Rochester/Rochester Hills

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AUGUST VOTER GUIDE

R O C H E S T E R

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R O C H E S T E R

H I L L S

JULY 2018

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

RADON TESTING IN SCHOOLS MILITARY GIVEWAYS TO POLICE THE PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS THE METRO INTELLIGENCER ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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ROCHESTER HILLS, $189,900. 2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1600 sq. ft.

Underground parking & one car garage. Open floor plan with great rm. & dining overlooking commons. Elevated view of setting. Gas fireplace. All appliances included. Laundry in unit. Master suite with walk-in closet, dual sinks, jetted tub & shower. Desirable location.

STERLING HGHTS., $125,000. 2 bdrms., 1.5 baths, 1200 sq. ft. Updated white kit. & all appls. Spacious great rm. with Andersen doorwall leading to beautiful new stamped concrete patio, walkways & picturesque landscaped yard. Updated bath with cherry cabinetry, granite counter & dual sinks. 2nd fl. balcony. Common pool. Assoc. dues incl. gas & water.

ROCHESTER HILLS, $1550/MO. 2 bdrms., one car garage, basement and deck. Gorgeous brand new white kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and pantry. Great rm. w/gas fireplace. Updated bath. Kit. leads to private deck. Condo overlooks commons with no condo behind it. Gas, water, trash, snow, grass & ext. mtn. inc. in rent.

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SHELBY TWP., $199,900. 2 bdrms., 1.5 baths, oversized side-entry attached garage. Spacious 1st fl. laundry with extensive cabinetry. Eat-in kitchen with all appliances. Great rm. with bay window. Updated baths. New roof. Expansive deck. Generator. Treed yard and convenient location.

LAKE ORION, $327,500. Heart of downtown Lake Orion and walking distance to the lake. 4 units fully rented & never any vacancies. Two one-bdrm. units; Two 2-bdrm. units.

Mechanically updated & mtn. free exteriors. Instant cash flow & long-term returns. Totally desirable location.

OXFORD TWP.

COMMERICAL OFFICE OPPORTUNITIES WASHINGTON TWP

HARRISON TWP., $850,000. 5000 sq. ft., built in 2001. Currently used as medical but flexible for any business usage. 5 offices, 4 exam rms. w/sinks, lunch rm., 25x23 lobby. 1140 additional sq. ft. loft for extra space or separate business. Bsmt. & excellent parking.

ROCHESTER $449,900. Approx. 1500 sq. ft. with 5 private offices. Spacious reception area with vaulted ceiling. 2 baths, updated kitchen, updated mechanicals. Front and rear parking lots with 11 parking spaces.

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DOWNTOWN07.18

21

Schools not required to test for radon Thanks to a lack of a mandate from the EPA and in some cases a general lack of knowledge about both the health threat from radon and how it works its way into buildings, some Oakland schools don’t test for it in schools.

LONGFORM

29

The current administration in Washington D.C. has restarted the program where local police departments can request excess military equipment at no cost. Not everyone agrees this is good.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

The effort to place on the November ballot a proposal to eliminate political district gerrymandering has hit another roadblock largely funded by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

CRIME LOCATOR

15

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

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

17

Two congressional candidates knocked off ballot; Epstein under fire from Jewish club members; Trott DACA conversion; Crawford dynasty challenged; Kesto and Catholic appeasement; plus more.

THE COVER The Stone House Cottage and the Cottage Gardens, reinvented by the Late Bloomers Gardening Group at the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) facility in Rochester.

Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

MUNICIPAL

33

Anchor Bar on its way; mayor joins border protest; city goals and objectives; littering no longer criminal; Griffin Claw permit recommended; water, sewer rate hikes finalized; plus more.

AUGUST PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE IN CENTER OF THIS ISSUE

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METRO INTELLIGENCER

38

Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us bring back the popular feature – now called Metro Intelligencer – that provides quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

42

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

48

Our editorial recommendations for voters on the candidates and issues appearing on the August 7 primary election ballot.

FACES

18 27

Robert Michalka Kathleen Pfieffer

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Samantha Berger | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf Bill Seklar | Judith Harris Solomon | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Rochester, Rochester Hills and parts of Oakland Township. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Rochester and Rochester Hills.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Rochester/Rochester Hills communities. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

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

If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS

FROM THE PUBLISHER ichigan voters could find themselves with the short end of the stick – once again – when it comes to breaking free of the current gerrymandering system that allows politicians in Lansing to basically determine who will hold the elective offices in the state legislature and Congress every 10 years.

M

Under the current system, following the federal census each decade, the political party in power ends up determining the shape of districts for the state House and Senate and for the U.S. House. Voters attempted to remedy the situation when adopting the 1963 Michigan Constitution, which provided for a reapportionment commission. Unfortunately, every district plan ended up being contested by one political party or another so in a 1982 decision the Michigan Supreme Court abolished the reapportionment commission and allowed the legislature to resume drawing up political district boundaries once again.

There are about a half dozen states that have started to address the question of political gerrymandering through use of either bipartisan commissions or non-partisan legislative services to redraw districts after each census without consideration of past voting behavior and the current residence of incumbents who hold office.

Federal courts have generally only considered population count as its main concern, starting in 1964 when the ruling was handed down that political districts had to focus on equal population counts with only a minor variation allowance. Next, the federal courts have also focused on racial gerrymandering and the voting rights of minority populations. Largely ignored has been political gerrymandering – lest anyone forget, judges are also political animals with at least a whiff of party allegiance. There are a few cases working their way through the federal courts but the initial rulings do not suggest that judges are willing to wade into the muddy waters of gerrymandering.

I had thought there was some hope when a group called Voters Not Politicians appeared on the scene last year and conducted a state-wide town hall series to talk about the apportionment process and the gerrymandering that twists district boundaries to maintain control on behalf of the political party in power, which happens to be the Republicans in recent decades. (Democrats have been equally as guilty in the past when it was their chance to guarantee their continued control over who gets elected in Lansing and Congress.)

Voters Not Politicians is proposing a 13-member reapportionment panel comprising four Democrats, four Republicans, and five independent panel members not affiliated with any major political party.

Now we get to 2018 and Voters Not Politicians generated – in record time – sufficient signatures to put the issue on the November ballot for the electorate. But a group called the Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution – a front for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce – decided to challenge the ballot issue in court just as the Michigan Board of State Canvassers was ready to

certify the issue for the general election ballot this year.

I say the group is a veiled front for the state Chamber of Commerce because the filing papers for the Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution group has the same address as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce at 600 S. Walnut Street in Lansing. And the treasurer for the opposition group is one of the head guys at the Chamber. The main line of funding for the opposition group, $85,000 plus, has come from one of three political action committees underwritten by the Chamber, PAC II, used for advocacy on ballot issues.

Then there is Fair Line American, a major out-of-state donor that is an affiliate of the national GOP designed to protect their gerrymandered districts throughout the country, and a western Michigan businessman and strong GOP donor who has kicked in $100,000 so far as part of this effort.

The Voters Not Politicians group has raised just over $790,000 through the first quarter of this year, mostly from small donations.

A California group – Campaign for Democracy – has donated $72,000 for the ballot drive, so forces outside Michigan will eventually be lining up on both sides of this issue if it survives the court challenged.

As to the court challenge, the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected as “without merit” the group’s lawsuit which contended the ballot proposal represents a general overhaul of the state Constitution that should only be done via a constitutional convention. After the loss at the appeals court level, the opposition group turned to the Michigan Supreme Court, where an order was issued on June 14 for immediate consideration which should mean a decision by the end of July, depending on its ruling, would allow time to still get this on the fall ballot. The state Supreme Court has refused a stay on the lower court decision, so the issue has now been certified for the ballot but until there is a final ruling, who knows whether there will be sufficient time to promote the proposal to voters.

Call me a pessimist but I am concerned how a court with a Republican bent can be counted on to render an unbiased ruling on the reapportionment ballot issue. I know we are all taught at an early age that judges are supposed to be free of politics and when running for election or re-election, judges are not listed as having a political party. But I am not convinced that is how the system works in a state where judicial candidates are nominated by political parties at conventions. Further, when you look at the current seven-member Supreme Court, keep in mind that five of the members were appointed by Republican Gov. Snyder.

I said it a year ago in a column – with both legislative chambers and the governor’s office in the hands of the GOP here in Michigan, you can forget under the current system about any political equity in districts that are drawn after the federal census in 2020. Somehow I hope I am proven wrong and the gerrymandering comes to an end so that we – the voters – not those in power, determine who will hold elected office in the future.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

ONE AND TWO DAY WORKSHOPS All Materials Provided Mini Canvas Painting Shelley Malec Vitale

Paper Marbling

Felted Fiber Necklace

Marigrace Francis

Anja Rudwinsky

Learn to transfer marbled designs onto paper with a technique that has been used for centuries! By oating color on the water’s surface, students will create beautiful paper that can be used for stationary, wrapping, or works of art.

Learn how to make beautiful monoprints without a press using a Gelli Arts printing plate. Using ink, paint, and various textures create colorful and unique papers for collage, mixed media projects or as stand-alone artwork.

Students will learn the art of creating beautifully dyed patterns in fabric through dierent folding and binding techniques. After practicing techniques on fabric, students will create an indigo and white pattern on a shoulder bag to keep.

Using basic felting techniques, students will create a lovely oral necklace. Students will learn how to make small felted owers and felted rope with bright colors of wool. Each piece will be a unique wearable work of art.

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

Plein Air Painting

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Pen & Ink

Marigrace Francis

Shibori Shoulder Bag Dyeing

This workshop will focus on the art of detail and painting on miniature sized canvases. Using acrylic paint students will paint tiny landscapes, orals, or abstracts. Each student will take home four 3�x3� canvases.

WEDNESDAY 7/18/18 West Studio 6:30PM-9:30PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

Mary Dudek

Gelli Plate Monoprinting

8&%/&4%": West Studio 6:30PM-9:30PM

SATURDAY 7/21/18 West Studio 1. 1. .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

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Hand Built Ceramic Planters

Watercolor Greeting Cards

FRIDAY 7/27/18 West Studio 6:00PM-9:00PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

Ring Making

Mary Dudek

Amanda Trotto

Enrolled students will have the opportunity to paint Rochester Municipal Park in this unique traveling workshop. Take a walk with us as we discuss tips, tricks, and techniques for painting plein air. Thanks to park pavilions this will be a rain or shine workshop.

By working with Micron pens, India ink, and watercolor, students will explore the possibilities of various line techniques such as pointillism, hatching, and contour drawing.

Students are encouraged to bring reference photos to work from.

This two-part workshop is the perfect starting point to learn the basics of ceramic hand building techniques.

Students will learn pinch, coil, and slab construction methods. Students will be able to create, decorate, and glaze their own pieces to be used for indoor or outdoor gardens.

Learn to make beautiful greeting cards while experimenting with watercolor techniques. A fun class for beginner or advanced painters.

Students will learn the basics of how to make a ring with metal including piercing, sawing, forming, and soldering. Students will walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece.

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

David Prescott

SATURDAY 7/28/18 PCCA Lobby 12:00PM-4:00PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

Floral Acrylic Painting

David Prescott

WEDNESDAY 8/1/18 West Studio 6:30PM-9:30PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

Introduction to Printmaking

Mary Dudek

.FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

SATURDAY 8/4/18 West Studio 1. 1. .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

FRIDAY 8/10/18 West Studio 6:00PM-9:00PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

Stop Motion Animation

Botanical Watercolor Painting

Ceramic Tech

FRIDAYS 8/3 & 8/17/18 Clay Studio 6:00PM-9:00PM

Deb Scott

Shelley Malec Vitale

Evan D’Orazio

During this workshop students will learn how to create a beautifully composed oral painting with acrylic. Emphasis will be placed on mixing colors, paint application, and composition. Fun for students of all levels.

Using Soft-Kut printing blocks, each student will learn how to design and cut their very own re-usable stamps.

Students will learn about the art of printmaking by designing their personal stamp. Please join us to learn this fun and creative skill.

Working together with modeling clay, lighting, and computers, your child will create a short stop motion animation! Each child will learn the basics of plot, character design, and setting creation, and will be able to take home their ďŹ nal video on a ash drive to keep!

Interested in capturing the beauty of summer’s blooms? Want to learn how to paint succulents, cacti, and other colorful owers? Learn to compose a watercolor painting from start to ďŹ nish in this informational one day workshop!

Want to learn more about ceramics?

Enrolled students will learn tips, tricks, and skills every ceramic artist should have for successful ceramic processes such as reclaiming clay, kiln ďŹ ring techniques, glaze processes and more.

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

AGES: Youth 10-13

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

SKILL LEVEL: Adult, All Levels

Carolyn Shoemaker

SATURDAY 8/11/18 West Studio 1. 1. .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

David Prescott

8&%/&4%": West Studio 6:30PM-9:30PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

SATURDAY 8/18/18 Upstairs Gallery 1:00PM-4:00PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

WEDNESDAY 8/22/18 West Studio 6:30PM-9:30PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

FRIDAY 8/24/18 Clay Studio 6:00PM-9:00PM .FNCFST t/PO .FNCFST

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DOWNTOWN

07.18

INCOMING Anti-gun propaganda A new edition of Downtown newsmagazine, and right on queue the publisher spews more left wing, anti-gun propaganda blaming the NRA for the Florida high school mass shooting (From The Publisher/April).

It's the NRA's fault that a mentally deranged kid acquired a gun illegally and murdered high school students in Florida. It's the NRA's support for the Constitution that caused the horrendous event at that Florida high school. You don't seem to understand that if a criminal wants to get a gun illegally, he can easily do so.

As one of five million plus NRA members I can't tell you how sick and tired I am of you anti-gun liberals blaming every gun related tragedy on the NRA. Your continued attacks on the NRA and President Trump only encourages us to support the NRA with more dollars and increased membership.

So please, direct your energies towards a more productive remedy like identifying potentially unstable individuals and getting them the mental health they need, protecting the schools with armed guards and security trained teachers, monitoring social media for "red flags" and taking appropriate action, encouraging social media providers to be active in identifying potential shooters, securing our borders to reduce the illegal criminals entering, changing immigration laws to immediately return illegals entering the country to their native country, eliminating the bogus amnesty excuse used to enter and stay in America, eliminating Obama's "catch and release" insanity, building the wall, etc.

Doug Osterrout Oakland Township (Publisher’s response: You may want to reread my column. At no point was the NRA blamed for any shooting.

Hard to see through an ideologue’s haze, but the column simply noted that the NRA, with it’s money and boots on the ground, would be a tough foe for anyone pushing for gun control reform.)

Red Tide at polls "Blue wave?" Surely you jest (From The Publisher/May).

No, this time there will be a "Red Tide.”

The reasons are these: Hillary Clinton, Rahm Emanuel, Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Brown, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Debbie Wasserman Schulz, Chuck Schumer, all of whom are either socialist, senile, or dislike the U.S. Constitution and fail to understand basic economic and moral principles.

Plus, lower taxes, better judges, more border security, the lowest Black downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Rochester/Rochester Hills 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.

and Hispanic jobless rate in history, enhanced and better supported military, and the brilliant foreign policy leadership of Donald J. Trump.

Republicans I predict will keep and perhaps gain in the House, and for sure better own the Senate.

No one believes your liberal banter here.

Lawrence R. Mead, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy Rochester Hills

Primary Voter Guide I can hardly wait for the Voter Guide to arrive.

Thank you for all the work that you and your staff are doing to produce it. In this tumultuous and crowded year, it will be a big help.

Thank goodness Oakland County is continuing to trend Democratic. Now, if we could only get rid of Brooks Patterson.

Pauline Mengebier Bloomfield Hills

Organized crime piece Not sure if Lisa Brody received much feedback on this, but I must say, this was a great article on Detroit Organized Crime (May/Downtown).

Several of us at the U.S. Attorney’s Office thoroughly enjoyed it, including some of us who were actually around during some of the noted investigations.

For myself, having interviewed a few mob guys over the years (decades actually), I was very impressed with your early LCN (La Cosa Nostra) history. Dead on.

Keep up the great work.

Eric M. Straus Assistant United States Attorney Organized Crime Coordinator Violent and Organized Crime Unit U.S. Department of Justice Eastern District of Michigan DOWNTOWN

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07.18

CRIME LOCATOR

Map key

NORTH

Sexual assault

Robbery

Larceny from vehicle

Drug offenses

Assault

Breaking/entering

Vehicle theft

Arson

Murder

Larceny

Vandalism

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Rochester and Rochester Hills through June 27, 2018.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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DOWNTOWN

07.18

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine.

We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com.

NO CARPETBAGGER HERE: One Republican candidate said months ago to watch for someone to raise the issue that GOP hopeful Lena Epstein, oil heiress seeking the party nod in the August balloting for the 11th Congressional district, is not a resident of the district that she is seeking to represent. As of deadline for the July Oakland Confidential – nada. So we took our own look. Yep, source was dead-on. Epstein lives in Bloomfield Township and has been registered to vote there since January of 2011, moving into her current township address in 2014. But the township is not part of the district which meanders from Birmingham, the city of Bloomfield Hills, part of Rochester Hills, into the west Oakland lakes area and parts of western Wayne County. Epstein actually lucks out on this one – the U.S. Constitution does not require members of Congress to live in the districts they represent, just to be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for seven years and a resident of the state. If she makes it to Washington D.C., Epstein could join a slew (21 House members as of June 2017) of others who don’t live in the district where they were elected. We didn’t reach out to Epstein for comment on her residency because she has not yet responded to any of Downtown newsmagazine’s efforts in the past.

MEMORIES OF NAZIS PAST: Speaking of Lena Epstein, some members of the local Jewish community are waging a Facebook campaign to protest a $1,000 per person ($2,700 per couple) fundraiser for her being held in late June at Franklin Hills Country Club, where wealthy Jews hang out. Several notable affluent Jews are among the hosts/co-chairs, including former Michigan Republican Party chair Bobby Schostak, insurance moguls Alan Jay Kaufman and Mert Segal, and real estate barons EPSTEIN Harold Beznos, Warren Rose and Matt Lester. Michael Simon, who grew up in Birmingham, wrote on Facebook, “It’s a sad day for the Detroit Jewish community, and for Franklin Hills CC, an institution I love.

Franklin Hills was founded in 1927 because Jews were not permitted to be members elsewhere...My deep connection to this place is why I’m so heartbroken to see FHCC’s leaders affiliate themselves publicly with the racist campaign being run by Lena Epstein to tear children from the arms of their parents...building concentration camps at our borders, and separating children from their parents – practices eerily similar to those employed during the Holocaust, the horrors of which member FHCC members’ ancestors fled. Lena isn’t merely silent...she is running on how strongly she agrees with Trump, including airing a TV ad supporting this practice.” Simon does not criticize FHCC members, or fellow Jews, for voting Republican, just for choosing Epstein, who he calls a “neo-fascist” “who has thrived by building a coalition of vicious anti-Semites, racists and xenophobes.”

SUBTLE OPPOSITION: Congressman Mike Bishop (R-Rochester/Rochester Hills) in June opposed the administration’s zero-tolerance immigration policy resulting in thousands of children of undocumented immigrants illegally entering the country being separated from their parents — sort of. “As a father of three, Rep. Bishop does not want to see children separated from their families,” a Bishop spokeswoman told The Detroit News on Monday, June 18. Bishop added to his position the next day as BISHOP pressure on President Trump to change the policy peaked. “I believe families should stay together while their cases are pending. For too long, hyper-partisanship has thwarted real solutions to fix our broken immigration system,” Bishop said in a release. Among the fixes, Bishop said he supports securing the border, ending family separations and closing loopholes. “In particular, we need to increase the number of federal immigration judges,” he said – a position with which Trump said he disagrees.

Meanwhile, Bishop’s most likely general election opponent, SLOTKIN Democrat Elissa Slotkin, beat him to the punch with a much downtownpublications.com

stronger and focused statement condemning Trump’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border.

FREE AT LAST: Retiring Congressman Dave Trott (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills) has found a degree of freedom when not having to worry about a re-election campaign. The 11th District rep in May separated himself from the President by joining a handful of others in signing a petition to force a vote on a bill that seeks to force a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought into the country as children. On Wednesday, June 20, Trott broke days of radio silence on the administration’s TROTT policy on separating families entering the country illegally. “The President signed the executive order a minute ago,” Trott told Downtown.

“That’s encouraging, and I think it should have been done sooner. I’m pleased the administration revisited that. We have a couple of votes tomorrow on immigration bills. Hopefully, one of them passes and we can send it to the Senate.” Trott also acknowledged the position his retirement places him in terms of supporting Trump on positions where he may disagree. “He came and spoke at the conference last night, and was wondering if Mark Sanford was there,” Trott said “He said he was going to congratulate him on running a good race. That drew some groans.” As to his own successor, Trott said he would wait until after the primary to offer public support. “The only one I really couldn’t support would be (Kerry) Bentevolio.”

BOXING MATCH: As if the Larry Nassar mess wasn’t nasty enough (the former MSU doc and Team USA gymnastics doctor convicted of sexually assaulting dozens of young gymnasts), two state Representatives who hope to face off against one another in November to be the Congressman for the 11th District nearly came to blows (figuratively) in May over legislation that would allow retroactive lawsuits in sexual assault cases. Rep. Klint Kesto (R-Commerce, West Bloomfield) chairs the House KESTO committee that spent weeks debating the legislation when the House shortened a window the Senate approved, and basically eliminated a provision allowing retroactive lawsuits for abuse. Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) accused Kesto of caving in to Michigan Catholic Conference lobbyists to “protect pedophile priests who’ve been criminally convicted of sexually abusing children over the victims.” As you can imagine, that didn’t go over well with Kesto, who accused Greimel of fighting in the gutter, and is “scratching and clawing to find relevance” in the GREIMEL congressional race. Ouch.

DRAWING THE SHORT STRAW: Now former candidates Dan Haberman and Kristine Bonds have been disqualified by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers from the ballot for this August’s primary election for the 11th Congressional District. Haberman, a Democrat, and Bonds, a Republican, were running for the seat now held by Rep. Dave Trott, who isn’t running for another term. The board of canvassers found both candidates had “insufficient” nominating petitions to be placed on the August ballot. While Haberman said he was confident he could successfully challenge the board’s determination, he said doing so “would place too heavy a strain on our already streamlined resources to operate an effective and winning campaign.” Bonds was unable to be reached for comment, and her campaign’s phone line was no longer in operation as of publication.

NEPOTISM CHALLENGE: West Oakland politicos have noted with a touch of irony the musical chairs Novi Republican political power couple Hugh and Kathy Crawford have long played. First he was a Novi city council member, then a county commissioner before becoming a state House rep – and she filled his county commission seat. When Hugh was term limited in the state House, she ran and got it. He returned to the county commission. And round and round. Now word is, according to a recent MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service) missive, tea party newbie Chase Turner is grabbing the attention of far-right conservatives in Kathy’s quest for a third term, connecting with Speaker of the House Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) and posting photos with county exec L. Brooks Patterson. MIRS doesn’t think Turner will win, but Turner is making Kathy Crawford sweat.

DOWNTOWN

17

FACES Robert Michalka or the past 23 years, Robert Michalka has been researching, collecting stories and photos, to make sure the history of the Flint Division of the Detroit United Railway doesn’t vanish like it did.

“It was there for 30 years and then it was gone,” Michalka said.

“And it was pretty much gone without a trace.”

His book, “Rochester and the Detroit United Railway,” will discuss and show the history of the Flint Division of the DUR – which lasted from the 1890s until the early '30s – and its importance to the Rochester area.

Michalka said it was a pretty big deal in Rochester.

First off, Rochester was where the headquarters for the Flint division were located. Therefore, the powerhouse was located there, which produced power for the entire division. Second, it provided a lot of jobs. The DUR had a great effect not only on Rochester but also the communities along the DUR, like Detroit, Flint, and Lake Orion, among others.

“From the time that I was little growing up in Rochester, I was hearing stories from people about the railway, talking about their remembrance of it, or having had worked on it,” he said. “At that time, the railway had been gone probably less than 30 years – it was still fresh in people’s memories.”

The book – which is scheduled for publication later this year by the Rochester Historical Commission – also has personal stories from people who remember it. Michalka’s father owned a store in town from 1927 until 1982, so he knew lots of people to talk to, and word-of-mouth also helped him find people to interview.

While Michalka has been interested in trains and railways since he was a kid, the idea for the book didn’t come until 1969. Michalka had been working with Ray Russell, late Rochester police sergeant and local historian, on a section of the book “A Lively Town” about railroads and interurbans.

Russell’s dad worked in the DUR car barns at Rochester so he gladly shared his knowledge with Michalka.

“That’s when I got the idea that down the road I’d like to do something to expand on the electric railway. Through the years, it’s certainly been in the back of my mind,” he said. “I was building a base of photographs even in the '60s.”

The book has over 150 photos in it from both public and private collections. Michalka traveled all over the country to collect them, including a trip to Arizona. He originally went there in search of some of his own photos he had loaned the photographer for “The Lively Town.”

In an ironic twist of fate he never did find his own photos. But he did get a number of negatives that were used for the 1969 book.

“I did get the others and then some,” Michalka said. “So that worked out.”

The sheer volume of photos he was able to collect surprised even him.

While getting photos was time-consuming, so was the writing. For the first few years, Michalka was handwriting everything. He then started using a computer, which made things move a little quicker.

“I also went through probably five or six re-writes,” he said. “As things changed, I ended up re-writing it.”

So with all the information he collected, does Michalka have plans on writing any more on the DUR? “I think this is the last word on that subject,” he said.

F

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

RADON TESTING IN SCHOOLS

NO REQUIREMENTS. UNDERSTANDING LACKING. SO SOME DISTRICTS ROLL DICE AND OPT OUT.

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT onsidered the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, radon gas leaches undetected into millions of basements each year where it is breathed in by unsuspecting occupants. The colorless, odorless, radioactive gas is responsible for about 21,000 deaths each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Because of the danger and risks involved with radon, state law requires any new licensed daycare centers to be tested for radon. Property owners selling a home must disclose any known radon levels, and Michigan's residential building code requires some new homes to be built with some radon resistant features. And while the EPA recommends that public school districts test buildings for radon every five years, there are no federal or state laws requiring schools to conduct tests at all.

C

Of the 28 public school districts in Oakland County, districts that regularly test for radon or have plans to test for radon, include: Bloomfield Hills Schools, Clawson Public Schools, Ferndale Public Schools, Novi Community Schools, Rochester Community Schools and South Lyon Community Schools.

Some districts – including Birmingham Public Schools, Huron Valley Schools, Troy School District, and Walled Lake Consolidated Schools – have tested for radon in at least one building or more in the past, but don't plan on testing in the future. The remainder of the public school districts in the county said they don't test, while six districts failed to respond to inquiries from Downtown.

"Unfortunately, radon is easy to ignore because there are no short-term side effects," said Aaron Berndt, state radon officer with the Michigan Indoor Radon Program in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ).

In the long-term, Berndt said radon is responsible for about 600 lung cancer deaths in Michigan per year. A high presence of radon, combined with smoking, greatly increases the chance that a person will develop lung cancer, but about four out of 1,000 non-smokers develop lung cancer when exposed to radon at or above the EPA's recommended action level for radon gas.

