Rochester/Rochester Hills

INSIDE:

NOVEMBER VOTER GUIDE

R O C H E S T E R

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R O C H E S T E R

H I L L S

OCTOBER 2018

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

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ROCHESTER HILLS, $428,900. 4 bdrms., 2.5 baths, 2778 sq. ft.

Updated kit. w/stainless appls. & granite. Crown molding, Pella windows, hdwd. flooring, recessed lighting. Great curb appeal, beautifully landscaped & paver patio. So many updates.

Elementary School in sub. An impeccable one owner home.

ROCHESTER, $349,900. 3 bdrms., 2 baths on desirable street. Oversized garage w/att. covered patio. Beautiful yard with mature landscaping and deck. Spacious Great rm. w/wood beams & fireplace. Updated kit. w/black stainless appls., granite & bay window. Updated bath w/granite.

Hdwd. flooring throughout. Mtn. free exterior. Covered front porch.

ROCHESTER HILLS, $319,900. 3 bdrms., 2.5 baths on 2/3 acre treed setting. Wood laminate flooring throughout. 2 fireplaces.

Skylights & extensive windows. Vaulted ceilings. Neutral paint.

Home office, 4th bdrm., au pair or in-law suite with private entry.

Circular driveway & many updates.

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ROYAL OAK, $244,900. 3 bdrms., 1.5 baths, 1242 sq. ft. Kit. w/granite counters, subway tile backsplash. Neutral paint.

Extensive hdwd. floors. Living rm. w/recessed lighting.

Updated bath w/dual sinks. Fin. bsmt. Covered deck. All appliances included.

LAKE ORION, $319,900. Heart of downtown Lake Orion and walking distance to the lake. 4 units fully rented & never any vacancies. Two one-bdrm. units; Two 2-bdrm. units.

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

AUBURN HILLS, $1575/MO. 2 bdrms., 2.5 baths and hard to find 2 car attached garage. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Kit. overlooks great rm. Laundry in unit. All appliances inc. Loft for office.

Spacious bedrooms. Balcony off of master suite. Great location in downtown Auburn Hills near all conveniences & freeways.

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HARRISON TWP., $799,900. 5000 sq. ft., built in 2001. Currently used as medical but flexible for any business usage. 5 offices, 4 exam rms. w/sinks, lunch rm., 25x23 lobby. 1140 additional sq. ft. loft for extra space or separate business. Also for lease.

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

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The question of fish farms in the Great Lakes A group has been backing the expansion of aquaculture facilities – fish farms – in the state's portion of the Great Lakes but opponents say, even if permissible, waste from the net-pen operations would compromise water quality for everyone.

LONGFORM

21

The Me Too movement has brought an increased awareness of sexual harassment, so we took a look at how governments are handling both sexual harassment policies and resolution of complaints.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

12

There's a noticeable trend in the current election cycle of younger expatriots returning to Michigan and running for office, a trend that we welcome, despite criticism from those being challenged for office.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

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Dem PAC seeking 2016 ballots; the cash-rich KnollenbergMcMorrow race; hard-edge (dirty tricks) in 40th House contest; more blue wave predictions; 'Dog' the Bounty Hunter and Matt Maddock; plus more.

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.

THE COVER The Rochester Cider Mill at 5125 North Rochester Road in Rochester Hills. Established in 1981 by the Barkham family, which had been producing cider in the Rochester area for several generations. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

MUNICIPAL

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Landmark Tree ordinance to be trimmed; cost of new lead and copper rules; Aldi coming to Rochester Hills; 2019 budgets approved; grant to fund 15 fire department positions; plus more.

NOVEMBER 6 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE IN CENTER OF THIS ISSUE

18

Marsha Kelliher

METRO INTELLIGENCER

46

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

SOCIAL LIGHTS

48

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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Our recommendations on both candidates and state-wide ballot issues facing voters in the November 6 general election.

FACES

18 28 29 43

Marsha Kelliher Gabe Gibbs Patti Jacques Iris Lee Underwood

N ILI L OTAN

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271 West Maple • Birmingham • 248.258.0212 • tenderbirmingham.com

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

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

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

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

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

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

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

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INCOMING Insightful commentary I found David Hohendorf’s thoughts about our August 7th primary results informative (From The Publisher/August).

Also thought his comments about possible implications for the November general election insightful, and the primary voter guide provided the best and most balanced review I could find.

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The facts on Slotkin The Oakland Confidential (Downtown/September) writers must not know facts when they see them. Elissa Slotkin has not lived in Michigan in two decades and now is living at the family farm (not her farm). The house she owns is in Washington DC where she will live if she wins (or not) the (8th District House) congressional seat she is pursuing.

She is here at the urging of the Pelosi team to use her insider history to unseat Congressman Mike Bishop. It is interesting that at least 80 percent of her funding comes from outside Michigan.

She is having fundraisers in Massachusetts, New York and Washington DC, and has received large donations from the New York City JStreet PAC and the Citizen United (George Soros) PAC. It is also interesting that her appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Army was held up by the late Senator John McCain. Apparently he was concerned about her judgement in negotiating with Iraq’s government. See the article in “The Hill” on 12/08/14.

Then there is the report in The Detroit News that she told her volunteers to intimidate any business that is exhibiting support for her opponent. This is a typical Democratic Party technique to extort people that do not agree with them. The term carpetbagger comes from just after the Civil War. Check its meaning. It certainly applies to Ms. Slotkin.

Ronald DiLiddo Rochester Hills (Publisher note: We are well aware of the “facts,” having read all the candidates’ campaign finance reports, including Bishop’s, which show 70 percent of his funding coming from PACs. Further, the appointment hold up by Sen. McCain is not quite as described in this letter and is in direct contrast to the bi-partisan group of national security officials who recently endorsed Slotkin for her past work under two different presidents.) downtownpublications.com

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

E

ntering the final stretch for the 2018 general election on Tuesday, November 6, it's hard not to make note of a new trend that has developed in this election cycle.

First, the return to Michigan of the Millennials who populated the primary and now the general election ballot. We are attuned to this because some of us at Downtown newsmagazine are part of the parental set who encouraged their children to attend college and then head off to seek out experience in the job market, often times taking them to other states or countries. All the while we secretly hoped they would find their way back home.

Well, some of them have returned, as we note in this month's Endnote opinion page where we offer our candidate endorsements for general election voters. Two of these Millennials – Haley Stevens in the race for the 11th Congressional District (Part of Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) and Mari Manoogian in the contest for the 40th Michigan House District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) are good examples – both candidates we endorsed.

Educated in our local public schools, bringing with them – in both cases – post-college, broad experience in the workings of government, and with the focused drive to make a difference when it comes to setting the public agenda in coming years.

Opposition forces like to spew that they “only moved back here to run for office,” as if there was something amiss with that. Our take on the issue – we are glad they are back.

Part of the concern by mainstay politicians who throw out this criticism is that the age-old farm system, as it is often referred to, is being honored less and less in recent years. The system that has existed for decades basically consisted of elected officials starting with some local office and then working their way up to the county commission level before jumping to the state legislature and then perhaps Congress.

While that is nice in theory and has produced some good community leaders, it is not a requisite for holding higher office. If we look around, we have, and always have had, some elected officials at the state and federal level from Michigan who didn't develop through the “farm” system.

Likewise, we extend the same welcome to Elissa Slotkin, who moved back to her family's farm in Holly in hopes of representing the 8th District of Congress (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township) after having spent years in the national security service of our country. A third generation member of the family that established the Hygrade meat company (think Ballpark Franks), we would have to say that qualifies her as having significant community ties, despite some critics claim that she is just a “carpet bagger” or “parachute” candidate because she relocated to her home state to run for this elected post. We dismissed that as mere campaign bunk as we endorse her this issue.

And we point out to “carpet bagger” critics that, yes, the term was first

used to describe Republicans from the North after the Civil War who moved to the South.

But critics always forget the other details --60 of these “carpet baggers” were elected by voters from the South to Congress after the war.

ELECTION FOOTNOTE: We were fortunate earlier this summer to have the support of some key business leaders from the Birmingham area as we produced in our July issue a Voter Guide for the primary election.

We have now produced a Voter Guide, appearing in this issue, for the November general election and these same business leaders have stepped up to help defray the considerable costs we incur in the process.

Inside this issue, readers will find a Voter Guide that contains candidate answers to questions Downtown newsmagazine posed to those running for office.

In past election years we have generally only posted the Voter Guide on our website, but because of the heightened interest in this election season, we are distributing a printed version also. As we did with the primary election Voter Guide, we are providing information for the general election this month to catch voters who cast their votes via absentee ballots, which are mailed out a month ahead of the actual voting day.

Our thanks to Richard and Gary Astrein from Astrein’s Creative Jewelers; Dr. Peter Schaffer at Birmingham Footcare Specialists; Bill Roberts from the Roberts Restaurant Group; and Dr. Bill Koppin from Shades Optical for their backing which allowed us to bring residents in the Rochester and Birmingham/Bloomfiled areas the Voter Guide for the general election.

TRANSPARENCY: There are two proposed Michigan Constitution amendments appearing on the November ballot. One (Proposal 2) would overhaul how political districts are drawn every 10 years following the federal census. The goal is to minimize the politics that have essentially allowed the party in power at any time to draw districts so their power cannot be challenged. The second one (Proposal 3) helps enshrine in the Constitution a number of voting rights and expanded voting opportunities.

Although businesses are prohibited from donating to candidates for office, corporations are allowed to contribute to ballot issues, which is what I have done by donating advertising space to the campaigns for these two issues. This is only the second time in my decades-long career that I have taken a more activist stance on issues I think must be passed. I wanted readers to hear this first in this space, knowing full well that very few people read campaign finance reports where the inkind donation will appear after the election.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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DOWNTOWN

10.18

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

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

HELLO, EMILY CALLING: In late August, just about every municipal clerk in Michigan received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for a copy of every ballot cast in the 2016 general election from a mysterious out-ofstate requestor named “Emily” from a New York operation called the “United Impact Group.” According to the Washington Free Beacon, United Impact Group is a non-profit arm of Priorities USA, a super PAC which counts George Soros as a top funder. FOIA requests for ballots from previous elections is not a typical request, clerks say, and it looks like currently Michigan is the only state from which “Emily” and United Impact Group is looking to collect voter data. Bloomfield Hills Clerk Amy Burton said she did not receive a FOIA request from the group, and the clerk for Rochester did not respond to our query, but other local clerks acknowledged they did receive one. Rochester Hills Clerk Tina Barton said she had received it, and expects it will cost the city $62,814.25 to comply. Birmingham City Clerk Cherilynn Mynsberge also received the FOIA request, and said the city is complying. The estimated cost for Birmingham is $9,600. In Bloomfield Township, Deputy Clerk Deana Mondock estimated a total cost of $3,125.32, but denied the request for copies of the ballots, allowing only copies of the absentee ballot applications and envelopes, as the “Township does not have the ability to copy or scan a 19-inch ballot,” and they would have to be sent to a commercial vendor, which the Michigan Bureau of Elections does not allow.

SENATE CAMPAIGN FINANCES: Candidates for the 13th State Senate District (Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak and Troy) are ready to throw down on their campaigns, with both Republican Marty Knollenberg and Democratic challenger Mallory McMorrow each having more than $100,000 to spend. Knollenberg, who raised $11,850 in the latest statement period (from July 23 to August 27), has an ending balance of $147,608. McMorrow raised $30,995 during the same quarter and had an ending balance of $123,547. The two candidates lead local races in campaign funds, with MCCREADY Knollenberg raising a total of $263,723 during the election cycle (which includes a $50,000 loan to his campaign), and McMorrow raising $186,648, (including a $15,000 loan).

Third in total fundraising is 12th Senate District (Addison BAYER Township, Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Independence, Keego Harbor, Oakland Township, Orion, Oxford, Pontiac, Southfield, Sylvan Lake and Clarkston) candidate Michael McCready who raised $40,850 this period, and $177,210 overall, with just $5,358 as an ending balance. Meanwhile his Democratic challenger Rosemary Bayer has about $37,555 of her total $69,569 raised on hand, of which $11,481 was in the latest period.

HOUSE CAMPAIGN FINANCES: Candidates in Michigan’s 40th District House seat (Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, West Bloomfield) have each raised more than $100,000 during this year’s election cycle. Republican candidate David Wolkinson raised $53,336 during the last period (from July 23 to August 27), and a total of $126,004 for the whole cycle, of which $41,000 was a loan, and he had an ending balance of $19,291. Democrat candidate Mari Manoogian raised $26,514 during the latest period, for a total of $116,624, and an ending balance of $27,942. In WOLKINSON the 45th House District (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township), Republican incumbent Michael MANOOGIAN Webber raised $3,500 during the last period, for a total of $53,262. He has an ending balance of $34,023. Democratic challenger Kyle Cooper failed to file a post-primary campaign finance report.

DIRTY DIALING: Speaking of the 40th District House seat, which is open, downtownpublications.com

numerous residents of the district recently received a push poll survey call, presumably from Republican David Wolkinson’s campaign, asking those who received the call if they preferred Wolkinson or Democrat Mari Manoogian, then asking them if they knew that Wolkinson was a businessman, and that Manoogian “lived away in Washington DC.” They also asked how they would feel if they knew her only job experience was “two internships.” That information is actually inaccurate – she held staffer positions in the State Department. Considering that many district residents covet internships for their children, it may be a call that backfires on Wolkinson, who appears to be using hard-edge (dirty tricks) campaign tactics.

RED TO BLUE? Word from the Michigan Information and Research Service (MIRS) is that several reliably Republican Oakland County state House districts could be in trouble of turning blue in November, in some cases for the first time. The aforementioned 40th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield), which has been Republican for as far back as memory serves, is currently held by state Rep. Mike McCready (R) – but MIRS noted that the affluent district voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016, and without an incumbent, it could likely flip to Democrat Mari Manoogian. Rep. Klint Kesto’s (R) 39th District (Commerce Township, West Bloomfield) may look different than when current Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown (D) held the seat, but MIRS notes the seat is trending Democrat, and they advise Jennifer Suidan to raise her name recognition against Republican Ryan Berman. A district that has been reliably Republican is the 38th, in Novi, where incumbent Rep. Kathy Crawford survived a primary challenge – but may not survive the general election against Novi City Council member Kelly Breen (D). Crawford, and her husband Hugh before her, are long-time local Republican stalwarts, but their time may be over, according to MIRS. Breen had more votes in the primary than both Crawford and her primary challenger together.

GIRL POWER: State Sen. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak) has told us he likes to make one-on-one phone calls to voters in his district to talk to them about their concerns. Word is that part of that strategy is extra steps to make personal appeals to female voters in Oakland County who may hold the key to which political party makes headway this election year. MIRS speculated that his campaign could be in trouble. Those personal KNOLLENBERG phone calls to female voters are part of Knollenberg’s use of micro-targeting data against Democratic MCMARROW challenger Mallory McMorrow, where he makes personal phone calls to female voters, mentioning them by name and asking for their vote. His team is doing the traditional door knocking, of which they’ve hit 17,000 homes so far.

WHO LET THE DOG OUT? Milford bondsman and Tea Party Republican candidate Matt Maddock isn’t taking any chances this November. “For the first time in the 44th House District (Highland, Milford, Springfield, Waterford, White Lake), we’ve got a Democrat running,” Maddock said. She’s very aggressive. Her name is Laura Dodd. She’s cutesie, she’s knocking on doors, and she’s going to give us a run for the money.” Dodd, who holds a master’s degree in non-profit administration from Notre Dame, where she was recognized for her community service, said she appreciated the compliments. To help his position, Maddock is calling in celebrity bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman to sic his opponent at an October 2 fundraiser featuring Dog and his wife, Beth. Chapman is best known for his show “Dog the Bounty Hunter,” which was cancelled in 2012 by A&E. The show also was placed on hiatus in 2007 following the release of CHAPMAN an audio recording to the National Enquirer in which Dog repeatedly used the n-word in a conversation with his son, Tucker, about the word and his son’s black girlfriend’s sensitivity to it. Dog returned the following season after apologizing on television and making amends with leaders in the black community. “They are a little rough around the edges, but they are two of the most interesting people you will ever meet or hear from,” Maddock said.

DOWNTOWN

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10.18

CRIME LOCATOR

Map key

NORTH

Sexual assault

Robbery

Larceny from vehicle

Drug offenses

Assault

Breaking/entering

Vehicle theft

Arson

Murder

Larceny

Vandalism

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

Placement of codes is approximate.

FACES

Marsha Kelliher alsh College President Marsha Kelliher, who is a Rochester-area resident, understands the challenges facing many of the students at her school. After all, she was working in the consulting department of a major auditing firm when she started attending night and weekend classes to earn her master's degree in labor law.

"My goal was to be a college professor after getting my law degree and working in labor, but there was a need to earn a living. That's when I started working at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell full time," she said. "I can relate to students who are juggling their career, education and family. I had too much debt to go on and earn a LLM. That's when I earned my law degree, passed the Texas bar and became a litigator. Later in life, I was able to go back and earn an LLM and move into academia.

"I loved being a college professor," she said. "There's nothing more rewarding than watching someone understand something different."

In 1994 and 1998, Kelliher was named as interim dean of the MBA program at St. Edward's University, in Austin, Texas, marking the beginning of her leadership in academia. From 2000 to 2004, she served as the dean of the graduate school of management. From 2004 to 2013, Kelliher oversaw the university's graduate and undergraduate business programs. She then moved to central Pennsylvania, where she was appointed dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business at Susquehanna University. She has served at Walsh College in Troy for the past year-and-a-half.

"I was really happy in my other position. I wasn't looking for anything new, and didn't even have a resume ready. A friend of mine contacted me and said I should look into this position," she said. "I also was in the middle of building my dream kitchen, so I dropped it. He called again, and finally I took a look at it... as we were pulling away for my drive to move here, they were finishing up my kitchen in Pennsylvania."

At Walsh, Kelliher is working to address some of the challenges facing today's students. That includes maintaining and increasing savings to students by working with community colleges to save up to $35,000 on their degrees. Cost-cutting measures means just 1 percent of Walsh students are carrying student loan debt to earn their degrees, compared to 13 percent across the state. Overall, she said about 47 percent of undergraduate students are graduating without any federal student loan debt.

"That impressed me," she said. "Along with the strong community impact."

More than 90 percent of Walsh students are from Michigan, and more than 80 percent stay and work in the state.

In terms of challenges, Kelliher said Walsh is looking at innovative ways to bring technology into the curriculum to meet the needs of students and employers. Long past are the days when the professor at the head of the classroom is the sole fountain of knowledge. Blended classes and online formats, including artificial intelligence, are now part of the classroom experience.

Spending the majority of her life in Texas and California, she's now readjusting to a state with four distinctive seasons. She's also discovering some of the treats unique to Michigan.

"I had no idea that cider and donuts were such a delicious combination," she said, suggesting there are no regrets on her or her husband's decision. "I'm very pleased with the kitchen I now have."

W

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

HOW LOCAL OFFICIALS HANDLE

The Me Too movement has brought an increased awareness of sexual harassment and sexual assault. But the problem is not confined to the habitat of just the famous. So we took a look at how local governments are handling both sexual harassment policies and resolution of complaints when they do arise.

SEX HARASSMENT

BY LISA BRODY

For everyday individuals, those whose names are anonymous, their situations are suddenly all too familiar – and relevant. They too, are, or have been, the victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual discrimination in their jobs.

Recently, Les Moonves, the chairman and CEO of CBS, was fired in the wake of sexual assault and harassment allegations. Days later, Jeff Fager, the head of CBS' '60 Minutes' signature investigative news show, was removed amid accusations of inappropriate conduct and unwanted touching. Months ago, we saw the downfall of producer Harvey Weinstein for accusations of sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape, and television news men Charlie Rose and Matt Lauer for allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

As we all know, we are living in the Me Too era, a widespread and growing movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault.

The term gained momentum around noon on October 15, 2017, when actress Alyssa Milano tweeted “Me too,” indicating that she, too, had been sexually harassed at some point in her career. By the end of the day, the term had been used more than 200,000 times, and tweeted more than 500,000 times by October 16. The hashtag #Metoo was used by more than 4.7 million people in 12 million posts on Facebook during just the first 24 hours, with the platform reporting that 45 percent of users in the United States had a friend who had posted using the term. While the majority of those tweeting and posting were women, including many notable actresses, politicians and celebrities, there were also men who reported they had been the victims of harassment and abuse.

And then there were the victims of Michigan State University and former United States gymnastics Dr. Larry Nasser – hundreds of them, as it turns out. Soon after #Metoo began spreading all over social media in the fall of 2017, several allegations from a 2016 Indianapolis Star article resurfaced in the gymnastic industry, and Nasser was called out via #Metoo for sexually assaulting gymnasts as young as six years old during what he had claimed were osteopathic medical “treatments.” Actually, they were heinous acts of sexual assault upon hundreds of young girls, with no medical basis. During his sentencing for life in prison, more than 150 women came forward, telling and retelling their stories of how they had been abused and violated by a man they had trusted and relied upon.

The swarm that has exploded from the Weinstein, Rose, Lauer and Nasser allegations have not flamed out, as the recent CBS situations clearly demonstrate. And for everyday individuals, those whose names are anonymous, their situations are suddenly all too familiar – and relevant. They too, are, or have been, the victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual discrimination in their jobs. As high profile individuals find the courage, ability and support to speak up, so do people working in offices, in police and fire departments, as waitresses or waiters, in factories, in university settings, politics and political office – wherever one person is in power and another is subordinate.

And it is illegal.

While the Me Too movement, and its attendant awareness, has brought sexual harassment and discrimination to the forefront of consciousness, there has also come the knowledge and recognition that they are a form of discrimination that has been unlawful under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which applies to all companies in the country with 15 or more employees, including federal, state and local governments. Today, governments, large and small, have policies detailing how it is not permissible and employee protections.

Sexual harassment is defined as bullying or coercion of a sexual nature and the unwelcome or inappropriate promise of some kind of reward in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment can include behavior that ranges from mild improprieties and inappropriate touching or speech to outright sexual abuse or sexual assault – and everything in between. A casual “You look nice today,” in the office doesn't count. Someone grabbing your breast or purposely touching

your buttocks does. Sexual harassment is a form of illegal employment discrimination, because it can make you feel like your work place is not a safe zone.

At a place of employment, harassment may be considered illegal when it is frequent or so severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment, or when it results in an adverse employment decision for the person who is on the receiving end of the harassment – where they feel they have to quit, they're fired or demoted from their position, or when they feel threatened.

“I would define sexual harassment as a form of sexual discrimination,” said Mary Engelman, deputy director to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and the executive director for the Michigan Women's Commission. “It is unwelcome sexual advancement or sexual conversation. Sexual discrimination is unlawful discrimination based on sex. Sex can be female, male – whatever they identify themselves as.

“Any instance of sexual harassment is so personal, it's never forgotten,” she pointed out.

Engelman noted that sexual discrimination and sexual harassment are not new phenomena. “It's more at the forefront because of the Me Too movement,” she acknowledged. “I think there's been sexual harassment between men and women forever. As time has gone on, there has been sexual and gender discrimination, which is where if I'm born a female but identify as something else, it's more acceptable socially, but there may be issues in the workplace.”

She is clear to point out that while women appear to be the primary victims of sexual harassment, they are definitely not the only ones.

“Sexual harassment can happen between men and women, women to men, between women to women, and men to men. Any and all sexes,” Engelman emphasized. “It's about intimidation, pressure and power. You can hear a woman (in an office or work setting) say something disparaging about another woman – and that can be sexual discrimination because for someone that can be threatening.”

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency which challenges harassment and retaliation around the country. They have stated sexual harassment policy as: “It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include 'sexual harassment' or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.

“Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general. Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.

Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer,” according to the EEOC. In Michigan, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 provides the framework and precedent for many laws and policies, which protects individuals in Michigan on the basis of “religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations.”

Because the EEOC policy has more 'teeth' than the Elliott-Larsen Act, often victims are advised to file suit in federal court, rather than

In 2018, through August 30, there were 52 formal employment-related cases in Michigan filed by women according to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, 11 filed by men while two cases were filed against local units of government.

Michigan court, in order to obtain the results, or settlement, they are seeking.

“One in three employees will be sexually harassed, with 50 to 80 percent of the sexual harassment taking place at work,” Engelman, of Michigan Civil Rights Commission, said. “Only 25 percent will tell anyone – and only five percent will file a grievance. This is a big deal – but only five percent report their harassment.”

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission's statistics are consistent with figures published by the EEOC in a 2016 report, which noted that although 25 to 80 percent of women stated that they have experienced sexual harassment at work, few ever report the incidents.

The majority of women said the reason they failed to report the incidents was their fear of reprisals. A 2017 poll, at the height of Me Too, conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, found that 54 percent of women reported receiving “unwanted and inappropriate” sexual advances, with 95 percent stating that the behavior goes unpunished.

And if no one is told, nothing can be done. Or said another way, the perpetrator keeps on harassing other victims.

In 2018, through August 30, there were 52 formal employmentrelated cases in Michigan filed by women according to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, and 11 filed by men. Two cases were filed against local units of government, but due to confidentiality policies and lawsuits, Engelman could not say who the local units of government were. Of the 63 total filed complaints, eight resulted in settlements during the investigation process, while 20 were found to have insufficient evidence. Others are ongoing.

Those numbers compare to 48 total complaints filed by women in 2017; 49 complaints filed by women in 2016; 52 in 2015; and 64 in 2014, prior to the Me Too movement. In 2017, there were nine cases filed by men; eight filed by men in 2016; 16 filed by men in 2015; and 18 filed in 2014.

In each year, a majority of cases were dismissed due to insufficient evidence, with eight cases settled during the investigation process in 2017; three in 2016; eight in 2015; and 16 in 2014.

In 2017, there were no complaints filed against local units of government, and just one in 2016. In 2015, there were two complaints filed against local units of government, and five complaints filed in 2014.

“I don't know if there's greater awareness, but it's more at the forefront because of the Me Too movement,” Engelman said of the increase in complaints for the first eight months of 2018.

While Engelman did not reveal the case, one of the 2018 complaints – which became a criminal case – was likely one where a northern Michigan doctor, Jonathon Robertson, with offices in Traverse City and Marquette – was charged with prescribing narcotics to female patients in exchange for sexual favors. Investigators believe two women were sexually assaulted by Robertson, who is accused of sexually penetrating the women under the guise of medical treatment.

