Rochester/Rochester Hills

PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS | GERAK SOCIAL LIGHTS 41

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

2018 RACES: THREAT OF BLUE WAVE FOR CONGRESS DIY DANGERS: HOME PROJECTS AND HEALTH RISKS MASS TRANSIT: PATTERSON NEEDS TO CHANGE TUNE ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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SPACIOUS RANCH ON 4.65 ACRES Oakland Twp., $419,900. 3 bdrms., 3 baths, 2674 sq. ft., 3 car gar. 1st fl. laundry, hdwd. flooring, part. fin. walkout bsmt. Updated kit. w/stainless appls & island overlooks dining rm. Fam. Rm. w/recessed lighting & nat. FP. 4 season rm. with abundance of windows to enjoy the treed setting. Awesome master suite with updated bath & walk-in closet. Private guest suite & so much more.

We have entered our Spring real estate market. There’s never been a better time to sell your home. There’s just one problem, the current real estate market is a game of dominoes. We need your help to MOVE THE MARKET FORWARD. If you are ready to downsize/right size, this is a wonderful time to start the process. Corey & Crew is a diversified team of experience. Four of our team members have already down/right sized. Not only do we have the personal experience, but we have the resources the empty nester needs to downsize/right size. Corey & Crew understands you are nervous because your new lifestyle is a dream and a difficult process to make a reality. Let us help you develop a customized plan. From decluttering, to staging, to finding and financing your new home, and finally to moving, Corey & Crew has the experience for a smooth transition to your new life.

CALL COREY & CREW FROM REAL LIVING KEE REALTY YOUR FIRST STEP TO LIVING YOUR DREAM DESIRABLE LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER Rochester $534,900. 3204 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. 2 car attached heated garage. Beautiful wainscoting & trim. Hardwood floors, neutral dĂŠcor, 2 fireplaces, 2nd floor laundry. Jack & Jill suite, Master w/his & hers walk-in closets. Finished basement, library, solid wood doors. Awesome second floor with so much space!

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THANK YOU COMMERCIAL OFFICE/MEDICAL OPPORTUNITY Harrison Twp., $850,000. Excellent location near Selfridge Airbase, downtown Mt. Clemens, freeways, etc. 5000 sq. ft., built in 2001.

Currently used as medical offices but space is flexible for multiple office usage. Includes 5 offices, 4 exam rms. w/sinks, 1 X-ray rm., lunch rm., 25x23 waiting rm., receptionist station & nurse station. 2nd floor inc. 1140 sq. ft. for office space, conference space or can be used as separate business. Spacious bsmt. offers storage. Excellent parking. Also for lease.

TO OUR CLIENTS WHO GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE Bob McAdams, Real Living Real Estate; IN MAKING Debbie & Megan Corey, Corey & Crew Team; THEIR DREAMS A REALITY Gino Blefari, HSF Affiliates

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DOWNTOWN03.18

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Forecast for local congressional races Political pundits take a look at three local congressional districts to assess which party might have the best chance of winning come the November general election and what factors may influence the outcome.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

10

Operating under the banner of Promote The Vote, a petition drive may soon start to cement in the Michigan Constitution some changes in the way ballots are cast in this state, assuming voters agree.

CRIME LOCATOR

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

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

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Where is the real Dave Trott?; Kowall jumps into 11th skirmish while Heise drops out; Young Guns of the GOP; national note for Stevens, Slotkin, Saad; Michael Schostak for Michigan House.

MUNICIPAL

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Rochester to issue bonds for drinking water project; council bringing back historical markers; Moceri donates to park project; innovation specialist now on the payroll; plus more.

THE COVER The Paint Creek Center of the Arts on Pine Street in Rochester, which first opened its doors in 1983. The PCCA hosts cultural programs, exhibits, art classes and is responsible each year for the Arts & Apples Festival.

Downtown photo: Jean Lannen

Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

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STERLING HEIGHTS 3877 Corkwood Drive | $539,900

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Stephen “Dick” Goody

SOCIAL LIGHTS

41

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

ENDNOTE

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Brooks Patterson has taken the wrong stance on regional mass transit. Plus Rochester Hills’ new innovation specialist could be a model for other municipalities.

FACES

18 29 40

Stephen “Dick” Goody Corey Blevins Nancy Szerlag

2018 STUDENT & FACULTY EXHIBITION

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody | Dana Casadei | Kevin Elliott Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf | Bill Seklar Judith Harris Solomon | Joyce Wiswell | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent 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.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER ince 1963 when the current Michigan Constitution was adopted by the electorate, there have been 74 proposed amendments to the state’s governing document. Thirtyone of those amendments made it to the ballot by citizen petition, and 10 of those were approved at the ballot box.

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Come this November, we could be looking at about five ballot issues as a result of petition efforts, a few of them constitutional changes.

One of those, which I heard about a year ago in conversation with a friend in Birmingham, would enshrine in the Michigan Constitution a number of changes to how voting is handled in this state. The intent is to open up the voting process so that it is more readily accessible for citizens and hopefully increase voter turnout.

While still awaiting approval of petition language in Lansing before gatherers begin circulating petitions, this effort will fly under the banner of Promote The Vote. An abbreviated recap of what this constitutional amendment would do is preserve the right to a straight party vote option on partisan elections; provide for automatic registration to vote when dealing with the Michigan Secretary of State office; allow for same day registration/voting and early voting; and provide for what’s known as “no reason” absentee balloting.

Frankly I had my reservations about some elements of this proposal, so I took the time to discuss the proposal with a couple of key municipal clerks in Oakland County who I hold in esteem, and did considerable research to see how other states fared after making similar changes years – and in some cases decades – ago.

Let’s first look at the two issues that have been on my radar for years – “no reason” absentee voting and straight party voting.

“No reason” absentee voting means just that. You call or visit your local clerk’s office and ask for an application for an absentee ballot. You can cast your ballot while you are there or just mail the ballot to the local clerk. Under current election regulations you must indicate that you will not be in your voting precinct on election day; are 60 years of age or older; have a physical disability; have religious objections; are in jail; or will be working as a precinct inspector – regulations that seemed archaic to me for the last 30 years as I voted absentee on a majority of elections.

The proposed amendment change pushed by Promote the Vote would extend the right to an absentee ballot without having to give a reason.Twenty seven other states have allowed “no reason” absentee voting.

There have been a number of attempts in the state legislature to enact an election law change that would provide for “no reason” absentee ballots. Most recently, Michigan Secretary of State (and Oakland native) Ruth Johnson sponsored legislation in June of 2015 that would have done just that, but GOP lawmakers who control the flow of bills in the legislature were dismissive in the Senate. Among those opposing even allowing lawmakers to vote on the issue was Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhoff, a Republican from West Olive, who we can generally count on to oppose anything progressive.

In the House, and eventually the Senate, they did approve Johnson’s proposal but tied it to a bill that eliminated straight party voting, which is now the subject of a federal lawsuit. Oh, I almost forgot – one Republican in the House also introduced legislation that would have restricted the hours local clerks could keep their offices open on weekends to issue ballots and and process absentee ballots. (I am not making that up.)

That brings us to the second personal concern – the ban on straight party voting in this state – the same one voters twice at the polls voted to keep but lawmakers (mostly Republicans) found a way to circumvent the wishes of their constituents.

The Republican majority in both the House and Senate say this will force people to learn more about candidates running for office, rather than just selecting to vote for all candidates running from the same political party. Really. So even if lawmakers win out in federal court on this issue, a constitutional change would mean straight ticket voting is here to stay.

As to the other critical changes proposed by Promote The Vote – same day registration/voting and early voting, I understand the concerns I heard from local clerks.

On same day registration/voting, for one, there would likely have to be an upgrade in some equipment and technology to allow for someone to walk in to a voting precinct or a specified place aside from the precinct and ask to register on voting day because in most communities the laptops used by election workers are not networked and there’s no VPN internet access to check voting rolls at the state or federal level to make sure a person has not voted already. Most likely there would be a need for some extra labor to conduct an election. This could pose a problem in some rural areas where high speed web access is not available and election staffs may only be a couple of people, but I would think – like with other laws in this state – we can consider adjusting requirements for rural communities or smaller population municipalities.

Research shows that there are 15 states and Washington D.C. with same day registration/voting, and seven of those states have been successfully doing so without networked laptops for poll workers and access to recommended VPN servers or high speed internet. A number of studies have shown that “same day” increases voter turnout an average of five percent. Studies have also shown no conclusive evidence that partisan outcomes were impacted and that certain races or economic classes will benefit more than others.

There is also legitimate concern about not being able to mail newly registered voters for assurance that they actually reside where they say they do. But a number of states have introduced provisional ballots that are not counted in vote totals until the normal verification procedures can be followed.

On the issue of early voting, in 1978 there were no states offering this option.

By 2008, 31 states offered early voting. Prior to my research, I was under the impression that early voting would prove to be of benefit to inner city areas which is why Republicans opposed to this idea have labeled it a boon for Democrats. But the facts don’t support this characterization. And for those that worry about fraud, we have little fraud in Michigan voting now, contrary to what you might hear from lawmakers more interested in suppressing votes. With the correct structure on the proposed changes, that situation won’t change in the future.

Lastly, on the issue of automatic voter registration when you are dealing with an office of the Secretary of State, I think it’s a no brainer. Other states have found this to be a positive change and 14 states now pre-register 16 and 17 year-olds prior to turning 18. It’s time we caught up.

Yes, there will be some period of adjustment if Promote The Vote is successful in getting this on the ballot and passed by voters. And there may well be some added expense in terms of upgrading equipment and added labor. But overall, this proposal would seem to be relatively solid and worth your support if you have the opportunity to sign a petition. If we can make voting easier and more convenient, who knows, we may be able to increase voter participation in the future.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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3 Beds | 2.2 Bathrooms | 3,256 Sq. Ft. | $949,9000 This finely appointed cape cod, overlooking the 9th fairway and 10th green of the Birmingham C.C., was updated in a major renovation in 2014 and the current owner added nearly $100K in upgrades since that renovation. The upper floor features two large bedrooms with separate 1/2 baths and a shared bathtub area. There are too many details to list here so contact the listing agent for full list of notable features.

3147 CHESTNUT RUN DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD TWP

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5 Beds | 4.2 Bathrooms | 4,310 Sq. Ft. | $870,000

This is a unique opportunity to own a custom designed one of a kind Tudor on over 2.6 acres in the heart of Oakland Township. The home features 5 bedrooms including an entry level au pair suite, 7 baths. Contact Scaccia Realty Associates to get a complete list of notable features.

This wonderful 5 bedroom, 4.2 bath executive waterfront home is located in desirable Chestnut Run South. It features approx 1.6 acres w/ over 150’ of frontage on Orange Lake. The home has been meticulously maintained. Contact Scaccia Realty for a detailed list of notable features and exclusions.

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Come and view this beautiful waterfront property in the Golf Highlands community at Waterstone. This home features fine interior finishes, an open and spacious floor plan that provides an abundance of natural light. The exterior boasts over $100k in features including a low maintenance composite deck with an under-deck rain protection system, a large brick paver patio servicing the walk-out lower level, and more!

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INCOMING Asbestos longform piece I just wanted to drop you a line and let you tell you how much I liked Kevin Elliott’s piece on asbestos in the January Downtown magazine.

I thought it was well researched, flowed nicely and had some statistics that really surprised me. I am saving it to reference in the future.

Amy Skalmusky, Marketing Director PM Environmental Lansing

Credible publisher column I picked up the February 2018 Downtown Birmingham Bloomfield magazine and turned to the “From The Publisher” page.

Now I apologize in advance for making this assumption, but I was expecting another fluff piece from David Hohendorf.

Much to my surprise, and delight, I found a very credible piece on marijuana and the struggles with legalizing it here in Michigan.

I just wanted to reach out and complement you on a very insightful, critical and precise piece of writing.

I look forward to reading your “From The Publisher” prose in the future and I’m sorry I made the assumption I did before I read this.

Jeff Chaney Bloomfield Village

Public forum educates I just wanted to send a quick message and thank you for David Hohendorf’s column (From The Publisher) about marijuana in the February Downtown newsmagazine.

I feel this topic needs to be discussed in a public forum more often so we can educate the general public on the facts.

It is mind numbing when our current administration continues to spew the same old talking points from 40 plus years ago without referencing scientific research on said issue.

Thank you again and I hope articles like this continue to open the eyes of closed-minded folks in our own neighborhoods.

Justin Stainbrook Rochester Hills

Excellent publication A big thank you for an excellent publication which I always enjoy.

It keeps me up to date on political happenings, as well as health and downtownpublications.com

urban issues in the Rochester Hills and surrounding areas.

Melanie A. Hartman, MD Rochester Hills

you can feel the difference

Getting the vote right I recently had the privilege of attending the Election Assistance Commission’s Summit meeting in Washington D.C. There were three statements made that I want to focus on: 1.

We’ve been told “don’t sweat the small stuff,” but in elections there is no small stuff. 2. The nation’s eyes will not just be on our work, but on the outcomes of our work. 3. Clerks can no longer be election specialists with IT knowledge; we must become IT specialists with election knowledge.

There is no small stuff in elections.

Each election has a planning process that begins several months before the first ballot is cast. Clerks have become statisticians and analysts. For each precinct, we track how many are registered, how many vote, do they vote absentee or at the precincts, what time of day do they normally vote, (in a Presidential Primary) how many vote in each party, and how long does the voter need to vote the ballot. These numbers determine how many workers we need, how many ballots we need, how much parking we need, how many booths we need, etc.

Our ability to analyze the numbers and statistics impacts greatly how good or bad the experience will be for voters. What we do and how we do it comes out in the canvass and in a recount. The nation’s eyes are not just on election day results, but also on the security of the ballots and the integrity of the process. Training of the clerks and of the election inspectors must be thorough, ongoing and mandatory.

During the cybersecurity session of the summit this statement was made, “As good as we are, we just don’t have the resources to keep hackers out.” There was a sense of urgency in the meeting to understand how real the threat is for elections. The statement was also made that the only way to be 100 percent sure that the vote count is accurate is to have a paper ballot.