Radon gas is measured in units called picoCuries – named after Pierre and Marie Curie – and represent the amount of radioactivity present. The EPA's safety limit for radon is set at four picoCuries per liter of air, or four pCi/L. Statewide, about 26 percent of radon tests have results above four pCi/L, according to Air Check, which has collected results from more than four million radon test kits across the country. In Oakland County, the average amount of radon in buildings is 3.6 pCi/L, with about 27.8 percent of tests collected by Air Check testing above four pCi/L, and about 51.1 percent tested above two pCi/L. "There's no safe level of radon," Berndt said, "but we won't get to a 'zero' level either. We want to reduce it as much as possible."

Berndt said that because neither the state nor the federal government require radon testing in schools, there is no central repository for test results from schools that test voluntarily.

Results provided to Downtown from districts that maintain radon testing results show few, if any, school facilities tested exhibiting high levels of radon. In some cases, initial test results showed radon levels at or near the EPA's level of concern. In each of those cases, follow-up tests were conducted that showed levels below the EPA's guidelines. With the exception of a handful of districts in the county, few are testing for radon as recommended by federal regulators.

"We don't do a ton of radon testing in the schools," said Phil Grosse, an industrial hygiene consultant with Arch Environmental Group, which has provided testing for many districts in southeast Michigan. "It's not EPA mandated, so as a rule of thumb, we don't do a lot of it. When we do, it's kind of different for each client. If we

had our druthers, we would prefer to do testing for a whole building, but we usually end up doing suspect areas.

"Generally, we prefer the EPA recommendations. It's a hard thing, as far as what the schools are willing to do... what ends up happening more often is that they don't see the need for testing."

Marcia Wilkinson, spokeswoman for Birmingham Public Schools, said the district had conducted radon testing in the past under the advisement of the state and its environmental consultant. However, Wilkinson said in May that the district stopped testing several years prior at the direction of its environmental consultant.

"As you are aware (Birmingham Public Schools) is compliant in all areas of environmental regulations – from asbestos and lead paint to required health and safety programs," Arch Environmental CEO Scott Staber said in a June 12 email to the district which Wilkinson shared with Downtown. "Arch Environmental Group has conducted sampling

Some districts – including Birmingham Public Schools – have tested for radon in at least one building or more in the past, but don't plan on testing in the future.

for various Oakland County schools and other schools throughout the state of Michigan only when requested (as it is not required by law).

With the numerous environmental regulations mandated on school districts, it is difficult for most districts to conduct recommended (not required) environmental guidelines such as radon sampling. We have conducted sampling in nearby districts with levels that have typically been below the EPA's recommendation action level. The EPA and Michigan DEQ have further information available for school districts on their websites. If you need additional information or would like to pursue radon sampling, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Bloomfield Hills Schools have done various radon testing in recent years, with the latest conducted in 2016. District spokesperson Shira Good said additional testing is planned for this fall.

Brian Goby, who heads up maintenance for the district, said Arch Environmental conducted testing for the district. Those tests included

radon testing at Bloomfield Hills High School (previously Andover High School) and the now shuttered Lahser High School. Testing was done at Eastover Elementary School in 2016, with all tests coming back below 1.4 pCi/L. Goby said all schools in the district will be tested this fall.

Lori Grein, director of community relations for Rochester Community Schools, said the district uses a five-year rotational schedule between buildings to test for radon.

In December of 2017, the district relayed test results to parents that it received from its environmental consultant, Nova Environmental, "The most recent surveys were conducted from December 26-29 at Delta Kelly, McGregor, Musson and University Hills Elementary Schools, and Rochester High School... The survey results at Delta Kelly, Musson and University Hills Elementary Schools and Rochester High School indicate all radon samples collected are significantly less than the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. One sample in the boiler room at McGregor Elementary warranted further investigation. After retesting, it was determined that the sample was also below the action level set by the EPA. Nova Environmental, Inc., recommends that no further action is necessary at this time for these buildings."

In Clawson and Ferndale school districts, radon testing hasn't been a regularly scheduled item. However, Jamie Stottlemyer, executive director of operations and transportation for the two districts, said plans are underway for Nova Environmental to conduct testing at both of the districts this summer.

In the South Lyon Community School District, 14 of the district's buildings were tested in 2012 at random locations. Those buildings included seven locations in each of the district's high schools, five locations in each of the middle schools, three locations in each of the elementary schools, two locations in the administration building and early childhood center, and one location in the grounds operations center. In each case, short-term activated charcoal devices were used to measure radon levels.

"During the entire measurement period (typically two to seven days), the absorbed radon undergoes radioactive delay," Arch Environmental wrote in its 2012 report. "Arch Environmental Group deposited the AC detectors on March 22-23, 2012. The detectors were placed between knee and shoulder heights on a flat or hanging surface. Additionally, the detectors were placed at least one foot from exterior walls, three feet from windows or doors, away from direct sunlight and away from heat vents."

The testing also included duplicate test devices, as recommended by the EPA and as is the case in each of Arch Environmental's testing procedures. The results show that all of the samples had concentrations below the EPA's recommended action level of four pCi/L. The Novi Community School District tests for radon every other calendar year at buildings throughout the district, with the last round of

testing conducted in the winter of 2017. Those tests, as shown through results provided to Downtown by the district, were conducted by Arch Environmental. Tests included short-term, activated charcoal devices in seven locations at Novi High School; five locations at Novi Middle School; three locations in each of the elementary schools; three locations in each wing of the Novi Meadows complex; and three locations in the Early Childhood Education Center. Previous sampling at the district included the ESB building, transportation building, maintenance building and community preschool.

"All samples identified radon concentrations below the EPA recommended 'action level' of 4.0 pCi/L," Arch Industrial Hygiene Consultant Phillip Grosse wrote in a report to the district.

"One sample, collected in Room 111 at Orchard Hills Elementary School, identified a radon concentration of 3.7 +/- 0.7 pCi/L. Although this level is technically below the 'action level,' the accuracy of the method suggests that the actual concentration may range from 3.0 pCi/L to 4.4 pCi/L. "Prudent practice recommends that areas where radon levels are potentially above the 'action level' should be retested with a second short-term test to confirm the results of the initial test. A second test above the 'action level' recommends that either progressing to a longterm test of at least 90 days or taking corrective action measures to reduce levels below the 'action level.'"

While some other school districts in the county said they had tested for radon in the past, they didn't provide documentation, nor did they say there were plans for future testing.

The majority of districts that don't test for radon told Downtown that there was little need to conduct such tests, based either on past results or the lack of any such requirement.

Diane Bauman, director of communications for Farmington Public Schools, said the district doesn't do any radon testing. The reasoning, she said, was explained by the district's director of facilities, who she said told her that radon testing is typically done in buildings with basements, and that there are few such buildings in the district. Also, there is no requirement for testing.

However, the EPA and certified radon testers say changes in a building's heating and cooling system, changes around the foundation of a building and other changes in a structure that occur over time may all lead to changes in radon levels at a building.

"Districts are kind of afraid to do what the EPA recommends because they don't want the ramifications down the line," Grosse said.

"Ideally, you want to approximate normal conditions in the buildings. Ideally, you're doing it in the winter."

Responses from the majority of school districts, combined with the lack of any requirement to conduct testing, appear to show that while there are some attempts to address the risk of radon in schools, a full understanding of those risks is lacking.

High levels of radon gas can occur in any

indoor environment. Further, radon levels may vary from building to building in the same district, and from room to room in each building.

Although Oakland County is considered to have a relatively low risk of radon, there may be various hot spots in any area. Ultimately, testing is the only way to determine whether or not radon is below the acton level.

A spokeswoman for Southfield Public Schools said the district hasn't tested for at least 10 years and doesn't have any plans to do so.

In Troy, Superintendent Richard Machesky said the district conducted testing in 2011, prior to his start as superintendent. That testing, which was one of the most comprehensive in the county according to Grosse with Arch Environmental, included testing of all buildings and all rooms recommended by the EPA. "There was an issue raised in one of the buildings," Machesky said. "The results came back negative across the district, and we haven't done it since. There's been no reason to do it since."

Responses from the majority of school districts, combined with the lack of any requirement to conduct testing, show that a full understanding of radon risks is lacking.

Berkley Schools, Brandon School District, Clarenceville School District, Clarkston School District, Huron Valley Schools, Lake Orion Community Schools, Oxford Community Schools, Royal Oak Schools and West Bloomfield School District all said they do not test for radon, nor have they done so in recent years.

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools spokeswoman Judy Evola said the district did some testing at one of the district's high schools in the past as part of a wider testing program, and no elevated levels of radon were found.

Waterford School District spokeswoman Rhonda Lessel said testing was done at some point in the past across the district, but it wasn't known exactly when. She added that most schools in the district are constructed on slabs that included a vapor barrier. Further, the district has or is in the process of upgrading HVAC systems, which are required to bring in outdoor air into buildings.

The EPA and environmental consultants certified to conduct radon testing specifically

recommend districts retest after significant changes to the building structure or HVAC system.

While the risks of radon had been known for decades, the push for increased public education and testing stemmed, in part, from a 1984 incident at the Limerick nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, northwest of Philadelphia. An employee at the plant, Stanley Watras, had set off a radiation monitoring device at the plant. However, there was no radioactive material at the plant when the activity was detected. It was discovered that Watras had been exposed to radon in his home that reached several thousand pCi/L. Brian Redmond, a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences at Wilkes University, in Pennsylvania, began working with another professor at the time to develop a radon testing program. The incident and subsequent testing programs led to one of the first campaigns to educate the public and test homes for radon.

Recently retired from Wilkes University, Redmond – a native of Detroit who earned his first two degrees in geology from Michigan State University – believes radon testing should be required at all schools.

"People spend a significant amount of time indoors in schools, and not just students, also the teachers and staff. People should know what levels there are, and if they are high, you should do something to bring them into reasonable limits," Redmond said. "Testing conditions should be under closed building conditions, as that would maximize levels. And it could be more important to test in public schools, compared to a house, whether you have a basement or not."

Redmond said to imagine the building as an upended cup that captures gas coming out of the soil. Then imagine placing your hands around the cup to represent common impermeable material surrounding most public buildings (such as parking lots), which in turn expands the catch area of the cup. Likewise, he said changes in ventilation may create a negative air pressure in the lowest floors of the building, which may divert more soil gas inside.

"Any change in construction around the perimeter of a building or in ventilation should probably trigger a new test in radon levels because it will probably make them worse," he said. "And if you don't test, you don't know."

There are two ways to test for radon in schools that the EPA recommends. Short-term testing uses devices that absorb radon over the course of two to 90 days. Short-term measurements may utilize activated charcoal devices, alpha track detectors or other monitors.

Long-term testing remains in place for more than 90 days and is usually conducted over the course of an entire school year. The longer-term testing devices give a more accurate representation of radon levels. The EPA recommends that when initial tests are conducted with short-term devices, that a longterm test is conducted when radon levels are at or above four pCi/L.

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ENTERTAINERS PARADISE OVER 6,000 SQ. FT. OF LIVING AREA

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For buildings that are "slab-on-grade" design, the EPA recommends measuring only frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground.

Rooms above crawlspaces should be tested, as well as all frequently occupied rooms in buildings with basements, and frequently occupied basements rooms. The EPA recommends testing under closed conditions after 12 hours of closure and in colder months when heating and cooling systems are operating normally.

The EPA and other major and international scientific organizations have concluded that radon is a human carcinogen and a serious environmental health problem. Because radon levels may vary from room to room, the EPA recommends schools test all "frequently occupied rooms in contact with the ground," according to the EPA's "Radon Measurement in Schools" guidelines. "Each frequently occupied room that is in contact with the ground should be measured because adjacent rooms can have significantly different levels of radon."

The EPA first began investigating radon in schools in 1988, when a study in Fairfax County, Virginia, was conducted and used to develop initial guidelines. In the subsequent two years, the EPA conducted a nationwide study, which resulted in the action level of 4 pCi/L. The EPA later conducted a National School Radon Survey, a statistical representation of levels of radon in schools at the national level, but not the state or local level. The results showed a widespread contamination of radon in schools, with nearly one in five schools having at least one frequently occupied room with the ground with short-term radon levels above four pCi/L. In 1991, the Michigan Indoor Radon Program conducted a survey of radon in Michigan schools. More than 13,000 measurement devices were placed in 288 randomly selected school buildings across the state. About 2.3 percent of the samples at that time exceeded the EPA's guidelines of four pCi/L. The EPA has also assigned risk categories to each county across the nation, with "Zone 1" counties having the highest potential to test higher than four pCi/L; "Zone 3" the lowest potential; and "Zone 2," between the two zones.

The EPA ranks Oakland County as a Zone 2 county, while Macomb and Wayne Counties are Zone 3. Also listed as Zone 2 counties are Lapeer and Genesee counties to the north, and Livingston County to the west. Washtenaw County, to the southwest of Oakland County, is considered one of eight Zone 1 counties.

Radon levels reported to Air Check tend to follow the EPA's zone rankings of radon risk, with Oakland's average of 3.6 pCi/L higher than Wayne (2.5 pCi/L) and Macomb (2.0 pCi/L); and lower than Washtenaw County's average of 4.9 pCi/L. In 2011, the Ann Arbor News published an investigation of elevated radon levels in the basement of the former police department. The report detailed instances of radon levels as many as seven times the EPA's action level, with tests showing elevated levels from the 1990s

when a mitigation system was installed.

Air Check lists the percent of test results above four pCi/L in Washtenaw County to be 37.3 percent, with 60.6 percent above two pCi/L. Although the ranking system and news reports give an idea of where higher risks may be, the amount of radon exiting the soil depends upon several factors, one of the greatest being geology.

"It all starts with uranium," Redmond said. "It goes through a series of decays and ultimately ends up as lead."

All rocks contain at least a small amount of uranium, typically between one and three parts per million. As the uranium breaks down over millions of years, it decays into radium, which then decays into radon gas. In gas form, radon may be breathed in, where it further continues to decay into polonium, another radioactive decay product, and can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer over time. Thus, it's the radioactive decay process that may occur in one's body that ultimately leads to harm.

Although Oakland is considered to have a relatively low risk of radon, there may be various hot spots in any area. Testing is the only way to determine the level of radon.

Radon gas may enter groundwater, become stuck in pockets of gas in the earth's soil, or rise to the surface where it enters the air or buildings through cracks in foundations, drains and other means. Radon levels in outdoor air, indoor air, soil air and groundwater can all be very different, with outdoor air raging from one pCi/L to about 3,000 pCi/L, with an average about one to two pCi/L, according to the United States Geological Survey. Radon in soil air is usually between 200 and 2,000 pCi/L. While most buildings draw less than one percent of their indoor air from the soil, those with low indoor air pressures, poorly sealed foundations and several entry points for soil air may draw a much higher percentage of air from soil. Even if soil air has only moderate levels of radon, levels inside a building may be high.

Water systems also may allow radon to enter a building.

Radon levels may be higher in areas where there are higher concentrations of uranium, such as granite and shale. High levels of radon

discovered in Pennsylvania coincide with the uranium-rich Reading Prong formation, while the uranium-rich Ohio Shale formation extends into southern Michigan.

"You can find trace amounts of uranium associated with black shale," Redmond said. "In Pennsylvania, there is the famous Marcellus formation, which they are fracking now for natural gas. Michigan has a similar black shale, Antrim Shale. I never tested for radon in Michigan, but I wouldn't be surprised that in some areas where you have a structure over shale, you could have higher radon levels. I don't think there's any granite in the lower peninsula, but you certainly have black shale."

While state lawmakers have passed laws regarding radon testing for homes in counties with a high risk for radon, as well as daycare facilities, there has been almost no efforts to increase radon testing in schools.

In 2004, former state lawmaker Frank Accavitti Jr., sponsored a bill that would have required radon testing as part of indoor air quality requirements for all public school districts in the state. Under the bill, HB 5560, districts would have been required to submit an annual report on the status of indoor air quality to the superintendent of public instruction. The program would have required inspections at least every five years, starting in 2008. The bill, which failed to be voted out of committee, would also would have required districts to incorporate radon mitigation measures in construction plans in counties with high or moderate radon risk.

While Redmond said he believes schools should be required to test for radon, he said people shouldn't be too alarmed by initial, shortterm tests that are at or near four pCi/L. "The ‘four picoCuries per liter’ is misleading," he said. "Few people know this, but when they were trying to figure out what would be a reasonable level — it wasn't going to be zero because there's always some radon. Outdoor air is about two picoCuries, so they came up with four.

"The problem is that the four limit was originally decided upon in a household under normal conditions, which means it's open in the summer and spring, and closed in the winter, which means you need to monitor for a year, continuously. In the winter, it's going to vary each season. The 'four' is the average annual exposure, but people don't want to wait a year to find the average."

Redmond said initial numbers between four pCi/L and 20 pCi/L aren't high enough that they should cause an immediate panic. However, such figures could be cause for a longer-term test. Further, he said people need to put monitoring results in perspective. For instance, if you discover slightly elevated levels of radon while being a chain smoker at the same time, your risk for lung cancer is greatly increased.

"Don't panic in the short-term," he said. "I remember getting a call from a guy who was concerned that he found 4.1 (picoCuries), but he was chain smoking at the same time. You have to put the risk into perspective."

AUGUST 7 PRIMARY

VOTER

GUIDE SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE

The August 7th Democratic primary election gives voters a clear choice!

What policies do you want to see advocated by a new 8th District Representative in Congress?

www.ChrisSmithforMich.com

Chris Smith has taught public policy and law for 24

years at MSU. He grew up in a union household and attended Michigan public schools. Married for 33 years, he is a father and grandfather. He raised his kids in the district.

Chris Smith²the ONLY 8th District candidate who: ¾ advocates Medicare for All: single-payer universal health care ¾ urges a ban on pipelines under the Great Lakes ¾ will vote to end the sale of military-style rifles to the public ¾ will propose free community college & technical training and expanded student loan forgiveness. ¾ will work to raise the minimum wage to $15

Paid for by Chris Smith for Michigan, P.O. Box 4100, East Lansing, MI 48826

VOTER GUIDE 08.18

Inside this August primary election Voter Guide readers will find candidates’ answers to questions Downtown newsmagazine raised with those who have opposition in the August 7 election.

A primary election is designed to let voters determine which candidate in either the Republican or Democratic party will advance to the general election that will be held this November.

As a result, voters must decide in which party they will vote in a primary.

Represented in the following pages are candidates who have opposition in the August 7 election. Not all offices had more than one candidate file for a specific post, so candidates without opposition automatically advance to the November ballot and they were not asked to respond to the questionnaire sent out by Downtown newsmagazine.

In the relatively large field vying for offices in the August primary, there were a couple of candidates who did not respond to our request so they are not represented in the following pages.

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Congress 8th District/Democrats

7

Congress 8th District/Republicans

9

11th District U.S. House/Democrats

Rochester, most of Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and nearly all north Oakland County communities, most of Livingston County and Ingham County, including East Lansing.

Rochester, most of Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and nearly all north Oakland County communities, most of Livingston County and Ingham County, including East Lansing.

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

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11th District U.S. House/Republicans

16

12th District Michigan Senate/Republicans

19 22

45th District Michigan House/Democrats

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

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

Rochester, Rochester Hills and the lower portion of Oakland Township.

County Commission 11th District Almost the western half of Rochester Hills, along with the northern portion of Troy and the southeast corner of Auburn Hills.

august 7 primary voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township

U.S. HOUSE 8TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT ELISSA SLOTKIN

Do you support the tax cuts enacted

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

I support tax reform that lifts up the middle class and Michigan’s small businesses. But I was disappointed that the tax bill passed by Congress gave deep, permanent cuts for the ultra-wealthy and large corporations like the pharmaceutical industry, while giving shallow, temporary cuts to the average taxpayer. I would change that approach and close the enormous number of loopholes that keep many of the ultra-wealthy from paying taxes at all.

Slotkin grew up in Oakland County, graduated from Cranbrook Schools and Cornell University before getting a masters degree from Columbia University. She lives in Holly on her family farm and is married to Dave Moore, a former Apache pilot, who retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army.

Slotkin served three tours in Iraq in military intelligence, and worked as a national security expert for both Democratic and Republican administrations. She served at the White House and in top roles at the Pentagon, including as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs under the Obama Administration.

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

No. Protecting our Great Lakes, inland waters, drinking water and parks must be a key priority for anyone who claims to love this state. As a former national security analyst, I believe we need to start thinking of environmental security the way we think about homeland security: it’s about the safety and security of our kids. By rolling back protections for our environment, our clean air, and our access to clean drinking water, the administration is using the banner of deregulation to threaten our way of life in Michigan. If elected, I would help reinvigorate the Great Lakes caucus; push for a comprehensive, ten-year environmental plan for Michigan – instead of piecemeal initiatives – to preserve the natural gifts we have as a state; and conduct prudent planning to manage and mitigate the impact of warming temperatures.

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BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT In the most recent budget adopted

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

I believe that the federal budget should be treated like your budget at home: you don’t spend outside your means without a plan to pay for it. The recent tax bill added more than a trillion dollars to our national debt, which isn’t healthy for us as a nation. Coming from a national security background, you never know what national disasters or security crises you may need to deal with in the future, and racking up endless debt is irresponsible. We should close the significant loopholes left open in the latest tax bill, particularly with regard to holding profits or moving American jobs offshore, to help bring the budget back under control, in addition to fat-cutting actions to rein in our national debt.

But to be clear, Social Security and Medicare are not fat, and I support neither cuts to them nor privatizing them.

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

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

I believe figuring out healthcare and healthcare costs is our generational challenge, and we need new representatives in Congress who will get to work on dealing with this issue responsibly – instead of playing politics with our care. It’s also a deeply personal issue, and the one that got me into this congressional race: my mom died of ovarian cancer in 2011 after struggling with health care due to her pre-existing condition of breast cancer as a young mom. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made important strides towards expanding coverage for key segments of the population, particularly those with pre-existing conditions, like my mom, before she passed away. However, the ACA desperately needs reform, and I believe there is a lot we still must do to bring costs down, and make sure that people who have health insurance can actually access the care they pay for. One critical way to do that is by implementing a public option, a buy-in to Medicare. This could help drive down all health care costs significantly.

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

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

I believe that immigration is a moral, economic, and national security issue.

And right now, the immigration system isn’t working for anyone: not Michigan businesses or workers, not undocumented immigrants, not Dreamers, not farmers, or anyone else.

Our elected representatives have failed to address the public outcry for reform – we need to pass comprehensive legislation, tailored to our economic needs, that brings in workers when we need their specific skills; provides a pathway to citizenship to young people brought to the United States as kids who are Americans in every way other than their papers; increases border security, especially through technology; we need to hold companies accountable for exploiting undocumented labor, when they undercut our American workers; and provide safe-haven, as we have since the Founding Fathers, for refugees

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Lake Orion

Oakland Twp.

Orion Twp.

Lake Angelus

Rochester

Pontiac

Auburn Hills

Rochester Hills

Sylvan

TAX CUTS

Rochester, most of Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and nearly all north Oakland County communities, most of Livingston County and Ingham County, including East Lansing.

escaping death and destruction in their home countries.

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

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

I grew up in a gun-owning family. I was trained on a Glock-17 and an M-4 for my three tours in Iraq. And my husband, a retired Army officer, carried a weapon every day he was deployed.

So I believe in and support the Second Amendment. It is because of my background that I believe we need to both protect the Second Amendment and be smart about gun safety reforms; this is not an either/or issue. But our Congress has failed to take meaningful action for years. No one expects everyone to agree, but I do expect our elected officials to be willing to have tough conversations and make some sort of progress. I believe that we must pass common-sense gun safety legislation including instituting a robust, universal background check system to prevent terrorists, domestic abusers, and the mentally ill from obtaining guns, prohibit purchase of bump stocks and high-capacity magazines, and raise the age to purchase certain firearms.

But we can’t make progress if our elected leaders simply refuse to have a conversation.

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

I’ve served in various defense and intelligence roles under Presidents AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

august 7 primary voter guide

Obama and Bush, including three tours in Iraq. I’m an Army wife and the stepmom to a current Army officer. So I feel strongly about this issue. Congress has the legal obligation, as given by the U.S. Constitution, to authorize any act of war. Since the Iraq war, we’ve seen little action on the part of our elected representatives to truly demand that authority, and to seek to update the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF).

Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines serving in combat zones today are still operating under the 2001 AUMF, aimed at al Qaeda, because our Congress has backed away from their responsibilities. In Congress, I would serve as a vocal proponent for an update to the AUMF, and start to bring back the appropriate checks and balances in our system set up by our founding fathers.

administrations, I know what it means to put politics aside, put your head down, and get to work. To serve. I have been tested in war zones and national security crises, and I know how to bring disparate parties together and hammer out solutions. If elected, I will bring that same mission-focus to expanding real economic opportunity to our communities here in Michigan, fighting for our fundamental rights to safety, security, and health for our kids, and preserving what makes our state great.

I will always be governed by the simple idea that our representatives’ job is to be available and serve the public. It’s time to send a different generation of leaders to Congress, and I hope you give me the chance to do it.

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

What will the impact be of the import tariffs?

off-shore drilling in the ocean, too. We need a determined commitment to stronger environmental protection – not the Trump administration’s singleminded effort to increase corporate profits at the expense of public health.

TAX CUTS I do not support the approach of the Trump administration and Congress.

There are benefits to cutting taxes for people in the middle class and below to help families and stimulate the economy through consumer spending.

However, this deceptive legislation that Republicans call “a middle class tax cut” actually gives 70 percent of the benefits to the wealthiest 20 percent of Americans. Moreover, “the middle class” tax cut is temporary while the tax cuts for corporations are permanent – with much of the benefit going to foreign investors. Wall Street is booming and Main Street is struggling.

This was not a moment to expand the deficit to benefit corporations and the wealthy. We have needs – roads, schools, health care, etc. We need tax dollars for these important purposes.

The tax cut has not stimulated the economy; it was a deficit-expanding giveaway to those who give millions of dollars in campaign contributions.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

My great-grandfather started Hygrade Foods – famous for creating the Ballpark Franks at Tigers Stadium. My grandfather bought our family farm in Holly, where a local farmer now grows soybeans and feed corn. Stability is everything for business owners and farmers. So our approach to tariffs needs to be strategic and well thought out, and I’m concerned by some of President Trump’s actions in this area.

While it’s unclear what tariffs will ultimately be put in place, I do not believe in unnecessary instability for businesses and farmers, and a trade war with China, should it come to that, leaves both the American consumer and producer a loser. When it comes to trade agreements, I take a principled approach: what does a trade deal do for Michigan businesses, Michigan workers, and will foreign partners be held to the same high quality and human rights standards? This is the scorecard that any trade deal should be graded against.

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

I am running for Congress because I believe our politics must change – and that Congress isn’t going to fix itself. As a national security professional who has served both Democratic and Republican AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

Smith, of E. Lansing, is a professor at Michigan State University who has held no previous government or political office. He has degrees from Harvard, University of Bristol, a law degree from University of Tennessee, and a PhD from University of Connecticut.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS I do not support the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency has turned away from its intended mission and become an active advocate of increasing profits for energy and other industries – at the expense of the environment. We need to take seriously the issue of climate change as well as the direct public health harms from increasing air and water pollution just to enhance the short-term profits of industry. We face serious threats – to both public health and the economy – from failing to increase our efforts to reduce emissions and improve the environment. As an advocate of saying “No pipelines under the Great Lakes,” I am very disturbed by the expansion of

We should not address deficit and debt by taking food and health care away from seniors and less-affluent people.

We should reverse tax cuts that benefit corporations and the wealthy.

