League of Women's Voters - Voting Guide 2020

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League of Women Voters of the Midland Area

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2 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ®

UNITED STATES PRESIDENT 4-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1)

QUESTION 1: What policies do you support to improve and secure elections and voting in our country?

QUESTION 2: Please explain where you see opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on the very serious issues facing our country.

QUESTION 3: What, if any, steps will you take to reform current immigration policies?

QUESTION 4: Please explain the policies, if any, you support to address gun violence in America.

QUESTION 5: What, if any, actions would you work towards in your first 100 days to address the threats facing the US due to climate change?

JOE BIDEN; Running Mate Kamala D. Harris -- Democrat DONALD J. TRUMP; Running Mate Michael R. Pence -- Republican JO JORGENSEN; Running Mate Jeremy Cohen -- Libertarian DON BLANKENSHIP; Running Mate William Mohr -- US Taxpayers HOWIE HAWKINS; Running Mate Angela Walker -- Green ROCKY DE LA FUENTE; Running Mate Darcy Richardson -- Natural Law

See www.VOTE411.org for Presidential Candidate responses.

UNITED STATES SENATOR QUESTION 1: HEALTH CARE: What do you see as the federal government’s role in health care? Given the Covid19 pandemic, what are your concerns and plans regarding U.S. health coverage, policies and programs, including Medicare and Medicaid?

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QUESTION 3: IMMIGRATION: What policies do you support relative to immigration into the U.S.?

GARY PETERS, Democrat

http://petersforMichigan.com 1: As we continue to work through the pandemic, it’s never been more critical that Michiganders have access to quality, affordable health care. I have worked to protect and strengthen the Affordable Care Act and oppose the GOP-led lawsuit to overturn it in the Supreme Court which would gut protections for pre-existing conditions for over 1.7 million Michiganders and raise health care costs. I’ve fought to ensure Medicare and Medicaid are fully funded, and worked to bring down the cost of prescription drugs by passing legislation to fight big pharmaceutical companies’ from monopolizing the lower cost, generic drug market.

2: From police violence to the impact of COVID-19 on minority communities, it’s clear Black and Brown Americans face institutional racism. We must address inequities in our society including fixing economic, health and educational disparities in addition to reforming our criminal justice system. That’s why I’m leading legislation to improve community policing, support commonsense policing reforms, and fought to increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses amid the pandemic. I will continue fighting so every Michigander can achieve our nation’s promise of justice, prosperity and equality for all.

3: As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, securing our borders and upholding our laws is my top priority. Immigrants are essential to the fabric of our nation, strengthening our communities and economy. That’s why I support comprehensive immigration reform, common sense laws to strengthen our borders, a tough but fair path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who are already working and paying taxes here, and keeping families together.

JOHN JAMES, Republican

6-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1)

For presidential candidates to be invited to respond: The candidate must have made a public announcement of her/his intention to run for President.

QUESTION 2: SOCIAL INJUSTICE: Do you believe there is systemic racism, economic disparity, and other social injustices which should be addressed by Congress? If so, what policies do you support?

2

www.johnjamesforsenate.com 1: We are facing a major crisis right now with COVID, which has stressed our nation’s healthcare systems. Any healthcare plan that I support must absolutely protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, lower drug prices, and protect seniors. We must also protect Medicare/Medicaid and work to ensure their long-term sustainability. We need a patient-centered, market-based approach that works for everyone. We need to keep the

The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act’s minimum contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website.

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The candidate must qualify for the ballot in enough states to win a majority of electoral votes.

3 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® parts of the Affordable Care Act that work and replace the parts that don’t, including those that increase prices. We must empower doctors & patients, not insurance companies and the federal gov.

achieved by our house, senate and governor 3) whomever is in the usa, or michigan now, stays, and must immediately proceed to gain their citizenship.

2: As a black man, as a father of three boys, I was heartbroken to see the video of George Floyd. And the others that have come before him. My father grew up in the Jim Crow South. I’m in the position to run for US Senate because somebody marched for me. My father moved to MI, started a family business and I’m looking forward to using my platform and opportunity to fight for anybody else who wants to work for an opportunity to achieve the American dream. We need to offer all in Michigan, who wish to achieve it, a path to prosperity. This path will tear down barriers, increase access, and provide economic opportunity.

www.crowdpac.com/campaigns/395494/marcia-t-squier

3: Our immigration system is broken, and I believe that both parties have failed. No one wants to see families separated. America is a nation of immigrants and we are also a nation of laws. I will work to support reform of the legal immigration system that provides security while supporting our economy. We need comprehensive immigration reform that will help our nation grow and retain talent and thrive while also protecting our national security. I am the only candidate in Michigan’s US Senate race who has ever had to secure a border. I will work with anyone to work toward meaningful reform that ensures secure borders.

VALERIE L. WILLIS, U.S. Taxpayers http://willisforcongress.com

1: The government has a limited role in health care! This is the states right to create laws on medical coverage for all. Let the experts take care of thisthe insurance carriers are the experts, for over 245 years! Obama tried to break the carriers and invade their income streams. We can cover all the people of this country by state, with pre- existing conditions and disabilities, we the people need to control our own policies. I have solved this problem and i urge my voters to come and meet me and listen to my solution, it is the only one that makes any sense. I am the expert in this area.

2: I Valerie Willis supports constitutional rights and michigan constitutional rights, as originally intended. I support these constitutional rights for all men, women and children, elderly, disabled, veterans and more, of every race and nation that lives in our country and in my state. It is time we rise to our original constitutional soverign status, as we the people and enact our unalienable rights. All should be treated the same, and equal under law.

3: I, Valerie Willis supports the Willis plan for immigration and will take this plan with me when i win my race, and will fight for the right to finally get to true immigration reform. 1) close all borders of the usa until we have immigration reform and until we (house, senate and president) agree 2) close the mich border until further notice until we the people of mich have true immig. reform. No new immigrants in until true reform has been

MARCIA SQUIER, Green

1: We all deserve to have universal basic healthcare, especially with an ongoing global pandemic. We also need more healthcare providers, which is why my #HIRE jobs program focuses on Healthcare, Infrastructure, Renewables and Education. We would also need more educators in order to accomplish this goal. And we could absolutely afford this if we just simply ended the endless wars and enacted a GI Bill for All type legislation. People could do voluntary community service instead of military servitude. Working towards peace instead of more costly wars, death and destruction.

2: I do believe that there is systemic racism, economic disparity and social injustices that should be addressed by Congress. This includes breaking up corporate monopolies, increasing the minimum wage, stricter penalties for law enforcement and elected officials that abuse their positions, and ending the War on Drugs by retroactively legalizing cannabis and decriminalization of drugs in general. If we had universal healthcare and education, less people would self-medicate their problems away and seek proper treatment instead.

3: I support giving a welcoming path to citizenship for all people without violent pasts. People with other types of criminal pasts should be eligible for citizenship after a probationary period. Our country was founded by immigrants and descendants of immigrants. It should always be the country people want to go to when they can’t stand their own. If we end the endless war, the refugee crisis would be greatly diminished, and more people would stay in their homeland if it wasn’t war-torn. Too many of us have no idea what it’s like to live in a country that sees military bombings regularly.

DOUG DERN, Natural Law Did not respond.

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U.S. REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS MICHIGAN DISTRICT 4 2-Year Term – Vote for One (1)

QUESTION 1: HEALTH CARE: What do you see as the federal government’s role in health care? Given the Covid19 pandemic, what are your concerns and plans regarding U.S. health coverage, policies and programs, including Medicare and Medicaid?

Additional information on presidential candidates is available at www.VOTE411.ORG The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.

Copyright©2020 by the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area Education Fund

4 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® QUESTION 2: SOCIAL INJUSTICE: Do you believe there is systemic racism, economic disparity, and other social injustices which should be addressed by Congress? If so, what policies do you support?

QUESTION 3: IMMIGRATION: What policies do you support relative to immigration into the U.S.?

JERRY HILLIARD, Democrat

http://jerryhilliardforcongress.com 1: My preference is Medicare for All but will vote for any bill offering an improvement in healthcare. Medicare for All can be implemented now and start saving lives. Also, it is a known entity that won’t have to be endlessly debated. There is some talk about lowering the age to 55 or 60 but that puts the second most expensive group in and leaves out the least expensive group. I know I have spent many times more money on healthcare since I turned 55. Young people are not as expensive to insure, if Dems want to be the party of the future we should not send the message that everyone gets covered but youth.

2: Systemic racism is everywhere, it is easy to point to obvious explicit racist things that were and still are happening like real estate Redlining or loan policies that charged higher interest rates to minorities and cause economic disparity. Congress can certainly solve that kind of racism with laws. The bigger problem is implicit racism which exists as a norm in the collective subconscious minds of most of society. Racism that is not codified but exists as sure society does. Congress needs to require education in systemic racism and other systemic bias in our society in public school systems and colleges.

3: We need realistic legislation that fixes our nation’s broken immigration system with compassion and kindness and does not leave immigrants as second class citizens. There is already a Democratic bill that has been introduced in the House to protect DACA and temporary protected status immigrants and would be a top priority for me. More work has to be done beyond that to fix our consensus, broken immigration system. It needs to include family unity as a priority goal. Also, it needs to protect our workers from an oversupply of labor that pushes wages down and uphold the rule of law.

JOHN MOOLENAAR, Republican

http://www.johnmoolenaarforcongress.com/ 1: I support access to quality health care for all Americans without raising taxes, and without forcing citizens to buy policies they cannot afford. We must ensure affordable coverage for patients with preexisting conditions and younger Americans, protect choices for seniors, and maintain the doctor-patient relationship. I also voted for more research funding that will help our country develop new treatments for cancer and Alzheimer’s. The COVID-19 crisis has shown that more investment is necessary. We must provide additional funding for our nation’s stockpile and bring critical medical supply chains back to the US.

