaking that involves evaluating all external and external energy usages, looking for renewable energy replacements of current consumption, playing a leading role for the transition to electric vehicles, and retrofitting older buildings with more energy efficient operations. I helped develop and advance these county priorities. Oakland County can lead Michigan in addressing climate change. We are working towards increasing the usage of renewable energy, improving county buildings’ energy efficiency, working with local communities to advance proven best practices for addressing climate change, helping lower income households afford energy efficiency improvements, funding green water infrastructure, replacing our county tree canopy, and a host of other environmental initiatives.

Future of the board of commissioners

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

The size of the county board of commissioners has been reduced over several decades, each time with the reduction being billed as a way to save taxpayer funds. The most recent change in board size, prompted by Democrats taking control of the board, reduced the size from 21 commissioners to 19. Some have suggested that the ultimate goal may be to reduce the size of the board to 15 members, as in Wayne County, followed by a sizable annual pay increase. Oakland County commissioners now make $37,000 annually, plus health care benefits. In Wayne County, the pay rate is $61,800. Do you think the board size should be reduced further, accompanied by a sizable increase in pay?

At 19 commissioners, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners remains among the largest public bodies in Michigan outside the state legislature. Nineteen commissioner allows the governing body of Oakland County to best serve the needs and priorities of 1.3 million people. For the next decade, I’m confident 19 locally elected officials can work together to approve an annual budget, and set policy priorities for public health, economic development, veteran affairs, parks and recreation, public safety and justice, and other public services.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Biden beat Trump in Oakland County and in Michigan. (And Biden won the most presidential electoral votes in the 2020 election.) The Republican state Senate’s election investigation concurred with these findings. Every single local and federal court challenge by the Trump campaign has been dismissed or affirmed the Biden victory. Every recount effort validates the same results. I’m especially proud the Oakland County Board of Commissioners fully funded the clerk’s office so they could better help local clerks count absentee ballots, COUNTY COMMISSION/1ST DISTRICT

Part of Birmingham, Part of Troy, Part of Royal Oak

increase pay for election poll workers, helped pay for voters’ postage for absentee ballots, and funded other efforts to make it easier to vote in Oakland County, and make sure every vote is counted. The county continues to invest in election worker training, and working to make sure we have the best tools and equipment to run safe, healthy, and secure elections.

Key issues

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

Mental Health: Addressing mental health needs of our youth and our community as a whole is essential to our public health, community health, and public safety. We can no longer ignore the unmet needs that exist. Increasing our investment in mental health services for people, in our schools, and addressing substance abuse is needed. Electric Vehicles: As the auto industry makes the transition to electric vehicles, we need to work on building out the Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure needed to support the future. Oakland County doesn’t currently have the charging stations in place to meet the demand of the future. This will require coordination and cooperation with industry, the state, and local communities, to make sure we are best positioned by the end of the decade. Road and Sewer Infrastructure: The federal bipartisan infrastructure law gives us access to unprecedented resources to improve road and water infrastructure we’ve ignored for half a century. While we will make great improvements, we need a 20-year plan to fix the things we know are breaking. There is no getting around it. We need to maximize the resources we have today, and develop a plan to fix and maintain for the next 50 years.

Why you

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

I bring the best experience and leadership to govern Oakland County in a way that expands equality and opportunity to working families, seniors, and children who call our county home. I understand how county government works, and I continue to lead strategic investments into people and our local community to make sure everyone benefits from

our shared prosperity. We are the economic engine of Michigan, and we are driving an economic agenda that ensures economic opportunity for everyone. We are making record investments in protecting our environment, and expanding our county parks and recreation. In 2022, we will adopt Oakland County’s first structurally balanced budget in decades – this will further position our county to remain the best fiscally managed county in America.

CHRIS MEISTER REPUBLICAN

temptation for institutions to expand their operations beyond fiscally responsible bounds, creating the risk of bankruptcy should a millage not be renewed. Vital institutions such as museums operate truer to their mission and with greater sustainability – and are therefore greater assets to their communities – with private funding. It would be better for Oakland County government to let its people keep more of their dollars so they can make cultural investments as they see fit.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

The failure of Highland Park to pay its water bill has created an unacceptable situation with no resolution in sight. The failure of the state of Michigan to provide any meaningful remedy is just as unacceptable. People of Oakland County should not commit one dime to relief unless a sustainable solution is in place. I do not have a solution and, having not created the problem, I do not think it incumbent on me, or the people of Oakland, to provide one. If an acceptable and sustainable solution is put forward, it can be considered. Simply throwing money at a problem without a solution is irresponsible, however.

Oakland's sustainability efforts

deny this reality. Regardless of any political affiliation or any particular results of any particular election, the honest people of Michigan should demand a true investigation into the system and the implementation of meaningful reform. Proud Michiganders deserve fair and secure elections, restricted to legal voters required to present identification as proof that they are who they claim to be when casting their ballots.

Key issues

Oakland County used to be the envy of the nation for its well-run government. Since the death of L. Brooks Patterson the county has gone downhill at hyperspeed. We need to turn the county around and get it back on the track of good, responsible governance.

Why you

Mass transit for Oakland County

I do not support this mass transit tax, which would fund a one-size-fits-all, doomed-to-fail, half-baked plan that was rammed through the Oakland Board of Commissioners without input from the county’s 62 communities. These are cities, villages and townships that know best how to serve their diverse populations and their transportation needs. The board majority abuses its authority by repeatedly issuing such edicts of expansive, inefficient government to suit their political base but inflicts misery such as onerous taxes and regulations on the people at large.

Museum millage questions

I believe museums and other cultural institutions have a key role to play in society and community life, but they are best served through private support that keeps their focus on their mission. When tax dollars are involved, institutions are susceptible to political pressures that can reduce a noble mission to mere propaganda. Also, generous taxpayer funding creates

This program is a costly, irresponsible exercise in woke virtue signaling that is ripe for corruption. I do not believe the board of commissioners should have any role in any such boondoggle that is so destructive to the individual liberty of the people of Oakland County.

Future of the board of commissioners

I believe that smaller government is best as long as it remains representative of, and responsible to, all the peoples’ interests. This county has a large and diverse population, however, so it is questionable whether the people, or the politicians and their cronies, would be best served by a reduction of the board. The idea of dangling the inducement of greater individual pay for board members in exchange for thinning their ranks is despicable.

2020 presidential election results

One would have to be blind not see that the electoral process in Michigan has been thoroughly and shamefully corrupted, and only the delusional

In three years of control over the board of commissioners, my opponent has used his position to reward special interests with programs and pet projects that are destructive to the individual liberties of the people of Oakland County. County government should be about responsible management, not about power for its own sake. When I am on the board of commissioners, my vote will protect the individual from infringement on their rights by the powerful.

Chris Meister of Royal Oak is retired. He has a bachelor of fine art from Central Michigan University.

ANGELA POWELL DEMOCRAT

november election voter guide

COUNTY COMMISSION/9TH DISTRICT

Oakland and Wayne counties place on the ballot a .4-mill tax for up to 20 years for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Although officials eventually backed down on asking for the tax this year, it is more than likely they will return in the future. Would you support placing this millage question before voters in Oakland County and would you personally support this tax request? Why or why not?

undertaking? Should the board of commissioners have a role in setting the agenda for reaching carbon neutral goals in the future?

Yes, I am pleased with this appointment. We are working already in collaboration with the executive office. So we shall see what the future brings with this department.

Future of the board of commissioners

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Angela Powell of Pontiac is currently an Oakland County Commissioner for District 10, and a precinct delegate. She works as a public relations specialist for the city of Pontiac. Powell has an English degree from Oakland University.

Mass transit for Oakland County

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners recently voted to place on the November ballot a .95 mill tax for county-wide mass transit. The millage would be levied for 10 years, starting in 2022. The proposal does not allow for any communities to opt out of the mass transit program, which some communities have done in the past. Some are also questioning whether there will be less demand for an expanded mass transit system given the fact that workplace habits, during the pandemic crisis, have leaned more toward remote working. Do you support the mass transit tax? Please explain.

Yes, mass transit is to support more than just workplace. Our future generations are looking to lean more on mass transit and Michigan/Oakland County is well overdue in trying to figure this out. Especially for the district I represent who depends on this transit to get to work and other places for life's needs and enjoyment.

Museum millage questions

Earlier this year officials from Detroit had been pushing to have

Absolutely. As a Black individual our culture has been robbed of being able to share our history and we have played a huge part in the making/creation of America. Yes, I support this millage.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

I am not pleased with this issue and whatever Oakland County and/or Michigan must do to fix this problem needs to get on it now. We already seen what happened and is still an issue in Flint. So fix the water issue. Citizens did not create the issue, poor oversight and leadership did, and we have to help this community.

Oakland's sustainability efforts

Oakland County Executive David Coulter has appointed the county's first sustainability officer as part of the county's effort to address global warming issues in the coming years. Do you support the county's efforts on this

The size of the county board of commissioners has been reduced over several decades, each time with the reduction being billed as a way to save taxpayer funds. The most recent change in board size, prompted by Democrats taking control of the board, reduced the size from 21 commissioners to 19. Some have suggested that the ultimate goal may be to reduce the size of the board to 15 members, as in Wayne County, followed by a sizable annual pay increase. Oakland County commissioners now make $37,000 annually, plus health care benefits. In Wayne County, the pay rate is $61,800. Do you think the board size should be reduced further, accompanied by a sizable increase in pay?

This is determined by whoever has the majority every 10 years, therefore it is unfair to comment on the size. Every redistricting period is different depending on the scope of the overall county at the time. And because of inflation (with salaries) the same assessments that have been taking place for the workplace should be looked at the same way with elected officials positions.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes, it was a fair process. I am in support of our clerks around Michigan to be professional and accurate when dealing with the elections.

Key issues

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

Mental health assistance, housing and transit are just a few things we need to focus on, especially in my district. Post-COVID has made things even more challenging and whatever resources is needed for each community to keep thriving, we need to get the resources they need.

Why you

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

I am qualified, hard working and get results. Whatever my district needs I try my best to get that request/need executed. This is what I am known for in my district now. I am a concerned and passionate person who strives every day to make Michigan, Oakland County, District 9 a great place to live and work.

Bloomfield

Part of Bloomfield Township, Part of Pontiac

MARCIA GERSHENSON DEMOCRAT

persons with disabilities. Microtransit, small vehicles, will provide flexible on demand service for everyone. It can be requested through a mobile app or phone call to link lower density suburban areas to the full transit system. This will be on the ballot for the voters to decide.

Museum millage questions

growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

Marcia Gershenson was first elected an Oakland County commissioner in 2004; she is currently vice chairwoman of the board of commissioners. A resident of Bloomfield Township, she is a former teacher who has a degree in English and teacher credentials from University of Michigan. She is involved with Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and Gilda's Club of Metro Detroit.

Mass transit for Oakland County

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners recently voted to place on the November ballot a .95 mill tax for county-wide mass transit. The millage would be levied for 10 years, starting in 2022. The proposal does not allow for any communities to opt out of the mass transit program, which some communities have done in the past. Some are also questioning whether there will be less demand for an expanded mass transit system given the fact that workplace habits, during the pandemic crisis, have leaned more toward remote working. Do you support the mass transit tax? Please explain.

I support the mass transit millage. The current transit tax is .9765 and the new rate for the entire county will be .95. Current opt-out communities will keep their existing transit systems in place. Current opt-in communities will see a reduction in their tax. The tax is approximately $95 annually for homeowners in a $200,000 home. This tax will generate income to increase county transit access with new routes focusing on hospitals, educational and job centers. There will be increased paratransit, a reservation based service for medical appointments and grocery shopping, that will promote independence for seniors, veterans and

Earlier this year officials from Detroit had been pushing to have Oakland and Wayne counties place on the ballot a .4-mill tax for up to 20 years for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Although officials eventually backed down on asking for the tax this year, it is more than likely they will return in the future. Would you support placing this millage question before voters in Oakland County and would you personally support this tax request? Why or why not?

