The Paper - January 2011 by Kingsett

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■ inside / january ■ 5: MAIL BAG Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Sarah H. McClure; Audrey Pawl; Greg Thrasher; Jerry Silecchia; and David Wisz

■ 16: COUNTY Circuit Court judges pick Bullard for clerk slot; County ethics proposal scuttled by referral

■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 15: Mayer Morganroth ■ 23: Madison Romney ■ 33: Stephanie Bergeron

■ 22: STATE Business tax relief bills introduced but die in lameduck session; Lawmaker proposes child abuse registry; Snyder to break up DNRE into two separate departments

■ 24: MUNICIPAL New city manager picked; ACLU sues township, city over medical marijuana; Barnum ice rink opens; Tim Hortons gets approval; City, school may buy land; Citizens Police Academy in Bloomfield Township; Lincoln Hills dog park opens; and more

■ 29: EATING OUT A directory of places where you can dine out

■ 32: BUSINESS NOTES Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel; Scavolini by Cucina Moda; Yoga Shelter; Modern Monogram; Edward Jones; bec & sam’s; MASQ Beauty; McQueen’s Carpets & Rugs

■ 34: SOCIAL SCENE The latest from the society and non-profit circuit

■6

■ 37: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE The President and CEO of the Community House, Shelley Roberts, thanks everyone who helped during 2010

MAKE IT A DOUBLE, BARKEEP

The state’s Liquor Control Commission is responsible for selling liquor to licensed bars and restaurants in Michigan, which begs the question: In the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, which establishments buy the most spirits? Well, we found out. So have a safe holiday, and cheers!

■ 38: FINAL WORD Our thoughts on business tax relief legislation and the possible purchase of the Stanley Door property

■ OUR COVER

■ 12: JOHNSON GETS UP TO LANSING

■ 17: VOTERS STAY LOYAL TO GOP

■ 30: SOUP SERVED! TIPS A LA PREP

The clerk/register of deeds is the new Michigan Secretary of State. She spoke with The Paper about a slew of issues shortly before assuming her new office.

We all heard about the death of the Republican Party nationally after the 2008 election, but the local electorate never received that particular memo.

From chicken to squash to carrot, soup will warm you up on these chilly days. Johnny Prep shares his secrets so you can make delicious soups of your own.

THE PAPER

People brave the cold to play a game of hockey at the Barnum Park ice rink that recently opened up in Birmingham. Cover art and photo by Amy K. Lockard.

JANUARY 2011

■ mail bag Correcting the record From Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Sarah H. McClure: I would like to thank you for your continued coverage of the Bloomfield Hills City Commission meetings. It is important that our residents be informed of city decisions and news and your publication plays an important role in doing so in our community. I did, however, want to correct the implication of the recent article on the 48th District Court refunding money to Bloomfield Hills. You state in the article that "the 48th District Court has yielded a windfall for the City of Bloomfield Hills" and "The City of Bloomfield Hills Commission learned at a Nov. 9 meeting that the City will be getting a refund..." I wanted to clarify the situation for our residents so that they understand that we get a refund from the District Court every year. This revenue source is actually built into our budget, as it is in every community. We actually had budgeted $425,000 for last year, so the amount of $400,000 mentioned in your article was actually less than we anticipated. ■

Thank you, firefighters From Audrey Pawl, Director of Business Development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association: Thanks so much to the Bloomfield Township Fire Fighters, Local 3045 who volunteered their time to collect funds and "Fill the Boot" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on Nov. 23, 2010. Their wonderful support, along with the generosity of the people in Bloomfield Township, means families affected by muscular dystrophy in our community will receive vital MDA care and services. Bloomfield Township firefighters' "Fill the Boot" campaign benefiting the MDA raised $5,729 this year. In part, this will help fund MDA’s worldwide research program. And it also helps send some 85 local children with muscular dystrophy to MDA summer camp at Camp Cavell in Lexington, MI at no cost to their families. Our heartfelt thanks go out to these special Bloomfield Township firefighters and to Kroger, Hollywood Market and Starbucks. They and their caring customers truly make a difference in our community! ■

Art tax is progressive From Greg Thrasher, Birmingham: Our state of late has lost its image of being a cultured venue with prestigious universities and a citizenry of cosmopolitan people. It is critical during these economic downtimes in our state that we provide options for the cultural capital and artistic currency which enhance and www.oaklandpaper.com