2: The tragic death of George Floyd has revived an important conversation about racism and bias in the United States. I welcome this discussion and support peaceful expression of the First Amendment right to protest.

Congress was recently able to come together and pass bipartisan criminal justice reform. I believe this coalition can once again come together for the betterment of the American people.

3: On immigration, we need to promote border integrity and make sure we know who is coming into our country. This protects all Americans including those who have made the effort to legally immigrate and become citizens of the United States. We also need to make sure our policies help the economy. This is especially true in tourism and agriculture, two industries that rely on seasonal help to provide services and bring Michigan-made food to market.

DAVID CANNY, Libertarian

http://www.facebook.com/DavidC4congress 1: To reverse the trend of increasing costs and restricted access to quality health care we must reduce government and insurance paperwork, encourage real price competition,and allow unlimited individual and employer contributions to HSA (Health Savings Accounts) to anyone carrying any type of health coverage, including Medicare, VA benefits, etc. as proposed in Senator Paul’s Health Savings Accounts for All Act. The Covid 19 pandemic has made us painfully aware of the need to make preparedness a higher priority, starting with responding to Chinese officials’ threats of withholding medications with expediting the domes 2: I do not believe that there is systemic racism in this country, however, I do believe that federal anti-poverty programs have a 50 year history of failure and the unintended consequence of expanding economic disparity that will require more than the government’s getting out of the way to resolve.

The real cure is a vibrant economy that creates jobs, income and opportunity. School choice with options that focus on trades and life skills need to be supported for a long term solution. Economic opportunity zones will create business and job opportunities,and reduce regulations that are barriers to creating businesses and 3: With a declining birth rate and an aging population there is a need to expand laws allowing for the increase in legal immigration. Specifically, there is a need for highly skilled workers as well as for H-2A agricultural visa workers. I support an expedited path to permanent status for these people and their families to be part of America. While I support increased legal immigration I believe that workers should not receive welfare benefits. These workers should be sponsored by family, employers, civic groups, etc. but should not be here at taxpayers expense. I support enforcement targeting those with final deportation

AMY SLEPR - Green

http://www.amysleprforcongress2020 1: We need universal healthcare, so hard working people never have to endure homelessness and uncontrollable debt. There is no reason we should be paying out of pocket over $1000/ month for medications. Why is an EpiPen $670? Why is insulin at least $500/ bottle? We should also have universal medical in order to pay for COVID-19 testing, treatment and all emergency health care. Expand the Medicaid program to cover all U.S.

5 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® citizens. Medicare is too costly for subscribers especially our elders.

2: Yes there is systemic racism in the U. S. Significant steps need to be taken in order to reverse and eliminate the ongoing abuses. We need to end the criminalization of the Black, Brown, and Native American communities, to eradicate poverty, to invest in education, health care and the restoration and protection of human rights, that it will repair the continuing damage wrought by the ideology of white supremacy which permeates the governing institutions of our nation. POC, LGBTQIA, and women, are all human and deserve to be treated humanely.

3: All immigrants should be allowed civil process, if they want to become citizens. I do NOT support putting people in detention centers until extradition unless they are actual criminals. being an immigrant is not a crime and children should not be taken away from their parents simply because the parents want a better life.

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MICHIGAN HOUSE

2-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1) QUESTION 1: EDUCATION: What is your position on the role of public funding of education in Michigan? What measures do you support/propose to improve educational outcomes and accessibility for all Michigan students?

QUESTION 2: ECONOMIC SECURITY: What policies do you support to increase jobs and help Michigan residents improve their economic positions, in general and given the pandemic?

QUESTION 3: ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: What actions or policies do you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations? What is your position on energy efficiency and renewable energy?

DISTRICT 98 SARAH SCHULZ, Democrat http://sarah4mi.org

1: Michigan students are in the nation’s bottom third. Teachers need to be supported and resourced, students to have an equal chance at success, and schools to be safe places that create an environment that is most conducive to learning. Michigan faces a critical educator shortage. Students seeking teaching degrees have plummeted and 100,000+ people with teaching certifications who have left the profession. Teachers are leaving our rural communities in greater numbers and new teachers who entered the profession with idealistic plans to shape and mold students are met with barriers and frustration and even safety.

2: The people of Bay and Midland counties know hard work - and that it’s

not enough to just have a job. People shouldn’t need multiple jobs to earn a living wage - we need jobs that provide stability to pay the bills and plan the future. I support businesses that bring good jobs to our community and will fight for legislation to empower Michiganders with a living wage, equal pay, and strong unions so that full time work provides economic stability.

COVID proved more deadly in poor areas and in communities with more people of color. Economic justice is needed so all have an equal chance of surviving the next pandemic.

3: Michigan has 22% of the earth’s fresh water and it is our duty to protect it for generations. We must toughen drinking water standards and protect drinking water in our urban, rural and suburban areas of our state from PFAS chemicals. We must stop Great Lake water diversion, so our natural treasure remains a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic stability. The impact of environmental negligence is often not realized immediately, so I support eliminating the statute of limitations to file a civil claim due to environmental issues and holding corporate polluters accountable.

ANNETTE GLENN, Republican http://AnnetteGlenn.com

1: Ensuring quality education for our children is one of the most important things we do, no matter what type of schooling works best for a child -- traditional, charter, or online. As a member of the budget-setting committee for education funding, I voted in favor of allocating record high funding this year to public schools. Literacy and funding for at-risk students were priorities for my district. I succeeded in including money in the state budget to fund remedial reading instruction, as well as successfully defending a recent appropriation to Midland schools of over half a million dollars to serve at-risk students.

2: Guided by data and doctors, keeping people in Bay and Midland counties safe, and safely getting them back to work is my highest priority. I support cutting red tape for businesses, especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic, so they can safely reopen and continue employing hard-working residents. In addition, I support Michigan’s Right to Work law, which protects individual freedom and has proven to be a major incentive in attracting new plant site locations and, before the pandemic, helped Michigan lead the nation in new job creation and income growth.

3: Energy consumers should have the greatest freedom in choosing energy options, and the percentage of energy that’s renewable should be decided by local communities. As a member of the budget-setting committee for state environmental and energy spending, I voted in favor of PFAS cleanup funding and and wildlife habitat preservation. To protect our water, I support enclosing the Line 5 pipeline in a secure underground tunnel and oppose transporting fuels by methods such as trucking, which would increase air pollution and the chance of hazardous spill accidents.

DISTRICT 99 JOHN ZANG, Democrat http://ElectJohnZang

1: It is a disgrace to be last in the nation in school funding increases (according to Detroit News). In our district, schools are receiving less now,

6 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® adjusted for inflation, than in 1994 when Prop A was passed. I would work to provide adequate funding for our schools and would assure that all students in Michigan get the same per student funding. It is unfair that students in our district get far less money per student than students in other districts. I would work to stop public funding going to “for profit” charter schools. I would work to include education professionals when developing state programs and policies.

2: Workers should receive a living wage. Economic security for you and I is tied to the economic security of all people. I support raising the minimum wage. I support sick leave and maternity leave legislation. Next year will be the most challenging in history for addressing economic issues. Michigan is facing a huge debt load. Businesses and farms are facing bankruptcy in large numbers. Unemployment is at record levels. My objective will be to protect schools, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure and the environment. My education and experience make me the candidate to lead, as we work to resolve budget issues.

3: Michigan’s water, land and air have been under attack by the Republican Party who have loosened protections for our environment. I will make protecting Michigan’s environment a priority. PFAS compounds are harmful yet our current legislators continue to allow the import of thousands of tons of PFAS laden trash for disposal in Michigan polluting our land and water. I would work to stop Michigan from being the dumping ground for other states and I would restrict drilling deep wells for hazardous waste disposal. I support renewable energy and the auto industries efforts to develop electric cars to slow climate change.

ROGER HAUCK, Republican http://rogerhauck.com

1: I am product of our public school system and my son and daughter in law are both public school teachers in Mt. Pleasant. I believe public education is the foundation of our society. My focus since taking office in 2017 has been on closing the gap between richer and poorer schools in Michigan. I am proud to report that we have made tremendous progress over the past three budgets by substantially raising the minimum per pupil funding level and at risk funding for schools. Our local schools specifically are now receiving the highest funding in their histories.

2: In the past 5 days, I’ve had about 15 small business owners contact me to see if they can actually re-open out of concern they may have missed an obscure provision in any of the dozens of executive orders. In that same time frame, I’ve received about 60 unemployment cases - many involving individuals who haven’t been able to get paid for nearly 2 months. Our number one priority coming out of this pandemic has to be solving the uncertainty crisis for both businesses and employees. This includes overhauling unemployment system and returning policy making back to the legislature.

3: I believe we have a responsibility to take care of our environment so future generations can enjoy clean air, water, and land. One of my proudest moments as state representative was when I was able to secure $3.1 million dollars to help create a sewer system in Beal City to prevent E. coli from polluting a branch of the Chippewa River. I believe energy efficiency and renewable energy all have a role to play in our energy future. I am excited to see the cost of renewable energy drop and hope it can play a larger role without seeing the increase on our bills.

MELISSA NOELLE LAMBERT, Green 1: Education for our children is important and needed for learning social interactions with others, unfortunately our school system is needing money for security guards and not getting the money needed for supplies.

We the people of our towns and state’s should make sure that our future generations have a good, safe education with good healthy food to eat and make sure the money is there for them to better their chances of succeeding. Since marijuana is making revenue for the towns and states why not set aside a % of that and put it toward our schools and children.