Michigan does.

As clerks, we have to get it right and we have to get it right every single time. Protecting the vote and protecting voter information is our responsibility in the real world and in the cyber world.

Tina Barton, MMC, CMMC Rochester Hills City Clerk

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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 February 21, 2018.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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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.

THE REAL DAVE TROTT?: Congressman David Trott (R-Birmingham) appeared to be suffering from multiple personality disorder following the federal government shutdown in January. Trott was first quoted in a January 19 Detroit News article criticizing President Trump for the then-looming shutdown, saying: “I think it’s the president’s fault. He hasn’t led. No question in my mind about that. He hasn’t led on this or many other issues.” The soon-to-be retiring congressman TROTT then waffled away his statement in a Facebook post the following morning. “It’s regrettable and deeply disappointing that Senate Democrats have chosen to shut down the government only to appease their political base... The Senate Democrats need to stop playing games and support the spending bill that passed in the House with bipartisan support.” The abrupt flip-flop is concerning enough for us to look forward to Trott’s retirement later this year, so he can get some much needed rest.

GAIN ONE, LOSE ONE: After leaving local GOP party faithful dangling for months, in early February, state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake), who is also the state Senate Republican Floor Leader, officially announced he was running for Congress in the 11th District to replace outgoing Rep. David Trott. Kowall has been a small businessman, White Lake supervisor and state representative as well as state senator. In Lansing, Kowall has been supportive of veterans and Michigan businesses, notably of burgeoning autonomous vehicle technologies, an KOWALL expertise which he intends to take to Washington if he is elected. The crowded field he joined just lessened by one – Plymouth Township supervisor Kurt Heise gave Kowall a Valentine’s gift by dropping out of the race and endorsing him as the Republican candidate for the seat. “Mike Kowall is the Republican we need at this critical time in history. Therefore, I am ending my campaign, and endorsing Senator Mike Kowall for Congress in the 11th District. I urge the other candidates to do the same,” Heise said. Still in the Republican game are state Rep. Klint Kesto (West Bloomfield), oil heiress Lena Epstein of Bloomfield Hills, perennial candidate Rocky Raczkowski (Troy), and daughter-offamous-Bill Bonds Kristine Bonds.

READY FOR CLOSE UPS: Once Kowall, Epstein, Kesto, Raczkowski and Bonds fight each other, the real battle will begin for the seat in the November general election.

Democratic candidate Haley Stevens, who is running against fellow Democrats Suneel Gupta, Rep. Tim Greimel and Dan Haberman in the primary for the 11th District, has received a lot of love from national magazines, beginning in April 2017 from Time Magazine in an article, “Inside the Grassroots Movement to Groom a New Generation of Democratic Candidates.” In September, she was highlighted in a New Republic article, “Running on hope,” how former Obama staffer Ravi Gupta is recruiting a fresh slate of candidates to take down Trump. And in January 2018, she was in New York magazine’s The Cut feature, “10 Women Running for Political Office to Watch in 2018,” along with fellow 11th District candidate Fayrouz Saad. Also featured in The Cut article is 8th Congressional District candidate Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat who returned to Holly from three tours in Iraq in intelligence and then work in the Defense Department to take on Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester). Slotkin, Saad and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer also rank a mention in a February New York article, “The Other Women’s March on Washington.” Can’t say no one is noticing Michigan. downtownpublications.com

STEVENS

SAAD

SLOTKIN

GO, NO GO: Out of the race is Democrat Darlene Dominik of Brighton, who jumped in early to take on Rep. Mike Bishop in Congress’s 8th District, covering Rochester and Rochester Hills to Lansing. Domanik raised just under $15,000 in fundraising in the last quarter, compared to almost $1 million for fellow Democrat Elissa Slotkin of Holly. Word is, once Dominik saw there was a viable – and dynamic – Democrat who could realistically give Bishop a run for his money, she saw the writing in the cash pile, and stepped down, giving Slotkin her support.

WE’LL BE LOYAL CONSERVATIVES: Speaking of 11th District Congressional Republican candidates, Lena Epstein, Klint Kesto and Rocky Raczkowski were recently given an “On the Radar” designation by the National Republican Congressional Committee’s (NRCC). The designation serves as a merit badge of sorts to the Committee’s “Young Guns” program, in which candidates earn ranks by fulfilling certain requirements regarding their campaign organization. Weblo (we’ll be loyal) conservatives Epstein, Kesto and Raczkowski are hoping to earn top honors this August by trouncing their fellow Republicans to then go on in November to replace outgoing Congressman Dave Trott for his seat in Congress. #METOO: They say “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” And in the Age of Trump, that is proving truer and truer. Mallory McMorrow of Royal Oak told Vice Magazine she became a Democratic candidate for Michigan’s state Senate 13th District (Royal Oak, Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Berkley, Rochester Hills, Rochester and Clawson) running against incumbent Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) – after Trump’s Access Hollywood tape. You know the one. “I remember thinking, ‘How do you tell your daughters that this is not only acceptable behavior but that it’s laudable?’” She decided to run after having moved to Royal Oak in 2015 after living in New York and Los Angeles. “I never had a key to my house growing up.The doors were never locked...It didn’t matter who had more or who had less...We didn’t talk about “right-wings” or “leftists,” liberals or conservatives, whether you were a Republican or a Democrat,” she says on her website. “Let’s create the communities that we want to see.” But can McMorrow’s passion take down Knollenberg, currently mourning the loss of his father, former Congressman Joe Knollenberg, who served 16 years in the House of Representatives? Knollenberg’s name recognition in the district is huge, and McMorrow, who has lived here just three years, may find it a steep mountain to climb.

GOING 40: The race to fill Rep. Mike McMcready’s (R-Bloomfield Hills) shoes in the state House’s 40th District is getting tighter with the addition of another Republican, Bloomfield Township Trustee Michael Schostak.

Schostak, cousin to Bobby Schostak, former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, is a finance lecturer at the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University, and a recent (2016) addition to the township board, where some observers think he’s just gotten his feet wet. Long time fellow trustee Dave Buckley had informed his fellow trustees in January he was also thinking about getting SCHOSTAK aboard the 40th District train, but notified them in February he had reconsidered. Based on his inquisition-like behavior at recent meetings, it’s possible he’s looking to put down a stake in another race, whether in ‘18 or ‘20.

SHOE-IN-MOUTH: Michael Saari, a candidate for Michigan’s 15th District state Senate seat, currently held by Mike Kowall, has opted to drop out of the race following statements he made about Ingham County Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. The judge became a highly visible figure in the Larry Nassar MSU case and gained attention for condemning the disgraced doctor during his sentencing. Saari, considered a fringe candidate, was quoted in one media account as calling himself a “shoe-in” for the state Senate seat, later put his foot in his mouth when he called the judge a “feminazi” and questioned how she would respond if her husband requested a particular sex act. Saari said a short time later he was dropping out of the race.

DOWNTOWN

17

FACES Stephen “Dick” Goody s a kid, Stephen “Dick” Goody was always drawing people. He didn’t start with their faces though, he drew from the ground up.

“I remember my father said he was very worried about me because when I’d draw people I’d always start with their shoes and then work my way up, which is weird,” Goody laughed.

Goody doesn’t draw people from their shoes up anymore but that love of art has stuck with him, leading to his current positions at Oakland University, all three of them. Yes, three. Goody is a Professor of Art; Chair, Department of Art & Art History; and director of the Oakland University Art Gallery.

He began his career at OU in 1994, after teaching at Wayne State University and Henry Ford Community College. After having started as a professor, he’s been taking on more administrative responsibilities for years at OU. Luckily, the three jobs he currently has influence each other.

“One of the main things that we’re interested in right now at Oakland is community engagement,” he said.

The exhibitions Goody – who has been curating exhibitions at OU since the ‘90s – is curating at the gallery are playing a vital role in that mission. He’s committed to the idea of using community outreach.

Goody said with each exhibition there are outcomes he constantly wants to attain, like is it addressing new issues? Is everything sustainable? Is this helping move them forward?

But how does he measure that? For him, it’s often in terms of what sort of reviews they get, both nationally and locally. Goody said they get people from all over the region at their exhibitions, with their openings sometimes having hundreds.

“It’s a real celebration and really about engagement, trying to get people and art together so that they can enjoy it but also learn something from the experience,” Goody said.

Or do a double-take. The exhibitions that make people scratch their heads – such as one that had human-sized sculptures (they were all at least 6 feet tall) made out of things like sand and recycled products – are the ones Goody finds interest him the most.

Currently, he’s working on an exhibit with 27 people, all fellow OU art professors. There’s also an upcoming exhibit being curated by students where they will select pieces from the university’s art collection. There will be plenty for them to pick from. Goody said the collection has over 1,500 pieces in it.

As much as Goody – who spent a year designing kitchens in London before deciding to complete his MFA – enjoys curating, he also loves teaching. Now that he’s in more of an administrative position at the university, he only teaches a few classes a year, but he still gets excited entering a classroom.

“I can just walk in there and feel the excitement immediately of teaching a class of people that are determined and interested in the same things as I am,” Goody said.

Even though Goody, who is originally from London and now lives in Detroit, which he called “one of the greatest cities on Earth,” has done just about all there is to do in the art department at OU he doesn’t have plans to leave anytime soon.

“I hope to stay for a good, long time,” he said. “It’s my home and I like it. I think I’ve got more to do.”

A

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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LOCAL 20

DOWNTOWN

03.18

GAZING INTO THE 2018 CRYSTAL BALL: LOOKING AT THE COMING ELECTION

BY LISA BRODY AND KEVIN ELLIOTT

B

y most forecasts, the 2018 congressional elections, on a national level, are expected to hold the potential of a huge wave roiling the political landscape, turning some Republican red landscapes into blue ones favoring Democrats. And in some congressional races in Michigan, especially in a couple of districts in Oakland County, voters could see that trend play out as voters head into the November general election.

Technically the April filing deadline to run for Congress is still nearly two months away, but a number of factors have already energized the candidate field and a growing number of hopefuls have announced their intentions to seek their party’s nominations

in the August primary to be the standard bearer for the general election.

There are a number of proven factors that observers posit for 2018. First, it's a midterm election in which the current president of the United States enjoys unusually low favorability ratings, and generally the party in power in off-year elections does not do as well. Women across the country, thanks to Trump, are galvanized to run as candidates as never before, creating what some are calling a “pink wave” in this election year.

Independent voters are political wild cards, and millennials, one of the largest voting blocks, could prove a major factor if they show up at the polls in any kind of concentrated number.

In December 2017, it was widely believed that all of the factors would portend a Democratic sweep of Congress. But by early February 2018, the Democrats' advantage had declined, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey, which noted that the share of voters that wanted Democrats to win control of Congress in 2018 had shrunk to six points from 11 points in December.

Similarly, in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls, Democrats started 2017 with an advantage of almost 13 points on that question – which is now down to 6.6 percentage points. The Democrats need a net of 24 seats to gain control of the House, and the Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll projects they will pick up more than 30 seats.

In Oakland County, three congressional districts – MI8, currently held by Rep. Mike Bishop (R-Rochester); MI9, long represented by Rep. Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak); and MI-11, held by Rep. David Trott (R-Birmingham) – reflect the political trends, from their vulnerability to be flipped from one party to another; voter anger and distrust of political parties, the “Trump factor” – the unpopularity of the President and fatigue one year later, including buyer's remorse; congressmen retiring; and the resistance movement, which was crystalized the day after Trump's inauguration with the Women's March, followed by the online Indivisible movement and a significant rise around the country of women's candidates. For some political pundits, Oakland County is being viewed as a national bellwether.

To get an early projection of what could potentially take place during the 2018 elections in Oakland, Downtown newsmagazine tapped a group of nearly two dozen political experts to look at the three congressional districts that include the publications’s distribution area of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. From political science departments of three universities, we talked with professor Dave Dulio, chairman of the political science department of Oakland University, where he teaches on campaigns, elections, Congress and political parties, along with professor of public policy John Klemanski. From the University of Michigan, political science professor Richard Hall, and from Wayne State University political science professors Tim Bledsoe and Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson lent their expertise.

We also gathered observations from Democratic strategists, including Josh Pugh, Jill Alper and Joe DiSano, and GOP strategists Dennis Darnoi and John Truscott of Truscott Rossman. And rounding out our field of prognosticators was the editor of the Ballenger Report, Bill Ballenger, considered by many to be the dean of political analysis in Michigan.

Among the experts, there is general agreement that midterm elections generally don’t favor the party which holds the office of President. Since at least the Civil War, the party that has held the presidency has subsequently lost seats in the following midterm elections.

“It's a matter of history. Midterms are generally bad, and sometimes terrible, for the president's party in Congress,” noted OU professor Dave Dulio. “Only twice since FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) has the president's party gained seats in the House of Representatives, and even those were minor gains.”

He further explained, “In 1938, FDR lost 71 seats in that midterm. That's the most since then. In 2010, (President) Obama and the Democrats lost 61 (seats). In 1994, (President Bill) Clinton lost 51. We can certainly have major sea change wave elections in midterms, and one of the biggest factors in the seat loss is the presidential job approval rating. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that Trump is unpopular and that means bad things for Republican candidates.”

THE APRIL FILING DEADLINE TO RUN FOR CONGRESS IS STILL TWO MONTHS AWAY BUT A NUMBER OF FACTORS HAVE ALREADY ENERGIZED THE FIELD OF CANDIDATES

Wayne State University political science professor Tim Bledsoe concurs. “Historically, going back a couple hundred years, the party that holds the White House typically loses seats in the midterms. Then you have a very unpopular president – his favorability rating is less than 40 percent. That is unprecedented. Beyond that, there is a special awareness amongst women that is fueling their candidacy. What we're seeing across the country is far more Democrats for Congress than we've ever seen in history, and that testifies to the energy they have – and so many more are women, to the point that there's increased political energy being found among groups that are frustrated with Trump, especially college-educated women.”

“The Trump effect is going to seriously disadvantage Republicans, because they're embracing the President with both arms, because that's what they have to do.