It's rare for a case to come before a prosecutor as a criminal case.

Most are a complaint, and some become a civil case.

The Human Resources Director of Rochester Hills, Pamela Gordon, reported there were two complaints against their municipality, one in 2017, and one in 2018, where a city parks employee alerted human resources of alleged harassment from a member of the public. No settlement was involved in either case, it was reported.

Rochester has a non-discrimination policy which includes a sexual harassment policy, noting “The city prohibits sexual harassment of any kind by any person. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome verbal or

physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature...A prompt investigation of all complaints will be undertaken. An employee will not be subject to punishment for reporting harassment or participating in a harassment investigation.”

Rochester City Manager Blaine Wing reported there has been no reports of any harassment in the city in at least the last five years. “In April, our employees attended anti-harassment training, lead by the city’s labor firm, Keller Thoma. Attorney Gouri G. Sashital was the trainer for all of our sessions this year,” Wing said in an email.

Birmingham has not had any complaints in any department in at least the last five years. Their policy states, in part, “Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, physical or visual conduct relating to an individual's religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status or handicap constitutes harassment when: Submission to the conduct is made either an explicit or implicit condition of employment; Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for an employment decision affecting the harassed employee; or the harassment substantially interferes with an employee's work performance; creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment; or it otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment opportunities.”

Dennis VanDeLaar, human resources director for the city of Royal Oak, said that while they have a sexual harassment policy, it is under review “and will likely be updated in the very near future.” He was not aware of any recent complaints against any Royal Oak employees.

Royal Oak's sexual harassment policy and procedure policy is currently more of a statement – “Employees are to read this policy statement carefully and to immediately report suspected cases of sexual harassment to the city manager or the human resources director...the city reaffirms its policy that all employees have a right to expect a working environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.”

The Troy Fire Department, which has its own sexual, ethnic, racial and religious harassment policy separate from the city of Troy, has had seven harassment complaints since 2014. The policy states, “All persons who violate this policy will be subjected to disciplinary procedures up to and including discharge.”

The city of Troy, which first issued their harassment policy in December 1988, and last revised it in 2010, is detailed in noting “Workplace harassment and discrimination can take many forms. It may consist of, but is not limited to, vulgarity, requests, gestures, written material, jokes, cartoons, pictures, posters, email jokes or statements, pranks, intimidation, physical assaults or contact, or violence.” The city has a strict policy of non-retaliation, and a thorough, detailed review and documentation process.

Doug Simon, business director for the Michigan House of Representatives, said the state legislature has had a harassment policy that dates back about 20 years. “It does prevent harassment and guide us. We believe it's a strong policy, and about a year ago, we began reviewing it again, to make it stronger, along with our training materials.”

He noted the business office is non-partisan. “Our office worked with both Republican and Democratic leadership, as well as the Progressive Women's Caucus, and we partnered in this review, and there were some additions to our policy. Going back 20 years, our policy has always required any new employee and any newly elected member to take our harassment seminar on preventing sexual harassment in the work place training. We changed that requirement, and added to that, so that now, all members and staff, everyone, needs to go through that once a year. It reinforces the training and keeps it fresh.

One in three employees will be sexually harassed, with 50 to 80 percent of the sexual harassment taking place at work. Only 25 percent will tell anyone – and only five percent will file a grievance or report their harassment.

“That was a major change. We also added a clarifying change that specified our reporting channels,” Simon said. “We better illustrated our reporting channels if you are a victim and how that would flow from reporting to resolution.”

He noted that prior to the changes, the policy and training were heavily weighted towards prevention. “Today, there is greater emphasis on how to handle it, what to do if it happens, and how to report it. I think it's more balanced that way.”

He said there's been a clarification of what is harassment, “so that it's understood from all parties.”

He would not provide the policy, noting the state legislature is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

In the last 10 years or so, there has only been one instance of a sexual harassment claim against a representative, Simon said, and it was settled. Former Rep. Brian Banks (D-Harper Woods) was sued for sexual harassment by his legislative aide, Tramaine Cotton, in 2013.

According to Simon, the House settled with Cotton in October 2015, paying him $8,450 from appropriated funds. Banks later resigned from office over another offense.

Despite some misconceptions, the infamous “Courser/Gamrat” case, where two state representatives who were having an affair and had their staffers cover it up, was never a case of sexual harassment, but of misconduct in office, misuse of state resources and wrongful termination of staffers.

Amber McCann, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekof, responded that in the last five years in the state Senate, “there has been one claim of sexual harassment/discrimination made.

The Senate retained an outside law firm to investigate the claim and it was found to have no merit.” She did not elaborate.

Kristy Slosson, with human resources in Oakland County, said there has been only one sexual harassment complaint in the last five years in all departments, and it was a recently resolved case, in 2018, at probate court, with the perpetrator fired.

According to the EEOC, there are two types of sexual harassment – “Quid Pro Quo,” which is very specific “tit for tat” kind of harassment, where an employee benefits such as raises, promotions and better working conditions are directly tied to compliance with sexual advances, or capitulation to sexual demands, by someone in a supervisory capacity or who otherwise has the authority to grant such benefits.

A “hostile work environment” is the other kind of sexual harassment, which is defined as severe or pervasive conduct which unreasonably interferes with an employee's ability to work or creates an intimidating, hostile, or otherwise offensive environment.

According to Bloomfield Township's policy of non-discrimination and anti-harassment, “A hostile work environment can be created by anyone in the work environment, including supervisors, other employees, or third parties (such as vendors, commission/board members, or elected officials). Hostile work environment harassment may consist of sexually charged language, unwelcome sexual materials, or unwelcome physical contact or physical proximity as a regular part of the work environment. Texts, emails, cartoons or posters of a sexual nature, vulgar or lewd comments or jokes, or unwanted touching may all constitute a hostile work environment.

The use of sexual stereotypes may also create a hostile work environment.”

Bloomfield Township's policy continues, elaborating verbal sexual harassment as including innuendoes, suggestive comments, sexual jokes, sexual propositions, lewd remarks and threats, requests for any type of sexual favor, including repeated and unwelcome requests for dates, and verbal abuse or “joking.” Non-verbal sexual harassment can include the distribution or display of any written or graphic

material, including calendars, posters and cartoons that are sexually suggestive or show hostility toward an individual or group because of sex. They can also include suggestive or insulting sounds, leering, staring, tickling, whistling, obscene tweets and Internet postings, or other forms of communication that are sexual in nature and offensive.

Physical harassment includes any and all unwelcome, unwanted and unconsented to physical contact, which can include touching, pinching, patting, brushing up against, hugging, cornering, kissing and fondling, all the way up to assault and battery.

Jim Fett, an employment attorney with Fett & Fields PC in Pinckney, who specializes in discrimination cases, “I tried my first harassment case in 1995, against the city of Ann Arbor, where several employees sued a supervisor for sexual harassment and retaliation.

We won – and I haven't seen a change (in harassment cases) since.”

Ann Arbor eventually reached a settlement in the case. Fett said that while as an attorney he sees more hostile work environment cases than quid pro quo situations, they often go hand-in-hand.

“There are cases where there are both,” he noted. “Someone who is demanding sex for a promotion or penalizing an employee with a demotion is quite capable of doing all of the other things that would give rise to a hostile work environment.”

On the facts page on their website, the EEOC states, “Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.” They advise the victim to tell the abuser to stop.

In other words, if there's a question if it's appropriate behavior or not – just don't do it.

But it's very important for someone who believes they have been a victim of abuse to tell their harasser to stop – and to report it.

“It's a big deal for people to file,” Engelman emphasized. “What happens when you go to get another job? That is reality.

“It's 85 percent (of women who experience some form of harassment). But then there are women who never report,” she said.

“Women who are accomplished and successful women. By reporting, it gives women who don't have a voice feel like they have a voice.

Like those girls with Nassar and MSU,” it allowed more and more girls and women to feel comfortable coming forward.

“The thing that is amazing to me, after doing this for 32 years, and fielding about 1,000 inquiries for representation, a lot could be headed off if the person said no to the harasser or reported it to the person up the chain,” Fett said. “People are afraid to say no because they're afraid of being isolated and retaliated against in the work place – but the reality is, today there is more awareness in the work place. More people are aware because they've seen it and know about a situation.

But they're afraid to say to the person, their supervisor or harasser – you're making me uncomfortable, stop.

“You make a complaint, and if it is plausible, it is illegal to retaliate, even if it turns out to not be a genuine violation of sexual harassment law,” he noted.

Andrew Abood, of the Abood Law Firm in E. Lansing and Birmingham, who represented some of the victims in the Michigan State University Nassar case, noted that many victims are hesitant to tell anyone “because with sexual harassment, more so than any other case, there is a stigma.”

An additional reason of hesitancy to report for many, especially for those at a lower pay rung, “people cannot not have a job – so if they quit, it's a problem. They have to have a job,” Abood said. “They may quit and file a (sexual harassment) complaint, but if the damages are minimal, an attorney may not be willing to take it. It makes it difficult

A hostile work environment, also considered a form of sexual harassment, is defined as severe or pervasive conduct which interferes with an employee's ability to work or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. to go after it. As an attorney, you need a really special case to make it worthwhile. Also, if you file a case today, it can take months to come to court. Do plaintiffs have the wherewithal, the mindset, to sit it out for two years? For most people, it's better have a settlement.”

Fett explained that to be a viable claim, by law, “a hostile work environment has to be pervasive and constant and severe – not just a random rude comment, or something like 'You look cute today.' A hostile work environment is different to an attorney – it's very specific under the law. It's an environment based on an illegal factor. If you don't complain to someone in management, to someone who can put an end to the harassment, you don't have a viable complaint against the company. You can end up suing the individual, but good luck collecting.”

Abood acknowledged that in some offices and work places, there is a “generational difference in how people are perceived – not only in their language but in their expectations. You do see a more 'old school' attitude from the old guys. It's important for everyone to recognize they're wrongful acts and to rectify them.

“Everyone's human,” Abood pointed out, “things can happen. But it's important to fix and rectify things.”

Fett noted that often “a company never even knows it's happening.”

They can take what he explains as “prompt remedial action” – where the company jumps right on the situation and eliminates the environment or stops the unwelcome sexual advances (the quid pro quo situation), “even if it has been going on for a long time, and they've been unaware of it, but they take action as soon as they find out – they're off the hook,” he explained. “The biggest exception is where there has been so much harassment and so much abuse that they should have known about it, even if no formal complaint has been filed.”

Fett noted a case that went before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals “where they dressed down the local court for dismissing a case because there had been so much racial banter, graffiti on restroom walls, and the N-word frequently used, that the company had responsibility to head off these issues, and they were found liable even if they hadn't had a formal case filed.”

The Bloomfield Township policy spells it right out – “An employee who reports a complaint or violation internally to the township is protected from retaliation, both by law and this policy. Additionally, any township employee who reports a violation or suspected violation of applicable state or federal law to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any authority, whether inside or outside of the township, or appears as a witness in the investigation of a complaint, shall not be subjected to retaliation or other adverse employment consequence.”

Fett noted that cities, townships and other municipalities “are just as likely to be a defendant as anyone else. In the private sector, they often have savvier HR training. The Feds have savvy HR training, but in local governments, you really see some horrendous cases.”

Steve Kaplan, West Bloomfield Township Supervisor, whose policy is specific in detailing different categories of sexual harassment, noted they haven't had any sexual harassment complaints since 2001.

He said at that time it was between two females in the building/environment area, and no charges were brought, and there was no financial settlement.

Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli said that, as far as she knows, there has not been a case of sexual harassment reported from any department in Bloomfield Township. Bloomfield Township has separate non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies for its fire and police departments, with the police department adding that its policy also applies to “our citizens and vendors...concerning any individual employee; concerning any member of the public; concerning any group or segment of our society (for example any

ethnic, racial or religious group such as African Americans, Jews, Muslims, Chaldeans, females, etc.).”

They also expressly prohibit ethnic comments, slurs or conduct, as well as “Conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to a person because of his/her gender and creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment.”

Police departments, with their traditional male, “macho” environments, have been ripe for sexual harassment and discrimination situations. In 2002, Fett sued the Dearborn Police Department for sexual harassment and assault, representing a female police officer who claimed she had been punished for speaking out when a fellow officer sexually harassed her at a department-run gun range.

In her lawsuit against the city, Dearborn Police Lt. Karen Ehlert claimed members of the police department turned against her when she complained in 1999 that a male officer had dropped his trousers and made sexual remarks in front of her. The two were alone at the department gun range when the alleged incident occurred. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount of money.

Fett again sued the Dearborn Police Department in 2008 for sexual harassment, which in a lawsuit he wrote, “The Dearborn Police Department workforce is best described as a gold ole boys' club where many of the males consider it a monumental affront that women are allowed on their force. Consequently, these males engage in meanspirited and many times life-threatening harassment of women. If a woman has the audacity to complain, the DPD, particularly Chief, whitewashes any incident and promptly retaliates against the troublemakers, whom the administration calls the 'evil ones.' Women comprise less than 10 percent of the DPD ranks and have risen above the rank of lieutenant. Plaintiff is a sergeant. Continuously throughout her employment, the males have created not just a hostile work environment, but a lethal one as well. They have done this by refusing to provide back-up and obstructing plaintiff's radio requests (called 'keying over') for same.”

Throughout the legal brief, on behalf of several female Dearborn officers, Fett describes in detail vile and vulgar language used against the officers, such as referring to them as “the 'yeast team' because it had the most females; when two women ride in a squad car, the males refer to the cars as 'pussy cars;'” and references to rape and oral sex.

There is also detailed discrimination, retaliation, and situations which left the female officers in dangerous positions. “She specifically reported the shunning, the abusive computer messaging, the keying over and the refusal to provide back up. She specifically … were targeting her because of her gender...To add insult to injury, Defendant is contesting Plaintiff's worker compensation claim.” Fett aid the case was resolved in 2008, and the department no longer tolerates the behavior.

Whether as a result of the Me Too movement, or a recognition of their wrongs, on September 4, 2018, the state of Michigan settled a lawsuit on behalf of female prison guards who said their rights were being violated by mandatory overtime and other restrictions at the the Huron Valley women's prison in Washtenaw County, the only women's prison in the state. The state agreed to pay about $750,000 and lift a freeze on female officers transferring to other prisons.

The deal settled a lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department, which argued that Michigan can't lock workers in or out of a job just because of their sex.

“I've represented a lot of women working in male businesses – the trades, cops – pretty much, they're going to be a good case. I've represented a lot of police officers, firefighters, plumbers. I like these cases, because when I was in high school, I'd look at these varsity athletes who would use their power and prestige to get the girls, and abuse them – it's that same abuse of power,” Fett said.

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Custom built home with over 7,500 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area. On golf course. Located at 2660 Fairway Court, Rochester Hills. Offered at $1,099,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

Unique one of a kind home on private gated 1 acre lot with extensive gardens and built in pool. 147 North Lane, Rochester, offered at $699,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

BEAUTIFUL 1 1/2 STORY ON PRIVATE 3/4 ACRE LOT

DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER-WALK TO TOWN

Beautiful 1 1/2 story on private 3/4 acre lot with 3.5 car garage, large deck overlooking private lot backing to wooded commons area. 4235 Oak Tree Circle, Rochester. $449,9000 Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

Absolute mint condition decorator showcase, walking distance to downtown, awesome private backyard with fireplace.

633 1st Street, Rochester. Offered at $459,900. Seller financing available. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

2.75 ACRES BACKING TO STONEY CREEK PARK

NEAR STONY CREEK DESIGNER SHOWCASE HOME

Fantastic location with colonial backing to Stoney Creek Park . Also, great Estate building site. Located at 5755 Lockwood Washington Township, asking $519,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

Stunning designer showcase 1 1/2 story home with fully finished walk-out on heavily landscaped lot.

4898 Shimmering Creek Drive, Washington. Offered at $849,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

ROCHESTER HILLS CLEAR CREEK SUBDIVISION

CUSTOM BUILT MINT CONDITION COLONIAL WITH FINISHED WALKOUT BASEMENT

5 bedroom 1 1/2 story with finished walkout, all high end finishes throughout. 1372 Clear Creek, asking $749,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

Built in pool on private almost 1 acre lot. 7194 Frampton, Washington Township offered at $839,900.

Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

SPRAWLING CUSTOM RANCH WITH BUILT IN POOL

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

3,715 sq. ft. custom built great room ranch with built-in gunite swimming pool on over 1/2 acre private lot. 6532 Pond Drive, Washington Township, $829,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

Rare find at end of cul de sac on over 1/2 acre private lot, with fully finished walkout basement.

53920 Dominique Court, Shelby Township, offered at $999,900. Call Tom Zibkowski 586-532-6700 x114

FACES

Gabe Gibbs fter landing the role of Elder Kevin Price for the national tour of The Book of Mormon, Gabe Gibbs did what most actors do – went to a costume fitting. Having never seen the show though, he was in for a bit of a surprise when he got there.

“There’s some costumes that are joke elements that were the first things I tried on and I thought I was in the wrong fitting,” he laughed.

Soon after that fitting the Rochester High School alumni did get to actually see a live production of the show. That’s one way to see one of the most popular musicals of the last few decades.

For those who don’t know, The Book of Mormon follows two missionaries, Elder Price and Elder Cunningham, as they travel to Uganda in hopes of converting the citizens to the Mormon religion. Created by South Park’s Trey Parker and Matt Stone – with collaboration from EGOT winner Robert Lopez – the show won nine Tonys, including Best Musical.

Saying that getting this role was huge for Gibbs would be an understatement.

“When I took over the role I was 23 or 24, and just so young and had so many things I got to learn at a pretty high level,” said Gibbs, who grew up as a pastor’s son. “And that show is so well received wherever we go.”

Like in Detroit, a special stop for Gibbs. Not only did he get to sing on the Fisher Theatre stage, a place he had seen performances growing up, but his family and friends in the audience were joined by teachers who had had a lasting influence on him.

Oh, and there’s the stint of performances he got to do on Broadway.

“It was unbelievable,” Gibbs said. “It’s the NFL for theater dorks.”

A

For Gibbs, football was once the dream, until he busted his collarbone his freshman year of high school. The next day, he went to audition for the school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. The rest is history.

“I was like, maybe I’ll give up on the football dreams, and do this other thing,” Gibbs said. “I’m sure it started off as 14-year-old boy ego, but then I ended up really, actually, liking it.”

During his time in Rochester Community Schools, Gibbs said that he was able to be a part of a very high-level, kick-butt arts program.

Since that instrumental musical in high school Gibbs has grown a lot, especially during his three years with Book of Mormon. After auditioning in Los Angeles – where he moved after college and currently resides – he was cast as an understudy on the road, then moved to understudy on Broadway before going back to the national tour.

“It felt like progression every time,” said Gibbs. “Then at the end of those three years time came I wanted to be more serious with (then girlfriend, now fiancée) Lauren, and I wanted to not be staying in Hampton Inns every day of my life. I loved my time, but it was time for a new chapter.”

So he left the show last fall. While he’s currently working on some projects, walking his dog, and planning a wedding, that time with Book of Mormon was clearly special to him. There’s an awe in his voice when he talks about it.

“When you get an opportunity that’s a little too big for you, you end up learning a lot,” he said. “That was three years in the blink of an eye.”

Story: Dana Casadei

GENERAL ELECTION

•

NOVEMBER 6, 2018

VOTER

GUIDE Special Publication of Downtown Newsmagazine

PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY SPONSORS: ASTREIN’S CREATIVE JEWELERS BIRMINGHAM FOOTCARE SPECIALISTS ROBERTS RESTAURANT GROUP SHADES OPTICAL

Voters should choose their politicians not the other way around.

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Proposal 2 is F-I-T for Michigan!

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VOTER GUIDE 11.18

This November General Election Voter Guide provides readers with candidates' answers to questions posed by Downtown newsmagazine.

To be represented in the Voter Guide, candidates had to return a questionnaire.

Downtown newsmagazine's recommendations of the best candidate for each of the offices appears on the Endnote page in the final pages of this edition.

4

8th District U.S. House/ Elissa Slotkin vs. Mike Bishop

6

11th District U.S. House / Haley Stevens vs. Lena Epstein

8

12th District Michigan Senate / Rosemary Bayer vs. Michael McCready

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

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

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

10

13th District Michigan Senate / Mallory McMarrow vs. Marty Knollenberg

12

40th District Michigan House / Mari Manoogian vs. David Wolkinson

14

45th District Michigan House/ Kyle Cooper vs. Michael Webber

16

11th District County Commission/ Ann Erikson Gault vs. Thomas E. Kuhn

18

15th District County Commission/ Mary Ward vs. Adam Kochenderfer

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak, Berkley.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, along with part of West Bloomfield.

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

Almost the western half of Rochester Hills, along with the northern portion of Troy and the southeast corner of Auburn Hills.

Rochester and the eastern portion of Rochester Hills.

november 6 general election voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township

U.S. HOUSE 8TH DISTRICT ELISSA SLOTKIN DEMOCRAT

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

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

struggling with health care due to her preexisting condition of breast cancer as a young mom. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made important strides towards expanding coverage for key segments of the population, particularly those with preexisting conditions, like my mom, before she passed away. However, the ACA desperately needs reform, and I believe there is a lot we still must do to bring costs down, and make sure that people who have health insurance can actually access the care they pay for.

One critical way to do that is by implementing a public option, a buy-in to Medicare. This could help drive down all health care costs significantly.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

Slotkin grew up in Oakland County, graduated from Cranbrook Schools and Cornell University before getting a masters degree from Columbia University. She lives in Holly on her family farm and is married to Dave Moore, a former Apache pilot, who retired as a colonel from the U.S. Army. Slotkin served three tours in Iraq in military intelligence, and worked as a national security expert for both Democratic and Republican administrations. She served at the White House and in top roles at the Pentagon, including as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs under the Obama Administration.

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

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

4B

In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket.

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

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

I believe that the federal budget should be treated like your budget at home: you don’t spend outside your means without a plan to pay for it. The recent tax bill added more than a trillion dollars to our national debt, which isn’t healthy for us as a nation.

Coming from a national security background, you never know what national disasters or security crises you may need to deal with in the future, and racking up endless debt is irresponsible. We should close the significant loopholes left open in the latest tax bill, particularly with regard to holding profits or moving American jobs offshore, to help bring the budget back under control, in addition to fat-cutting actions to rein in our national debt. But to be clear, Social Security and Medicare are not fat, and I support neither cuts to them nor privatizing them.

I believe that immigration is a moral, economic, and national security issue. And right now, the immigration system isn’t working for anyone: not Michigan businesses or workers, not undocumented immigrants, not Dreamers, not farmers, or anyone else.

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

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE

GUN CONTROL

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

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

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

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

I believe figuring out healthcare and healthcare costs is our generational challenge, and we need new representatives in Congress who will get to work on dealing with this issue responsibly – instead of playing politics with our care. It’s also a deeply personal issue, and the one that got me into this congressional race: my mom died of ovarian cancer in 2011 after

Lake Orion

Oakland Twp.

Orion Twp.

Lake Angelus

Rochester

Pontiac

Auburn Hills

Rochester Hills

Sylvan

TAX CUTS

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

our Congress has failed to take meaningful action for years. No one expects everyone to agree, but I do expect our elected officials to be willing to have tough conversations and make some sort of progress. I believe that we must pass common-sense gun safety legislation including instituting a robust, universal background check system to prevent terrorists, domestic abusers, and the mentally ill from obtaining guns, prohibit purchase of bump stocks and high-capacity magazines, and raise the age to purchase certain firearms. But we can’t make progress if our elected leaders simply refuse to have a conversation.

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

I’ve served in various defense and intelligence roles under Presidents Obama and Bush, including three tours in Iraq. I’m an Army wife and the step-mom to a current Army officer. So I feel strongly about this issue. Congress has the legal obligation, as given by the U.S. Constitution, to authorize any act of war. Since the Iraq war, we’ve seen little action on the part of our elected representatives to truly demand that authority, and to seek to update the Authorization of Military Force (AUMF). Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines serving in combat zones today are still operating under the 2001 AUMF, aimed at al Qaeda, because our Congress has backed away from their responsibilities. In Congress, I would serve as a vocal proponent for an update to the AUMF, and start to bring back the appropriate checks and balances in our system set up by our founding fathers.

TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS

I grew up in a gun-owning family. I was trained on a Glock-17 and an M-4 for my three tours in Iraq. And my husband, a retired Army officer, carried a weapon every day he was deployed. So I believe in and support the Second Amendment. It is because of my background that I believe we need to both protect the Second Amendment and be smart about gun safety reforms; this is not an either/or issue. But

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

My great-grandfather started Hygrade Foods – famous for creating the Ballpark Franks at Tigers Stadium. My grandfather bought our family farm in Holly, where a local farmer now grows soybeans and feed corn. Stability is everything for business owners and farmers. So our approach to tariffs needs to be strategic and well thought out, and I’m concerned by some of President Trump’s actions in this area. While it’s unclear what tariffs will ultimately be put in place, I do not believe in unnecessary instability for businesses and farmers, and a trade war with China, should it come to that, leaves both the American consumer and producer a loser. When it comes to trade agreements, I take a principled approach: what does a trade deal do for Michigan businesses, Michigan workers, and will foreign partners be held to the same high quality and human rights standards? This is the scorecard that any trade deal should be graded against.

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

I am running for Congress because I believe our politics must change – and that Congress isn’t going to fix itself. As a national security professional who has served both Democratic and Republican administrations, I know what it means to put politics aside, put your head down, and get to work. To serve. I have been tested in war zones and national security crises, and I know how to bring disparate parties together and hammer out solutions. If elected, I will bring that same mission-focus to expanding real economic opportunity to our communities here in Michigan, fighting for our fundamental rights to safety, security, and health for our kids, and preserving what makes our state great. I will always be governed by the simple idea that our representatives’ job is to be available and serve the public. It’s time to send a different generation of leaders to Congress, and I hope you give me the chance to do it.