2: First off, employers need to stop testing for THC, this is a barrier for many people trying to get employment and use cannabis instead of pharmaceuticals and or drugs [like myself], and we, as a state need to make our income worth working for, the average person here makes $16,500.00 a year and rent here is on average $800.00, why should people try and hold down a job which does not pay the bills, somehow we need to balance our economic system [like post WWII] give people a reason to want to work and thrive and put into our economy, right now it cost’s someone more in gas to go to a job then what they bring home.

3: I am a hunter and I fish and it honestly breaks my heart to see my land so polluted and dying. Everyone has to have clean drinkable water, that’s a must. We have to encourage the growth of hemp and get away from all this plastic and styrofoam that is polluting our land and water and the animals we eat! Our planet is dying and we have the technology to advance into more efficient and better ways of heating and cooling our homes and running our vehicles but unfortunately greed and ignorance run our land and until we get new people in office who actually care about Mother Earth and everything on it, we are doomed.

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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION 8-Year Term – Vote for TWO (2)

QUESTION 1: Describe your qualifications and experience for State Board of Education and explain your reasons for running. How would

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7 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® you be an asset to the Board?

QUESTION 2: What actions and policies would you recommend to improve our education system?

schools the resources they need to educate our children. I would also use the position on the Board to as a bully pulpit to advocate for children who need additional services, such as special education and English as a second language children.

QUESTION 3: What are the most pressing issues facing the State Board of Education and what actions would you take regarding them?

3: Being on the State Board of Education isn’t about being a Democrat or Republican. It’s about doing your best so every kid in Michigan has an opportunity at a great education. I want to remove any partisanship from the Board and ensure that we have one voice advocating for every kid in Michigan, no matter their race, religion, gender identity, or zip code.

ELLEN LIPTON, Democrat

TAMI CARLONE, Republican

1: I believe my experience as a former legislator most qualifies me for this office. I served for six years in the State House, serving as the minority vice-chair of the Education Committee, as well as the minority vice-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 Schools. As such, I have a deep understanding of the education policy as well as the funding landscape in this state. I passed legislation to require the state to undergo a comprehensive costing-out study to determine the cost of educating a child in our state. This law resulted in the determination that we are currently underfunding all our students.

1: Having 30 years of experience as a successful Corporate CPA & Process Improvement Expert, I am able to bring a professional level of fiscal responsibility, & problem solving to the Board. Skills that will be helpful to the Board given the role itself, as well as the status of education in MI. Being a national, state & local education advocate, activist, speaker & writer, for 20 years, I have built up an exceptionally unique set of skills to bring to the Board. I know education law, policy, funding, methods, standards, the players & more. I am running to give the students of MI Truth & Excellence in their education.

2: Michigan has been consistently underfunding our K-12 schools since the early 1990’s. Although Proposal A attempted to equalize funding among our hundreds of school districts, it did nothing to address the two critical components of sufficiently and equitably funding our schools. I would propose a “lock box” around the school-aid fund, and not allow it to be used to fund community colleges or public universities, which both have separate sources of funding. We also need to move toward a system that drives resources toward our most vulnerable students, our English language learners, and those with special needs.

2: Teachers must deal with way too much these days, like jumping through one governmental hoop after another, excessive paperwork & data collection, meetings & more. We need them connecting with students & focused on teaching in their classrooms. We must make sure what teachers are learning in teacher college makes them ready to meet the demands of the job, like expertise in phonics. Excellent teachers can CHANGE LIVES. We must stop the teach to the test mentality that is killing our children’s love of learning. We must get out of Common Core & the related testing & give our students the proven best standards & tests.

3: We are in the midst a global pandemic, with no immediate end in sight.

As such, the most pressing issue is the safe return to learning. I think the school board’s role should be to assemble and analyze research from around the state and around the country in terms of what has worked and what has not worked during the pandemic. The school board can also be an important bridge between the local school districts, which are nearest to their communities, and the MDE which has access to the most relevant research regarding teaching and learning during a pandemic, best practices, and robust data analytical capabilities.

3: All one must do is look at the results to know MI is in trouble regarding education. MI education spending goes up each year despite declining enrollment & declining results. The Wall Street Journal summed it up perfectly 1/2018, “Few state school systems report worse achievement metrics than MI.” We must focus on academic achievement and not political agendas. I am passionate about making MI a POWERHOUSE in education for ALL children. We should be the state others look to as the example. Every ed dollar must have a positive impact on classroom learning. Education policy makers must be held accountable for results.

http://ELforED.org

JASON STRAYHORN, Democrat

www.tamicarlone.com

MICHELLE FREDERICK, Republican

www.votestrayhorn.com

www.michelle4sbe.com

1: As the father of three children, I know the challenges that parents, teachers, support staff, and especially students are facing. Through my job I travel throughout Michigan and I see the disparity between school districts.

There are children in Michigan who live on separate sides of a street, and depending on which side they live on will depend on whether they receive a quality education. If I’m on the Board I want to ensure that every child in Michigan receives a quality education.

1: I have been an education advocate for 17 years, founding board member at Michigan Parents Involved in Education, and a leadership team member at Stop Common Core in Michigan. I am running because I have witnessed and experienced the quality of my own children’s public education deteriorate over the years. This is not an isolated incident. Michigan’s current reading proficiency is at 44% and math proficiency is at 38% which demonstrates this is a systemic problem throughout our great state. Michigan’s parents deserve a voice that represents them on the State Board of Education, not another politician.

2: We need to look at equitable funding, and when I say that I don’t want to “steal from the rich and give to the poor,” I want to help give struggling

8 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® 2: The actions and policies I would recommend to improve our education system is a thorough examination of teacher training, professional development, standards, and all standardized tests at each grade level. There must be a deficiency somewhere along the chain from development to delivery when Michigan’s children are testing below the national average. Parents and children should not be subjected to a broken system with life-long consequences when problems should be identified and rectified within a reasonable amount of time.

3: An immediate but temporary pressing issue is the mass exodus from public schools due to the virtual learning platform that was not designed for all students in mind. There are students that do not have reliable access to the internet and/or the equipment needed, some students are not developmentally capable to navigate a virtual learning format due to age and/or disability, while other students are just not able to learn through this type of platform. I would like to have all public schools opened for children with virtual learning as an option for parents who are not comfortable for their child to attend in person.

BILL HALL, Libertarian

www.facebook.com/VoteBillHall 1: 39 years’ experience advising on legal matters. Managed firm’s Real Estate Group for 10 years. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995. Served on many nonprofit boards. Boy Scout leader since 1994.

Honors graduate, Northwestern Univ. School of Law and Wabash College.

Committed to improving education through freedom of choice and fiscal responsibility. Will be an independent voice on a Board riven by partisan politics.

2: Support freedom of choice in education. Competition from schools of choice, charter and private schools and home schooling pushes traditional public schools to innovate and better educate, and saves taxpayer dollars.

Don’t mandate a “common core” curriculum. Give parents more freedom to choose schools and schools more freedom to choose their own policies.

Support fiscal responsibility. Replace underfunded defined benefit with defined contribution retirement plans, State funding should follow the student, let poorly performing schools fail rather than bailing them out, re-deploy funds to focus on academic achievement 3: The COVID pandemic, and the State’s authoritarian response, have severely damaged the educational development of a generation of students.

The SBE has abdicated its role, letting the Governor and legislature lead in mandating a response that ignores the wishes of parents and local school districts and rewards special interests. The SBE should pursue policies that respect parents’ freedom to choose programs they feel are best, e.g., in-person or remote schooling, delivered at home, with tutors, or at private, charter or traditional schools. One size does not fit all, as pandemic effects vary widely across the State.

RICHARD A. HEWER, Libertarian

www.facebook.com/Richard-Hewer-for-Michigan-Board-of-Education-101421051707971 1: I just retired last week after teaching Computer Information Systems classes for Ferris State University at Big Rapids, on-line, and at various Community Colleges, Dual Enrollment High Schools and ISDs. Teaching

these classes showed me students need more options and should not be locked into the school system for their residence. My background would bring a unique prospective on educational options some students have and ways those could be expanded to all students.

2: Allow ALL students in Michigan to have a choice on their type of education and have the State money go to the education choice they make.

Increase Vocation Education, Industry Certification and Dual Enrollment education options and make those available to all students, not just a select few. Not require all public schools have the same programs and teaching method but allow them to specialize. Let the students choose the school with their specialty and the teaching method that fits their learning style, not just the ones that are available from their local public schools.

3: Making a quality customizable education available to everyone in Michigan. I would not require students to attend failing school systems but allow students to have an online education or do other creative education choices. Providing guidance to school systems on how to educate graduates that will fulfill the job requirements needed in Michigan. I would allow the students to pick their education options and not be required to go to a cookie cutter local class. I would have more industry certification, Vocational Education and dual enrollment options available.

MARY ANNE HERING, Working Class www.workingclassfight.com

1: As a long time teacher I have been a steadfast advocate for students, their families, teachers, and the support staff who make sure schools function. I have also organized in the working class for decades. I can speak for teachers and other employees who are deprived of the means they need to educate young people, and whose wages and benefits are reduced because the state cuts money from education. I can give voice to workers who see their children deprived of a decent education because of those cuts. I will be saying a tidal wave of money is needed to guarantee quality education for all and safe in-person schooling.

2: Stop the cuts to school funds. Stop the policy of raiding one school budget to give to another. The money is there. All these attacks could grind to a halt by ending tax cuts, subsidies and outright gifts handed over by the state, to major corporations and real estate speculators. I think the educational system can be transformed when those most affected – school employees, parents and students – organize together to demand that the money the laboring population pays, disproportionately in taxes, be used for public education. And I would stand with them and assist in any way I could to help with that social fight.