The Republican Party is Donald Trump's party,” noted Josh Pugh, a Democratic political strategist with Lansing's Grassroots Midwest, which has strategists on both sides of the aisle.

“Trump has the worst approval rating since Gallup began polling,” said Jill Alper, Alper Strategies, a Democratic political consultant in Grosse Pointe, who noted that for most of 2017, Trump's approval rating has been hovering at 36 percent, although on February 5 it had risen to 40 percent based on perceptions of the tax bill and the stock market, prior to its turbulence. “He's hardened his base; it's uncertain if he can get it to 50 percent.” She noted that there is a growing realization among Middle America that the tax bill “is a boon for the upper classes and corporations. But the middle class feels like they were sold a bill of goods. It's a climate that people get what he says and does are disunifying.”

All of those consulted by Downtown also agreed on one other thing – what will ultimately determine the outcome of the midterm elections in 2018 is turnout.

“It all comes down to one thing: turnout. Whoever gets their people to the polls wins,” Dulio emphasized.

“Turnout explains almost every election there is. In a midterm election like this one, we are lucky to have a 40 percent turnout nationwide. If we plan on 40 percent, it doesn't take a genius to see 60 percent aren't participating, which gives both sides ample opportunity to turn out more of their voters.”

Dulio's colleague at Oakland University, professor John Klemanski, also said it will come down to voter turnout. “We hear it all the time, but we hear it because it's true.”

Klemanski said that midterms tend to favor Republicans and hurt Democrats, and that if Democrats want to take congressional seats, “they are going to have to come out.”

Also of interest to local forecasters is whether congressional districts can remain Democratic or Republican, or if they can be flipped, and what factors besides turnout will determine who goes to Washington.

“The Democratic Party in Michigan has never been particularly organized or proficient at vetting or organizing candidates,” said WSU professor Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, who specializes in Michigan politics. “The Republican Party has been more proficient at that. They may be able to influence those races, and not go too far off the deep end.”

While most of us look to the November election as the determining factor, often political decisions are made in the primaries, depending on the political makeup of a district, when diehard party advocates vote – and few others do. Michigan traditionally is a late primary state, with its primary the first Tuesday in August. This is where Democrats take on other Democrats, and Republicans take on other Republicans, all for the privilege of battling the winner

of the other party in the November general election.

“The two open seats (M-9 and M-11) will be where people need to be more careful about going to the fringes, but the system is sort of set up for fringe candidates in the primaries,” Sarbaugh-Thompson pointed out. “The parties are losing control of the nominating process. It's become en vogue to have these amateur candidates running.”

District 11: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester Hills, Lake Angelus, West Bloomfield, Auburn Hills, Clawson, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, Waterford, Wixom, Novi, Northville, Canton, Plymouth, Milford, S. Lyon, Lyon Township, Highland Township “The fun one, and the money one, hands down, is MI11. That is the type of seat Democrats need to win if they are going to take back the House of Representatives,” said Republican strategist Dennis Darnoi.

The rambling district, which cuts a wide swath through central and western Oakland County and into part of Wayne County, was considered a plus-four Republican district, according to The Cook Political Report, an independent, non-partisan online newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns. In September 2017, Republican David Trott, who was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016, announced he would not run for a third term. Trump won the district, although Clinton won Oakland County.

“Look at 2016 – Trump won (the district) with a plurality of 49.4 percent. Trott won with 52.9 percent. It suggests a ceiling to Republican support, and makes it a very competitive seat,” said Darnoi.

Klemanski said that of the three districts, the 11th is the most likely to flip. That is for a few reasons, he noted.

“It's a slightly Republican district, but there's a lot of anger amongst voters. A Democrat could stop in,” he said, pointing out that Trump won the district by five points, which suggests a Republican has an advantage – “but there's so much anger post-Trump after he was elected, with people unhappy with his policies. The Republican candidate could have problems there.”

“Trott decided to retire. I think he saw himself as vulnerable,” Klemnaski said. “He took heat for some of his votes on Obamacare and others.” He noted that currently The Cook Report is calling it a toss-up.

Democratic strategist Joe DiSano agreed. “It absolutely could flip. It's one of the top 10 races Democrats (nationally) are looking at. It's one of the reasons Trott walked away. He didn't want to subject himself to a tough race.”

Darnoi explains that in 2013, Democrats were running six percent below Obama's total at 44 percent. “That gave us advance warning of the Republican wave in 2014,” Darnoi said. “For Trump in 2016, and elections in 2017, Republicans have been running 2.6 percent below Trump's two-party percentage total. You can say there's not that big of an unfavorability factor for Republicans – except for open seats in 2017, and in those seats, Republicans ran 5.1 percent below Trump's two-party percent total.

“What those numbers are suggesting right now is that those seats with Republicans that will be open in 2018 – those seats are ripe for Democrats to pick up,” he said.

“That's why a seat like MI-11 will be so appealing to invest time, money and ground troops in, over MI-8 (Mike Bishop's seat). As more Republicans retire from Congress, there is an increasing likelihood that Democrats can take back the U.S. House.”

Democrats had already targeted Trott and the district prior to Trott's announcement, with Birmingham Seaholm graduate Haley Stephens returning home from working

AMONG THE EXPERTS, THERE IS GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT MIDTERM ELECTIONS GENERALLY DON’T FAVOR THE PARTY WHICH HOLDS THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT

in the Obama administration as chief of staff on the Auto Task Force inside the Treasury Department, announcing in April 2017 that she was running to take on Trott. At the time the incumbent was facing criticism within the district for not meeting with constituents at town hall meetings or at his local office, and his repeated efforts to get rid of Obamacare.

Since then, several other Democrats have jumped on board, including Birmingham businessman and attorney Dan Haberman, who worked to ban smoking in restaurants and bars in the state, Auburn Hills state Rep. Tim Greimel, former Detroit Mayor Duggan aide Fayrouz Saad of Northville and technology businessman Suneel Gupta of Birmingham.

Trott’s retirement announcement drew an evergrowing field of Republicans hoping to go to Washington D.C. Lena Epstein, who had co-chaired Trump's campaign for Michigan, had originally announced for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Debbie Stabenow, but apparently saw a clearer path to victory in the House 11th District, and quickly switched plans.

Epstein, who has never held elective office before, calls herself a “conservative outsider” and businesswoman.

She is the daughter and granddaughter of the owners of Vesco Oil Company, where she currently works and her sister runs.

Former state Rep. Rocky Raczkowski, of Farmington Hills, a staunch conservative and retired U.S. Army Reserves vet, who ran unsuccessfully for Senate against Carl Levin in 2006, and unsuccessfully for Congress in 2010 against former Representative and current Senator Gary Peters, jumped in. So did state Rep. Klint Kesto of Commerce Township, Plymouth Township Supervisor Kurt Heise, political neophyte Kristine Bonds, daughter of former tv anchorman Bill Bonds, state Sen. Mike Kowall, and former Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, also known as the ‘Accidental Congressman’ for a short term in Congress he won years ago until Trott defeated him.

Of the Democrats and Republicans who have announced their candidacy, as Downtown went to press, none of them had actually filed to run in the August primary.

“This has always been a lean Republican district,” said Republican strategist John Truscott, who used to be spokersperson for former Gov. John Engler. “There are a lot of people with a lot of money, or who can raise a lot of money, who are in this race. I think this will be a very competitive and very expensive one. It's too early to call it, to me.”

“I think the Democrats are going by the polls, not the elections, that show Trump's favorability rating isn't good,” said Bill Ballenger of The Ballenger Report. “I still believe a Republican will win in the 11th – unless the Republicans blow it and come up with a flawed nominee – for instance, Bentivolio could win the 11th, and then the Democrats might have a chance.”

“That's going to be the wild west on both sides,” said Democratic strategist Joe DiSano. “The amount of money Epstein is bringing to the table is scaring people away.

She is also extremely disliked by many Republicans – she has replicated the Trump persona of abrasiveness, selection of issues, using personal money, and attacking other candidates. I believe she will be the cause of the Republican primary being the equivalent of a knife fight in a phone booth.

“It's difficult to attack a woman in politics,” DiSano continued, “although less so because she's so abrasive.

And she's got the resources to attack and defend.”

Epstein, who raised $1.3 million in the last quarter's fundraising report, which ended January 31, and has given the campaign personal money totaling almost $1 million – $930,100, to be exact. She has over $1 million

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cash on hand. No other Republicans are even close.

Kowall only announced his candidacy on February 5, so did not have a fundraising report; neither did Bentivolio or Bonds. Kesto raised $144,835 and has $100,000 on hand. Raczkowski raised $151,880 – half, $75,000, from himself. He has $141,199 on hand. Heise reported $123,650, of which $100,000 was self-funded, and he has $111,532 on hand.

On the Democratic side, Stevens has been on an almost year-long funding binge, raising $655,479 this quarter, with $464,515 on hand. She had financial competition this quarter from Gupta, who co-created the health care technology company Rise with his brother, Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN-fame, and previously worked at Groupon. Gupta raised $503,802, and has $468,205 on hand. State Rep. Tim Greimel raised $329,023, and has $285,518 cash on hand, with Saad raising $376,863. She has $250,816 on hand. Local businessman Dan Haberman raised $150,473, $50,000 which is a loan, and ended with just under $41,000 cash on hand.

“All of them have a lot of money, except Dan Haberman,” said DiSano. “If he doesn't have it, and he can't self-fund, it's not enough money to raise for him to make it. Haley Stevens, Tim Greimel and Suneel Gupta are just ‘hoovering’ up all the money. The only thing left will be loose coins in the back of the couch.”

“Haberman had very unimpressive fundraising numbers. I audibly gasped when I saw the numbers,” Pugh said. “Haley Stevens has very strong connections to Washington and the Obama administration and allies to that fundraising community. Her fundraising slowed down in the last quarter, but she has cash on hand over Greimel. She was on fire early on, and getting out early was good. Her hard work over 2017 paid off. Gupta has connections outside the area, but his lack of standing in the political base will hamper him in the Democratic primary, even with his money. Greimel – outside labor will want to get in on his behalf. Fayrouz – I don't hear her campaign doing much of anything now.

“I would posit that we will see outside money and outside Super PACs get in this race,” he continued.

“Haley Stevens and Tim Greimel are impressive workers and the ones to beat. In 2016, the 11th District was the closest race in the state, despite Trott's money, and despite top-tiered races in the 1st, 2d and 8th (districts) in national targeting and money coming in – all because of Trump's unpopularity.”

“All of the candidates have a chance to win – the problem is finding out where they split up on the issues, because they all seem pretty clean, and all of the Democrats are pretty similar on the issues. They're all mainstream Democrats,” DiSano said.

On the Republican side, he pointed out, Epstein and Rocky “have the market cornered on the Trump point of view. I see the sparks flying between them. Kowall is more middle of the road. Kesto is contorting himself into a candidate he has never been before (trying to be very far right conservative) – and voters smell that and often reject it. That's a shame, because he's the nicest guy in that particular race, and he knows how to run a good race – so I'm not going to discount him.”

Darnoi believes Lena Epstein has the advantage so far, with Rocky and Kesto coming up behind her. “Those three are going to fight it out,” he said. “In my opinion, it'll be Lena and Rocky.”

On the Democratic side, he believes Greimel is someone who has run campaigns before, can tap resources, “and has helped other Democrats, so he has chips to call in.”

“Epstein feels more like an insider than she should, because of her attitude and her activity with the Trump campaign,” said Alper.

On both sides, it may end up being which candidate

IT WILL BE EXPENSIVE IN THE PRIMARY, AND COLOSSAL IN THE GENERAL, TO THE TUNE OF SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS. THEY WILL HAVE TO HAVE MAJOR MONEY

benefits from a contested election. “It may be Greimel (on the Democratic) side, because he may be able to look at the maps while the others carve up the district,” said Darnoi. “We may see that on both sides, where someone wins with less than 35 percent (of the vote).”

Once there is a winner on each side in the primary, it's not over. Then it's time for the general election.

“It will be expensive in the primary, and colossal in the general – to the tune of several million dollars. They will have to have major money, from interest groups and PACs on both sides,” said Wayne State's Bledsoe. “Trott overcame the lack of that by self-funding. And whoever wins in '18 will gave to fight to save it in 2020.”

District 9: Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Berkley, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Ferndale, Clawson, Hazel Park, Madison Heights, Pleasant Ridge, Center Line, Fraser, Eastpointe, Mt. Clemens, Roseville, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Warren After 18 terms – 36 years – Democratic stalwart Rep. Sander Levin, 86, announced he will retire at the end of this term, opening up this district, which was once completely contained in Oakland County, but was changed significantly in the 2012 redistricting with its south and east district border spread from Roseville to Bloomfield Township. It was redistricted to maintain its Democratic advantage, with a current Democratic plusfour rating in the latest Cook Report.

“Even with an open seat, it's too much of a Democratic district” to flip, said Oakland University's Dulio, even in the Macomb County portion of the district.

“Trump got the Democrats to come out and vote for him that were disaffected and felt left behind by the party – a return to the Reagan Democrats in the 1980's. They are in large measure swing voters. They voted for Trump this time, but will they next time? It depends on who the candidates are. Who can convey a message to them that resonates to them. Those folks have shown they are willing to break ranks.”

Sarbaugh-Thompson from Wayne State University said, “The 9th depends on who the Democrats run, and if the blue collar Macomb County piece dominates the Oakland County portion. Oakland County is more likely to see an anti-Trump backlash than in Macomb. There could still be a Trump outpouring in Macomb County.”

Republican strategist Truscott, disagrees. “That's always been a strong Democratic seat, and it'll likely stay that way,” he said.

“It's not the safest district in the state, but it's pretty safe,” said Josh Pugh. “Like every year, the Republicans will run a candidate – but there's not a scenario where the district will run Republican. It was drawn to be safe for congressman Levin, and it will stay safe for the Democrats until the next redistricting.”

Michigan will almost certainly lose a congressional district with the 2020 census, and in the next redistricting, it has been believed that this district will be the one to go.

“I do think it will be the district to go away,” Pugh confirmed. “I think it will be carved into the 10th, 11th and 14th.”