Republicans used their tax giveaway to wealthy donors as an excuse to cut programs that people need. We need a more progressive tax system, including wealthier Americans sharing an equal burden to working people in contributing a percentage of their entire income to fund Social Security. We should take a hard look at the budgets of all agencies, including the Defense Department, to see where we can cut pet projects or “pork” that individual members of Congress bring home to their districts. We cannot talk about deficits and national debt without also talking about the other side of the equation: do we take seriously the need to generate revenue to address the important problems faced by our country?

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE The Affordable Care Act is a noble effort to expand access to essential health care services. It is imperfect, including its vulnerability to litigation that picked apart important components and Republican governors who chose to deny health care coverage in their states to millions of people who would

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

have been eligible. The lesson of the Affordable Care Act is this: we need to make single-payer, universal health care a priority goal. I advocate Medicare for All – not the current Medicare, but an improved Medicare with better access to prescriptions and essential dental services. If we do not make this a clearly-stated goal, we will not work toward it with determination. Our current system leaves tens of millions of Americans vulnerable to bankruptcy, physical suffering, and premature death through lack of ready access to health care. Numerous countries in the world take care of their people – we should do it, too.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY I support the continuation of DACA. We should not be separating families, especially when our government, in effect, facilitated this situation by turning a blind eye to the many American businesses that encouraged and relied upon workers who did not enter the country legally. This is a great example of an issue for which many Democrats and Republicans could work together to find a way to treat people humanely, keep our promises to the DACA young people, and work on gaining control of immigration. Yet, President Trump’s advisers seem to be so determined to use these immigrants as scapegoats that Republican members of Congress appear to be afraid to move forward to address this issue in a problem-solving manner.

GUN CONTROL I have long argued that we need stronger gun control. The actual legal definition of the Second Amendment is more limited than many people realize.

We can respect the Second Amendment and respect the ability of law-abiding adults to own firearms while we also move forward with policies that might reduce risks that we face. I advocate improved and expanded background checks, including guns shows and all private sales. We should certainly ban bump stocks as well as end the sales of military-type rifles to the public. I also support raising the age for the purchase of weapons as well as legal processes for removing weapons from those who commit or threaten acts of violence or show a demonstrated risk of issues that may foreshadow suicide.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Congress needs to assert its constitutional authority over military affairs, especially military conflict in foreign countries. We have permitted the president to have too much discretionary authority. Thus, we end up with military 5B

august 7 primary voter guide

personnel injured and killed in countries where the American public – and even members of Congress – were sometimes not fully aware that American forces are engaged military action. The president needs some authority to act immediately – and temporarily – in certain emergency situations. But then Congress needs to review and approve for any continuation.

The actual conduct of war – which we think of as larger scale and potentially longer duration than just a finite number of days – must be under the actual constitutional authority of Congress.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS President Trump’s “tariff policy by Twitter” creates chaos that harms us economically and also damages relationships with important allies.

Contrary to the President’s claims, trades wars are not “easy to win.”

Trade policy should include careful study of consequences and serious deliberation – otherwise sectors of the American company will suffer consequences from instant increases in the price of materials or retaliatory actions by countries that stop buying certain American products. Trade agreements are complicated. It is difficult to make flat generalizations about being “good” or “bad.” Trade agreements are also inevitable, but we do not need to join every agreement that certain American businesses see as being to their benefit. Moreover, trade agreements predictably have “winners” and “losers” within the United States. We need to adopt a new approach that says: we will invest in American regions and assist the adjustment of American industries that “lose” in trade agreements.

WHY YOU

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

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

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

So if you are not registered to vote in the August 7 primary election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

One element of my strength as a potential member of Congress comes from my life experience. I grew up in Michigan in a union household and was educated in Michigan public schools.

Having lived in the district for two decades, I am keenly aware of issues faced by individuals and families.

Another strength comes from my professional experience. I have spent more than 30 years teaching and writing books about public policy and law, including the past 24 years at MSU. I can bring problemsolving approaches to Congress. Most importantly, I have clear policy positions that differ from those of my opponent.

For example, I am the only candidate who advocates Medicare for All, no pipelines under the Great Lakes, and ending sales of military-type rifles to the public. I say what I mean. I mean what I say. No campaign consultants tell me what to do or say.

AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

august 7 primary voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township

U.S. HOUSE 8TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN MIKE BISHOP

Bishop, of Rochester, is the incumbent Congressman of the 8th District, since 2014. Before that, he served two terms in the state House (1999-2003), and two terms in the state Senate (2003-2011), where he was the Majority Leader. He graduated from University of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Law. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS When President Trump came to office, he began to roll back a number of environmental regulations enacted by the past administration and reversed a number of decisions dating back to the Clinton administration that were designed to promote a cleaner environment. Do you support the administration’s efforts to minimize environmental regulations?

All Americans deserve clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. And every Michigan family is a part of the heritage of the Great Lakes, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are preserved for generations to come. This does not require a labyrinth of government regulations, some of which do little to actually protect the environment. A National Association of Manufacturers study estimates that compliance with burdensome regulations cost our economy nearly $2 trillion annually. This places a massive disincentive to manufacture, farm, or produce energy in America, costing workers good paying jobs, and driving up costs for families. That is why I’ve supported a reduction in the regulatory burden throughout my time in Congress.

In Michigan our economic security is dependent on manufacturing, and our national security is dependent on energy security. I will fight any government overregulations which threaten those imperatives.

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

AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

Not only did I support it, as a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, I helped write it. I’m proud that this legislation delivers real relief to nearly every hardworking Michigan family including doubling the standard deduction and the child tax credit, expanding the medical expense deduction, and preserving higher education tax relief for our students. As a result, a typical family of four in Michigan’s Eighth earning $90,000 will see a tax cut of approximately $1,700. We’re also seeing something extremely exciting in our state – jobs returning from Mexico! Fiat Chrysler Truck Assembly Plant is relocating their new Ram Truck production line from Mexico to Michigan, bringing with it 2,500 new jobs. In addition, every Chrysler employee received a bonus check for $2,000 as a result of tax reform. The economy is growing and jobs are returning to the United States – and this is just the beginning.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

and the issue of a national health care plan in general?

Lake Orion

Sadly, the Affordable Care Act has failed American families across the nation.

Americans are facing higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and fewer participating providers. I don’t believe the Affordable Care Act is the right way forward for our nation. My goals are the same as those of Michigan families, to increase quality, reduce costs, and put healthcare decisions back into the hands of the American people. That is exactly what I am working to enact. I voted in support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act, which would allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance through an association giving their employees greater access to health coverage at reduced costs. I also voted for legislation recently signed into law that provides a two-year extension of funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers, also known as community health centers, which provide affordable health care to low-income Americans.

In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket. There has been talk of Congress now attempting to reduce the deficit by cutting back on programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Do you support trimming these programs to reduce the budget? Are there other areas of the budget that should be targeted to bring the budget back under control and over time reduce the national debt?

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

The national debt and deficit continue to be some of America’s most pressing issues. Effectively dealing with this will require tough fiscal decisions but most importantly we need the growing economy that is resulting from tax reform. We must also continue to cut wasteful spending while protecting the benefits of folks who have paid into the system and need these benefits for their retirement. Programs like Social Security and Medicare, which people have earned, need to be strengthened and protected, not cut. Last year, I supported reforms to Medicaid as a part of the American Health Care Act which would have given states more flexibility and delivered a great deal of savings, but the Senate failed to act. I will continue to work toward such reforms to bring fiscal responsibility while protecting Michigan families. I support a balanced budget amendment that will force the government to live within its means.

Our immigration system is broken and our borders are not secure. I support legislation that secures the border, transitions away from chain migration to a merit based system, eliminates the Visa lottery and cracks down on sanctuary cities. It would also provide stability for the DACA recipients who are here through no fault of their own by restoring the DACA program without giving a special pathway to citizenship. This is a reasonable and commonsense approach which will treat those currently protected

by DACA with compassion so they can continue to work and study here while also protecting the sovereignty of our nation by restoring the rule of law.

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

President Trump has eliminated the policy governing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that granted deportation relief for immigrants who came here as children (under the age of 16), which was created in 2012 by the Obama administration. Do you support continuation of the DACA program? Should Congress move to find a common ground that will provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

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

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

The House has been taking action on this important issue. In March, legislation I supported was signed into law that will strengthen our nation’s gun background check system (NICS). This is vital to

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Oakland Twp.

Orion Twp.

Lake Angelus

Rochester

Pontiac

Auburn Hills

Rochester Hills

Sylvan

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Rochester, most of Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and nearly all north Oakland County communities, most of Livingston County and Ingham County, including East Lansing.

ensure criminal histories are accurately reported to the national background check database. I have supported banning bump stocks and submitted a letter encouraging a ban. But there are those who would propose a ban on a wide-range of commonly-used firearms, which I don’t believe will solve the problem. I voted for the Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative, which trains law enforcement to handle active shooter situations, provides increased grant funding to train teachers, first responders, and others to identify and aid someone with mental health issues before a crisis occurs. I also voted for the bipartisan STOP School Violence Act (H.R. 4909) which increased grant funding for school security from $30 million to $75 million for the next ten years.

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

The decision to send American service members into harm’s way is something every American takes very seriously, and I believe it must only be done when vital U.S. interests or those of our allies are at risk. While the President does have the unilateral power to deploy U.S. forces in combat to protect our national interests from imminent threat, the President is required to consult with Congress beforehand, and must seek Congressional authorization to continue such a deployment beyond 90 days.

There are also two existing Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs) on the books that Congress enacted in the aftermath of 9/11. These AUMFs provide the President with broad authority to fight terrorism overseas. I believe that any future effort to expand the authorities granted by these two AUMFs should be fully debated by the people’s representatives in Congress and passed into law before action is taken.

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

Safety and Regulations. Jokes aside, I am all for lower regulations. We can always choose to re-assess areas of concern. Our district is gifted with many well maintained parks, lakes, and golf courses. I want to thank the people that manage these facilities; they are committed and do a wonderful job.

TAX CUTS

I believe in free trade, but it must be fair trade. We should pursue level trade rules for American manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses given that they must compete in the global market. I support modernizing NAFTA and applaud the Trump Administration’s successful renegotiation of the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement which has achieved fair treatment for U.S. auto exports. Bad actors like China have distorted world markets through currency manipulation and theft of intellectual property bringing the loss of American jobs and entire industries. This must be confronted. In response, the Trump Administration has threatened tariffs while also entering negotiations with nations like China. I’ve heard from a number of small businesses right here in Michigan who are concerned these tariffs could harm their businesses, and I understand their concerns. Going forward, please know that I will continue to fight for American producers and American workers.

Yes, and we need to go further, income tax should be no more than 15 percent.

Why are we paying through the nose for a bloated government? We must leave more hard earned money with the people.

Household spending has increased recently by 25 percent, putting many households in the red. We already pay 8 percent to Social Security, 6 percent to sales tax, 5 percent to property tax, 4 percent to Michigan income tax, and 30 percent to federal income tax. Based on average household income, that’s a total of roughly 50 percent in taxes. This means the government takes every $2,500 out of the $5,000 you worked so hard to earn.

Lower taxes are good for everyone, and tax reduction always boosts the economy.

Our government has way too much wasteful spending. Cost of any government project is always higher compared to ‘real world’ cost. Career politicians and interest groups will have you believe otherwise.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

LOKESH KUMAR

Kumar lives in Lansing, earned his degree at Eastern Michigan University and works in the automotive industry. He has no previous political experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS I am a great lover of outdoors. My family and I camp regularly all over Michigan. I love our beautiful lakes. There isn’t a place like Michigan in the entire world, so environmental issues are very important for me. But we have way too much regulation. Some of the agencies have far surpassed their mandates. People are going to start calling us United States of 8B

Medicaid and Medicare are not entitlements, they’re a civil necessity. The high cost of Social Security and Medicare can be addressed by deregulation of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and reducing patent protection for most drugs. This would increase competition and drastically reduce costs.

Overregulation and protectionism of the drug industry appears to be the root cause of high cost in both these programs.

Social Security is a contract with the American people. Everyone that has paid into it deserves every benefit promised. No more, no less. There is plenty of room for cost savings in the budget by reducing wasteful spending and lowering interest on federal debt. Interest alone on our debt is $230 billion dollars. You could rebuild the whole American Interstate Highway Systems every year with that kind of money.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE The ACA is a massive drain on the individual’s income and economy. There is nothing affordable in the Affordable Care Act. People sign up because companies are eliminating other market-based offerings. Premiums, deductibles, and copays are ridiculous. Over regulation has eliminated market potential and competition for insurers. The average family is now paying $18,000 towards basic preventative healthcare. Add the

deductibles and it becomes $25,000. For many families this is about 20-30 percent of their income. What may have started out as a good idea on paper never delivered. Most people would be better off funding their own healthcare rather than be forced into it. The industry needs deregulation and more competition. After the government takes its taxes, and insurers take their premiums, average people are left with barely enough money to get by.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY I never followed this issue until newspapers started asking me about it. It doesn’t really affect most of us in Michigan. Of all the people I have talked to in my district, no one has brought it up.

People appear to have much larger hearts than media gives them credit for. After all, everyone in this vast land other than American Indians is a decedent of immigrants. Nonetheless, I don’t know how anyone can justify both legal and illegal immigration? I can’t. I do know a thing or two about the immigration process. After my college in 1987, I worked in US and Europe as a nonresident engineer. Thanks to my employer and mentor, I eventually became a citizen after a very lengthy and arduous legal immigration process. The process took 10-plus years, but it works. So I have faith in the system. I am proud to be an American, and fortunate to have raised my wonderful family in Michigan for 20 years.

GUN CONTROL I support all the voters in my district that believe very strongly in the Second Amendment. I personally took my first shooting classes from the ROTC in college.

I started with .22 caliber rifle and moved on to shot guns for trap and skeet shooting at which I was a natural. Most people in Michigan hunt and enjoy their guns and cars. Mind you, both are dangerous in the wrong hands. Would you ban cars, or force who can or cannot buy a certain car? Instead, we should ask ourselves why now? We’ve had guns for a long while. Why are Republicans being targeted for standing up for their constituents and the Second Amendment? Republicans have children, too. We are all equally concerned about their safety. The issue is not gun control. I believe swift enforcement of laws already on the books, and severe punishment for culprits, including some accountability of parents of minors, would go a long way.

The sheriffs and township police in our district have already started to become very pro-active in their communities to meet these safety challenges.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS President should continue to use military authority inherent to his office. Under Article I of the US Constitution, only

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Congress has the power to declare war.

The president derives power to direct the military only after a Congressional declaration of war. War is a total breakdown of civilianization. It ruins countries, lives of our soldiers and their families, creates famines, disease, and mass migration. Wars drain our resources, create uncertainty. Wars affect all our citizens for generations to come. This is why our constitution requires the full 435 members of Congress to declare a war.

Congress and the President need to work together and speak with one voice before committing our military to long-term action in foreign countries.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS NAFTA is 24 years old and WTO is 17 years. Since these two treaties, our high paying manufacturing jobs have relentlessly migrated to low cost countries creating severe hardship for our families and towns. We have changed from a nation of manufacturers and innovators to a nation of consumers. I work in the automotive sector, so I’ve seen this first hand. We cannot just sit around and keep taking a beating. I believe trade treaties need to be renegotiated every 10 years.

This will ensure they continue to perform in the nation’s best interest. Proposed tariffs are insignificant compared to our larger problems. No country will tolerate devastation to their manufacturing and farming sector just because of some trade treaties. More important is how we stay a viable manufacturing base for exports. We have to remove many constraints on manufacturing and farming industries that will make them competitive for export.

WHY YOU I want to help reshape Congress so it is more responsive to our needs. Career politicians and the establishment are no longer able to deliver. Our congressman Mike Bishop is a career politician. He has been in Washington for two terms, and what has he done for us? Absolutely nothing. We might as well have sent a machine. Just look at our rotting roads, high cost of healthcare, and loss of many manufacturing jobs. Has he done anything about these? Nothing. He’s taken the voters for granted, and not given our district any leadership. Everyone says they’ve never seen him. He can’t understand our problems, let alone solve them. He’s part of the problem. I am a political outsider. I will give you that voice in Congress. I have no ambition to be a career politician. I am a businessman, and know how to get things done. My agenda is simple. Fix things, nothing else counts.

Be compassionate and listen to the people. I will hold quarterly meetings in every county to listen to my constituents. I will provide a number for you to contact my office and respond within 48 hours. I will use innovation to empower you and make your voice heard.

AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

august 7 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills

U.S. HOUSE 11TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT TIM GREIMEL

working families, the bulk of the Trump tax law benefits large corporations and the wealthiest Americans to the detriment of fiscal responsibility. The Trump tax law’s lavish giveaways to corporations and wealthy individuals are permanent while the benefits for working and middle class families sunset after a few years. The plan is not paid for and will add $1.5 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years, burdening future generations and making it harder to make needed investments in infrastructure and education.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

Greimel, of Auburn Hills, attended undergrad and law school at the University of Michigan.

He served on the Rochester School Board from 2001-2008; Oakland County Board of Commissioners from 2007-2012; and has been a state Representative for the 29th District since 2012.

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

No. Protecting Michigan’s environment is essential in order to protect thousands of jobs in tourism, shipping, and agriculture. It also means protecting the quality of life for our families. Gutting environmental standards and ignoring the science of climate change not only damages our environment, but also sets back Michigan businesses in the green technology market. It is not true that less environmental protection means more business, as Trump seems to believe. That’s why in the Michigan House of Representatives, I successfully championed an increase in our state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards. The right protections can boost our economy and keep our water, earth, and air safe and clean for generations.

TAX CUTS Do you support the tax cuts enacted

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

While some of the changes to the tax code do benefit middle class and AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket. There has been talk of Congress now attempting to reduce the deficit by cutting back on programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Do you support trimming these programs to reduce the budget? Are there other areas of the budget that should be targeted to bring the budget back under control and over time reduce the national debt?

The national debt hampers economic growth and unfairly burdens future generations, but the budget must never be balanced on the backs of retirees.

That Republican style of slash-and-burn deficit reduction is unjust and unnecessary. Americans earn Social Security by working and paying into the system, and Medicare and Medicaid are effective programs for keeping Americans insured and healthy. The current proposals to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid would be unnecessary without the portions of Trump’s tax plan that lavish tax giveaways on corporations and billionaires. Moreover, the government could save billions of dollars in Medicare by negotiating bulk pricing for prescription drugs. Unfortunately, Medicare is prohibited from negotiating drug prices under a statutory provision backed by big pharma. I support repealing that provision so that the government can negotiate fair prices and save money for both taxpayers and seniors.

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

national health care plan in general?

As the Democratic Leader in the Michigan House of Representatives, I successfully fought to expand Medicaid coverage to 650,000 Michiganders with the Healthy Michigan Plan. We must maintain the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of Medicaid and its protections for those with pre-existing conditions. At the same time, we need to fix the problems with the ACA. In the short term, that means bolstering the healthcare exchanges in order to lower premiums. In the longer term, it means building on our successful Medicare system by allowing every American, regardless of age, to buy into Medicare.

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

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS

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

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

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

Those who are eligible for DACA must be allowed to continue living in the U.S. and should be given a pathway to citizenship. More broadly, we need immigration reform that strengthens our nation’s tradition of legal immigration, while investing in additional border security.

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

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

In the Michigan legislature, I have taken the lead in opposing reckless proposals to allow people to carry concealed firearms in schools and to carry concealed firearms without even obtaining a permit or receiving any training. Nobody outside of the military or law enforcement needs a militarystyle assault weapon, and I will fight for long overdue common sense reforms, like reasonable age restrictions, a ban on bump stocks, universal background checks, and red-flag legislation to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms.

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Congress alone has the Constitutional authority to declare war, but Republicans and Democrats alike have put too much trust in the Presidency to do the right thing and act without congressional approval. In Congress, I will work to forge a bipartisan consensus around the use of military force.

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

What will the impact be of the import tariffs?

Everyday people have no seat at the table of high-stakes trade negotiations, but huge corporations and billionaires always have their say. The result has been trade deals that have at times hurt small business owners and American workers. It is imperative for trade deals to include protections for labor and environmental standards.

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

The people of the 11th District deserve to be represented by someone with a track record of winning tough legislative fights in order to advance progressive legislation that protects their values and economic wellbeing. I successfully fought book-banners when I was on the Rochester school board and passed a 9B

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bipartisan initiative on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to enable small businesses to get access to loans at the depth of the Great Recession. As the House Democratic Leader, I successfully negotiated the Grand Bargain to lift Detroit out of bankruptcy, championed an increase to the minimum wage, and passed the expansion of Medicaid to provide health insurance for 650,000 previously uninsured Michiganders. I have a proven track record of delivering results, and I am ready to hit the ground running in Congress to pass progressive legislation that will give everyone a real shot at the American Dream.

class will bear the burden of increasing interest rates and loan costs.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid programs provide vital services to millions of Americans, and they should not be punished because Republicans in Congress decided that pushing through tax cuts to benefit their wealthy, corporate friends is more important than ensuring we have a manageable national debt. To manage the debt, we should ensure that the wealthiest in this nation are paying their fair share of tax, not cut essential programs.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE

SUNEEL GUPTA

Every American has the right to affordable, quality healthcare. I will join the front lines in Congress in the battle to protect the gains we’ve made with the Affordable Care Act and the coverage it extends to millions of Americans, while working to reduce costs. We need to continue to protect the Children’s Health Insurance Program so no family will have to ever worry that lack of insurance will keep them from caring for their children.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

Gupta grew up in Novi and currently lives in Birmingham. He attended University of Michigan Dearborn and Northwestern University, and has worked in the tech and health care industries.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS I do not support the Trump Administration efforts to eliminate environmental protections. We only have one world and we must do everything we can to protect it, not repeal essential laws put in place to do just that. We must come together as a country and world to fight climate change. If we continue to eliminate these laws, we will find that much sooner than anticipated, our world will become uninhabitable due to fully preventable causes.

TAX CUTS I do not support the tax cuts as configured. The recent cuts are an effort

by Republicans to benefit the wealthiest one percent and richest corporations rather than middle class Americans, and will ultimately result in an increase in taxes for most all Americans. Tax cuts like this have resulted in corporations like Nestle, Boeing, and GE paying zero dollars in federal taxes, while the middle 10B

America should continue to be a place of hope and opportunity, where you can work hard and make a better life for your family. That’s what my parents did.

My mother spent the first 16 years or her life in a refugee camp, but she taught herself math and science and came to America. Here, she became Ford Motor Company’s first female engineer. That is why we must protect and provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Dreamers came to this country when they were children through no control of their own, and many of them have never known another home. They pay taxes and contribute to our country, and many of them serve in our military. It’s time we give them the stability and path to citizenship they have earned.

Constitution. Yet, we must be mindful that in this day and age conflicts often require military action before Congressional approval can be gained.

Affairs for the city of Detroit Mayor’s Office, 2015-2017.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS

In Congress, I pledge to serve as a vigilant steward of our natural resources: clean air, water, and soil; unspoiled public lands; and ecological diversity. The Trump deregulatory agenda, in service to powerful industries and corporate greed, is an urgent threat to public health. Here in Michigan, we’ve seen how this story ends: communities like Flint, blighted by water crisis; multinational corporations plundering our resources for pennies; and imminent threats of groundwater contamination and pipeline spills. I will hold Scott Pruitt to account for his destructive, unethical management of the EPA. I will be a tireless advocate for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), providing funding to strategically target the biggest threats to our Great Lakes ecosystem (including the longoverdue decommissioning of Line 5).

And I will push for re-entry into the Paris Agreement, before our generation squanders its chance to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

I’ll fight to renegotiate trade agreements so that they work for American workers.

My parents came to this country in search of the American Dream. They built a life for themselves here working as engineers for Ford Motor Company for 30 years, until they were both laid off on the same day in 2001. My family, like countless others, has known opportunity, and we’ve known what it means to have the rug pulled out from underneath them because of unfair trade deals. We must stop companies from shipping good jobs overseas and bring back jobs to Michigan. I’ll stand up to any president and any congress who gives companies incentives to ship jobs to other countries. Instead, I want to reward companies that reinvest and actually create good jobs here at home.

WHY YOU I’m the one candidate in this race with hands-on healthcare and job-creating experience. As an entrepreneur with a science background, I’m not a political insider and I’m not beholden to any corporate interests. I am fighting for a progressive agenda that will create lifelong educational opportunities, good jobs, a healthy environment, and promote affordable, quality health care for all. I am prepared to fight for safe workplaces, equal pay, and to end gun violence. Every day citizens need a champion, and I am ready to serve them.

FAYROUZ SAAD

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

TAX CUTS The Trump tax law is our broken politics in a nutshell: a short-term giveaway to wealthy donors, with the next generation footing the bill. It threatens to cripple a generation already struggling for a foothold in the middle class: the CBO forecasts it will add $1.9 trillion to our national debt over the next ten years. Our tax law reflects our priorities – and at a moment when our infrastructure is crumbling, when aid for public education is being cut, and when too many Americans can’t afford health insurance, our top priority cannot be ensuring the top one percent a still greater share of the nation’s wealth. When we’re offering a household with an estate of $22 million a tax cut that would have covered Pell grants for 1,100 working class students, we need leaders in Congress who will face every decision asking, “Is it good for the middle class?”

GUN CONTROL BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT I believe that we can implement common sense gun violence prevention legislation while honoring the Second Amendment, including instituting red flags, banning assault weapons and bump stocks, giving greater funding to researching gun violence and mental health, and implementing universal background checks.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Our Constitution requires congressional approval before a declaration of war and every President must follow our

Saad, of Northville, graduated from the University of Michigan and received her masters in public administration from the Kennedy School at Harvard University. She was a presidential appointee at the Department of Homeland Security from 2009-2011, and director of Immigrant

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The tax and spending bills signed by President Trump are proof that the modern Republican Party is anything but fiscally conservative. Republicans in Congress will happily rack up mountains of debt if it advances their top priority: redistributing wealth to the top one percent. In Congress, I will defend programs providing a baseline of dignity and security for working and middle class Americans: Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. And I support the Social Security Expansion Act, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

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which would index benefits to more accurately reflect costs facing retirees.

That said, I believe in careful oversight of taxpayer dollars, including our largest discretionary outlay: defense spending.

The first-ever audit of the Pentagon is underway, but the administration’s 2019 budget calls for an $80 billion (11 percent) increase in military spending. We need an empowered Democratic majority in Congress to ensure this audit’s findings are made public, and implemented.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE I begin and end with the position that healthcare is a basic right for every American – period. The Affordable Care Act made healthcare affordable for millions, and took important steps toward reining in costs and setting standards of care. But medical debt remains the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, and reliable, quality healthcare remains unaffordable for millions, including seniors, and hard-working moms and dads. I believe the fairest and most practical path to universal coverage is a Medicare for All system, to be phased in over four to five years. This would begin by expanding access to Medicare to those 55 and older and those 19 and younger, and continuing to lower the age of eligibility by 10 years for the next four years until everyone is covered. (During this four-year period, other adults not yet covered could buy into Medicare.)

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY As the proud daughter of Lebanese immigrants, and Director of Immigrant Affairs under Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, I know in my bones that welcoming newcomers to America isn’t just true to our values: it’s also good business, and good politics. I’m proud of my record in Detroit. I know common ground on immigration is possible, because I’ve sat across from business, civic and religious leaders to find it. We worked together to revitalize Detroit’s neighborhood economies, by clearing paths to basic social services and developing immigrant-owned small businesses. And together, we set a national example at the height of the refugee crisis, resettling 110 refugee families. The administration’s hostility to immigrants – both documented and undocumented – is appalling.