MIKE BISHOP REPUBLICAN

Bishop, of Rochester, is the incumbent Congressman of the 8th District, since 2014. Before that, he served two terms in the state House (1999-2003), and two terms in the state Senate (20032011), where he was the Majority Leader. He graduated from University of Michigan and Michigan State University College of Law. ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS All Americans deserve clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. And every Michigan family is a part of the heritage of the Great Lakes, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are preserved for generations to come. This does not require a labyrinth of government regulations, some of which do little to actually protect the environment. A National Association of Manufacturers study estimates that compliance with burdensome regulations cost our economy nearly $2 trillion annually. This places a massive disincentive to manufacture, farm, or produce energy in America, costing workers good paying jobs, and driving up costs for families. That is why I’ve supported a reduction in the regulatory burden throughout my time in Congress. In Michigan our economic security is dependent on manufacturing, and our national security is dependent on energy security. I will fight any government overregulations which threaten those imperatives.

TAX CUTS Not only did I support it, as a member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, I helped write it. I’m proud that this legislation delivers real relief to nearly every hardworking Michigan family including doubling the standard deduction and the child tax credit, expanding the medical expense deduction, and preserving higher education tax relief for our students.

As a result, a typical family of four in Michigan’s Eighth earning $90,000 will see a tax cut of approximately $1,700.

We’re also seeing something extremely exciting in our state – jobs returning from Mexico! Fiat Chrysler Truck Assembly Plant is relocating their new Ram Truck production line from Mexico to Michigan, bringing with it 2,500 new jobs. In addition, every Chrysler employee received a bonus check for $2,000 as a result of tax reform. The economy is growing and jobs are returning to the United States – and this is just the beginning.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT The national debt and deficit continue to be some of America’s most pressing issues. Effectively dealing with this will require tough fiscal decisions but most importantly we need the growing economy that is resulting from tax reform. We must also continue to cut wasteful spending while protecting the benefits of folks who have paid into the system and need these

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

benefits for their retirement. Programs like Social Security and Medicare, which people have earned, need to be strengthened and protected, not cut. Last year, I supported reforms to Medicaid as a part of the American Health Care Act which would have given states more flexibility and delivered a great deal of savings, but the Senate failed to act. I will continue to work toward such reforms to bring fiscal responsibility while protecting Michigan families. I support a balanced budget amendment that will force the government to live within its means.

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

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

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

GUN CONTROL The House has been taking action on this important issue. In March, legislation I supported was signed into law that will strengthen our nation’s gun background check system (NICS). This is vital to ensure criminal histories are accurately reported to the national background check database. I have supported banning bump stocks and submitted a letter encouraging a ban. But there are those who would propose a ban on a wide-range of

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

commonly-used firearms, which I don’t believe will solve the problem. I voted for the Violence Against Law Enforcement Officers and Ensuring Officer Resilience and Survivability (VALOR) Initiative, which trains law enforcement to handle active shooter situations, provides increased grant funding to train teachers, first responders, and others to identify and aid someone with mental health issues before a crisis occurs. I also voted for the bipartisan STOP School Violence Act (H.R. 4909) which increased grant funding for school security from $30 million to $75 million for the next ten years.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS The decision to send American service members into harm’s way is something every American takes very seriously, and I believe it must only be done when vital U.S. interests or those of our allies are at risk. While the President does have the unilateral power to deploy U.S. forces in combat to protect our national interests from imminent threat, the President is required to consult with Congress beforehand, and must seek Congressional authorization to continue such a deployment beyond 90 days. There are also two existing Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs) on the books that Congress enacted in the aftermath of 9/11. These AUMFs provide the President with broad authority to fight terrorism overseas. I believe that any future effort to expand the authorities granted by these two AUMFs should be fully debated by the people’s representatives in Congress and passed into law before action is taken.

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

5B

november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills

U.S. CONGRESS - 11TH DISTRICT HALEY STEVENS DEMOCRAT

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

After years and years of corporate executives buying seats in Congress, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans repaid the debt to their donors and then some with a massive tax giveaway to people who need it the least. They might call that bill a “tax cut;” I call it a massive return on investment for the wealthy donors who bought their members of Congress and expected something in return. I could never support that kind of approach to policymaking. We need to stop giving out millions and billions and – in this case – $1.5 trillion in tax breaks like they are party favors. Let’s target tax breaks for the middle class families who work hard and just want to get ahead.

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT

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

Recently, she led a national workforce development program.

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

Absolutely not. President Trump’s reckless rollback of environmental protection standards not only damages our environment but hurts our economy. Like it or not, climate change is real and we need to start acting accordingly or we will not be able to compete with the rest of the world.

I served as Chief of Staff on President Obama’s auto rescue. When our auto industry was in crisis we not only helped save GM and Chrysler, we did it while improving fuel efficiency standards and spurring American auto companies to build the cars of the future. We designed and implemented Cash for Clunkers, an incentive-based program that allowed consumers to trade in old, environmentally inefficient vehicles for 21st century models.

I don’t buy the argument that we can have a clean environment or cars but we can’t have both; for over a decade Detroit’s automotive industry has shown the opposite.

TAX CUTS Do you support the tax cuts enacted by

6B

In the most recent budget adopted by Congress, and in tax legislation approved by both the House and Senate, the national debt has continued to skyrocket.

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

Social Security and Medicare are a promise we made to America’s working families – our guarantee that if you work hard and put your time in you will be able to retire with dignity. That means financial and health security without forcing your kids to pay for your ability to get by. That is why we need to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. It is unfathomable that Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington think it is OK to hand out a $1.5 trillion tax giveaway while trying to balance our national debt on the backs of the people who need our help the most.

That is true for Medicaid, too. I would never support a plan that cuts these critical benefits, and to strengthen them I would start by cutting Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthy.

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

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

The two biggest things President Obama accomplished were the Auto Rescue and Obamacare. I stepped up and served as Chief of Staff for the Auto Rescue when our economy was in crisis, and now that Donald Trump is creating a healthcare crisis

I’m stepping up again and running for Congress. I supported the Affordable Care Act and do not believe it is Congress’s job to remove people from their healthcare plans without alternatives. Let’s protect and improve Obamacare, not sabotage it. Let’s ensure that everyone has access to health coverage, that we tackle the costs of prescription drugs and bring forward a public option. It is time we focus first on how to meet Americans’ healthcare needs, then focus on how we get our healthcare companies to step up to the challenge.

Profits should never be put before people.

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

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

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

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

Background checks at gun shows?

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

In Congress I will be the NRA’s worst nightmare. My commitment is that on day one of the 116th Congress, I will have issued a letter to every single one of my colleagues asking them to join me in passing gun safety legislation that will include universal background checks, reinstating the assault rifle ban from 1994, “no-fly-no buy” provisions, banning bump stocks, and raising the age in which individuals can purchase guns. I made this commitment on January 3, 2018, one year before I plan to follow through on it. Our country’s gun violence epidemic is not

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Hills

ntiac

eld

Rochester Hills

Troy

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham

Clawson

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

going away and Michiganders can count on me to continue being an outspoken advocate for gun violence prevention. It is time we elect bold and courageous leaders willing to take on tough challenges – I will be one of them.

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

Going to war with a country is one of the most grave and serious decisions any President can make. It costs time and money and, most importantly, the lives of the most patriotic Americans – our service members. We cannot afford to make that decision lightly. It does not matter if our President is a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, or a reality TV show host – he or she must consult with Congress before committing an act of war.

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

I oppose NAFTA and other free trade deals that hurt American workers, but, as with all things, Donald Trump’s approach creates massive dysfunction and inconsistency.

While I agree we need to renegotiate trade agreements to make them more beneficial for workers, the President’s inconsistent approach to trade and import tariffs troubles me.

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

In 2009, economists were singing Detroit’s swan song. The auto industry was in crisis.

Analysts wanted to let Detroit go bankrupt.

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november 6 general election voter guide

I disagreed: I believed then, as I do today, that Detroit hustles harder. So I went to Washington and hustled, serving as chief of staff for President Obama’s auto rescue that helped save more than 200,000 jobs.

I’m running for Congress because I see a different kind of crisis today: Donald Trump’s reckless agenda is hurting us and raising healthcare costs. America’s working families can’t afford inaction – we need real leadership, and that’s what Michiganders can expect from me. I’m a Seaholm alum and proud product of this district. I got into this race when it didn’t seem easy but I outraised the incumbent and soon after he announced his retirement. I’ve delivered for Michigan before and voters should choose me because I’ll always deliver for Michigan in Congress.

LENA EPSTEIN REPUBLICAN

to succeed. We need to cut waste and abuse; however, I will protect Medicare and Social Security and make certain we keep our promises to our seniors.

NATIONAL HEALTH CARE First and foremost, we need to ensure those with pre-existing conditions are covered. But, we can cover pre-existing conditions without messing with everyone else’s healthcare plan. The Affordable Care Act caused many to lose their healthcare plans. And under the ACA, we saw out-ofpocket costs sharply increase. I support federal subsidies for state-run high-risk pools or any sort of state-run program that will provide coverage for those with preexisting conditions. I support the federal government block granting Medicaid funding to the states. And, young people should be able to stay on their parent’s healthcare until they are 26. When we talk about healthcare, I firmly believe we can find solutions that work for everyone.

by way of job creation and not by way of Washington, DC. I am an outsider. DC elites got us into this mess, they will not get us out. We need more practical problem solvers who have accomplishments in the private sector. I am reaching across the aisle and taking my message to Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike. I have created jobs.

I have signed both sides of a paycheck.

When I look at a bill or proposed policy, I can tell what the impact on jobs will be.

My primary mission is job creation. We live in a special place. This district has a rich diversity. We have people from every walk of life, but we all agree that we want more opportunities. I will work to keep southeast Michigan a special place where persecuted people can seek refuge, where business owners can set up shop, and every child grows up knowing that they have a shot at the American dream. We need to work together and I’m ready to unite the people of this district and be their voice in Washington, DC.

DACA/IMMIGRATION POLICY I support enforcing our current laws. I want to secure our borders. I also believe it is vitally important that we reunite families with children and work to keep families together.

GUN CONTROL I support the right to keep and bear arms. I support enforcing our current laws more stringently.

AUTHORIZING MILITARY ACTIONS

Epstein, a resident of Bloomfield Township, is a co-owner of Vesco Oil. She has an economics degree from Harvard and an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS

Our President is the Commander in Chief of the military. He cannot declare war; only Congress can. However, he has broad powers in dictating military operations. The proper course of action for a president to take depends on the nature of the situation. Generally, I would prefer more congressional oversight. However, there are times when a president must act swiftly and will not be able to consult Congress.

I support the President’s efforts to roll back outdated regulations that place an undue burden on our economy and businesses in southeast Michigan. I strongly support efforts to protect our Great Lakes so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy them and help keep out tourism economy strong.

I support the President’s efforts to renegotiate trade deals that have put American workers at a disadvantage. The result will be better deals for working families of southeast Michigan and across the country.

TAX CUTS

WHY YOU

I support the tax cuts. They have enabled the citizens of southeast Michigan to keep their hard earned money and invest it as desired. The result has been economic growth; our GDP was up by 4 percent last cycle. The tax cuts are working.

I am a member of the community of southeast Michigan with deep ties to the business and Jewish community. I have lived almost my entire life right here in southeast Michigan. I grew up here, I am raising my family here. My husband, Eric, and I are getting ready to celebrate our daughter, Emma’s, first birthday. We want America to offer Emma and all of our nation’s children the tremendous opportunities that it offered me. I am a business leader who comes to the district

BUDGET/NATIONAL DEBT I support a full audit of the Pentagon.

However, I also support our military and will work to get our troops whatever they need

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TRADE AGREEMENTS/TARIFFS

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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

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

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

So if you are not registered to vote in the November 6 general election, then call your local municipal clerk today.

Make sure you speak truth to power this election.

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november 6 general election voter guide Oakland Township

STATE SENATE - 12TH DISTRICT ROSEMARY BAYER DEMOCRAT

underground tanks), and countless (huge) numbers of lead water pipes to be replaced. We need the DEQ strongly funded to lead, identify and manage all these activities for the health of our people and environment.

roads. Tapping the rainy day fund may be necessary. But only if it includes a long term plan to restore our budget to a sustaining level, where everyone pays a fair share and schools, infrastructure and the environment are funded adequately to sustain our quality of life.

GUN REGULATIONS CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on gun control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

Bayer lives in Beverly Hills, and has computer science and math degrees from Central Michigan University and an MBA from Lawrence Technical University. She is the co-founder and chief inspiration officer of a database technology company, and is co-founder of Michigan Council of Women in Technology.

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

I would allocate more funds to the DEQ to compensate for 18 years of budget reductions, particularly severe cuts in the last eight years. This year’s reduced funds included cuts for: lead and copper water system testing; cleanup of vapor intrusion sites like the emergency cleanup recently experienced in Franklin; chemical sites; waterfront and state park cleanups and emergency cleanups; the recycling program; and more. Michigan DEQ failed its last federal audit, due to critical shortages in people and knowledge. We need to reinvest here, rapidly. We are facing an estimated 11,000 PFAS (water contamination) sites that must be cleaned up, plus an identified 4,000 vapor intrusion sites (hazardous chemical vapors from

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Yes. Since Congress failed to act, Michigan must act to protect our children from senseless gun violence. I support common sense gun regulation including expanded background checks, closing loopholes like gun show exceptions, implementing red flag laws and banning military style weapons and bump stocks for non-military use. In addition to sensible regulations, we need to invest in providing school counselors again. They serve as the front line defense to identify and help those who may take violent action in schools. And we must properly fund and restructure our state’s decimated mental health system. It is an outrage that red flag law legislation has languished on the desk of the head of the House committee who could have brought it to the legislative body over one year ago. He is now running for state Senator in another district. He, and all who take no positive action, should be defeated.

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

Our state road commission reports road funding needs at $4 billion annually.

Instead, the current administration cut road funding from $3.3 billion to $1.9 billion. Adding $175 million doesn’t dent a $1.4 billion annual reduction.

Corporate tax cuts, seven years ago, eliminated over $2 billion annually, forcing cuts in roads, schools, etc.. Like all “trickle down” attempts, this failed completely. We haven’t recovered the $2 billion per year, let alone seen growth.

Pushing this cost to taxpayers through additional user fees continues to shift the burden from corporations to people, including carrying the burden of the heaviest nationwide trucks on Michigan

Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures. Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews.

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K12 system that we have relied on for education?

Increase charter school controls; eliminate for-profit charter funding.

Michigan’s K-12 system is among the U.S. weakest. Since 2008, as charters exploded, Michigan students dramatically declined in reading/math with national data showing systemic deterioration: all students, all schools, regardless of race, economic strata. 2018 Brookings Institution national analysis ranked Michigan last in proficiency improvement.

EMO’s operate 80 percent of Michigan charters, versus 16 percent nationally.

With the most for-profit charter schools and minimal oversight, even staunch charter advocates blanch. Companies that own for-profit charters protect return on investment but don’t ensure learning.

Seventy percent are in the bottom 50 percent, and 16 are on the Michigan Education Department’s list of 21 failing schools. Charters selectively enroll; kids not at the top or needing help cannot enter or obtain support – unlike public schools. We should stop giving tax dollars to for-profit entities, and establish charter performance/finance control.

Public funding without accountability is profoundly irresponsible.

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

I’m glad the issue is on the 2018 general ballot for Michigan voters to decide, and I will vote yes on the ballot proposal.

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12 Oakland Twp.

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

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and transparency, leaving Michigan ranked near the bottom in comparative studies with other states. Would you support financial disclosure by state lawmakers?

What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt?

Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors? Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

I support all initiatives mentioned: financial disclosure for state lawmakers, removing FOIA exemption for all branches including the governor, and prohibiting “pay to play” for legislators approving contracts. In addition, since much money in politics is contributions to campaign funds, I will work to eliminate all “dark money” contributions, requiring full disclosure of PAC donors. I would also limit total contribution from all types of PACs or individuals to each candidate; and limit the amount a candidate can spend per election cycle as well as the time candidates are allowed to campaign. I support any effort to eliminate contributions, gifts, travel, from lobbyists and PACs to our state legislators. I think transparency in Michigan government is long overdue. My leadership philosophy has always been based on full information disclosure and transparency. I will continue to run my Senate office that way, and encourage colleagues to do the same.

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

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

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

MICHAEL MCCREADY REPUBLICAN

I am pro-choice. I fully support a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. I am endorsed by Emily’s List, Michigan List and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan.

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

Yes. The claim that the existing ElliottLarsen Civil Rights Act is sufficient protection for LGBTQ+ people is inaccurate, particularly since our Attorney General issued a statement in July 2018 stating explicitly that the Act does not extend protections to LGBTQ+ people. All people are people.

Constitutionally, and morally, all people deserve the same rights and protections, period. There is no acceptable discrimination. In our history, every time we try to separate human beings, and discriminate against some group of people, we are later proven wrong and need to make amends. This is just another case of doing that, and setting our government up for extensive future reparations. This is unconscionable. It simply exemplifies the current government’s desire to punish those who are not “the same” as the majority in our government today.

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

I bring a set of skills/experiences that our government sorely lacks. First, I am not a career politician. I’ve had a successful career solving real problems in the real world. I am a software engineer, leader, business owner, with decades of experience collaborating with teams who don’t always agree, building innovative solutions to reduce costs while making things work better. I bring a lifetime of civic achievements, improving lives and communities, including co-founding a non-profit that brings technology education and support to thousands of women and girls across Michigan. I am a mom, wife, daughter, aunt, sister – I bring the caring commitment I learned in all those roles. Lastly, I know how to listen and be of service. District 12’s citizens deserve more than career politicians who accomplish little, follow the party line, and ignore what people need, especially in public education, public health, personal healthcare and environmental protection.

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I support the rights of parent to have the ultimate choice in the educational path for their children. Charters are one of the many options that should be available, in addition to traditional public schools as well as parochial, private and home schooling.

Regardless of the avenue our educational system as a whole must be held to strict standards to ensure that we are properly preparing our future generations for the challenges they will face.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

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

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

My colleagues and I in the legislature worked diligently in 2016 to implement a new and improved regulatory framework for medical marijuana, to give those legitimately suffering from debilitating conditions or disease more flexibility, and safety when pursuing medical marijuana as a treatment option as well as give marijuana producers more certainty in the market. I believe that we should continue to allow that system to work before moving to the step of legalization of recreational marijuana.

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

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

GUN REGULATIONS

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS

Discussions on firearms are always contentious and divisive, but we can all agree that government should work to keep firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them. I support working towards that goal while also not infringing on the rights of law abiding citizens.

Because of this I would support implementing a red flag law in Michigan, but only if it includes strong protections for due process and stringent penalties for frivolous complaints.

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

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

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

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

CAST A BALLOT FROM HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, November 6?

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

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back.

Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the November 6 election.

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november 6 general election voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills

STATE SENATE - 13TH DISTRICT MALLORY MCMORROW DEMOCRAT

McMorrow, of Royal Oak, has a degree in car and industrial design from Notre Dame. She is a self-employed industrial designer.

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

Environmental protection is one area where we can’t afford to let the market decide. As the Great Lakes state and home to 21 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, we have a unique responsibility to protect our water and environment. We need an independent body to oversee that protection. I’ll always support collaborative efforts with the business community to develop sustainable solutions that move us all forward, but we should not let biased corporate interests self-regulate. I support more funding for the DEQ to adequately protect our water and environment for generations to come, especially in the wake of reductions in the EPA on the federal. We must protect our Great Lakes.

GUN REGULATIONS Because Congress has failed to act on proposed increased regulation of gun

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ownership, a number of states have taken the initiative to address the issue. Should Michigan be taking the lead on gun control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

Michigan is in the Top 10 Most Concerning States for violence and threats of violence against schools.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, with research indicating that the decision to take one’s life is often impulsive and made more dangerous by easy access to a firearm. We need to take lobbying for gun-maker profits out of politics and pursue common-ground legislation that protects Michiganders while respecting the Second Amendment. Research shows that despite rhetoric from organizations like the NRA, a majority of Americans favor various measures on regulation, including expanded background checks, banning bump stocks, and passing Red Flag laws that would temporarily remove firearms from those deemed a threat to themselves or others. I support these efforts and would work collaboratively with conservationists, hunters, gun owners and non-gun owners alike to forward solutions that put the safety of residents first.

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

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K12 system that we have relied on for education?

We need to authorize and oversee charter schools the same way we oversee public schools. While Michigan’s education rankings continue to drop to some of the worst in the nation, we should take a page from Massachusetts which consistently ranks at or near the top for both public and charter schools.

We should disallow private, for-profit charters who put their financial bottom line before students. We should hold all charters to the same standards as public schools. Charter and public schools can co-exist to benefit all students and should be overseen by one unifying State Board of Education.

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

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

I support the ballot proposal to legalize and regulate marijuana like alcohol.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

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

Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures. Charter schools were

Transparency, accountability, and accessibility are some of my top priorities – and further some of my strongest personal values. I know that much of our cultural and political divide stems from people lacking trust in those who purport

On roads alone, Oakland County residents pay an average of $865 per year on car repairs due to bad roads. A recent analysis from the Detroit Free Press of Governor Snyder’s 2011-2017 budgets highlights a staggering shift in tax burden from corporations to residents. While corporate taxes shrunk by $1.2 billion, or 57.1 percent, personal income taxes increased by $2.5 billion, or 32 percent. Businesses benefit from these public services and infrastructure as much as residents and they should be required to pay their fair share to ensure we have adequate funds to provide public services and infrastructure.

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Rochester

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Rochester Hills

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Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Berkley, Clawson, Franklin, Royal Oak, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Troy.

to represent them. We need to do everything in our power to make the process transparent. I support opening up the Governor’s office and legislature to FOIA, requiring disclosure of finances and potential conflicts of interest, prohibiting “Pay to Play” and reversing Michigan’s “Citizen’s United on Steroids” law which has allowed unlimited amounts of money into our campaign process. Additionally, I wholly support Proposition 2 which would eliminate partisan gerrymandering of the state’s electoral districts and create an independent redistricting commission, ensuring every voter that their voice and vote truly matters.

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

I am fiercely pro-choice and will always fight for a woman’s right to choose and have access to necessary reproductive healthcare. I’m against any efforts to limit that access. Recent efforts in states like Colorado have shown that the most effective way to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions is to increase access to science-based sex education and contraception, and in that state’s case – they were able to reduce the overall rate of teen pregnancies and abortions by over 40 percent over a sixyear period by providing long-term contraceptive devices to young women free of charge. As a woman who was raised Catholic and attended the University of Notre Dame, I deeply understand how personal this issue is for so many, but I challenge the notion that we cannot find common ground on this emotionallycharged issue to protect women’s healthcare while simultaneously reducing unwanted pregnancies. The data is there. .

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Should the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights

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november 6 general election voter guide

Act be amended to extend civil rights protections in housing and employment to include sexual orientation? Why or why not?

Yes. Legislators have a responsibility to serve and protect all Michiganders, and it’s shameful that in 2018 our LGBTQ residents are not guaranteed the same protections from discrimination as the rest of us. I was heartened to see the Civil Rights Commission vote in May to expand the interpretation of the term “sex” to include sexual orientation but was incredibly disheartened to see Lansing Republicans then move to have that interpretation invalidated only a few short months later. It’s time we amend Elliott-Larsen to explicitly include all Michiganders, once and for all.

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

I got into this race for no other reason than to try to make Michigan better – for us, and for the next generation. I bring more than a decade of proven high-level management, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving as an industrial designer and creative director for companies like Mattel, Mazda, and Gawker Media to offer a fresh new approach to our politics. I’m the only candidate who has committed, if elected, to relinquish my current job in order to focus 100 percent of my time and energy on being your state Senator.

Like so many people I talk to, I’m tired of feeling like our system is broken, and of the divisive rhetoric we hear every day that keeps us apart more than it brings us together. I’d be honored to represent you, to hear and share your stories, and to work with you to create a Michigan that works for everyone.

MARTY KNOLLENBERG

County resident and graduate of Bloomfield Hills Schools and Albion College. He was an Oakland County commissioner from 2003-2007, a state Representative, 2007-2012, and since 2014, the state Senator for the 13th District. He owns an insurance company and Sedona Taphouse in Troy.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Stakeholders impacted by DEQ decisions should have a voice at the table, but ultimate DEQ rulemaking and enforcement should – and does – reside with the department. I support a robust DEQ that has the resources and tools to protect our environment, using measurable and scientifically proven methods. Further, I oppose the untrue scare tactics that some are using for political purposes. I was disappointed to hear my opponent tell an interviewer that Birmingham's water supply is tainted with lead. It's not. This sort of intentional fearmongering has no place in our public discourse, and makes it more difficult for those of us who care about the environment to achieve consensus.

There has to be a balance. Some parents view charters as the right fit for their children. They like having that option, and we must have a place for them. But at the same time, it must be a fair option. I'm concerned that charter (and cyber) schools are cherry picking the most able students, and leaving the most costly students for traditional public schools. That's not fair to traditional public schools. I have a unique perspective on this. I was born hard of hearing, which wasn't discovered until I was three-and-a-half years old. I credit my public school teachers for helping me catch up with my peers. Because of my teachers, and all that they did for me in helping me reach my potential, education has become my passion. I’m especially sympathetic to the mission of traditional public schools.

They must be protected from unfair competition.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

The federal government needs to enforce existing gun laws. Under current federal law, individuals barred from purchasing a firearm because of mental health issues often are still able to do so because local law enforcement cannot access their health information in a timely manner because of HIPPA privacy rules. The federal bureaucracy makes it very difficult for our local law enforcement to do its job, and that has to change – but that's a change that has to occur at the federal level.

Further, a key component to this is school safety. I was the only Senate Republican to vote to allow schools to have gun free zones. Local schools and communities should decide what’s best for them, not Lansing. I oppose loopholes to purchasing a firearm. I support banning bump stocks. I do not support banning firearms based on cosmetics, but on what they do. I support red flag laws.

ROAD REPAIRS

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

GUN REGULATIONS

REPUBLICAN

Knollenberg, of Troy, is a lifelong Oakland

process. It was a missed opportunity.

Tapping the rainy day fund is shortsighted.

We should save that money to protect our vulnerable citizens during the next economic downturn.

Michigan is investing an additional $800 million into roads and bridges this year, not $175 million. And I’m pleased to have obtained additional funding this summer for important road projects in my district.