“It will be a competitive primary, but it will be the lowest spending general, because you don't need to spend, just to finance to get people out – a few hundred thousand dollars,” said Bledsoe. “You can just coast in November. And once you have that seat, it will be hard to defeat.”

There is only one Republican, so far, running for the 9th District, Candius Stearns of Sterling Heights, who raised $108,601, according to the last quarter's financial fundraising report, $94,500 of which she provided to her

campaign. She has just over $100,000 cash on hand.

On the Democratic side, though, it could be a slug fest to get the Democratic nomination, from Sandy's son Andy Levin of Bloomfield Township, who runs an energy company and previously ran the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth; state Sen. Steven Bieda of Warren, currently the minority leader; former state Rep. Ellen Cogan Lipton, an attorney from Huntington Woods; and Martin Brook, a Birmingham attorney who was a former Bloomfield Hills Schools board member. Bieda and Lipton jumped into the race in January, and didn't file campaign finance reports for the last quarter, although word is both are out actively fundraising. Levin raised $124,569, and he has $113,920 cash on hand. Brook raised just $7,799 – $4,064 from his own pocket, and has $3,618 on hand.

“Despite the dynamic of having one woman and two men, I think it will be a two-way race between Levin and Bieda,” Pugh said. “From the point of view of the district, Ellen is from the wrong part of the district. And everything suggests that Bieda is fundraising and out there, and he is currently a legislator.”

Darnoi said this district is all about the primary, and the Democrat will coast in the general election. “There isn't enough of a Republican base – you're looking at best at a 45 percent Republican base in that seat. It's not worth the time or money, and the national party is going to be defending so many seats, so they're not going to invest in a seat like MI-9,” he noted. “For a Republican to win or compete in MI-9, they need to self-fund or pick up six percentage points in this district – and no one's heard of Candius Stearns. I've heard she's a perennial runner but a sacrificial lamb.”

He said that in 2016, Clinton, not Sanders, took the primary in both Oakland and Macomb counties, “so it would suggest that Andy Levin and the Levin name and connection would put him over Ellen Lipton in that category – with the caveat that 53 percent of the district comes from Macomb County, and that plays to Bieda's strength. To me the story of the district is turnout.”

District 8: Rochester, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Independence Township, Lake Orion, Oxford, Brighton, Howell, E. Lansing, Lansing, Mason, Okemos, Haslett Michigan's 8th District is all about the general election. The district, which meanders from conservative and upscale Rochester and Rochester Hills, through rural Oakland County, into Livingston County, all of which have historically been Republican. It then winds its way into Ingham County and E. Lansing and parts of Lansing, which are staunchly Democratic, home to the state capital, Michigan State University and the UAW. Mike Bishop (R) of Rochester is the incumbent, now running for his third term as U.S. Representative, and has a long legislative history in the area – both good and bad. Prior to his congressional career, he served in the state House and then in the state Senate, including as Senate Majority Leader, in the 12th District – a seat once held by his father, Donald Bishop. Prior to running for Congress, he unsuccessfully ran as Oakland County Prosecutor. He was a staunch and early supporter of President Trump.

The last two times he ran for this seat, he faced limited Democratic challenges – but not this year. Elissa Slotkin of Holly, who grew up in Oakland County, attended Cranbrook Schools, and then Cornell University and received her masters from Columbia University before being recruited to work in the CIA. She served three tours of duty in Iraq in the intelligence community and played a leading role designing counter-ISIS strategy and the international coalition fighting in Iraq and Syria

MICHIGAN WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY LOSE A CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT WITH THE 2020 CENSUS, AND IN THE NEXT REDISTRICTING, DISTRICT 9 WILL BE THE ONE

under Presidents Bush and Obama. Coming stateside, she held several positions in the Defense Department in the Obama Administration. She has said she is running for Congress in this seat because she does not feel Bishop is best representing all of the people of the district, and would not have run if former Rep. Mike Rogers was still in the seat, who she said she knew and could be reasonable and bipartisan.

In the last quarter, Slotkin outraised Bishop in fundraising, pulling in $905,569 – almost all from individuals. She put in $10,200 of that. She has $709,599 cash on hand. Bishop raised $1.1 million – but threequarters – or $722,297, came from political action committees, or PACs, some of which are connected to committees on which he sits. He has $971,646 cash on hand. Slotkin has said she will refuse PAC money.

“Bishop already has over $700,000 in the bank, and he only spent $1.3 million total on the last race,” said University of Michigan’s Richard Hall. “Slotkin, for a challenger, is raising a lot of money. It says the Democrats are trying to compete everywhere and mobilize their financiers. They're being very effective.

There are a record number of women candidates, and are closing the gender gap in individual campaign contributions – so women give to women more than men do.

“Slotkin has more individual money than PACs – which is not surprising because PACs go with incumbents, because they want influence,” and Bishop is already a known entity as he is in office, Hall continued. “They want access after the election. It's why their aggregate giving shifts (election to election).

It's not all Republican to all Democratic giving, but from who they believe will win. Individuals vote, and give, by their conscience. They give to who they like.”

Michigan State University Professor Christopher E. Smith, a Democrat, is also running. He raised $57,573, and has $40,568 cash on hand.

“The real question in MI-8 is to what extent does the district include college educated woman that are ready to flip,” said Wayne State's Bledsoe. “Rochester is very ready, and has many college-educated women. It's the kind of area that could flip. I'm sure Mike Bishop is worried. Slotkin's bio could also appeal to Republicans.”

And let's not forget that Michigan's Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow represented the district from 1996 – 2000, although at that time Rochester and Rochester Hills were not part of the district, prior to her becoming senator.

“I think the Democrats have got a great candidate – at least on paper. But it's a hard district to win, and Bishop has done a great job,” said Truscott, the Republican strategist. “I think the Trump effect is going to settle down. I believe he will tone it down and it will help everyone down ticket, and it will dampen the hostility.”

DiSano, who now lives in Lansing despite growing up in Macomb County, disagrees.

“Bishop is clearly worried. I live in the district, and never received any mail, and in the last two weeks I received two pieces,” he said. “Elissa is raising money like crazy, and has a profile that will drive Mike Bishop crazy.

“Mike Bishop seems to have a problem with female opponents,” DiSano asserted. “His relationship with (former Governor) Jennifer Granholm was abysmal. But he's a savvy enough politician to recognize the danger signals of the coming blue wave. Groups like Indivisible have hounded Trott out of the race, and are now hounding Bishop.”

Indivisible, a new progressive political group founded in 2017, modeled itself after the conservative tea party, has as its goal to help ordinary citizens show resistance

to the Trump administration. Their platform states: “Our mission is to fuel a progressive grassroots network of local groups to resist the Trump Agenda. In every congressional district in the country, people like you are starting local groups and leading local actions.”

Active through social media, primarily Facebook, Indivisible are vocal citizen groups opposing the administration and largely Republican lawmakers.

“There are active chapters in every district in the country, and they're Facebook-based,” DiSano explained. “They wrote a manual early on last year on how to oppose your Republican congressman, and it was a masterpiece on how to effectively oppose them.

“Indivisible is primarily female. People make the mistake in thinking the Bernie Sanders people are the most effective people in politics – but only because they're the loudest,” he continued. “Indivisible has been very strategic, deliberate and effective. They've hounded Mike Bishop to the point he claims he's afraid for his safety – which is ridiculous considering it's comprised of middle aged housewives.”

If Indivisible can mobilize its followers to get to the polls next November, DiSano believes there will then be a strong turnout and a Democratic wave.

“I think Oakland County is the heartbeat of the backlash. I think you'll see a lot of Trump voters stay home, and a lot of women who have only tangentially been involved in politics show up at the polls and bring their friends,” he said. “I think it will be a factor in state legislative races in the general election, too. I think (state Sen. Marty) Knollenberg (R-Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) will get a top-tier Democratic challenger, and also in the 12th state Senate district (Bloomfield Township, Clarkston, Lake Orion), against the winner of state Rep. Jim Tedder and state Rep. Mike McCready.”

Independent voters have helped swing the pendulum in 2008 and 2016, but to DiSano, they aren't the key to winning in 2018.

“The key is having as many suburban woman vote as possible. They thought Trump would govern as a country club Republican, like a New Yorker, who would be more well-behaved. They thought he would get things done, and he's gotten very little done. Once they think he's no different than any other politician, he's done,” he said.

“Independents don't want to identify with a party, but their thinking is actually very partisan,” Darnoi said, “so they become ticket splitters. Their engagement levels for 2018 far exceeds their engagement for 2016.”

“Independents aren't one stripe. Obama voters may live in Ann Arbor; Trump voters may be union members,” pointed out Jill Alper. “In the midterms, women usually drop off, and there's a difference between married women and single women. The highest loyalty group to Democrats after African American women are single women.”

Darnoi said an indicative bellwether of independent voters is Waterford. “It's a purple community countywide,” he said. “In 2016, Waterford went all Republican, and that is not what we've seen in the past – it had been backing Democratic Independents. It is mirroring state Senate districts.” He said Waterford would be the place to watch for more local elections, notably Oakland County races such as the 2020 county executive race, when L. Brooks Patterson is expected to retire.

The county has been turning more and more Democratic over the last decade. “If Brooks steps down in 2020, I would be very worried as a Republican,” said Darnoi. “If there is a nasty multi-Republican primary versus (county treasurer) Andy Meisner – it could be a fight, and a very expensive one. If it comes down to the

MILLENNIALS SURPASSED BABY BOOMERS AS A VOTING BLOCK; THEY'RE NOT FOND OF EITHER PARTY, BUT THEY'RE CERTAINLY NOT FOND OF DONALD TRUMP

mayor of Rochester Hills (Bryan Barnett), who isn't known countywide, and Andy Meisner, who is, it's going Democrat. But it still all comes down to turnout.”

Most pundits agree that as angry as women voters are, millennials are even more disenfranchised, and by both political parties.

“It's undecided if they'll vote,” Darnoi said. “Their anger extends to both sides. No one party will benefit in 2018.”

“Younger voters are less tied to identity politics, to a party – it's 'What do you stand for, what are you going to do?'” Truscott pointed out. “They're less likely to accept political slogan. They want details. The parties had better be ready to adapt to this changing mood. And the messaging has changed, particularly because of social media. In the last election, the Republican Party succeeded because of it, but before that, Obama did. It will swing back and forth.”

DiSano believes millennials are not only angry, but energized for 2018.

“They are a sizable contingent that are going to show up in the general (election) this year,” he said. “In 2016, there wasn't a lot of enthusiasm. There was a feeling that Hillary Clinton was going to roll over Trump. They're going to want to course correct.”

Millennials have surpassed baby boomers as a voting block, and are now the largest group of eligible voters.

“They're not fond of either political party, but they're certainly not fond of Donald Trump and what he's done,” said Grassroot Midwest's Pugh. “There needs to be a concerted effort by the Democratic Party to tell a positive story about their candidates. Many millennials will be coming out to vote.”

“They become more substantial over time. They don't become sustained voters until they settle down,” DiSano said. “But they're the most dominant block for the next 50 years, along with Hispanic voters in the southwest. And Democrats have not provided them with much more than opposition to Trump.”

The potential of a ballot proposal to legalize marijuana on the 2018 general election ballot could bring out more millennials – but Pugh noted that Republicans have a history of pushing a powerful “no” message on ballot measures, “ and that 'no' on everything is more power than trying to explain what they're for. And the more measures that get on the ballot hurts them because when a bunch get on, it's easy for business groups to raise money to say ‘no’ on everything, whether it's redistricting reform or pot.”

According to Stanley Greenberg of Greenberg Research and Nancy Zdunkewicz of Democracy Corps, who wrote in a recent white paper, “Democrats sit at the edge of a wave thanks to the impressive vote gains among their minority base, unmarried women, millennials and women with college degrees. But the size of the wave depends on the turnout of the Rising American Electorate (minorities, millennials and unmarried woman) whose enthusiasm for voting is falling...One year into the Trump presidency, the biggest surprise that will require new strategic thinking is the pullback of white working class women from Donald Trump and the Republicans.”

Truscott puts out a cautionary note. “Parties and politicians have to be careful – voters don't want to move too rapidly in one direction or another. President Obama moved too quickly in one direction, so there's been a backlash – the Trump reaction. People have to have time to adjust. I don't know what happens to the Republican Party now. It's only been a year, and politically it's a pretty toxic environment, with nationalism and the lack of immigration. So the next election, in 2020, we'll be in a different place. But where that is, who knows.”

FACES

Cory Blevins ochester-area native Cory Blevins has co-starred or had guest starring roles in more than two dozen television shows or movies since graduating in 1989 from Rochester Adams High School, where he decided to get involved with acting.

"My first role was actually before high school, with the Avon Players in Rochester," Blevins said. "I was about 13 or 14 years old. It was Camelot, and I played one of the young squires or something like that. It was mostly adults, and it was rough on my mom having to drive me there every night, but (my parents) were happy I was into something."

By the end of high school, Blevins decided to follow the acting path, much to the dismay of his guidance counselor. "'Oh, no. We are surrounded by the auto industry,'" he was told. "My dad worked for General Motors, as a lot of kids' parents in the neighborhood did. But my parents encouraged me. I think they thought, 'Well, at least he's excited about something.' So, I went to college and focused on the theater department.

"It was like saying I wanted to be a carnival worker. Growing up in the midwest, it's like saying 'I want to go to the moon.' I always thought I would do it because I love it."

Blevins earned a degree in theater from Western Michigan University before obtaining a master's degree in acting from Florida State University and the Asolo Conservatory for Acting. "When I said I was going to go to grad school, my dad was just happy he didn't have to pay for it," he said.

While earning his graduate degree, he was cast in the 1998 movie, "Palmetto," alongside Woody Harrelson and Elisabeth Shue. In his third year of graduate school Blevins went to London to accept a Shakespeare fellowship, before graduating and moving to Los Angeles. Less than six

R

months later, he landed a guest spot on "The X-Files," and has been doing guest appearances and co-star roles ever since.