3: COVID-19 and how to open up schools to safe, in-person learning. The glaring disparity in education in our school districts. Both can be resolved by guaranteeing high, high levels of funding for all school districts. How? Banish the idea that there isn’t enough money. The money is there! But we have to stop the raiding of public funds by private interests in the form of tax breaks, and subsidies and to for-profit charter schools. I would use the resources of the SBE to assist teachers, parents, students and others in their communities to organize to stop this theft to ensure full, high funding for public schools.

HALI MCEACHERN, Working Class

9 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® 1: I am a junior at the University of Michigan in Dearborn. I am getting my bachelor’s in secondary education in history. As a teacher and board member I will use teaching best practices. I work as a server in a restaurant. I know the needs of workers and their children. I am running because I know the resources are there to give every student in the state the best quality education. I went through the public schools in Allen Park. I want better for teachers and school workers. My main focus will be to facilitate the most student learning and to improve the working conditions of teachers and school workers.

2: To enhance student learning students need smaller classroom sizes. Art, music, and gym are essential. Child and adolescent development determines a person’s quality of life, so students need to be learning in enriched environments. Schools can have psychologists and nurses available for students, teachers, and parents. Conflict mediation and family counseling should be offered. A healthy breakfast and lunch must be provided. The resources are there for students to have updated technology; iPads, science experiments, calculators, supplies, instruments, and anything teachers tell us that students need to learn.

3: The most pressing issue is the profit-driven corporations draining money from education. Workers produce all of the wealth in society. There is an abundance of money in our communities that should provide schools with everything they need. Each school should be the best. Our tax money is given in the millions and billions to corporate welfare. GM, Chrysler, and Ford made billions of dollars in profits in 2018, then received billions from Michigan tax payers. If billion dollar corporations paid their taxes, and if workers taxes went to workers, Michigan schools could have the highest quality of education.

if necessary. I believe Public Schools should be online - online is preferred for health safety reasons .

3: Two big issues facing public schools are the COVID-19 pandemic & school funding. We must ask (demand) our state & federal elected officials for more funding than we received in the last budget. Funding for added costs this year should be disbursed by the State Treasury from the CARES Act and more should be included in the next federal COVID-19 Stimulus Bill. I understand how to work with elected officials without political party getting in the way. On every board I have served on (20 years-on over 12 major boards) I have worked as a team member for that organization. I’m a Green and I’m independent of the two parties.

UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENTS Find candidate information at www.VOTE411.org

MIDLAND COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY

4-Year Term J. DEE BROOKS, Republican – Unopposed

SHERIFF

4-Year Term MYRON GREENE, Republican -- Unopposed

CLERK

KAREN ADAMS, U.S. Taxpayers

4-Year Term ANN MANARY, Republican – Unopposed

DOUGLAS LEVESQUE, U.S. Taxpayers

TREASURER

Did not respond.

Did not respond.

TOM MAIR, Green

Twitter.com/TraverseGreens 1: I am drawn to public service in Education and to Health Care as immediate needs for Michigan’s K-12 students so that the students get the excellent education they deserve. COVID-19 has become the ‘new school’ and to prosper we need to work within the existing system of education adding higher health care standards to be safe. Not just safe learning, but safe living in our Michigan communities. I am an experienced & qualified administrator. I was elected in 2016 to a seat on the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners. I understand how to work in & with government. I was a manager at a federal agency.

2: Currently, we in Michigan are under a State of Emergency and we have a pandemic. I believe that the Public School Districts should have the authority to decide how school will be delivered. From online to hybrid to face-to-face. When a case is discovered in a face-to-face classroom, then all the students should be in quarantine at home for 14 days. I will encourage special education students (students with disabilites) at Intermediate Schools to be in the classroom. Teaching can be done one-on-one

4-Year Term CATHERINE LUNSFORD, Republican – Unopposed

REGISTER OF DEEDS

4-Year Term JULIE K. ATKINSON, Republican – Unopposed

DRAIN COMMISSIONER 4-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1)

QUESTION 1: How do your experience and education qualify you to serve as Midland County Drain Commissioner?

QUESTION 2: What do you consider the most pressing issues for the Drain Commissioner?

QUESTION 3: If elected, what will you do differently from the current practices?

10 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® CALVIN WENTWORTH, Democrat

DISTRICT 3

JOE SOVA, Republican

DISTRICT 4

Did not respond

1: Being born into a family of entrepreneurs and excavating contractors here in Midland County, I worked on construction sites with my father, operating heavy equipment, driving dump trucks and gravel trains, and bidding and running jobs. Many of the projects included digging ponds, installing storm sewers, drinking water pipe, and sanitary sewers, digging basements and foundations, and open drains cleaning. My undergraduate degree, Master’s degree, and a career of practical course work, seminars, and training has elevated my abilities and has prepared me to continue my life’s work as the County Drain Commissioner.

STEVEN GLASER, Republican - Unopposed GAYE TERWILLEGAR, Republican – Unopposed

DISTRICT 5

JIM GEISLER, Republican - Unopposed

DISTRICT 6

BRANDON L. SIMS, Democrat http://simsforsix.com

2: Each of the duties and responsibilities of the Drain Commissioner require building and nurturing partnerships with county residences, business owners, local, state, and federal government officials, and public and private utility owners, with the goal of seeking to protect Michigan’s water resources in the process. Regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the State and regulating quality standards for surface waters will be the most challenging, as earth change activities become more restrictive.

1: First, my engineering education honed my critical thinking skills, has taught me how to use data and logic to make decisions, deepened my understanding of technology in an increasingly digital world, and developed my financial management skills that will be invaluable when evaluating the county budget. Second, my five years at Dow give me insight into the culture and drive of a company that is so deeply ingrained in our community.

Lastly, my many leadership roles, such as serving on my fraternity’s executive board, have taught me how to lead by example, and have prepared me to be a leader in our community.

3: Continuing to maintain the integrity of the office of the Midland County Drain Commissioner is primary. As storm water regulations continue to evolve and become more restrictive, it will be necessary to expand communications to keep people apprised of the potential impacts. Expanding the use of modern communication tools, such as social media, to help make communication more transparent and timely, and to promote informed involvement. I will continue looking for cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to efficiently handle the large volume of storm water that impacts our daily lives.

2: The most pressing issue facing the county board is supporting residents as we work through a pandemic, an economic crisis, and flood recovery.

To address these, I propose prioritizing the needs of the county health department, using PSAs to bring awareness of the resources available, and continued support for rebuilding the dams. A second issue is managing a potential shortfall in the county budget. Because taxes are already high, first I’ll challenge the county government to be more efficient. If necessary, a special millage could be proposed to pay for a service currently in the general fund, like parks and rec.

MIDLAND COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

3: For district 6 residents, I’ll be a resource for residents to bring their thoughts and concerns to. I’ll build relationships with counterparts in the City of Midland. I’ll balance responsibilities for District 6 with Midland County’s as a whole, by listening to feedback from all county residents, not just those in my district. The board must consider the impact of its decisions on the varied needs across the county. Because the board may not be aware of all of the implications of their decisions, it is imperative that they actively engage with county residents and generate feedback to help guide their decisions.

2-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1)

QUESTION 1: How do your experience and education qualify you to serve as a Midland County Commissioner?

QUESTION 2: What are the most pressing issues facing the Midland County Commissioners, and what actions do you propose to address them?

QUESTION 3: How will you balance your responsibilities to your district with the needs of the entire county?

DISTRICT 1

Jeanette Snyder, Republican – Unopposed

DISTRICT 2

Mark Bone, Republican – Unopposed

ERIC A. DORRIEN, Republican Edorrien@co.midland.mi.us

1: I am the current office holder to the 6th District, being duly elected 4 times after being appointed to serve out the remainder of term for former Commissioner Jim Bradley in 2012. I have nearly 20 years of experience serving Midland County constituents on behalf of Congressman Moolenaar and Congressman Camp in the U.S House of Representatives. I am a Midland native and as far as I can see, I’m here to stay.

2: Our most concerning issue facing Midland County is how to maintain our level of service provided to our residents while facing a flat tax base.

Our expenses are always, it seems, increasing, so trying to provide services

11 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® that our constituents expect remains a challenge. Maintaining the County’s financial stability is Administrator/Controller Bridgette Gransden number one goal and I look forward to working with her and her team in developing Midland County’s 2021 budget, if I am afforded another term of service by the people of the 6th District.

3: I’m sworn to serve the people of Midland County’s Health, Safety and Welfare, that is my charge. It seems to me that this question harkens back to the Board of Supervisor’s era and I can see how a particular township might not of had the interest of the entire county at heart at that time. I sure there were some hard feelings on financial issues between out county folks and City of Midland folks.

DISTRICT 7

SCOTT NOESEN, Republican – Unopposed

MIDLAND COUNTY TOWNSHIPS Find candidate information at VOTE411.org

NON-PARTISAN SECTION

MICHIGAN COURTS MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT JUSTICE 8-Year Term – Vote for TWO (2)

QUESTION 1: Why are you running for the Michigan Supreme Court, and what educational, occupational, civic and community experiences have you had that particularly qualify you for this office?

QUESTION 2: Do you believe the current process for selecting Supreme Court Justices is the best path to fair and impartial representation – including how candidates are nominated for election or appointed for vacancies and how campaigns are funded and regulated? Please explain.

QUESTION 3: What, in your opinion, are the two greatest areas of need in the Michigan justice system, and how should the Supreme Court respond to them?

SUSAN L. HUBBARD

Nomination method: Nominated by the Green Party.

Did not respond.

MARY KELLY

http://marykellyforjustice.com/ Nomination method: Nominated by the Republican Party.