I personally believe in supporting the arts. These are important institutions that capture the history of our region and world. With increased revenues, these institutions could offer significantly enhanced services to the public. Similar to the DIA’s community commitments, some of these benefits could include free admission, field trips, programs for seniors, and a community partnership program to jointly create programs and events that meet communities specific needs. Examples are art-making experiences for veterans or those experiencing homelessness. Being accountable to the residents of our entire region, programs and exhibitions can be adapted to ensure our diverse communities see the programming they feel is relevant to their residents. It would also allow museums to add more staffing to work with teachers to align with their classroom goals. As with any tax, it will be up to the Oakland County voters to decide.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this

This matter is very complicated and currently in the courts. Recently, the judge ruled Highland Park is responsible for the $50 plus million it owes in back taxes. GLWA (Great Lakes Water Authority) members are currently not paying anything towards the Highland Park debt. At this point, the state and treasury are at the table trying to work out an equitable solution. I think the state needs to step in and help Highland Park continue to pay down their debt. The state can also issue a bond for the balance to secure the debt will be paid. In addition, GLWA may ask the state to refund any money other tax payers have put into the Highland Park debt.

Oakland's sustainability efforts

Oakland County Executive David Coulter has appointed the county's first sustainability officer as part of the county's effort to address global warming issues in the coming years. Do you support the county's efforts on this undertaking? Should the board of commissioners have a role in setting the agenda for reaching carbon neutral goals in the future?

Yes, I support our first sustainability officer Erin Quetelle. This is a new field with a tremendous learning curve for departments to understand the value and goals of this position. The chief sustainability officer will work with managers and employees to address our approach to environmental responsibility with the goal to minimize our county campus environmental impact. Our sustainability officer is responsible to understand and assess our county's environmental footprint, resources and plans. Chief sustainability officers can help their employers evaluate both their current impact on the environment and determine how to increase their sustainable practices. They can help ensure that future projects adhere to the most economically and environmentally friendly methods possible. Sustainability is a central core value for our current administration. Ms. Quetelle is an expert and I support following her recommendations. The board of commissioners are included in these conversations concerning sustainability.

Future of the board of commissioners

The size of the county board of commissioners has been reduced over

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

several decades, each time with the reduction being billed as a way to save taxpayer funds. The most recent change in board size, prompted by Democrats taking control of the board, reduced the size from 21 commissioners to 19. Some have suggested that the ultimate goal may be to reduce the size of the board to 15 members, as in Wayne County, followed by a sizable annual pay increase. Oakland County commissioners now make $37,000 annually, plus health care benefits. In Wayne County, the pay rate is $61,800. Do you think the board size should be reduced further, accompanied by a sizable increase in pay?

I was a participant in the redistricting process and supported the reduced number of commissioners. Any further changes to the number of commissioners will not happen before the next census results in 2030. We will have 10 years to adjust to the new number of constituents we represent and determine if commissioners are comfortable with an increased number of constituents. I would advise watching how commissioners handle the increased number of residents in their respective districts, gather their feedback and then decide if we should make an adjustment to the current number of commissioners and any possible pay raises.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes, I support the results of the 2020 election. I have full faith in our Oakland County election division, local and county clerks and our secretary of state. We have a checks and balance system to ensure our elections are accurate, transparent and secure. The public is invited to watch the canvas board, observe the public accuracy test for the election machines that are tested before every election. This pre-testing of machines is mandated by state law. In an effort to address any public mistrust, Oakland County Clerk Brown advertised and voter

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills COUNTY COMMISSION/11TH DISTRICT

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake

CHARLIE CAVELL DEMOCRAT

COUNTY COMMISSION/19TH DISTRICT

that we can make Oakland County a more accessible place for seniors, people who use wheelchairs, those unable to afford a car, people unable to drive – people with epilepsy, closed head injuries, DUIs, etc.

Museum millage questions

Oakland's sustainability efforts

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES

Charlie Cavell of Ferndale is in his first term as an Oakland County commissioner. A social worker, he earned his BSW from Wayne State University and his MSW from University of Michigan. He is a member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Democratic Club, Sierra Club and UAW Local 1980. Cavell is a board member on Oakland County Water Affordability Coalition and Oakland County Community Corrections Advisory.

Mass transit for Oakland County

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners recently voted to place on the November ballot a .95 mill tax for county-wide mass transit. The millage would be levied for 10 years, starting in 2022. The proposal does not allow for any communities to opt out of the mass transit program, which some communities have done in the past. Some are also questioning whether there will be less demand for an expanded mass transit system given the fact that workplace habits, during the pandemic crisis, have leaned more toward remote working. Do you support the mass transit tax? Please explain.

Yes, I support this for both economic and social reasons. Economically speaking, while fewer people are having to go to a physical office, that doesn’t mean there are fewer people out and about using our roads. Other communities that have comprehensive mass transit have an economic multiplier that comes from having a complete system. Additionally, communities like Birmingham that have already opted into this program are getting a reduction in taxes. Also, this being the first 10-year proposal allows for strategic and smart investments that are unable to be made when you have a fouryear millage. Speaking towards social values, we want everyone in our county to be able to live full lives. Transit is one way

Earlier this year officials from Detroit had been pushing to have Oakland and Wayne counties place on the ballot a .4-mill tax for up to 20 years for the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Although officials eventually backed down on asking for the tax this year, it is more than likely they will return in the future. Would you support placing this millage question before voters in Oakland County and would you personally support this tax request? Why or why not?

I believe that if voters are willing to add .4 mill to their taxes, what should come first is a mental health and/or childcare and/or senior millage. That being said, it is vital that we support our cultural institutions. This is why I’m extremely grateful that the state of Michigan stepped in and provided earmarks to support our cultural pillars.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

There are two things that I believe should be the solution to this growing problem. First, because the state of Michigan has more budget capacity, it should be the one taking on the debt to bail out the GLWA system as a whole. Secondly, isolating Highland Park as a singular bad actor in the GLWA system discounts the other communities that have also faced problems. Whether intentional or not, this framing presents as unproductive, divisive and has tinges of racism. The GLWA system has a responsibility to serve all members of the system. This includes Highland Park just as much as it includes Birmingham. As a homeowner, I am okay to pay my fair share to support Highland Park as we are all one region.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter has appointed the county's first sustainability officer as part of the county's effort to address global warming issues in the coming years. Do you support the county's efforts on this undertaking? Should the board of commissioners have a role in setting the agenda for reaching carbon neutral goals in the future?

Yes. Currently, our team is working on launching a home weatherization program targeted at middle-class homeowners with the county’s sustainability director. I mention this because sustainability takes many forms, especially at a local level. Yes, it means achieving climate goals like being carbon neutral but it also means building climate resilient infrastructure, expanding recycling, helping communities purchase environmentally friendly energy at a cost-savings, and programs that benefit you directly – like home weatherization.

Future of the board of commissioners

The size of the county board of commissioners has been reduced over several decades, each time with the reduction being billed as a way to save taxpayer funds. The most recent change in board size, prompted by Democrats taking control of the board, reduced the size from 21 commissioners to 19. Some have suggested that the ultimate goal may be to reduce the size of the board to 15 members, as in Wayne County, followed by a sizable annual pay increase. Oakland County commissioners now make $37,000 annually, plus health care benefits. In Wayne County, the pay rate is $61,800. Do you think the board size should be reduced further, accompanied by a sizable increase in pay?

No.

2020 presidential election results

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not

Yes, because I trust the election process.

Key issues

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

Racial, social, environmental, and economic justice! This means helping people be able to afford to live in Oakland County and have a high quality of life here. Socially, this means access to affordable child care, attainable housing, trustworthy infrastructure, and responsive public services. This also means helping locally owned businesses thrive, again rooting our sense of community. These are all initiatives that our team has helped champion in our first term.

Why you

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

The reason I ran for office is to bring empathetic leadership to our government. All too often, our way of doing business is transactional and not people-focused. I, with our team, hope to transcend transactional politics by being transparent, effective, progressive, and accessible. I sincerely care about you and want you to be happy and healthy here in our shared community.

JOSEPH PUCCI REPUBLICAN

Joseph Pucci of Huntington Woods is Vice President of JLA Insurance Group. He has an associate's degree from Macomb County Community College and his bachelor's degree in environmental and political studies from Michigan State University. He sits on the board of directors of Transportation Club of Detroit.

Mass transit for Oakland County

Most of Birmingham, Part of Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Ferndale

COUNTY COMMISSION 19TH DISTRICT

Absolutely not, it will be my biggest platform as to why I should be elected. No mass transit.

Museum millage questions

No, we can’t keep taxing Oakland County citizens for other county expenditures.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt

We ought to sue the delinquent counties and cities for the share we have paid on their behalf, and never ever pay for someone else’s debt again.

Oakland's sustainability efforts

No, ESG and all this sustainability is a complete farce and waste of money, none of it is trackable by way of an ROI (return on investment) so it just needs to go.

Future of the board of commissioners

No, the board of commissioners needs to be brought back to the 21, the Democrats just gerrymandered the board for their dominance in party line voting. If you want to save money, the pay and size of a small commissioner board is not the place to start. Perhaps the money for the WEF/Automation Alley boondoggle would be a good place to save $3 million. A pay increase is merited for Oakland County, the wealthiest county in Michigan isn’t even on par with the same role in Wayne County. It needs to be looked at certainly.

2020 presidential election results

No, there was blatant corruption with voting machines and tabulation for 2020. I can’t yet speak to the validity of 2022.

Key issues

Reckless spending as with all local politics, if it isn’t for the Oakland County Sheriff’s resources salaries, the protection of Oakland County citizens, or road infrastructure, frankly it has no place in the budget. It’s time to tighten the purse strings, and perhaps, just maybe lower property taxes for the Oakland County residents who pay too much as it is.

Why you I will do everything I can for the betterment of the people of Oakland County period. My opponent is an inexperienced person with questionable communist ideologies. If you are at all serious about politics, the choice is obvious.

COUNTY COMMISSION 11TH DISTRICT

invited residents to watch the voting machines being tested for accuracy to dispel some of the misinformation and disinformation around elections. Only one Oakland County resident showed up.

Key issues

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

The key issues facing our county are continuing the recovery from the pandemic, providing resources for our growing senior population and promoting responsible gun ownership. I have been a supporter of granting small business resources from federal rescue funds. These funds have allowed more businesses to pay their employees and keep their business open. I also work with our recently concluded Senior Blueprint task force that lays out the future needs for our seniors. I participate in an elder abuse and quality of life action group. We must fund the necessary resources to support seniors to lead independent and productive lives. I am currently cochairing a group that supports safe gun ownership. We will be hosting our first gun buy back program as a pilot this year. In addition to the gun buy back, their will be educational information, gun safety locks and information on gun storage.

Why you

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

Experience matters. I am a very hard worker who is accountable and responsible to all residents in our county. I understand Oakland County government and regularly try to assist residents navigate our system. I attend local council meetings to better understand and be responsive to local issues. My experience has helped residents access important services during the pandemic. I have worked to give financial support to our business community, nonprofits, senior centers and schools. I am committed to strengthen our mental health services so they are affordable and accessible. I am currently working on a bi-partisan gun safety group that supports responsible gun ownership. I am proud of all I have accomplished and hope voters will return me to office to finish many of the great programs I am involved in.

To continue offering our products at no charge and continue to grow in terms of what we want to offer to readers, we are looking for community support.

Any size donation, no matter how small, is appreciated. But we have created specific tiers of support, some of which come with perks in return.

Donations can be made by scanning QR code above or go to our website.

All donors will be acknowledged by name (unless you prefer to remain anonymous) on a Supporters Page on our website for the next year and every six months in a printed edition of Downtown newsmagazine. Support on all levels is essential to our long-term success and growth.

We thank you in advance for your support of our effort to bring you quality local journalism each month. www.downtownpublications.com

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM. DONATE TO DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE.

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

“unexpected” deficit and who is responsible for this?