Some of the shows Blevins has appeared in include "Justified," "House," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Law & Order: Los Angeles," "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia," "Dexter," "Longmire," Parenthood," "N.C.I.S.," "True Detective," "Fresh Off The Boat," "Scandal," and "Grey's Anatomy." He has also had roles in the films "House Arrest," "The Thanksgiving House," and Cinema Verite," the latter of which he worked with actor James Galdolfini in one of his last roles.

Most recently, he was in his second show based on an Elmore Leonard book when he was cast in 2017 as FBI Agent Buchholz in "Get Shorty.�

Last year's projects also included recurring spots on "Lopez," and a guest appearance on "S.W.A.T." With film incentives in Michigan cutting acting opportunities in the state, Blevins only makes it home a few times a year for personal visits.

However, even in Hollywood, finding jobs and performing are two full-time jobs. There are also the physical challenges of the job associated with traveling to different locations.

"It's like you're always standing on quicksand, and it's 100 percent commission based, so you're waiting for that next job to happen. Luckily, each month I have a job that comes forward.

"It's not an easy thing, but if you're committed and you love it, it can be done. The United States puts out so much of the world's entertainment. I still get residual checks because something is airing in Russia or somewhere in Asia. The U.S. doesn't just export cars."

Story: Kevin Elliott

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FIX-IT FAILURE HOW FURNITURE STRIPPERS CAN POSE A DEADLY RISK

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

T

he popularity and ease of DIY, or do-it-yourself, products is helping consumers find new ways to repurpose, recycle and refinish old furniture to a degree not seen in the past. But as do-it-yourselfers become more resourceful and self-reliant, many are unaware of some of the underlying health risks associated with some projects, particularly those involving paint removers, furniture strippers and other harmful chemicals.

While there are dozens of different paint and furniture strippers available for use, the most popular and commonly used contain a chemical called methylene chloride. The ingredient is extremely effective in removing paint, varnish, enamel and other coatings from everything from wood furniture to iron bathtubs, and is commonly found in products available at any home improvement store, and is the formulation of choice used by most professional refinishers and services.

Coating removers that use methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, are

inexpensive, work quickly and result in limited or no damage to the items to which they are applied. However, methylene chloride is considered a likely cancer-causing agent that can easily lead to serious injury or death when proper safety precautions aren't used.

"When used in an enclosed space, methylene chloride builds up very rapidly to a high concentration that can be lethal. It doesn't take much in a room that is small and poorly ventilated," said Dr. Robert Harrison, an occupational medicine specialist at the University of California San Francisco.

When methylene chloride enters the body, either through inhalation or through the skin, it causes a chemical reaction that increases carbon monoxide in the body. Harrison said people working with the chemical need to use appropriate ventilation, a respirator and gloves. That means using a respirator that provides fresh air from an outside room when used in enclosed rooms, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves, not simple dust masks or latex gloves found at most home improvement stores.

Methylene chloride causes cancer in laboratory animals, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission consider it to be a likely cause of cancer in humans. Because it evaporates quickly and can be inhaled quickly, exposure can come on rapidly. Initial signs of exposure may be dizziness, headache, lack of coordination, but high exposure with little or no ventilation has resulted in death in consumers and those who work with it for a living. High exposures over long periods can also cause liver and kidney damage. Because methylene chloride can change to carbon monoxide, which lowers the body's ability to carry oxygen, people with heart, lung or blood disease are at increased risk of complications.

Specific cancers linked to methylene chloride include brain cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. ince 1976, more than 40 deaths have been attributed to methylene chloride when used in paint and bathtub coating removal, according to the EPA. In some cases, two or more people have died during a single job when air concentrations quickly reached lethal levels, potentially in less than 10 minutes. In other situations, individuals have died when entering rooms or facilities in which paint or coating removal was previously conducted and air concentrations of methylene chloride remained dangerously high.

"For your do-it-yourselfer, or even your small business contractor, they aren't aware that ventilation and a respirator is needed," Harrison said. "Second, there isn't adequate warning on labels.

Third, most consumers don't read labels.

"Fourth, most store clerks at your typical home improvement store, if you ask them what product to use, most would recommend something that has methylene chloride in it, and they aren't aware themselves that you need that level of protection. And fifth, those stores don't sell the type of protection you need. You would have to go to an industrial supply house. With all those factors, it's a highly risky business to use methylene chloride in enclosed spaces."

The lack of education about methylene chloride isn't limited to general clerks or hobbyists, a sampling of some of the most popular do-it-yourself instructional videos available on YouTube shows many of the so-called professionals failing to warn viewers to take adequate safety precautions, or practice them themselves.

A YouTube video posted by the "ehowtochannel" that has more than 1.6 million views features a man who claims to be a professional woodworker demonstrating how to use furniture stripper on a wood table. Working in what appears to be a basement shop, the man pours a dose of paint stripper onto the table from an unlabeled can and brushes it onto the wood. At no point does he advise viewers to take any precautions, nor is he wearing any type of respirator. The majority of comments on the video were jokes and puns about the use of furniture "stripper," rather than any inquires about the product or safety.

Another video posted by "OSUCowboyRick" has more than 35,000 views. In it, the demonstrator shows viewers how he applied a paint stripper to his bathtub to remove an old enamel coating. In the video, "Cowboy Rick" simply pours a serving of Citirstrip stripping gel onto his bathtub and spread it with a paint brush. Not only does he not wear gloves or a respirator, he touts the safety of the product, saying "It's real safe and easy to use."

While the Citristrip label notes the product doesn't contain methylene chloride, it does contain N-Methyl, also called NMP or NMethylpyrrolidone, which the EPA proposed banning, along with methylene chloride, in 2017 for all consumer coating stripper uses.

According to the EPA, NMP poses a risk to people, particularly pregnant women and women of childbearing age, who have high exposure to the chemical through paint and other coating removers.

Short- and long-term risks for people who use NMP for less than four hours per day may be reduced by the use of specific chemicalresistant gloves. However, the EPA said in a 2015 risk assessment of

S

NMP, that such protection gear may not adequately reduce risks to people who use it for more than four hours per day on a single day or repeatedly over a succession of days.

The use of coating removers, particularly methylene chloride as a bathtub stripper, is particularly risky, as more than a dozen deaths have been attributed its use in products that contain the chemical for removing coating from tubs.

A 2011 investigation by researchers at Michigan State University found the deaths of 13 workers, including three in Michigan, who were refinishing bathtubs involved the use of products containing methylene chloride. The deaths occurred between 2000 and 2011, with additional deaths occurring since then.

Kenneth Rosenman, chief of MSU's Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in the College of Human Medicine, said the deaths were linked to fatalities reported to the National Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which tracks worker incidents. The number of consumer deaths related to bathtub finish strippers isn't known.

"If you decide you want to strip your tub, you're on our own if you die. There's no way to find out about that," he said. "There are ways to track people when they are working for somebody else, and there have been additional work related deaths. We aren't sure how many people have died on their own."

A 1999 study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Cambridge Hospital identified methylene chloride as posing an unacceptable risk of injury or death to cabinet and factory workers.

"More than a million workers are at risk for methylene chloride exposure," the report found. "Aerosol sprays and paint stripping may also cause significant nonoccupational exposures... Methylene chloride should never be used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas because of the well-documented dangers of loss of consciousness and death."

Because methylene chloride vapors are heavier than air, Rosenman said they likely remain in bathtubs after application, causing increased dangers to workers applying a paint-stripping product.

While methylene chloride was previously identified as a potentially fatal occupational hazard to furniture strippers and factory workers, the MSU study led to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a hazard to bathtub refinishers. he new hazard finding stemmed from the university's work with the Michigan Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation program. As part of the program, Debra Chester, an industrial hygienist, identified the 2010 death of a worker using a bathtub refinisher. In that case, the 52-year-old co-owner of a Michiganbased bathtub refinishing company was found unresponsive after using a product marketed for the aircraft industry containing methylene chloride.

The CDC said the man was in an apartment bathroom, about 5feet by 8-feet, with an 8-foot ceiling equipped with a bathroom ventilation fan, which wasn't on at the time. The man was wearing latex gloves and no respiratory protection or additional ventilation.

Investigators estimate the man used about six fluid ounces of stripper for the job, and had been exposed to the vapor for about an hour.

"The problem with methylene chloride and why it's such an issue is that it's heavier than air, and most bathrooms are small and have only a small fan or a small window, maybe," Rosenman said. "When you're stripping a bathtub, you have your head down in there. You only need a teaspoon to kill you."

Chester, Rosenman and others at the program identified two earlier deaths in Michigan and notified the Centers for Disease Control's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which in turn notified OSHA. The investigation revealed 10 additional bathtub refinisher fatalities linked to methylene chloride.

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According to the CDC, each of the deaths occurred in residential bathrooms with inadequate ventilation. Protective equipment, including a respirator, either wasn't used or was inadequate to protect against vapor.

The CDC found 10 different products were associated with the 13 deaths, six of which were marketed for use in the aircraft industry, and the rest for use on wood, metal, glass and masonry. None of the labels mentioned bathtub refinishing. Victim ages ranged from 23 to 57. osenman said injuries or deaths caused by methylene chloride and other contaminants may often go unnoticed by typical emergency room doctors. He said he often uses the death of a man who died at his home while doing woodwork in his basement as an example for his medical students. The case, he said, was the focus of an article published in 1976 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"The guy, as a hobby, is stripping furniture in his basement and has a heart attack," he said. "His wife brings a container of paint stripper to the hospital and asks if it has anything to do with it."

At the time, Rosenman said, doctors either ignored the connection to the chemical or were unaware. After being discharged, the man went home and resumed his woodworking, resulting in a second heart attack, but survived. After recovering, the man again resumes his woodworking, suffering a third, fatal heart attack."

"Things don't get recognized," he said. "It's an ongoing problem."

Harrison at the University of California San Francisco agreed.

While occupational medicine doctors who specialize in recognizing symptoms related to work hazards, general practitioners are not. And, while outreach and training in the medical field may help, he said methylene chloride is ripe for restrictions.

"There hasn't been much outreach for training," he said. "But that's true not just for methylene chloride, it's with many different things."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more consumers are choosing to complete DIY projects in their homes in recent years. As such, the commission has issued a publication on the use of paint strippers, including different types of paint strippers and the risks they pose.

Solvent-based paint strippers dissolve the bond between wood and paint. Solvents also can dissolve other materials, such as latex or rubber used in common dishwashing gloves. Some solvents will burn or irritate skin, while others have more serious health impacts. It is within this group that methylene chloride-based strippers fall.

Other solvent-based strippers include acetone, toluene and methanol, which are commonly used together. These chemicals are highly flammable, and may cause other health problems, particularly to unborn children when breathed in by the mother.

As noted earlier, NMP is another solvent-based paint stripper, which may cause skin swelling, blistering and burns, which may not appear until sometime after exposure. The chemical is readily absorbed through the skin, and may cause health problems.

Chemical resistant gloves, long sleeves and pants are recommended. The CPSC also advises users to wash their hands immediately after using NMP-based products, even when wearing gloves. The commission also avoids using NMP products in an enclosed area for an extended time without open doors or windows, and recommends ventilating with a fan or cross ventilation.

Dibasic esters, such as dimethyl adipate ester, dimethyl succinate ester and dimethyl glutarate ester, are also types of solvent-based strippers. While much less is known about the possible health effects of these solvents, some people have reported experiencing temporary blurred vision. They have also been shown to damage the cells lining the nose of laboratory animals.

Caustic-based strippers, which aren't flammable, react with paint coating and loosen it from the surface. One such form of caustic stripper is sodium hydroxide, or lye. Such chemicals can cause severe burns to skin or eyes, even with short contact. They are highly toxic, and can also darken or raise the wood grain when

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used. Many people avoid these types of strippers because of the risk they pose.

Because methylene chloride poses documented risks to users, there are already several restrictions on its use both in the United States, and in other countries. However, the majority of the chemical's uses as a coating remover remain unregulated in the United States.

Lindsay McCormick, a chemical safety expert with the Environmental Defense Fund, a non-profit environmental advocacy group, said well documented health risks related to methylene chloride should lead the EPA to ban its use in coating removers.

"Unfortunately, the deaths have been known for quite a while, even back into the 1980s," she said. "The EPA has now focused specifically on this chemical because there is such a clear cut case. This is a case where the science is clear. It's kind of a no brainer."

In addition to its use as a coating remover, methylene chloride is used in plastic processing, metal cleaning and degreasing, adhesive manufacturing, heat transfer and even some food processing and tablet coating for pharmaceuticals. The EPA estimates more than 260 million pounds of methylene chloride are produced and imported to the United States annually. About a quarter of all of that is used for paint and coating removal products.

In 2012, the EPA identified methylene chloride as a chemical for assessment under the federal TSCA, with the agency issuing a risk assessment two years later that identified the risks posted by the chemical when used as a coating remover. In January of 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to regulate methylene chloride, as well as NMP, in coating removals. nder the EPA's proposed rule, the manufacture and import, processing and distribution in commerce of methylene chloride and NMP would be prohibited for consumer use, and most types of commercial paint removal. However, the EPA said in the proposed rule that while it would seek to prohibit commercial furniture refinishing uses, it would do so at a later date.

Meanwhile both methylene chloride and NMP are due for a more thorough risk assessment that would include coating removers and all other uses.

The broader review is part of a 2016 amendment to the Toxic Substances Control Act, known as the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act, which calls for full risk assessments to be conducted for 10 priority chemicals, including methylene chloride and NMP. "That was about a year ago, but basically we've seen no movement toward finalization," McCormick said. "In December, the EPA moved (the regulatory rule) to its longterm action list, which is like putting it in the attic. We fully expect them to sit on it for a long time."

On December 14, the EPA published its semi-annual regulatory agenda that lists the status of pending proposals. The process applies to all federal agencies, with about 700 items moved to "long-term action" lists. Among those moved to long-term items was the methylene chloride/NMP rule. The long-term list means no action will be taken within a year, and no projected date or timeframe for completion.