1: I’m running for the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as a defender of the rule of law and a protector of the vulnerable in our society. During 30 years as a prosecutor I have been a steadfast champion for the rights of victims. As Senior Assistant Prosecutor I was the lead attorney for the Criminal Sexual Conduct Unit which handled all sexual and physical abuse cases against children. Not only did I vigorously prosecute crimes like drunk driving resulting in injury and death, but also set up treatment programs to stop repeat offenses. I will always be a strong voice for victims and for safe communities.

2: As a Prosecutor ‘I’m given the responsibility to enforce the law and as a Justice on the Michigan Supreme Court my role would be to make certain we adhere to the rule of law. I will not be an advocate for any political cause, but instead abide the law. Our system gives the authority to make new law and our Constitutional system to the legislative and executive branches and to the people. I will work within the system the other branches of government and the people put in place and will not put my judgement ahead of theirs.

3: In 2015, I was honored to receive the James T. Corden Civility Award from my peers in the St. Clair County Bar Association. This award is given to attorneys who place a premium on integrity, honesty, ethics and fairness.

In short, those who practice law with dignity and respect. The Michigan Supreme Court is the ultimate authority in our state legal system and must set the example for decorum and enforce the rules throughout the system.

Some judges put themselves in the role as super legislators. It is incumbent upon our state’s highest court to enforce and not make the law. That is exactly what I will do.

BRIDGET MARY MCCORMACK

http://bridgetmarymccormack.com Nomination method: Nominated by the Democratic Party.

1: I am seeking re-election to the Michigan Supreme Court to continue advocating for the principle that everyone, regardless of their ability to afford a lawyer, deserves equal access to justice and a fair opportunity to have their case heard. Since joining the court in 2013, I have worked each day to ensure that our courts are accessible, independent, efficient, and engaged with their communities. I spent my career as a lawyer working for individuals who were disenfranchised from our justice system and prior to being elected was the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the U of M law school, where I still teach today.

2: Every process can be improved, including the one we use to elect justices

FOR MORE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, GO TO

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12 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® in Michigan. It is important that the court is nonpartisan and therefore, in my view, the party nomination process along with some of the independent expenditures can send the wrong message to the public. Judges and justices have to be willing to lose friends and elections when making decisions--that’s what their oath requires and in my experience they are, which makes some of the cost to public confidence regrettable. However, this is the process the People of Michigan have selected and I welcome their assessment of my work at the ballot box.

3: The most critical challenge is access to justice. Eight of 10 people in Michigan can’t afford a lawyer when they have a civil legal problem and they have to either navigate the courts without one or they simply don’t even try. We announced a Justice For All Taskforce last year which aims to achieve 100 percent access to the civil justice system in Michigan. There is also an absence of innovation and technology in courts, which costs them transparency, efficiency and access. We have made great progress recently, but we need to make processes more user-friendly and efficient to improve our service to the public.

KERRY LEE MORGAN

http://www.pck-law.com/attorney/kerry-l-morgan/ Nomination method: Nominated by the Libertarian Party.

1: The Supreme Court needs Justices who will apply the law as written, not as it ought to be written in the mind of the Judge. My background in the law for over forty years has taught me the importance of this purpose. My experience in the practice of law before judges has taught me that judges are sometimes reluctant to simply apply the law as written. I can bring a balanced respect for the written law and the Constitution in particular to the bench, so that Justice may be done.

2: The nomination and election process for Supreme Court Justices is adequate. Campaigns will always be funded in part by special interests and those who propose schemes to limit the effect of those interests, have an interest of their own in influencing the outcome of elections. The People are the best check on those interests and funding abuses through the ballot box. Government “solutions” and the snake oil of “bipartisan” support are designed to simply increase major party control of the Supreme Court and should be avoided.

3: The future of the judicial system is for the People to decide, but that future must recover a solid commitment to the rule of law, not the law of judges. Michigan Lawyers must also be freed from the politicized State Bar of Michigan by elimination of compulsory membership. The Supreme Court should be leading this fight. Instead, it sides with the Bar. It compels lawyers to pay money to the Bar for the propagation of ideas with which they disagree. The Court also tramples down the natural rights of conscience in the process. Securing natural rights is the states only compelling interest.

KATHERINE MARY NEPTON

http://votenepton.com Nomination method: Nominated by the Libertarian Party.

1: As an unexpected candidate in almost every way; I am running for the ability to affect positive change across Michigan for generations. Bringing my unique world view to the Courts. My secondary goal in running is to bring awareness to the fact that in Michigan’s 183 years as a state we are only beginning to bring Indigenous people into the fold. I wonder how many Indigenous clerks there are across Michigan. I wonder how many Indigenous lawyers have the opportunity to take a job offering various opportunities instead of working blue collar jobs through school like I did.

These aims are why I am running.

2: Although I believe money and politics should not intertwine, my only comment on Campaign Finance is that current Michigan law makes things appear as if those in power never considered that an Indigenous person would ever get as far as being on the ballot. And, justifiably, it has taken 183 years for Michigan to have their first ever Indigenous person Candidate for Supreme Court Justice. There are specific barriers to me, as a candidate, because of my race that are built into Michigan Law. Neighbors & sister tribes are restricted, for reference please see MCL 169.252, and MCL 169.254.

3: First, Michigan needs to reduce archaic laws. Just because the constitution overrules certain laws does not mean that Michigan should have these laws on the books. Next, Michigan has gotten too close to the “debtor’s prisons” of time long past. Our Founding Fathers set up a system so that we would never need to put people in jail for not being able to pay a bill.

In Michigan numerous people are in jail for this very reason. This systemic problem influences society in many ways. The less able you are to pay a fine, the more likely that you have a criminal record because of debt owed to the state. This is unacceptable.

BROCK SWARTZLE

http://BrockForJustice.com Nomination method: Nominated by the Republican Party.

1: The Rule of Law is a bedrock of our society, and we must be vigilant in protecting it. Justice, due process, equity, and fairness all flow from the Rule of Law. As a Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, I am committed to upholding these principles. Before becoming a judge, I worked in the Legislature as House General Counsel, in 3 federal courts as a law clerk, and as a lawyer in private practice (e.g., antitrust, employment, healthcare, criminal law, etc). I’ve given back to my community through my church and alumni association, as well as teaching at the MSU Law School and serving on a national judicial education board.

FOR MORE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, GO TO

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13 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® 2: The people should decide who their judges are. There are many ways this can be done, and Michigan’s system strikes a reasonable balance. It is absolutely essential that judges run as nonpartisans, because our judicial canons require us to “be unswayed by partisan interests.” Canon 3(A)(1). We need more outlets to inform the public about each candidate’s judicial philosophy and experience, so that judicial elections are focused on the issues, not catchy slogans or memorable phrases. And, most importantly, candidates must be transparent—that is why I have posted my opinions to my website, BrockForJustice.com.

6-Year Term – Vote for TWO (2) MICHAEL J. KELLY – Unopposed AMY RONAYNE KRAUSE -- Unopposed

3: We have the greatest legal system in the world—if you can afford it.

Simply put, justice that is too expensive is not justice. We must make access to justice cheaper for everyone, from the single mom to the corner storekeeper to the adoptive parents to the low-income juvenile to our biggest employers. So, (1) the Michigan Supreme Court needs to reform its court rules to make pretrial matters (e.g., fact discovery, motion practice) quicker and cheaper, and (2) the Court needs to work with the Legislature and other groups to provide juveniles who enter the justice system with early and effective intervention.

JUDGE OF 42ND CIRCUIT COURT, INCUMBENT POSITION

ELIZABETH WELCH

http://www.welchforjustice.com/ Nomination method: Nominated by the Democratic Party.

1: My experience with employment law (representing small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals); bi-partisan advocacy for public schools, voting rights, and conservation; criminal law and abuse/neglect cases; and community mediation will add value to the Court. I have served in leadership roles on my local school board, in nonprofit organizations, and on foundations working to solve deep challenges in our communities. We need justices with broad backgrounds and exposure to different viewpoints to make important decisions and ensure the Judicial Branch functions fairly and transparently to assure public trust.

2: Our partisan nomination process is confusing. An alternative is a non-partisan commission/appointment by Governor/retention election process. Importantly all judges should face voters in elections to ensure they stay connected to those served. Voter guides with candidate information could be sent to all voters with absentee ballots and be placed in polling places. Finally, we must have full, timely disclosure of all money spent in judicial races. Candidates already have robust campaign finance disclosure requirements, but the law should also require full disclosure of money spent by everyone else.

3: The lack of complete data makes it impossible to fully study and understand outcomes in our criminal justice system. The Court should work to modernize technology platforms in order to gather data in a usable format across the State so that outcomes are examined to ensure justice is delivered fairly across all demographics and programs are implemented that ensure safer communities. Additionally, we have a crisis in our court system; the vast majority of litigants lack access to counsel. We must utilize technology and new pathways to ensure everyone can access justice fairly (even if unrepresented).

JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS 4TH DISTRICT, INCUMBENT POSITION

JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS 4TH DISTRICT, NON-INCUMBENT POSITION 6-Year Term – Vote for ONE (1) MICHELLE RICK – Unopposed

MICHAEL J. BEALE – Unopposed

JUDGE OF 75TH DISTRICT COURT, INCUMBENT POSITION

MICHAEL D. CARPENTER – Unopposed

BOARD OF TRUSTEES DELTA COLLEGE

One of the unique features of Delta is that its service area consists of three counties – Bay, Midland and Saginaw. Three representatives from each county make up the nine member board. Each nominee is elected by ballots cast in all three counties at the November election, and serves a six year term.

BAY COUNTY QUESTION 1: Describe your background, experience and qualifications for this office and the reasons you are running for it.

QUESTION 2: What are the top 2 priority issues that this office should address, and what actions would you take regarding each of them?