Immigrants are our family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. In Congress, I will make protecting Dreamers a top priority, and will lead the fight for comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship.

GUN CONTROL Two of my close friends have had their AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

lives shattered by gun violence. We’re facing a national epidemic – one that takes different forms in different communities – and we should be changing our laws, our culture and our technology in response. A rigorous, comprehensive national standard for background checks (closing gun show and online loopholes) is overwhelmingly supported by the public (including NRA members). I support raising the age for purchasing a rifle from 18 to 21, and expanding red flag laws that allow families and local law enforcement to prevent those who credibly threaten themselves or others from acquiring a weapon. This category should be expanded to include convicted stalkers and domestic abusers. I support banning bump stocks, and the reinstatement of a (strengthened) Federal Assault Weapons ban. And we should be actively funding the CDC to do research, and guaranteeing that its scientists won’t face repercussions for fact-based recommendations.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS As a Congresswoman, my oath will be to uphold the Constitution. For decades, Congress has been abdicating its Constitutional duty to declare war and peace by failing to insist that new military commitments be debated and authorized. The 2001 AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force) passed by Congress three days after 9/11 has been subsequently invoked to justify military actions in 14 countries.

Congress shouldn’t be writing blank checks to any executive – Republican or Democrat – that will be used to begin a war 17 years later. Some of the young men and women fighting and dying on our behalf were still in kindergarten when Congress “authorized” their mission. I take the fight against those who plot to harm Americans and our allies very seriously; with the rest of the people’s elected representatives, I’m ready to begin a new debate on the progress, scope, and strategic vision of that fight.

job losses and depressed wages in American manufacturing. I will never support any trade agreement that puts the American worker at a disadvantage, and will stand with organized labor to demand that agreements bring other nations’ labor and environmental standards up to ours, rather than engage in a race to the bottom.

WHY YOU The stakes of this election are unbelievably high. Job security and a living wage. Quality healthcare as a right, not a privilege. And turning the tide on the Trump administration’s daily assault on our values, our communities, and the facts themselves. These fights are personal to me. And I’m the only candidate in this race with the local, state and national experience to take on the full breadth of challenges we face. The American Dream that I grew up with is at risk. Forty years ago, an optimistic vision of America inspired my parents to immigrate from Lebanon to southeastern Michigan. Here, they found an America that welcomed their desire to work hard and to build a thriving business. I’m running because, if we want to preserve that American Dream, we need a new generation of leadership fighting for it in Washington.

And I’m ready to fight.

HALEY STEVENS

TAX CUTS After years and years of corporate executives buying seats in Congress, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans repaid the debt to their donors and then some with a massive tax giveaway to people who need it the least.

They might call that bill a “tax cut;” I call it a massive return on investment for the wealthy donors who bought their members of Congress and expected something in return. I could never support that kind of approach to policymaking. We need to stop giving out millions and billions and – in this case – $1.5 trillion in tax breaks like they are party favors. Let’s target tax breaks for the middle class families who work hard and just want to get ahead.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS I’m deeply concerned that President Trump is leading us into a trade war with China – one that he and his administration are ill-equipped to win.

Our communities are at the heart of the automotive industry. We know the human cost of an economic downturn that would affect the supply chain and demand for American-made cars. That said, as a congresswoman, my first and last question on every issue will be, “Is it good for the middle class?” and that includes trade agreements. Past agreements, combined with increasing automation, have been responsible for

need to start acting accordingly or we will not be able to compete with the rest of the world. I served as chief of staff on President Obama’s auto rescue. When our auto industry was in crisis we not only helped save GM and Chrysler, we did it while improving fuel efficiency standards and spurring American auto companies to build the cars of the future. We designed and implemented Cash for Clunkers, an incentive-based program that allowed consumers to trade in old, environmentally inefficient vehicles for 21st century models. I don’t buy the argument that we can have a clean environment or cars but we can’t have both; for over a decade Detroit’s automotive industry has shown the opposite.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS Absolutely not. President Trump’s reckless rollback of environmental protection standards not only damages our environment but hurts our economy. Like it or not, climate change is real and we

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Social Security and Medicare are a promise we made to America’s working families – our guarantee that if you work hard and put your time in you will be able to retire with dignity. That means financial and health security without forcing your kids to pay for your ability to get by. That is why we need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. It is unfathomable that Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington think it is OK to hand out a $1.5 trillion tax giveaway while trying to balance our national debt on the backs of the people who need our help the most. That is true for Medicaid, too. I would never support a plan that cuts these critical benefits, and to strengthen them I would start by cutting Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthy.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE The two biggest things President Obama accomplished were the Auto Rescue and Obamacare. I stepped up and served as chief of staff for the Auto Rescue when our economy was in crisis, and now that Donald Trump is creating a healthcare crisis I’m stepping up again and running 11B

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for Congress. I supported the Affordable Care Act and do not believe it is Congress’s job to remove people from their healthcare plans without alternatives. Let’s protect and improve Obamacare, not sabotage it. Let’s ensure that everyone has access to health coverage, that we tackle the costs of prescription drugs and bring forward a public option. It is time we focus first on how to meet Americans’ healthcare needs, then focus on how we get our healthcare companies to step up to the challenge. Profits should never be put before people.

FOR CONGRESS

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

Conservative

Mike Kowall Mike Kowall was born and raised in Southeast Michigan. A carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, Mike rose from apprentice to become president of a family owned business, Accurate Woodworking, Inc.

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Elected to the State Senate in 2010, he is the Majority Floor Leader, and has been instrumental to turning the Michigan economy around. Today, we have the lowest unemployment rate in 18 years and more than 500,000 new jobs.

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Whether its tax reform or cutting red tape, Mike has led the way in turning Michigan around.

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Mike has worked with the U.S. Defense Department to provide service pins to nearly 10,000 Vietnam veterans throughout Michigan.

His strong support of our Armed Forces is a hallmark of his time in public service. >> MikeKowallforCongress.com

“Michigan’s economy was built on the auto industry. In Congress, I will continue to lead the way on autonomous vehicles and help build Southeast Michigan into a technological leader.”

- Mike Kowall 2018 Award for Conservative Achievement 2014 Legislator of the Year 2017 Legislator of the Year Paid for by Kowall for Congress, PO Box 7036, Novi 48376

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

LL

GUN CONTROL

In Congress I will be the NRA’s worst nightmare. My commitment is that on day one of the 116th Congress, I will have issued a letter to every single one of my colleagues asking them to join me in passing gun safety legislation that will include universal background checks, reinstating the assault rifle ban from 1994, “no-fly-no buy” provisions, banning bump stocks, and raising the age in which individuals can purchase guns. I made this commitment on January 3, 2018, one year before I plan to follow through on it. Our country’s gun violence epidemic is not going away and Michiganders can count on me to continue being an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. It is time we elect bold and courageous leaders willing to take on tough challenges – I will be one of them.

Republican, an Independent, or a reality TV show host – he or she must consult with Congress before committing an act of war.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS I oppose NAFTA and other free trade deals that hurt American workers, but, as with all things, Donald Trump’s approach creates massive dysfunction and inconsistency. While I agree we need to renegotiate trade agreements to make them more beneficial for workers, the President’s inconsistent approach to trade and import tariffs troubles me.

WHY YOU In 2009, economists were singing Detroit’s swan song. The auto industry was in crisis. Analysts wanted to let Detroit go bankrupt. I disagreed: I believed then, as I do today, that Detroit hustles harder. So I went to Washington and hustled, serving as chief of staff for President Obama’s auto rescue that helped save more than 200,000 jobs. I’m running for Congress because I see a different kind of crisis today: Donald Trump’s reckless agenda is hurting us and raising healthcare costs. America’s working families can’t afford inaction – we need real leadership, and that’s what Michiganders can expect from me. I’m a Seaholm alum and proud product of this district. I got into this race when it didn’t seem easy but I outraised the incumbent and soon after he announced his retirement. I’ve delivered for Michigan before and voters should choose me because I’ll always deliver for Michigan in Congress.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Going to war with a country is one of the most grave and serious decisions any President can make. It costs time and money and, most importantly, the lives of the most patriotic Americans – our service members. We cannot afford to make that decision lightly. It does not matter if our President is a Democrat, a

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

august 7 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills

U.S. HOUSE 11TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN KERRY BENTIVOLIO

rating for cutting wasteful spending from the Citizen’s Council Against Government Waste. I received the designation “Taxpayers’ Friend Award.” Facts don’t lie.

I want to go back to continue cutting wasteful spending and protecting taxpayers. I have a proven and effective record in this arena.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

Bentivolio lives in Milford, served in both the Vietnam and Iraq wars, and was the Congressman for the 11th District from 2013-2015.

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

I grew up in the 60’s with rivers that caught fire and hazardous waste barrels discarded on vacant land leaching and polluting our environment. The biggest problem Michigan will soon face is outdated pipelines on the floor of the Great Lakes. In 1982, I constructed a “solar earth home” and voted Republican.

Why do people believe Republicans don’t want clean air, water and land? In DC, the most difficult thing to find is the “truth.” When you do find it, it is more precious than gold. Balance is the key.

Please read, “Ecological Imperialism” by Alfred Crosby. It is my guideline for dealing with environmental issues and finding balance between a safe environment and economic necessities. I want to go back to Washington to continue fighting for that delicate balance in protecting our environment.

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

Yes, tax cuts are a good thing. It must be combined with specific cuts in wasteful spending and economic growth or it adds to the national debt our children and grandchildren must pay. As a member of the U.S. House I earned a 100 percent AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket. There has been talk of Congress now attempting to reduce the deficit by cutting back on programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Do you support trimming these programs to reduce the budget?

Are there other areas of the budget that should be targeted to bring the budget back under control and over time reduce the national debt?

No, I will not support cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. It is our money. We paid into it. I never voted to raise the debt ceiling, nor increase taxes in the 113 Congress. I supported intelligence cuts in wasteful spending. I want to go back to Washington to protect those promises made to our fathers and mothers and us. It is congressional responsibility to balance the budget. I sponsored a bill to reduce congressional pay each time Congress failed to pass a balanced budget. It is in the congressional record.

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

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

The federal government has little, if any, business in personal healthcare. The Supreme Court said it was a tax. The individual mandate is gone, and I believe it is unconstitutional now. Look at the VA. In 2015, more than 300,000 veterans died waiting for VA promised healthcare. VA healthcare is rationed and wait times are ridiculous.

As a veteran, former congressman, I still hear the horror stories of VA healthcare failures. The VA healthcare system is a great example of federal government run healthcare. I do not support federal intervention in healthcare. It is primarily a state issue.

Supporting interstate commerce, allowing insurance companies to cross state lines is another matter. I want to go back to Washington to fix it.

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

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

DACA is unconstitutional. People have waited in line years to come here legally.

What part of illegal is not understood?

How do we prove, or they prove, they came here as a child illegally? A path to become legal for DACA was submitted by Republicans and declined by the Democrat side of the aisle. In 2013, as a member of Congress, I said, “The real problem, like it or not, is that one side wants the votes and the other side wants the cheap labor. Little, if anything will be done.” Now, more than five years later, that statement continues to be true.

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

Background checks at gun shows?

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

It is clear by the question you do not understand the real problem nor appreciate the Second Amendment. Due process must be employed to remove that Second Amendment right. We should focus more on gangs who black market firearms of all sorts before we limit firearms owned by honest citizens.

Chicago has the strictest gun laws and how is it working out there? We have a cultural problem. Our schools, our theaters, our concerts, our streets must be a safe place. “Gun free zones” are invitations for bad actors to do harm. We need to focus on keeping all guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill using “due process” while protecting our Second Amendment rights.

Hills

ntiac

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Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham

Rochester Hills

Troy

Clawson

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

and approve such action(s). As the only member of congress who served in both Vietnam and Iraq, I protested the “limited air strike” on Syria when Obama’s red line was crossed. I voted, “no.” To convince me to support the pro invasion argument, to justify the action; “it is a limited air strike.” I responded, “Was Japan’s invasion of Pearl Harbor a limited air strike?” Any violent military incursion in a foreign country is an act of war and Congress must authorize it.

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

What will the impact be of the import tariffs?

Instead of tariffs, replace NAFTA and all other trade agreements with a single sentence: We will trade with any nation upon those terms it chooses to trade with us. Which simply means we will harmonize our trade policy to the facts at hand. As a member of Congress, I earned the highest award from the US Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Small Business for protecting American business. If re-elected, I will continue to fight for American business. I have a proven record accomplishment in that arena too.

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

Only a soldier and his/her family understand the true cost and value of liberty. To send anyone into harm’s way should never be taken lightly, and even then, it will be with much disinclination.

Yes, Congress should always be consulted

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

Experience matters representing all constituents. During the end of my service in the 113th Congress a US House historian said I was the “most effective and successful first term congressman in recent memory” (ref: Congressional Journal, Oct 2014); the failure rate of bills 13B

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submitted is 99.1 percent. I passed three pieces of legislation with 100 percent bipartisan support in my two years. I was rated second most transparent member of the House (GovTrack). I earned two awards for constituent services. National TaxPayer’s Union honored me with the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award,” NFIB “Guardian of Small Business” award. I am the most experienced candidate with a proven record of accomplishment in DC. I stand on my record of bi-partisanship and getting the job done. I have a record of factual dedicated service, placing citizens first in war and in Washington. I stand on my record of accomplishments. If the facts matter, if experience matters, I am the safest and best choice and can hit the ground running.

KLINT KESTO

Kesto, a West Bloomfield resident, graduated from University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School. He has been state Representative for the 39th District since 2013.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS It’s not a question of minimizing or maximizing, the issue is making sense of government regulations. Under Obama, too many regulations poured out of Washington knowing that they overreached federal law. Congress needs to write the laws better so that the bureaucracy can do less damage later.

TAX CUTS I cut tax rates as a state Representative, and I’ll cut tax rates as a congressman.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT People who are able to work should do so; welfare in the form of food stamps and Medicaid should be for those who are unable to work.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE The current Affordable Care Act is 14B

unaffordable. They need to repeal it and go back to the drawing board and allow individuals to decide what healthcare plan they want. There certainly should be coverage for pre-existing conditions. I am a father, a husband, and my first wife passed away from cancer. I know it is important to have accessible health care, but the federal government should not be dictating to the people what they should buy.

the President wants to make a declaration of war, Congress should decide.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

WHY YOU

We cannot continue with the program as it is because it is an incentive for people to continue to break the law and cross our borders illegally. We need complete reform that includes having secure borders by building the wall and filling the tunnels.

The Department of Homeland Security needs to be allowed extreme vetting of individuals who are coming into our country and be allowed to keep track of the status of those who have received visas. We also need to use technology more efficiently to ensure that the individuals we are allowing through our borders as residents are going to be productive members of society. One way would be to go back to the requirement that immigrants have a sponsor. This would create a safety net with family and friends which would be more effective. As for DACA and pathways to citizenship, these individuals came here not through their own choice; they were just children.

Yet they still entered the country illegally.

There should not be be a pathway to citizenship for these individuals, but rather a different, legal, permanent status.

One of my opponents is a four-time loser.

Another is a two-time loser just out of bankruptcy court. Yet another is the only registered lobbyist running for Congress in this district. The last is a woman who failed to attend 83 percent of the meetings of a board she was appointed to, charged with protecting abused children. All of them would be defeated by the Pelosi Machine, and this part of Michigan would have a Democrat in Congress for the first time – ever. I can win, defeat the Pelosi Machine, and keep this seat for Republicans. I am the first Chaldean American elected to the Michigan House and will be the first Chaldean American elected to Congress. I have an appeal that reaches all religions, all people because I am there to serve them and not for personal gain.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS We need to put Americans first and America first. If these agreements are unfair and the leverage is all on the other side, they need to be renegotiated. We should negotiate from a position of power so that American workers can benefit.

MIKE KOWALL

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS I would support what the Constitution currently requires – when there is immediate danger, the President should be allowed to act. The President should also have the ability to send troops for non-military purposes - for example, there are many humanitarian situations that need military assistance, such as flood and earthquake or starvation. When it is an immediate military threat, the President should be allowed to defend us. But when

Yes, I support lowering the tax burden for Americans.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT All spending needs to be examined, and depending on the program we should examine the entire budget because the amount of money we need for infrastructure and the military continue to increase.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE All programs need to be reviewed, looking at cost vs. return on investment. We continue to see programs that are not being used for what they were originally intended for.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY We need to find a better way to enforce our immigration policies, stopping those that try to come here illegally. For those who are already here, we need to find an enforceable avenue for citizenship; providing that they do not break the law and are contributing members to our society. We also need to place a greater emphasis on the source of the problem, which is coming to this country illegally in the first place.

GUN CONTROL We already require background checks when purchasing guns, and military grade weapons are currently banned. You cannot walk into a store and buy a fully automatic weapon. Many of the restrictions that are being called for are already in place. We see time and time again, crimes being committed in gun free zones, because criminals are afraid to go into areas that have gun owning and law-abiding citizens.

GUN CONTROL If there are deficiencies in background checks, then they must be addressed. We should be diligent that the most violent of offenders such as felons and habitual domestic violence offenders do not have access to firearms. Michigan’s current law creates a restriction on the possession of firearms for these individuals for a period of time. We have to continue to look for ways to keep firearms out of the hands of violent offenders and how we handle mental health care. As the chair of the Michigan CARES Task force, I know first hand that we need to reform our mental health care system.

TAX CUTS

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS No, the commander in chief needs to have the ability to command our army in times of need.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS Kowall, of White Lake, was president of a family woodworking company until he became state Representative for the 44th District in 1998-2002, and then became White Lake Supervisor. In 2010, he was elected to the state Senate for the 15th District, where he is currently the Majority Floor Leader.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS I support the administration’s efforts in removing excessive restrictions that are over burdensome our small businesses and economy which make it harder to compete on a global scale.

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I agree with the President that free trade needs to equal fair trade. Currently there are many loopholes in our trade agreements and other countries are taking advantage of us. It is antiquated and we need to upgrade it. We do not want to eliminate fair trade as Michigan exports a lot of trade goods like soybeans to China, however, we need to ensure trade practices are fair for our country.

WHY YOU Having grown up in southeast Michigan, this is where I call home. I care deeply about the community we live in and I have AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

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been a small business owner and public servant my entire adult life. I have been a leader in pushing through meaningful and necessary legislation to create the most competitive environment possible for existing job providers to expand their operations and to attract new businesses and investment into our state. I also have a proven track record of common sense in governing.

Legislatures in both the state of Michigan and federal government require someone to be able to look at issues in a common-sense fashion to apply new laws and regulations so that we are not creating winners and losers in legislation. I have a proven record of working with both Republicans and Democrats to pass legislation that is best for our state.

TAX CUTS I do support the Federal Tax Cut that was voted on in late 2017. I was disappointed in a few areas, and I would have fought for greater and permanent tax cuts, in correlation with cuts in federal spending. This tax cut program will positively affect over 93 percent of the citizens that live in our 11th Congressional District, therefore, I would have supported it if I were in the House of Representatives. We have seen incredible investment into our economy because of these tax cuts and I was very supportive of the effort to lower corporate tax rates, thus making our economy more attractive for business investment and repatriation of business profits that were held offshore.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

ROCKY RACZKOWSKI

Raczkowski, a Troy business owner, graduated from Eastern Michigan University and received his law degree from Michigan State University.

A retired Army Reserves officer, he represented Farmington and Farmington Hills, the 37th District, in the state House, from 1997-2003.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS I support some rollbacks and do not support others. For example, many automotive companies would have not been able to meet the emissions standard by 2025. This would have impacted our metro Detroit economy adversely. Therefore, I do support the easing of these federal regulations. On the other hand, one of government’s main purposes is to protect the public, and provide the infrastructure for the common good. Some of that infrastructure is used to provide clean water. We must fight for clean air and water for our citizens. The easing of heavy metal content in our water, by the recent Scott Pruitt decision, is something that I would vigorously oppose.

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I believe that our greatest threat to our economy and our safety is the growing national debt. I would have liked to see corresponding cuts in spending, with either tax cuts or growth in the economy, thus making any such cuts easier to implement. As for cuts in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, I do not support cuts in these programs, because these were promises made to the people that paid into them, and depend on them.

Furthermore, I would not have supported the Obama Administration’s $716 billion raid on Medicare to fund the ACA of 2009. When elected, I will ask to work specifically on preventing fraud in SSI, Medicare and Medicaid. If we can institute proper technology and fraud prevention mechanisms, we could save over $53 billion by doing this. We a need a comprehensive review of what is a constitutionally essential program that actually helps the American people, and what was created for the special interest to profit off of. I would do a full review and audit of the Departments of Defense, HUD, Energy, Treasury and the VA. I would also seek how we can send most of the Department of Education funding to the states and classrooms of our schools for education and security. Furthermore, we must get back to passing budgets in regular order of House business. I support a balanced budget approach and believe that we must live within our means, otherwise, our economy will eventually fall.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE I am still against the dynamics and the architecture of the Affordable Care Act of 2009. My main points against this is because of the raid on Medicare of over $716 billion, the fact that most of the exchanges are either failing with no insurers, or only one insurer, leaving no competition and raising rates.

Furthermore, there is no interstate competition for insured individuals or negotiated pricing for services offered.

This plan must be redone, because the way it was drafted kicked the can down the road after this past election for the failures within the system to arise. I believe that healthcare is individual and must not be cookie cutter for all. Lastly, I did agree with insuring individuals with pre-existing conditions, and not discriminating against them, but believe that decisions regarding individual health must be maintained between a patient and their doctor, and not a bureaucrat in Washington.

firearms. The US Supreme Court held in the DC v Heller case in 2008, that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm.

This is a landmark decision that should focus our energies on those that violate the law, instead of punishing those that use firearms for hunting, sport and protection.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS Yes. For any extended contingency operations, or actions of war, Congress must be consulted for approval.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY This is a greater issue of our broken immigration laws and how we as a society pay for social welfare safety nets for individuals that are on US soil. DACA should have never been handled by an executive order, because it is a Constitutional obligation of Congress to deal with all laws regarding immigration policy. As for DACA, and illegal immigration, we must stop the illegal flow of individuals into the US, no matter where they come from. If children are raised in the United States, I would support the eventual permanent resident plan, and not full citizenship.

No other nation in the world supports illegal immigrants, nor do they allow them citizenship. I believe strongly in enforcing our borders, and supporting legal immigration. As a son of legal immigrants, I believe we must bring back the Sponsorship Program that we no longer have. Overall, our immigration program is broken. From Refugee Resettlement that does not work, to EB-5 Visa Program, that is inherently unfair. I will work to bring sanity, civility and law to this subject in Washington.

GUN CONTROL I believe we must fix and fully enforce the background checks we have in place. All nine of the last mass shooters broke the law in regard to possession of weapons, weapons in schools or filling out fraudulent background check paperwork where they fell through the system. We must fix the current state reporting system. In Michigan, we do not have a gun show loophole, and bump stocks are now being banned by the DOJ (ATF). As for military-type weapons, it is impossible to purchase military-type weapons without a tremendous amount of background checks, licensure and cost. We must enforce the felony punishment for anyone that lies on a Federal Background Check form (AFT Form 4473), and also punish those that do not submit information to the Federal Information Network on individuals that should not be able to purchase

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I support the current administration’s withdrawal from the PTT and believe that the administration’s Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Wilbur Ross, is doing the right thing in renegotiating many existing trade deals that have given our nation tremendous trade deficits and have pushed the manufacturing jobs that have created the middle class offshore. We are already seeing that all our trading partners have come to the table and are cutting deals that are more favorable to our manufacturing and production base. We have the EU and China left, and both are signaling better terms for the United States that would help our economy. The EU extension ends on June 1, 2018, and we will see if we have the deal that both Germany, Poland and the US are signaling the EU to accept. These past trade deals are not treaties, therefore the administration has the legal authority under the law to withdrawal and renegotiate, and it actually is benefiting the US overall.

WHY YOU We have some good people running for this office. Some are in business, some from the military and some from public service. Some of the candidates are young, and some are older. I have lived in this district my entire life, and am interested in working on specific issues that better our society, cut the national debt and leave a safer and freer nation for our children. I have served in the Army as a leader with over 26 years of service with two combat tours, I have run a multimillion dollar national business and in 2011, have started my own from the ground up. I have served others with no anticipation of personal gain, and I am not looking for a job. I am looking to make a positive difference, and I won’t let the people of the 11th Congressional District down.

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august 7 primary voter guide Oakland Township

STATE SENATE 12TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN MICHAEL MCCREADY

background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons? Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

Discussions on firearms are always contentious and divisive, but we can all agree that government should work to keep firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them. I support working towards that goal while also not infringing on the rights of law abiding citizens. Because of this I would support implementing a red flag law in Michigan, but only if it includes strong protections for due process and stringent penalties for frivolous complaints.

we have relied on for education?

I support the rights of parent to have the ultimate choice in the educational path for their children. Charters are one of the many options that should be available, in addition to traditional public schools as well as parochial, private and home schooling. Regardless of the avenue our educational system as a whole must be held to strict standards to ensure that we are properly preparing our future generations for the challenges they will face.

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

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

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

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

GUN REGULATIONS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on the gun control? Would you support requiring expanded 16B

While the state has announced that $175 million will be disbursed this year for road and bridge repairs, do you feel that is sufficient while we wait three more years for the road funding proposal to finally kick in?

Should the state rainy day fund be tapped in the interim, as some have suggested?

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

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are forprofit ventures. Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews. Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth.

Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K-12 system that

My colleagues and I in the legislature worked diligently in 2016 to implement a new and improved regulatory framework for medical marijuana, to give those legitimately suffering from debilitating conditions or disease more flexibility and safety when pursuing medical marijuana as a treatment option as well as to give marijuana producers more certainty in the market.

I believe that we should continue to allow that system to work before moving to the step of legalization of recreational marijuana.

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

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

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

12 Oakland Twp.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have lived most my life in the Bloomfield area of Oakland County.

From humble means I started my own business, McCready and Associates, which celebrates its 28th year anniversary next year, and raised a family. My experience in business and from serving in local government, has given me insight to the challenges faced by local governments and the residents who call our community home. Having served in the legislature as the Representative for the 40th District, I now understand the complicated appropriations process which ultimately determines where we invest the taxpayers’ dollars. These experiences have given me the necessary tools to represent our communities and their needs in the Michigan State Senate. I ask for your vote on the August 7th primary.

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VERNON MOLNAR

road building, to make sure that funding is being used in the most efficient and appropriate manner.

increasing road funding without simply raising taxes. I would be supportive of spending a portion of the “rainy day fund” on roads.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

JIM TEDDER

Molnar is a resident of Auburn Hills.

As a former public school teacher and administrator, my first and primary focus is to make decisions that are in the best interest of children. Every child deserves access to a quality education; educational needs vary by child. With an abundance of quality traditional public school options throughout the 12th Senate District, it is hard to fathom that charter schools pose any threat to their existence. Rather, charter schools provide an alternative in the absence of other viable options. All publicly funded schools should be treated fairly and should be evaluated and measured in an equitable manner.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

I do not think that the any additional funding needs to be allocated to the DEQ. GUN REGULATIONS I would support banning bump stocks as well as support raising the age on the purchase of weapons.

ROAD REPAIRS The state rainy day fund should not be tapped into. There has already been enough money allocated to the road and bridge repairs.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS I support charter schools.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION I support the legalization proposal for the November ballot.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY I support full transparency for all.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE Pro-life.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS I think that the laws should remain the same as they currently are.