Roads didn't crumble overnight, but over the past generation – under both Republican and Democratic administrations. It's disappointing that Senate Democrats refused to work with Republicans on a bipartisan roads solution; choosing, instead, not to offer any legislation or amendments, and then – with the exception of one Senator – all voting NO on the final bill. Democrats wanted a campaign issue more than they wanted their constituents to have good roads. We could have done so much more for our citizens had they participated in the

I personally oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana, and I’m voting against the ballot proposal in November.

This ballot proposal will create a Wild West environment for recreational marijuana similar to that which Michigan experienced for 10 years following legalization of medicinal marijuana. However, I respect the will of the people and will abide by their decision.

post first trimester, late-term, Downs syndrome, gender selection, etc…People of good will can disagree on this issue. It's not black or white and there used to be common ground that abortion was not a desirable outcome. Hillary Clinton famously said, "Abortions should be safe, legal and rare." For 20 years, that was the policy of the Democratic Party. Not anymore. There's a radicalized wing of the Democratic Party that promotes abortion as a morally positive, progressive action. Indeed, actor and Democratic activist Lena Dunham told her podcast listeners in 2016, "I still haven't had an abortion, but I wish I had." I find that tragic.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Yes. As for codifying it into state law, it’s not likely to be taken up. However, if it is, I will vote for it.

WHY YOU • Increased education funding by $2.8 billion/year • Obtained $340 million for career development • Wrote the law to keep schoolchildren safe • Wrote the law to increase the number of teachers • Wrote the law to protect sexual assault survivors • Wrote the law to combat opioid abuse • Wrote the law to give seniors more housing options • Voted to eliminate the senior pension tax • Wrote the law to give disabled individuals easier access to handicapped parking placards • Wrote the law to ban animal shelters’ use of gas chambers

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY People don't contact their state Senator when their life is going great. They contact their state Senator when they're desperate and afraid. The letters, calls and emails that I receive are from people who don't know where else to turn – they're about to lose their home to foreclosure, or their utilities are about to be turned off, or they don't have food for their children, or they have some other type of personal family crisis. Opening up their files to public inspection through FOIA requests does not serve the public interest, and I will resist it.

As for campaign finance, committees are currently required to declare late contributions that arrive after the filing deadline. The technology is readily available to require immediate (24 hour) disclosure of all contributions. Allow the people to see for themselves if contributions are being made to coincide with legislation.

Finally, I'm the likely next chair of the Education Committee, where I can do even more for our schools.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE It's been said the true measure of a society is how it treats those least able to defend themselves. I'm pro-life. I find it interesting this question doesn't ask pro-choice candidates if there are circumstances when abortion shouldn't be permitted, such as

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

STATE HOUSE - 40TH DISTRICT

Manoogian, a Birmingham resident, attended undergrad and graduate school at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. She was the program officer in the Office of English Language Programs, and Digital Engagement Officer, Office of eDiplomacy, both at the U.S. State Department.

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

I disagree strongly with recent attempts to curtail the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. This agency is critical to ensuring Michiganders are healthy and safe, and that our natural resources remain for generations to come. We should be relying on scientists and public servants for staffing this rule making agency, not corporate polluters and CEOs who have a financial interest in how the rules are made.

I support increasing resources for the DEQ, so that they can fully ensure a healthy and safe Michigan.

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

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Yes, the ongoing expansion of charter schools has negatively impacted our K-12 public school system. We must take the profit motive out of educating our children. I support capping the number of schools that can be chartered in any given year.

Presently, charter schools are able to use taxpayer dollars, but are not subject to the same transparency laws that local schools and school boards must be compliant with. I will champion legislation that will ensure transparency wherever our public dollars are spent on education. Given our state’s struggles with meeting third-grade literacy standards, and falling test scores, underfunding our local schools is not the answer to the question of how to build a Michigan that is prepared for the 21st century.

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

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

We know that $175 million is insufficient for road funding; some estimates put the amount at $2 billion annually to adequately fund road and infrastructure repairs. Waiting for three more years to repair our roads is untenable. This is costing Michiganders across our district, and indeed our state, an average of $700 in repairs per year. It is estimated that our state will have a budget surplus between $279 million and $348 million. This money should not be allocated to the rainy day fund; it must be used to begin the much needed repairs to our county and local roads.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures.

Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews. Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state

I support the legalization of marijuana. By legalizing marijuana, our state can regulate and tax it, similar to how alcohol is regulated, and we can conduct better research on its impacts. Additionally, the legalization of marijuana is also a civil rights issue, given that criminal enforcement disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color.

While other states have made marijuana legal with some net positives and some challenges, our state has the opportunity to get it right.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and transparency, leaving Michigan ranked near the bottom in comparative studies with other states. Would you support financial disclosure by state lawmakers?

What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt? Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors?

Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

As a former U.S. Department of State program officer, I strongly support strengthening Michigan’s ethics and transparency laws. I support financial disclosure by lawmakers and expanding

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Orchard Lake

Bloomfield Twp.

rmington Hills

Bloomfield Twp.

40 Franklin

Bloomfield Hills

Birmingham Bingham Farms

I support implementing common sense gun laws in Michigan that will keep our communities safe. I am proud to have earned a Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction. On student walkout day, I spoke at the Capitol in Lansing, and advocated for red flag legislation at our state representative’s office hours. I support expanding background checks, including requiring background checks at gun shows. I firmly believe that weapons of war have no place in our communities, and bump stocks or other modifications to firearms to make them automatic should be made illegal. I support red flag legislation that takes into account civil liberties, but also ensures an individual will not be able to harm themselves or others. I do not believe arming teachers is the answer to making our schools safer. I will advocate for increased funding to ensure schools across Michigan are able to take proper safety precautions.

Sylvan

DEMOCRAT

Pontiac

control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K-12 system that we have relied on for education?

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MARI MANOOGIAN

control? Would you support requiring expanded background checks?

Background checks at gun shows?

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

Beverly Hills Southfield Twp.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and West Bloomfield.

Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the legislature and governor’s office. This will allow lawmakers to provide much needed oversight and a check on the executive branch. Additionally, I support prohibiting “Pay to Play” regarding lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors. Ethics and transparency laws should also be extended to the MDEQ, and other agencies operating in the executive branch. I also support increased transparency with regard to any taxpayerfunded expenditure, including public dollars that are spent on charter schools.

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

I support a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. The choices a woman makes regarding her health should be between her and her doctor.

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

Every Michigander must be considered equal under the law, therefore the ElliottLarsen Civil Rights Act should be amended to extend civil rights protections to every citizen regardless of sexual orientation. I applaud the decision of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission to extend the definition of the word, “sex” to sexual orientation and gender identity with regard to Elliott-Larsen via a regulation. However, we must take steps to amend Elliott-Larsen to ensure Michigan is inclusive under the law, in the event a future MCRC repeals the regulation.

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

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november 6 general election voter guide

I was born and raised in Birmingham and it’s the place I’ve called home for my entire life. I’m proud to be this district’s hometown candidate. Over the years, I’ve been a Harlan Hare, a BCS Cobra and a Seaholm Maple – and I believe it really does matter that the leaders we elect to represent us in government can understand our district. I’m proud to have a diverse record of public service experience from my time in the Office of Congressman John Dingell to working with Ambassador Samantha Power at the United Nations, to representing America abroad at the State Department and the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. After eight years of Governor Rick Snyder and an incredibly long 20 months of President Donald Trump, it’s clear that the experiment of electing leaders with no experience in government has failed Michigan. Democrats shouldn’t follow down that same failed path.

DAVID WOLKINSON REPUBLICAN

considering new regulations or stricter enforcement of current ones absent a compelling reason otherwise.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION GUN REGULATIONS I believe very strongly in the Second Amendment. Our right to bear arms is entrenched in our Constitution. However, our recent history of gun violence has made it clear that we need to be more effective in getting guns out of the hands of those that are severely mentally ill and are prone to violence. I do not think that all, or even most, of our horrible gun violence can be solved with new legislation, but it is clear that certain perpetrators of these horrendous crimes (like the young man in the recent Parkland shooting) should never have had access to the guns that he did.

He had demonstrated mental incapacity to possess weapons and an eagerness to commit violence. If legislation were proposed to increase the effectiveness of background checks and it was narrowly tailored, so as not to infringe on the rights of law abiding Americans, I would support it.

ROAD REPAIRS

Wolkinson lives in Birmingham and is a small business owner. He served as Gov. Snyder's policy director and administrative vice chairman of the Michigan Republican Party. He has undergrad, masters, and a law degree from University of Michigan.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION In 2010, I served as policy director for Gov. Rick Snyder’s gubernatorial campaign. I met with business leaders, environmentalists and other stakeholders throughout the state. Under the Granholm administration, the single most complained about state agency was the DEQ. Governor Snyder came into office determined to roll back what he viewed as an overly aggressive DEQ and given the nature of this question, it appears he was quite successful in doing so. There has been no greater failure of this administration than the Flint water disaster.

That disaster (shamefully, totally manmade) reminds us why strong environmental regulations are so important (they are literally of life and death importance.) With that said, I would be very wary of swinging the pendulum in the other direction. It is important that we be conservative about

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

appropriate to consider tougher oversight of those failing schools.

$175 million is not sufficient. Our roads are in serious disrepair. While I would support legislation to use money from the rainy day fund, my first priority would be to fight for our district’s fair share of the current road money being spent. We are the biggest donors to the state (as far as House districts go). In Oakland County, we only get back some 70 cents on the dollar of what we send to Lansing – in the 40th district it is even lower. Thankfully we are the wealthiest district in the state, but the formula for road money does not account for either a) how much we disproportionately send to Lansing for the entire state’s benefit; b) being the economic and social engine of the metro Detroit region, how much our roads are driven on.

The bottom line is that Oakland County (and the 40th district in particular) do not get our fair share of road revenue based on the current formulas and the next state representative needs to fight for our fair share.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS The idea behind charter schools having less accountability than traditional public schools is that no one is obliged to attend a charter school. Public schools in our district are for the most part fantastic, but there are other places (like the city of Detroit) where plenty of parents failed their kids are trapped in a failing system. Charter schools were created to give parents more choices. Unlike traditional public schools, if a charter school is failing then the parents have the option of pulling their child out. This is an inherent accountability that does not exist at traditional public schools. With that said, the state funds a major part of every student’s public education dollars. If charter schools are failing, then it would be

Let the people decide. The people are smarter than Lansing politicians. As William F Buckley once said, “I’d rather be governed by the first thousand names in the phone book than the Harvard faculty.” I think the people have been way ahead of the politicians throughout the marijuana legalization process. I have great confidence in the people and will support whatever decision they make.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Yes, I believe that there is a deep deal of insider dealing in Lansing and there are a number of reforms that I would support to hopefully transform this negative/corrupt culture. This is most prevalent when one examines the state’s economic development efforts. Simply put, investing is hard, it is not easy (I do it for a living) it is not the role of state bureaucrats (or legislatures for that matter) to speculate as to what the next economic “growth” area will be. Our economic development efforts should be narrowed to providing a safe secure place to invest, top flight infrastructure and fantastic educational systems. It is not the role of the state to invest in private enterprise (directly or through the tax system). Predicting winners and losers should be left to private citizens and I think draining Lansing of this money will clean up the ethical environment in state government.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE I am pro-life.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS Yes. Same gender loving couples (LGBTs) and all Michiganders deserve the same housing and employment rights. This is past due. No one should be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Of course, there must be robust protections of our religious freedoms (no church or synagogue should ever be forced to violate their beliefs) but extending Elliot Larsen to the LGBT community should be done immediately.

WHY YOU I am a businessman. I have built up a small but successful real estate management company in the last five years. I know how economies work and I have deep experience in public policy from my years of activism in the Republican Party and my service as Governor Snyder’s policy director. I think I am the candidate with the best combination of energy and experience to fight for what matters to voters in the district. I know how government works and I want to fight for more money for our roads, more dollars in the classroom and to make Michigan the best place to live, work and raise a family.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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

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

Call or visit your local municipal clerk’s office to register for the November 6 general election.

Youth holds the power.

Use it.

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november 6 general election voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

STATE HOUSE - 45TH DISTRICT KYLE COOPER DEMOCRAT

Cooper, of Rochester, is a bartender.

He attended Oakland and Eastern universities.

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

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

From the Flint water crisis, to the Asian carp invasion, to Line 5, we need to do more to protect our citizens and wildlife.

Michigan used to be a world leader in environmental protection, and I will be leading the charge in Lansing to return us to our former status.

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

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support requiring expanded background checks? Background checks at gun shows? Banning bump stocks? Raising the age on the purchase of weapons?

Banning military style weapons? Red flag laws?

As a proud recipient of the Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction, I will work hard in Lansing to keep the children of our state safe while at school.

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

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

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

The system that our state government has been complacent in using is outdated and failing Michigan families.

Lawmakers in Lansing, however, have on more than one occasion rejected tightening the overview of charter schools and have allowed for their continued growth. Should there be more state control over charter schools for performance and finances? Does the ongoing expansion of charter schools threaten the public schools K12 system that we have relied on for education?

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

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

I am in support of the marijuana legalization ballot proposal. I believe that legalization can provide a very large boost in tax revenue that is specifically earmarked for education, roads and infrastructure. This is also another large potential industry to help stimulate our state’s economy. Data also shows that states with legal marijuana have seen a large reduction in the number of opioid addictions. Through legalization and state regulation, we can also take better steps as a government to keep marijuana out of the hands of minors and underaged users. Overall, we can see several significant economic and public safety benefits for families in our community through the legalization of marijuana.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS

p

Auburn Hills

45

Rochester

Rochester Hills

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

Freedom of Information Act, from which they are now exempt? Would you support a bill that prohibits “Pay to Play” when it comes to lawmakers approving contracts with companies or people who are campaign contributors? Are there any other areas that need to be addressed if we are to strengthen ethics/transparency laws/rules in Michigan as they apply to the legislature and administrative offices?

I wholeheartedly believe in transparency when it comes to taking positions of responsibility and authority, and no elected official in this state should be entitled to secrecy over wrongdoing.

Financial disclosures must be made common practice, if not the law and our state government should be subject to the terms of FOIA as well. I would support any efforts to eliminate “Pay to Play” practices. We need to strengthen the ethical framework our government operates in, so that we not only improve how government functions today, but also to facilitate the entry of more ethical and trustworthy politicians into the system. Lansing is meant to be run as a government of the people, and transparency is key in maintaining this integrity.

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

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY Michigan has developed a reputation as one of the most deregulated school environments in the country, with the largest number of charter schools – 80 percent of which are for-profit ventures. Charter schools were originally billed as a cure for declining student achievement and inequality, but a number of reports in the last few years show that 70 percent of the state’s charter schools are in the lower rungs of student achievement reviews.

Although Michigan has 1973 Act (196) to regulate conduct of public officials, it is considered less than rigorous when it comes to legislative ethics and transparency, leaving Michigan ranked near the bottom in comparative studies with other states. Would you support financial disclosure by state lawmakers? What about including the governor’s office and the legislature when it comes to the Michigan

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

My goal with this issue is to reduce the number of abortions through responsible and medically safe means. We must listen when women speak regarding what they need to make informed decisions.

We must increase access to contraception for all people who need it, and we need to move away from abstinence-only education in our schools, toward more comprehensive sex education programs. We need to also improve affordable access to women’s

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

healthcare services, and community resources. Just as important as the debate around abortion is the question of what are we doing to take care of mothers and children now? With a foster system that is woefully underfunded, and hundreds of thousands of children who are underfed and malnourished, we can’t stop caring for a child the moment they’re born.

MICHAEL WEBBER REPUBLICAN

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

WHY YOU I am running for office because I want to be a high school teacher someday. And through my years in school and talking with fellow teachers, I began to lose hope day by day that I would ever be able to make a good living as a teacher in Michigan. Our public education system in Michigan is under attack.

Teachers are struggling to make ends meet while also battling just to give their kids the bare necessities in the classroom. I’ve met teachers that have not been able to purchase new books for their classrooms in upwards of 10-15 years. The children of Michigan deserve better. I’m running because I love this state, and I want to leave it better than what I found it. I will put aside the partisan rhetoric and work with anyone who’s willing to work toward strengthening Michigan’s schools, and finally fix our crumpling infrastructure.

make sense given our strict term limits.

PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE

ROAD REPAIRS

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS

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

important than ensuring the safety of our children in the classroom.

Webber, of Rochester Hills, is completing his second term as Representative for the 45th District.

He served seven years on the Rochester Hills City Council, five years on the board of the Older Persons Commission (OPC), and as a board member on the Rochester Community Schools Foundation. He has a degree in international relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION While I cannot speak to the funding levels for DEQ prior to 2015, I do believe that the department has been adequately funded over the past four budget years. The DEQ has had some challenges over that time period, none more high profile than the Flint Water crisis that resulted in the resignation of the previous director. Money has been appropriated by the legislature on a bipartisan basis to respond to the Flint crisis and concerns regarding PFAS. Legislation to allow for greater business community input into DEQ rules struck the correct balance of protecting our environment while also allowing input currently not considered by the department.

The $175 million mentioned in the question was additional road funding that was used on an emergency basis in this summer’s budget because it was left over from the previous year. Overall, our road funding budget is about $4 billion for this coming year. I expect that it will continue to increase over the next several years. As a state, we have underfunded our roads for decades and now we are just starting to catch up.

Having consistent increased funding for roads is the key so that companies come back that can perform these projects (and do it right the first time). Tapping the state rainy day fund is not a smart way to go – it would mean $1 billion in one time money and that is it. Re-doing ACT 51 funding – how we distribute road funding throughout the state – also needs to get done.

CHARTER SCHOOL REFORMS The decision was made years ago to uncap the number of public charter schools in our state. I would support greater transparency of our public charter schools. It is important to realize that per pupil funding follows the student to whichever school they choose to attend (except for private schools). If public charter schools are attracting students to attend, then there must be a market for these schools. It is also important to note that the per pupil school allotment has increased each of the past four years and that because of the governor’s 2X formula, the gap is decreasing between the higher and lower per pupil funding school districts.

While I do appreciate that good people can disagree on this issue, I am pro-life and proudly endorsed once again by Right to Life of Michigan.

CODIFYING CIVIL RIGHTS While there has been discussion about this in the past, including a recent push from the Michigan Civil Rights commission, I believe that the legislature should focus on many other critical issues affecting our state.

WHY YOU A 28-year resident of Rochester Hills, I have grown up in this community, went to school in this community and now proudly serve this community. I have focused on constituent outreach and accessibility during the 11 years (including seven on the Rochester Hills City Council) that I have represented our area. I have focused on results and I am able to work with colleagues to get things through the legislative process.

While others attempt to shift our state to an extreme, socialistic form of government, I will continue to focus on providing realistic government that does not try to do more than it should.

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION I am opposed to the proposal. While some states have been able to legalize marijuana, this is a dangerous proposal that goes much further than all of the other states. Voters should read through the proposal and stay informed before voting in November.

ETHICS/TRANSPARENCY

GUN REGULATIONS Michigan currently has many laws already on the books that are enforced regarding background checks and gun ownership. The legislature has focused efforts on bi-partisan legislation to improve school safety. The budget that was recently passed includes $58 million for school safety initiatives, including grants to help schools update their security, resources to hire additional counselors for students, and an expansion of the OK2SAY program. I expect that more recommendations will come out of the Governor’s School Safety Task Force. Nothing is more

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I would support financial disclosure by state lawmakers. For the second session in a row I have voted for legislation requiring that the governor’s office and the legislature be open to Freedom of Information Act. As a city councilmember in Rochester Hills for seven years I was subject to FOIA, and I think that our governor and state lawmakers should be subject as well. Unfortunately, these bills have failed to reach the governor’s desk the past two sessions. In addition, I would add that Michigan should have a cooling off period for legislators and staff before they join a government relations organization. This is a change that would

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

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november 6 general election voter guide Rochester Hills

COUNTY COMMISSION - 11TH DISTRICT ANN ERIKSON GAULT DEMOCRAT

millage or a dedicated gas tax strictly for road repairs?

A county as prosperous as Oakland should not have crumbling roads.

Oakland County has a $900 million budget but spends less than one percent of that on roads and relies solely on the limited funding the Road Commission for Oakland County receives from the state.

Before we consider increasing taxes, we should examine whether we can reallocate the existing revenue to road repair and construction. As a county commissioner, I will work to increase funding for roads and other infrastructure.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY

Erikson Gault is an attorney who lives in Troy. She received her bachelor's degree from Manchester College, and her law degree from University of Toledo. She has served on the Women's Commission for Oakland County.

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

The patchwork system of transit in metro Detroit fails the people who need it most.

No one should have to sit on a bus for two hours to get to work. We need to unify the existing system so that working people and seniors have safe, reliable transportation.

A unified system would bring opportunities for economic expansion and job growth.

We should also reconsider whether some communities should be able to opt out of the SMART system or any future transit system. Instead of allowing opt outs, we should build a system that benefits all communities. As for as the regional transit ballot proposal, I am generally in favor of allowing the people to vote and would not oppose putting it on the ballot. As the Michigan Constitution states, all political power is inherent in the people, and our elected officials should not be standing in the way.

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

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Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAAratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate. The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should be launching at this time?

The key to sustaining economic growth is an educated, well-trained workforce. If we have workers with the skills that industry needs, new business will locate here. We can create that workforce by two means: maintaining high quality public education and promoting training in skilled trades.

For example, trade unions already have apprenticeship programs in place to train people to perform well-paid jobs that are in demand. Oakland County can do more to promote those existing programs and, as county commissioner, I will make this a priority.

it can to be a strong partner in the southeast Michigan region as it applies to the issue of regional cooperation?

Oakland County is not an island, despite what some county leaders may think.

When the region prospers, we prosper too. Oakland County should work with all of southeast Michigan to invest in our early education systems and preschool, increase access to healthcare in our communities, repair and update our infrastructure, and make sure that everyone, especially woman, have a seat at the table in business and government.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

We are the stewards of our environment and if we fail to conserve and protect our natural resources, we do so at our own peril. The Board of Commissioners should keep a close rein on activities that threaten our environment such as fracking. While we should not unnecessarily interfere with a property owner’s rights, we have to ensure that activity on private property does not adversely impact public lands and resources. Oakland County should also be investigating the emerging problem of PFAS by identifying any contamination and working with state and federal authorities to remediate pollutants.

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

This issue is personal to me as I have witnessed friends and family who battled depression. The county has good programs in place to help those who struggle with mental health, but we could be doing more to increase public awareness of the problem and the available services. The Board of Commissioners can shine a light on the issues by creating or expanding public awareness campaigns, especially in the schools, to make sure that all children know they are not alone and where to get help.

REGIONAL COOPERATION

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

Too many elected officials today lack integrity and the courage to do what is right. I will advocate for my community, as I did when I fought the city of Troy to release information on our former city manager. Transparency and accountability will be keystones of my work as county commissioner. I will also communicate with my constituents so they know what the commissioners are doing and I know what issues matter to them. I have demonstrated my commitment to communication by personally knocking hundreds of doors in the district. A voter I met recently told me that he has never heard from his county commissioner. That will change if I am elected. Last but not least, I will do what the voters are telling me is badly needed: I will bring new leadership and new ideas to county government to move our workforce and economy into the future.

Do you feel Oakland County is doing all

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Auburn Hills

15

Rochester

Rochester Hills

11

Almost the western half of Rochester Hills, along with the northern portion of Troy and the southeast corner of Auburn Hills.

THOMAS E. KUHN REPUBLICAN

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

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

Rochester Hills taxpayers should not be required to pay for the proposed new regional transit tax. If other communities believe that the regional transit plan will benefit them, then, of course, they should have the opportunity to tax themselves if they so choose. As county commissioner, I will work hard to exclude communities such

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

november 6 general election voter guide

as Rochester Hills from paying for any regional tax proposal which doesn’t benefit them. For me, it’s really just a matter of fairness. The proposed cost to Rochester Hills taxpayers far exceeds any benefit.

to evaluate their effectiveness and to propose improvements. We should encourage public-private cooperation to address this serious concern.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

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

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

I oppose adding a new county road tax on top of the existing state and federal road taxes. As county commissioner, I will however make sure county participation in joint projects with Rochester Hills to prioritize maintenance and improvement of those county roads which have been neglected, such as Hamlin, Adams and Livernois.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAA-ratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate. The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should be launching at this time?

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

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

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

The county needs to fix Children’s Village to assure better outcomes for troubled children in our community. The first step should be setting up a task force of community volunteers involved with Youth Assistance and similar volunteer groups, along with business, non-profit and school leaders to look at Childrens Village’s current operations, NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

REGIONAL COOPERATION

Did not respond.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

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

Paid for by Tom Kuhn for Oakland County 1595 Pebble Point Drive, Troy, MI 48085

RE-INVENTING OAKLAND COUNTY’S FUTURE

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

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

9 Engine of Economic Growth Oakland County government OFFET to provide policies and programs to attract and retain high tech industry, high paying jobs.

9 Rebuilding Our Infrastructure 70% of Oakland County roads are rated poor or worse- UhBU is unacceptable. Tom Kuhn will work to bring much needed road dollars back to our community.

9 Center for Learning

As a 12 year veteran of 0$$hT )JHIFS &ducation #oard PG 5SVTUFFT, Tom Kuhn understandT the value of building a culture of knowledge and opportunity. )F XJMM open new doors for young people by expanding partnerships between county government, higher education institutions and business in skilled trades, apprenticeships and more.

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november 6 general election voter guide Rochester, Rochester Hills

COUNTY COMMISSION - 15TH DISTRICT MARY WARD DEMOCRAT

need to invest in roads that are built with high quality.

WHY YOU IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY Oakland County is once again the toprated county in the state, with AAAratings and a 3.6 percent unemployment rate. The county has created a number of focused development efforts, such as Automation Alley. Do you think there are other concerted efforts the county should be launching at this time?

Ward is a realtor who lives in Rochester Hills. She has her undergraduate degree from Oakland University and a master's degree from Marygrove College.

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

Yes, I support the regional mass transit plan. All popular and successful city areas in the country as well as the world have a strong mass transit system. This will aid our area in many ways; it will attract young people to our region. Many of them would rather not have to own a car and all the associated expenses. It would also relieve traffic congestion. It will unify all regions and make it easier and more cost effective to transit within out metro Detroit area.