Yes, I’m satisfied. The explanation was logically conveyed, but that’s irrelevant when the result impacts livelihoods. The BPS administration is collectively responsible, but the school board shares accountability.

C) Is there too much reliance on “closed door” or executive sessions of the board when it comes to financial decisions relative to the budget instead of open discussion before the public?

Art Jack is a recent retiree of Ford Motor Company, having worked in research and advanced engineering. A resident of Southfield, he received his BS degree in electrical engineering from Southern University in Baton Rouge, and his masters degree in manufacturing engineering from Wayne State University. He is a board member of Ascension Health of SE Michigan and a parent leader with Birmingham AfricanAmerican Family Network.

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) What responsibility does the school board have in not recognizing that a budget they approved was so far removed from reality?

All the trustees collectively are responsible for the budget deficit. The BPS administration has the ultimate responsibility for developing the budget backed with data, including any knowns, unknowns, risks and uncertainties with a reaction plan for ongoing discussions with the school board members. Now, the oversight is not due to a lack of board members with business acumen. I wonder if all the data was available with 100 percent engagement from all board members from start to finish. Complacency is the enemy of progress, which I believe is one causal factor that resulted in this surprisingly large deficit. I have confidence in the administration to get back on track. It’s the price being paid with layoffs or any additional austerity measures that will set us back and impact the students down the road.

B) In terms of transparency, are you satisfied with what has been presented to the public about the

Closed door discussions are needed as with any organizational entity to review and align on financial decisions. The public discussions have value, but it isn’t a necessity. I think it would be of value to have an expert panel of individuals from the community to serve as a “sounding board” for the school board members if asked, but not as decision-makers.

D) What do you see as possible solutions to solving the immediate problem? How can a financial problem of this magnitude be prevented in the future?

Without all the history, data and supporting information in front of me, I can't comment on a “quick fix” so to speak. Going forward, I really think there should be closer monitoring of student enrollment and use of data analytics models to help in the budget iterating process towards final approval.

Pandemic problem in the district

What is your personal assessment of how the district handled the problems caused by the pandemic in the last couple of school years? What, if anything, should have been done differently? Does there need to be any extra effort to help students who may have lost ground in terms of learning with virtual rather than in-person learning? Please provide details.

In hindsight, I think the district handled the lockdown about as well as expected given the risk and uncertainties in 2020-2021(1st and 2nd quarter). BPS provided technical support, books, laptops and lunches for the families, which was an act that can’t be taken for granted given the stress families experienced. The Birmingham Virtual Academy (BVA) and roll-out became an excellent option for families that preferred educating in the safety of their homes. Once the vaccine became available and the country started to return to a level of normalcy, the CDC

recommendation for wearing masks were followed, which I believe was the right thing to do. My twin boys wore their masks in school with one participating in sports wearing a mask. We lost some close relatives to COVID19, which impacted the boys deeply so that they didn't have an issue with the mandate. Nothing comes to mind (to do differently). However, I think there was an opportunity to collaborate with businesses in the community to initiate and/or experiment with temporary learning spaces or “hubs” in office spaces that were closed or where employees worked mostly from home. Teachers and families that were comfortable with in-person learning could utilize the space. For liability purposes, perhaps a waiver to protect the school district. Unsure of how the idea would be funded by the district or through some shared cost with parents that wanted to participate. Looking back and given what we’ve learned, this is a different pathway on how the pandemic at phases could have been handled differently. I can’t think of any effective efforts to help close the learning gap at this time.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

There has been considerable debate about whether the state board of education, the legislature or local school boards should decide what is being taught in the schools. Now we are seeing a push by some parents/parent groups to have more of a role in determining what is taught in the classroom. What is the role of parents when it comes to deciding what material is taught in the classroom? What immediate educational reforms do you support, and which will you seek for the district if you are elected?

The administration is responsible for the curriculum, not the parents. The curriculum review process cadence can be enriched with community input (i.e., parents) through collaborative means when appropriate. I understand the disagreements out there. Now, I grew up in a family of educators. Both of my parents started their career teaching in the public schools. I recall discussions around how math was taught differently. My father was a math teacher and emphasized that I should demonstrate problem-solving using the teacher’s methods. There were also discussions about American history with Black history as an additive topic in the curriculum even though both are integrated deep within our American experience to learn. As with math, the same recommendation was provided. In these situations, parents can help by

having an honest conversation with their children. Perhaps the solution is as simple as the teacher, parent and student having an honest conversation. I support educational reform that helps Michigan continue to trend upwards in the NAEP K-12 ranking. The results from 2019 shows Michigan is in the middle. I will spend time understanding how BPS is trending and support what’s needed to continue with goals and metrics in mind. This is important for attracting industry to the state and residents to the school district to live, work, play and educate their children for the future. Secondly, I want teachers to receive a pay-raise along with the support needed to continue the state’s trend upwards. Finally, I’d like to see an increase in collaboration with industry and higher education at the local level, but also at a global level. The world is getting small, and opportunities will continue to evolve globally. I have a broad personal network across industries and higher education, especially with HBCUs to make it happen.

Student safety

Are you satisfied that the district has done enough to safeguard students and staff? Should there be more security guards and liaison police officers at schools? What can and should the district do to better prepare teachers and staff for the possibility of a rogue individual with a weapon? Should more attention and dollars be spent on mental health awareness and help?

Based on the presentations at the school board meetings, I think the district has prioritized and moved forward with the actions as a result of the audit. For example, the video surveillance expansion with supporting back-end server equipment comes to mind. At the 1/18/2022 regular board meeting, Resolution 56 – Safe Gun Storage was approved where the superintendent will establish a communication cadence regarding the importance of firearm safety while continuing to collaborate with law enforcement and health professionals (medical and mental). A Town Hall meeting is scheduled on 9/12/2022, which will include the topic. I plan to attend to learn more. I have mixed feelings about increased security guards and police presence inside the schools. Student profiling that leads to interactions with officers is most concerning. Based on what I’ve heard so far, the BPS school district has a great relationship with local law enforcement, which includes police liaisons. More preemptive efforts towards mental health support for our students are

equally important for student safety and deserve more attention. I’m not an expert and would rely upon the district’s law enforcement recommendations for preparedness. ALICE Training and drills are in place in the district with a FAQ online for families to read. If elected, I will make it a priority to learn more about the current plans and help in the research of new methods to prepare our teachers and staff. Complacency is the enemy of progress, which I won’t let happen as a board member. Yes, more attention and resources should be devoted to mental health awareness and support. I’m unsure of where and how to invest for immediate and long-term results. As a board member, I will gladly participate and support engagement with all mental health initiatives as well as leverage my personal network for input.

What are your top goals if elected

If you are elected this November, what would your top goals be as a member of the board?

First, close the budget deficit concerns so we can move forward – we must address the deficit, ask the hard questions with honest and candid dialog so the right processes and accountability systems are in place so there isn’t a repeat in the future. We must get this right so that we can stabilize our staff and faculty, otherwise, we risk more “flight” of BPS teachers, staff and students. Second, school safety – participate and support implementation of action plans. Third, Increase STEM /STEAM opportunities (local-thru-global) for our students and staff so that our district is the recognized and valued talent pipeline for jobs in the state.

SAMUEL OH

degree in architecture and real estate development at University of Michigan. He is a member of the Birmingham Triangle District Corridor Improvement Authority.

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) Board role on budget

The BOE and BPS have had a year to try to fix the problem but still haven’t been able to zero out the budget. They couldn’t even approve a balanced budget for this year. People who created the problem can’t be trusted to fix the problem. I believe the BOE members should step down, resign, or be voted out. Unfortunately, the Birmingham Public School System has a strong tradition of hiding problems and deflecting instead of fixing them. If the current board wants to do the right thing and regain the public trust, they should all step down and let fresh eyes assess and correct the problem.

B) Satisfied with transparency?

No, like many others in the community I am not satisfied with has been presented to the public. A $14.5 million deficit is never an “oops.” Someone was intentionally hiding the problem and somebody needs to be held accountable. Eighty-five-90 percent of the BPS budget is made up of salaries when to be on par with other school districts it should be in the 70th percentile. I believe that first and foremost the responsibility lies with Dean Niforos, the assistant superintendent of HR who was entrusted with budget negotiations with unions for the last four years. He has never been able to negotiate a balanced salary budget in any of those years. Every year he has come to the board asking for extra funds which the board approved (who I believe is the other responsible party for the deficit).

C) Closed door meetings on finances

The general board meetings used to be all recorded and made available to the public but they have since changed them to be “closed door” and unavailable to the public which indicates there is something they are trying to hide. The BOE no longer record the meetings and say that people are “welcome to attend” but they know that very few have time to actually attend. Because there are no more recordings, there is no more accountability or

history of decisions made. The BOE needs to go back to being fully accountable and transparent. I believe the general meetings should be reverted back to recorded and available to all.

D) Solving current budget problem

(1) The budget should be formula driven based on student population and taxes. It should be written into the bylaws that the budget cannot be later increased by the board. It should remain balanced annually. (2) The current arrangement has too many conflict of interests. HR Superintendent Niforos belongs to an administrative union so he shouldn’t be negotiating with unions. There are multiple former teachers on the board which presents a conflict of interest as the board approves teachers’ salaries. (3) We have too many administrators for the size of our district. For example, a school district of our size cannot justify having a deputy superintendent in addition to a superintendent. Bloomfield Hills only has one superintendent. (4) We pay our administrator too much. When our administrators hit their salary ceiling, they choose to arbitrarily raise the ceiling. When BPS Director of Communications Anne Cron hit her salary cap, her position was changed to an Executive Director (although her responsibilities remained the same) so she could make more. This was suggested and approved by Niforos who should step down.

Pandemic problem in the district

I believe the district handled the pandemic extremely poorly. BPS decided to close the schools early against the recommendations of the CDC and Oakland County Public Health Department. In fact, this early closure was proposed by a board member who did not even have any children attending schools in the district. I believe this was detrimental to the well being and education of our students and also resulted in a mass exodus from Birmingham Public Schools. They formed a 30-person medical advisory committee who said to open the schools back up but they still didn’t listen which makes their decision completely political because they didn’t listen to medical experts. In times of emergency you should follow emergency protocol and listen to experts and not go AWOL. There should absolutely be extra effort to help students who have lost ground and need to play catchup with the rest. Recent research shows that programs such as tutoring, summer learning programs, and extending the school day can be effective in helping combat the negative impacts from pandemic based learning disruptions.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

I have a very specific “families first” strategy. Over the years our district has lost their focus on who these children actually belong to. They belong to the families. They also forgot who they serve – also the families. We need to recognize the success of a student is greatly tied to the level of support and participation of their family. Studies have shown that parental involvement results in greater levels of student engagement, behavior, attendance, and academic success. Therefore the parents must play a vital role in review and advisory of curriculum materials proposed. Additionally, the district needs to include the parents to partner in implementation of the students’ education. Examples such as homework that requires family participation, activities that include the entire family, PTA involvement, etc. This does not mean the district should “pass the buck” to the parents. In fact, district needs to provide more resources to parents that meet each child’s specific needs. No two children are at the same level and no one knows their children better than their parents. Each student needs to be provided learning opportunities based on their current level and ability. I strongly believe that most, if not all our parents, would be fully on board to put in extra effort to ensure a more tailored education for their child. Why has the district stopped the advanced elementary math program? Why are only a few able to attend BCS when so many would like the opportunity for that kind of education for their children? We need to be moving more towards where the student is, not further away.

Student safety

I strongly believe the problem lies with administrators, superintendents, and principals not doing their jobs properly. When students or persons of suspicion are identified (such as in Oxford), the administration needs to be taking the thorough steps in investigating the matter and separating and removing potentially dangerous individuals from the environment. The public has been duped to think that we need better security systems and more guards. The administration needs to listen to concerned students, parents, counselors, and teachers when potential issues are brought forward. All of our resources need to be focusing on identifying the people who may be threats and acting courageously and appropriately for the safety of the general public. This specific issue is the weak link in the chain of safety and

Samuel Oh of Birmingham is a principle of City Hill LLC. He received his masters

action we need to fortify. I know this from personal experience as I was recently physically threatened by one of the parents in the school district at a school event for speaking out against inequity and the administration did nothing to resolve it even though there was clear video evidence.