Vote for ONE (1) BARBARA HANDLEY-MILLER

1: As a reporter/ anchor and then News Director at WNEM-TV in my first career, I understood Delta College’s role in the community. I then spent ten years teaching at Northwood University. I joined the Delta Faculty fulltime in 2002 and retired in 2019. I was a leader, chairing the General Education Assessment, Associate of Art and Science Graduation Requirements, and President’s Speaker Series Committees. I understand the students, employee groups and curriculum, and I am committed to keeping Delta financially strong. I am running to use my 27 years of higher education experience and leadership to help students.

2: The Board must work with executive leadership and faculty/staff on best strategies to manage COVID impact. Out of any crisis comes opportunity.

I will help to prioritize goals for 2021 for maintaining academic rigor, increasing enrollment, and serving all students needs in a continuing period of uncertainty. I will help ensure the Saginaw Center, the Bay City Plane-

14 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ®

http://www.facebook.com/Re-Elect-Diane-Middleton-for-Delta-CollegeTrustee-108238220963966

dents for 50 years as a counselor, teacher and in multiple student services administrative leadership positions. I believe the Delta College Board will benefit from having a member who understands Delta College program1.s, operations, educational and business partnerships, and community connections from the perspectives of students, parents, employee groups, other stakeholders and the learning process. I have also been active in the Delta College district communities and am currently a volunteer for four Midland not-for-profit organizations.

1: Delta is one of America’s leading community colleges. I have committed my personal efforts to help keep it a great College. My current Trustee term began in 2015, and I have attended 90% of meetings. I regularly attend trainings and am familiar with the College’s challenges. My career keeps me engaged with local businesses, and employers’ needs from their future employees. Since 2012, I have paid Delta tuition, as both our children are Pioneers; I bring a customer’s perspective to the Board. I am a Delta grad myself, went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration & leadership, and am a lifelong learner.

2: Declining enrollment, declining budget support from the State, declining numbers of high school graduates and the aging of our population in the district Delta College serves. adjusting to and promptly developing innovative programs to meet the rapidly changing needs of local businesses/ industries plus their employee continuing education needs, and providing personal support services for a diverse student population are current as well as future challenges. And, of course, there is the COVID-19 pandemic which has drastically affected educational delivery as well as affected all sectors of our district and our country.

2: Student success must always be top priority, and our Board stays well-informed so we can remain student-focused in setting policy & direction. We must understand students’ current needs, as well as their future employers’ expectations, to offer the most beneficial education. We also prioritize the College’s financial sustainability, so that Delta remains debt-free. Like all colleges, Delta’s student count is declining; state & local funding sources are increasingly uncertain. As finances becomes more complex, we must make smart business decisions while caring for our stakeholders so that Delta’s future is safeguarded.

3: Delta College cannot improve or resolve issues unless it is willing to identify the core problems of these issues and dedicate resources (budget, time, and people) to their solutions. It is the Board of Trustees responsibility to provide the President with a clear understanding of the Board’s expectations in her addressing these issues, in providing the most appropriate and effective leadership to develop a plan of action, and then to evaluate the President based on outcomes. Additionally, one of the Board’s responsibilities is to support a climate for effective change.

MIDLAND COUNTY

http://www.facebook.com/KeepMikeNashDeltaTrustee/

tarium, the new Midland Center (2021) and the main campus meet student needs and are accessible to all. I understand Delta College: our faculty/staff and students, our communities, and the larger higher education issues. I will help make Delta stronger.

DIANE MIDDLETON

QUESTION 1: How do your experience and education qualify you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Delta College?

QUESTION 2: What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the Board of Trustees?

QUESTION 3: What actions would you propose the Board take to address these issues?

Vote for ONE (1) SUSAN MONTESI 1: I was a secondary teacher 4.5 years and then served Delta College stu-

MICHAEL NASH

1: Experience matters. I am an incumbent Delta College Trustee and have served in this voluntary capacity for the past seven years including as ViceChair and Chair of the President’s Eval Committee. My STEM and finance background coupled with experience in critical industry sectors (chemicals and automotive) brings important perspective and relationships. I assisted my wife, Dr. Jennifer Nash, with launching Nash Dermatology so I understand aspects of healthcare as well. I am a graduate of Delta College, where I received the Board of Trustee Scholarship, so I am honored to be able to pay it forward to future students.

2: The three “A’s” - Affordability, Accessibility and Accountability. Significant progress was made in my first term but work needs to continue on all three of these factors. Delta remains the best value in the area for higher education, however state funding will decrease as a result of COVID and we can’t pass the cost to students whose typical employment was impacted.

Adding the Saginaw and Midland Centers (with 2/3 of funds coming from community partners / state funding!) increased access for some of our most economically challenged students but the right programming (incl.

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15 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® development courses) need to be offered.

Did not respond.

3: The Board’s role is to empower and remove roadblocks for the administration, faculty and staff to promptly address these issues. Regarding affordability, we have to stop passing cost to students. At the same time, to be constantly cutting cost isn’t a healthy atmosphere. We need to improve efficiency and innovation in how we serve our students (the right courses/programs, at the right time, in the right format) and slightly increase course sizes (1-2 heads)... this is the sustainable path. For accessibility, we have built the centers and now we need to fill them which again is all about how we serve our students.

CURT L. TUCKER

MINDY SMITH

2: The student’s quality of education, health and well being are always the most pressing issues. Therein are issues of an ever changing landscape dealing with or understanding the COVID-19 pandemic, declining student population and retention rates.

npsmittys@yahoo.com 1: I played three sports and worked two jobs my senior year of high school and moved out of my parents house to ease their burden. I wasn’t raising a child. I wasn’t supporting a boyfriend or deadbeat husband. I was just poor.

I didn’t qualify for a Pell Grant, either. I have lived the story of a typical community college student. To watch profiteering at the institutional level at the expense of those trying to educate (Professors) and those trying to make a better life for themselves (our students) is disgusting. I witness it, I lived it and I want to put an end to it.

2: Board members are former employees of Delta, friends and colleagues of the President or carpetbaggers hoping to increase their social standing and not giving a second thought to the reason they were voted in. To serve the Great Lakes Bay Region by educating, enriching and empowering our diverse community of learners to achieve their personal, professional and academic goals. The most pressing issue facing the board is the board itself.

I may not have a college education, but I know what it feels like to want one more than anyone that’s ever served on this board.

3: New faces. New people trying to make a difference. The rubber stamp mentality where the same old decisions get passed with the same old data needs to end if we are going to increase enrollment and stem the tide of complacency that has taken hold at Delta.

SAGINAW COUNTY QUESTION 1: How do your experience and education qualify you to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Delta College?

QUESTION 2: What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the Board of Trustees?

QUESTION 3: What actions would you propose the Board take to address these issues?

Vote for ONE (1) KAREN L. LAWRENCE-WEBSTER

Facebook.com/groups/979698942454259/?ref=bookmarks 1: My experience in management of a materials test laboratory for 7 ½ years, owner of a successful manufacturing corporation for 34 years mentoring engineering students from several Michigan universities, working with Northern Michigan University by positions held on board of directors and advisory boards, all have equipped me to help Delta College with the leadership it needs.

3: Cultivating mutual respect is essential and good leadership is essential to a close and efficient team. It is imperative to closely communicate with national, state, and regional health officials Then identify possible solutions at hand. Regarding student enrollment it is also important to examine national, state, and regional trends of college and university enrollment and retention rates. Identify possible solutions then develop action plans.

MIDLAND COUNTY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY Six-Year Term – Unopposed DAVID S. SOMMER MELISSA TUTTLE

Two-Year Term – Unopposed JORDAN SUMMERS

MIDLAND CITY COUNCIL QUESTION 1: How does your background qualify you to serve on the Midland City Council?

QUESTION 2: What are the most pressing issues facing the City Council, and how would you address them?

QUESTION 3: How will you balance your responsibilities to your Ward with the needs of the entire city?

Ward 1 -- Vote for ONE (1) PAM HALL http://pamhall.org

1: I’m active with many community groups/organizations, LWV members asked me to serve as a Rep or City Council. Citizen’s Academy Graduate.

Living here over 40 yrs has given me an excellent perspective on the needs of the people. Raised my daughter (have new grandson) & son in Midland, -they now live in LA, CA. Have worked at both Dow & Corning in various

16 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® depts. A therapist for nearly 30 yrs, also studied nutrition, integrative medicine prior to becoming a LMT. Produced ‘Earth News’ for MCTV during my first 2 yrs term on City Council, as well as joined Midland Conservation District as an Associate Member.

2: Protect existing businesses while supporting new developments. Investigate causes of flooding in the area and develop sensible solutions. Include the citizens in decisions regarding infrastructure, changes and improvements to roadways in the neighborhoods where they live, work, and play,such as the road diet. Address class inequalities by confronting injustices by adding opportunity and inclusiveness, acknowledging diversity as a culture strength. Be supportive of the efforts to protect our area from Covid-19,- respect our laws. Acknowledge science and climate change is real and organize cooperative solutions.

3: I believe in protecting the rights of all our citizens, support educating people about their government, press sources, promote open dialog of ideas utilizing critical thinking. For this reason I have started a non-profit ‘Policies For The People’. I represent residents without having outside financial political influence. I support preserving Midland’s green spaces and ecosystems for natural wildlife using conservation methods and restoration of our lands such as planting hemp to purify the soil, making it more organic and sustainable. I address this in more detail on the MCTV show ‘Progressives’ that I produce.

JEREMY RODGERS

http://www.jeremyrodgersformidland.com/ 1: Jeremy Rodgers and his wife Olivia are committed to our community and are raising their son, Andrew, right here in Ward 1. Jeremy Rodgers has the qualifications and experience to serve as your next City Councilman. Jeremy has earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in political science from Central Michigan University, has spent over a year serving on the City Planning Commission, and has worked nearly two years in the Michigan Senate serving families across the Great Lakes Bay Region. Jeremy will bring common sense, solution-oriented leadership to City Council and will be a voice for our families in Ward 1.