Tedder, a former educator, lives in Clarkston. A graduate of Central Michigan University with masters from Oakland University, he is the current state Representative for the 43rd District (20142018).

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Of course, we must continue to be good stewards of the environment and I have a strong legislative record in support of protecting it. To that end, I support efforts to increase the transparency in DEQ’s rule-making process, which has long been a source of frustration for many. I believe that the DEQ has adequate funding to carry out rules enforcement; like the individuals and families across the state, every government agency must also live within its means.

GUN REGULATIONS There is no shortage of federal and state gun laws already on the books.

Any efforts to deny an individual’s Second Amendment rights should involve due process. Policing authorities already have the discretion to confiscate weapons under certain circumstances. The state must do more to support mental health services for those who need them. Understanding and addressing the root cause of violent acts is an important part of the overall discussion toward eliminating gun violence.

WHY YOU ROAD REPAIRS I have over 30 years’ experience in road building, which is more experience than any current candidate. If elected, I would like to join the transportation committee and use my experience and knowledge, in all stages and aspects of AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

I was proud to support $175 million in additional road funding. The most recent budget analysis indicates that there will be approximately a $400 million surplus due to good fiscal stewardship by the state. I have been a strong advocate of

established record of transparency, accountability and results, I look forward to meeting voters on the campaign trail. As chairman of the Michigan House Tax Policy committee, I have led the charge to rein in government spending and to rightfully return money back to Michigan citizens.

I will continue to stand up for taxpayers and fight against government overreach.

I will continue to be a strong advocate for dedicating more funding for roads without raising taxes. I will continue to protect our values and Constitutional rights. There is still a lot of work to do; as your next state Senator, I look forward to serving you as a resultsdriven leader. I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, August 7th.

TERRY WHITNEY

As a ballot question, this matter will likely be settled by the voters of Michigan in November. It has taken over a decade to address regulatory complications with medical marijuana, so any consideration of expanding access to marijuana cannot be rushed.

I believe there will be unintended consequences if it is passed as written.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Last legislative session and this legislative session, I have taken a leadership role in support of the Legislative Opens Records Act, subjecting the Michigan Legislature and the Governor’s office to the Freedom Of Information Act. I was also honored to receive the Michigan Press Association’s 2017 Peter Pettalia Memorial Sunshine Award in acknowledgement of my commitment to government transparency.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE I am pro-life and believe that an exception should be provided in cases where the life of the mother is in danger.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS There are a number of state and federal laws that protect the civil rights of Michigan citizens. As a parent and former educator, I have long stood against bigotry and hatred at all levels; I do not believe that expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act will achieve additional protections not already covered by law.

WHY YOU

Whitney, who is self-employed, is a resident of Clarkston.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Since the incept of term limits in Michigan, the size and scope of Michigan state government has grown nearly 100 percent in size. Many departments operate without any legislative oversight and in effect have been making policy and regulation as unelected officials. Additionally, before any additional spending for any program or department should take place, Michigan’s government needs to be audited with a process called Lean Sigma Six. GUN REGULATIONS Just as I would never support banning our First Amendment Rights, I would never support the diminishment of our Second Amendment Rights. The idea that there is a magic gunshow loop hole is completely false. In order to get a federal gun dealers license, it takes quite a bit of time and resources to obtain and the last thing any business or individual would want to do is

As a proven conservative leader with an

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jeopardize themselves or their freedom by not running federal background checks as required by law. Keep in mind the last few potential mass shootings were stopped by school resource officers and privately armed lawfully abiding citizens. In Chicago, Illinois, which has the nation’s strictest gun control laws it leads the nation in the number of shootings each week that exceed all other states in the midwest for the year.

should be the choice of that individual on how they wish to proceed.

ROAD REPAIRS

WHY YOU

We need an estimated $4 billion to tackle our current road and infrastructure issues. Additionally, we need to change the current laws for road maintenance allocation so that the funding goes to areas that need the funding, which currently is not addressed under Michigan state law.

Two of my opponents, Representative Jim Tedder and Representative Michael McCready, both have had between them a decade to tackle some of the issues that face Michigan. They have failed all of us by raising gas and vehicle registration fees after 80 percent of Michigan voted against it.

This has caused the cost of living to jump an additional $713 a year on families. This cost is especially devastating to those living on limited or fixed incomes. Unlike both of my opponents, I am looking to solve Michigan’s problems versus empty campaign promises and seeking reelection. Both of those individuals have had their chance and Michigan is worse off for their years in office. I have common sense practical solutions to correcting the problems that career politicians refuse to tackle as it may jeopardize their chances for reelection.

We will put together a coalition of private and public sector leaders who are willing to put aside their differences and for once do the right thing by tackling our crumbling infrastructure, antiquated and broken laws and finally bring a working solution that doesn’t raise taxes.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Our educational system needs both the state and the federal government to stay out of what is a local issue in the various communities. We as a society have given our federal and Michigan state government too much of a say in our lives and look what it has done, for our schools, our roads, and for our public safety. I trust local school boards and parents to make the right choices in their own communities for education over anything that is designed by committee at our state capitol after a handful of lobbyists get involved. I would propose letting the educational standards go back the local communities as well as control of funding.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, August 7?

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

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back. Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the August 7 election.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS I believe society in general has moved beyond the notion that we need outdated laws to tell businesses or organizations how to conduct themselves. There are already laws that guarantee an individual is not discriminated against.

I am neither for or against it. I believe the Michigan voters should decide this as it is an issue that we as a state must decide together. If marijuana is legalized, I will make sure that Michigan does everything in its power to make sure that the federal government will not interfere with the rights of our rights.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Just as federal lawmakers must disclose all assets and financial transactions, Michigan state lawmakers should be forced to do the same. Additionally, just as lawmakers have made our police forces wear body cameras for public safety, lawmakers should be forced to wear body cameras for all hours in office, after hours in any official capacity, or meeting with lobbyists.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE I am pro-life. In cases where there is a medical threat to the mother, then it

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august 7 primary voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills

STATE HOUSE 45TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT KYLE COOPER

Cooper, of Rochester, is a bartender. He attended Oakland and Eastern universities.

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

the lead on gun control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons? Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

As a proud recipient of the Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction, I will work hard in Lansing to keep the children of our state safe while at school. Universal background checks, regardless of where a weapon is purchased, are a must. This is a measure that is widely supported by most Americans and must be enacted.

Creating red flag laws that keep guns out of the hands of those most likely to hurt others and themselves is also imperative. Ensuring domestic abusers are added into red flag laws is crucial as well. As for banning bump stocks and most military style weapons, we cannot as a government create loopholes in laws that make it easier for potential criminals to kill large amounts of innocent people. I believe in “gun violence prevention” and “gun safety,” not “gun control.” These efforts are about preventing gun violence, not controlling the rights of responsible gun owners.

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

Should the state rainy day fund be tapped in the interim, as some have suggested?

As you mentioned, studies have shown time and time again that divesting in public education and shifting public money into these for-profit charter schools does not work. Mike Webber himself is endorsed by the Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP), a Devosfunded group that’s sole purpose is to deregulate our public education system and establish as many for-profit charter schools as possible. The direction I want to take our schools in is student centered, not profit driven with your tax dollars. We need to give teachers the freedom to work more closely with students in a one-on-one modality as well as lowering the importance of standardized testing. We need to focus on making education rewarding for the student, not stress filled and anxiety inducing. With education at the forefront of my campaign, I will fight to ensure all students have an equal shot at a quality education in Michigan.

Auburn Hills

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Rochester Hills

Rochester, Rochester Hills and the lower portion of Oakland Township.

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

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

We need to do everything in our power to protect our states environmental resources. We have been shown on several occasions over the past decade that the DEQ does not possess the necessary manpower or authority to protect our state from threats to our environment, manmade or otherwise.

From the Flint water crisis, to the Asian carp invasion, to Line 5, we need to do more to protect our citizens and wildlife. Michigan used to be a world leader in environmental protection, and I will be leading the charge in Lansing to return us to our former status.

Our state’s rainy day fund is nearly $1 billion. I think I speak for nearly all Michiganders when I say we are tired of excuses from Lansing. Funding for our roads throughout Rochester and Rochester Hills are the direct responsibility of our current representative in Lansing. I challenge anyone to drive down Livernois Road and tell me they are happy with what’s been done the past four years.

Everything from the formula we use to calculate road funding, to where the funding is generated from needs to be overhauled. The system that our state government has been complacent in using is outdated and failing Michigan families.

GUN REGULATIONS

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

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

Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are

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

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K-12 system that we have relied on for education?

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

I am in support of the marijuana legalization ballot proposal. I believe that legalization can provide a very large boost in tax revenue that is specifically earmarked for education, roads and infrastructure. This is also another large potential industry to help stimulate our state’s economy. Data also shows that states with legal marijuana have seen a large reduction in the number of opioid addictions.

Through legalization and state regulation, we can also take better steps as a government to keep marijuana out of the hands of minors and underaged users. Overall, we can see several significant economic and public safety benefits for families in our community through the legalization of marijuana.

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I wholeheartedly believe in transparency when it comes to taking positions of responsibility and authority, and no elected official in this state should be entitled to secrecy over wrongdoing. Financial disclosures must be made common practice, if not the law and our state government should be subject to the terms of FOIA as well. I would support any efforts to eliminate “Pay to Play” practices. We need to strengthen the ethical framework our government operates in, so that we not only improve how government functions today, but also to facilitate the entry of more ethical and trustworthy politicians into the system. Lansing is meant to be run as a government of the people, and transparency is key in maintaining this integrity.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE Are you pro-life or pro-choice? If you are pro-life, are there any exceptions 19B

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

My goal with this issue is to reduce the number of abortions through responsible and medically safe means.

We must listen when women speak regarding what they need to make informed decisions. We must increase access to contraception for all people who need it, and we need to move away from abstinence-only education in our schools, toward more comprehensive sex education programs. We need to also improve affordable access to women’s healthcare services, and community resources. Just as important as the debate around abortion is the question of what are we doing to take care of mothers and children now? With a foster system that is woefully underfunded, and hundreds of thousands of children who are underfed and malnourished, we can’t stop caring for a child the moment they’re born.

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

I believe that the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act must be amended to include and protect employment and housing protections for all Michiganders regardless of who they are, or who they love. Current employment and housing protections do not protect members of the LGBT community, and many people can be put out of work, denied a job, or a place to live because the law does not protect them. Simply put, the law needs to be updated.

WHY YOU I am running for office because I want to be a high school teacher someday.

And through my years in school and talking with fellow teachers, I began to lose hope day by day that I would ever be able to make a good living as a teacher in Michigan. Our public education system in Michigan is under attack. Teachers are struggling to make ends meet while also battling just to give their kids the bare necessities in the classroom. I’ve met teachers that have not been able to purchase new books for their classrooms in upwards of 10-15 years. The children of Michigan deserve better. I’m running because I love this state, and I want to leave it better than what I found it. I will put aside the partisan rhetoric and work with anyone who’s willing to work 20B

toward strengthening Michigan’s schools, and finally fix our crumpling infrastructure.

TED GOLDEN

background checks on all firearms sales and registration of guns. I do not want to deny those under age 21 the opportunity to shoot and hunt, but their right to ownership should be restricted, with limited exceptions. The government should be able remove weapons from those judged to be a threat to themselves or others. It is my right to not allow citizens to possess assault type weapons, bump stocks, and large capacity magazines.

Second Amendment allows concealed carry regulation to limit uncertified, unregulated, untrained pistol packin shooters in downtown Rochester.

ROAD REPAIRS

Golden is a retired physician who lives in Rochester Hills. Both his undergraduate and medical degrees are from the University of Michigan.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I believe that the environment should be protected by enforcing scientifically established environmental quality standards. Legislators who formulate environmental laws and especially the Governor, who makes the key administrative appointments to the DEQ and regulating committees, should be dedicated to the principles I just stated. The Republican-led DEQ failure and cover-up of the Flint Water Crisis is a glaring example of how conflicts of interest compromised Michigan citizens. Those entrusted to establish environmental rules should not be from special interest groups who stand to benefit by lowering scientifically established quality standards. The governor-appointed DEQ head has to formulate a budget that is adequate for enforcement purposes. I will support the submitted budget or request more funding if indicated through debate that more funding is needed for enforcement purposes. I became a victim of the largest contaminated water cover up while serving at the Marine base Camp Lejeune.

GUN REGULATIONS I believe in Second Amendment Rights for All. The current application of the Second Amendment as defined by the U.S. Supreme Court through rulings is that most citizens have a right to bear most arms in their homes, but the right to ownership is subject to regulation, and arms are subject to regulation outside of the home. I favor

In the 2014 election road repair was a big issue and it still is because Representative Webber, Senator Knollenberg, and other Republicans in control failed to properly act because they did not want to adjust taxes or spending before they were term limited out of office in 2021. Four years have passed and Michigan’s roads are worse. This November is the time to get Webber and Knollenberg out of the way, so that proper road repairs can begin immediately instead of waiting three more years. During those years you could be a pothole victim. Delaying road maintenance and repairs will increase the cost three years into the future due to further road deterioration. Therefore, more should be spent at this time. The rainy day fund could be a source of some of the funding. A recently projected small Michigan budget surplus could be partially allocated to road repairs.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Education must be individualized to each child in order to realize one’s full potential. The Republican educational agenda concerning public education, especially that espoused by Tom McMillan, Mike Webber, and Betsy DeVos, of choice and transfer of public funds to private educational enterprises may seem appealing for some, but would fracture the excellent Rochester Community School District. Two Rochester high schools were recently rated among Michigan’s top ten public high schools. Michigan’s charter schools need more state evaluation and oversight concerning academic performance and finances. Charter school expansion should be frozen until the evaluation and additional oversight monitoring is in place. Public K-12 education could always use more funding. The Michigan’s Constitution clearly states there shall be no public funding of private schools. I will abide by our Constitution when voting for Michigan’s public school budget.

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MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION I plan on voting “Yes” on the marijuana legalization proposal appearing on the November ballot. I have a few concerns. I do not want recreational marijuana to be regulated to the point that the black market can easily sell marijuana below the legal price. There should be severe penalties imposed on high drivers who cause auto accidents. I do not want marijuana to be regulated like alcohol when I see the influence that the alcohol industry has over those who regulate it. The alcohol industry’s best interests are not always what is best for the consumer, especially concerning competition and price of the product. I want rules and regulations that will limit the influence of those entering this nascent legal business before they get bad habits.

Medical marijuana is currently an alternative medicine. Scientific research should be done in Michigan in order to make marijuana a legitimate prescription medicine.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY The Flint water crisis revealed the glaring weakness in the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Governor Snyder used five million taxpayers’ dollars to pay attorneys to filter the emails that he volunteered to release.

I wonder what was not released? The Republican controlled Michigan legislature has failed to enact legislation which I favor that would subject the governor and lawmakers to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Complaints filed with state regulatory boards should be subject to more transparency and accountability.

Complainants should be able to request reviews by outside non-biased parties instead of having reviews performed by biased in house staff. I favor judicial retention elections, voting yes or no to retain each judge. Judges perform better when they know they will have to face the voters periodically in retention elections.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE In the 1960s as a medical student at the University of Michigan during obgyn training at the Wayne County General Hospital when abortions were illegal, I saw the work of the “back alley butchers.” I would tell my mentors the police should be called and the butchers prosecuted. Nothing was ever done. The response was, “The case was not severe enough to get the police involved.” Besides, the victims were not talking. In the 1960s a million illegal abortions were performed annually, and women suffered. Now abortions are a safe legal procedure, and about AUGUST 2018 PRIMARY

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one million are performed annually.

There are currently fewer abortions per capita than in the 1960s, which indicates the value of birth control and organizations such as Planned Parenthood in reducing the number of unplanned pregnancies. I want women who desire to have an abortion to get excellent medical care. No more back alley butchers.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Yes. The Civil Rights Act should be extended to include legal protection in employment and housing concerning one’s sexual orientation because it is morally the right thing to do. About 20 states have this type of legislation and also numerous cities, including about 35 cities in Michigan. The cities in Michigan House District 45 do not offer this type of protection. Most states with more vibrant economies and higher levels of per capita income than Michigan protect their citizens from sexual orientation discrimination.

Large businesses looking for new locations want their employees protected from sexual discrimination.

Enacting this type of legislation at the state level improves the business climate as well as the living climate.

Michigan will do better if it has this type of legislation. States, communities, and citizens living with this type of legislation have not suffered or been harmed.

WHY YOU I have one opponent in the Democratic primary. I barely know him or his position on issues. I suggested to him that we debate prior to the primary in order for voters to get to know the Democratic candidates better, but he was not interested. I will support my Democratic opponent if he is the November candidate because I feel that he would be better than Rep. Michael Webber. I feel that I am the best 2018 candidate for Michigan House Representative from Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township. As a medical doctor I am the best candidate for improving health, healthcare, fairness in healthcare finances, and excellence in Rochester Public Schools. These are areas where Rep. Webber’s rigid political philosophy is detrimental to the citizens of this community. I appreciate your vote.

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

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

Call or visit your local municipal clerk’s office to register for the August 7 primary election.

Youth holds the power. Use it.

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august 7 primary voter guide Rochester Hills

COUNTY COMMISSION – 11TH DISTRICT THOMAS E. KUHN

will however make sure county participation in joint projects with Rochester Hills to prioritize maintenance and improvement of those county roads which have been neglected, such as Hamlin, Adams and Livernois.

Auburn Hills

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Rochester Hills

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IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY

Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAA-ratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate.

The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should Almost the western half of Rochester Hills, along with the northern portion of Troy and the be launching at this time? southeast corner of Auburn Hills.

Kuhn is an attorney who lives in Troy. He received his bachelor’s degree at University of Michigan, masters and PhD from University of Toronto, and JD from Detroit College of Law. He was an Oakland Community College trustee from 20042016; Royal Oak City Commissioner, 1989-2001; and served on the Royal Oak Plan Commission and Plan Steering committee.

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

Rochester Hills taxpayers should not be required to pay for the proposed new regional transit tax. If other communities believe that the regional transit plan will benefit them, then, of course, they should have the opportunity to tax themselves if they so choose. As county commissioner, I will work hard to exclude communities such as Rochester Hills from paying for any regional tax proposal which doesn’t benefit them. For me, it’s really just a matter of fairness. The proposed cost to Rochester Hills taxpayers far exceeds any benefit.

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

I oppose adding a new county road tax on top of the existing state and federal road taxes. As county commissioner, I 22B

As a trustee at Oakland Community College for 12 years, I believe technology and information sharing between Oakland County and local governments and schools is a critical concerted effort needed. The county has significant resources and information which should be shared with our local governments and schools.

In addition, the existing programs to encourage training and new economic investments should be expanded. I support funding for the Auburn Road corridor, upon which the city of Rochester Hills has focused attention.

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

The county needs to fix Children’s Village to assure better outcomes for troubled children in our community. The first step should be setting up a task force of community volunteers involved with Youth Assistance and similar volunteer groups, along with business, non-profit and school leaders to look at Childrens Village’s current operations, to evaluate their effectiveness and to propose improvements. We should encourage public-private cooperation to address this serious concern.

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

Did not respond.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment

through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

For the past seven years, I have been lakes chair of our homeowners association, which includes six lakes and one stream. In that capacity, I have experienced repeated issues with the county’s Water Resources Commission, which has failed to step up and cooperate with groups interested in promoting protection and improvement of our waterways. Oakland County needs to assure less bureaucracy, less red tape and more innovation in addressing the needs of our lakes and streams. In particular, the county needs to work with volunteer and community groups to promote increased joint public-private projects.

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

I have extensive experience in local government. I spent 12 years as an elected trustee for Oakland Community College and, before that, 12 years as an elected member of city council. I have also been an appointed member of the City Plan Commission and City Master Plan Steering Committee. For the past seven years, I have served on my neighborhood homeowners association. I am committed to representing the needs and views of the citizens of Rochester Hills. I will work to assure efficient and fiscally responsible government geared to providing the best services without new taxes. I support our local law enforcement, including improved technology, staffing and infrastructure for the County Sheriff. I also support new and expanded business opportunity in the county. The most important reason a voter should choose me over my opponent, however, is my demonstrated commitment to integrity, service and family.

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FACES

Kathleen Pfeiffer akland University professor and Rochester Hills resident Kathleen Pfeiffer has been recognized for her scholarly books, critical essays and academic work, but her latest piece of writing, "Ink," is earning her praise in the creative, non-fiction category.

Described as an "artfully woven tapestry of emotions and events drawing on personal recollections and historical research," by the Michigan Writers Cooperative Press, "Ink" is a personal memoir that chronicles Pfeiffer's memories of her brother Gerry, who died at age 11 after a seven-month battle with brain cancer. Pfeiffer, who was 13 at the time, has used the memoir to make sense of the grief, loss, faith and hope she felt then, and later in life.

The book was a winner of the 2018 Michigan Writers Cooperative Press Chapbook Competition, which receives submissions from writers throughout the country. Winners receive publication and marketing support.

"It stemmed from a seed of an idea that really started in 2010 described in the end of the book. I had been ghosted by a friend from the past who was someone who was very close and a helpful friend, who had also lost his brother," Pfeiffer said. "I started writing to make sense of that and control the story. That lead me to writing about my brother."

The book, which consists of three personal essays, also is a story about particular times and places, including growing up in the late 1970s, going to college in the mid-1980s, and forging a career as a writer.

"I did always know I wanted to write," Pfeiffer said. "One of the things I did in doing the research for 'Ink' was dig up some old projects I was writing before graduate school, and I was surprised at how creative some of the writing was."

Born and raised in Trumbull, Connecticut, and teaching at Oakland

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University since 1997, Pfeiffer's research took her to different times and places in her life. Her research also included revisiting pop culture of the time, going through old yearbooks, cards, notes, old newspapers and speaking with friends and family to see if her memory matched the reality of the times.

"Memory is often different than historical fact," she said. "To me, it's intellectually and creatively a fascinating situation when you have a memory to be absolutely true, then you discover it didn't happen the way you remember it.

"There wasn't anything I found that was that dramatic as a disconnect.

But, generally speaking, there was an order of events I remember clearly that wasn't always present in the historical record. That was an interesting discovery."

Pfeiffer was honored on June 10 by the Michigan Writers Cooperative Press – a cooperative venture that helps emerging writers – at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. In 2012, Pfeiffer was named a Kresge Artist Fellow. Her previous work includes "Brother Mine: The Correspondence of Jean Toomer and Waldo Frank," "Race Passing and American Individualism," and several critical essays and academic work, often focusing on race and personal identity.

"I'm interested in race, racial identity, and also identity as a concept, particularly in American literature," she said. "American culture is so fascinated with individualism. The idea that anyone can reinvent themselves, that's a national myth that I'm interested in. If 'Ink' connects to my academic work, it's that shared interest. Taking that question and turning it on myself."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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n August 9, 2014, following the shooting death of Michael Brown, an African American teen, by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a national discussion was sparked on police brutality, the relationship between law enforcement officers and the African American communities they cover, militarization of police, and the appropriate use of force.

In Ferguson, Brown's death, and the community outcry, escalated as a makeshift memorial to Brown of flowers and candles was allegedly spoiled when a police officer allowed a dog under his control to urinate on the memorial. Later, police vehicles – armored vehicles, actually – crushed the memorial, leading to civil unrest in the city – some in the form of peaceful protests, some as looting and rioting. In reaction, several police departments assembled before protesters in riot gear and faced them down.

Over a two-day period, police and SWAT teams fired tear gas and rubber bullets at lines of protesters and reporters, who were marching, and tanks were seen on the streets of Ferguson.

MILITARY SURPLUS THUNDERING DOWN THE ROAD: ARMING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

BY LISA BRODY

According to reports, protesters in Ferguson carried signs, with many holding their hands in the air while shouting “don't shoot,” apparently in reference to rumors that Brown had had his hands raised in an attempt to surrender when he was shot. Yet according to police, some protesters threw bottles at them, which prompted them to use tear gas in an effort disperse the crowd. The following day, about 70 SWAT team officers joined police to face an even larger crowd of protesters, using smoke bombs, flash grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas on protesters.

As the protests grew, so did national news coverage, and the image the country saw were police officers looking like armed forces attacking unarmed citizens.

On August 14, Sen. Clair McCaskill (D-Missouri) stated that “militarization of the police escalated the protesters' response.”

By August 23, President Obama ordered a review of the distribution of military hardware to state and local police, questioning whether the use of such equipment contributed to the racial unrest in Ferguson.

Obama suspended the program, but it was re-instituted by President Trump in August 2017.

Then-Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement in 2014, “It makes sense to look at whether military-style equipment is being acquired for the right purposes and whether there is proper training on when and how to deploy it.”

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard disagrees. “Tanks are used to destroy things. Armored vehicles are used to protect people,” he asserted.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Department has acquired millions of dollars of surplus military equipment over the last 20 years, when the equipment became available to them, most of which officials say has proven beneficial for officers, as well as taxpayers, because it is free for the asking. The only expense is the cost of going to get the equipment and then providing maintenance and storage. Bouchard, and many law enforcement chiefs, state the equipment offers protection to both law enforcement and citizens without having to dip into taxpayer funds.

“Since the Great Recession, I don't know a single department that has bounced back,” said Rick Myers, executive director, Major Cities Chiefs Association. “Every department has less cops on the street but with an increased population and more responsibility. Because of that, leaderships are more mindful of efficiencies and responsibilities of deploying resources.” ost law enforcement agencies around the United States have not just decided they would like to buy a bunch of militarygrade equipment to have on hand, and law enforcement in Ferguson, Missouri, didn't just randomly buy a bunch of military-grade tanks and weapons. Rather, since 1997, police agencies around the country have participated in the 1033 program, which legally requires the U.S. Department of Defense to make various items of equipment available to local law enforcement agencies.

The 1033 program, operated for the Defense Department through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which has Michigan locations in Warren and Battle Creek, transfers excess or out-of-date military equipment to law enforcement agencies and schools around the country. The program began as the National Defense Authorization Act of 1990, an act of Congress, not the Pentagon, defenders note, to authorize the transfer of military hardware from the Department of Defense to federal and state agencies specifically for the use in the War on Drugs, according to 1033 Program information. Until 1997, it was called the 1208 program, and run through the Pentagon.

By 1995, there was the realization that all law enforcement agencies would benefit from acquiring surplus military equipment, and the Law Enforcement Support Office was created within the DLA to

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work exclusively with local law enforcement agencies. With the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997, the 1208 program was expanded to become the 1033 program, allowing “all law enforcement agencies to acquire property for bona fide law enforcement purposes that assist in their arrest and apprehension mission,” with “preference given to counter-drug and counter-terrorism requests,” the act stated.

The theory behind the initiative was that the military’s unneeded equipment might as well be put to good use, rather than be destroyed or warehoused. dam Andrzejewski, founder and CEO of OpenTheBooks.com, which posts on every “dime” taxed and spent by federal, state and local units of government across the U.S., said, “Liberals tend to raise civil liberty concerns while conservatives question why the federal government is involving itself in area of responsibility traditionally reserved for states and local communities. Both sides would probably agree that the federal government itself has become a ‘gun show’ that never adjourns and is distributing massive amounts of firepower to local police departments.”