What are your top goals if elected

(1) Balancing the budget and maintaining it. (2) Changing the bylaws of the board so that all members have to have at least one child actively attending BPS. (3) Change the bylaws so that all general board meetings are recorded and available for public viewing (as they were previously). (4) Convert more of our schools to the BCS (Birmingham Covington) model to meet the demand. (5) Work towards the diversity/racial makeup of our board and BPS staff match that of our student bodies. Without representation there cannot be proper equity.

NICOLE SPENCER

The district has shared a significant amount of communication with its stakeholders in regards to the budget and the unexpected deficit. They are taking steps to ensure they move forward in a more fiscally responsible way.

C) Closed door meetings on finances

The district offers numerous opportunities for the public to engage in meetings and appears to move into closed sessions legally and when necessary.

D) Solving current budget problem

The district should continue to meet regularly with the board and the community to be transparent about their budget plans. The budget process should be updated to include a more collaborative process with review meetings throughout.

Pandemic problem in the district

about when, what and how they teach –it's just not feasible. The concept of “parental rights” also diminishes the professionalism and expertise of teachers. Teachers are highly educated, well-trained individuals. The immediate educational forms that I support include teacher leaders working alongside board members so that they both have more of a voice in policy making, aligning educational resources with individual student needs and differentiated professional development for teachers.

Student safety

Nicole Spencer of Beverly Hills is a building substitute with Edustaff. She has an elementary education degree from Alma College and a masters degree in library and information science from Wayne State University.

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) Board role on budget

As a board member budget oversight is a responsibility. As a trustee, I will practice due diligence and make wellinformed decisions to help avoid this outcome again.

B) Satisfied with transparency?

KIMBERLY

The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for districts over the past three years. Initially, there was much uncertainty with how the district was handling the return to school the fall of 2020 as far as a virtual start, hybrid or full in-person. It would have been my preference that families were given the opportunity to stay in the virtual academy. However, I think the district tried to make the best choices in a difficult situation to keep our children safe. The teachers were heroic in their efforts to adapt and continue teaching with excellence. The learning gap some students have experienced because of the pandemic can be addressed by prioritizing mental health and social emotional learning. Research shows time and time again that students achieve more academically when their socialemotional needs are met. Equity can also be focused on. Equity helps provide students with educational resources that fit their needs.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Families can and should be active participants in their child’s education. Family engagement leads to higher student success, improved confidence and behavior, and can help children develop a love of learning. Together, families can work together with teachers to support each child, create common goals and help children reach their fullest potential. However, families actually shaping and deciding on the curriculum is untenable. There are many students in each classroom and imagine if all their families had different ideas

The district maintains comprehensive plans to safeguard students and staff and participates in ALICE training. These plans should be reviewed often by a wide range of stakeholders to determine their relevance and if any updates are needed or additional training is necessary. The data suggests increasing security guards and liaison police officers at schools does not necessarily prevent or stop violence. Instead, the district can foster a sense of safety and belonging in schools by adequately funding programs, supporting educators forming relationships with students, and increasing the number of mental health professionals.

What are your top goals if elected

I will be an advocate for all by focusing on these three areas of impact: Improving student achievement, excellence and equity because these are the most important factors in a world class education. I would work to align educational resources with individual student needs, attract and retain diverse, highly effective teachers, and advocate for innovative learning spaces. Creating a culture of belonging, inclusion and well-being because it is important that our schools are places where students can feel safe and valued. I would be a proponent of maintaining a strong commitment to teaching Social Emotional Learning skills, increasing the number of mental health workers, and surveying students on a regular basis. Fostering collaboration, communication and transparency to improve and preserve trust within the district. I would promote engaging families in decision making and policy development, initiating better communication with teachers, and developing a long term financial plan.

Kimberly Whitman is currently secretary and trustee on the Birmingham Schools Board of Education. She is also a member of the Birmingham Education Foundation. Whitman, of Beverly Hills, has a BA in psychology and MBA in organizational behavior and human resource management, both from University of Michigan.

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) Board role on budget

The school board is responsible for determining education strategy and if the budget reflects the priorities and goals of the district. The 2021-22 budget had to be legally approved prior to June 30th. A significant amount of these numbers is based on enrollment, funding and expenditure projections that aren’t able to be verified until after Fall “count” day. In February 2022, as the actual numbers became known, there was a large projected shortfall. At that point, the board’s role is to ask tough questions and provide direction to rectify the situation, which we did. Moving forward the new budgeting protocols and procedures put in place by the new superintendent and her team, create more defined board clarity to allow accurate decision making with accurate information. A piece of this new practice is monthly accounting updates rather than an amended budget process twice a year. We now trust but verify monthly and publicly. New leadership, processes, and vigorous internal accountability protocols now enhance clarity and Board involvement throughout the process.

B) Satisfied with transparency?

Transparency with our community is the

right thing to do. When errors in the budget preparation process and the budget itself were uncovered, communication was broad and immediate. Superintendent Dr. Roberson and her new team worked diligently to address the forecasted deficit, the root causes and adoption of quality controls beyond statutory requirements and best practices. The initial message, February 2022, discussed the projected shortfall, the hiring of a new interim assistant superintendent for business services, immediate actions were taken, and a promise of continued communications. This promise was met through meetings and town halls that showcased financial presentations unlike any our district has previously offered. District leaders shared line-by-line comparisons from the old budget to the amended budget and answered challenging questions around responsibility. All communications and presentations were posted on our website. The 2021-22 budget was balanced. Where we could have improved was expounding about the ongoing structural deficit. It was challenging for the typical community member to understand what $14.8 million in expense reduction looks like for our schools today. We will continue to enhance transparency, as this administration places a premium toward building community trust.

C) Closed door meetings on finances

There is no “closed door” or executive board sessions regarding budget discussions nor decisions. Per Michigan’s Open Meetings Act, the budget is discussed, amended, approved by the board and in a public forum. A few examples of when the board may meet in closed session are to discuss contract negotiations, a disciplinary deliberation or attorney client privilege. The board does hold finance committee meetings, attended by a subset of the trustees with district leadership, and these meetings as well are open to the public. This misperception of a “closed door” board meeting ‘decision’ exists because of an article published in June 2022 by Seaholm High School students, where the former assistant superintendent of business services was interviewed and discussed at a formal board closedsession regarding contract negotiations. This employee abruptly resigned as the budget revelations unfolded in January 2022. Deliberation, presentation and budget approval is always in a public forum as required by law.

D) Solving current budget problem

The final 2021-22 audited numbers will show, due to the board and district’s

actions – BPS closed the year with a surplus not a deficit. When the financial issues were uncovered, our new superintendent, and her leadership team immediately began mitigating the then current shortfall and identifying expense reductions and revenue enhancements to address the on-going structural deficit. We worked together towards a more balanced budget for 2022-23. Difficult decisions were made, specifically ‘right-sizing’ staffing to mirror enrollment, tighter financial controls and trimmed-back expenses, all assisting to close the 2021-22 fiscal year budget balanced. We recognized tighter controls were needed so funding and expenditure projections are now being reviewed monthly with a multi-step budget review protocol. We also have consistent meetings with our board treasurer, superintendent and finance department leads to ensure the board has the most up-to-date information. As a trustee, I will remain vigilant, monitoring the revenues, staffing models, and expenses to continually work towards a sustainable fiscally healthy school district. I am confident for a balanced budget for 2022-2023.

Pandemic problem in the district

BPS pivoted immediately within an uncharted environment. We provided educational services both in-person and virtually. We quickly offered technology, including laptops and hotspots, for students in need. Our teachers were instrumental in learning a new learning management system, Schoology, and using Zoom. When we returned inperson, we were one of the rare Michigan districts to proactively test our water sources for legionella because we knew our buildings had stagnant water during the closure.

Hindsight offers insight. We now know, we could have provided in-person learning for students concurrent with virtual learning, for those families who prefer that option. It has allowed me to appreciate the value of socialization on academic achievement in schools. We are providing students’ additional support. We have offered summer school for the last two years, K-12. We offer before or after school support to assist students. Each building is rigorously analyzing ongoing data to pointedly address each students’ academic needs for success.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

I support education funding reform, local curricula decisions and facilitated parent involvement. BPS’s Curriculum Review Committee process, one of the most robust in the state, includes parent and

older students as members. Many opportunities exist to review, question and provide feedback. Parental collaboration with our professional education experts regarding materials is essential. For example, our Strategic Plan process garnered over 6,200 community responses from parents and other community stakeholders. This survey yielding the quantitative data toward understanding the community’s educational vision. Act 451 of MI School Code states in part: Public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with parents/guardians to develop the intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment. Each body has interest in the education of Michigan students. The state approves content standards. Legislators pass enhancements to benefit broadly; CTE credit exchanges and 21f legislation are examples which serve every MI student. Locally, parental involvement is a valued, and essential component of our operating philosophy.

Student safety

School safety is an ongoing endeavor, in an evolving best-practice environment. In all buildings we installed new secure entries, over 1,000 "smart cameras" with 24-hour surveillance and communication systems direct to first responders. A new security director position will assure a coordinated safety response among all buildings and between all five municipalities with law enforcement personnel. Professional development around proactive approaches to a violent intruder are ongoing, as well as family resources to augment discussions at home. Seventy-five percent of violent school events were by someone who had a current or past school relationship. Students who feel connected to the school community are more likely to seek help versus violent action. Creating a school culture and climate where everyone feels welcome and safe has immediate impact. For higher mental health needs, we’ve partnered with Easter Seals to bring their expertise. Further, we are engaging a healthcare professional for wellness initiatives. We must never be satisfied enough is done around safety. Mental health awareness, and intervention should be a priority.

What are your top goals if elected

As a current school board trustee, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the effects that the pandemic had on our students and our district. As I consider a possible next term, my top goals are: First, ‘Support the students of BPS and serve as an advocate for strong academic supports and advancement opportunities.’ Even though we may be

back in the classrooms, students are still feeling the ripple effects of virtual learning, isolation, mental anguish and academic challenges. Second, ‘Ensure tough questions are answered by our leadership regarding budget distribution and actions.’ In addition to the ‘human’ consequences, Covid has also had a negative impact on the business side of our district. Third, ‘Engage with stakeholders in public settings, soliciting their feedback to help inform my decisions and topics I bring forward to the full board.’ This will assure we as a district have transparent accountability to financial information and student achievement for the broader community.

BRAD WING

Brad Wing of Beverly Hills is a senior litigation attorney at Progressive Insurance. He received his BS in criminal justice from Central Michigan University and his JD from University Detroit Mercy School of Law.

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) Board role on budget

The board needs to realize that mistakes were made, by the board, and others. You can’t have a deficit that large without having multiple mistakes being made.

B) Satisfied with transparency?

To be honest, I am not. I don’t believe it is just one person, or one body that was the cause. There had to have been multiple failures that lead to the deficit, it will be necessary to address where those failures occurred, so as to prevent it from happening again.

C) Closed door meetings on finances

Closed door sessions serve a purpose to an extent. Budgets are very complicated undertakings and having those who make the decisions able to speak and work freely can be helpful. That being said, It appears that additional transparency was necessary in this particular instance, which may have prevented further damage.

D) Solving current budget problem

The immediate issue is that the school district is operating at a deficit. In order to fix that, you either need to raise additional money, or cut operating expenses. Both of those options are a difficult decisions. Most likely some form of hybrid will be necessary to fix the issue.

Pandemic problem in the district

When the pandemic started, I had three children at the elementary level. Having them home while my wife and I both worked from home was extremely difficult, but ultimately, I think it was the right decision at the time. It was an unprecedented worldwide pandemic, and everyone, schools included, were operating with the information they had at the time. Hindsight is always 20/20, and we can second guess the decisions two years later, but at the time the decisions were made, I think the district handled it the best that they could.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

I believe that parents can express their opinions on curriculum in the schools, but ultimately those decisions need to be made by the professional educators who have the best interests of all of the children, rather than the interests of individuals. Private school and home schooling are options for people who strongly disagree with the curriculum of public schools.