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

It is our responsibility to make sure that we have roads that are safe to travel on.

I would like to make sure that the roads are built with quality components as it seems like our roads wear out more quickly than roads in other states and countries. I know that we have harsh weather, but so does Wisconsin. We

18B

No answer.

The people who are not retiring need to be well trained prior to their departure.

Procedure manuals and philosophies need to be produced. In-servicing of these procedures and philosophies should be taken by the employees left behind. If this is done, the elected officials will be able to reproduce the same results and may even improve upon them. The county office climate must be of the highest quality.

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

I taught children for many years; managing them, evaluating them and presenting them. This demands strong organizational and people skills. I have had many jobs including medical transcription, sales and customer service. Currently, I teach English Language Learners as well as sell and buy real estate. I love to learn new things and enjoy challenges. This makes me highly qualified to do a great job for the people of Oakland County.

ADAM KOCHENDERFER REPUBLICAN

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

No answer.

REGIONAL COOPERATION

1. Maintaining a clean water supply.

This includes what comes out of our faucets as well as our water table and small lakes.

2. We need to maintain and even strengthen our community health system. Mental health services should be strengthened and made available to those that area in need.

3. Our county roads need to be maintained and kept in great condition.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Oakland County is the home to hundreds of inland lakes and sits at the headwaters of six major rivers feeding the state’s waterways. Should the county be taking a stronger role in protecting the environment through a more aggressive approach with ordinances regulating items and activities that threaten our natural resources?

15

Rochester Hills

11 Rochester and the eastern portion of Rochester Hills.

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

MENTAL HEALTH

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

rn

Rochester

Kochenderfer lives in Rochester Hills, and is currently the county commissioner for the 15th District. He is an attorney who received his law degree from University of Michigan Law School, and his undergraduate degrees from Oakland University. He previously was a Rochester Hills city council member from 2011-2015.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY It is clear that our region cannot reach its full potential without a transit system beyond SMART’s current offering. Too many are left behind, and large employers have named mass transit as a significant consideration to moving jobs here. But if one of the goals of mass transit is combining our regional strength, forcing outlying communities into a system they don’t want is a poor start. We must take the time to formulate a strong transit plan with buyin from all necessary communities, regardless of whether that includes all or a portion of Oakland County. Any other approach deepens the divisiveness we are attempting to combat.

VOTER GUIDE/DOWNTOWN

Keeping our roads smooth and safe is one of government’s critical functions.

However, an additional tax on families and businesses is neither necessary nor practical. As a county commissioner, I supported a pilot program that invests millions of dollars in local road improvements. Oakland County is also employing innovative techniques that leverage our existing road dollars. For example, we were able to “purchase” federal funding from other counties in Michigan who are not using the funds.

This may mean that Oakland County would pay the other county $800,000, but it would receive $1 million in federal funds to spend on road improvements.

We are continuing to explore and deploy unconventional approaches to stretch road dollars. A new tax limited only to our area would make Oakland County both less affordable for current residents and less attractive to employers and families considering a move to our area.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COUNTY I’m proud of the strong economic growth Oakland County has experienced during my tenure as a county commissioner. The county now holds one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. But now isn’t the time to rest. We are continually exploring new sectors to pursue. For example, artificial intelligence promises to be the next leap across industries and society at large.Oakland County is uniquely situated to be a leader in that field. Our automotive resources are crucial to the development of autonomous vehicles. But that is just the beginning. We can leverage that expertise to become a magnet for companies exploring artificial intelligence in a wide variety of industries. This and other efforts will ensure that Oakland County continues to attract high-paying jobs that shape tomorrow.

MENTAL HEALTH As a parent of two small children, I’m NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

deeply concerned about the mental health of our county’s youth. That’s why I cosponsored a resolution expanding the Safe and Healthy Kids program in Oakland Schools. This program provides anti-bullying training for educators and promotes awareness and understanding of how to combat bullying in schools. This is one example of many actions that the county’s mental health division is taking to protect our youth. Whether it be suicide or violence against others, the board of commissioners has a critical role in continuing to support those prevention efforts.

REGIONAL COOPERATION Oakland County has a moral and functional obligation to work with other counties and communities across southeast Michigan. That’s why Oakland County serves as a partner in the regional authority governing Cobo, the Great Lakes Water Authority, and many other partnerships that cut across county lines.

But regional cooperation is not synonymous with regional capitulation.

Partners can have honest differences of opinion. When we do, we must frankly express those opinions and attempt to work through disagreements to benefit all residents.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION I strongly believe our water resources are critical to both Oakland County’s economy and residents’ quality of life.

For example, I co-sponsored a resolution to support and expand lake testing and monitoring throughout the county. This included a partnership with Michigan Clean Water Corp, which works to preserve and protect our state’s water resources. We must serve as responsible stewards of our county’s water resources, and I will continue to support efforts that meet that goal.

FREEDUMB

WHY YOU While I did not have an opponent on the primary ballot, I believe my experience in both the public and private sectors has prepared me for continuing to serve the residents of Oakland County. I am currently on the Board of Commissioners, representing Rochester and a large portion of Rochester Hills. I formerly served on the Rochester Hills City Council and numerous other community organizations.

But I am also an attorney and equity partner at a law firm in Oakland County, Wolfson Bolton PLLC. Additionally, I am a former partner of a large regional law firm, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. I have represented clients ranging from automotive OEM’s to private individuals in complex disputes. That experience has required deep problem-solving and analytical skills, but also an ability to sometimes bring feuding factions together to achieve a common goal.

NOVEMBER 2018 GENERAL ELECTION

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BECAUSE EVERY VOICE SHOULD BE HEARD.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSAL 3 http://www.promotethevotemi.com PAID FOR WITH REGULATED FUNDS BY PROMOTE THE VOTE, 2966 WOODWARD AVE, DETROIT MI 48201

FACES Patti Jacques temming from the idea of helping families and children in need during the holidays, long-time Rochester Hills resident Patti Jacques and two others started Gifts For All God's Children to bring items to children at Christmas time. Today, the non-profit organization has helped more than 65,000 children and operates outreach programs at dozens of churches throughout metro Detroit, Pontiac and Flint.

"It just expanded when people heard what we were doing, then more people and churches started sponsoring children," Jacques said. "It went from 188 children to 2,950 last Christmas. We went from three churches to more than 50, so we are real connected."

Gifts For All Gods Children, which recently expanded to a workshop space in Shelby Township, works by asking churches, businesses, individuals and other charitable organizations to sponsor individual children during the holiday. In doing so, Jacques said, they collect a list of needs and wants from the families and provide personalized gifts. Donors may also give items to the charity, which then uses them to fill out lists. In doing so, Gifts For All God's Children operates differently than a gift drive or food bank.

Outside of the Christmas gift lists, the organization has expanded to include other programs, such as individual tutoring and mentoring, summer bible camps, overnight camp scholarships, field trips, sports camps and transportation services.

Jacques said the progression of services and expansion wasn't something that was necessarily planned out, but that happened by word of mouth and the generosity of others.

"We never had a business plan, we didn't have that kind of growth. We didn't have a plan to go to a different church," she said. "As the years went by, we got more and more children on the list. Soon we had up to 1,500, and we weren't even computerized. We hand wrote ID tags. That's what makes us so personal."

When the organization started working with Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, its expansion couldn't be stopped. Still, the success comes from word of mouth and personal networking.

"Not a day goes by that I don't run into someone I know who wants to help," she said. "The other day, a friend from the past happened by our workshop, and didn't know what it was. She saw me, and then donated 500 backpacks to us for our back to school drive. She just happened to be there in front of that building, and now she's going to order backpacks for us."

Earlier this year, the Rochester Hills City Council recognized Jacques for her contributions to the community. In doing so, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett recalled how Jacques helped him in the past, and how he repaid her.

Barnett said he was just getting interested in politics and Jacques, impressed with him, threw a fundraiser for him and another city council candidate. Later, Barnett ran for a precinct delegate, unknowingly against Jacques, and beat her.

"He likes to tell that story," Jacques said, noting that she never held a grudge. "What he has done has been wonderful... but I was involved as a precinct delegate for many years. It was a good thing to get involved in, and know where people stand. I enjoyed being part of that."

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Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MICHIGAN GREAT LAKES AQUACULTURE OPPONENTS CONCERNED FOR WATER QUALITY

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

an Vogler is the owner of the family-operated Harrietta Hills Fish Farm in Harrietta, Michigan and the Grayling Fish Hatchery located near the headwaters of the Au Sable River in Grayling.

Vogler is part of the group hoping to expand aquaculture facilities – as fish farms are known – into the state's portion of the Great Lakes.

With massive, untapped resources in the northern portions of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, there has already been a push to establish giant "net-pen" aquaculture farms in the Great Lakes. Vogler, who also serves as president of the Michigan Aquaculture Association, said net-pen farms, or net cage enclosures, can be used to raise trout or other species in the Great Lakes.

He and other proponents believe the practice could supply thousands of new jobs and millions to the economy over the next decade.

Further, it's farming they say can be done without a massive carbon footprint associated with energy consumption that other inland locations may need.

Opponents of net-pen aquaculture facilities in the Great Lakes say the large amount of food and fish waste that would come from the farms would wreak havoc on water quality in sensitive areas, and could be a breeding ground for fish diseases. Those opposed also say antibiotics and other chemicals used to treat fish would be dumped into the Great Lakes, creating additional water quality issues.

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While the push for Great Lakes aquaculture facilities has seemed to cool following a statewide study and subsequent attorney general opinion, those on both sides say it's bound to return. Meanwhile, the debate between using the state's natural resources and creating facilities considered more ecofriendly continues on the Au Sable River in Grayling, where Vogler's latest operation is being considered by the court system.

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lready in the business since 1997, Vogler saw an opportunity around 2012, when a friend contacted him about the Grayling Fish Hatchery that was being operated by Crawford County as a tourist attraction.

Long-since shuttered as an active rearing facility, the friend was contracted by the county to stock the hatchery's raceway with rainbow trout from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.

However, costs to keep the facility going threatened to shutter the hatchery completely.

"We looked at the potential of the facility, and said if we can get the permits to operate at capacity all year round, like a normal farm, we could be there in the summer and continue the recreation and tourism function.

The only way it works economically is for us to be there all year.

"The county was receptive, and we were pretty popular at that point and time."

But Vogler went from being considered a savior to being demonized as a businessman willing to pollute one of the nation's most pristine and sought after rivers – often times referred to by aficionados as the 'Holy Waters' – soon after seeking a permit from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to operate and release fish waste, mainly uneaten food and fecal matter.

"We began getting the paperwork together to get a permit," he said.

"Water from the Au Sable flows in, and the water flows out, and a certain amount of waste goes out with it. But it's a regulated amount.

We can't do more than that. The DEQ spent a year analyzing and doing background work to determine what the appropriate levels would be."

Almost immediately, Vogler began getting pushback on the facility by the Anglers of the Au Sable association, which represents hundreds of fishermen around the state that consider that portion of the river as sacrosanct. Joined by other conservation and environmental groups, the Sierra Club and the Angler's filed suit against the DEQ and its issuance of the permit that allows fish waste to flow into the river from the farm.

Joe Hemming, president of the Anglers of the Au Sable organization, said Vogler pulled a bait and switch move on the community by seemingly coming in to help the tourism aspect, and placing a wasteproducing fish farm on a highly sensitive river considered throughout the country as a blue ribbon trout stream.

"When (the county) walked away from it, it was losing money. Then Vogler entered and said he could operate the hatchery and put some fish in the raceway," Hemming said. "Then, after that, he said, 'If I'm going to do it, I have to do it year round, and make some money.' That led to the full-time operation, and to the county giving him a lease for 20 years for a buck. He got a sweetheart deal – but instead of a few fish, there are a whole lot more, and all year round.

"I think it was a case of him getting his foot in the door, and then once he was in, he said, 'I really need this if you want me to stay.' The county wasn't desirous of having it go vacant, but I'm not sure how much effort they put into looking to alternative uses for it and how many were aware of the situation."

The Michigan Sierra Club and the Anglers of the Au Sable lost their lawsuit against the DEQ. Hemming, a Birmingham-based attorney, said the Anglers filed an appeal in the case. Additionally, the Anglers of the Au Sable have filed suit against Vogler and Harrietta Hills Trout Farm, claiming it is violating the Michigan Environmental Protection Act for impairing the Au Sable River through its operation.

"We aren't anti-farming, but if he's going to operate there, he's got to

operate with the proper technology to protect the environment," Hemming said. "If he can't afford it, he shouldn't operate there. If you can't pay for the proper protections, then you need to go somewhere else."

Hemming pointed to a recent outbreak of parasites at the fish farm, known as ich. Treatment of the parasite involves a chemical known as formalin, which contains formaldehyde. Hemming said he and others are concerned because formalin was then released into the Au Sable through the treatment process, exposing anyone downstream to formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen in high doses. While Vogler said the treatment was done with approval of the proper state agencies and under the guidance of a certified veterinarian specializing in such treatments, Hemming said people using the waterway should have been alerted.

The incident, combined with the loading of nutrients from fish waste, Hemming said, could have negative impacts on the river. He said such operations should take extra precautions to ensure wastes are filtered out before being sent downstream, and that there are better ways to undertake aquaculture in the state, albeit, not as affordable for all businesses.

"I think Vogler's choice of location has given a black eye to aquaculture," he said. "There's a division in the aquaculture community of what he's done... He's trying to do it on a shoestring, on a blueribbon trout stream."

At Bill's Restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan rainbow trout tops the list of entrees. Well-known among diners and anglers throughout the state, trout farmed for food has grown dramatically since the 1950s, with the United States leading the world in ecologically responsible trout farming.

A close relative of salmon, farmed rainbow trout is considered one of the safest fish to eat and is noted for high levels of vitamin B and flavor.

"It's an extremely clean fish. From a pallet standpoint, it's extremely fresh," said Patrick Roettele, corporate executive chef for Roberts Restaurant Group, which features variations of Michigan farmed trout dishes at several of the group's restaurants, including Bill's, Beverly Hills Grill and Cafe ML. "There are other (fish producers), like in Idaho.

It's fresh, but it's shipped in cryovac. It's not as pure in my eyes. If you can get something that came out of the water within 48 hours, I'll take that all day long."

The fish, Roettele said, are BAP certified, standing for Best Aquaculture Practices. The certification is considered a trusted and comprehensive program that takes into account environmental, social and economic performances of the supply chain.

"That's the eco-friendly, sustainability side of things," Roettele said.

"And we try to pull items that are very local."

Specifically, the rainbow trout Roettele purchases for the restaurant group comes from the Indian Brook Trout Farm, located in Jackson, Michigan. The farm is one of three Michigan-based trout farms in the state that raise fish for commercial sale. The other two commercialsized trout farms are operated by Vogler.

O

wen Ballow, owner of Indian Brook Trout Farm, is taking a different approach to aquaculture. With an educational background in fisheries biology, Ballow spent 30 years in the medical sales field before entering the aquaculture industry.

Starting with a small fishing farm targeting tourists, Ballow began scouting

locations for a new venture.

"When I was going to retire, my son was graduating from Michigan State and was in the agribusiness field. He bent my ear and said he wanted to specialize in aquaculture, and asked if I was interested in developing it," Ballow said.

In looking for ideal locations, Ballow realized that Absopure draws its water from artesian wells in Jackson, Michigan. As a natural artesian well, the high quality water flows at 50 degrees throughout the

year, and is drawn to the surface without using pumps. The water source means the foundation of the facility can be maintained without a large carbon footprint, and with no chance of failure from power outages. Then, before starting to develop the facility, Ballow began working with the DEQ and Michigan Department of Agriculture, which licenses and permits aquaculture facilities in the state.

"We designed the system to capture any effluent going into the river system and made it bigger than what we needed. Then we built the farm in front of it and expanded the farm," Ballow said. "Most people do it opposite. They are constantly trying to build additional containment so they don't exceed limits, but they are constantly exceeding."

Ballow said water drawn into the facility comes from below the area's drinking water aquifer. After it's filtered, it's returned to the Sandstone Creek, and essentially the drinking water source. Therefore, the facility helps to recharge the drinking water aquifer. He said the facility doesn't use any antibiotics, hormones or pesticides. Additionally, the Sandstone Creek isn't a trout stream, which has another benefit.

"You never want to put a farm in the same ecosystem that (the fish you're raising) live in. If you put one up north that's a trout stream, so if they escape or get a disease, they will spread that," Ballow said. "If they escape here, they die. So, if they escape they will swim back and we can capture them. That's the idea. We haven't had any escapes."

In addition to the unique recirculating system that Indian Brook uses, Ballow also instituted a fish processing center on premises, as well as his own distribution network. The combination allows him to grow high volumes of fish, process the fish with no waiting, and sell directly to restaurants and grocers in and between the metro Detroit and Chicago areas, with deliveries in less than two days.

"We harvest within 24 hours of delivery to customers, so people that really appreciate that are chefs and those who want a higher quality product and longer shelf life," he said.

Locally, Indian Brook supplies Meijer Stores, Plum Market, Nino Salvaggio, Meeting House, Beverly Hills Grill, Bill's, Royal Park Hotel, Joe Muer's Bloomfield Hills, Cafe ML, The Reserve and others.

Indian Brook has been embraced by conservation and environmental groups throughout the state, as well as some state lawmakers, as an example of what they say the future of aquaculture should look like in Michigan.

Ballow said the challenge for many getting into the business to develop the way he has is the large costs upfront. Still, he said he hopes to expand operations, and encourages other aquaculture farms, which he hopes he can do business with as a processor and distribution system.

"We have five full-time biologists, all who graduated from Michigan State. The goal is to expand and have each run a different farm, allowing them to hire more graduates," he said. "Hopefully, this will continue to expand."

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till, he said one formula may not work for all aquaculture businesses. Each location may have unique circumstances. After spending a few hundred thousand dollars to scout locations, he said most he looked at wouldn't work for his initial plans. Hatcheries producing over a certain amount of fish also must have an approved National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and permit. Initial development and testing for that cost between $150,000 and $200,000, Ballow said.

"It's about a four-year process from the start to having the first product, so we are about four years ahead of anyone," he said. "But truthfully, we will buy all the fish they can grow. We can process and have the sales and distribution network, and we will offer our technology and biologists to get them off the ground.

"We are trying to encourage everyone to do it this way, and we are willing to help them."

The facilities operated by Vogler and Ballow represent two different approaches to aquaculture in the state. On one hand, Vogler and others, including the Michigan Farm Bureau, believe the state's natural

resources – particularly the Great Lakes – make Michigan the ideal place to expand aquaculture. On the other hand, those concerned with environmental issues and ecology believe the state is ripe for expansion, but with a different set of practices and regulations that better protect our freshwater resources.

In Michigan, the aquaculture industry and state agencies are working together to grow the state's current industry into a major agriculture sector. In 2011, the aquaculture industry and the Michigan Quality of Life Departments (the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the DEQ and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) created a road map to help aquaculture operators understand the regulatory process.

M

ichigan's State Veterinarian James Averill, who also serves as MDARD's Director of Animal Husbandry, said the state licenses aquaculture facilities and others raising stock for food or stocking for public waters.

Currently, he said there are 55 such aquaculture facilities in Michigan,

with two pending permitting.

For his part, Averill said the department considers the species being proposed to be raised to see they are approved under state law, how they are raising the fish, whether they are practicing proper biosecurity and other factors.

"When they get to a certain size, they need a NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit, and that's when they look at the environmental impact," he said.

"We have three different types of aquaculture," Averill said. "Those that flow through; then you have ponds, whether it's a big gravel quarry or a backyard pond, that are more times than not spring fed in some manner; and the third is the recirculating facility, those that are bringing in well water. That's where you have tilapia type systems.

Those are the three major types in the state.

"When looking at recirculating systems, it's all contained there and the water stays in the system, so the impact to the environment is pretty minimal. With ponds or flowthrough, there is more potential there for the waste from the fish to get into the waterway, but some of that is beneficial for the ecosystem. But too much of a good thing can be bad, so it's a balance. That's where the DEQ comes in when trying to help that balance."

In addition to nutrient loading associated with fish waste, Averill said the spread of fish disease is possible, not only within the stock being raised, but within ecosystems downstream.

"As the state veterinarian, if it's severe enough, we can order those fish destroyed, and in doing so you are looking out for that ecosystem," he said. "There are approved treatments. As long as that producer is working with a vet and doing it an the approved rate, they are OK. The FDA is looking at the environmental toxicity. It's a limited number of products approved for use in aquaculture."

While each facility produce similar fish of arguably equal quality, how and where those fish are raised serve as the center of controversy in Michigan and the state's future role in aquaculture, the fastest growing area of food production in the world's quest to feed some 9.5 billion people by 2050.

Worldwide, aquaculture provides for more than half of the fish we consume, with about 85 to 90 percent of fish consumed in the United States being imported, according to the Michigan Aquaculture Association. While past aquaculture production in Michigan focused on fish for use as bait, pond stocking and fee fishing, the association believes the future growth of the state's aquaculture industry is in production of fish for human consumption.

"About 86 percent of aquaculture comes from Southeast Asia, and 60 percent comes from China, alone," Vogler said. "About one percent of global aquaculture comes from the United States. That could be dramatically expanded with Michigan."

The largest producer of rainbow trout in the world is Chile, where they are raised within large net cages, or net-pens, in the sea. In the United States, about three-quarters of rainbow trout production comes from Idaho. In all, the United States produces about seven percent of the world's trout, with about 15 percent of that exported.

Vogler said he hopes to see an expansion of aquaculture. However, efforts by some aquaculture proponents in the state, including the Michigan Farm Bureau, were thwarted last year, in part by an opinion published by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette that found aquaculture isn't legal in the state's Great Lakes under current law.

At the center of the issue is the desire to use "net-pen" farms, which would keep potentially hundreds of thousands of fish in underwater nets or solid-structure cages that function as pens within to raise fish.

The pens are anchored to the bottom of the body water and may float near the shore or be located further off shore and reachable by boat.

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roponents of the facilities say Michigan's waters of the Great Lakes would provide an ideal location for such operations, and would do so with a small carbon footprint. They further claim expanding aquaculture could produce up to $100 million and 1,500 new jobs over the next decade, focusing on trout, shrimp and tilapia.

Opponents of expanding aquaculture to include net-pen farms say job and revenue productions are vastly overstated. Further, they say there are too many risks involved to open the Great Lakes to such operations. Those risks include waste produced by fish that could impact water quality and the ecosystem of the lakes, as well as the possibility of escapes of fish that could wreak havoc on existing habitat.

A push for expanding aquaculture in Michigan came in December of 2014, when two concept proposals for possible commercial net-pen operations came to the attention of the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. The plans included fisheries in northern Lake Michigan, near Escanaba in the Little and Big Bays de Noc in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and another for northern Lake Huron, in the lower peninsula in Lake Huron, near Alpena and Rogers City.

The push was the first from fish farmers to expand open net-pen facilities in Michigan's portion of the Great Lakes, while similar farms have been operating in northern Ontario in Lake Huron, in the Georgian Bay area, for more than two decades. Those include facilities operated by Coldwater Fisheries, which was planning to invest $1.2 million for farming and processing facilities.

To weigh the potential positive and negative impacts of the fish farms, the three state agencies, collectively referred to as the Quality of Life departments, formed a multi-agency panel to weigh in on the proposals. The panel released six reports, including one science-based review, one regulatory-based review, three economic-based reviews and one report focusing on stakeholder input.

The final conclusion published in March of 2016, was that the agencies didn't recommend pursuing commercial net-pen aquaculture.

"Given the ecological and environmental risks and uncertainties, as pointed out by the Science Panel and with further information provided through public input, commercial net-pen aquaculture would pose significant risks to fishery management and other types of recreation and tourism. Furthermore, both collaborating management interests and tribal nation interests would likely not agree to Michigan moving forward and pose a significant challenge in any attempts to do so," the panel stated in a final report. "The $3.3 million to implement a commercial net-pen aquaculture by the state to protect the public's interest in the Great Lakes and provide the stated expected service to the industry are not provided through any conventional funding models available to the QOL agencies. There would need to be a new funding stream identified for this industry effort to support initial costs as well as the $2.33 million needed annually to monitor and maintain the program and protection of the state's resources.

This level of public investment for an estimated return of $10 million (under the modeled scenarios for two facilities) does not appear to be a prudent use of the state's resources at this time."

Additionally, the panel found the regulatory authority doesn't currently exist to issue registrations for commercial aquaculture in the Great Lakes, a finding that was supported by an opinion given in January 2017, by the Michigan Attorney General.

"It is my opinion, therefore, that only operations that meet the definition of an 'aquaculture facility' under the Michigan Aquaculture Development Act may be registered to engage in aquaculture in the state of Michigan," the state attorney general wrote. "Under the Act, an aquaculture operation in the Michigan waters of the Great Lakes could not be registered to engage in aquaculture because the operation would not meet the current definition of an 'aquaculture facility' since Michigan waters of the Great Lakes are not 'privately controlled waters' as defined in the Act." Further, the Quality of Life panel noted the DEQ must make a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting decision regardless of whether the agencies have the ability to license an aquaculture facility. Therefore, any policy regarding aquaculture must prevent preempting the DEQ's permitting process, which could result in litigation.

"While not recommending the pursuit of commercial net-pen aquaculture in the public waters of the Great Lakes, the state can and will continue to work within existing authorities to assist the industry in development of well-designed flow through, closed and recirculating aquaculture facilities."

Nick Schroek, director of clinical programs and associate professor at the University of Detroit Law School, said the inability to get a permit for a net-pen facility has a chilling effect on whether businesses will look to locate in Michigan.

"Being the Great Lakes are held in public trust, the legislature has the sole authority to make decisions about the Great Lakes, the bottomlands, and the lakes themselves," he said. "The use of the Great Lakes is sort of prohibited outside of traditionally accepted uses. Maybe someone could make an argument that aquaculture is part of that... that would start in the legislature."

Schroek is the former director of the Environmental Law Clinic at Wayne State University, which represented the Sierra Club in the case filed against the DEQ's permitting process for Henrietta Hills Trout Farm.

Frank Krist, vice president of the Hammond Bay Area Anglers Association, located just north of Roger's City in northern Lake Michigan, said the proposed net-pen facilities in the Great Lakes drew attention from the anglers, but that interest has since dwindled.