From 1997 through 2014, $5.1 billion in military hardware was transferred to various local law enforcement agencies around the country from the Department of Defense, according to DLA's Law Enforcement Support Office, with more than 8,000 agencies participating since it began. According to OpenTheBook, in 2006, $29.5 million worth of equipment – 32,500 units – was given out through the 1033 program. In 2014, it had grown to $787 million and over 490,000 units. In 2015, the last year records were released, after the program was allegedly stopped, $460 million worth of equipment was disbursed to local agencies, with a total of 540,176 individual items.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Department has acquired about $4.5 million worth of equipment through the 1033 Program over a period of 18 years, although Bouchard said that some of the requested armaments were returned as his department discovered they either didn't work properly or weren't worth what they thought they would be. Others, including about 540 rifles over a period of 16 years, have been a huge benefit.

“When I became sheriff (1999), we were able to procure rifles through the 1033 program, and we were able to train in rifles, so that at any time across the county if there is an active shooter with a rifle, we can respond, engage and protect law enforcement and the public,” Bouchard said.

Why is there so much surplus weaponry and hardware available in the first place that can be acquired by non-military agencies? The Defense Department says they have a great deal of surplus equipment by the reduced American presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, but at the same time, 17 years of war has produced a surfeit of property, whether it's vehicles, rifles, air conditioners, clothing, computers or medical equipment. About a third of the equipment transferred to local law enforcement is new, and the most commonly obtained item from the program is ammunition, according to DLA. Other commonly requested items are cold weather clothing, sand bags, medical supplies, sleeping bags, flashlights and electrical wiring. Office equipment, which some smaller police departments can't afford, is requested, and the DLA has offered tactical armored vehicles, grenade launchers, watercraft and aircraft.

There are some that have said that some of the items, like Humvees, mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, aircraft, boats, sniper scopes, and M-16s, can raise eyebrows. Yet, facilitators of the program point out that only about five percent of the available equipment is weaponry, and less than one percent is tactical vehicles, which have been stripped down before they're repurposed for police agencies. Most of what law enforcement agencies receive are leftover

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office equipment, blankets and sleeping bags, flashlights, cameras, clothing and other less exciting disbursements.

The DLA determines what becomes available to civilian law enforcement – not police agencies who may request items. They, as part of the Department of Defense, have the final authority to determine which excess equipment and military gear is appropriate for use for law enforcement activities. And the DLA does site visits periodically to make sure the equipment they've allocated is being used appropriately.

“It is up to local law enforcement to determine how and when and where and under what circumstances they use excess military equipment,” former Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said in 2014. “We don't take a position on the way the equipment is used.”

“It's been a huge benefit because we're taking surplus and devalued equipment and utilizing it,” Bouchard said. “It's a great benefit to taxpayers because they've already paid for it, and it's being put back to use – it's being put back to great use for us.” ow could the acquisition of large trucks, tactical armored vehicles, night vision goggles, rifles, and other equipment, possibly be a benefit to Oakland County taxpayers? Bouchard is accurate, in that there is no cost from the federal government to local law enforcement agencies, who are essentially taking the proffered items off of the feds' hands. In exchange, local agencies do have to go and get the equipment or pay for shipping costs, and then pay for its storage and maintenance – but there is no fee or payment required for the actual items acquired. The DLA notes that “the program gives smaller police departments access to material that larger police departments are usually able to afford without federal assistance.”

“If I had the money to just buy an armored vehicle that was designed for civilian law enforcement, I would. It's not the vehicle I would have chosen if money wasn't an option, if I could just go buy a vehicle,” said West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton of the $733,000 mine resistant vehicle the department obtained in May of 2014. “But the need is there. Timeliness is there for us to respond to an incident and not have to wait for the Oakland County Sheriff's Department and Michigan State Police – there's always a time delay.

We're sending our officers into harmful situations. We don't always know what the risk is going to be when we go into it.”

Patton noted that in 2012, West Bloomfield officer Patrick O'Rourke, 39, a 12-year veteran of the force was killed in a shooting by a barricaded gunman. The Sheriff's Department provided a SWAT unit and a robot with a camera to try to find the shooter.

“We put neighbors, little kids, whole families, inside our armored vehicles and evacuated them safely,” Bouchard said, pointing out an example of how the department has used repurposed military armored vehicles – tanks – to protect officers and the public, rather than as quasi-military. “That's just one example. We have numerous examples where we have safely evacuated and protected people.”

Bouchard said they utilize equipment in that manner on a regular basis.

Major Cities Chiefs Association Myers pointed out, “We've shifted from a warrior mindset to a guardian mindset, but there are unfortunate times when they have to shift to warrior mindset – when cops have to go to battle, and we want them to battle safely – and come home safely.”

Mark Fancher, attorney for racial justice work for the ACLU in Detroit, said, “We generally oppose the militarization of police and the 1033 program that facilitates that. What contributes to tensions between police and communities of color is the police having a warrior mentality rather than being individuals to protect and serve the community. We believe policing is a bad idea to approach from a military point of view.”

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Fancher continued, “If there is a presumption that the community is a danger, that they have to be dealt with fear, aggression, if it is in the form of assault weapons, military weapons, then all the ingredients are there for violent conflict. The police will often say they have to approach with a warrior attitude because they don't know them – but that implies implicit bias that does not necessarily extend to an affluent, white community.”

Yet, data show that law enforcement agencies in Oakland County vary not based on demographics, with some affluent communities choosing to take advantage of the opportunity to procure excess military equipment, while others rely on the sheriff's department, and some less affluent departments choosing that route as well, while others got trucks, rifles and expensive sight goggles.

West Bloomfield Police have also acquired a pan and tilt assembly thermal viewer through the 1033 program, worth almost $3,000 in July 2014; a $77,000 remote-controlled vehicle in June 2017; and 200 $3 first aid field dressing kits in June 2017.

“Storage costs are pretty minimal,” Bouchard said. Patton concurred, noting they utilize an indoor facility for their MRAP. Available equipment shows up on a military surplus list on a rolling basis, Bouchard said, rather than on a monthly or annual basis, “so we have someone on staff who peruses it regularly.” He said it's not a centralized list, though, because items are located all over the country, and they are not geographically specific.

“It's whoever gets it first,” Bouchard said. “It could be in Tennessee, or in California.”

Shipping costs for small items, like first aid items, may be minimal, but if it's for a large utility truck, sending deputies to California to acquire it and drive it back may not justify the “free” cost.

A memorandum of agreement between the DLA and states that participate in the 1033 program requires local police to either use the military equipment within one year or return it to the DLA. “Certain equipment, if you don't use it – or don't want to use it – it must be returned to the military or given to another law enforcement agency,” he said, or items that include firearms, armored vehicles, “and other more controlled items, where there has to be strict inventory control. Some items, once you have them for a year or two, they fall off of accountability – like boots, coats, filing cabinets, first aid kits. They're not controlled, and if you disposed of them, or you didn't utilize them, they can be thrown out.” ccording to records from the Federal Weapons Loaned to Public Bodies, the sheriff's office first began accessing and acquiring surplus items from DLA in 1999, the year Bouchard became the county sheriff. Besides the 540 rifles acquired over the years, beginning in December 1999, and then in September 2000, with rifles and night vision goggles. They accelerated their acquisitions in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. In 2012 alone, the sheriff's department requested and received dozens of rifles; 400 infrared transmitters; night vision goggles; 200 sight reflex, which are optical devices, worth $1,170 each; four telescopes at $2,000; 10 other telescopes worth $800 a piece; four robots worth $8,000 a piece; binoculars; five night vision viewers worth $10,427 each; 22 ballistic and laser protective spectacles, at $20 each; 400 infrared illuminators, at $360 a crack; a thermacam camera, worth almost $12,000; a parts kit, valued at $28,816; and two utility trucks – one valued at $172,193, the other at $329,000.

The department acquired a utility truck in 2011, as well, worth $46,983, and two in 2013, each valued at $58,939. Other significant acquisitions requisitioned from DLA in 2013 were eight laser range finders worth $20,501 each; 50 infrared illuminators, valued at $160 each; three inflatable life rafts, $5,432 a piece; four supplemental armor sets at $24,709 each; and 150 holographic weapon gun sights, at $507 each.

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Along with rifles, the other major acquisition by the department occurred in January 2016, when they were able to procure a mine resistant vehicle worth $733,000.

That's almost $2.6 million worth of law enforcement equipment the department acquired without any cost to taxpayers – much less all of the other equipment over the years.

“We don't get things like grenade launchers. But why should we go out and buy something when you have thousands of it in inventory in storage?” Bouchard asked.

He pointed out that bayonets, with their swordlike, bladed weapontips over a rifle, have the perception of a war weapon. In actuality, according to the Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed Combat, today a bayonet is rarely, if ever, used in one-to-one combat – although it is still issued by many armies. It is often used for controlling prisoners, or as a weapon of “last resort.” It is also used by soldiers as a ground tool, as a survival knife. Hence, the availability of bayonets to local law enforcement through the DLA and 1033 program. Bouchard said a practical use to local law enforcement “is to cut someone out of a seat belt in a car accident, or to cut wires away. It's as a life saving or first aid tool. There are also ceremonial bayonets, for our ceremonies, for funerals and parades. They're part of our honor guard.” They are not for actual use, he pointed out.

“The bottom line is – we hope and pray we never have to use this equipment. But in our line of work, hope and prayer is not a strategy,” Bouchard emphasized. “Preparation is. So we work and prepare.”

For him and his officers, a lot of this excess military equipment helps with the preparation part. ut there are arguments across the country that smaller police departments are collecting battlefield worthy arsenals, all thanks to the 1033 program. And while the Oakland County Sheriff's Department spends money and time on training its officers and on proper maintenance and storage, lots of small law enforcement departments around the country – even around the county – do not make that same effort. The concern is that they are stockpiling military equipment which could be misused – or worse, get into the wrong hands.

In Wixom, with a population of 13,500, the public safety department acquired a utility truck worth $41,061 in 2012, and another worth $47,023 in 2013. They also received a mine resistant vehicle, worth $658,000, in 2013.

They have not received anything else from the 1033 program.

Novi Police Department also received a utility truck, worth $46,983, in 2011.

The Troy Police Department also received a utility truck, worth $49,897, in 2012, along with 45 reflex sight vision goggles, each valued at $315.

Farmington Hills Police received 152 military field packs in 2016, each valued at $349, and 600 field first aid dressing kits, at $3 a piece in 2017. Farmington Police also received field first aid dressing kits in 2017, 92 worth $3 each, as well as four $138 rifles in 2000; six rifles worth $749 each in 2014; and 23 military field packs, each valued at $349, in 2016.

The Waterford Police Department has not received anything since 2002, when they acquired one 5.56 mm rifle worth $500. They acquired 17 of the rifles in 1998, and two other rifles in 1995, along with a pair of $2,200 night vision goggles in 2000.

The Lake Angelus Police Department acquired 13 $500 rifles in 2012.

Southfield last had an acquisition in 1995, when it received nine rifles worth $138 each. Lathrup Village acquired rifles, as well, two valued at $500 in 1998; and two worth $500 in 2002. Ferndale's police department received 10 $138 rifles in 2001, and 100 $3 field first aid dressing kits in 2017.

In Orchard Lake Village, two $500 rifles were procured in 2005.

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Sylvan Lake Police got four rifles worth $138 each in 2000. Lake Angelus Police received 13 $500 rifles in 2012.

In S. Lyon, the police department was able to get four rifles, two worth $120 in 2009; and two worth $750 in 2014.

Clawson's police department acquired an armored truck in 2000, worth $65,070, and 17 $500 rifles in 2012. In Beverly Hills, they received six rifles, at $138 each, in 2003.

But many other departments choose not to take advantage of the 1033 program.

“We have nothing, and we have never asked for anything,” said Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence. “A lot of that stuff is super for a big city or a county. If you have a SWAT team, or marine protection, where you need that. But we don't. We'd have the expense of housing it, and insuring it and maintaining it. It's free to get it – but then you have other costs.

“It's a wonderful program – I'm very supportive of it. It only increases officer safety. For a municipality to buy an armored vehicle is big money – and then to work it into their budget, it may no longer meet military standards, but it's ideal for a county like Oakland, or a big city.”

“I've got nothing. We've never done that,” said Bloomfield Township Chief Scott McCanham. “We don't have a tactical unit. We use Oakland County's (Sheriff Department). I know they have benefitted (from the program).

“It's never been in our past, and I don't see it in our future. For us to take it – there are people who need it more than us.”

Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Chief Noel Clason concurred. “We don't have any, and never had,” he said. “We rely on the county for any tactical needs.”

He also said they are able to receive enough funding for their primary needs – a critical reason why so many local law enforcement departments around the country have turned to the 1033 program.

“We're able to fund any patrol rifle, and they're military grade,” Clason said. “If we need anything, we would go with Oakland County SWAT or the Michigan State Police. Plus, we don't have any storage for any of it.”

Rochester has never sought or received any surplus military equipment, either.

Royal Oak Police Deputy Police Chief Mike Frazier said he believed they did procure a few items years ago, “but a lot of it wasn't worth it.

We gave the guns back because we didn't use them. The night vision apparatus weren't in working order, and it would have cost us more to bring them into working order than buying new ones.”

He said the accounting process, while necessary, is a lot of paperwork, and perhaps not worth the value of the acquisitions – at least for them.

The 1033 program was halted in 2014 by President Obama after Ferguson, much to the chagrin of Bouchard and others, and some large scale equipment, like tanks and trucks, had to be returned to the Department of Defense. President Trump re-instituted the program in August 2017, but acquisitions have been slow around the country.

Myers, of Major Cities Chiefs Association, said, “After the cessation of the 1033 program, some departments struggled because some equipment they needed couldn't be purchased with their budgets.

What's interesting, it was predicted by some there would be a rush to acquire the equipment when it was allowed again, but actually, it's been slow. I have a theory – in the aftermath of the ban, it's lead many chiefs to reflect the use of that equipment – if it's needed, what's the proper usage, and how to avoid the backlash like Ferguson.

“When I was a chief of a large city department (he was chief in Plymouth years ago), we certainly had an armored vehicle for a SWAT situation, but we never used it for a 4th of July parade. I think we've all seen the images of N. Korea and Russia, and images of the military parades, and I don't think those are the images we should be using and leading with. This equipment is merely tools, not the basis of police work. Think images of Pulse Nightclub, the Vegas shooter, where the shooter is heavily armed – we have an obligation to arm our officers with the equipment to meet and fight the shooter or shooters to protect the public, but that does not equate to showing off our toys.”

MUNICIPAL City council adopts fund balance policy

By Kevin Elliott

Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 4, adopted an updated fund balance reserve policy intended to increase transparency and maintain the health of the city's fund balance reserves into the future.

Rochester Hills Chief Financial Officer Joe Snyder said the city's Strategic Planning and Technical Review Committee met in February and May of 2018 to review and discuss the policy, which was previously updated in 2009. Under the existing policy, the city must maintain a minimum of 20 percent of operating revenues for governmental funds, including the general fund, special revenue funds and capital improvement funds.

Snyder said the new policy was developed by researching best practices in fund balance policies per the Governmental Finance Officers Association and examining examples from communities around the country, having communications and discussions with the city's auditor, reviewing best practices in context with the city of Rochester Hills' unique financial structure and tailoring the most relevant of best practices into a comprehensive policy intended to serve the city in the future.

Under the new policy, the city must maintain a range of reserves in various city funds, including the city's general fund and special capital and operating funds. Those reserves include maintaining 70 to 80 percent of annual operating expenditures in the city's general fund; and 20 to 25 percent of annual expenditures in the city's local street fund, fire operating fund, special police fund, pathway maintenance fund and green space operating fund.

Fund balance minimum levels must be at least 25 percent of annual operating expenditures in the city's major road fund, tree fund and water resources fund.

Under the new policy, funding in excess of 80 percent of annual expenditures in the general fund shall be transferred to the city's capital improvement fund to provide a funding source for future citywide capital improvements. Usage of capital improvement fund reserves is limited to no more than 50 percent of the available fund balance reserves in the capital improvement fund for one particular year. City council will downtownpublications.com

Silver Spoon Ristorante prepares for move lans by the owner of the Silver Spoon Ristorante, 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, to relocate to 543 N. Main Street, in downtown Rochester, are underway, as a July 23 public hearing regarding the transfer of the restaurant's liquor license was scheduled by Rochester City Council at their meeting on Monday, June 25.

Plans to relocate the restaurant have been in the works for years, as increased business has spurred the need for a bigger building. However, the downtown Rochester location is a relatively new development, following previous plans by the restaurant to construct a 4,000 squarefoot building at 6780 Old Orion Court, west of Rochester Road and north of Tienken.

Owner Rito Lisi sought to relocate the business to the area occupied by the long-vacant Sikh Gudwara property. Property records show the property was purchased from Gudwara Sikh in 2012 for $230,000.

Rochester Hills approved rezoning the land in 2015, and in 2017, Lisi requested conditional use permission, a natural setback modification and site plan approval for the project. Rochester Hills City Council approved the requests in September of 2017. Property records show that the property was sold by The Silver Spoon in January of 2018 to North Row LLC, of Troy, for $490,000.

On June 19, the Silver Spoon Ristorante announced it would be moving to the Rochester location. "We are excited to announce we have found a wonderful new location which is just down the road a short distance," the restaurant announced on its Facebook page. "While the new location is slightly larger, we promise to continue providing you with an amazing dining experience that includes high-quality, uniquely crafted food, great wine and service, and of course, a charming atmosphere that includes a few surprises now and again."

The move is expected to be complete and the new location open by late summer.

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be authorized to permit the usage over 50 percent pending an explanation of circumstances.

The policy also allows the use of governmental fund balance reserves above the prescribed minimums, as directed by city council. If governmental fund balance reserves were to fall below the prescribed target or minimum level, the city's administration shall present a financial plan to address the deficit within 90 days, and the reserves must be restored within three years.

The policy is to be reviewed by administration and the strategic planning and policy technical review committee on an annual basis.

Council unanimously approved the policy with councilman Dale Hetrick absent.

Snyder said capital improvement fund reserves above the minimum amount would be allocated based on capital improvement plan rankings, with each project ranked to provide a relative worth or impact to the city.

The policy, he said, would allow for unplanned capital improvements that arise to come from a capital improvement fund that can be better monitored, rather than the city's general fund, which serves as an operating fund.

"It provides flexibility for the city and better context for decisions," he said.

Rochester Hills sets goals, objectives Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 4, adopted a list of goals and objectives for 2019 that will guide policy decisions in the city for the next year.

The city's Strategic Planning and Policy Technical Review Committee met in May to reassess the city's goal and objectives for 2019. The committee, which includes council members Ryan Deel, Stephanie Morita, Mark Tisdel and assistance from the city's chief financial officer Joe Snyder.

The committee made several changes to the current goal and objectives, which are ordered by priority ranking. The goals and objectives also guide city council's strategy for the upcoming budget year and help guide city administration in developing that budget.

The committee added one new goal regarding the city's workforce and objectives designed to attract

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and retain a qualified, responsive, productive and innovative workforce.

Under the "City Workforce" goal, the committee recommended four objectives, including: continuing to offer competitive compensation and benefit programs; encourage and support training and continuing education to retain and maximize talent; using social media and other targeted outlets to attract best prospects, including diverse candidates; and building a pipeline of skilled workers through proactive partnerships and internship programs.

Nine other goals remained in the same order as 2018, with some changes to specific objectives.

Council unanimously approved the goals and objectives, with councilman Dale Hetrick absent.

The goals and objectives for 2019 include: Public Safety: Protect the residents, businesses and visitors of Rochester Hills by providing high quality public safety. Public safety objectives include monitoring the city's fire department funding structure; examining current levels of police service for effectiveness and efficiency; and implementing strategies to maintain current levels of fire and EMS service.

Infrastructure Management: to provide reliable, safe and effective infrastructure throughout the city.

Infrastructure objectives include implementing a comprehensive stormwater policy, including a longterm funding strategy; continuing neighborhood stormwater education programs; continuing the city's sump pump discharge inspection program; reviewing the condition of existing facilities to ensure they are aesthetically pleasing and to optimize administrative efficiency so that both residents and employees feel valued; and to continue the city's cross connection education program.

Economic/Tax Base: to retain investment, maintain tax and employment bases, support redevelopment, and uphold high property values in the city.

Objectives include attracting and retaining businesses that focus on research and development, and hightech areas; continued policies and ordinances for maintenance of existing residential and commercial buildings; supporting the implementation of the Auburn Road Corridor Redevelopment Plan; and supporting diversification of available housing stock, including 33

Future rate increases to be expedited

By Kevin Elliott

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ochester City Council on Monday, June 11, approved a measure to expedite water and sewer rate changes that will help protect the city from absorbing pass-through fees in the future.

The city has two separate water systems, with the eastern half of the city supplied water by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) by way of Shelby Township, and the western portion served by a municipal water well located off Livernois Road. The city's department of public works is responsible for maintenance of the water and sewer systems within the city limits.

Currently, water and sewer rates for each of the systems are set by city ordinance. That means annual rate changes must be set through an ordinance amendment, a process that includes a public notice, public hearing and two readings (or approvals) by city council. However, the city's infrastructure committee in 2017 recommended removing the rate structure from the city code and allowing rates to be set through a single resolution by city council.

Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing said part of the challenge of the ordinance process is that pass-through rate increases from the GLWA and Shelby Township often go into effect before city council is able to amend its own rate through the ordinance process. That means the city often absorbs the cost of the increases until the process is completed, which may take 60 to 90 days.

By removing the rate structure from the city's ordinances and adding it to a master fee schedule that may be adjusted by a single resolution by city council, the process may be expedited, along with pass-through fees.

Rochester City Attorney Jeffrey Kragt said the city has already made such changes to other fees in the city, and that water and sewer fees are adjusted frequently.

"The city council would still be required to have adjustments as an agenda item and specifically approve it at a public meeting," Kragt said.

Councilman Ben Giovanelli said he was in favor of the change, but wanted to include a caveat in the motion to ensure that city council reviews water and sewer rates on an annual basis. Doing so, he said, would encourage greater transparency in the process.

Rochester resident Susan Douglas said while she didn't oppose the change, she encouraged council to continue the publication of public notices regarding water rate changes in order to keep the public informed.

"The paid advertising will be missing as part of the rate changes," she said. "I wouldn't mind if you did it this way, as long as you still did the noticing."

Wing said an additional page has already been added to the city's website specifically listing and explaining water and sewer rates, as well as a page including those rate changes from previous years. That information may be found at ci.rochester.mi.us/358/Water-and-Sewer-Rates-and-Services.

Councilwoman Kim Russell agreed with Douglas, saying that she too believes the city should continue publishing notices to keep the public better informed.

Councilman Stuart Bikson also agreed that measures to maintain a high-level of transparency should be taken, as there continues to be concern about the city's new water and sewer rate policy implemented in 2017.

"The new policy is deeply unpopular," he said. "I had a resident call me. He wasn't in his house for a year, and when he got his bill he was hit for an additional $100. The notion that you only get billed for what you use isn't really there. People are still having huge problems with the new policy."

The previous city council in 2016 approved steep increases in water and sewer rates in order to fund some $40 million in maintenance and upgrade work over the next 20 years. The rates, which went into effect in 2017, were expected at the time to increase rates by more than $200 annually.

Council on Monday approved the first reading of the ordinance amendment to remove the rate structure from the code by a vote of 6-0, with councilman Dean Bevacqua absent.

the encouragement of mixed-use properties.

Recreation, Parks and Culture: to preserve the city's natural resources and recreational character. Those objectives include reviewing short and long-term needs of the park system and providing a plan to meet those needs, including funding; examining alternate funding sources for park development; and implementing a maintenance program of acquired green space and natural feature city owned property.

Community Trust and Participation: to promote effective communication between city council, administration, residents, businesses and visitors so that decisions reflect the community's desires and expectations. Those objectives include maintaining an improving openness and transparency in conducting city business by way of cable broadcast and webcast of city meetings and accessibility of city documents; expanding new development notification to ensure neighboring property owners are advised; utilizing technology to enhance communication with residents, and allow for online delivery of certain services; continue the policy of biannual public input via a community survey; and involving youth in leadership growth and development of the city's future by way of encouraging their participation on the Rochester Hills Government Youth Council.

Fiscal Management: Establish policies for fiscal responsibility that ensure short and longterm prosperity through effective fiscal planning and efficient management of taxpayer assets. Those objectives include continuing a policy of forecasting revenues, expenses and critical factors for up to the next seven years on a rolling basis and begin strategic analysis of the years beyond; and to continue a three-year budget plan.

Community/Neighborhoods: To protect the family-oriented community from adverse events and conditions by strategic planning and proactive management in all aspects of municipal governance. Those objectives include developing and implementing a comprehensive notification system to alert residents of emergency situations; maintaining and improving relationships with homeowner associations/ neighborhoods to further neighborhood neighborhood stability to make the community a

better place to live; continuing to implement code enforcement/blight ordinances effectively to preserve existing neighborhoods; and continuing the evaluate and make recommendations to reduce the adverse impact of wildlife population in the city, and educate home owner association leadership and homeowners.

Effective Governance: Provide clear policy direction to the administration for the execution of city programs and services to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Those objectives include promoting cooperative purchases with other communities; exploring opportunities for new public/private partnerships, and possibilities for consolidation of city services; encouraging administration to identify grants and/or opportunities to share project costs with other agencies; and annual review and update of the city's emergency operating plan by staff and city council.

Environment: Promote conservation of water, electricity and other resources. Those objectives include supporting green initiatives and resource efficiencies; reviewing potential for expansion of green programs in the city; and continuing education and enforcement of the city' automated irrigation systems ordinance.

Rochester Hills water, sewer rates increased An average increase of 2.8 percent per month for residential water and sewer rates in Rochester Hills was finalized by the city council on Monday, June 4.

Council in May approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment to change water and sewer rates that were based on rate changes charged to the city. Rochester Hills Chief Financial Officer Joe Snyder said the city's water and sewer technical review committee arrived at the rate structure using a a "break-even methodology."

Under the finalized ordinance, water rates will increase by a half percent, totaling $5.84 per 100 cubic feet of water; sewer rates will be set at $6.09 per 100 cubic feet, an increase of about 4.8 percent. The new structure also includes an increase of about 1.8 percent for meter replacements, billing, meter reading and other services, or about an additional 10 cents per bill.

Non-metered flat sewer rates were set at $73.08 per bill, an increase of about 4.8 percent.

Industrial surcharge rates from the Great Lakes Water Authority are pass-through fees to industrial customers, and will rise about .2 percent; industrial surcharge waste control rates will decrease about 37 percent on average.

Snyder said average residential customers will likely see bills increase from about $3.79 per bill.

Flat rate sewer customers will see an increase of about $3.41 per bill.

Council approved the second and final reading of the measure by 6 to 0, with councilman Dale Hetrick absent.

In addition to water and sewer rates, council approved amending the city's ordinance regarding late fees for delinquent water and sewer bills, increasing late frees from two percent of the outstanding bill to five percent.

The fee increase unanimously approved, with councilman Hetrick absent.

Sustainability report big hit with officials

By Kevin Elliott

Rochester City Council on Monday, June 11, approved the use of a sustainability report and associated worksheet used to rate proposed development projects as an accepted policy for the tool to be used in reviewing development plans.

The city in late 2017 contracted with McKenna Associates to develop a sustainability matrix tool to determine how proposed development projects would likely impact sustainability in the city, including environmental health, mobility or transportation, fiscal strength, public services, neighborhoods and the city's downtown area. That information was then incorporated into a worksheet that developers and the city use to score proposed projects during the planning process.