Student safety

I have been satisfied with the district's response to safety in the schools. The district should do everything that it can to keep our children safe, while providing a comfortable learning environment.

What are your top goals if elected

My goals would be to help to solve the budget issues in the district while maintaining BPS as one of the crown jewels of the Michigan public school system.

COLLEEN ZAMMIT

changes we may have to make.

Pandemic problem in the district

District budget problems

The top concern in the district now is the massive $14.5 million deficit for this budget year, when the deficit was originally projected to be $1.5 million.

A) Board role on budget

B) Satisfied with transparency?

C) Closed door meetings on finances

D) Solving current budget problem

Our representative government only works when elected officials accept the responsibility to oversee taxpayer funds. I understand the board’s need to rely on the administration. But that cannot absolve them from their duty to question and analyze the budgets. The board bears the responsibility for the current problems. I am not satisfied with explanations given for the deficit and call on the board to be more transparent. While some aspects of budget development do require closed session, the board owes the community more public discussion than it has provided. Our board bears a special responsibility to educate themselves on all aspects of our budget, solicit community feedback and ask hard questions during its development. I commend the administration for trying to find shortand long-term solutions to our predicament. When I attended a listening session with other community members, we presented solid ideas to help our district recover. These included expanding our early childhood offerings, trying harder to bring back families, and performing a facilities review so we can adequately plan for

I am so grateful for the dedication all my kids’ teachers have shown over the years. My dissatisfaction with district pandemic policies does not take away from that. That said, I was deeply disturbed by the abrupt decision to start the 2020-21 school year virtually. This decision was not supported by the Health Advisory Board. Research and real-world evidence supported full-time in-person school with minimal mitigation measures. Because of state, county and district decisions our kids lost ground. I believe our district recognizes this and wants to help. But it was an avoidable problem. Regardless, I will work closely with Administration to establish systems to help our kids recover academically. This would include targeted interventions in school, after-school and weekend tutoring, and more. Heavy parent involvement and commitment will be a key component to help our kids recover. As a Board trustee I will work hard to recruit parents to assist in our efforts.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Michigan merit curriculum law requires completion of a minimum set of credits to obtain a diploma. But it does give flexibility to the board to require additional credits to graduate and to choose curricula and establish systems to support our students. My immediate goal is to advocate for a change in our board governance model to one that is more collaborative with the community. With such changes, the board will better represent and serve their constituents. The board must make sure that parents and community members are their top priority, and by extension, the children in this district. Parental rights go hand in hand with parental responsibility to be engaged and work through their elected representatives when advocating for change. Parents must be willing to partner with teachers to help their students, not just expect teachers to solve problems. If these two things are done our district functions properly and our children benefit.

Student safety

I had been satisfied with our efforts to ensure student and staff safety. But I’ve come to realize that we should do more. Our district recently completed a security audit and is negotiating to hire our two part-time school resource officers full-time. We are also hiring a

new safety director to oversee all 14 schools. I want to see the details, but I would almost certainly support these changes as a board trustee. The Birmingham Police Department provides our ALICE protocol training, nationally recognized as one of the best protocols used in response to violent critical incidents. These efforts, as well as a hard look at our finances to determine where we can reallocate dollars towards more staff training to recognize threats and potential perpetrators (including at-risk students), are critically important. In addition, our teachers need increased authority to discipline for behavioral problems in class, which leads to increased student learning and safety.

What are your top goals if elected

First, I want to restore the board to its legal role of responsibility and oversight of district operations, and change our governance model to one that is more collaborative. Upholding parental rights – and their corresponding parental responsibilities – will restore the needed trust between the board, administration and community. Second, I will actively engage in curriculum review and selection. I will always seek out and respect the expertise of our administration and staff. But the responsibility for curriculum lies with the board under law and cannot be deferred to anyone else. I will never abdicate this responsibility and will therefore do independent research to guide me in curriculum decisions.

Third, the community has every right to expect the district to operate within the confines of its finite resources. I will advocate for increased board involvement in the budget process and for rebuilding our general fund to ensure we have enough money to fund district operations for at least eight weeks.

Colleen Zammit, who lives in Beverly Hills, has an environmental policy and behavior degree from University of Michigan.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

though, after debate has been had and is ended, we must act with one voice for the betterment of our district. We must be the leaders to end the division that is forcing us apart.

Pandemic problem in the district

What is your personal assessment of how the district handled the problems caused by the pandemic in the last couple of school years?

What, if anything, should have been done differently? Does there need to be any extra effort to help students who may have lost ground in terms of learning with virtual rather than in-person learning? Please provide details.

taught in the halls of our amazing schools.

Student safety

community. Engage parents and family members to be actively involved their student’s academic lives, and in the life of their student’s school.

Jim Baker of Bloomfield Hills is an attorney with Sterling Employment Law. He received his undergraduate degree in political science at Michigan State University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is involved in National Employment Law Association/ Michigan Employment Law Association, National Association for Justice/Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Bar Association and Marine Corps League.

Board responsibilities

In the last few years, there has been significant turnover of trustees of the school board and the schools' administration, as well as the removal of past president of the board, Paul Kolin, for actions he took independent of the board, although he remained a board member and is running for reelection. Is the role of a school board member to provide support for the school's administration, to provide leadership of the administration, and its efforts, to represent parents or the community, or to act independently of the school administration? Is it important to act as one, or as a unified voice? Should board members respond directly to parents' concerns or criticism of administrative or staff actions, or should they refer them to the administration? Please explain your point of view in detail.

Our position is “Trustee.” That word means we are entrusted to make decisions for our students and families. Doing our best includes working toward a consensus, but does not mean giving up on a firmly held belief or position. In the end,

We all did the best we could under the circumstances at the time. I do not believe virtual learning serves the whole of the student’s education. It was necessary then, but there are failings that need to be addressed. We need to identify those students at risk academically and emotionally, and focus in-school and after-school services on those students and their families, while maintaining the highest level of education services to the whole of our student body.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

There has been considerable debate about whether the state board of education, the legislature or local school boards should decide what is being taught in the schools. Now we are seeing a push by some parents/parent groups to have more of a role in determining what is taught in the classroom. What is the role of parents when it comes to deciding what material is taught in the classroom? What immediate educational reforms do you support, and which will you seek for the district if you are elected?

I believe local elected officials are chosen to be the voices of their constituents. When elected I will listen to all parents, make decisions with all views in mind, and at the end of the day, those decisions will be made in ways that best serve our students. We need to inform the public on what is and is not being taught. We need to quiet the divisive rhetoric. I propose holding public forums to discuss and debate topics surrounding curriculum, with a focus on speaking truth to what is being

There was a terrible scare a couple years ago at Bloomfield Hills High School. Many students didn't know where to go, and ran to neighboring stores and restaurants for safety and to call their parents and police Do you feel evacuation plans were sufficient? What can/has been done to improve them? Are you satisfied that the district has done enough to safeguard students and staff? Should there be more security guards and liaison police officers at schools? What can and should the district do to better prepare teachers and staff for the possibility of a rogue individual with a weapon? Should more attention and dollars be spent on mental health awareness and help?

We must be prepared for violence to happen here. That is my reality as a district parent of three. We must focus on proactively identifying warning signs leading to school violence. Our schools are afraid of liability, they hesitate to act on warnings signs when intervention is necessary. We are too reactionary. We need to listen to our students and teachers, encourage them to talk with confidence their words will be heard and they will be protected. I do not believe in arming our teachers. We need to be vigilant, keep our eyes open, and be ready to act at the first suggestion something is amiss. What we do first impacts/changes the final outcome. And now as our state is operating in a budget surplus, our schools must demand more financial assistance from government to protect our most valuable commodities: our children.

What are your top goals if elected

If you are elected this November, what would your top goals be as a member of the board?

My goal is the S.E.R.V.E. Support our teachers and administrators by pursuing increased funding opportunities. Encourage all students to fully participate in their education experiences. Respect every voice, while working to end the division that exists in our district. Value our students, teachers, administrators, parents, and families by showing we are an inclusive education

LINDSAY G. BAKER

Board responsibilities

The role of a school board member is to work with the other members to set the goals for the district and hold the superintendent accountable for delivering on those goals. School board members are elected to represent the community and parents to ensure that the district delivers on its objectives and is a responsible steward of taxpayer funds. School board members cannot set policy unilaterally, so must act together; at the same time, board members are elected individually and should share their individual voice in policy discussions. Respectful dialogue and deliberation are essential to developing sound policies. Board members are not always aware of every situation in the district, so, as representatives of the community, it is critical that board members listen to community member concerns, including parents, to learn where the problems are and where the district may be falling short on expectations.

Pandemic problem in the district

It is easy to be critical of past actions with the benefit of hindsight. Rather than focus on the past, I believe it is important for us to find the best way forward given the challenges now

Lindsay Baker of Bloomfield Township, is a senior economist with Ford Motor Company. She received an economics degree from Princeton University, and masters and PhD in economics from University of Michigan.

facing our district. Students lost academic, socialization, and enrichment opportunities over the past 2.5 years, but the impact has not been uniform. Gaps have widened, with some students excelling despite the learning disruptions and others falling behind. We should be using test and teacher assessment data collected during the year to target our interventions, such as summer school and tutoring programs, to reach those most behind while at the same time ensuring other students are not left to stagnate while they wait for their peers to catch up. We have the data and resources available to ensure that all students reach their potential.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Parents play an active role in their children’s education, helping with projects, homework, and preparing for tests. With this in mind, parents should be aware and know what materials and curriculum are being shown and taught to their children. In fact, this is already part of state law and BHS has committees and public meetings that rely on parent input, among other things, to determine curriculum. I support increased transparency and engagement, so that parents are better informed of materials and curriculum in advance of it being used in the classroom. I also would like to see more of our resources being put toward instruction, as this would allow the district to deliver a more differentiated learning experience to meet the needs of all learners. Our goal with any educational reform should be to improve the outcomes for our students and make BHS the premier district in Michigan.

Student safety

With the recent school shootings around the country as well as close to home, safety and security needs to be a top priority for the district. With new legislation in Michigan funding school safety assessments along with our bond construction, the district has the resources and opportunity to assure that our schools are safe. I would look to school safety experts to inform and recommend improvements to our evacuation plans, teacher, staff, and student preparation, and the appropriate number of security guards and police liaison officers. Additionally, I support more attention and resources devoted to proven methods that identify and help

students experiencing mental health crises and at risk of committing school violence.

What are your top goals if elected

My top goals as a school board member are to work with my fellow board members to make education first, assure safety, and ensure that the district resources are used responsibly and effectively. By making education first, I mean board discussions and decisions should tie back to the fundamental goal of improving educational outcomes for our children. Assuring safety means learning from our own and other incidents and reevaluating our plans as needed to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff are prepared and protected. As a member of the board, I will be focused on evaluating all financial decisions, including management of the bond, from a perspective of fiscal responsibility and educational impact. I am eager to leverage my expertise as a professional economist with extensive experience in policy and data analysis, forecasting, and financial planning to inform board decision-making.

SANDEEP CHADA

to work as a team with the other board members and try to come up with a consensus opinion that is in line with best practices. Individual board members should not be working independently. The role of the school board is to support the school’s administration and provide a vision of the school district. Any individual concerns should be directed to the administration and if needs should be addressed by the board as a whole. The board of education should be on the news for student and teacher accomplishments, not these types of acts. I feel that the focus on the students and their needs was lost during this critical time.