"After the Quality of Life Departments issued their final recommendations against allowing Great Lakes Pen Aquaculture, the interest declined to very low levels," he said. "Currently, I'm not aware of any efforts to pursue the issue.

"There has been much interest over the operations of the aquaculture facility located in Grayling, however."

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ogler, who operates the Grayling facility, said he is being demonized by some anglers in the state who fear he could harm the river that flows through his fish farm operation.

However, he claims there's no evidence the facility has caused any negative issues since he's been operating. And, while he said it's fair to compare net-pen facilities with his flowthrough facility, both can and are operated in a way that can provide a benefit to the state.

And, although the Quality of Life Departments have made their recommendations, Vogler said he hopes the issue on net-pen aquaculture is revisited and opened in the state.

Under permits issued by the state to operate the facility, Vogler said he is able to produce 100,000 pounds of fish at any time, but hasn't

gone beyond 70,000 pounds. Any production beyond that amount, he said, would require special filtration systems that would stop waste from fish food and fecal matter from entering the river. Currently, there's no waste capture measures, as approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Professor Jan Stevenson, with Michigan State University's Center for Water Studies, specializes in how ecological systems respond to environmental changes, such as nutrients from fish waste. His work has helped the state DEQ develop discharge standards in Michigan.

"If you add nutrients, or fish waste, one of the big issues is that you're bringing up masses of nutrients into a region where they weren't before. They have to go someplace, which is usually downstream or into a lake," he said. "This is a problem for all kinds of feeding operations, not just aquaculture, but also for chicken and other animals, and that spreads around the watershed."

While some degree of nutrients may not be harmful, Stevenson said too much can stimulate algal growth and bacteria, which need inorganic nutrients to grow.

"You also do something else, which is interesting, and kind of a threat," he said. "Many Michigan waters have low nutrient conditions, so when you add nutrients to inland waters, you relieve the species in that habitat competing for nutrients. Low nutrients are a natural stress, so adding more food or species that need nutrients, or even high nutrients, allow them to invade that habitat, and that allows algae to cause problems.

"The benefit can be that you get more fish. Often, you get an increase in nutrients and there are more invertebrates and more fish that eat smaller animals. But there are some species that look like they might be sensitive to nutrient concentrations, and those are game fish."

Stevenson said there tends to be a correlation between high nutrients, or phosphorus from fish feces, and negative effects on game fish, such as trout. High algae growth can also lead to aesthetic problems or harmful algae, such has been the case in southern portions of Lake Erie.

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hen considering the effects of netpens and flow-through facilities on water quality and ecology, Stevenson said the concentration amount and how much those amounts are diluted come into play. When concentrations rise too much over the background nutrient levels of a waterbody, it may reach a tipping point and lead to negative effects. However, that tipping point depends on how much nutrients the water had to begin.

For instance, Stevenson said at about 20 to 25 micrograms per liter, you start seeing high or intermediate levels of algae that could be harmful to some fish species. If a wetland system already has a measurement of 35 micrograms per liter of water, then the tipping point is higher than water of say, northern Lake Michigan, which has nutrient levels closer to 10 micrograms per liter of water.

Ultimately, he said he doesn't believe there are any good spots in Michigan's Great Lakes that have low nutrient and cold water for trout where net-pen facilities would be prudent.

"I think the risk is too great in the Great Lakes. These are amazing places. We should wait until they can scientifically prove they aren't going to be a problem," he said.

Better yet, Stevenson said, it would be better to capture nutrients and repurpose them to grow algae that could be used for biofuels or other bi-products, uses he said Michigan State University is already exploring.

"It might not break a profit on some of the bi-products, but you're causing less damage to the system," he said. "Seldom is there a positive effect. When you do a total value check on the life cycle situation, it's probably cost effective to close that loop."

In addition to nutrients, net-pen facilities are breeding grounds for

dangerous fish diseases, including whirling disease, which effects native fish species.

"They can accelerate the spread of disease within the net pen and around it," said Dan Eichinger, executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, which opposes net-pen facilities in the Great Lakes.

"We aren't anticipating any efforts made here between now and next calendar year, but we will always be on guard," Eichinger said. "These kinds of efforts, particularly when it concerns the Great Lakes, aren't going to decrease in number as time passes."

Bryan Burroughs, executive director of Trout Unlimited, which opposes net-pen facilities in Michigan, also said the push to expand net-pen facilities in the Great Lakes seems to have been too high of a hurdle to clear, but could re-emerge in the future.

"Canadian companies are still trying in Canada to expand," he said.

"We found, essentially, that Ontario permitted about eight of them 20 or 30 years ago, and about four or six were still operating. At least one was closed for a violation."

Burroughs said permitting in Ontario has since been revamped and made new facilities more difficult to open.

M

arc Gaden, a spokesman for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, said there are no plans in other states to open net-pen facilities in the Great Lakes.

The commission operates a treaty between states and Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes.

The treaty aims to have the states and provinces, along with tribal governments of each, work together to ensure the environmental health of the shared water resources.

"We have a responsibility to help them work together, and they agree that if they do anything that would have an effect they should talk about it within the context of the agreement," Gaden said of the commission. "We don't have the authority to license them yea or nay, but we do have the responsibility to find consensus in keeping each other informed from what is going on."

The chances of net-pen aquaculture to expand in the state will rely heavily on future legislatures, and whether they are willing to expand the state's law.

State Senator Rick Jones (R-Eaton) said while he's a supporter of aquaculture, he sponsored a bill in 2017 to prohibit any aquaculture facilities in the Great Lakes, or inland lakes or streams. The bill, which was co-sponsored by senators Steve Bieda (D-Warren), Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor), Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) and others, has failed to make it out of committee. A similar bill in the state House was introduced and also stalled in committee there.

"Aquaculture is a good thing for the state as long as it's done safely, inland and waste is captured and not put into a river or lake," Jones said. "It has a great future in Michigan. However, there were plans at one time to put giant nets out in the Great Lakes and put massive quantities of fish in them and that would have created a high concentration of poo in an area. That's a huge problem."

While Jones said neither bill is likely to move, there are no permits to be issued by the state to allow for such facilities. Whether that will change is up to future lawmakers.

"Personally, I hope it will be a dead issue," he said. "But there's always somebody that will bring it up again. 'Let's put a giant net fish farm on the Great Lakes.' I think it's that's a horrible idea."

Ernie Birchmeier, with the Michigan Farm Bureau, said the agency is supportive of regulations put in place that could potentially allow for aquaculture to move forward. While the net-pen issue is currently stalled, he said new leadership in the state may look at it differently.

"We watched and studied it closely. Unfortunately, it stalled out," he said of the efforts to open up net-pen facilities. "There's a tremendous amount of opportunity here, but we want to make sure we do it correct way."

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MUNICIPAL Rochester trims tree ordinance

By Kevin Elliott

An ordinance designed to protect the natural tree canopy in Rochester was be trimmed back slightly under an ordinance amendment approved on Monday, September 24, by Rochester City Council.

The amendment updates the city's nine-year-old Landmark Tree ordinance, which provides special protections to trees that are wider than 24 inches, and meet certain health criteria. Under the amendment, certain trees deemed "nuisance species" qualify as being designated "landmark trees."

Deputy city manager and professional forester Nik Banda said the ordinance would still protect all tree species that are over seveninches in diameter from being clear cut in the city. However, some species that are particularly brittle or problematic would be excluded from the city's landmark designation, which can only be removed with approval from city council.

Tree species proposed to be removed from the landmark designation include boxelder, Chinese elm, cottonwood, crabapple, ginko (female), hawthorn, mulberry, pear, Russian olive, Siberian elm, silver maple, tree of heaven and willow.

The revisions came following an August 13 discussion stemming from a request to remove a 150-year-old silver maple tree in the 100 block of Drace Avenue. Council at that time discussed whether silver maples and some other species should receive special protections, as they aren't recommended for new plantings by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Banda at the time recommended preserving the 150-year-old silver maple being requested for removal.

However, he confirmed that some species don't receive special protections in other municipalities.

Council at the time informally directed Banda and city attorney Jeffrey Kragt to review the ordinance and return with a revised ordinance.

Rochester resident Patricia Kane said she believes the proposed ordinance change was a simple a way for the city to bend to the will of some individuals who desire to build on their private property but have been stalled due to the tree ordinance. She said the city is arbitrarily removing trees without following the complete list of recommended trees from the state. downtownpublications.com

ALDI looks to open in Rochester Hills lans by German-based grocery chain ALDI to build a new location in Rochester Hills appear to be moving forward as the city considers a building permit application from the company for a $2 million project at 1106 S. Rochester Road.

Inquiries about the plans weren't returned by the company's public relations firm, which earlier this year denied any plans to build a new location in the city. However, a building permit application to the city was submitted on July 3, with an estimated construction cost of $2.1 million. The builder for the project is to be determined.

Aldi, a low-cost grocery store, has approximately 1,700 stores in 35 states, including 70 in Michigan, with about 30 in metro Detroit.

The new location will be part of a major $3.4 billion expansion announced by ALDI in 2017 that includes a goal of establishing 2,500 stores in the United States by the end of 2022. Those plans come on the heels of a $1.6 billion program to remodel 1,300 stores by 2020.

“We take a simple, cost-effective approach to grocery shopping that saves shoppers on their grocery bills. In fact, smart shoppers have found that switching from national brands to ALDI exclusive brands can save them up to 50 percent on their weekly must-haves. More than 40 million customers each month benefit from the ALDI streamlined approach, bringing shoppers the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices every day,” Aldi said on its website. Ninety percent of its brands are Aldi exclusives, “manufactured by many of the nation’s leading food producers, and we work closely with suppliers to ensure that ALDI exclusive brands meet or exceed the quality of national name brands.”

The plans would establish the company as the third largest grocer in the country, and include the addition of about 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices.

"We pioneered a grocery model built around value, convenience, quality and selection, and now ALDI is one of America's favorite and fastest growing retailers," ALDI CEO Jason Hart said in a release announcing the company's expansion plans. "We're growing at a time when other retailers are struggling. We are giving our customers what they want, which is more organic produce, antibiotic-free meats and fresh, healthier options across the store, all at unmatched prices up to 50 percent lower than traditional grocery stores."

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Council two weeks earlier didn't approve a request by a resident who requested their landmark silver maple be removed in order to construct a new home on their property. Council hasn't approved any such requests since the ordinance was implemented nearly a decade earlier.

Councilwoman Ann Peterson echoed some of Kane's sentiment, suggesting that council was only discussing an amendment to the ordinance after a motion to allow the tree to be removed failed to gain support.

"I don't see why we should change the ordinance because someone came in front of us," Peterson said.

Rochester Mayor Rob Ray said while the discussion about the tree policy was spurred by the request regarding the silver maple tree, the proposed changes weren't made specifically to accommodate the request.

"I don't think it's uncommon for something to spur debate about policy," he said. "We didn't form an

infrastructure committee until former councilman Cuthbertson came in week after week with pictures of potential infrastructure projects...

Sometimes that's what fosters conversations. The fact that the ordinance revision comes on the back of that doesn't give me pause."

Banda, who has several decades of experience as a forester, said on August 27 the revised ordinance wasn't taken directly from the DNR's list of trees not recommended for urban planting nor directly from other community's ordinances. Rather, he said, he focused mainly on tree species that become dangerous in right of ways and pathways due to their brittleness and susceptibility to diseases.

"In the medical field, things change daily. In the forestry world, because of global warming, there are climate zones, and everyone in zones four and five planted tulip trees, sweetgums and others, and over the past few years we lost many of those to cold weather," Banda said. "The

DOWNTOWN

professional forestry industry has morphed. Now we are having a maple plight. What happened with the ash is happening with maples.

Austrian pines can't make it here anymore."

He said due to climate changes and other factors such as tree disease, it's a good idea to update tree ordinances on a regular basis, or about every five years when conditions change.

Council approved the ordinance amendment by a vote of 6-1, with councilwoman Ann Peterson voting against the change.

RARA proposes new three-year budget The Rochester-Avon Recreation Authority (RARA) on Monday, September 10, presented its proposed three-year budget to city councils in Rochester and Rochester Hills, which includes a 2.2 percent increase in revenues and plans to restore the agency's fund balance to 25 percent by 2021.

The budget also calls for increases in salaries that would help bring staff closer to the minimum wage levels recommended by a recently completed RARA wage and compensation study. Additionally, the budget includes the development of a seven-year capital improvement plan.

RARA Executive Director Ron Jewell said revenue tied to memberships has increased by about 15 percent, with overall membership up by about 33 percent over the past seven years. He said new registrations are directly correlated to new program amenities available by RARA expanding a new 22,500square-foot recreation center at 480 E. Second Street, adjacent to its location at 500 E. Second Street.

Jewell came under fire from several council members from both municipalities last December after RARA spent down more than $600,000 of its fund balance related to the new building acquisition and development. The spending resulted in its total fund balance dropping to about one percent of its overall expenditures. The authority has traditionally maintained a fund balance of about 20 percent of overall expenditures. The issue resulted in additional oversight of RARA's budget process, with Rochester Hills Chief Financial Officer Joe Snyder appointed as RARA's treasurer to provide additional financial oversight.

Jewell and Snyder presented a forward looking budget that included 37

Rochester Hills finalizes '19 budget

By Kevin Elliott

ochester Hills City Council on Monday, September 24, voted unanimously to approve the city's $168.1 million budget for fiscal year 2019, which includes spending down a portion of the city's fund balance for capital improvement projects.

While the budget calls for greater expenditures than projected revenues for the fiscal year, which runs from January to the end of December, the city still maintains a structural surplus, meaning that recurring revenues exceed ongoing expenditures by about $9.3 million in 2019.

The city's overall proposed expenditures in 2019 are proposed at $168.1 million, with revenues totaling $149.4 million. The shortfalls will bring the city's fund balance down from about $68.1 million to $57.3 million in 2019, with the city's general fund balance down about $11.3 million, or about 80 percent of overall annual operating expenditures.

The reduction is part of the city's recently adopted fund balance policy, in which any funding in excess of 80 percent are to be transferred out to the city's capital improvement fund.

City council in June approved an updated fund balance policy that requires the city maintain 70 to 80 percent of annual operating expenditures in the city's general fund; 20 to 25 percent of expenditures in the local street fund, fire operating fund, special police fund, pathway maintained fund and green space fund; and at least 25 percent of annual operating expenditures in the city's major road fund, tree fund and water resources fund. Fund balances in excess of 80 percent of expenditures in the general fund must be transferred to the city's capital improvement fund.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said the city's financial status includes zero unfunded pension liability, with the budget maintaining a 10.4605 millage rate for the fourth consecutive year, one of the lowest in Oakland County.

The approved millage rate of 10.4605 accounts for about a quarter of the city's overall revenues. The millage rates, which were unanimously approved by council, include a 2.4959 millage for the city's general gund; .3444 mills for the local street fund I; .4718 mills for local street fund II; .2886 for local street fund III; 2.7 mills for the fire fund; 1.1742 for the special police fund I; 1.2725 for the special police fund II; .1803 millage for the pathway millage; .1893 mills for RARA's operating millage; .2334 mills for the OPC millage; .0971 for the OPC transportation millage; and .7602 for the library operating millage. The total rate also includes a .0394 mill chapter 20 drain debt millage and a .2134 mill OPC building debt millage.

Expenditures for 2019 are up about 14.6 percent from 2018, with the majority of increases set aside for capital improvements, which account for about $28 million, or 17 percent of the overall budget. The largest expenditures include personnel costs ($30.6 million), professional services ($29.2 million), which includes contracted police services; and commodity charges ($22.5 million), such as water and sewer treatment purchases.

The budget also calls for one additional full-time staff member, bringing total staffing to 225 full-time employees, the highest since 2010.

The new position will add an assistant foreman to the Department of Public Services.

Anticipated revenue for 2019 were estimated at $149.4 million, up about 14.1 percent from 2018. The majority of the increase is related to internal transfers to align fund balances with the new fund balance policy. Additional revenue includes $57 million in service charges; $34.3 million from taxes; $18.7 million from fund balances; $14.6 million from state, federal and other sources; and about $5.3 million from investment earnings, fines and other revenue.

In addition to the city's budget, council on September 24 unanimously approved annual budgets for the Rochester-Avon Recreation Authority (RARA), and the Older Person's Commission (OPC).

The $2.5 million RARA budget, which was previously approved by the city of Rochester and Oakland Township, calls for raising the fund balance at the authority to 25.7 percent of operating expenditures, or about $620,000, by 2021 while implementing wage increases, as prescribed by a recent compensation study.

The OPC's $4.26 million budget represents a .73-percent increase from 2018, or about $30,800. The budget also includes a use of fund balance policy which limits the use of fund balance to one-time needs and requires the OPC to maintain a fund balance of at least 25 percent of expenditures.

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restoration of RARA's fund balance over the next three years through contributions from a structural surplus, meaning the authority has a consistent budget surplus, with exception of two years related to its expansion costs.

By moving to a rolling three-year budget format, it is anticipated that by 2021 year-end, RARA fund balance could be over $620,000, which represents 25.7 percent of annual operating expenditures and would put RARA in compliance with RARA's recently approved fund balance policy, which states that a minimum of 20 percent of annual operations shall be reserved in fund balance, Snyder said.

"The 2019-2021 plan addresses two critical issues," Snyder said.

"One is the restoration of fund balance to 20 percent of expenditures, the other is recognition of the recently completed RARA wage and compensation study."

The study found that nine of RARA's staff are currently compensated below the minimum wage levels recommended by the study. Those wages ranged from 10 percent to 29 percent below the minimum level.

Snyder said bringing all employees to the minimum level in one year would "be a significant hit to RARA's budget and it's timely restoration of it's 20 percent fund balance goal." Therefore, it was recommended staff receive two percent cost of living increases and a five percent annual catch-up for those below the minimum recommended level.

"When I approached Mr. Jewell to do this, he said, 'what if I took a zero percent increase next year, instead of seven percent, and that it's redistributed to my staff that are further behind,'" Snyder said.

By Jewell forgoing any increase in the 2019 budget, Snyder said all staff would be just under 11 percent below the minimum recommended level, with Jewell remaining about 11.4 percent below it. Further, he said, it allows all staff to be brought up to the minimum recommended level within three years, rather than four or five.

"I'm glad Ron stepped up and took the Jim Harbaugh approach... I tip my hat to you," said Rochester councilman Ben Giovanelli.

Overall, the budget includes a 2.4 percent increase in expenditures from 2018, totaling about $2.5 million. Revenues will total about $2.7 million, which is a 2.2 percent increase over the previous year. The result is a $149,720 balance, which will be contributed to the fund balance reserve, bringing the total fund balance to $275,745 by the end of 2019, or 11.8 percent of the annual

RARA operating expenditures.

Both city councils unanimously accepted the proposed RARA budget, with Rochester City councilwoman Kim Russell absent.

Deer crashes down, awareness on rise The number of deer and vehicle crashes in Rochester Hills appear to be trending down, but awareness of accidents is on the rise as motorists head into peak time of year for dangerous collisions, Deborah Barno, chair of the city's deer management advisory committee said at the Monday, September 24, city council meeting.

Barno, who was presenting the committee's annual report, said there were 161 reported deer-vehicle crashes in 2017, down slightly from 176 the previous year. Overall, the number of crashes has been lower than those in 2007 when the city saw 219 crashes. However, the highest number of deer crashes come in October (31 crashes), November (26 crashes) and December (24 crashes).

About 80 percent of crashes occur on two-lane roads between dusk and dawn. The most serious crashes occur when motorists swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or object.

Despite a slightly lower number of crashes, deer-related complaints remained steady in the city. Those complaints included instances of people feeding deer, nuisance animals and roadkills on local and major roads.

In order to raise awareness about deer-vehicle collisions and other wilddeer related issues, Barno said the committee recently developed a brochure entitled, "Coexisting with White-tailed Deer," and recently hosted a bi-annual spring "Gardening with Deer" seminar, which drew over 100 participants.

This fall, the committee kicked off an educational campaign though a city-issued press release and though information on utility bills.

Additionally, the committee has worked with the city to put up temporary electronic signs with the message "High Deer Crash Area."

Areas with the most frequent crashes include Avon, Adams, Walton and Tienken, in spots surrounded by natural areas and deer corridors.

City Council President Mark Tisdel said there hasn't been enough push for controlled hunts or other deer management programs to implement one in Rochester Hills. Still, he said residents pay to reduce the deer population through higher insurance rates related to crashes.

"We are culling deer, but we are doing it with vehicles," he said.

Parking assessments approved by council A recommendation by the Rochester Parking Advisory Committee to create a special assessment for parking spaces was narrowly approved on Monday, September 24, by the Rochester City Council.

The special assessment, referred to as a payment in lieu of providing off-street parking policy, allows businesses in the downtown area to meet parking requirements prescribed in the city's zoning ordinance by paying into the city's parking fund through a special assessment. The assessment would relieve the business owners from providing additional on-site parking, instead allowing for customer parking in the city's parking deck.

The committee recommended setting the assessment at a total of $7,500 per parking space, which would be payable over the length of the tenant's lease, or a maximum of 10 years, whichever is less. Under the recommendation, the committee would review the assessment amount every three years.

Deputy City Manager Nik Banda said the assessment amount came from an estimate of the cost of providing a new surface parking space. He said once the full amount for the space is paid, that space would be tied to the property, with additional payments not required, regardless of whether the tenant changes.

The recommendation directs the committee to move forward with the

assessment and rate, which will come back to city council for final approval. The recommendation was approved by a vote of 4-3, with council members Kim Russell, Ann Peterson and Nancy Salvia voting against it.

Peterson said the assessments would essentially penalize new restaurants and alcohol-serving establishments, which are required by ordinance to have additional parking, while retail businesses wouldn't be under the same pressure.

Russell said she felt it wasn't fair to require tenants to pay an assessment that would benefit property owners in the long run.

Rochester Mayor Rob Ray said the policy has the advantage of allowing spaces to be financed over a decade or until the tenants aren't located at the property. The assessment, he said, may also give tenants some leverage with property owners when negotiating leases.

Initial plans for Main Street project set Rochester planning commissioners on Wednesday, September 5, approved preliminary plans for a development project at 1205 N. Main Street consisting of office space and upper residential condominium units.

Gregory Schneider, of Rochester Home and Office, had received approval in 2015 for a two-story development with 5,500 square feet of office space and about 12,000 feet of residential space for eight condominium units. However, those

Rochester voters to decide charter change ochester voters November 6 will be asked to decide whether to amend the city's charter to remove specific expenditure thresholds and purchasing procedures and allow them to be set by city ordinance, or to maintain the status quo.

City council in October of 2017 first introduced an ordinance to raise the threshold for purchases requiring a competitive bid process from $2,000 to $15,000. That change came at the recommendation of Rochester City Attorney Jeffrey Kragt, who said the change stemmed from a review of policies and procedures that were put in place in 1965.

The threshold determines what purchases are required to go to competitive bidding by way of sealed bids and those on a smaller scale where pricing may be obtained through direct contact

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plans were subsequently cancelled and the site was cleared for a scaleddown version.

The new proposal consists of 3,100 square feet of office space below six residential condominium units. While smaller in size, the proposed development would be a total of three stories tall, with each condominium unit consisting of two-stories. The city's zoning ordinance and master plan, which is in the process of being updated, calls for a maximum height of 2.5 stories, and 35 feet. Schneider said the proposed development would be a total of 34 feet in height.

Rochester Planning Consultant Vidya Krishnan said at the meeting that she would need to double check the ordinance to ensure that threestory buildings would be permitted, or if the ordinance requires both the height and number of stories to comply. Regardless of the number of stories, Krishnan advised the applicant that a cross-view diagram would need to be provided with an official site plan, as the project is required to meet line of sight requirements in the downtown area.

Additionally, she recommended preliminary plans be revised to include updated landscaping, pedestrian access and other architectural items noted in the preliminary plans.

In total, Krishnan noted about 18 different items need to be addressed in formal site plans.

Commission members approved acceptance of the preliminary plans with formal site plans to be reviewed at a hearing at the planning commission's October meeting.

with the vendors to get pricing on a more informal basis. Lower cost items still require a purchase order.

While council subsequently passed the ordinance, the city's charter prescribes a purchasing policy with specific limits. Kragt at the time said the city should update its charter in the future to bring the process into alignment.

That change must be approved by a vote of city residents.

Council in July 2018, approved a resolution to allow for the charter amendment to be placed on the ballot in this year's general election. The measure and ballot language were subsequently approved by the state.

Under the proposed amendment, the charter would state: "Before making any purchases or contract for supplies, materials, equipment, or contractual services, opportunity shall be given for completion, under such rules and regulations,

Rochester Schools enhances STEM High school students in the Rochester Community School District will have expanded opportunities in technology, computer programming and craftsman skills with the help of a donation by the Rochester Community Schools Foundation.

The Foundation on Thursday, August 30, announced it would award more than $9,000 to the district to purchase a computer numerical control machine for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. The device is to be used by students throughout the district to learn engineering, architecture, woodworking, computer-aided design and computer programming.

"Our high-school engineering, architecture, and woodworking classes are gaining technical experience and programming skills, using the real-life applications of the CNC machine and its related software," said Tim Lewis, Rochester High School design and technology teacher. "STEM education and related tools like this help create a hybrid, cross-curricular approach to learning.

Students are excited to watch their work come to life."

Students begin by creating a computer design that gets converted to coordinates. The cutting spindle on the CNC machine moves to various positions, shapes and depths, as directed by the coding instructions.

These processes combine to create two- and three-dimensional patterns out of wood, metal or plastic. The

and with such exceptions as Council has adopted by ordinance."

As the city's charter already allows that policy to be set by ordinance, the city is already operating under the updated ordinance that was introduced in 2017. However, the charter amendment would remove references to specific amounts.

Specifically, the additional language would be removed, as follows: "All expenditures for supplies, materials, equipment, or contractual services involving more than two thousand ($2,000.00) shall be made on written contract, and such contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after such public notice and competition as may be prescribed by ordinance; Provided, however, that the Council shall have the power to reject all bids and advertise again.

The Council shall provide, by ordinance, for the ordinary purchase procedure to be followed in purchasing City supplies."

system has practical applications in manufacturing, parts fabrication, milling, engineering, engraving and more.