2: Infrastructure and the city budget are the two most pressing issues facing City Council. Maintaining infrastructure is expensive, but if we have learned nothing else this year with the dam failures and catastrophic floods it is the importance of adequately funding our infrastructure. The city storm and sanitary sewer systems need costly upgrades. Our roads and bridges need attention. Jeremy will be an advocate for investing in infrastructure. The economic impact of COVID-19 will result in reduced revenue for the city. Jeremy will bring common sense to the budget process and seek public input on budget priorities.

3: Jeremy Rodgers will be an advocate and a voice for you, your families, your neighbors, and the community of Ward 1. Jeremy Rodgers will not be distracted by national or statewide partisan issues but will keep your community first, work hard to make sure Ward 1 gets the attention it needs, and focus on the challenges and opportunities locally.

Ward 2: MAUREEN DONKER – Unopposed Ward 3

STEVE ARNOSKY 1: The City Council sets policies, approves budgets, determines tax rates and adopts ordinances and resolutions to govern the city. First and foremost, I have 6 years of experience serving on city council and I understand how the city council operates. I worked 32 years with Dow as a lawyer, 6 years at a Fortune 500 company preparing financial analysis and budgets, and I co-owned a small business in Midland. That experience gives me the skills to understand budgets and taxes, and enables me to understand the importance of the wording of ordinances and resolutions. I have a law degree, an accounting degree and a MBA. 2: The residents that I speak with tell me city council needs to make sure that the city: operates efficiently; maintains the infrastructure (especially the roads, sewers and drains); encourages intelligent development; protects public safety and keeps taxes under control. I agree with those priorities.

I also accept that for the residents of Ward 3 taking action to eliminate flooding of their homes is the highest priority. I also think that the city council needs to keep in mind the future health of the city and that includes funding a less visible but large pension obligation that the city has to its retired employees.

3: I value the views of the citizens of Ward 3 very highly and it is my responsibility to represent them and I will do so as long it is not detrimental to the city as a whole. Conversely if an action is proposed that would negatively impact Ward 3, I would challenge the prudence of taking that action and work with the members of council and city management to seek alternative solutions. We are fortunate that the citizens of Midland view themselves as Midlanders as opposed to an individual of a single Ward and want what is best for the entire city. Based upon my experience on council this conflict rarely comes up.

MATTHEW A. RAPANOS 1: I am qualified to represent the citizens of Ward 3 and the City of Midland because I am a lifelong resident of Midland, and have spent my entire career in Midland as a builder, developer, landlord and Realtor. My career has been spent dealing with the types of issues that regularly come before the Midland City Council. I have worked with every department within the city and I understand how development, or lack of development, can impact our city.

2: I think the pressing issues facing the city council currently are: how the city assists the victims of the flood, how Midland can continue on a path of structured growth, how the city deals with ensuring that the residents of Riverside are protected, how the city will prepare a budget in light of the flood and COVID 19, traffic around the mall area and the Jefferson/ Joe Mann intersection, diversity in local government, seeking and hiring a qualified city engineer, and site planning issues.

3: Although I will be elected by the citizens of Ward 3, I understand that I am responsible for the well being of the entire City of Midland and it’s residents. My family has been in the City of Midland for generations and we will be for generations to come. I have business and personal interactions within all wards of Midland. I listen to concerns, and hear opinions and perspectives. My office is downtown, my family owns real estate in every Ward, I coach football at Midland High, and obviously live in Ward 3. I

17 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® care about this city as a whole, and am passionate about its success. We are all in this together.

Ward 4: DIANE BROWN WILHELM – Unopposed Ward 5: MARTY A. WAZBINSKI -- Unopposed

SCHOOL BOARD MIDLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS QUESTION 1: How do your experience and education qualify you to serve as a member of the Board of Education for the Midland Public Schools?

QUESTION 2: What do you think are the most pressing issues facing the Board of Education for the Midland Public Schools?

QUESTION 3: What actions would you propose the Board take to address these issues?

FOUR-YEAR TERM VOTE FOR TWO (2) LYNN M. BAKER

1: I have always been passionate about children and education. As a teen and adult I have volunteered in educational programs in schools, church and the community. Plus, being the parent of five MPS graduates I had many opportunities to be involved on school and district committees, PTO, booster clubs, and as a classroom volunteer. At Blessed Sacrament Church I spent many years teaching religious education and being part of the youth outreach team. In the community I was a Girl Scout leader for many years, presently volunteer as a school butterfly tour guide at Dow Gardens, and am a counselor at Camp Neyati for GMCC. 2: 1. Due to the pandemic MPS is faced with the challenge of implementing virtual, hybrid and face to face education while maintaining a high quality education, training teachers, and safety protocols. 2. The budget is a constant issue as our state funding Is unpredictable, enrollment changes, and due to the pandemic school districts have faced huge unexpected expenses.

3. The past couple years MPS has been addressing diversity, equity and inclusion issues. As a result the district, staff, and board are committed to making everyone feel respected, welcome, and able to achieve success in an inclusive culture everyday!

3: 1.The board supports the efforts of educating our students and providing staff necessary professional development during the pandemic. Continuous communication with MPS staff, families and the community is essential to

easing concerns. 2. To address budget challenges it is important the district is conservative in it’s spending, is in continuous conversation with our legislature, and continues to promote the excellent education and opportunities our district offers to all students. 3. Through workshops, training, and honest conversations and understanding of the social issues in our district we can move forward.

BETSY DIEGEL 1: I can make immediate contributions to the Board as a parent and educator as I have spent my entire career working as an administrator and teacher in education spanning higher education to K-12. Currently, I work at SVSU in the STEM department. I have a passion for curriculum design, setting policy, maintaining budgets, and I LOVE kids! I enjoy challenges, implementing work that directly impacts people, and collaborating with all stakeholders so we can accomplish goals that ultimately benefit every MPS student. I have a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in Biology and an Ed.D in Ed. Leadership.

2: Without a doubt, we are experiencing extremely challenging times in our nation and certainly within our own educational system. Issues that will have my full attention if elected include equitable learning experiences for all students (face to face/online/hybrid), rigorous school safety protocols, doing “more” with “less” incoming resources, and regular professional development opportunities for all MPS faculty and staff. These pressing issues include topics such as student wellness (emotional health), anti-racism and cultural awareness training, and community outreach (bringing the community into the classroom).

3: The actions that I am committed toward to bring a fresh, ambitious, innovative mindset to the Board and include the following: 1. Transparency, honesty, and integrity in all decision making. I do not have my own personal agenda. 2. Collaborating with teachers and students as key voices and consistent partners in setting policy. Being visible at MPS events. 3. Having conversations with key people to gain perspective on “what works best for MPS students and families”. I do not claim to have all of the answers but instead will work diligently to enhance what is working and mitigate barriers to what isn’t working.

JOHN D. HATFIELD

http://www.johnhatfieldmps.com

1: I am the proud parent of two MPS students and have had the opportunity to see our outstanding educators in action. I have a strong interest in supporting my community and have served on a number of local boards.

This experience has helped me understand how critical board oversight and governance are to an organization. The most effective boards I have been a part of have been transparent and had diversity of experience and perspective. While I am not an educator, I place a high value on education

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18 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® for all our children. I am ready to learn, collaborate with others, and do the work required of this position.

2: 1. Closing the Achievement Gap - The gap between high and low achieving students must be addressed to ensure all students have the same opportunities of achieving success. 2. Mental Health and Wellness - We should ensure students have the resources necessary to help them manage through these unprecedented times. 3. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) - MPS should ensure it lives by its commitment to DEI in its words and actions, while striving to take a leadership position in this important area.

3: The role of the board is crucial in defining goals for the district, putting forward a plan to reach those goals and measuring ongoing progress.

To address these, I would prioritize the following: 1) Reduce class sizes wherever possible so that teachers can devote more time to each student.

MPS should also continue working with community partners to bring resources into schools so that at-risk students do not fall behind. 2) Work to bring counselors back into schools to help students manage through these unprecedented times. 3) Set clear direction and be vocal supporters of DEI and empower educators to do the same.

KURT YOCKEY

http://midlandschools.com 1: Board positions are intended to provide direction and oversight for the administration. I have been in this type of position for multiple companies and non-profit organizations for more than 30 years. Having an interest in the schools is admirable but having experience analyzing financial issues, HR issues, operations issues, strategy and a focus on continuous improvement is what this District needs. Board members need to be independent thinkers, question proposals. I have that experience and independence. A Board member failed to attend nearly half the meetings last year, what is gained from someone not present.

2: First, honest evaluation of the status of the District and the District leadership. Obviously, understanding the Covid Virus and how to address education with an objective, innovative mindset and not simply follow what others are doing. Midland is known world wide for innovation, but unfortunately the school district is no longer a leader. Topics in meetings nearly always enter into the realm of “benchmarking” which means we are delegating thinking to others. The bond issue improvements can now be fully evaluated against what was promised and in many respects it does not match. Why? 3: Require complete, public review of statements made and the motivation to be actually transparent with the public. Many of the existing board members are essentially cheerleaders for the administration when independent analysis, and experience in evaluating senior leadership should be performed by the board. Evaluation of administration proposals often is missing, for example, why would the board allow the superintendents wife to head a department when ultimately, she reports to him? This is a clear failure of governance. In a nutshell, the board must stop blindly supporting anything the administration proposes.