Pandemic problem in the district

The pandemic caused a major disruption to the schools. Given the circumstances the teachers did their best during the transition to virtual learning. I believe that the school should have hired or consulted more closely with an expert in infectious disease and followed Oakland County Health Department guidelines –masking is an important deterrent to prevent airborne illness in schools and closed spaces. We should now increase spending on mental health, support services, and counseling for children who were adversely affected by the isolation. There should also be tutoring available to help some students catch up to grade level.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

(EOP) that describe the actions that the students, teachers, and school staff should take before, during, and after emergency events, and everyone should have a common understanding of what will be expected of them. Being prepared allows schools to save time when reacting to an incident and this may help save lives. Each classroom must have a deadbolt that can be locked from the inside. My son was in school that day at BHHS. One of the problems they identified right away was that many of the students did not have phone numbers of their parents or emergency contact. One way to solve is for one of the administrators to carry out with them a master list off students and their emergency contacts.

What are your top goals if elected

I believe it is critically important that the school board member have sufficient time to investigate and critically think about solutions. I will make the time to properly take time to study each problem the district is facing and then meet and discuss with the other board members and hope to come with the best solution that meets the needs of the community and student population.

Sandeep Chada of Bloomfield Township is the dean of The Goddard School of Rochester Hills. He has a bachelors degree in biopsychology from University of Michigan and a masters degree in neuroscience from Michigan State University. He is active with Bloomfield Rotary and Rochester Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Board responsibilities

My opinion is that Mr. Kolin acted in a manner that is not helpful to the BH School Community. The responsibility of the board member is

I believe that parents should support teachers in the classroom, the administration should create a climate conducive to parental participation. Engaging parents is essential to improving student achievement. I think there should be fewer standardized tests. Standardized test should only be used to track student progress, not to indicate teacher accountability. There are other, more effective means to measure teacher competence, such as observations, lesson plan reviews, and student surveys. I think schools should have a focus on teacher training programs and mentoring opportunities. There should be an easier path for students to attend technical or vocational careers.

Student safety

Every district or school should develop and implement a comprehensive school Emergency Operation Plan

As a final note, I truly believe that the school board should be apolitical and personal political views should not enter the decision-making process. I would like to look at the following in a comprehensive manner: Mental Health issues affecting some students following the isolation caused by the pandemic; recruiting, retention, and recognition of good teachers; understand diversity and making sure that there is equity and inclusion within the school.

TAREQ FALAH

Tareq Falah of Bloomfield Township is Chief Information Officer for Painters Supply & Equipment Co. He has a computer science degree from Weber State University and and a business administration degree in IT from Western Governor's University. He is involved with ISC2, ISACA and Intel Teach to the Future.

Board responsibilities

As a public board, all decision-making and deliberation must be done in public. While it is important for board members to think independently and voice their thoughts, ultimately, the decisions are those of a unified team of seven board members and a superintendent. A board member that makes unilateral decisions deprives not only the board, but the entire community of transparency and erodes trust. That said, good decisions involve the experts, and the superintendent is the representative of our outstanding professional educators. A board that does not solicit and value the opinion of their superintendent needs to reevaluate their role and/or superintendent. Each board member has a unique connection to the greater community we serve, and acts as a liaison to ensure all perspectives are considered. As a board member, I will listen to the community, my fellow board members and the superintendent and make transparent decisions in open meetings accessible to the public.

Pandemic problem in the district

In a time of unprecedented uncertainty, Bloomfield Hills Schools did a remarkable job of navigating a path for our students to still learn in the best way possible. Through

collaboration with teachers who remained diligent and went above and beyond by creating new methods for teaching and supporting virtual learning, the District was able to make the best of a difficult situation. Although I realize the objective was to keep students in person if it was safe, I do believe a decision about whether to offer an in-person option should have been made sooner. This would have been easier for the parents struggling with how to manage their careers. A decision of in-person vs. hybrid vs. virtual for the start of the 21-22 year should have been made earlier. Mental health for students is at an all-time low, with many surveys indicating nearly 80 percent of high school students suffering from depression and/or anxiety. We must provide adequate resources for teachers and staff to identify students in needs of additional support.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Parent involvement is one of the most influential contributors to success for students. Surveys consistently that students of engaged and active parents perform better overall and have a more positive educational experience. BHS is fortunate to have a very passionate and engaged community in addition to tremendous educators and staff who work diligently to ensure our students can reach their goals. Teaching our curriculum should be in the hands of our teachers. The state dictates curriculum and administrative teams make recommendations on how to implement curriculum for the board to then approve. Our district works diligently to continuously advance our curriculum, implement best practices, and deliver the most comprehensive learning opportunities to support our students. I support education reform which ensures equity for all children by providing the resources they need to succeed. That includes providing more programs for students in Special Education to have customized instruction and ensuring IEPs are truly individualized for each learner rather than broad categorizations.

Student safety

In 2019, BHHS experienced a terrifying and costly unintentional activation of the Blue Point alarm. With utmost empathy to our neighbors in Oxford, the entire community gave collective gratitude and relief when it was announced

that there was no threat, and all our students and faculty were safe. While it is a delicate balance between providing emergency evacuation plans and keeping safe locations unknown, lack of information causes panic. Efforts to protect against an active shooter must be evaluated by effectiveness. This requires an analysis based on facts and data, not an emotional reactionary one. This is why I am advocating for the district’s comprehensive safety analysis to be done by a committee of professionals. It must include all district buildings and property and be as transparent as possible while protecting the safety of our students. It must balance the overall safety of students from multiple threats and include the mental and physical safety of all our students.

What are your top goals if elected

Student safety is my top goal as a Board member. I will ensure a comprehensive audit is complete with a robust long-term plan to protect every student in our facilities. Additionally, I will partner with experts and community members to add resources to ensure mental health needs are addressed and we have successful campaigns to promote awareness and opportunities for families to learn more. Academic excellence is another key priority. While numerous studies indicate gaps for BHS and learners on a national level, the challenge is not simply looking at the numbers but finding root causes at BHS so that we can create ways to allow every child to achieve their goals. Math and reading are two critical subject areas where numerous gaps exist at multiple grades. I will partner with educators to help strengthen the relationship between teachers and caregivers in an effort to enlist support so that every student can reach their individual goals. Lastly, I will work toward making sure the board is focused on our shared objectives and goals and that they remain student-centric and reflect the highest standards of achievement.

NICHOLAS HAUGEN

Nicholas Haugen of Bloomfield Hills is a teacher with Southfield Public Schools. He has an education degree from St. Cloud State University.

Board responsibilities

The board should speak as one unit. Board members should not unilaterally make decisions big or small. This not only denies the other board trustees their input, it violates the duty to make transparent decisions in a public forum. School boards must make all decisions after collective deliberation. That deliberation should include the superintendent, who is the representative of our professional educators. Good decision making shares multiple perspectives, and by making unilateral decisions in secret, a board member is not only violating the Open Meeting Act, he is eroding the trust the community has placed in him. Board members and administration/school staff should work as a team with the goal of providing the best education possible for all students. The multiple opinions should be shared with the public and feedback from community considered. BHS is a district of over 5,000 students and a community of tens of thousands. One person acting alone cannot possibly decide what is best for everyone.

Pandemic problem in the district

Considering the unprecedented nature of the past couple years, I think BHS emerged better than could be expected. The board was getting mixed messages from our former President, and CDC, and yet they were tasked with making very hard choices. In hindsight, several things would have made the pandemic

easier. As a working parent, I needed as much lead time as possible to make decisions about my own family. As a teacher, I would have benefitted from the vast amount of research and resources taking place in our world, but not shared at the speed in which we needed it. Two key things BHS did better than other districts were to offer as many choices and flexibility as possible (the ability of high school students to deicide, on a class by class basis, whether to attend virtually or in person was unmatched by other districts) and to err on the side of grace and understanding. Support was given to those who needed it, not accusations or penalties.

Parental role in curriculum

Under the euphemism “parental choice," some parents are, ironically, doing the exact opposite. Parents/parent groups are depriving other parents of their choice, or the right to have lessons taught by professional teachers. Parents should have the right to voice their opinions, and those opinions should be considered, but the curriculum taught in our public schools should be taught by teachers. Parents have every right to directly influence what their own child is learning. I would encourage any parent that is unhappy with the education offered at our public schools to do research, share their opinion at whatever level is appropriate, and invoke opt out alternatives if they are in opposition. The one reform I’d like to see is a more robust civics curriculum focusing on respect for divergent thought and respectful disagreement.

Student safety

I’ve been a teacher for over 20 years. I’ve had hours and hours of safety PD (Professional Development) dealing with bomb threats, fire, hurricanes, tornados, and active shooter drills. Most emergency plans look fine on paper, and when we practice them in low stress environments, they still seem fine. The problems start popping up when we have to do it for real, under intense situations. Expecting our staff/students to respond to these situations like they are a military unit, is unfair and unrealistic. I don’t think adding more police is the answer either. According to The Sentencing Project, “Research to date has demonstrated that it is counterproductive for public safety goals to add more police to schools.”

These problems are only going to change with state and national policy changes. Until better gun legislation is passed, limiting access to guns, our best strategy for an active shooter situation, is to train our students/staff to: Evacuate the building if possible; Make it as hard as possible for the shooter to enter the classroom, using whatever is available in the classroom; and If the shooter is able to get into the classroom, make your students as “hard” to target as possible. What the district can do, maintain strict prohibition of guns on school property and invest more in the mental health of our students.

What are your top goals if elected

Ensure every student learns in an environment safe from violence, bullying and prejudice so that they can achieve their highest potential; give every student the tools necessary to become global citizens, able to consider multiple perspectives and engage in civil discourse; and support teachers and empower them to utilize their education, intuition and genuine desire to educate students to become the best teachers they can be.

MEAGAN M. HILL

and real-world sense, is to conduct oneself with integrity and professionalism. Kindergarteners in the district should be able to attend a school board meeting and observe the real-life civics lesson with adults behaving respectfully towards one another. When a school board is achieving a blend of each of the goals outlined above, the rest of the details on how their plans are executed will flow seamlessly. Therefore, vetting candidates and their professional qualifications is crucial. Adults who can respectfully present diverse viewpoints and engage in meaningful debate surrounding the same, are who we need at the school board table.

Pandemic problem in the district

As a former prosecutor who prosecuted child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse and criminal sexual conduct cases – I can say that one of the greatest resources our schools offer our children is a safe haven from abuse and neglect. For many children who are victims of abuse, school is the only place they can receive the legal interventions they need to be protected. These problems affect all social classes. We must rigorously evaluate data when making school shut down decisions. Threats to children’s safety, in all forms, must be heavily scrutinized prior to shutting off the resources that are a lifeline for some children. The learning loss many children have experienced must be reconciled. The state and federal Covid funding we have received should be redirected specifically to create measurable plans for each of our students and get them back on track with their education.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

for how these decisions should be made.

Student safety

I’m a parent of a child in a school in America. Just like every other parent of a child in a school in America, worries surrounding school safety keep me awake at night. We all wish that our child’s school/district could find the perfect answer to this issue.

I will not pretend that I have “the” answer we seek. What I do have is the tenacity to never let this issue lie. As a district we must constantly seek input from reliable experts, utilize funding in a way that aggressively combats this issue and create a school environment where our children are never worried about safety so they can focus on learning. The above will require putting aside partisan politics, listening to experts in law enforcement and obtaining constant input and feedback from our teacher community on how they think these plans will work in their classrooms.

What are your top goals if elected

My goal as a member of the board is to move past the events of the past few years and start fresh with a new set of opportunities to advance our children’s learning. We have the funding, professional talent and a myriad of additional resources to make this happen. Now we need decision makers who will steward these resources in the right direction.

PAUL KOLIN

Meagan Hill of West Bloomfield is a senior real estate manager with PXG. She received her bachelors degree in political science from Eastern Michigan University and her juris doctor degree from Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Board responsibilities

The role of a school board member, in a literal sense, is to collaborate with other members, as well as the superintendent, to set measurable goals and hold the Superintendent accountable to them. The role of a school board member, in a practical

The debate around parental roles in curriculum has become an increasingly partisan topic. I am truly committed to treating this nonpartisan election with the open mindedness and neutrality that it deserves. Our children deserve decision makers who aren’t tied to political agendas; rather common sense and level minded adults who approach all facets of decision making with sound reason. The role of parents when it comes to deciding what material is taught in the classroom is established and outlined in the Michigan Revised School Code Section 380.10. Adhering to this law and applicable case law is the guide

Paul Kolin is a current board member, and past president, of the Bloomfield Hills School board. A resident of Bloomfield Township, he is head of HRIS/payroll for Gentherm. He has an undergraduate degree in social sciences from Binghamton University

and an MBA in accounting from Baruch College. He is involved with Bloomfield Youth Assistance and Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition.