Industry and business interests who have opposed restrictions on the chemicals claim there aren't adequate alternatives available for commercial use. They also claim the EPA's economic analysis of the proposed restrictions doesn't accurately assess the proposal. Lastly, they claim the proposed regulatory restrictions should be postponed until after a full assessment is done, as required by the Lautenberg Act. In September of 2017, the EPA held a public workshop on the use of methylene chloride in furniture refinishing in collaboration with the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy. David Rostker, with the office, said at the September meeting that the office has an obligation to represent the interest of small businesses to the executive office, Congress and the judicial branch. While it doesn't report to the president or administrator of the SBA, federal

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statutes require agencies to analyze alternatives to regulatory proposals in a way that minimizes the impact on small entities.

In comments to the EPA, the Office of Advocacy stated the EPA should withdraw the proposed rule and reassess the methylene chloride and NMP use in paint and coating removal as part of its ongoing risk evaluation for these chemicals.

"Advocacy suggests that the EPA take back the rule and include the analysis of these uses as part of its ongoing efforts to do risk evaluations for both methylene chloride and NMP under the amended TSCA," Advocacy said in its comments to the EPA. "Alternatively, if the agency decides to go forward based on the existing risk assessment, Advocacy suggests that EPA reassess the viability and technical feasibility of the available alternatives, reevaluate the costs to formulators, and eliminate the restriction on the container size for these chemical products. And finally, the agency should adopt the least restrictive co-proposal to allow for the use of NMP in paint and coating removal products."

The EPA's latest statement indicates the agency is reevaluating its initial risk assessment, as requested by the Office of Advocacy.

An EPA spokesperson told Downtown that the agency is evaluating the chemicals as part of the group of the first ten chemicals undergoing the initial chemical risk evaluations under the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act. Further, the agency spokesperson said the agency will "refine the scope of our risk evaluations with problem formulations to be published in the coming months" and that the agency is "currently considering all comments received" from its proposed regulation rule published in 2016.

Despite the stall, some local furniture refinishers are expecting changes to their business.

Dave Kosdrosky, owner of Guaranteed Furniture Services in Berkley, said the change will likely impact business, but that they would adjust. While he said methylene chloride is a small component of his business, it's the most effective product.

"The government has been trying to get rid of that for years," he said. "The replacement cost is probably going to be greater and increase the cost to do stripping operations. It looks like they are still out to lunch on the timing."

Kosdrosky, who has owned and operated the business for more than 50 years, said the industry is trying to evolve and develop appropriately to take care of the situation. The change, he said, is similar to others to which they have had to adjust.

"It will eventually be banned, like a lot of other products that we have used throughout the years that have gone by the wayside," he said. "Things like this happens. Sometimes, it's to the detriment to a segment of businesses, but it's for the greater good." reg Morose, of the University of Massachusetts' Toxins Use Reduction Institute, told attendees at the EPA's September 12 workshop that the university had developed an alternative chemical formulation that is safer than methylene chloride and nearly as effective. The university has also filed for patents on the formulations and would seek licensing fees if a company wanted to commercialize it.

Other product manufacturers questioned the use of such a product if it were flammable, as most formulations of methylene chloride aren't flammable.

While the EPA's regulation process currently appears to be stalled as the agency restarts the assessment process, a long list of other regulations regarding methylene chloride exist at the federal and state levels, and they can be looked at as not only warnings, but caution signs to consumers.

As far back as 1987, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a statement explaining that it considers household products containing methylene chloride a hazardous substance and provided guidance on labeling of such products. The labels are required to state that methylene chloride vapor has caused cancer in certain

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laboratory animals, and must specify precautions to be taken during use by consumers.

In 1989, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned methylene chloride as an ingredient in all cosmetic products.

OSHA has also taken steps to reduce exposure of methylene chloride in occupational settings. In 1997, OSHA lowered the permissible exposure limit for methylene chloride from an eight-hour time weighted average of 500 prats per million to 25 ppm, and a 15minute short-term exposure limit of 125 ppm.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has prohibited methylene chloride and other hazardous chemicals for use in removing lead-based paint by HUD contractors, and anyone receiving grants or engaging in the department's HOME Program, which is administered under the National Affordable Housing Act. everal states have taken action to reduce or make the public aware of risks from methylene chloride. For instance, since 2011, a total of 11 states and the District of Columbia have prohibited its use in graffiti removal. Those states include Michigan, as well as California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina and others.

The restrictions on the use for graffiti removal most likely stem from states efforts to meet Clean Air Act emissions rules, rather than worker or consumer protections. Under the act, methylene chloride is designated as a hazardous air pollutant. Amendments to the act led to the chemical also being banned for use as a foamblowing agent and some other uses.

Under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, methylene chloride is listed as a hazardous waste. It's also listed on the national Toxic Release Inventory as part the Emergency Planning and CommunityRight-to-Know Act. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires the EPA to determine the level of contaminants in drinking water, with a maximum contaminant level goal of zero for methylene chloride and an enforceable level of .005 mgL, or 5 parts per billion.

Some states have recognized its potential toxicity. In Alaska, methylene chloride is listed as a carcinogenic hazardous substance. In Minnesota, it has been found that it may negatively affect the nervous system and cause cancer. In Washington, it's listed as a human carcinogen and chemical of high concern to children. In Pennsylvania, it's listed as an environmental and special hazardous substance.

Methylene chloride was banned in 2010 in the European Union, meaning it was no longer permitted for placement on the market for consumers or professionals after December of 2011; and no longer allowed to be used by professionals after June 2012. The ban allows EU member states to use methylene chloride if they have a program to license and train professionals in awareness, evaluation and management of risks; use of adequate ventilation and appropriate protective equipment.

In November or 2017, the state of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control proposed new regulations to name methylene chloride as a "priority product," which could lead to it being restricted or banned in that state.

The action in California came as the EPA is in the midst of two regulatory actions regarding methylene chloride and NMP, including a proposed rule that would ban the use of methylene chloride in coating remover available to the public.

With additional federal restrictions apparently on hold, it's possible for local governments to look into placing restrictions in their own communities. MSU's Rosenman said such varying local ordinances may spur product manufacturers to push for a rule to be finalized at the federal level.

"What would stop a local community saying this stuff is dangerous? Say, a township says we don't want it sold in our township. Local health departments have a lot of regulatory oversight," he said. "I would be happy to support them as an expert whenever they got challenged."

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MUNICIPAL Celebrating 35th year for Foundation

By Kevin Elliott

The Community Foundation of Greater Rochester is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year as the center for philanthropy and endowed funds in the area.

"The Community Foundation started with just a few people who wanted to give back and make a difference," said Mary Ann Reidinger, the organization's first executive director. "That is what our wonderful community is all about.

That's what makes it so special. My hope is that more people will step up and partner with the Community Foundation to leave their legacy in this wonderful community where we've grown up and raised our families."

Reidinger said the foundation grew out of a group of retired Rochester Community Schools' teachers who wanted to leave a legacy for the students that would remain after they were gone. “The first funds in the Community Foundation were for a scholarship fund. We began to manage that endowment, making sure that we could do the most with those funds for the community," she said.

The small fund evolved as others saw a benefit to the foundation's ability to manage and distribute funds.

Organizations, including the Lions Club and Kiwanis Club, were some of the first to partner with the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation is designed to be the community's resource for endowment and grant making. It currently manages more than 150 funds, making it possible for non-profit organizations to maximize their work, and ensuring community donations are managed soundly. It's also a foundation of support for many community projects.

For instance, the foundation has been a partner with nearly every major project at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, said Pat McKay, manager of the museum.

"The foundation was part of our fundraising efforts to support the adaptive reuse of the Dairy Barn and Calf Barn," he said. "The foundation also provided us with seed funding to replace the roof on the Bull Barn and Milk House, and they provided us with the technical knowledge and professional expertise that allowed us to accept philanthropic support and to be successful."

As the Community Foundation celebrates its 35th Anniversary, it will be sharing 35 stories of community impact. downtownpublications.com

Sale of bonds funds water projects ore than $6 million in water main improvements throughout Rochester are inching forward as Rochester city council members on Monday, February 12, approved a notice of intent to sell general obligation capital improvement bonds.

The notice of intent serves as a financial milestone in the water project plans, which were approved in April of 2017. The plans include about $6.2 million in water main improvements through a loan from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's (DEQ) Drinking Water Revolving Fund, which will fund improvements to be completed in five to seven years. Council in April approved a list of projects to be included under the program.

Projects include replacing about 6,000 feet of a water transmission main from the city's water treatment plant to just inside the city's limits, as well as roughly 14,000 feet of distribution lines throughout the city.

Distribution mains to be upgraded include locations along South Street, Wesley, Roselawn, Castell, Mahaffy, Walnut, North Helen, Oak and Wilcox.

The projects were identified as part of the city's water and infrastructure capital improvement program through the DEQ's Water Reliability study, which is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Under the loan guidelines, the city must pass a resolution of intent to issue and sell general obligation capital improvement bonds, then advertise the intent in the newspaper to allow the public an opportunity to comment. Under the program, the city intends to sell up to $6.2 million in bonds to pay for all or part of the costs of improvements.

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"The Community Foundation is such a unique piece of this community," current Community Foundation of Greater Rochester Executive Director Jo Allen said. "Organizations and individuals in this community play an amazing lead role in giving back. We get to be the supporting actor, ensuring they have what they need to manage their fundraising and legacy planning efforts."

Places of worship, other zoning finalized Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, February 5, approved the final reading and adoption of several ordinance amendments, including a measure to increase requirements on churches and other places of worship within residentially zoned neighborhoods.

Council in October first approved a temporary moratorium on converting residential dwellings into places of worship so the city's planning commission and staff could revisit zoning ordinances. The issue came on the heels of an approved site plan by the planning commission to renovate a 1,300 square-foot home at 1167 Brewster to accommodate Detroit Meeting Rooms.

That plan included using the building as a meeting room for a congregation of about 40 people, which included an additional parking lot. The

plan raised concerns by planning commissioners that such conversions could be disruptive to neighbors in residential areas.

Following approval of the site plan, the commission requested city council adopt a temporary moratorium on the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship to allow city staff and the planning commission time to study and recommend to city council possible ordinance changes to regulate the conversion of residential dwellings to places of worship.

Under the ordinance amendment introduced on January 22, which was unanimously approved by council, places of worship, libraries and museums would change from a permitted use to a conditional use in single-family districts. The amendment would allow such uses on roadways with a planned right-of-way of 120 feet or greater, instead of 86 feet, as currently prohibited.

Rochester Planning Manager Kristen Kapelanski said the proposed ordinance is similar to the way places of worship are treated in surrounding communities.

City council also approved the introduction of additional ordinance amendments related to on-site signage for proposed rezoning and conditional use requests; detached accessory structures; publicly-owned buildings and utilities; fences; and right-of-way requirements in order to comply with state law.

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Historic plaques for Rochester restarted Rochester City Council on Monday, February 12, unanimously approved reinstating a historical recognition program that was curtailed five years ago, effectively allowing residents to once again apply for historical plaques for qualifying buildings.

Rochester historical commission chair William Pietzyk said the program was stopped because of the city's establishment of historical districts.

The intention at the time, he said, was to create historical district plaque programs. The city is now looking at having two plaque programs, which would allow for the marking of historic districts and specific locations.

The Rochester historical commission first issued historic plaques in 1998, with 103 such plaques issued between 1998 and 2013, when the program was discontinued.

Under the reinstated program guidelines, historic marker plaques are reserved for buildings that are documented to be at least 50 years old and include an exterior style that reflects the period in which it was built. In other words, alterations and additions shouldn't detract from the original building.

Plaques issued must be placed flush mounted to the right side of the front door, about four-and-a-half feet high.

Other plaque locations must be approved by the city's historical commission. Change in ownership shall not impact the marker or its location. New owners must petition the historical commission in order to discuss possible removal or relocation of the historical marker.

The cost for historical maker plaques under the reinstated program is $200.

The city's historical marker programs don't include state and national historic preservation designations. Those historical markers must meet state and national requirements set by the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Historic Preservation Office.

Moceri donation for innovative playground A visionary playground project to build the region's largest universally accessible play area at Rochester Hills' Innovation Hills park will become a reality with a $200,000 gift from the Moceri family.

Plans for the unique playground, which will include features accessible 35

by visitors of all ages and abilities, was one of the key components developed in the park's master plan. The play area will integrate natural materials, like logs, dirt, tree stumps, grassy hills, sand, natural bridges and streams that haven't been used in parks in the area.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said the play area will provide an opportunity for children in the community to learn in a welcoming, comfortable and innovative environment. Children and adults of all ages will be able to utilize the space to connect with nature and tap into their imagination in a way that is more flexible than traditional manufactured playground equipment.

The features, which also connect to a sensory garden, make the park a unique destination for families looking for recreational opportunities that are all-inclusive and sensitive to the needs of children with sensory disorders.

"Our family's passion is to provide enjoyment for all children and adults with disabilities to encourage and empower them to smile, laugh, learn and play," said Dominic J. Moceri, partner at Moceri Homes. "This accessible park and sensory garden

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will provide innovative features for local families, and we are proud to be part of that."

In November 2016, the Moceri family provided Beaumont Hospital in Troy with the largest donation in the facility's history to develop the Frances and Dominic Moceri Learning Center, a medical training facility, and to develop the Frances & Dominic Moceri Medical Intensive Care Unit.

The park donation will be matched by the city of Rochester Hills, equating to $400,000 in total investment into the play area. The Moceri donation is the largest the city has received for the park's fundraising campaign to date.

"From the beginning, Innovation Hills has been driven by the generous financial support of our residents, businesses and community," mayor Barnett said. "We are thankful for the families like the Moceris who have both visionary leadership and generous hearts that are making this dream a reality."

The city in 2017 received several large donations for special projects at the park, including a $40,000 donation from Scotts Miracle Grow toward the development of the 5,000-square-foot

sensory garden; $60,000 from Chief Financial Credit Union toward the development of a unique water wall at the entrance of the park; and an undisclosed donation from the Modetz family, also to be used toward the water wall and additional features near the entrance of the park.