SIX-YEAR TERM – VOTE FOR TWO (2) BRAD BLASY

http://bradblasy.com 1: Prior to being on the Midland Public Schools Board of Education for the past four years I have acquired a lot of diverse board experience: - 16 years Board of Directors and Past Chairman - Associated Builders and Contractors – Greater Michigan Chapter, Midland, MI - 16 years Board of Directors and Past Chairman - Greater Michigan Construction Academy, Midland, MI - 8 years Board of Directors - Associated Builders and Contractors – State of Michigan Health Insurance Trust, Grand Rapids, MI 1996 Graduate of Central Michigan University with a BS in Business Administration 1991 Graduate of Midland High School 2: 1. Just as HIV changed the medical profession forever, COVID-19 will have lasting effects as well. Especially in education. The safety and the physical and mental health of our students and staff must always be #1. The BOE, in concert with the Administration, must be proactive in recognizing the short term and long-term effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the children and employees of the district. The BOE must make every effort that we meet the needs of all children of the district, even when we are not F2F. 2. During this 6-year term that I am running for, we must begin preparing and planning for the next bond.

3: 1. Ultimately, many of the COVID challenges will rest on the shoulders of our teachers, so it’s a good thing we have the best! The BOE must task the Administration to retain the teachers we have, give them the resources they need, the best compensation package the district can afford, and recruit the best of the best next generation educators. 2. As many can recall, our current bond was drastically reduced from the original ask. The difference between the original ask and the approved bond is still out there needing attention. My 24-years of construction experience will be a vital asset in preparing for a bond!

SCOTT MCFARLAND

Rugby1223@gmail.com

1: I am currently the President of the Midland Public Schools Board of Education. I have also served as board vice president and secretary. I have 8 years of solid, hands-on experience with the BOE. I have been involved in making many decisions for the betterment of our district, the staff and most importantly, the students. As a result, MPS is financially sound. Our facilities are secure and in great condition. We are closing achievement gaps are succeeding educationally. We have also interwoven Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives throughout the district. 8 years of hands-on experience with MPS BOE. 2: As the board president, I see lots of issues on several levels across the district. Almost all of them are pressing. I think the most pressing issue(s) facing the board, right now, are: 1. Addressing the achievement gap created by covid-19. 2. Maintaining financial integrity of the district. 3. Keeping our staff and students safe by providing PPE and other safety measures to combat covid-19. 4. Implementation of sweeping Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives across the district. The board must be educated about the positive impacts that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion can have on this district and community.

3: 1. Encourage teachers and administrators to maximize the use of technology and pioneer new and exciting ways to engage students both virtu-

19 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ® ally and face-to-face. Allow for training and developing of interventions for students struggling with the new learning environment. 2. Lobby for increased funding at the state and federal levels. 3. Authorize purchase of PPE supplies and modification of sanitization contracts to ensure proper cleaning. 4. Vivid and open dialogue with residents, students, community stakeholders and corporate partners about need for DEI initiatives and what those initiatives will look like.

TIFFANY D. TORAIN

http://www.tiffanytorain.com 1: As a lawyer, I understand the door-opening value of education. As a Retirement and Benefits Plan Manager for Dow, I understand the value of collaboration. As a parent of two MPS students, I pray that all students thrive and receive the advantages that education offers. My passion for children’s success drives my dedication to service. I have served on the Boards of the Midland Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization focused on empowerment of women and children; Jack and Jill of America, Inc. GLBR Chapter; Midland Emergency Food Pantry Network and Midland Center for the Arts Perspective Committee.

2: Safety. When children are in school, parents should be confident that the Board is doing everything in their power to create a safe and supportive environment. The pandemic has only increased the district’s responsibilities. Equity. The way Midland came together after the flood, in a spirit of oneness, demonstrates that equity for each student is possible, regardless of race, ethnicity or abilities. Inequities harm children and cannot go unresolved. Transparency. The Board should communicate clearly and unambiguously. The Board has the responsibility to be good stewards of resources entrusted to the district.

3: Resolving issues related to safety, equity, and transparency all begin by fostering open and direct communication. The Board can best serve the community by listening to all stakeholders including teachers, students, staff, and parents. We must continue to follow science-based procedures during the pandemic, while supporting parent and student choices. In order to promote equity and inclusion, the Board has the responsibility to ensure that teachers have access to training, resources and materials. The Board should provide leadership and direction for recognizing and resolving inequities.

OTHER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARDS -- See VOTE411.org for candidate information: BULLOCK CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS MERIDIAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS COLEMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

STATEWIDE BALLOT PROPOSALS

STATEWIDE PROPOSAL 20-1 MICHIGAN USE OF STATE AND LOCAL PARK FUNDS AMENDMENT A proposed constitutional amendment to allow money from oil and gas

mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of parks, nature areas, and public recreation facilities; and to describe how money in those state funds can be spent. [Referred to the Ballot by the Legislature] This proposal would: • Allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue receiving money from sales of oil and gas from state-owned lands to improve, maintain and purchase land for State parks, and for Fund administration, until its balance reaches $800,000,000. • Require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands to go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund. • Require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go toward State park improvement. • Require at least 25% of Trust Fund annual spending go toward parks and public recreation areas and at least 25% toward land conservation.

STATEWIDE PROPOSAL 20-2 MICHIGAN SEARCH WARRANT FOR ELECTRONIC DATA AMENDMENT A proposed constitutional amendment to require a search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications.

[Referred to the Ballot by the Legislature] This proposed constitutional amendment would: • Prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of a person’s electronic data and electronic communications. • Require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications, under the same conditions currently required for the government to obtain a search warrant to search a person’s house or seize a person’s things

MIDLAND COUNTY PROPOSAL DELTA COLLEGE MILLAGE RENEWAL AND RESTORATION This proposal will permit Delta College to levy 0.50 mill for operating purposes for 8 years. Of the 0.50 mill, 0.4864 represents a renewal of the authorization previously approved by the electors in 2012, which will expire after the 2023 levy and 0.0136 mill represents a restoration of the portion of prior millage authority, which expired in 1999, which was reduced by application of the Headlee Amendment.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be levied on taxable property in the Delta College district (comprised of the counties of Bay, Midland and Saginaw), be increased by 0.50 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) for eight (8) years, from 2024 to 2031 inclusive, as a partial renewal of the 0.4864 mill previously authorized by the electors which expires with the 2023 levy plus new additional millage in the amount of 0.0136 mill, to provide funds for community college purposes?

If approved, 0.50 mill would generate an estimated $5,705,218 for the College when first levied in 2024.

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20 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE MIDLAND AREA 2020 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE ®

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On the PARTISAN SECTION of the ballot, you may vote for all candidates of any one party OR you may vote for candidates from different parties in different races. In any case,3, be2020 sure to ALSO VOTE thewill NONPARTISAN and PROPOSAL SECTIONS of the ballot.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER • Polls be open 7 a.m.

– 8 p.m.

Clip & Take to the Polls

PARTISAN On the PARTISAN SECTION of the ballot, you may vote for all candidates of any one party OR you may vote for candidates different parties in different races.– 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020from • Polls will be open 7 a.m.

President/Vice President ___________________________________________________________

In any case, be sure to___________________________________________________________ ALSO VOTE the NONPARTISAN and PROPOSAL SECTIONS of the ballot.

U.S. Senate On the PARTISAN SECTION of the ballot, you may vote for all candidates of any one party U.S. Representative OR you may ___________________________________________ vote for candidates from different parties in different races.

PARTISAN In any case, be sure to ALSO VOTE the NONPARTISAN and PROPOSAL SECTIONS of the ballot.

State House of Representatives ___________________________________________ President/Vice President _____________________________________________________________ State Board of Education (2) 1)___________________________ 2)___________________________ PARTISAN U.S. Senate 1) _________________________ 2) ____________________________ University of Michigan (2) 1)___________________________ 2)___________________________ President/Vice President _____________________________________________________________ U.S. Representative ___________________________________________ Michigan 1)___________________________ 2)___________________________ U.S. Senate State University (2) 1) _________________________ 2) ____________________________ State Board of Education (2) 1)___________________________ 2)__________________________ Wayne State University (2) 1)___________________________ 2)___________________________ U.S. Representative ___________________________________________ University of Michigan (2) 1)___________________________ 2)__________________________ County Drain Commissioner ___________________________________________________________ State Board of Education (2) 1)___________________________ 2)__________________________ Michigan State University 1)___________________________ 2)__________________________ Commissioner Dist. 6 (2) (2) ___________________________________________________________ University of Michigan 1)___________________________ 2)__________________________

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 • Pol s wil be open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 • Polls wil be open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

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Supreme CourtTrustees Delta College NONPARTISAN Supreme Court City Council

Court of Appeals

Court of Board Appeals School

STATE PROPOSALS

1)___________________________ 1)___________________________

2)__________________________ 2)__________________________

1)___________________________ 2)__________________________ 1)_____________________________ 2)____________________________ (1) _________________________ ________________________________________________ (1) _________________________ ________________________________________________ (?)____________________________________ (?)____________________________________ ________________________________________________

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STATE PROPOSALS STATE_________________________ PROPOSALS #20-1 #20-2 _________________________ #20-1 _________________________

#20-2 _________________________ #20-1 _________________________ #20-2 _________________________

There may be county and local proposals.

There may be county and Midland County (1)have _____________________________________________ Election Inspectors thelocal rightproposals. to ask voters entering the polls to remove campaign buttons or cover up clothing bearing Election Inspectors have the right to ask voters entering the polls to remove campaign buttons or cover up clothing bearing a campaign slogan or a candidate’s name. Voters may also be told to conceal campaign literature or materials brought into a campaign slogan or a candidate’s name. Voters may also be told to conceal campaign literature or materials brought into Election Inspectors have the right to ask voters entering the polls to remove campaign buttons or cover up clothing bearing a campaign slogan or a the polls. polls. the

candidate’s name. Voters may also be told to conceal campaign literature or materials brought into the polls.