Board responsibilities

Last year a parent called me about a list that was circulating around the community targeting certain families. Given the divisive state of our country and general safety concerns, the superintendent and I decided the list should be shared with the school resource officer. Six days later without due process, I was removed from the board president position. A number of community members demonstrated an outpouring show of support and voiced their disagreement with the board’s actions. I stand behind my decision and firmly believe if you “See Something Say Something.” I am also grateful to the community for their support. Board members have an individual and collective responsibility to taxpayers, district families, and employees to provide a quality education in a safe environment to our students. I am running again to continue supporting all community members, and to help improve our education outcomes by making Education First a priority.

Pandemic problem in the district

The pandemic was very difficult for our community, especially our students and staff. I believe some mistakes were made in regard to delays in returning to in-person learning and as a result, many students suffered learning loss, lack of socialization with their peers and additional mental health concerns. To address the learning loss, the district has set up summer programs from the money provided to us by the state. The district also added additional social workers to address student mental health issues. Going forward I would like to work with our future board members, the administration and staff to track these additional support metrics to determine if additional programs and/or changes to existing programs are necessary. We must continue to focus on students and how we can best support them.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Curriculum decisions are mandated by the state. The board of education’s role is to decide which textbooks are utilized to deliver the curriculum. The

district has piloted textbooks to get stakeholder feedback. Stakeholder feedback includes educators and community members. I am a supporter of all stakeholders having input in whether the textbooks used are helping deliver the curriculum in the most effective way. Regarding educational reform, we need to focus on teacher preparatory programs with a focus on differentiated learning at all levels. Our district should be able to provide resources to learners at all levels, including those with special needs and those on a path of accelerated learning. At the end of the day, it is important to meet students where they are at with the goal of 100 percent of our students being college and/or career ready at graduation.

Student safety

After that tragic incident and continuing today, I have pushed for all aspects of school security to be continually reviewed. The district has since hired an administrator of public safety who is a retired police officer with a decade of experience as a school resource officer. Additionally, the district has hired a district nurse who serves students Pre-K to age 26 who has helped implement best practices and training for medical incidents that may occur in our buildings. I have consistently pushed for the 2020 bond expenditures to include additional security improvements in our buildings, including increased security measures at points of entrance at all our schools. The district has also updated the district administrative tool kit for the handling of investigations, student disciplines, and threat assessments to ensure the process is consistent throughout the district.

What are your top goals if elected

My top goals are as follows: Continue to work with administration and staff to analyze our educational data and curriculum to help improve academic outcomes for all students; work with new board members to balance the budget and ensure the district is being fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ money; continue to monitor progress under the 2020 bond to ensure the projects are on time and on or under budget; continue to ask questions and challenge our safety processes and protocols to make sure we are implementing best practices; and continue to work with our new board,

administrators, and staff to solve any issues or concerns that will come forward with the goal always being how can we better serve the students in our district.

HARRIS NG

unprecedented pandemic in our generation. In the spirit of looking forward, our opportunity for improvement is learning from the past and creating better instruction reaction plans for disruptions from pandemics and other school closures. All children suffered greatly during COVID with learning loss, mental health issues, and lack of progression. The district has received significant COVID funds from state and federal sources. We need to properly leverage the funds to address the learning loss. This should be achieved through extensive summer programs, targeted tutor support, or other academic support. How and where we use the funds for targeted support should be determined by assessments and individual needs. Every student is different and how COVID impacted them varies greatly.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Harris Ng is senior partner at Kearney. A Bloomfield Township resident, he received dual bachelors degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering from Kettering University and MBA from University of Michigan. He is a former board member of Children's Village Foundation and involved with his homeowner's association.

Board responsibilities

The past two-and-a-half years have been an extremely difficult period for our district. Rather than re-litigating the past board issues, we need to look forward. Our future is Education First. Our children’s education should be the priority. The school board is elected by taxpayers (which includes parents) to provide governance and oversee the school district and superintendent. Each board member must perform their fiduciary duties and do what is best for the school district to educate students. Dissent and disagreement are normal in a high-performing boardroom. Only with healthy debate and discussion will the best answers emerge. When a board has mutual respect and trust for their fellow board members, disagreement is healthy and respectful. A “unified” board can lead to groupthink. If elected, I will lead that respectful behavior and be a role model for my fellow board members, district employees, and the student community.

Pandemic problem in the district COVID-19 was difficult and challenging for our district. It was an

There has been significant national media coverage on the parental role in schools and we have increased partisanship in schools. The school board and our children’s education are non-partisan. There should be no debate in Michigan, since our Revised School Code Section 380.10 already establishes the role of parents in our schools. Since our district follows state law, parents are involved, and some already participate in curriculum committees. Educational reforms should be focused on the rigor of education and performance of our students. Forty-two percent of our junior students are not considered college ready by the state. Our proficiency levels lag our peer districts. We need to direct more resources toward instruction and ensure the curriculum is rigorous and drives high student performance. Our district should have differentiated education so accelerated students are challenged and those with support needs are given the resources necessary to succeed.

Student safety

We must never rest with school safety. Every child should return home from school safely. We must constantly audit, review, and improve our safety plans, and we still have work to do in our district. Additional school resource officers are necessary for our district. We have fewer officers than Uvalde. Furthermore, our buildings and campuses should be more secure and patrolled by security.

Students often use school facilities on weekends and nights. The vast open school property is not often patrolled and can be a threat to our students. In the past year, there has been significant focus on mental health. Many of the mental health initiatives are now integrated into classes. We should reassess the current implementation for effectiveness before we spend more time and money since many of the programs are new and untested.

What are your top goals if elected

My goals are: Education First –prioritize education in board discussions, funding, and other resources. Balance the budget – we had a $3 million deficit last year. This takes resources away from future generations of students. We need to be fiscally responsible and ensure money is spent on education. Further, $200 Million of bond money is still being spent and needs to be managed. Safety – our district should learn from past events and ensure that we have a robust safety plan and process. Everyone asks what will you

do? We also need to ask, are you qualified to do it? Good intentions are not enough. I am a successful business professional that will bring experience in leading large organizations through positive change. Using my financial, organizational leadership, and strategic planning expertise, I will raise the professionalism of Bloomfield Hills Schools.

CAROLYN NOBLE

Board responsibilities

Carolyn Noble of Bloomfield Hills is the Dean of Development for the College of Business at University of Michigan, Dearborn. She has a psychology degree from Beloit College, clinical psychology masters degree from Madonna University and a law degree from Wayne State University. She is involved with Friends of Johnson Nature Center and Bowers School Farm.

Once elected, I intend to abide by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), and act accordingly within the bounds of the board position. I will evaluate the performance of superintendent Patrick Watson as he accomplishes our shared goals. It is not my job to run the school district. I will make sure I partner with superintendent Watson so we can ensure our goals of excellence are met. If a parent or student voices concern about something specific, I will refer that individual to the superintendent to engage the assistance of the appropriate staff member within the Bloomfield Hills School District. Our administrative team and teachers are educational experts best suited to address students’ academic concerns. I will always act under the best practices as defined by the MASB. You can count on me to support the best interests of our children, having two young children in our school district.

Pandemic problem in the district

Under the circumstances, I have nothing but respect for the superintendent, the current BH School Board, and all the dedicated teachers and students. We have all gone through one of the toughest periods ever imagined. My threeyear-old went to Bloomin’ Tots at Fox Hills, and we had a teacher quit her job very abruptly last year during the height of the pandemic. That was certainly a challenge for us and for the school. Students and teachers have been tested, and I give them a lot of credit. COVID-19 robbed students of their most formative years. We all need to take time to grieve and acknowledge that elephant in the room which is the longest selfisolation period we have every gone through. One objective of mine will be to support student mental health policy goals. If students aren’t feeling relatively good about life, it can be very hard to learn.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

The Bloomfield Hills School Board will listen to the expert that we have hired, the superintendent, regarding recommendations for curriculum. That’s what I intend to do. A few parents in the district should not make the curriculum decisions for all children. I will come to a decision on the curriculum based on what is the best material for all children based on expert options. I believe in strong, inclusive learning environments for all our children in the Bloomfield Hills School District.

Student safety

I read about what happened a couple of years ago in a local paper. An alarm was activated by the BluePoint alert system that turned out to be a false alarm. People don’t feel safe in schools. It’s unfortunate, but BH High School should train students on what to do and where to go in an emergency on a regular basis to keep the information fresh in their minds. There is research that having more regular police presence results in students’ mental health problems and intimidates them in the long run. We should partner with the police through technology, but they should not be in the halls and buildings of our high school all the time. Furthermore, school safety experts say anonymous tip lines are among the most effective tools for preventing school violence. In Michigan, that tip line is OK2SAY.

It can be reached at Call 8-555OK2SAY. It’s good that the local businesses were involved during this false alarm.

What are your top goals if elected

My first goal when elected to the Bloomfield Hills School Board will be to learn more about becoming an effective and collaborative board member. That is much more than any of my opponents are willing to do. Every week, I have been reaching out to community leaders and residents, trying to hear from them. I think Bloomfield Hills Schools educates students very well, but I will always strive to ensure that we become even better. I would like to make sure that every student has equitable opportunities and that each one feels supported in a welcoming and nurturing environment. Some parents have pulled their children out of our school system because of the pandemic. Many parents think that students were learning virtually for too long. I’m hoping those parents will reconsider their choice. Virtual learning is not effective, and I will strive to keep kids safe but in the classroom. Every student deserves the chance to achieve more than they thought possible with a supportive community and learning environment.

LAUREN WILSON

why the board votes on matters and issues affecting the district. As a board member I will work tirelessly for the students and the community and provide the leadership needed to address the fiscal and performance issues that are afflicting the district.

Pandemic problem in the district

The district did not do a good job of handling the pandemic. The district lost a lot students and funding because parents knew virtual learning was not working. Parents who lived the day to day of virtual school while working from home looked for a solution and found it by sending their children to private schools with inperson learning. I will work tirelessly with the teachers and administration to make up that lost ground in terms of learning as result of the district not getting the children back in person soon enough.

Parental role in curriculum decisions

Parents have a right to know what the government is teaching their children. It is imperative for the parents of the Bloomfield Hills Schools to have curriculum transparency. The district’s minimum responsibility is to provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive information about the curriculum— especially as it relates to sensitive and controversial topics such as race, gender, identity, and political ideology.

Student safety

School safety is a paramount issue for most parents. We trust that when our children go to school, their safety is priority. I will work to ensure that Bloomfield Hills leverages all assets and takes best practice measures to protect your child.

What are your top goals if elected

CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME

Lauren Wilson is a resident of Bloomfield Township. She has a psychology degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Board responsibilities

The school board is a democratically elected group of seven individuals. Whenever you have seven individuals on a board there are going to be differing views and opinions. That is

If I am elected to the board, my goals will be to defend parental rights in an effort to increase enrollment, establish transparency in the schools – including the curriculum and libraries, and hold the board and administration accountable to taxpayers through balanced budgets.

Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 8?

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

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the November 8 general election.

Our endorsements for November election

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township voters will be deciding in the November 8 general election a variety of congressional, state and political offices, along with local school boards candidates, plus determining the fate of several state, county and local ballot issues.

Downtown Newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in all of the races, the answers to which can be found in the Voter Guide inside this edition or at downtownpublications.com. Not all candidates responded, a requirement to get an endorsement.

We considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues. In determining who we thought could best represent voters, we looked at both views of the candidates and how well they sync with the views of those they would represent. In addition, we took into account whether or not they accepted the results of the 2020 presidential election – an absolute defining litmus test for us.

With the newly redrawn districts, it can be confusing but your ballot will have the appropriate persons/districts for where you reside.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

11th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Since we first got to know Democrat HALEY STEVENS in 2016, when she set her sights on flipping this formerly-Republican district, our admiration of her drive, knowledge and tenacity has continued to grow. While Stevens advocates classic Democratic ideals and issues, she stakes out a more moderate stance which we think aligns best with this district. She has been focused on strengthening business manufacturing in the district, worked with women in business and led efforts to engage younger women in technology and engineering, while doing outreach to minority communities. Her strong advocacy for women's health issues put her firmly in alignment with the district. Her Republican challenger, Mark Ambrose, is a qualified and strong Republican – for another time and in another district. That said, Stevens' experience in the House and her values make her the stronger choice for this race.

MICHIGAN SENATE

7th District / Four-year term Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Incumbent Democrat state Senator JEREMY MOSS has nimbly navigated the role as a statesman in Southfield, where he resides. Moss has spent his adulthood representing the city – first as the youngest Southfield city councilman, serving as the chair of the council's legislative and urban affairs committee, a member of the neighborhood services committee, and the economic development committee he helped create. He was elected in 2014 to the state House, becoming the second openly gay member to ever be elected to that chamber, and was re-elected in 2016. In 2018, he won a state Senate seat, championing ethics and judicial reform, voting rights, closing the education gap, infrastructure, the revitalization of low-income housing stock, and passionately, the expansion of Michigan's civil rights protection.

Those in this newly-shaped district will benefit from Moss' collective knowledge. As for his Republican challenger, she is a former (and was not an impressive) Bloomfield Township trustee. Now she panders to the far right party base.

8th District / Four-year term Birmingham Incumbent Democrat state Senator MALLORY MCMORROW, who has already served Birmingham in her current district, was elected as part of the “pink wave” of women flipping many traditionally Republican districts in 2018, dethroning an incumbent with a legacy Republican name. Her first term in the Senate has been a productive one in terms of proposed new legislation, although often stymied by Republicans in getting them out of committee. McMorrow has shown considerable moxie in Lansing when it comes to challenging the old boys network, be it on sexism and other issues, and the fringe far right powers that populate the Capitol – even though many might shrink from the fight. Not McMorrow. In fact, her most recent foray against the homophobic and hateful forces in the legislature has made her a rock start of sorts in Michigan and on the national scene. We have no doubt she will continue to shake up the traditional power structure, all to benefit the residents of this district. Her opponent ghosted us – and seemingly everyone else.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

5th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

The choice in this election is between a current Berkley city council member and former educator who supports reproductive rights, strengthening democracy through expanded voters' rights, believes in expanding per pupil spending, protecting the environment and addressing gun violence – and a fervid 2020 election denier. Voters will be best served by voting for Democrat NATALIE PRICE

19th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

Some candidates believe if you obfuscate the issues in a wordy response, no one will realize what you're really saying. But the Republican candidate in this race is following the boilerplate script from the far right GOP. State House Rep.

SAMANTHA STECKLOFF (D-Farmington Hills) is clear in her stance as a forward-looking candidate embracing liberties for all residents of the district. Her goals of economic stability, universal Pre-K, strengthening the environment and energy independence, improved health care and reproductive rights address the needs of those living in this new district. A former Farmington Hills council member finishing her first term in Lansing, serving on the House's Appropriations and Transportation committees, she has a front row seat to help make changes..

20th State House District / Two-year term Bloomfield Township

The Democratic candidate, NOAH ARBIT, is a gogetter and ball of energy which we suspect is due

to more than just his youth, but a true commitment to tackling the issues of hate crimes, expanding mental health care services, safeguarding democracy, defending reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, and combating gun violence. We can't even remember the Republican challenger's name as he was absent in both the primary and general election.

54th State House District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Republican Donni Steele, who has spent time in office in the northern hinterlands of the district, is just not in sync with this area. SHADIA MARTINI of Bloomfield Township reflects the values and interests of our communities, firmly standing for reproductive choice and voters rights and against legislative bans on educative topics, and represents the stronger choice for voters.

56th State House District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township Democrat SHARON MACDONELL has a history of activism in the community of Troy, helping to restore services that had been cut back and pushing for ethical standards on local elected and appointed boards, and vows to fight for proper education funding, voting rights, improved access to healthcare and the economy, and against discrimination. Her GOP challenger gave us the proverbial middle finger despite our repeated outreach.

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSION

1st District / Two-year term Birmingham

Former state House member DAVID WOODWARD, Democrat of Royal Oak, has been an Oakland County Commission member since 2005 and chairman of the board since 2019. We have always respected his devotion to the county and his forward thinking when it comes to helping Oakland government evolve to address issues important for current and future residents. Definitely voters best bet in this race.

9th District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township

Incumbent Democrat incumbent ANGELA POWELL of Pontiac is our choice in this contest. First elected in 2018, she has a good grasp of the issues and her experience will best serve the district.

11th District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

First elected to the Oakland County board in 2004, Democrat MARCIA GERSHENSON of Bloomfield Township has built a reputation as a hard working, devoted member of the commission. Currently the vice chairwoman of the board, she brings detailed knowledge of county government along with her past involvement with the regional SEMCOG organization. Another two-year term is in order.

19th District Birmingham

In this new county district, we are looking forward to working with Democrat CHARLIE CAVELL, a

social worker from Ferndale. Now in his first term as a county commissioner, we like what we have seen so far.

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS BOARD

Six-year terms / Non-partisan / Vote for two We looked at a number of issues in the Birmingham Schools race, not just the budget shortfall elephant in the room. First, in good or challenging times, we expect transparency on the part of the board, including during all, not just some, of the budget sessions. We started by eliminating those seeking office who felt that it was okay sometimes to take budget talks into closed session when we see no reason to block local residents from seeing how the “sausage is made.” The process of planning how to fund education – as well as all other decisionmaking – must be done in a public setting, allowing everyone to see the give-and-take of setting priorities, except as allowed by law. Second, we expect that a board member understands the fine line between encouraging involvement by parents in their child's education and allowing individual parents to set for all other students the content of what is taught in the schools. On that basis, we eliminated one female candidate who either is associated with or has backing of one (if not two) ultra-conservative parental rights groups. Another candidate we eliminated because we are familiar with his involvement in a city committee and his errant behavior which drew a recent admonishment from the Birmingham Ethics Board – a clear indication that a position of authority with the schools would be a crap shoot the district can ill afford. That leaves us with only two choices – NICOLE SPENCER and incumbent board member KIMBERLY WHITMAN as the best qualified to fill the two open spots. We don't buy into the blowback logic of blaming Whitman for the district's current financial quagmire. Her skill set and views are needed on the board now more than ever.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD

Four-year terms / Non-partisan / Vote for four For four seats on the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education, we used a process of elimination to whittle down a 10-person field. We made an easy elimination of one female candidate who is linked to a fringe right group that has evolved from being an anti-school closure group during the height of the pandemic to now treading into the mine field of dictating what is taught in the classrooms. A second similar group has also given her an endorsement. We then reviewed the slate of candidates running with the only incumbent in this race – who happens to have been voted out as board president by his fellow board members in his current term for turning over to the local police a list of anti-mask parents during the pandemic. To this day he still defends his authoritarian action, obviously not learning his lesson. Add to that the allegations that he does not fully understand the role of a board member, according to current and past employees of the district who say he meddles where he does not belong, and the common description by others that he is generally irascible. Unfortunately for them, three other candidates have hitched their wagon to

the incumbent, the lot of which got an endorsement from one of the fringe right groups that are helping to politicize school elections. From the remaining field, we recommend JIM BAKER, TAREQ FALAH, NICHOLAS HAUGEN and CAROLYN NOBLE. All well grounded in the history and what the district is facing, and their proper role in serving as board members.

STATE PROPOSAL 1

Term Limits/Financial Disclosures Amendment

It makes sense to expand the time legislators can serve in their respective bodies, which allows for greater institutional wisdom and less lobbyist power. This amendment to the Constitution also requires financial disclosure (albeit weak) for state lawmakers and members of the administration.

Although we recommend a YES vote, voters may need to come back in time if our worst fears prove true that state lawmakers can't be trusted to do an honest job of implementing this.

STATE PROPOSAL 2

Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment

Voters rightly – and overwhelmingly – approved a Constitutional amendment in 2018 to allow noreason absentee ballot voting, among many other voting rights. This second Constitutional amendment fills in the gaps, providing greater election security, recognizing the fundamental right to vote without harassment; permitting nine days of early voting; requiring ballot drop boxes for every 15,000 voters; establishing post-election audits only by election officials; publicly subsidizing and tracking absentee ballots; among other common sense things, which state legislators could not take away. Vote YES

STATE PROPOSAL 3

Reproductive Freedom Amendment

This constitutional amendment would enshrine in the state Constitution the right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make decisions about pregnancy, prenatal care, childbirth, contraception, abortion, miscarriage management and infertility. This proposal is about permitting privacy, dignity, respect and personal autonomy for half the population of Michigan. Vote YES

OAKLAND COUNTY MASS TRANSIT MILLAGE

This public transit millage would be levied at a maximum rate of .95 mills for 10 years beginning in 2022, and end the opt-out provision currently permitted by SMART. This tax would replace the current one-mill levy by SMART which expires at the end of 2022. If approved, the tax will support current public transportation services in Oakland County, create and extend new routes to connect local communities and increase transportation service for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. We recommend a YES vote.

BIRMINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENT

The Birmingham City Commission is seeking a $75,000 minimum threshold to bid out contracts, up from an outdated $6,000. Above $75,000, the contract must go through the request for approval process (RFP), be subject to bidding and approval by the city commission.Vote YES

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SAFETY PATH TAX

Since first approved in 1998, Bloomfield Township has been transformed by a 70-mile safety path network connecting it to neighboring communities, providing residents walkable access to destinations within the township and outdoor fitness. This renewal, of .4511 mills for a period of five years, is a must. Vote YES

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIOR SERVICES TAX

This proposal renews a senior services millage of .2273 mills and increases the millage by .1027 mills, for a total millage rate of .3300 mills for 10 years. The senior center is open to all residents over the age of 50 – and more than 50 percent of Bloomfield Township residents are over 50. COVID, maintenance and demands on service necessitate a millage increase to this important township asset. Vote YES

POCKET VOTER GUIDE

Here's a recap of Downtown Newsmagazine endorsements. It's a cheat sheet to use when casting a ballot at home or to take to the polls. Your ballot will tell you what districts apply to you.

U.S. HOUSE

11th District: Haley Stevens (D)

MICHIGAN SENATE

7th District: Jeremy Moss (D) 8th District: Mallory McMorrow (D)

MICHIGAN HOUSE

5th District: Natalie Price (D) 19th District: Samantha Steckloff (D) 54th District: Shadia Martini (D) 56th District: Sharon MacDonell (D)

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSION

1st District: David Woodward (D) 9th District: Angela Powell (D) 11th District: Marcia Gershenson (D) 19th District: Charlie Cavell (D)

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL BOARD

Nicole Spencer / Kimberly Whitman

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOL BOARD

Jim Baker / Tareq Falah / Nicholas Haugen Carolyn Noble

STATE PROP. 1: Yes | STATE PROP. 2: Yes STATE PROP. 3: Yes

OAKLAND COUNTY MASS TRANSIT: Yes

BIRMINGHAM CHARTER CHANGE: Yes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SAFETY PATHS: Yes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIOR SERVICES: Yes

In The Spirit Of The Season

Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like people coming together to celebrate.

Every room at The Community House is equipped with the latest entertainment and communication amenities, so your organization can connect across the continents, show your year in review, or just dance the night away.

Beat the rush and book now to receive a 20% discount on the room rental and a complimentary champagne toast. 248.644.5832

Safe Spaces | Award-Winning Culinary Team | Cultural and Education Programs

AVA