John Jackson of McKenna and Associates said the worksheets provide a baseline, for existing conditions of each category, as well as a target level to see whether a project will help to meet those targets. For instance, the city has a baseline of 24.8 acres of open space or parkland per 1,000 residents, and a target of increasing that figure by 10 percent. Developers then provide the amount of open space a proposed project includes, as well as downtownpublications.com

Anchor Bar opening in Rochester Hills he Anchor Bar – known as the birthplace of the Buffalo chicken wing – will be opening a new location in Rochester Hills in the former Famous Dave's location at 2945 S. Rochester Road.

Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 18, unanimously approved a recommendation for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to approve the transfer of a Class C Resort Liquor License to Banana Leaf, Inc, which will own and operate the new Anchor Bar location. The company is purchasing the license from Val's Operations of Tawas, Michigan.

Rochester Hills City Clerk Tina Barton said the Class C Resort license is one of 550 such licenses in the state that may be transferred across county lines, and will not effect the number of Class C liquor licenses permitted in the city through the state's quota system. The license will otherwise allow for the operation of the tavern/bar without any noticeable differences.

An attorney for Banana Leaf Inc., said the owners hope to have the new location ready to open within the next two months.

The original Anchor Bar, located in Buffalo, New York, is credited with hatching the style of spicy chicken wings in the 1960s that have since become known as Buffalo wings. The original Buffalo wing was a deepfried wing covered with Frank's RedHot sauce and butter, served with blue cheese dip.

Today, the Anchor Bar offers eight different flavors of sauce for its original wings. Menu items include house-made lasagna, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and other fare. The restaurant also will feature a full-service bar with speciality cocktails, beer and wine.

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the number of units. Those that help meet the target figure earn a single point on the worksheet.

Projects can score a maximum of 20 points under the worksheet matrix, with those scoring between zero and seven not meeting targets; those scoring eight to 14 points close to meeting targets; and scores of 15 to 20 meeting targets set by the city.

Rochester Planning and Economic Development Director Nik Banda said developers don't have to tally a perfect score for approval of a project. A score under 15, for instance, may mean a project has the potential for changes that could lead to a higher score. Further, some projects may not be able to achieve all 20 points if the component isn't applicable. For instance, the projects outside of the Downtown Development Authority's (DDA) district are unable to earn points for increasing business in the district.

Council approved accepting the worksheet as official policy by a vote of 6-0, with councilman Dean Bevacqua absent.

Criminal penalties removed for littering The Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 4, approved a measure to remove criminal penalties for littering violations in the city.

The ordinance amendment, which passed 6-0 with councilman Dale Hetrick absent, will go into effect on Sunday, June 10. Under the current ordinance, littering violations are considered a criminal misdemeanor offense. The amendment will reclassify offenses as civil infractions that don't carry a criminal offense or potential jail time.

"This came to light because we have complaints from residents in the aftermath of fireworks," councilwoman Stephanie Morita said.

Morita said the complaints stem from the debris left behind by fireworks around Independence Day. However, she said proving a criminal littering case is difficult for the city, as the debris is usually unintentional. By lowering the penalty to a civil infraction, the city will have a lower standard of proof for prosecution, and individuals can forgo the right to legal representation or jury trial.

Councilman Ryan Deel said state law preempts the city from regulating most firework related activity, but the littering ordinance will help to address debris left by fireworks.

"I was surprised it was a misdemeanor," Deel said of the current law. "In law school, littering is a classic civil infraction, not a criminal offense. This brings us in

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line with most other communities in the country."

Three school board terms expire in 2018 Three terms will be ending this year for members of the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education, leaving three open seats to be filled in this year's November 6 general election.

Each of the open seats are six-year terms, with current board members Michelle Bueltel, Barbara Anness and Andrea Walker-Leidy serving terms that expire at the end of 2018.

Anness was selected by the board in July 2017 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former board secretary Beth Talbert.

Bueltel was elected to the board of education in 2016 following an appointment. Walker-Leidy was appointed by the board in April 2018 to replace Pat Piskulich, who resigned prior to the completion of his term.

Both Anness and Bueltel have filed to retain their seats on the board.

Walker-Leidy told Downtown Publications in May that she plans to run for the third open seat.

The filing deadline for candidates to run is 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 24.

Rochester won't seek fire millage in the fall Rochester City Council members said during a Monday, June 25, council discussion that they wouldn't seek a dedicated tax this November to help pay for potential staffing changes to the city's fire department.

Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik reviewed staffing options previously presented to city council which stemmed from a fire department study conducted by an ad-hoc fire committee formed to assess the current and future needs of fire services in the city.

Earlier this year, the committee earlier said the department's current structure of utilizing only paid, on-call firefighters wouldn't be a sustainable model for the department as response times are already lagging to emergency calls in some areas of the city, and will continue to lag in the future. In order to remedy the problem, the committee suggested adding additional full-time and part-time firefighters in order to staff the city's sole fire station 24 hours each day.

Cieslik said the option would likely cost the city an additional $600,000 each year.

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On June 25, Cieslik presented council with potential funding options, a potential salary schedule and structure, and whether or not to hire new positions as direct hires to the city or to contract them through a third party, an option that Cieslik recommended. Using a third-party contract would avoid the need for collective bargaining with firefighters.

Councilman Ben Giovanelli and mayor Rob Ray both said they wouldn't support a dedicated millage for additional fire services this November, preferring to support the additional service through general fund contributions rather than an additional tax. Any effort to place a millage proposal on the November ballot would need to be approved by council and presented to the state by July 31.

Cieslik said the department is currently pursuing a fire safety grant that could provide funds that could be used to initiate the new funding structure. Whether or not the city may receive the grant should be determined later this year.

Councilwoman Kim Russell said she would like to explore the possibility of whether employing a public safety director to oversee both police and fire services would be beneficial.

Councilwoman Nancy Salvia said while she was in favor of some of the proposed changes, she would still like to see whether the city can pursue agreements with surrounding communities to increase response times.

The discussion ended without a formal motion. The council will continue to discuss the issue at its July 9 city council meeting.

Cumberland Village gets preliminary okay Preliminary plans for a 57-unit single-family condominium project on the east side of Livernois, just north of M-59, was recommended for approval on Monday, June 4, by Rochester Hills City Council.

The project, Cumberland Village, is being proposed by Shelby Township developer Lombardo Homes, which hopes to build on 23 acres of land on Livernois, between Hamlin and M-59.

Lombardo in August of last year met with neighbors at the Rochester Hills Library to discuss the proposed development.

Existing homes at the project site have already been razed. New homes would vary in price and style, from ranches and colonials ranging from 36

Pay raise approved for Mayor Barnett two-percent salary increase in 2019 for Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, as well as department directors, was approved by the Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 18.

The increase will result in a $2,515 salary budget increase, as well as a step increase of $2,846, which is a merit-based increase, bringing Barnett's total salary in 2019 to $132,120.

The increase follows the recommendations set forth in a compensation study by McGrath Human Resources Group that was presented to council in July 2017. The study recommended the city update its salary schedule in 2019 and 2020.

"Step rate increases are based on merit. They aren't automatic," said Rochester Hills Human Resources Director Pam Gordon. "There are a total of six steps on the salary schedule in terms of directors, and the mayor's salary is also part of that salary schedule."

The city's human resources technical review committee recommended the increases. The committee also rejected any increase in salary for city council members for 2019, instead maintaining the same salary for council members that has been in effect for the past decade.

"For city council, it's not about being paid," said councilwoman Susan Bowyer. "It's about wanting to do this job for the city and the residents."

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2,200 to 3,800 square-feet, with pricing beginning about $380,000.

City councilwoman Susan Bowyer expressed concerns about a lack of open space in the proposed project.

"Lombardo does a great job with their developments," Bowyer said. "To see this without some open spaces – it's one of the amenities you see in all the newer developments – so to see that without it in Rochester Hills tells me we are moving in the wrong direction."

Bowyer said an open space area, such as a passive park, would provide a communal meeting area for residents to gather for events or for children to play. She likened the lack of such an open space as a step backwards in planning.

Councilwoman Stephanie Morita, who also serves on the city's planning commission, said the commission was split on the decision whether to approve the plans without such an open space, but decided to approve the preliminary plans due to the relatively small size of the development.

The preliminary site plan was approved 5-1, with Bowyer opposing and councilman Dale Hetrick absent.

The preliminary plan process allows the developer to propose uses, layout of streets and lots, provide an environmental impact statement and present current site conditions. The second phase requires the development of final site plans based on the approved preliminary plans.

The project will still require a final site plan approval from the planning commission at a later date.

Barnett joins protest over separation policy Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett on Thursday, June 21, joined a delegation of non-partisan mayors from around the country in Tornillo, Texas, to protest the Trump administration's family separation policy.

Barnett, who serves as the vice president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USMC), joined 10 other members of the group in Texas, including Columbia, South Carolina Mayor Steve Benjamin, who serves as president of the conference; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who chairs the USCM's Latino Alliance; and Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait, cochair of the USCM's Immigration Task Force; along with others.

The USCM at its 86th annual meeting in June passed a resolution registering its strong opposition to separating children from their families at the border. It called on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to immediately reverse the policies and to allow families apprehended to remain together to the extent possible, to help avoid trauma of forced separation.

The resolution also urged Congress to take action to ensure the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security are prohibited from any separation of children from their families at the border.

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Minor amendment to brownfield pact

By Kevin Elliott

Rochester City Council on Tuesday, May 29, approved a minor amendment to a development agreement between the city and developer Frank Rewold that will allow for cash to be used as collateral for a $1 million brownfield redevelopment loan from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

The project, located at the former ITT Automotive site, 400 Water Street, includes an estimated $2.3 million in environmental cleanup and the construction of an office building at the location. The project includes a $1 million grant and $1 million loan to the city from the DEQ to clean up and mitigate environmental contamination at the site. The city will repay the loan through a tax increment financing district, which captures new taxes generated after the land is redeveloped. The agreement requires Rewold to post a letter of credit as collateral for the loan to the city.

Contamination at the site stems from historical industrial uses at the Western Knitting Mills building in the 1940s, after the knitting corporation was dissolved. It was later purchased

by McAleer Manufacturing, which was the largest producer of flash bombs and flares in the United States during World War II. It was later used by ITT Automotive, which produced push rods and tubing until 1994. Today, the site has contaminated soils with lead and trichlorethylene, according to the DEQ. Contamination at the site has migrated over the years to the Paint Creek, forcing ITT to work with the DEQ to build an underground containment wall and install monitoring wells to ensure pollutants aren't moving to the creek. However, the land can't be developed without remediation conducted, which is ultimately the responsibility of the city of Rochester.

Deputy City Manager Nik Banda said Rewold requested the city allow the company, Rewold & Son, the option of paying cash to be held by the city as collateral. By doing so, Rewold would skirt a bank fee for the letter of credit.

It would also allow the city to draw down the cash as the city repays the loan, thus retaining collateral equal to the outstanding loan balance.

Councilwoman Ann Peterson said she was in favor of the amendment, as she would rather have cash held by the city than a letter of credit. Council voted 5-0 to approve the amendment, with members Nancy Salvia and Kim Russell absent.

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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Rochester area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Rochester/Rochester Hills 112 Pizzeria Bistro: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2528 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.289.6164.

2941 Street Food: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 87 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4583.

Alex’s of Rochester: Italian, Greek, & American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.2288.

Antoniou’s Pizza: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 918 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248.650.2200.

Avery’s Tavern: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2086 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.270.4030.

B Spot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

176 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001.

Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841.

Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester

Road, Rochester, 48307.

248.218.5114.

Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1411.

Bigalora Wood Fire Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 8 or more. Liquor. 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.218.6230.

Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.601.7777.

Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.3300.

Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999.

Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.293.0665.

Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450.

Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.656.1100.

Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.299.5281.

Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch

& Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047.

Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

888.342.2497.

CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 3260 S. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307. 248.293.2800.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600.

Clubhouse BFD (Beer-Food-Drink): American. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 2265 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.6093.

Culver's: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily No reservations. 92 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, MI, 48307.

248.293.2200.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1418 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.266.6226.

Downtown Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 606 N. Main, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.6680.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 2972 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI D 48307. 248.606.4519.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: D American, D Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2544 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.299.3483.

Georgio’s Pizza & Pasta: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Italian.

117 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.2882.

Gold Star Family Restaurant: American & Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 650 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.652.2478.

Golden Eagle: American. Lunch, Sunday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1447 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6606.

Grand Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 12 Marketplace Circle, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.289.1350.

Half Day Café: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

3134 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.1330.

Hamlin Pub: American. Breakfast, Sundays. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1988 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.656.7700.

Hibachi House Bar & Grill: Japanese Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 335 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6055.

Honey Tree Grille: Mediterranean.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2949 Crooks Road, Rochester, 48309. 248.237.0200.

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1186 W. University Drive, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3527.

Johnny Black Public House: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1711 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, H 48307.

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WWW.BISTROJOESKITCHEN.COM 34244 Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI | 48009 248.594.0984 | opentable.com | opentable.com

downtownpublications.com

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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

The Morrie, Part II Aaron Belen, owner of AFB Hospitality, is hoping to bring something new to Birmingham with the opening of The Morrie, which has plans to be up and running by early next year. “There just isn’t a place right now out here for people that want a neighborhood restaurant with a very approachable price point,” he said. The Birmingham restaurant, much like the Royal Oak one of the same name – located at 511 S. Main St. – will be family-friendly and have lots of entertainment, including local talent. Other than a few changes to the menu geared more towards the new Birmingham location, like pizza and build your own salads, the menu will look very similar to the Royal Oak location, Belen said, including their recently introduced vegan burger. And get your dancing shoes ready, because Belen has applied for a dance permit in Birmingham, as in Royal Oak, so when the entertainment rocks, diners can too.

Over and out It was short, but for those who had the opportunity to dine there, it was sweet.

For those looking to visit Chapman House, 311 Walnut Boulevard in Rochester, for brunch or dinner this summer, they’ll have to look elsewhere. In May, the Rochester restaurant announced on their Facebook page they would be undergoing “improvements and changes” and “putting our regular dinner and brunch services on hold, at least through the end of summer.” For now, they will be focusing only on private events, curated dining, and imbibing experiences.

Home again Early next year Jim Brady’s Detroit will return to its roots with the opening of a Detroit location, where the original restaurant opened in 1954 and was in business for over 30 years. “For me, it’s kind of like a poetic, completing the circle kind of thing, bringing my grandfather’s concept back to the city,” said Tom Brady, the third-generation owner. The future restaurant – which Brady said is 8,100-square-feet and has a basement of equal size – will be located in a vacant Cass Corridor (or Midtown) building formerly occupied by Chung’s Chinese restaurant. They hope to do three things at the new location – the restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a catering division. While the menu is ever evolving, Brady said guests can expect to see the favorites they’ve grown to love on the menu. Jim Brady’s Detroit also has an Ann Arbor location in the works and plans to roll out brunch at their Royal Oak location. “He (his grandpa) would think I’m crazy doing all the places that we’re doing,” Brady laughed.

Empire now open Located at 3148 Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, on the ground floor of the The Scott at Brush Park, residents will now find Empire Kitchen & Cocktails, a new American bistro that opened in May. “We wanted to serve the community that was living there and moving there as a place where you could go…A friendly, neighborhood place,” said Brian Adelman, who is co-owner along with Mike Abrams and Dave Pittaway. The food at Empire is described as contemporary American cuisine with craft cocktails in a sleek, chic environment. This isn’t the first time in the restaurant business for the three, either. The partners, called BAC Holdings, also own 30 Michigan locations of Five Guys burger chain, along with iconic Southfield sports bar Mr. Joe’s.

Adelman and Abrams – who grew up in the area and have known each other since childhood – thought opening Empire would be a good opportunity to be a part of Detroit’s resurgence. Being on Woodward doesn’t hurt either.

Selflessly serving sandwiches Tersion Yatooma really loves sandwiches, which played a role in why he and coowner Patrick Maizy decided to open Spread Deli & Coffee House in Detroit.

Located at 4215 Cass Avenue in Detroit, the duo hope to have the storefront open by the beginning of July. Spread Deli & Coffee House will serve a variety of sandwiches – Yatooma said the menu will probably have four to six, along with the ability to build your own – and offer simple coffee drinks. Just about every product used will be locally sourced from places like Eastern Market and Cadillac Coffee. “If our neighbors have such great products, why not use what they have?” Yatooma pointed out. Spread Deli & Coffee House also plans to give

248.606.4479.

Kabin Kruser’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. No reservations. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 2552 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.844.8900.

King Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1433 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.3333.

Krazy Greek Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 111 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.0089.

Kruse & Muer In the Village: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400.

Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651.

Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.656.9002.

Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9862.

Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707.

Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.8441.

Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066.

Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121.

Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills.

248.375.5999.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900.

Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6534.

Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.5000.

North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.3366.

O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

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

Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills,

48307. 248.853.6960.

Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4205.

Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.5722. Also 2508 S. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.7430.

Park 600 Bar & Kitchen: American.

Weekend Brunch. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.2600.

Paul’s on Main: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 630 N. Main Sreet., Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0066.

Pei Wei: Asian Fusion. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1206 E. Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1380.

Penn Station East Coast Subs: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

146. S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.4663.

Penny Black Grill & Tap: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

124 W. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.841.1522.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro: Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 122 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.923.7030.

Pudthai & Sushi: Thai & Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2964 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.6890.

Qdoba Mexican Grill: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1198 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.608.2603. Also 3014 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.3668.

Ram’s Horn: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1990 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.7900.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037.

248.659.8267.

Red Knapp’s Dairy Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 304 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.4545.

Red Lobster: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2825 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.8090.

Red Olive: Mediterranean & American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1194 Walton Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.0300.

Rochester Bistro: American-Continental.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.923.2724.

Rochester Brunch House: American.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 301 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, 48307. 248.656.1600.

Rochester Chop House: Steakhouse & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.2266.

Rochester Diner & Grill: American, Greek & Italian. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. 1416 E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill, 48309.

248.652.6737.

Rochester Mills Beer Co.: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 400 Water Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.650.5080.

Rochester Tap Room: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.650.2500.

Seasons of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

6866 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.413.5742.

Shish Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. 165 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5464.

Shogun: Japanese. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 173 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5386.

Silver Spoon Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306. 248.652.4500.

Soho: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2943 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.289.1179.

Sumo Sushi & Seafood: Japanese & Korean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, 24 hours in advance.

Liquor. 418 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.601.0104.

Tapper’s Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 877 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.852.1983.

Tim Hortons: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 940 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.656.8292.

The Jagged Fork: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 188 N. Adams, Rochester Hills, 48306.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4825.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

Tropical Smoothie Café: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2913 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.852.4800.

Val's Polish Kitchen: Polish. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations. 224 E. Auburn Rd., Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.293.2660.

Wayback Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1256 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5746. Also 2595 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.844.2717.

Willoughby’s Beyond Juice: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 120 E. 4th Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.841.1670.

Troy Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098.

248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch &

back to the community by serving one free sandwich to someone in need for every 10 sandwiches sold. The logistics aren’t completely worked out yet, but Yatooma said if they have to start going to local shelters and handing them out themselves they will. “I think there just comes a time in everyone’s life where you should do something in return,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of your community.” And sandwiches.

Congrats – and goodbye On May 18, customers of Parks & Rec Diner, 1942 W. Grand River Avenue, in downtown Detroit, found out that Executive Chef Allie Lyttle would no longer be at the restaurant via a statement on their Facebook page. “The Diner had been doing very well, in terms of covers and total sales and media coverage. So I was completely taken aback,” said Lyttle, who had been there for almost three years. She found out right before leaving for her honeymoon she had lost her job – via text message. When she called the general manager, she was told her position had been eliminated and they were restructuring the culinary management team. Lyttle is the third executive chef to leave the Grand Army of Republic in the last few years. But Lyttle has no intention to stay home and nest. She currently has plans to open her own restaurant that incorporates a cooking school element, possibly in Hamtramck.

Mister B’s new speakeasy This summer, Mr. B’s Gastropub, 215 S. Main Street in Royal Oak, will debut three new projects: a speakeasy, vintage arcade, and exterior mural. The first, an underground and hidden speakeasy named Johnny’s, is targeted to open in June, and like all good speakeasies will have a not-so-typical entrance. In the current design, guests will enter the 1,500-square-foot speakeasy through a back staircase accessible from an exterior kitchen door, with an entrance inside disguised as a cooler door. “There is a certain sense of mystery, an allure, that you feel as you enter a speakeasy. Johnny’s is going to be a special place,” said Johnny Prepolec, owner and executive chef of Mr. B’s Gastropub. Johnny’s will have a craft cocktail menu and food items with a prohibition-era style theme, like lamb chop lollypops and lump crab Napoleon. The arcade is already open during the restaurant’s regular business hours, with over 20 vintage and classic games. They also have a 96square-foot pop art portrait, commissioned by Michigan-based artist Lisa Littell, on the east exterior wall of the building.

Aloha Detroit Lost River, a new tiki bar at 15421 Mack Avenue, Detroit, had their public opening in early June. Matt Mergener, the bar’s co-owner along with Karen Green, said both days went really well, with people dying to check out the tropical atmosphere – which includes a floral mural by local artist Ouizi – and interesting cocktails. “Tiki is a little bit more rum-based and there’s a lot of cool things you can do with it,” Mergener said. Needless to say, their full drink menu has a lot of rum on it, including seven classic tiki drinks, like Mai Tais and their already popular Painkiller, along with seven more with a Lost River spin on them, like a Moscow Mule made with passion fruit. There will also be shareable punch bowls and a variety of draft and bottle options. On June 13, the 1,000-square-foot bar began their regular hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight.

Bites Kate Williams, chef at Detroit’s Lady of The House, was recently honored in Food & Wine magazine. Williams was named one of their top 10 best new chefs for 2018.

Cantoro Italian Market and Trattoria has opened their Troy location, at 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, for dinner. Lunch services are expected to begin later this summer.

Como’s in Ferndale will live to see another day thanks to Peas & Carrots Hospitality group, which announced they will be reviving the restaurant with the same name and a “pizza-centric menu.” Plans are to reopen next year. The group, which includes Zach Sklar, also owns Social Kitchen & Bar in Birmingham, and Beau’s Grillery and Mex in Bloomfield Township.

Gogi Seoul Kitchen in Royal Oak is open. Served in fast-casual style, the restaurant will offer Korean-inspired tree food and traditional Asian beverages.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

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

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing.

No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

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

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

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

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

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

248.731.7066.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

40

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

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

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

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

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

248.795.2077.

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660.

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

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1621.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400.v Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No

reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

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

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

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

Local Kitchen and Bar: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

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

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

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway,

DOWNTOWN

Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.

538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

07.18

BUSINESS MATTERS Celebrating its centennial Longtime Rochester building company Frank Rewold & Son, 333 E. Second Street, Rochester, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in business this summer. Started in 1918 by the grandfather of current owner and CEO Frank Rewold, the business has remained a family-owned business for four generations, with Rewold’s sons, Jason and Sean, in line to take the helm in the future.

Starting out of “Grandpa Frank’s” home in 1918, the company now provides professional construction management, design, build and general contracting services. Projects that the company have built include the Rochester Public Library, Goldfish Swim School, The Onyx, the Older Persons’s Commission, Garth Pleasant Arena at Rochester College, the south tower at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (formerly Crittenton Hospital) and the Royal Park Hotel. In 1930, Rewold began work for Matilda Dodge Wilson at Meadow Brook Hall. In 2014, the company completed work at Oak View Hall, and in 2016 was awarded the contract for the $76 million Hill

Crest Hall. “We are very proud that our founder – we call him Grandpa Frank – started at Meadow Brook Hall.

Now we are just finishing up the largest project yet on campus,” said Cody Johnson, a spokesman for the company. “We’ve been around Oakland University for 100 years.”

Johnson said the company has doubled its number of employees in the past five years, prompting the construction of a new headquarters at 400 Water Street, across the Paint Creek from the company’s current location. Rewold has said the new building is being done in conjunction with its 100th anniversary. The new headquarters is expected to be occupied prior to the winter season.

While the exact date in 1918 of when the business officially started isn’t known, Frank Rewold & Son was incorporated in July of 1967, allowing July 1 to serve as the birthday of the company. Current CEO Frank Rewold is the third owner, who was named vice president in 1980 and took over as CEO from his father, Roy, in 2009.

In 2017, Frank’s son Jason became vice president. “One company, one family, one century,” Johnson said.

“That’s how we like to refer to it.”

Dynamic private tutoring A new non-profit, private tutoring center, Dynamic Kids, 455 S. Livernois, Rochester Hills, has opened to help students between 5 and 18 with unique learning needs. Started

by Rochester Hills resident Karla Barnett, the new learning center specializes in providing supplemental educational programming for students with special learning needs, such as those with developmental delays or other needs, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and Down Syndrome. Barnett said she chose to launch the new center in Rochester Hills because she wanted to support the community in which she lives. “My son is in special education and he was my inspiration,” she said. “After seeing the gaps in special education, I felt it was a great idea to put something in place for our kids. I had been to the school many times and tried to get homework to fill those gaps. When we focused on that, his test scores started going through the roof.” Barnett said she worked with a team of professionals to develop a program that would ensure students are in alignment with the goal of their

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), as designed by the student’s parents and teachers.

Luscious lashes Personal pampering is easier this summer as Lash Lounge, 1182 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, has opened for business, with a grand opening ceremony that took place on June 8. The salon blends a boutique atmosphere with comfortable care and treatment facilities. The new salon is one of five new locations opened in the metro Detroit area by John Babcock, including another this summer in West Bloomfield and a third in the fall in Bloomfield Hills.

Lash Lounge specializes in semipermanent eyelash and eyebrow extensions, lash tinting and perming, as well as eyebrow tinting and threading. All services are performed by certified, licensed stylists.

Business Matters for the Rochester area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Project 1 Whose Your Bartender

Sally Gerak

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Project 1 Whose Your Bartender If you like noise and crowds, don’t miss Project1’s annual fundraiser. This year Kellie Kennedy chaired the event that attracted more than 400 revelers to Dick O’Dow’s on a Tuesday night. They were basically supporters of Project1 and the other eight non-profits whose bartenders were vying for patrons’ business. When they weren’t bantering and imbibing they were devouring bites generously provided by the establishment. At closing time, the top three teams were: Sandy Nida and Stacey Dewey, who raised $7,533 for the Suite Dreams Project; Mike Walls and Rob Chimelak, who raised $6,495 for U Can-Cer Vive; and Niraj Sarda and Sasha Archer, who raised $5,895 for Imerman Angels. The remaining 6 teams raised $21,865 total.

Doug McMaster won the 50/50 raffle that raised $1,450.

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1. Kellie Kennedy of Birmingham, Yvon Russell of Rochester Hills. 2. Jodee Gibson (left), Anne Hall and Erin Keating DeWald of Birmingham and Renee Acho of Bloomfield. 3. Bela Kogler (left) of Rochester, Terri Macksoud and Jerry Hall of Birmingham. 4. Stacy Dewey (left) and Sandy Nida of Rochester Hills. 5. Annie Dalton (left) of Ferndale and Lauren Eaton of Bloomfield.