"It's exciting to see our students and educators directly engaging in problem-based learning. They are creating, building, collaborating and discovering together," said Carrie Lawler, assistant superintendent of secondary education, equity and inclusion. "These important skills are valuable both personally and professionally."

Federal grant funds for fire department The city of Rochester's Fire Department was approved for $2.4 million in federal grant money to fund 15 new positions at the department over the next three years, officials said at the city council meeting on Monday, August 27.

Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik said at the August 27 meeting that the department received notification about 10 days earlier that it had been selected and notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that their grant had been approved for its application for Staffing for an Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER). The grant will provide about $2.4 million to fund new positions at the department starting this year and going through 2020.

"It will provide for 75 percent of funding for the first year, with the city providing 25 percent," and 75 percent with the city providing 25 percent in year two, Cieslik said. "It will provide about 35 percent for year three."

Exactly how long the funding will be spread out will be determined by the specifics of the staffing, which could include in-house staff that would be considered city employees, or could be contract employees.

Cieslik said he and city manager Blaine Wing will present those staffing options and detailed cost estimates at council's Monday, September 10 meeting. He said the city must accept and begin the process by September 15, or the grant will automatically be rejected.

While the intent of the grant is to provide permanent positions to the city's fire department, the city won't be obligated to retain the 15 new employees beyond the life of the grant.

The new positions are part of a restructuring of the department that 40

Rochester opposes new lead, copper rules ochester City Council on Monday, September 24, joined a group of other communities and organizations in opposing the state of Michigan's new lead and copper rules, claiming they will place hardship on them to implement.

Rochester Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Shannon Filarecki said in a memo that the new rules remove the city's ability to effectively manage needed system improvements. She recommended the city join the Great Lakes Water Authority, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner and others in requesting the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in requesting a declaratory ruling on the rules.

Those joining the request also state the rules may be in violation of the state's constitution.

The rules, according to those joining the request, impose a myriad of new and additional regulatory, technical and cost burdens on suppliers of water.

The DEQ in March 2018, amended the lead and copper provisions to impose additional requirements on state drinking water suppliers beyond those imposed by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Under the new rules, which do not provide additional funding, water suppliers must remove privately-owned lead service lines using public money; remove all lead service lines within 20 years, even where existing lines fall below lead action levels; reduce the lead action level from 15 ppb to 12 ppb, triggering additional regulatory action; require sequential sampling; anticipate partial lead service line replacements in emergencies without defining an emergency; and create and provide support for local Drinking Water Advisory Councils.

"The DPW has reviewed the Regulatory Impact Statement and Cost Benefit Analysis in comparison to our proposed Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) Project Plan. Using the DEQ cost estimates, which I feel are lower than to be expected, our project costs are expected to increase by $1 million, assuming all 177 residents with galvanized water services agree to grant the necessary easements," Filarecki said. "While the intention of the rule change is good, the approach is severely flawed and needs to be corrected or it could have a significant impact on our future water rates."

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is intended to improve response times by providing full-time support to the department's current paid, oncall firefighters. The restructuring was a key component of a study undertaken by an ad-hoc fire department study commission, which was formed by the city in late 2017.

The study found the city consistently falls below the recommended national standard of response times in various parts of the city. Those response times, the committee found, are due to the paid-on call nature of the department, which requires firefighters to first drive to the department's station, prepare, then drive to the dispatched location, rather than respond directly from the station.

Under the restructure, the department would retain five fulltime firefighters at the station at all times, requiring 15 additional employees to fill out three shifts.

Paid, on-call firefighters would still

provide coverage for the majority of workload, with the full-time employees supporting the existing structure.

Council unanimously approved accepting the grant, with councilman Ben Giovanelli absent.

Rochester DDA makes Donor Wall of Fame The Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday, August 23, announced the creation of a Downtown Rochester Donor Wall of fame to honor individuals, families, groups and organizations investing in capital projects in the downtown district.

The new wall is intended to create a lasting memory at the DDA's newest park at Walnut Boulevard and University Drive. All money raised will be reinvested in future capital projects to support and improve the downtown district.

Sponsorship opportunities include

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several different levels, including: Gold level donations of $4,000 will receive a 20 inch by 13.25-inch plaque engraved with up to four lines of text; Silver level donations of $2,000 will receive a 10 inch by 7.5 inch plaque, also with four lines of text; Bronze level donations of $1,000 will receive a 10 inch by 3.75 inch plaque with up to two lines of text.

Bench sponsorships also are available at $2,000, along with an engraved plaque on the bench.

"I have already sponsored a plaque in honor of my mother, Marie Stevenson, who passed away last year," Mark Albrecht, DDA chair, said. "She always loved visiting Rochester from her home in California. Please join me in creating a lasting memory for people in your life while contributing to future downtown improvements."

For more information on sponsorships, contact DDA Director Kristi Trevarrow at 248.656.0060.

Parking on Elizabeth still remains problem Rochester City Council on Monday, September 24, were hoping another two weeks will allow city administration and residents along Elizabeth Street to find a solution to parking ailments between Hill Street and Parkdale.

City council in January approved a measure that would have prohibited parking on the east side of the street after some residents asked the city to address parking and safety concerns.

Resident Julie Morris said the lack of sidewalks on the east side of the street and parking issues in front of homes have caused property damage, safety issues and other headaches.

Rochester Police Chief Steve Schettenhelm said he then heard from residents opposed to the change, and the installation of no parking signs was put on hold. In March, council heard a request to review the decision and hold off on changes to allow the Transportation Improvement Association to look into the matter.

The TIA in May released a draft traffic study report. In June, residents held a meeting at the fire station to present the traffic study and allow the city to receive feedback.

Schettenhelm said the study found traffic volumes on the road ranged from 2,100 to 2,300 vehicles per day, which he said "aren't particularly excessive for the width of the street and location in the city."

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Speeds averaged 22 mph, with 85 percent traveling 26 mph.

Additionally, he said there have been eight crashes in the area between 2015 and 2017.

He also said the study determined the road width could allow for parking on both sides of the street, if desired. However, residents surveyed weren't in favor of the option.

On Monday, September 24, Schettenhelm presented four recommendations. Those included no changes to current no parking zones; installing a missing "No Parking" sign that was removed during construction for Delanoy Court; installing two "Keep Kids Alive Drive 25" advisory signs; or installing a sign at Hill Street to note there isn't a sidewalk north of Hill, toward Parkdale. The last sign, Schettenhelm said, would be to direct pedestrians to the west sidewalk rather than walking across residents' front lawns.

The recommendation, however, failed to satisfy residents on both sides of the street, as some said they continue to deal with parking issues, particularly motorists who encroach into their drive.

Failing to find a solution to satisfy all residents, councilman Stuart Bikson suggested tabling the matter for two weeks, and then making a decision. "If there's still no solution, then we take a hard vote and live with that," he said.

Councilman Ben Giovanelli supported tabling the matter, but said it was doubtful a remedy would be presented that would satisfy everyone.

"The best deal is the one where nobody is happy," he said.

Council tabled the matter, with Mayor Rob Ray, councilwomen Ann Peterson and Kim Russell voting against the motion.

Rewold celebration, view of headquarters An October 12 celebration of Frank Rewold & Son's 100-year anniversary will offer staff, stakeholders and others the first glimpse of the company's new headquarters at 400 Water Street in Rochester.

Work has been underway to build out the 45,000-square foot building on the former ITT automotive site that had long been vacant due to environmental contamination. Work on the site, which included a $2.3 million brownfield redevelopment plan, has allowed for a cleanup and containment plan for what had been the city's largest contaminated site.

The new building, which the company previously said they hope to have completed before the end of the year, will include three floors of office space, ground-floor parking and a thirdfloor mezzanine overlooking the Paint Creek. While the building is yet to be fully complete, the October 12 celebration will open up the ground floor, third-floor headquarters and the mezzanine to invited guests.

Guests at the celebration, which will not be open to the general public, will include employees, some government officials and others who have been involved in company's success over the past 100 years, including clients, contracts, business owners and others, Rewold spokesman Cody Johnson said.

"It's still under construction, but three levels will be open, including the ground floor, our offices, and the mezzanine and roof, where we will have a live band," he said. "It will be quite the event."

Started in 1918, Frank Rewold & Son was founded by the grandfather of current owner and CEO Frank Rewold,

City approves traffic signals along Auburn Road project ochester Hills City Council on Monday, August 27, approved several agreements to maintain existing and new traffic signals and control signs along Auburn Road in conjunction with the Auburn Road Corridor Improvement project.

The agreements between the city and the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) cover the installation, operation and maintenance of the signs and signals on behalf of the city. The city in May took ownership of Auburn Road between Rochester and Dequindre roads from the Michigan Department of

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and has remained a family-owned business for four generations, including sons Jason and Sean. Starting out of "Grandpa Frank's" home in 1918, the company now provides professional construction management, design, build and general contracting services.

Projects include the Rochester Public Library, Garth Pleasant Arena at Rochester College, the Royal Park Hotel, and several other major constructions.

In addition to the brownfield redevelopment at the headquarters site, the project adds improvements to the Rochester Lions Park, just north of the Mills Building, and enhancements along the Paint Creek riverbank. Overall, the development serves as the start of what is expected to be a campus project, extending from Rewold's Mills building south to E. 3rd Street.

Earlier this year, Rewold told Rochester City Council that plans were in the work for additional projects in the area, but stopped short of mentioning any specific plans.

South Boulevard culvert replacement

By Kevin Elliott

South Boulevard over the Ferry Drain, just west of John R Road, near West Pointe Drive, on the Rochester Hills/Troy border, was expected to close on Monday, September 24, for a culvert replacement, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) said.

The project is expected to be completed in mid-November.

During the closure, the detour route for South Boulevard traffic will be Rochester Road to Auburn Road to John R Road, back to South Boulevard, and vice versa.

South Boulevard carries about 10,960 vehicles per day.

Transportation (MDOT), allowing for increased traffic control operations. The agreements control that portion of the roadway, as well as some others. The current signs and signals were installed by MDOT. The agreements include: The Brooklands Elementary School zone speed limit sign and flasher, 100 feet east of Primrose Drive and 1,250 feet east of Primrose. The city and the Rochester Community Schools district will split the cost of the signals; Also included are speed limit signs and flasher in the Reuther Middle School zone, located 150 feet east of Frankson Avenue and 130 feet east of Culbertson Avenue. Those costs will be split by the city and school district; an existing traffic signal at the intersection of Auburn and

Breckenridge condo plan receives okay A 12-unit condominium project on the south side of Hamlin Road, west of Livernois, received unanimous approval on Monday, September 10, from Rochester Hills City Council.

Developer Mark Gesuale of Shelby Township proposed the Breckenridge Condominium project, which will consist of 12 attached units in six, two-unit buildings, with condos starting at about $375,000.

The project is on about 3.7 acres of land that is zone as mixed residential overlay. Attached housing in the zoning district requires a conditional use recommendation by the city's panning commission and approval by city council.

The project calls for the removal of 31 trees, which will be replaced with 36 new trees.

Council gave a green light to the project by unanimously approving a conditional use permit and wetland use permit, site plan approval and a tree removal permit. Rochester Hills Manager of Planning Kristen Kapelanski said there are several low-quality wetlands at the site that will be minimally impacted. The project includes 1.5 acres of private open space.

The conditional use approval came with special conditions, including the approval of all easements prior to a land improvement permit; the approval of condominium documents; a landscape bond of $83,048; payment of $2,601 into the city's tree fund for street trees; and approval of a soil erosion permit and approval from outside agencies.

Dequindre, which will be split with the RCOC providing 50 percent of funds; a quarter by Macomb County Department of Roads and a quarter by the city, with estimated annual operations and maintenance at $250; an existing traffic signal at Auburn and Culbertson Avenue, with the city covering 100 percent of the estimated $1,000 annual cost; an existing signal at Auburn Road and John R, with the city covering 100 percent of the estimated annual $1,000 cost; and an existing traffic signal at Auburn Road and Barclay Circle, with the city covering 100 percent of the estimated $1,000 annual cost.

Council unanimously approved each of the agreements, with councilwoman Susan Bowyer absent.

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OAKLANDCONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP FROM DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE WRITERS

OAKLANDCONFIDENTIAL.COM

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DOWNTOWN

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FACES

Iris Lee Underwood orn in Kentucky and raised in Michigan, Iris Lee Underwood's connection with the Rochester area began three decades ago when she started a freelance writing career and a small lavender farm north of town. Recently, Underwood has released her first novel and is in the midst of writing her second book.

"I was born in a little region called Peter Creek, and then moved up here when I was four-and-a-half years old. I didn't like it at all," Underwood said. "We moved to a neighborhood in Detroit with Italian, Poles and Germans that didn't speak our language. It was interesting, but made for a lot of material. Later, we moved to the suburbs, and I wrote poetry. Bad poetry, and I sent it back to my cousins in Kentucky."

From poetry, Underwood learned to craft her writing, later attending Central Michigan University, where she met her husband. It wasn't until after starting her own family and being a stay-at-home mother that she decided to go back to school and finish her degree and began pursuing a freelance writing career. Her poetry also got better, winning her the 2010 Writer's Digest competition.

Among her inspirations was the book "Christy," by fellow Kentuckian Catherine Marshall.

"I loved the story of Christy," she said. "It gave me the idea that maybe someday I could write about my family," she said. "I raised my girls and went back to school. I got some encouraging words from the editor at the Oxford Leader – they gave me my first break."

Underwood went on to freelance for other papers, including the Tri-City Times, Romeo Observer, The Detroit News, Grand Rapids Press, Oakland Press, Appalachian News Express, Metro Parent and others. She was a writer-in-residence for Troy Public Library and is a past president of the Detroit Working Writers.

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In 1996, Underwood lost her first-born daughter to the drug culture.

The loss later derailed her writing career and sent Underwood on a journey of healing that led to her launching the Yule Love It Lavender Farm.

"I put my writing life on hold for 10 years. But I began a personal journal when she went to school, and that helped validate my life as a human and a mother, and my purpose in this world," she said. "I knew I had a purpose to raise my children, then she died as I was entering my writing life."

A visit to Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden led Underwood to lavender. As she learned about the plant's healing properties, she started her own lavender farm in 2005, on her 2.5-acre property. There, she produced more than a dozen different lavenders and lavender-related products. In 2013, she was awarded the Keep Michigan Beautiful Award for her work.

In 2015, she resumed writing and began a weekly column for the TriCity Times. She also resumed a non-published fictional work that resulted in her first novel, "The Mantle." She is now working on a memoir cookbook that draws upon her southern roots and personal experiences.

The completed book tells the story of hardship and healing, faith and grace through the Mahari people and Prince Robin's journey to save them from destruction. The story stems from a fictional writing assignment years prior.

"I had never written fiction, and when I got permission to enter my mind and imagination, the character went crazy," she said. "I wrote seven pages and couldn't stop."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

PLACES TO EAT

The Rochester/Rochester Hills area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

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The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the 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.

Bangkok Cuisine: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 727 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.8841.

Bar Louie: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 10 or more. Liquor. 1488 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48307.

248.218.5114.

Bean and Leaf Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

439 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.601.1411.

Bigalora Wood Fire Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 8 or more. Liquor. 6810 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.218.6230.

Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 3756 S. Rochester Road., Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.852.5540. Also 90 E. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.601.7777.

Bologna Via Cucina: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

334 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.3300.

Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1234 Walton Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.651.3999.

Chadd’s Bistro: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. 1838 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.293.0665.

Cheng’s Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 2666 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.299.9450.

Chicken Shack: BBQ. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 213 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48307.

248.656.1100.

Chili’s: Tex-Mex. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2735 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.299.5281.

Chipotle Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2611 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.402.0047. Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 84 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.402.0047.

Chomp Deli & Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

200 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

888.342.2497.

CJ Mahoney’s Sports Grille: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

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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, 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.

10.18

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 134 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.2503.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400.

Lebanese Grill: Lebanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2783 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.606.4651.

Lino’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 50 W. Tienken Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.

248.656.9002.

Lipuma’s Coney Island: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 621 N. Main Steet, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9862.

Lucky’s Prime Time: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations, weekdays. Liquor. 1330 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.656.8707.

Main Street Billiards: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.8441.

Main Street Deli: Deli. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, Thursday, Friday. No reservations. 709 N. Main Street, Rochester, MI 48307. 248.656.5066.

Mamma Mia Tuscan Grille: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 543 N. Main Street, Suite 311, Rochester, 48307. 248.402.0234.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor at The Village location only. 1413 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.609.2121.

Also The Village of Rochester Hills, 188 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills.

248.375.5999.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 370 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.340.5900.

Mr. B’s Food and Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

423 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.651.6534.

Noodles & Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 184 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.5000.

North Shack: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 990 E. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.853.3366.

O’Connor’s Public House: Irish Pub. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

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

Olive Garden: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2615 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.6960.

Paint Creek Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 613 N. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.759.4205.

Panda Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3105 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.853.9880.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 37 S. Livernois Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.601.2050. Also 2921 Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48307.

downtownpublications.com

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 Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083.

248.817.2424.

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.

DOWNTOWN

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American.

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

248.723.1700.

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

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

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

45

METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Second poké location Opening their second location in Birmingham was a no brainer for Kaku Sushi & Poké. “We’ve always been kind of drawn to Birmingham and the community,” said manager Maikue Vang. “When an opportunity came we definitely wanted to take advantage of it.” Owner and chef Kaku Usui – who is also Vang’s husband – has created a menu very similar to their Bloomfield Township spot at 869 W. Long Lake Road, at Telegraph, except there are a few more Japanese sushi rolls. Their signature Hawaiian poké is still very much on the menu at the new location, 126 S. Old Woodward Avenue, which is about 1,600-square-feet and seats 20. Kaku Sushi & Poké has now opened two restaurants in under two years, so what comes next? For now, Vang said there are no plans for expansion – but never say never. “Who’s to say what will happen in the future?” she said.

Grand dining entry The highly anticipated Gran Castor – run by the Curt Catallo and wife Ann Stevenson restaurant development company Union Joints – has opened for dinner with a unique flair, and in a unique location. Home to a former Hooters restaurant at 2950 Rochester Road in Troy, Stevenson, who also served as the restaurant’s designer, described their latest project as Latin street food set in “the funkiest rec room ever.” After already having success with their Clarkston restaurant Honcho, where they also do Latin street food, the company decided to bring that flavor to Gran Castro. While Stevenson is partial to their avocado salad – a mix of grilled avocado, spiced nuts, spring mix, and queso fresco, tossed with a mole vinaigrette – and the soon to be added stuffed trout – which they’ll cook in their pizza oven – the menu also has items like jackfruit tacos, curried oxtail, pizzas, and dessert, along with a full bar and a cafe with coffee roasted at Honcho. The name gran castro means “big beaver” in Spanish – an ode to being located at the intersection of Big Beaver Road.

Bobcat Bonnie’s comes north Originally planned for the former Eden Nightclub, 22061 Woodward Avenue, Bobcat Bonnie’s will now open its Ferndale location at 240 W. Nine Mile Road, formerly home to Zeke’s Rock and Roll BBQ. “It’s a better fit, to be honest,” said owner Matt Buskard. “Its crazy how one door closes and a better door opens.” With hopes for an end of fall opening Buskard said the Ferndale restaurant will be the same in regard to menu and concept as their Corktown and Wyandotte locations. They plan to have the whole Bobcat experience – dinner, lunch, and brunch services – going full tilt within two months of opening and are just plain excited to be in Ferndale. “I think we’re going to fit in like a glove there,” he said.

Toma comes to Corktown What does being this year’s winner of the $50,000 prize in the Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest mean to Toma Detroit? “Winning it gives us a foot in the door...it gives us a chance to really get this project off the ground,” said Jose Maldonado, one of the restaurants four partners. “It’s an unbelievable feeling.” The money will go towards securing their liquor license that comes with the building – once home to Casey’s Pub at 1830 Michigan Avenue, Detroit – and beginning to build out the space, adding an additional 300square-feet. While their original plan was to be in Mexicantown, they felt there weren’t any Latin restaurants in Corktown. “I feel like we’re bridging a cultural gap between the two neighborhoods,” he said. Toma Detroit is hoping for an opening by the end of 2019 and will be the first tequila bar in Detroit, but tequila isn’t all they’ll have. The restaurant plans on offering a menu full of Latin favorites – with a slight twist, along with a tasting room where they’ll be able to educate guests on tequila, agave, and mezcal.

Anchor away Got a hankering for an original Buffalo wing? Head directly to the new Anchor Bar, which just located at 2945 S. Rochester Road in Rochester Hills.

Anchor Bar was the spot, in Buffalo, New York, which created the delicacy

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing.

No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

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

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

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

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

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

248.731.7066.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

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

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

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.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400.v Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave.,

Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

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

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

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

Local Kitchen and Bar: American.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

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

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

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

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

29508 Northwestern Highway, 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.

known as wings – an unbreaded chicked wing which they deep-fried and then coated in a hot sauce. Anchor Bar serves more than 1 million pounds of chicken every year, and with the opening of the Rochester Hills location, this American classic is available locally. “We are extremely excited to open the first Anchor Bar in Michigan and continue this almost 55-year tradition of serving the best Buffalo Wings in America,” said franchisee Gordon Sesh.

“My partners Raj Ven and Ravi Ikkiurthjy and I, could not think of a better place than the restaurant that put chicken wings on the culinary map to dine and watch a game with family and friends.”

Detroit’s Frita Batidos Next year the Cuban-inspired restaurant, Frita Batidos, will expand to downtown Detroit on Columbia Street, near the Fox Theatre and the new Little Caesars World Headquarters. For owner Eve Aronoff, this is a long time coming. Aronoff, who originally gained fame for her high-end gourmet restaurant Eve, in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown, switched her focus to Frita Batidos, which is her interpretation of Cuban street food. Fritas are traditional Cuban burgers; batidos are tropical milkshakes. Aronoff has been actively searching for a space to put the second restaurant – the original Frita Batidos is currently in Ann Arbor – for the last few years. Aronoff said the essence will be same, as will most of the menu. There will be a few changes though, such as their Burger Battle-winning burgers being on the menu, and some grab-and-go style options. Before the brick-and-mortar restaurant opens, which will be around the beginning of next year’s baseball season, they plan on opening an Airstream food truck, perhaps even as early as January. Hours haven’t been set yet, but if there’s good support Aronoff sees them being open the same hours as the restaurant. “We’ll be open whenever people want to eat Frita,” she said. “It’s going to be a really big, fun party fiesta out there.”

The food truck will primarily be serving frita and their most popular batidos.

Barter and arts With bars opening all over metro Detroit, Cait Pluto, Jake Goodrich, and Jennifer Sandella wanted to make sure their bar would stand out. Enter Barter – located at 11601 Joseph Campau Avenue in Hamtramck – which will not only be a bar but a community arts space. “For us, it’s really about the arts and that’s kind of where this idea came from, and the bar sort of followed,” said Pluto, who is the marketing director of the unique combined space. “It just seemed like the perfect match.” With hopes of opening later this fall, ideally in late November/early December, Pluto said they want to have five acts a week once they open, ranging from live music to theater, with a focus on local artists. As far as the cocktails go, even a struggling artist should be able to afford them, and the menu is already on their website. Cans of beer will be in the $2-$3 range, and cocktails will hopefully max at $9, including Pluto’s favorite, the Get Up and Go, which combines bourbon, coffee, and chili liquor.

Food truck expansion Once a food truck, Norma G’s officially opened their brick-and-mortar spot August 17 according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. Named after his mom, Norma G’s owner and chef Lester Gouvia is bringing Caribbean comfort food to 14700 E. Jefferson Avenue in Detroit with a menu that has many items familiar to those who enjoyed the food truck, including jerk chicken sliders. He’s also bringing flavors from his Trinidadian upbringing, such as doubles – a mix of chickpeas and onions served between fried dough that’s a popular Trinidadian street food. The sit-down restaurant will also offer a full bar.

Tomatoes Apizza So far, since opening, things have been going well for Tomatoes Apizza’s newest addition, a Birmingham location at 34200 Woodward Ave. “I love Birmingham – it’s amazing,” said owner Mike Weinstein. “The people are so amazingly nice. I just feel like the community’s amazingly great.” The 1,400-square-foot spot, adjacent to Papa Joe’s, will offer carryout and delivery, but no sit-down service like their Farmington locations. The New Haven style pizza (which means that it’s thin-crust and cooked in a coal-fired oven) will be just as delicious though, with offerings like the green pizza, topped with mozzarella, spinach, and garlic; crab pizza; and the Naples Sampler, which is each a quarter of a different style. Why try New Haven style pizza in Michigan, with its own infamous Detroit style? “Have you tried my pizza?” Weinstein said. “It’s really delicious.”

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.

Women’s Fund of Rochester Summer Soiree

Sally Gerak

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Women’s Fund of Rochester Summer Soiree Perhaps Rochester’s most famous humanitarian – Meadow Brook Hall founder, the late Matilda Dodge Wilson – arranged the weather for the event staged on the terrace there by a group of current philanthropists. Many of the 120 guests ($65 or $120 ticket) commented on how perfect it was as they socialized, sipped, nibbled and bought chances on one of the 12 raffle packages donated by the WFR board. (This is comprised of Sue Upton, Kathy Bogdziewwicz, Lynn Florek, Barb Cenko, Kelly Dean, Judy De Steiger, Christina Hogan, Erika Kruse, Kathy McCarter, Lynn Oates and Lori Roscoe.) Conversations and violinist Harry Hovakimian paused for a brief program emceed

by WFR president Sue Upton in which Rochester Area Neighborhood House’s Katie Lamb thanked the donors for one of the 2017 WFR grants. Career Dress and the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan are the other two non-profits who received 2017 grants from the Women’s Fund. Bill Sternfels then received warm applause when he announced a donation to the WFR Helping Hands Fund in the name of his late wife Carol Kirken. She was one of the original 100 women who founded the organization in 2000. It now has 225 Partners ($1,000) and nine Legacy Circle members ($5,000 and up) and makes annual grants to agencies that make a difference in women’s lives. The Summer Soiree raised $6,000 and inspired three new Partners to join.