Rochester Hills hires innovations specialist

By Kevin Elliott

Former Campbell Ewald executive Tom Talbert has joined the staff in Rochester Hills as the city's first strategic innovations specialist in order to provide leadership for the city's new initiatives and special projects.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said Talbert will assist departments with the creation and implementation of new programs and technologies, develop strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, and develop data analytics to improve operations.

"Whether it's implementing a best practice or taking on new technologies, our team has always

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looked to be innovative by nature," Barnett said. "We look forward to having Tom bring his private sector perspective to local government to strengthen our efforts."

Talbert served as managing director and executive vice president of Campbell Ewald, one of Michigan's largest ad agencies, for nearly 29 years.

Talbert left Campbell Ewald in December 2016 after serving as managing director of media for the agency. In 2017, he served as president for Two Roads Forward LLC, providing media consulting for businesses and non-profits. He started the new position with Rochester Hills in January of 2018.

Talbert will work with department heads to assist in rolling out new technologies and innovation. The new position comes with the departure of one staff member under the city's administration staff. The new position pays an annual salary of $81,234, plus benefits.

As a resident of Rochester Hills for more than 30 years, Talbert said he's excited to have the opportunity to work with the city and create meaningful change.

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PLACES TO EAT

Not to b bee explained. exp explained . To be be experienced. exp

B 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.

Chapman House: French-American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307.

248.759.4406.

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,

downtownpublications.com

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 48307. 248.606.4519.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American, 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, 48307.

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,

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37

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.

38

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 &

DOWNTOWN

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.

Cafe Via: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

03.18

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.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham,

downtownpublications.com

48009. 248.258.6278.

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.

DOWNTOWN

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

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.

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FACES Nancy Szerlag aster gardener Nancy Szerlag has some advice for those who think they don’t have a green thumb: all gardeners kill plants.

“Death happens in the garden,” she said. “I know an international horticulturist whose motto is, ‘You have to kill a plant three times before you really know it,’ which I think is a good motto.”

Szerlag has been advising the gardening community in metro Detroit for over 20 years through her weekly Detroit News column.

And for the last three years, she’s been overlooking the garden at the Older Persons’ Commission (OPC) in Rochester, which was recently named part of this summer’s garden walk for the Rochester Garden Club.

How Szerlag ended up overseeing the garden at the OPC – like most things she’s done – has an interesting origin story.

She had been living on 20 acres by herself in Grosse Pointe when she decided to move closer to friends. One day while househunting a friend told her he had to show her something. They ended up at the OPC’s garden.

“Most people don’t know about it. Even a lot of people who go to the OPC never look out the windows – they don’t know it’s there either,” she said.

After seeing the garden – and the weeds that were beginning to overtake it – Szerlag spoke with Renee Cortright, the OPC’s executive director, about putting together a volunteer group to work on it. Cortright agreed. Soon after, Szerlag got to work.

First though, she went to England and took a week long symposium at Great Dixter, the former home of gardener Christopher Lloyd. There, she learned more about display gardens, which is what the OPC has.

“So it’s on display for the public, it needs to look pretty good all the time,” Szerlag said. “It needs to look good from say, 150 feet away, two stories up, as well as walking through it.”

She ended up creating a color blocking design for the OPC, which has over 200 different plants. Szerlag said she likes to combine newer plants with more old-fashioned ones. For some people those plants bring back memories of when they used to garden with a parent.

There's one thing Szerlag doesn’t like to have brought into the garden when working though: cell phones.

“I think it’s a place where you should be focusing on nature and not on your phone,” she said.

Plus, phones would probably distract people from how therapeutic gardening can be, which it has been for Szerlag from the start, 25 years ago.

After her husband had a heart attack – and while he was in the ICU – she began doing research on garden therapy, which at the time was starting to become a serious way of helping people heal.

This led to Szerlag redoing her backyard, taking a master gardener course, and writing some pieces for her local newspaper.

She was also reading The Detroit News, which was running articles from the Washington Post about gardening. The Washington D.C. area is in zones seven and eight on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map – a standard by which gardeners can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location.

Metro Detroit is zone five.

“I contacted the editor for the Homestyle section and said, ‘You’re actually publishing this information that if people follow it they aren’t going to have success. I think I can do a better job.’”

Szerlag said.

So the editor gave her a shot, and loved what Szerlag had written. Since she started 20 years ago, Szerlag said she’s missed maybe two columns.

“I really enjoy it. It’s a labor of love,” she said.

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Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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.

Sally Gerak Angels Place 25th Anniversary Dinner The silver anniversary of the organization that provides lifetime Christian homes for developmentally disabled people proved again a verity of the local charity scene – friends and family are the best support for non-profits. In fact, there were times when the AP Dinner Patron Reception (450 @ $350 ticket ) seemed like a family reunion for co-chairs Maryclare and Bob Pulte. Bob’s cousin Colleen is married to guest speaker Major League Baseball Commissioner Ron Manfred and their kin traveled from afar to attend. That his aunt by marriage/Colleen’s late mother Jane Martin Feely had been a longtime AP supporter as a good friend of co-founder Loretta Nagle is just one of the countless friend components that attracted 350 more supporters ($225 ticket) to the annual event at The Henry Hotel. The local MLB family (i.e. Detroit Tigers) also turned out enthusiastically. In his speech Manford mentioned that the pace of the game is a huge issue for baseball.

“Change will come...how to manage that change is the challenge,” he concluded. Thanks also to Jim Crowe giving his raffle winnings to AP, generous sponsors and Manford’s generous donations to a brief auction, the 25th anniversary celebration raised more than $420,000 to support the 20 homes and hundreds of people on the waiting list who participate in AP programs.

Kidney Ball Nearly 600 ($250 ticket) kidney disease warriors gathered at the MotorCity Casino Hotel for the annual black tie fundraiser that traditionally attracts a fun-loving crowd. VIPs convened in the Sound Board before perusing the silent and Kids auctions on the way to the dinner in the ballroom. WDIV’s Steve Garagiola emceed the program which had highlights: Henry Ford Health nephrologist Dr. Jerry Yee received the first Kidney Crusader Award; Madison Heights Glass Company president Jon Krebs received the Cynthia Shannon Award ( named for event founder/Birmingham native Cindy Hoglund Shannon whose husband donated a kidney to their son); the fundraising saga of teen Danny Zivian; and pep talks by co-chairs Jeff Chandler and Duane McLean. The latter also generated excitement with his last minute offer of “manager for a day” at Tigers spring training. It brought $8,000 twice. Combined with Fund A Need pledging and generous sponsors, the 13th annual Kidney ball raised more than $600,000 for programs and services to more than 900,000 people in Michigan affected by chronic kidney disease.

Christ Child Society Home Tour Most of the sold out crowd of more than 600 got to the five splendid Birmingham homes that were decorated for Christmas by the generous homeowners. These were Linda and Robert Crosby, Nancy and Chris Fullerton, Amy and Jim Gooch, Shawn and Mark Vestevitch and Lydia and Dick Wallace. At the Birmingham Country Club, where most ticketholders ($60) reconvened to brunch and shop at the 21 vendor boutiques, everybody was marveling at the Wallace’s renovation of the home where they had raised their family into their remarkable retirement digs. Kim McNulty and Kelly Patterson chaired the popular, annual event which netted an all-time high of $50,000plus.

B&GCSM Great Futures Gala Dr. Ben Carson returned to his boyhood home bearing a gift – an EnVision Center. Carson described the new HUD initiative downtownpublications.com

Angels Place 25th Anniversary Dinner

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1. Colleen Feely Manfred (left) & Rob Manfred (center) of NYC, Maryclare & Bob Pulte of Bloomfield. 2. Loretta Ryan (left) of Bingham Farms, Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit, Bob Babinski of Lake Orion.

3. Joey Jonna (center) Frank & Judy Jonna of Bloomfield. 4. Jack (left) & Kathleen McInerney of Birmingham, Jo & Michael Jones of Holland. 5. Colleen Manfred (left) of NYC, NY, Molly Feely and Emmett (Bud) Feely of Bloomfield, Mary Farr of Brecksville, OH, Kathleen Nevin of Ridgefield, CT.

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Kidney Ball

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1. Susan & Duane McLean of Bloomfield. 2. Brady (left), Jeff, Alison and Morgan Chandler of Birmingham.

3. Laynie & Josh Bryant of Birmingham. 4. Myra Moreland (right) and Laynie Bryant (left) of Birmingham and Jackson Moreland of Waterford. 5. Patti & Jim Prowse of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK to the 240 Boys & Girls Clubs supporters ($250 ticket) gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club to honor car dealer /civic leader David Fischer.

The first of 10 centers to better connect low-income people with the resources they need to break the cycle of dependency would be in Detroit on the campus of the Dick & Sandy Dauch club. The HUD secretary got a standing ovation when he concluded in his soft spoken manner, “...reject voices of division and hatred...divided civilizations do not succeed.”

Fischer, national B&GC president Jim Clark, Women’s Association co-chairs Sue Nine and Beth Moore and B&GCSM board chair Hiram Jackson, who thanked Len Kirchko for 30 years of service and reminisced about a tough mentor, also earned applause. The enjoyable evening raised some $100,000 for programs that serve 15,000 members in 10 clubs across four counties in southeast Michigan.

Christ Child Society Home Tour

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3 1. Kim McNulty and Kelly Patterson of Birmingham.

2. Renee Zawaideh (left) of Bloomfield, Nancy Fullerton and Ashley Lane of Birmingham. 3.

Margaret Pehrson (left) of Rochester Hills, Gail Pollina and Laura Stapleton of Bloomfield.

4. Christine Bacall and Cindy Denha of Bloomfield. 5. Bess Paradiso (left) and Allyson Bakewell of Birmingham, Katie Serda of Grosse Pointe.

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B&GCSM Great Futures Gala

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1. David & Jennifer Fischer of Bloomfield. 2. Hiram Jackson of Detroit, Dr. Ben Carson of West Palm Beach, FL. 3. David & Anita Dauch of Bloomfield. 4. Joanne (left) & Dick Brodie of Bloomfield. 5. Sue Nine and Beth Moore of Bloomfield.

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Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll

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1. Geoff & Suzanne Upward of Rochester. 2. Kimmie Horne (left) of Lathrup Village, Bev Ross of Rochester. 3. Carolyn Demps (left) of Birmingham, Cherie Ritter of Bloomfield, Ann Wilbur of W. Bloomfield. 4. Natalie Cassady (left) and Louise Stubbs of Bloomfield.

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DOWNTOWN

Meadow Brook Hall Starlight Stroll Approximately 14,500 people visited Meadow Brook Hall during the five-week Holiday Walk exhibition.

Some of them were guests at one of the 50 private parties that were booked by savvy people and more than 300 of them ($100 ticket), including couples and girlfriend groups, were there for the Starlight Stroll. That evening afforded guests a sense of being “to the manor born” as they partied throughout the elegant manse. When the walk closed on Dec. 23 the 46th annual event had raised $178,000 to preserve the fourth largest historic house museum in the country.

Detroit Historical Society Ball For a blue collar town like Detroit, the Factory at Corktown was a super choice for the Historical Society’s annual gala fundraiser. That the renovated, three-story, former hosiery factory oozes historic patina and is now owned by DHS board president Tom Buhl and his racing team / business partner brother Robbie explained the choice. By the time the 331 guests ($850, $500 tickets) had cocktailed, bid $24,115 in the silent auction, dined and settled in for the live auction, the Buhls’ offer to host a party for 20 on the rooftop overlooking the old Tigers ball field sold for $4,000.

After the live auction bidding ($41,000) guests pledged another $52,450 for the museum’s education outreach. Thanks also to raffles ($8,700), the live auction ($41,000) and generous sponsors, the annual event netted nearly $325,000.

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DSO New Years Eve Bash Nearly 2,000 people welcomed 2018 at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Michael Jackson music concert. More than 500 of them made a night of it as BASH guests ($500, $275, $125 tickets) by wining and dining before and after the concert.

All were showered with confetti during the midnight champagne toast and sang “Auld Lang Syne” with the DSO. Stay –at-homes could watch the Channel-56 broadcast of the festivities.

NAIAS The Gallery The Saturday night before 5,000plus journalists from 60 countries descended on the North American International Auto Show for press days, 800-plus luxury lovers ($250 ticket) flocked to The Gallery to dine, drink and drool over a $10 million collection of exclusive automobiles.

The 12th annual showcase was staged in and around Cobo Center’s Grand Riverview Ballroom. Cars like the gleaming white 2018 Rolls Royce Phantom making its North American debut shared exhibition space with a silent auction that raised $28,675 for benefiting the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. One guest who had not previously been to the event said he thought the party was “a bargain” at $250 compared to the $400 ticket for Charity Preview.

NAIAS Charity Preview Six nights later, the preview attracted 12,714 people to Cobo Center for the 42nd annual fundraiser benefiting children’s charities. The first 12 years the black-tie event was sparsely attended and tickets were cheap. (I’m remembering $15 - $25.)

But since the show became “international” 30 years ago, the Charity Preview has become the Motor City Prom Night and among the largest annual single night fundraisers in the world. The nearly $5.1 million it raised this year brings the 42-year total to nearly $118million. The beneficiaries are Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan, Boys Hope/Girls Hope, The Children’s Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, Detroit PAL, Judson Center, March of Dimes and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association Foundation.

The Children’s Center AutoGlow Nearly 1,000 NAIAS Charity Preview guests ($400 ticket) also supported The Children’s Center AutoGlow ($275, $325 ticket) which Ford Motor Company presented in downtownpublications.com

Detroit Historical Society Ball

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1. Bob (left) & Mary Ann Bury of Grosse Pointe, Maggie & Bob Allesee of Bloomfield. 2. Bobbi Polk (left) and Debbie Erb of Bloomfield. 3. Andy & Kris Appleby of Bloomfield. 4. Mimi (left) & Sandy McMillan of Grosse Pointe, Elyse & Frank Germack of Birmingham. 5. Don (left) & Margi Epstein and Lena Epstein Medwed & Eric Medwed of Bloomfield.