Meadow Brook Theatre Guild Luncheon on the Aisle

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Oakland County Bar Foundation Signature Event More than 350 lawyers, judges and their pals gathered at Oakland Hills Country Club to make nice with each other at the foundation’s annual cocktail supper fundraiser. Capricious Mother Nature was in a friendly mood, too, providing sunny warmth for chatting on the veranda that overlooks the legendary South Course. Since 2002, the OCBF, whose board is headed by Patrick McCarthy, has contributed more than $2-million to legal assistance and education programs. An early arrival at the party, judge Michael Warren, founded, with his then 10-year-old daughter, one of the foundation’s education beneficiaries – Patriot Week. Other grant recipients include CARE House’s Court-Appointed Special Advocates, the Family Law Assistance Project, Legal Aid for Children and Families and the Michigan Center for Civic Education. Thanks to generous ($206,000) sponsors, the 19th annual Signature Event raised $267,775.

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1. Sue Jayroe (left) of Rochester Hills, Marge Kaiser of Oakland and Sue May of Waterford. 2. Birdie Kutcher (left) of Rochester, Dorothy LaBay of Clarkston, Kathy Warriner of Rochester Hills and Lynn Wilhelm of Canton.

3. Speedy Bates (left) of Rochester Hills, Sue Stellen of Bloomfield, Terri Bendes of Clarkston. 4. Karen Calavenna (left) and Mary Caughlin of Rochester Hills. 5. Syrenia Taborn of Rochester.

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Meadow Brook Theatre Guild Luncheon on the Aisle Since its founding in 1977, the Meadowbrook Theatre Guild has staged a popular fundraiser to finance the TLC it provides the season’s performers. And they have the event down pat. As guests arrive, (this year there were 540 with $35 tickets), they buy Basket Raffle tickets, peruse the impressive display of prizes (24) in the whimsically-decorated hallway and make their choices.

Most check out the Bake Shoppe, the card raffle for a diamond & sapphire bracelet and the wine bar. When the Downtown Café bag lunches are distributed, guests adjourn with their repast to their reserved theatre seats. After door prizes and raffle winners are determined, the entertainment – selected scenes from the current musical “The All Night Strut” – begins. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the 41st annual event raised more than $17,000.

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Michigan Women’s Forward Lights, Courage Action!

What’s in a name? At the recent fundraiser that attracted 800 ($175, $250 tickets) to Cobo Center, those savvy women at the Michigan Women’s Foundation (MiWF) announced a name change that more accurately reflects the current mission of the organization Mary Jo Pulte founded 33 years ago but does NOT require a new domain name – Michigan Women Forward. And before the evening was over, young participants in various MiWF programs took the stage with props illustrating the organization’s four pillars Gina Coleman, Lori Lancaster and Betsy Meter chaired the dinner event which included a cocktail reception and silent auction ($25,000). MiWF leaders Carol Cassin, Peg Tallet, 07.18

Pam Enslen and Denise Christy assured the assembled that the organization’s original mission – to promote financial and social equality for Michigan women – is even more strategically focused with the new brand. Thanks also to generous sponsors the event raised $675,000.

Night in Monte Carlo The 16th annual benefit for the Meals on Wheels program at OPC attracted 350 supporters ($150 ticket) to the Royal Park Hotel. Before settling in for dinner, they socialized, cocktailed (cash bar) and bid more than $30,000 in the silent auction.

Meals on Wheels volunteer Rick Jayroe represented the 300 volunteers being honored. Jayroe recounted a moving story of a 93-year old, recently widowed meals recipient for whom his visits are impactful. His remarks were a highlight of the program emceed by Dave LewAllen.

After dinner, many danced or gathered at the gaming tables for a chance to win one of 13 prizes drawn at evening’s end. A Night in Monte Carlo raised more than $80,000 for the program that serves a population (seniors) which is, as OPC Executive Director Renee Cortright noted, larger than the district’s school population.

Christ Child Society Boutique and Luncheon The chairs of this event – Connie LaPointe Quarrier, Patti LaPointe Chinois and Paula Garrity – looked to Audrey Hepburn’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” film for the aesthetics of the 30th annual version of the fundraiser whose founder, Joyce Korman, brought a sample invitation from the first year. And it was turquoise, just like the iconic Tiffany bags on the tables. The 305 guests ($75 tickets ) socialized and shopped at the 16 vendor booths and enthusiastically applauded Woman of the Year Nancy Barnett. (“It will take five people to do all the event management jobs Nancy has done for more than eight years,” noted presenter Elana Ryder, the 2017 awardee.) The fashion show presented by Bell & White Personal Styling was also applauded. And more than one of the outfits modeled by 10 members looked like they could have been in the iconic Hepburn movie. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the event at Pine Lake Country Club raised about $34,000 for the society’s work with the vulnerable children they serve.

SKY Foundation Women’s Event Supporters (120, $75 ticket) of downtownpublications.com

Oakland County Bar Foundation Signature Event

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1. Lynn Sirich & Jeff Hauswirth and Liz Luckenbach of Birmingham. 2. Keefe Brooks (left) of Bloomfield, Marta & John Schaefer of Birmingham. 3. Judge Michael Warren (left) of Beverly Hills, Tom Tallerico of Birmingham. 4. Judges Colleen O’Brien (left) of Clarkston, Linda Hallmark of Bloomfield and Wendy Potts of Birmingham. 5. Harvey Heller (left) of W. Bloomfield, Arthur Liss of Bloomfield.

Night in Monte Carlo

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1. Renee Cortright (left) of Troy, Kelly Dean of Rochester Hills. 2. Ahmad Simms (left) of Pontiac and Kim Roy of Sterling Heights, Dianne & Tom Cameron of Rochester Hills. 3. Maureen O’Reilly (left) of Birmingham, Sandee Rellinger of Rochester Hills. 4. Corrine & Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills. 5. Jessica Zielke (left), Kevin Stewart and Sam Logan of Rochester Hills, Andrea Walker-Leidy & Seth Leidy of Rochester.

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1. Connie LaPointe Quarrier (left), Patti LaPointe Chinois and Paula Garrity of Birmingham. 2. Elana Ryder of Birmingham, Laura Keziah of Bloomfield, Nancy Barnett of Royal Oak. 3. Sara Bell (left) of Beverly Hills and Lisa White of Bloomfield. 4. Kelly Winkler Patterson (left) and Cheryl Sellers of Birmingham, Olethia Craighead of Detroit.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK HAVEN’s Blossom Gala

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pancreatic cancer survivor Sheila Kasselman’s project to find an early marker for pancreatic cancer gathered at the Townsend Hotel to hear the latest research news. The program emceed by WXYZ’s Alicia Smith included presentations by Gazala Kahn, MD; Timothy Frankel, MD; and Clare Thibodeaux, PhD. Their messages combined to offer knowledge and hope. The cocktail hour gathering also garnered nearly $30,000 for SKY Foundation research grants.

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1. Honorees Jeff & Jennifer Farber of Bloomfield. 2. Board members Carole Winnard Brumm (left) of Bloomfield and Lara Phillip of Rochester Hills, Catherine Fetsco of Rochester. 3. Pat Hardy (left) of Bloomfield, Jimmie Brown (aka rapper Supa Emdee) & keynote speaker Kelly Mays of Westland. 4. Sponsor Kelly Services’ Steven & Sarah Green of Rochester Hills. 5. Jerry & past board member Marja Norris of Birmingham.

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Alzheimer’s Association Spring Soiree

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1. Steven (left) & Tara Grekin of Bloomfield and Tammy & Joe Haney of Grosse Pointe. 2. Whitney & Eliot Weiner of Birmingham. 3. Michelle (left) & Nathan Mersereau of Birmingham, Amie & Dan Stern of Bloomfield. 4. Lori (left) & Larry Rapp of Bloomfield, Jennifer Leppard of Royal Oak. 5. Danielle & Andrew Petcoff of Birmingham.

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ORT and the City

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1. Stephanie Freedman (left) of Bloomfield, Deborah Rosenthal of Franklin and Julie Rothstein of W. Bloomfield. 2. Jolie Altman of Birmingham. 3.

Nate Forbes (left) of Franklin, Michelle Blau of W. Bloomfield, Veronika Scott of Detroit, Erika George of Birmingham. Photos: Jay Dreifus Photography.

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HAVEN’s Blossom Gala Here’s betting the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market never looked classier than the evening 440 HAVEN supporters ($200, $500, $75 tickets) gathered there for the agency’s spring fundraiser. While more than 100 convened briefly for the VIP reception, most perused the extensive silent auction of 124 items displayed around the room’s perimeter or bought raffle cards while Detroit Circus artists performed. Paula Tutman emceed the dinner program which had highlights: presentation of the Heart of HAVEN award to Jeff and Jennifer Farber following a video that illustrated HAVEN’s impactful new, Farber Family Pet Center which they donated; abuse survivor Kelly Mays’ powerful saga of her long journey to independence inspired by her daughter’s threat (“...you leave or I will”); energetic pledging led by auctioneer Jim Alban that raised a record $69,825; and the live auction of eight great items that raised $25,150.

Thanks also to sponsors, the Blossom Gala raised a new record total of $384,083 for HAVEN’s programs to end domestic violence and support survivor empowerment.

Alzheimer’s Association Spring Soiree We always consider it a sign of an organization’s vitality when there are lots of new faces amid the loyalists at a charity event. Such was the case at the AA Spring Soiree which drew more than 215 ($75 and up tickets) to Neiman Marcus to sip, savor and shop before Mother’s Day. In addition, guests also bought more than 170 raffle tickets ($50 each) for the chance to win four seasons of NM shoes.

During the very brief program, 12 caregivers who were invited to enjoy a well-deserved evening out were saluted. Rachel and Christian Adenaas, Tara and Steven Grekin, Tammy and Joe Haney, Danielle and Andrew Petcoff, Lori and Lawrence Rapp, Amie and Daniel Stern and Whitney and Eliot Weiner comprised 07.18

the co-chair crew. Since a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 65 seconds, the chairs hoped to raise at least $65,000. Thanks to sponsors, the goal was exceeded. The next AA fundraiser is the popular Chocolate Jubilee which Dan Loepp is chairing Saturday, Oct. 27 at the MGM Grand.

ORT and the City Four hundred ORT supporters ($55 & up tickets) convened in Eastern Market Shed 5 for the annual spring fundraiser. They socialized, sipped and sampled yummy food truck cuisine from Pita Post, Sidecar and CACA, plus savory Plum Market passed bites. They also bid more than $21,000 in a silent auction that featured 23 one-of-a-kind works of art designed by emerging and nationally-recognized local artists. Each artist, selected and sponsored by local art collectors, was challenged to create an original design on a 30-inch diameter circle.

Leah Cohen, Justin Hamburger and Ilene Kahan were voted People’s Choice Award winners. The casual evening raised more than $110,000 to support ORT’s global education programs. Jason Brooks, Kevin Elbinger and Renee Wolgin are chairing the next ORT benefit, Rub-a-Dub, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 21 at Franklin Hills Country Club. It will honor Randy Wertheimer.

Spirit of Manresa Banquet Over 300 supporters ($150 tickets) of the Jesuit retreat center gathered at Shenandoah Country Club where pre-dinner diversions included cocktails, tours of the Chaldean Cultural Center which covers history from 3,300 BC to present, and bidding in a silent auction. The dinner program, emceed by WJR’s Marie Osborne, featured sincere remarks by retreatant Judy Maten, a Manresa mission statement by Executive Director, Fr. Fran Daly, SJ and the keynote address by prolific author Chris Lowney. He brought his education in a Jesuit seminary and subsequent business experience on three continents to the topic of Pope Francis’ approach to leadership. The evening chaired by Deacon Michael and Joyce McKale, Allen Wall and Mary Cafferty, Johny and Leila Kello, Victor and Michelle Saroki and Bishop Robert Fisher raised money to fund spiritual retreats for the needy.

Variety Hearts & Stars Variety’s annual gala seemed a bit like a love-in this spring. It honored two people who have been extremely generous with their time and treasure for 25 years – Felicia and Ed Shaw. They began the evening in the Clancy Room at the Townsend Hotel with 125 other major Variety donors, including long time Variety team member Jean Bugeaud (who looked radiant), sponsors and the 36 members of the Wish Upon a Star Club ($500). After the Kentucky Derby broadcast, they joined the 150 other guests in the ballroom lobby where a chance raffle of decidedly desirable options garnered $10,000. The dinner program emceed

by WJR’s Paul W. Smith had highlights. Smith downtownpublications.com

Spirit of Manresa Banquet

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1. Steve Raymond (left) of Birmingham, Grace Seroka of Bloomfield, Kathryn Rheaume of Birmingham. 2. Carol Chisholm (left) and Sara Marshall of Birmingham, Kathy McIntosh of Bloomfield, Kathleen Chisholm McInerney of Birmingham. 3. Leno & Maritza Corradi of Bloomfield, Carolyn & Jennifer Arafat of W. Bloomfield. 4. Judy Jonna (left) of Bloomfield, Ban Manna of W. Bloomfield.

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Variety Hearts & Stars

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1. Ed & Felicia Shaw of Birmingham.

2. Michael Coyne (center) and Paul (left) and Michael Sabatini of Bloomfield. 3. Dr. Jeffrey & Laurie Fischgrund of Bloomfield, Diana & Steve Howard of Franklin. 4. Lois Shaevsky (left) and Paul W. & Kim Smith of Bloomfield. 5. Nicole Gopoian Wirick of Bloomfield and Nathan & Michelle Mersereau of Birmingham.

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The Community House Birmingham Downs

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2 1. Ryan Polk (left) of Bloomfield, Annemarie Fisher of Rochester, Jacob Wawro and Matt McCormick of Birmingham. 2. Grant Juth (left) of Milwaukee, WI, Dana Sorensen of Bloomfield and Ali Restaino of Birmingham, Lauren Troyer of Granger, IN. 3. Gail Pope Rashid of Bloomfield. 4. Becky Sorensen (left) of Bloomfield, Rachelle Nozero of Novi. 5. Ted (left) & Pat Wasson and Anders & Julie Lundberg of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK announced that his PAL golf tournament would add Variety to the list of beneficiaries.

Michele Murphy explained how Felicia Shaw directed her to Variety’s Myoelectric Center for a prosthesis for her baby who was born without one arm. Kelly Shuert and Jeffrey King made a moving tribute to the honorees. (Jeffrey even got a tad teary as he likened Felicia to a fairy godmother who makes people beautiful, including the special needs models in the annual SHINE fashion show.) Speaking for both herself and Ed, Felicia said that Variety’s children are their family. Hearts and Stars raised more than $250,000 for Variety’s lifechanging services to children.

Walsh College Springfest

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1. Marsha Kelliher (left) of Rochester, event chair Denise Asker of Grosse Pointe, Christine Potempa of Sterling Hgts. 2. Michael (left) & Courtney Plotzke of Bloomfield, Shaniece & Devin Bennett of Chesterfield. 3. Detroit Tigers’ Paws, Diane Aginian of Birmingham. 4. Susan Foley (left) of Birmingham, Brian Pilarski of Troy, Beth Geno of Royal Oak. 5. Dick Aginian (left) of Birmingham, Patti & Steve Swanson of W. Bloomfield.

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The Community House Birmingham Downs The running of the Kentucky Derby was the excuse for TCH’s President’s Advisory Council to host nearly 200 people ($50, $75 tickets) at the historic meeting place. Hats were de rigueur for the ladies and at least one of the gentlemen as they chatted, sipped mint juleps and sampled bourbon-splashed bites from the buffet. Anonymous judges determined that the promised Best Dressed titles went to Linda Berger and Ryan Polk. Following the televised race, JD Entertainment’s Scott did the DJ honors for dancing. PAC members foster next generation philanthropy.

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Angels Place WINGS Evening

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Walsh College Springfest Some 250 Walsh College boosters ($100 ticket) sojourned to the Royal Oak Farmers Market to TGIF and benefit the Scholarship Fund. Craft beer, wine and food truck sustenance. Some bought $3,000 worth of raffle tickets and toasted Marsha Kelliher upon the first anniversary of her presidency of the college. The laid back evening raised over $60,000 for WC scholarships.

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1. Sally Mezey (left) of Birmingham, Nora Hamill of Bloomfield. 2. Marianne McBrearty (left) of Bloomfield, Marge Devine of W. Bloomfield, Loretta Nagle of Bingham Farms. 3. Gina Zawaideh (left) of Birmingham, Renee Zawaideh of Bloomfield. 4. Jo Lincoln (left); Judy Ioannou and Beverly Gross of Bloomfield. 5. Liz Carter (left) of Royal Oak; Nancy Zimmerman of Huntington Woods, Becky Gersonde and Susan Norton of Birmingham; Sharyl Frye of Bloomfield.

Women Rock Science

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1. Mike Stafford (center) of Clarkston, Adele Acheson (left) of W. Bloomfield and Linzie Venegas of Grosse Pointe. 2. Trevor Lauer (left) of Bloomfield, Denita Beard of Eastpointe, Heather Rivard of Royal Oak, Yujia Zhoo of Ann Arbor. 3. Robert Greenstone (left) of Bloomfield, Max Acheson of San Diego, CA.

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Angels Place WINGS Evening More than 160 women ($60-ticket), including 108 new & returning members, attended the Angels’ Place W.I.N.G.S. (Women Involved in Nurturing and Giving Service) annual gathering at Neiman Marcus. In addition to serious socializing, diversions included light hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, shopping, mini beauty consultations

by Chanel and Bobbi Brown, the Chance Raffle for the Season of Shoes donated by Neiman Marcus and, the main attraction, a runway show by Real Style Agency’s Kathy Remski and Rose Gilpin. With generous support of event sponsors, the evening raised over $21,000 for AP’s programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Women Rock Science One of the region’s educational jewels – the Cranbrook Institute of Science – staged a women-focused fundraiser and 200 attended ($100, $250, $1,000 tickets). They conversed, sipped, snacked and cruised the exhibits before convening in the mineral hall for the program. Highlights included a description by event sponsor/jeweler Robert Greenstone of a 07.18

15-carat natural yellow diamond valued at $375,000. It was from sponsor Forevermark’s collection, whose Jeff Skaret noted “...our diamonds are responsibly sourced...we are guests in these lands.” CIS board chair/DTE Energy’s Trevor Lauer introduced women on his team and passed the microphone to his associate Heather Rivard who was trained as an aerospace engineer. She echoed CIS director Matt Stafford’s message about the importance of getting young women interested in science. The evening, chaired by Adele Acheson and Linzie Venegas, raised more than $30,000 for outreach programming at the institute.

OU School of Nursing Nightingale Awards The 30th annual celebration of excellence in the nursing profession attracted 675 to the San Marino Club. During the social hour they bid $6,000 on 23 chance raffle items while jazz pianist Bob Allesee made music as he has done for every one of the 30 years. The after dinner program led off with the presentation of the inaugural Legend Award to Maggie Allesee, who founded the event. Then it put real live Florence Nightingales in the spotlight. The inspiring award winners in 10 categories, selected from more than 100 nominees, were each featured in a video before accepting their statuette. They included Pamela Laszewski, Diane Zalecki Bertalan, Michele Rausch, Kino Anuddin, Marilyn Begle, Sabrina Zott, Deborah White, and Leesa Jones. Their stories, as well as the runner-ups who were featured in the print program, confirmed OU president Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz’s assertion that “...nurses are the face of medicine.” Thanks to generous sponsors ($137,000), the event raised $170,000 for RN scholarships and research.

Suite Dreams Project Hats Off Luncheon Just as 17 years ago when this event debuted, most of the 365 guests ($150, $200 ticket) wore hats and looked like a million dollars as they socialized and sipped in the crowded Townsend ballroom lobby. The luncheon program highlights were the remarks made by the mothers and grandmother of the sick children featured in videos of rooms decorated by the talented SDP designers. One speaker marveled that “...they (change lives) for people they don’t even know.”

Another declared the “new” room was a happy place, “... the best medicine my grandson could receive.” Event designer David C. McKnight announced two hat awards: Most Creative was Brandy Lewo; Most Chic was Patti Prowse. After the chance raffle prizes were announced, departing guests picked up yummy orange Creamsicle Push-Ups in the lobby. These were the final salute to the creative event orange sherbet color scheme. The 17th annual benefit was chaired by Amy Spitznagel and raised more than $100,000 to create special environments for seriously ill children.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com

OU School of Nursing Nightingale Awards

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1. Judy Didion, RN, (left) of Rochester, Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield, Susan Grant of Birmingham. 2. Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz (left) of Rochester Hills, Dr. Shukri David and Tamika Frimpong of W. Bloomfield. 3. Marilyn Begle, RN, of Bloomfield. 4. Dan (left) & Michele Rausch, RN of Birmingham and Diane Zalecki Bertalan, RN, of Sterling Hgts., Amna Osman of Grand Blanc. 5. Kristen McGrath (center) of Birmingham, Dennis & Sharron McGrath.

Suite Dreams Project Hats Off Luncheon

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1. Amy Spitznagel of Bloomfield, David C. McKnight of Northville. 2. Kristin Smith (left) and Ian Hartwell of Royal Oak, Cathy Danley and Wendy Russell of Rochester Hills. 3. Kay Ponicall (left) and Kris Appleby of Bloomfield. 4. Brandy Lewo (left) of Birmingham, Kamila Zak of Beverly Hills. 5. Sara Young (left), Kari Michael, Laura Kezia and Gretchen Klotz of Birmingham.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for August primary oters in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township will be determining the fate of primary candidates in the Tuesday, August 7, election, either at the polls or through absentee ballots which are now being mailed out by municipal clerks.

This is a primary election in which you will be deciding who best can represent your party in the November general election, so you must vote on candidates in just one political party.

Downtown newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in contested primary races, the answers to which can be found in the special Voter Guide inside this edition or online at downtownpublications.com.

When making our recommendations we considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues. In determining who we thought could best represent a party heading into the November contests, we looked at both views of the candidates, their ability to run a competitive campaign and how quickly they could assume office should they make it through the general election balloting.

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8th Congressional District – Two-year term Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Democrat Both Democratic candidates, Chris Smith and Elissa Slotkin, share very similar views on the issues, and both understand what the issues are facing the district, state and country. We're recommending Democratic primary voters choose ELISSA SLOTKIN, who has impressed us as an exciting and dynamic candidate. Most importantly for voters in the district, Slotkin appears head and shoulders above Smith in organization and preparation, a critical factor in determining who will be best able to take on a Republican incumbent in November. She has been spending months going door-to-door, meeting residents, both Democrat and Republican, mobilizing volunteers, and opening field offices. Further, she understands that money follows those boots on the ground. Not waiting for moss to grow under her feet, she has taken her battle on issues directly to Rep. Mike Bishop, the incumbent, demonstrating her willingness and ability to challenge him in the general election in November.

8th Congressional District – Two-year term Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Republican While technically facing a challenger, Congressman Mike Bishop basically has no real opposition in this primary. If you are voting Republican in the primary, two-term incumbent MIKE BISHOP is your choice in the 8th District, which runs from Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township down into Livingston County, and all the way over to E. Lansing, as the Republican standard bearer going forward into the November election.

9th Congressional District – Two-year term Bloomfield Township Democrat All three Democratic candidates, Martin Brook, Andy Levin and Ellen Lipton, share pretty much the same views on the issues, have law degrees, and all three bring some semblance of experience to the table. While the betting money is on Levin, we’re not swayed by the fact that the family has been in Congress for decades. We may be spitting in the wind, but we’re going with ELLEN LIPTON. A lawyer and scientist, she had a good three-term run in Lansing, with an accomplished legislative record in the House, which is difficult when you’re in the minority party. In this race there is no GOP primary, and the district, which runs through south Oakland and Macomb counties, favors Democrats, so it could be one of the handful in the county where the primary will likely determine the winner in November.

11th Congressional District – Two-year term Rochester Hills Democrat This sprawling district zigzags just north of Pontiac into western Oakland County and part of western Wayne County. While five candidates are running, we struggled over two – Tim Greimel and Haley Stevens.

One can’t ignore Greimel’s 11 years experience, spanning local school board, county commission and as current state House Minority Leader, where he fought for Detroit's Grand Bargain and for expanded Medicaid coverage. We were most impressed with HALEY STEVENS who jumped into this race early, willing to take on the Republican incumbent, who then opted not to seek re-election. She is running a strong, aggressive campaign, a good indication of the energy she would bring to the November contest. As for her skill set if she gets to Congress, her experience as part of the Obama Auto Task Force charged with bailout of the auto industry has allowed her to build a strong network of contacts on The Hill and has proven her ability to navigate complex issues through the legislative process with both parties so she won’t just be a “back bencher” as often happens with freshman members. Bright, understands the issues – Stevens is primary voters’ best bet.

11th Congressional District – Two-year term Rochester Hills Republican Seeking the Republican nod are five candidates. One is known as the “Accidental Congressman” because he served a short stint in Congress by pure happenstance. Another, a female millionaire, with zero experience and a reputation as an embarrassing Trump acolyte who outdoes even her master in terms of abrasiveness. The other three, Klint Kesto, Mike Kowall and Rocky Raczkowski, all have legislative experience of varying degrees. We are more than familiar with all three, having been around the Oakland political scene enough decades to know where the bones are buried, as they say. Our choice in this primary – MIKE KOWALL – has represented over 50 percent of this geographic district as state Senator, including as current Majority Floor Leader.

He's run these broad races before, and we suspect he may be more attuned to the district's residents, which is who a congressman is supposed to represent.

12th State Senate District – Four-year term Oakland Township Republican This is a heavily Republican-leaning district that meanders into the north part of the county, and there is no Democratic primary. Not to disparage Rosemary Bayer, the Democrat in November, but it is very possible that the winner in the Republican primary will prevail in the general election, thanks to gerrymandering. This district was redrawn for the current term-limited incumbent to include Bloomfield Township, along with Franklin, Beverly Hills and Bingham Farms – and then those communities were ignored by him. There are two current state representatives running who both understand the issues, although their approach to them differs. We are disturbed by reports that the state rep from the north part of the county either has or will be receiving financial support from a charter school lobbying group (GLEP) which is backed by some members of the western Michigan DeVos family that wields considerable control over those who take their special interest money. That quid pro quo system is part of the problem in Lansing now. Our endorsement goes to MICHAEL MCCREADY, not because he is a local boy but because he has shown an independent streak in his voting record when he felt it would not be in the best interest of his district or the state, even though he knew he would incur the wrath of party bosses and the far-right crowd in Lansing. We need that type of leadership. McCready – high ethical standards, keeps in touch with the district – the candidate best suited to represent Republicans.

45th State House District – Two-year term Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township Democrat We would have liked the Democrats to have put together a major league team in this district, but neither Democrat candidate has any experience in the political field. One, Ted Golden, is retired after a career as a physician. The other, Kyle Cooper, is at the dawn of his as a nascent educator, currently working as a bartender. We were impressed with the enthusiasm and more practical ideas KYLE COOPER brings to the discussion, and think he would be a better candidate to move on to November.

11th District County Commission - Two-year term Rochester Hills Republican Thomas Kuhn was the only candidate who responded to our requests for responses to our questionnaire, limiting our ability to truly assess the best contender for this race. By default, THOMAS KUHN is our candidate for the Republican primary, where the Democrat is unopposed. Kuhn is a clear conservative, which may be the right choice for some in the district, while others may find him too conservative for their voting taste.

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Top 5% Realtors Nationally In Sales

TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

PRICE: $2,000,000+ 150

140

130

120

38.4% 110

100

$ in Millions

90

80

70

60

50 Mkt 13.5%

40 Mkt 10.6%

30

20

Mkt 5.8%

10

Mkt 3.1% Mkt 2.3%

Mkt 2.2%

Mkt 1.8%

Mkt 1.7%

Mkt 1.5%

RE/MAX New Trend

Bailey Schmidt Inc

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Shain Park Realtors®

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18

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