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3 1. Maria Trahan (left) of Rochester Hills, Sue & Brad Upton of Rochester. 2. Leanna Kavanagh (left) of Oakland, Christine Hogan of Rochester. 3. Kathy Bogdziewwicz (left) of Oakland, Lucy Renzi of Rochester, Shirley Gofrend of Oakland, Judy deSteiger of Rochester Hills. 4. Barb Cenko (left) of Oakland and Lynn Florek of Lake Orion. 5. Lori Roscoe (left) and Cindy Nicholaou and Judge Julie Nicholson of Rochester Hills, Diane Mamon of Oakland.

Judson Center Golf Challenge The 26th annual golf fundraiser for the Judson Center was chaired by John Giamarco and Ryan Krause and brought 130 players to Franklin Hills Country Club. The team from G2 Consulting Group finished first and John Andrews hit the longest drive. Then there was the raffle for whatever ball landed closest to the hole after being dropped from a helicopter as the cocktail hour crowd watched. Bob Bouren had the winning numbered-ball, but he gave the $5,000 prize back to Judson center. Inspired perhaps by two who spoke during the dinner program emceed by Anne Marie LaFlamme: JC foster navigator Melissa Covell, who has personally fostered 23 children and knows that “...love changes outcomes,” and Lucine Taman, who spoke about her son “...for the first time with Trey in the room... He has not only thrived with Judson Center therapies, he has become a performer, which is unusual for those with autism”, she noted. Four live auction items then garnered more than $11,000. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the sporting event raised nearly $130,000.

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Judson Center Golf Challenge

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1. Joseph Saker (left) of Bloomfield, John Giamarco of Clawson, George Contis of Beverly Hills. 2. Todd Lackey (left) of Dearborn, Bruce Rysztak of Bloomfield, Alan Blanchett of Monroe. 3. Tricia Ruby (left) of Bloomfield, Leonora Hardy-Foster of Rochester Hills. 4. Danny Mage (left) of Royal Oak, Paul Christy of Birmingham, Ken Mage of Rochester Hills. 5. Trey and Lucine Tarman of Birmingham.

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Rochester Garden Walk The Rochester Garden Club, a branch of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association, was founded in 1935 and stages a garden walk each summer. This year it attracted more than 750 flower lovers who visited the garden and vendor stations set up at the Van Hoosen Farm Museum before touring five private gardens plus the Stone Cottage Garden at the Older Persons Center (OPC). It is the result of four years of tender, loving care by the OPC Late Bloomers Gardening Group directed

by Master Gardener Nancy Szerlag. When the gardens closed to tourists, OPC members gathered for an afterglow with music by the OPC Musicians.

Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Each of the 256 golfers who played in the Paul W. Smith 10.18

Classic at the Detroit Golf Club received a Bridgestone rescue club, a sleeve of Bridgestone golf balls and the knowledge that their entry fee would benefit lots of kids. In addition to the 14,000 who participate in Detroit PAL athletic, academic and leadership development programs, this year the event also benefited clients of Variety, the Children’s Charity and the Children’s Center. The after golf scene was energized by Simone Vitale’s music on the terrace and camaraderie in the grill. The dinner program featured sincere remarks by CC’s Debora Matthews and Variety’s Michelle Murphy, a Girls Like Us Save the Day cheer by the PAL cheering team and PAL Youth of the Year Leah Colwell ended her remarks with a verity: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Sponsor WJR’s Paul W. Smith and PAL’s Tim Richey announced the prize winners. First place teams got a trophy and each member got two, first-class, round trip Delta plane tickets. Individual winners received gift certificates from Ahee Jewelers or the Grand Hotel. Thanks to many generous sponsors, the 15th annual classic will add $470,000 to the $6 million raised in previous years.

Art & Soul Dreams Opening Detroit Country Day School art teacher Melissa Parks welcomed 100 well wishers to the Pontiac Creative Arts Center for the opening of her third annual portrait exhibition of Michigan children in foster care awaiting adoption. Thanks also to generous sponsors, artful booklets containing bios written by John Parks and helpful information regarding adoption resources were available.

Many of the 14 featured children and the photographers who made the portraits were in the crowd that snacked, chatted and perused the images . Displayed beside each photograph was another work by the same artist, all of whom worked pro bono. This included Jenny Risher, Christopher Schneider, Sue O’Callaghan, Colin McConnell, Jeff Cancelosi, Robert Dempster, Patrick Gloria, Lisa Spindler, Catherine Sareini, Jocelyn Muirhead, Felicia Tolbert and Laurie Tennent.

Socializing paused for two speakers.

PCAC Executive Director Bill Dwyer made brief and entertaining remarks about the historic building and Melissa spoke movingly about something she knew as a child playing with dolls – all children need to be loved.

downtownpublications.com

Rochester Garden Walk

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1. Becky Compton (left) of Rochester, Ilene Townsend of Rochester Hills, Nancy Szerlag of Rochester, Mike Lawless of Rochester Hills, Lynn Storm of Washington Twp., Ivy Schwartz of Shelby Twp. 2. Pete Townsend (left) of Rochester Hills, Sylvia Cacossa of Shelby Twp., Nancy Szerlag of Rochester, Jai Gupta and Sandy Niks of Rochester Hills. 3. Overview of OPC Gardens. 4. Laurie Tennent “Botanical” in OPC Graden. 5. OPC musicians performing at Garden Walk Afterglow: Pam San Jose (left), Kit Schafer and Virgil San Jose of Rochester Hills.

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Paul W. Smith Golf Classic

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1. Tim Richey (left) of Ann Arbor, Steve Grigorian of Bloomfield. 2. Tom Celani (left) and Kim & Paul W. Smith of Bloomfield. 3. Felicia Shaw (left), Karen Gaudette and Ruthie Seltzer of Birmingham, Barb Brown of Beverly Hills. 4. Scott LaRiche (left) and Mark Merucci of Northville, Roger Rush of Novi, Rod Alberts of Bloomfield.

5. Erica Holton (left) of Bloomfield, Melissa Roy of Detroit, Beth Dryden of Beverly Hills.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Ghana Mission Donor Dinner Last year, local supporters of Holy Cross Children’s Services sent Br. Francis Broylan off to his new assignment in Kasoa, Ghana with donations to build a high school there.

He was in town last month and hosted a thank you dinner at St. Hugo of the Hills to report on the progress.

Sue Nine coordinated the party for 60 who gathered in the Parish Center.

Ghana native Br. Francisco, who is studying in Chicago, accompanied Broylan and spoke about the importance of the residential missionary schools in Ghana...”(to promote) peace among the many tribes.” Broylan also noted that money goes a long way in Ghana because the local people not only help build, they also bring handmade clay bricks with them to the construction site.

Classrooms, dormitories and a staff home are already completed. Guests, impressed with the progress, donated another $15,000 toward the $400,000 second phase of construction.

DIA Founders Junior Council FASH BASH Mother Nature again dictated that the Founders Junior Council’s signature event be held inside the museum. It was led by co-chairs David and Christine Colman, Andrea and Chris Provenzano, Farhat and Mohammad Qazi, Nedda Shayota and Nathaniel Wallace and attracted 520 ($250, $375, $750, $1,250) for cocktails and the Neiman Marcus Art of Fashion show, plus another 150 ($150 ticket) for the Lincoln Motor Company After Glow . As per usual, the guests’ fashion statements, Forte Belanger’s small plate cuisine and DJ Jared Sykes’ music were first rate, but the runway show was really the story of FASH BASH 2018. NM maestro Ken Downing employed an unheard of number of models – 55 – to show off the haute couture selections inspired by the 1980s. Think disco, punk, power dressing, new wave, urban cowboy, uptown opulence and downtown girls.

He didn’t miss a trick and got enthusiastic applause when he took a victory lap at the end of the show. After the show, DIA loyalists like Lauren Fisher and Amy Zimmer raved about the spectacular theatricality of the presentation. This event has come a long way since it was modestly introduced in the 1970s with volunteer celebrity models showing apparel from many stores around the pool at the old Pontchartrain Hotel. Proceeds will also go a long way towards the Founders Junior Council’s $1-million pledge to the Detroit Institute of Arts.

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Art & Soul Dreams Opening

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1. Melissa Parks (left) of Bloomfield, Wendy ZarmbaJust of Berkley. 2. Robert Dempster of Bloomfield, Santoria. 3. Reyana Davis (left) and Jocelyn Muirhead of Rochester, Donald and Dylan. 4. Chrissy Morgan (left) of Oak Park and Susie Woodman of Rochester Hills.

5. Mindy Richards (left), Janine and Katie Rinke of Bloomfield.

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Ghana Mission Donor Dinner

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1. Br. Francis Broylan (left) of Kasoa, Ghana, Sue Nine of Bloomfield, Br. Franciso of Ghana. 2. Fr. Tony Tocco (left) and Kay Browne of Bloomfield, Cathy Weingartz of Washington Twp. 3. Marty Cochran (left) of Birmingham, Paul Nine of Bloomfield. 4. John Kruse (left), Ava Wixted, Beverly Thewes and Gail Keene of Bloomfield. 5. Mike Dunigan (left), Martha Condit and Grace Hoey of Bloomfield.

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Beaumont Children’s Miracle Classic Sam Yamin, Ken Noonan and Dr. Brian Berman chaired the 29th annual golf benefit for Beaumont Children’s, A Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. It attracted 240 golfers to the Detroit Golf Club.

Camaraderie, cocktails, an auction ($5,700), dinner and the awards presentation followed play. The swinging event raised $350,000 for life-saving services, vital pediatric equipment and scholarships for families unable to afford needed care.

Crusin’ to Drive Out Hunger Some 500 supporters of Forgotten Harvest gathered to drive out hunger under the big, white festival tent at Westborn Market the night before the Woodward Dream Cruise. Each was warmly greeted by FH’s Tim Hudson before they bid $8,000 in the silent auction, watched the classics roll by, wined, dined and danced to the highenergy music of Larry Lee’s Back in the Day Band. was exceptional and included Vinsetta Garage’s mac n cheese, Fleming’s tenderloin sliders and Westborn Market’s paella loaded with mussels. Thanks also to sponsors, the annual charity event raised around $185,000 which will provide 740,000 meals for those in metro Detroit suffering from food insecurity.

ORT Rub-A-Dub The 43rd anniversary of ORT Michigan Region’s Rub-A-Dub attracted 530 to Franklin Hills Country Club to “eat, drink, mingle and give.”

And give they did. More than $75,000 in the silent auction; $45,100 in the raffle; $92,500 in the live auction, again conducted by the event founders’ son, Brian Hermelin. (A big chunk of that total emanated from Empire Kitchen and Cocktails’ donation of a party for 50 that sold for $10,000 and was so popular the donors gave two more, resulting in $30,000.) Then Rabbi Harold Loss spoke about ORT’s next fundraising project in Kiryat Yam, Israel. He told how the new state-of-the-art, multipurpose auditorium complex will be life-changing for this poor, working class community. Hermelin added that the project would cost $1.3million and invited pledges toward that goal. After that appeal generated $62,500, a historic moment for Rub-ADub occurred – a guest who asked to be anonymous told Regional Director Nicole Miller that a gift of $1 million would be coming for the project. Not counting that extraordinary gift, RubA-Dub 2018 grossed nearly $740,000. downtownpublications.com

DIA Founders Junior Council FASH BASH

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1. Jim (left) & Connie Colman of Bloomfield, Christina & David Colman of Birmingham. 2. FJC president Ron Victor of Bloomfield. 3. Nedda Shayota (left) of Bloomfield, Don Manvel and Gretchen Davidson of Birmingham. 4. Christine & Dave Provost of Birmingham. 5. Mohammad and Nawal Quazi of W. Bloomfield.

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Beaumont Children’s Miracle Classic

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4 1. Sam Yamin (left) of Bloomfield, Dr. Brian Berman of Birmingham and Ken Nonnan of Troy. 2. John Trydal (left) Rob Kowalski, Frank Stone and Brian Shiny. 3. Ben Green (left), Rod Mathis and Mark Syms. 4.

Bob Ruprich (left), Pete Muscio, Chris Kuzak, Tom Kubeshesky. 5. Tim Belanger of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Crusin’ to Drive Out Hunger

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Other highlights included Doreen Hermelin’s presentation of the Hermelin ORT Legacy Award to Randy Werthheimer for his extraordinary passion for ORT’s mission of changing lives through education. He was introduced by Miller, whom he recruited as an event volunteer in 2003. That that may go down as one of Wertheimer’s most sagacious ideas was highlighted by ORT World President Dr. Connie Giles during the earlier VIP reception attended by 100 of the guests. Calling her “underpaid,” he listed Miller as one of ORT’s three essentials – the sales producer for the product (education) to the market (Detroit).

“And Detroit does more than any city in the country for ORT,” he concluded.

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1. Jonas Rodger (left) of Birmingham and Kevin Kernan of Lake Orion. 2. John Carter of Bloomfield, Mike Spicer of Swartz Creek. 3. Sue Conway of Bloomfield. 4. Kyle Zuker (left) of Lansing, Sam, Lori & Greg Winegerter of Rochester. 5. Houda Rodger (left) of Bloomfield, Drs. Bhavin & Sandy Patel of Birmingham.

ORT Rub-A-Dub

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1. Randy Werthheimer (left) of Franklin, Rabbi Harold Loss of Bloomfield. 2. Drs. Lynda (left) & Connie Giles of Bloomfield, honorary Doreen Hermelin of Bingham Farms. 3. Avi Ganon (left) of London, UK, Andi & Larry Wolfe of Bloomfield. 4. Nicole Miller (left) of W. Bloomfield, Enid Goodman and Meredith Colburn of Bloomfield. 5. Dr. Larry & Carole Miller of Bloomfield.

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Christ Child Society Pink Party Some sixty Christ Child Society members ($75 ticket) flocked to the end of summer happening Laura Karmanos hosted at her Birmingham home. The comfortable weather made the terrace overlooking the pool and gardens a perfect venue for nibbling the savory comestibles catered by society board members and sipping pink vodka punch and rose’ wine.

Society president Laura Keziah interrupted the serious socializing only briefly to thank the hostess for her warm hospitality and inform all of the date and place for the CCS signature fundraiser – Night of Angels. It is Saturday, Nov. 4 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.

MOCAD Interchange Art + Dinner From their arrival at the foot of Roz and Scott Jacobson’s Bloomfield Hills driveway and trip in a golf cart up the hill to the Rock ’n’ Roll theme party site, 100-plus MOCAD supporters ($500) relished generous, good natured hospitality. The English Cotswold residence was recently reinvented by architect Mark Johnson, who was in the crowd. In addition to the important art in the Jacobsons’ collection, the new pool house ceiling sports a large, metal chandelier circle with a tongue-incheek French legend in neon lights designed by the architect and Roz, a designer in her own right.

Extraordinary victuals by Bacco’s Luciano DelSignore included passed hors d’oeuvres like large, lollipop lamb chops around the pool and, inside, buffet fare like lobster tails and crab claws deftly released from their shells by attentive service. But the raucous fun began when the Beatles legend band started rocking on the stage set up under the 10.18

moonlight in the auto courtyard out front. For non-dancers the thoughtful hosts even provided lounge seating.

Although the band stopped at midnight some guests savored the unparalleled hospitality until 2:30 am. The wide ranging Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit programs benefited from the fun.

Boys Hope Girls Hope Frank Torre and Kerrie Binno again chaired the annual benefit for the scholars of Boys Hope Girls Hope.

They moved it to Franklin Hills Country Club this year (thanks to the sponsorship of members Kristin and Christopher Brochert) and 144 golfers ($1,000) vied for the opportunity to play in the Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational at Pinehurst next April. The golfers were joined for cocktails, music by Royce & Jenn, dinner and the program emceed

by Paul W. Smith by another 100 ($300) BHGH supporters. Among the dozen helpful and friendly scholars working as event volunteers were Jai’Chaun Banford, who won the Frank Torre Scholarship, and alum Omar Troncoso, both of whom earned applause for their expressions of gratitude. Dan Jenuwine also conducted a live auction that raised $34,050. Combined with the silent auction ($15,144), dedicated giving ($7,000), the raffle and mulligans ($7,312) and the generous sponsors, this brought to more than $4 million the amount Torre and Binno have raised for the program. It is unique because it provides homes and education through college graduation for academically capable children-inneed.

Angels’ Place Friends & Family Fun Day After the early morning rain cleared, some 500 Angels’ Place supporters of all ages gathered on the Marian High School playing field to play. The Marian choral group ushered in the activities by leading all in singing the National Anthem. In addition to many of the AP residents, guests included Queen Elsa from “Frozen” and the Detroit Lions’ Roary.

Kids of all ages savored carnival chow.

Thanks also to presenting sponsors Medwest Associates and Joliat Ventures, the day’s festivities raised over $46,000 for the critical services Angels’ Place provides adults with developmental disabilities.

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

Christ Child Society Pink Party

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1. Laurie Keziah, Sarah DuBay and Laura Karmanos of Birmingham.

2. Julie Wells (left) and Kelly Winkler Patterson of Birmingham. 3. Lisa Halsted (left), Kelly Eberlein, Gretchen Klotz, Jalenne Timmis and Sara Young of Birmingham. 4. Sara Marshall (left) and Allyson Bakewell of Birmingham. 5. Paula Boehner (left) of Beverly Hills, Carol Rooney and Pam Surhigh of Bloomfield.

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MOCAD Interchange Art + Dinner

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1. Mary Ann Liut (left) of Franklin, Monica George of W. Bloomfield, Roz Jacobson and Michelle Nelson of Bloomfield. 2. Judy Etkin (left) of Bloomfield, Terese Reyes of Birmingham. 3. Luciano DelSignore (left), Scott Jacobson and Ron Klein of Bloomfield. 4. Yousif Gafarhi (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Dresner & Ed Levy of Birmingham. 5. Nancy Hodari of Birmingham.

Boys Hope Girls Hope

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2 1. Frank Torre (left) of Bloomfield and Kerrie Binno of Birmingham, Scott Crane of Grosse Pointe.

2. Laurent Fregonara of Wixom, Kristin Brochert of Bloomfield. 3. Claire, Mike and Grace Schuchard of Birmingham. 4. Dennis Archer (left) of Detroit, Chris Brochert of Bloomfield. 5. Sue Lockhart (left) of Grosse Pointe, Jo Schuchard of Birmingham.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for November election ochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township voters will be deciding among candidates in the November 6 general election for a variety of congressional, state and county political offices, along with determining the fate of several state ballot issues, either at the polls or with absentee ballots which will be mailed out soon.

Downtown newsmagazine, through questionnaires, queried candidates on a variety of issues, the answers to which can be found in the special Voter Guide inside this edition or online at downtownpublications.com. We also met one-on-one over the course of the summer with most candidates seeking state or congressional offices to gain added insight into office seekers.

The results of our efforts, along with our institutional knowledge of people and issues, provided the basis for the following endorsements.

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8th Congressional District – Two-year term Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township The Eighth Congressional District is one of the wonders of gerrymandering, running through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and the north Oakland area, then dipping into Livingston County and meandering into Ingham County, including East Lansing. The incumbent in this district, Republican Mike Bishop, first followed his father, Don Bishop, into the state legislature, serving in the state House from 1999-2002, then was elected to the state Senate where he served from 2002-2010. His record in Lansing left a lot to be desired. In Congress, starting in 2015, he spent his first term toeing the party line, opposing Obama programs. In his second term, he has become one of Trump's disciples, rolling back environmental protections, women's health care rights, health care for the population at large, just to name a few of our concerns. In short, Bishop appears to have forgotten who he represents while in office, a malady that can affect some who have been at the public trough for too long. His opponent this year, Democrat ELISSA SLOTKIN, has returned to her family's farm in Holly as a third-generation Michigander.

Slotkin finished grad school in New York after the 9/11 attacks on our country and spent five years in Iraq as part of the CIA. She then spent time in defense/intelligence positions in the White House under both Presidents Bush and Obama, and as a result, knows the ins and outs of DC. Without a doubt, Slotkin knows the issues and can work both sides of the aisle. Most important, she has established the framework for listening to the concerns of district residents and will maintain that approach in Congress. Voters should make the switch and go with Slotkin.

11th Congressional District – Two-year term (Part of Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat HALEY STEVENS impressed us greatly when she first announced in 2017 for this congressional seat. A Millennial who has brought her government and private enterprise experience home, Stevens grew up in Birmingham, picked up undergraduate/graduate degrees, went to work as chief of staff of President Obama’s Auto Rescue Task Force effort and worked for the White House Office for Manufacturing and Office of Recovery for

Automotive Communities and Workers. She cut her teeth, so to speak, helping to shepherd though the necessary components of the auto bailout through members of both parties in Congress and members of the business community. She has also spent time working in the private sector tied to job training and digital manufacturing. Bright, energetic, focused, with a good command of the issues. Her opponent in this race – a Trump acolyte whose blind allegiance doesn’t show through her deceptively shallow and evasive answers in our Voter Guide, no doubt on advice of her handlers who can read Trump’s disapproval polls. Congress is supposed to be part of the checks and balance system in government and we already have enough Trump handmaidens in DC who don’t understand their proper role.

12th State Senate District – Four-year term (Oakland Township, north Oakland area, Bloomfield Township) When he first ran for the state House we did not support Michael McCready, although in two elections since, we have backed him as a more moderate Republican who kept in touch with officials in the district and was not afraid to buck the party on some issues. Unfortunately, we wish he would have broken more often from the party line, especially on key issues, like the environment and civil rights, to name just two. We understand the legislative game as well as anyone – in the caucus setting the best of intentions can get dealt away. But then again, perhaps McCready is just following his own personal beliefs which then raises the issue of whether he is in sync with district residents. Either way, a change is necessary. With both legislative chambers and the administration under Republican control, there has been a lack of progress in some areas and outright decline on issues of importance for the future of the state. His opponent in this race, Democrat ROSEMARY BAYER, is keenly focused on public policy in the state that needs a new direction and will not hesitate to push for that. Bayer has the necessary skills, honed through her experience in the high tech industry and business, to work with others to bring about change and is well grounded on the issues. We were impressed and voters will be too.

13th State Senate District – Four-year term (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Birmingham)

before heading to Lansing, and he can often be found in his home district. We would love to see him take a leadership role on key issues in his final term in the House.

11th District County Commission – Two-year term (Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Troy) This open commission seat would be best filled by Republican Thomas E. Kuhn. Kuhn, an attorney, has a long history of service to the community, as a Royal Oak commissioner to 12 years as a trustee of Oakland Community College. His dedication to the area and critical issues will allow him to represent the district and the county as a whole.

15th District County Commission – Two-year term (Rochester, Rochester Hills) Republican incumbent commissioner ADAM KOCHENDERFER has impressed us since he was a Rochester Hills city council member, and as a county commissioner, he continues to work hard for the people of his district. With reasonable viewpoints and a measured approach, he is an asset to the board of commissioners.

State Ballot Issues Proposal 1 – Marijuana Legalization Michigan may well join a growing number of states allowing recreational use of marijuana if voters give their approval in this general election. No citizeninitiated ballot issue is perfect but drafters of this issue have done a reputable job of writing the rules and restrictions surrounding recreational pot use.

Vote YES. Let’s hope officials in Lansing don’t take eight years to implement voter wishes, like they did with medical marijuana.

Proposal 2 – Redistricting amendment This amendment to the Michigan Constitution would address the political gerrymandering that for decades has allowed whatever party is in power to redraw political districts to their advantage so they continue to remain in power. The proposal essentially creates a more independent commission that would redraw districts every 10 years following a federal census. Vote YES. Proposal 3 – Voting Regulations

Incumbent Republican MARTY KNOLLENBERG is seeking his second Senate term after having served in the past as a Representative in the state House.

This district also includes Troy, Clawson and Royal Oak. Knollenberg has been a focused policy maker in the area of education and has worked equally hard in other legislative areas. Knollenberg, in touch with officials and residents of the district, has earned another term.

This proposal would amend the state Constitution to provide for, among other things, ‘no-reason’ absentee ballots, same day registration, restoring straight ticket voting and several other voting items, all designed to expand voting ability and enshrine these voting issues to protect against voter suppression efforts by lawmakers. Vote YES.

45th State House District – Two-year term (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township)

City of Rochester Charter Amendment

Republican incumbent MICHAEL WEBBER is seeking his third term in the state House. He is a solid conservative who knows and understands the district, having lived in Rochester Hills for 28 years, and served on the Rochester Hills City Council

The city of Rochester is seeking to amend its charter to lift the threshold of expenditure and purchase procedures for approvals for competitive bids from $2,000, where it was put in place in 1965, to $15,000.

That seems very reasonable to us. Vote YES.

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FALL in Love with a New Home!

We do sell them all!

Call the real estate team of

Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes (248) 379-3000 | (248) 379-3003 LynnAndDeby.com

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No Home Too Large, No Home Too Small We Do Sell Them All!

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009

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ROCHESTER HILLS 2526 Golf Crest Drive | $774,900 Custom home in gated, private enclave of $1,000,000+ homes.

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 555 Parkland Hills Drive | $749,900

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AUBURN HILLS 4423 N. Castlewood Court | $455,000

One-of-a-kind home with definite “wow factor.” Large 1st floor Beautifully updated home has eat-in kitchen with fireplace. Spacious master suite. Walkout LL has amazing bath. Spectacular deck and yard. master suite. Finished walkout LL with 5th bedroom. Rochester schools.

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5769 Stonehaven Boulevard | $675,000

ROCHESTER HILLS 949 Homestead Court | $309,900

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 53 W. Buell Road | $619,900

Wooded retreat on the best lot in sought-after Wellington sub.

Private, manicured .76 acres. Amazing walkout lower level.

Lovely 4 BR Colonial on cul-de-sac. New furnace and A/C. Most baths updated. Newer kitchen. Partially finished lower level.

Expansive 3.85 acre retreat complete with sophisticated upgrades and extraordinary yard. 1st floor in-law suite. Finished lower level.

BUILD SITE

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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 1450 Silverbell Road | $674,900

SHELBY TOWNSHIP 53357 Pondview Drive | $860,000

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5249 Orchard Ridge | $1,750,000

One of the last parcels (10.61 acres) on the Billion Dollar Mile! Stocked pond (1.7 acres), natural artesian well, walking trails & rolling terrain.

Airy, open home with awe-inspiring deck & yard with in-ground pool & pond. Walkout LL with theatre room & more. 4-car garage.

Magnificent hilltop estate on 1.44 acres in the most prestigious gated community. Too many luxurious amenities to list!