NAIAS The Gallery

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1. Paul (left) & Rhonda Sabatini and Tavi Fulkerson & Bill Hampton of Bloomfield. 2. Bharat & Lynn Gandhi of Bloomfield. 3. Riley (left), Gwen & Doug North of Bloomfield. 4. Frederick (left) & Sandra Jouchet of Bloomfield, Leslie Craigie & John Henke of Birmingham. 5. Robert Weller (left), Zenetha Mabry and Alex Chapie of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK the Ford Field atrium. Guests savored sips and snacks before taking the shuttle to Cobo and returned to party a la “An Evening in Casablanca.” The legendary film was playing on the stage backdrop screen, but as one guest noticed, “The band (Nightline) sure doesn’t know any 1940s music.”

However, Levy Restaurants incorporated the theme at the bountiful strolling supper stations.

Guests were also issued comfy slippers and, to mimic a fashion of the era, many donned the 1940-style, souvenir straw fedoras. Thanks to the generosity of Delta Air Lines, 10 guests took home round trip first class tickets to anywhere in the U.S and travel vouchers worth $2,000. A display of 2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles echoed the accolades at the auto show. A moving display of therapy art masks made by clients of The Children’s Center also garnered interest. AutoGlow was hosted by Lisa and Bill Ford and Kathy and Jim Hackett. AutoGlow generated nearly $250,000 in net proceeds for The Children’s Center. This will provide vital services for 7,500 families and vulnerable children.

The Children’s Center AutoGlow

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1. Bill (left) & Susan Krusal and Brad Simmons of Birmingham.

2. Hadi Awada of Birmingham.

3. Mike (left) and Rosemary Cotter of Birmingham, Erin Parker of Berkley, Jill Schumacher of Ferndale.

4. Mona & Craig Schmatz of Birmingham. 5. Tiffany (left) and Michael Montgomery of Birmingham and Philip & Shannon Durst of Dallas, TX.

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Holocaust Memorial Center Opening

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1. Spencer (left) & Myrna Partrich of Bloomfield, Bruce & Lori Gendelman of Palm Beach, FL. 2. Arthur Berger (left) of Palm Beach, FL, Eleanor & Larry Jackier of W. Bloomfield. 3. Jeff Schoenberg (left) of Birmingham, Rabbi Eli & Debbie Mayerfield of Oak Park. 4. Norman & Solange Messelian of Bloomfield.

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CARE House Circle of Friends Preview Party

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1. Steve (left) & Elise Guidos and Kate & Larry Gladchun of Bloomfield.

2. Chris Corden (left) of Grosse Pointe, Midge Moran of Birmingham, Gretchen Marsh of Bloomfield. 3. Blythe Spitsbergen (left) of Farmington Hills, Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake. 4. Carol Curtis of Bloomfield, Deb Jordan of Sterling Hgts. 5. Lisa Hamill (left), Murray Pierce and Nikki Braddock of Birmingham, and Lisa Payne of Bloomfield.

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DOWNTOWN

Holocaust Memorial Center Opening An audience of 338 gathered at the Holocaust Memorial Center for the program opening the exhibition “Sifting Through Ashes.” (The title was inspired by Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Weisel’s words, “The truth of Auschwitz remains hidden in its ashes.”) The art by Bruce Gendelman, whose ancestors perished in the genocide, was inspired by his 2015 trip to Poland and Ukraine where he toured and photographed death camps. In the program about American diplomacy and the Holocaust, retired U.S. foreign service official Arthur Berger described the Anti-Semitism of the 1930s and the mass destruction that can come from doing nothing.

“Bruce’s art is a call to action,” he concluded. The artist said he used a trowel, the same tool death camp inmates used to build the gas chamber chimneys depicted in his paintings. He also revealed that he had nightmares when he was working on the paintings. “My art is ...meant to make you feel what happens when people lose their humanity...Art can be inspirational for young people searching for truth,” he said, adding his hope “...to inspire goodness by portraying evil.” The artist is a friend and neighbor in Florida of Myrna and Spencer Partrich, who graciously hosted a 03.18

pre-program cocktail reception for 140 HMC supporters.

CARE House Circle of Friends The government attorney who was the keynote speaker at the 2018 Circle of Friends was sexually abused 30 years ago as a nine-year-old. By his hockey coach. His recounting of the experience in “...the valley of darkness” mesmerized his audience at The Townsend (240 at $125 and up tickets). They were there to support the abused children served by CARE House of Oakland County. (The previous week at the Patron Party hosted by Elise and Steve Guidos, he told that group of 60 that no army of CARE House staff and volunteers existed to advocate for him. “I had an army of one, my dad,” he said.) “CARE House makes the story different” he told the luncheon crowd. “(With your checkbook) you walk with the kids....You are the face of God’s grace,” he concluded.

In the crowd that gave him a standing ovation were most of the Circle of Friends founders (Doris August, Vicki Celani, Janet Grant, Lois Shaevsky and Dr. Linda Sircus) and the new 20-year patrons Judith Adler, Sandeep Ahuja, Elyse Foltyn, Diana Howard and Cheryl Matthews. In total there were 48 new patrons ($175) for this, the 22nd annual Circle of Friends. It raised more than $40,000.

Variety Cook Off David King and Dante Rosa chaired a comfy, casual event that attracted 200 fun-loving, charitable folks ($100 & $150 tickets) to The Townsend Hotel to sip, sup, socialize, dance and make money for the core programs of Variety, The Children’s Charity. Nine generous restaurants brought yummy cuisine for sampling on the stroll. Guests and the food judges – Annabel Cohen, John Prepolec and Kate Lawson – picked their favorites. The results were: Critics’ Choice - Birmingham Country Club for chili, Crispelli’s for mac’n’cheese, J Bird Smoked Meats for appetizers; People’s Choice – Birmingham CC for chili, The Community House for mac’n’cheese; The Rugby Grille for appetizers. Thanks also to a chance raffle of 23 lots ($6,500), the evening raised more than $50,000 to help change the lives of vulnerable children.

DAC Executive Club Luncheon For only the second time in its history, the 700member Executives Club of the Detroit Athletic Club made a Lifetime Achievement Award. (The first went to MOT founder Dr. David Dichiera several years ago.) Number two made the club’s February luncheon a love-in for philanthropist Maggie Allesee. The parade of speakers included her daughters and representatives from a token of the many non-profits she has supported with time, treasure and talent since her arrival in Bloomfield Hills in 1969. They referenced, among other attributes, her no-nonsense service, her insatiable desire to learn, and her mentorship. The honoree got a standing ovation when she said, “(Helping others) is a marvelous way to live...and a lot a fun.” She also mentioned plans to celebrate her 90th birthday September 3.

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

CARE House Circle of Friends Preview Luncheon

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1. Kathy Abrash (left), Elise Bratley and Chris Lamarche of Bloomfield. 2. Patti Sharf (left) of Bloomfield, Blythe Spitsbergen of Farmington Hills. 3. Janice & Barry King of Birmingham. 4. Barbara VanDorn (left) of Birmingham, Sydrena Epstein of Bloomfield, Beverly Schine of W. Bloomfield. 5. Hilary Bradley (left) and Denise Abrash of Bloomfield.

Variety Cook Off

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2 1. David King of Birmingham and Dante Rosa of Macomb. 2. Doug Clark (left) of Bloomfield, Jennie Cascio of Bloomfield, Nathan Mersereau of Birmingham, Michelle Murphy of Sterling Hgts. 3. Board president Lois & Mark Shaevsky of Bloomfield. 4. Annabel Cohen (left), John Prepolec and Kate Lawson of Bloomfield. 5. Nora (left) & Dr. Brian Berman of Birmingham, Charlene Handleman of Bloomfield, Diane Farber of Bingham Farms.

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ENDNOTE

Wrong message on a mass transit plan early 16 months after Oakland County voters rejected a $4.6 billion regional transit plan that would leave much of the county without access to the system, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has yet to release an update to its failed plan.

The transit issue was raised recently by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson during his State of the County address on Wednesday, February 7. Patterson, who has come under fire as a racial separatist for opposing the plan, said in his address that he wouldn't allow nine communities in the county to be included in a regional transit plan vote, as voters have already opted out of SMART millages – a total non-sequitur when using the word 'regional.' The real issue is for the RTA to revise and release a plan that provides accessible transit service to all communities in Oakland County.

The RTA released its regional master transit plan in August of 2016 in anticipation of a 1.2mill property tax being approved by voters that November. While we are very supportive of the concept of mass transit in southeast Michigan, we urged voters in November 2016 to reject the plan until details could be ironed out and clearly presented to voters, ideally in 2018.

Here we are more than a year later, and the authority has yet to release any update to its 2016 plan, which voters in Oakland and Macomb counties rejected. Whether the authority will come up with a plan voters

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would more willingly support by this November is questionable. In February, the RTA cancelled all it meetings, including those to be held by the board of directors, finance and budget committee, executive policy committee, providers advisory council and its planning and service coordination committee.

Patterson has a history of incendiary comments, and it's categorically wrong for him to say, “I'm not letting my voters vote on this.”

The complaint should have been focused on the authority, including Oakland's representatives, for not acting as if time was of the essence in redesigning a system that would draw greater ridership from suburban Oakland and Macomb counties. Believe it or not, Patterson has a history of regional cooperation, with examples such as the regional management of Cobo Hall, Detroit Zoological Society and the Detroit Institute of Arts tricounty millages.

As the failed proposal for Amazon recently showed southeastern Michigan, the RTA is an essential component for moving people for jobs and events. Instead of pushing voters away from a plan, Patterson should continue to push for a bigger and better plan and allow all voters in Oakland County to vote on it.

At the heart of the issue is how exactly a regional system would gain riders in Oakland County in addition to SMART's current 43 routes, where it attracts only some 44,000 daily riders. In January, SMART introduced a FAST

(express) service along Woodward, Gratiot and Michigan Avenue, which makes limited stops along its route. However, the RTA's main pitch to Oakland County voters is a rapid bus line down Woodward, and it's doubtful many voters see much difference in the current RTA plan, which just costs a whole lot more.

The county’s most important and basic goal is a regional system that should move the masses from their homes to work and other destinations. Much fanfare was given by proponents of the system of dedicated lines from downtown Detroit to Metro Airport and from Detroit to Ann Arbor. Nice, perhaps down the road, but not as a top priority. We feel the service provides little benefit to potential riders in Oakland County, which would foot the majority of the millage. Further, frills like adding WiFi connections to those busses is like putting a ring in a sow's ear – not a priority when the main part of the plan is lacking.

There is no debate that a regional mass transit system is needed in southeast Michigan, but a better plan must be put forth.

And it can be. If such a plan comes to fruition, we urge Patterson to encourage all voters in the county to weigh in and be included in a true regional transit system that would serve the entire county. It is that plan that Patterson should be urging the RTA to present. A true regional transit system should serve and include the entire region, not patches of communities.

Possible model for other communities he city of Rochester Hills recently posted, and hired, a strategic innovations specialist designed to assists the office of the mayor in performing and coordinating the implementation of ideas and projects that have the potential to transform government.

What in the world does that mean?

According to mayor Bryan Barnett, "Whether it's implementing a best practice or taking on new technologies, our team has always looked to be innovative by nature," and they are eager to bring about greater change, modernization and inventiveness not only in the city's government, but in their interaction with residents and businesses.

Among the innovation responsibilities of the staff position is to “lead innovation efforts to reduce costs and develop creative alternative revenue; keep current on upcoming trends in local government and how they can be implemented in the city; and develop, review

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and interpret complex policies affecting the city,” as well as researching the best solutions.

Rochester Hills hired a 30-year plus resident and former advertising executive, Tom Talbert, who served as managing director and executive vice president of Campbell Ewald, one of Michigan's largest ad agencies, for nearly 29 years.

The position, which pays $81,234 salary per year, plus benefits, is likely a wash for the city, as the position of assistant to the mayor was eliminated. Beyond being an assistant to the mayor, Talbert will help prepare city communications, such as press releases, speeches and resolutions, coordinate grant administration and special projects, among many other duties.

While many municipalities have assistants to mayors or city managers, we are impressed with the range of responsibilities Talbert is tasked with, as well as the caliber of

qualifications he brings to Rochester Hills. In an era of rapid change, from everything to technology to revenue enhancement, creativity and modernization seem like a requirement for municipalities to remain at the forefront of technology and what it can offer to cities and townships.

Talbert has said that he spent his advertising career working within innovative environments creating successful change for his clients. If he views the city as another client, rather than as a bureaucracy, he will immediately bring a fresh perspective to municipal work.

Rochester Hills may be on to something unique and truly innovative – a staff position on how to reinvent themselves as a government. If they are able to help facilitate modern, state-of-the-art practices for the community, they will be a governmental version that should be modeled and replicated throughout the area.

ONLY 7 LOTS RE M AIN!

B L O O M F I E L D H U N T C L U B E S T A T E S . C O M

It’s time to seize the best in life by embracing a home, a declaration that you have arrived. Before it’s too late – make the move, take the jump and surprise yourself – don’t accept compromise.

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CURRENT CONSTRUCTION

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7 1.07 Acres $895,000

CHASE LANE

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23 1.09 Acres $995,000

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5 1.09 Acres $995,000 4 1.09 Acres $795,000

✓ ✓ 1 1.22 Acres $695,000

✓ Lot Sold • • • •

SURVEY STAKES POSTED

SURVEY STAKES POSTED

FEATURES AND AMENITIES Only 7 lots remain Gated community Bloomfield Hills schools Customize a plan and start today

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Work directly with your own architect, designer or builder Included: Bloomfield Open Hunt Club membership

For a personal tour of available property or for more information regarding Bloomfield Hunt Club Estates, contact us at 248.644.7600 or visit our website www.bloomfieldhuntclubestates.com.

Selling more homes over $1,000,000 than our closest competitors.

Total sales volume all residential and condo sales: $1,000,000+

250

225

200

19.2%

175

150

$ in Millions

Mkt 13.8%

125

100 Mkt 9.0%

Mkt 8.7%

75

50

Mkt 4.8%

Mkt 2.9%

25 Mkt 2.1%

Mkt 1.9% Mkt 1.7%

Mkt 1.7%

Keller Williams Advantage

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Northville

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb

Shain Park Realtors®

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

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

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