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support people during difficult fiscal cycles. Our state must not be viewed as a backwater enclave. Many taxpayers without children in public schools pay property taxes that support public education. Our state has a long history of tax-funded cultural institutions, from libraries to public parks and other activities which promote our state. The truth is excessive public safety budgets have always sucked the life out municipal budgets with hyped themes of crime and peril. An art tax is a progressive type of legislation, not an expensive unfunded mandate but a sound investment in the state's image and the growth and refinement of the citizens of our state. I reject the theme that cultural institutions should not have the support of taxpayers. Taxpayers have not been overburdened by the benefits of a state with cultural options. I would suggest we have been taken for granted through taxes which support over-the-top public safety budgets, National Guard expenditures, excessive correctional costs and the salaries of our local, county and state elected officials. ■

Article factual, flattering From Jerry Silecchia, owner and president of Silecchia Inc., Birmingham: I wanted to thank you for the "Moguls of Media" mention in The Paper (December 2010). Usually, I shy away from interviews as the writer has total discretion and sometimes they tend to misquote you. My portion of the article was factual and flattering. I really enjoyed the entire article. ■

Transit center a mishap From David Wisz: One undiluted piece of good news in the recent GOP tax deal is that an extension of the Obama administration's Build America Bonds (BAB) program is not included. The BAB subsidies were on top of the tens of billions of direct stimulus dollars Obama doled out to states and cities which slant construction spending in America toward govern-

ment over private business projects. Localities used the money for "essentials" as light rail projects that always lose money, such as the Troy/Birmingham bus station transit center boondoggle. The elimination of BAB will further the lawsuit against these plans as funding would be placed in still further jeopardy. Rail is a darling of urban planners and environmentalists who share a utopian dream of separating people from their cars. Nevermind that light rail systems lose money everywhere they are built, requiring taxpayer subsidies to keep them operating. Michigan taxpayers are subsidizing Amtrak at a rate of $7.3 million a year to provide daily service on lines linking Grand Rapids to Chicago and Port Huron to Chicago. The New York Times reports that Greece's Hellenic Railways is bleeding red ink at a rate of $3.8 million per day. The total debt of the Greek railway system has increased to $13 billion, or roughly 5 percent of Greece's gross domestic product. Obama's stimulus slush fund included $8 billion to build (but not operate) nine train lines, including the Detroit to Chicago line that the Birmingham and Troy city commissions are attempting to force on businesses and residents. Yet, newly elected Republican governors of Ohio and Wisconsin are already attempting to end their states' participation in these Obama rail programs. Michigan Gov.-elect (Rick) Snyder should do the same as the Mackinac Center has determined that even the least expensive of the five SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments) proposals will cost a minimum of $151,000 per passenger to build and cost another $3,900 per passenger per year to operate. This equates to buying each rider a brand new vehicle every five years for the next 40 years, and throwing in a $3,900 annual gas and maintenance voucher. After a decade of budget deficits, Michigan politicians have yet to fix the state's structural budget problem. The first principle that elected officials in the state should adopt is: Do no more harm — start with the Troy/Birmingham bus station transit center boondoggle. ■

Talk to Birmingham-Bloomfield Your opinions are important so let us know what you think. Mail Bag provides our readers with a forum to express their thoughts on important issues. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Letters for Mail Bag should be submitted by mid-month to appear in the next issue and must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. Only the writer's name and community will be printed. Letters can be sent via e-mail to news@thescngroup.com, submitted through the website for The Paper (oaklandpaper.com) or by mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387. ■

SECOND YEAR OF PUBLICATION Issue 18 PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: James W. Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr

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hen it comes to having a good night out on the town, many people will indulge in a drink or two, whether it's simply a pre-dinner cocktail or a night full of Bacchanalian revelry. While wine continues to be a big seller at Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township dining establishments, liquor seems to be the main choice at area bars and clubs. Of the three communities, Birmingham has the most liquor-selling establishments. Therefore, it's not a surprise that the city has establishments that move more liquor than those in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. In fact, two Birmingham establishments rank among the top 10 liquor purveyors in Oakland County, based upon the amount of liquor they have purchased from the state Liquor Control Commission (LCC) through October 2010. The Hamilton Room and Quattro rank seventh in the county, and the Townsend Hotel ranks 10th. The top three liquor-selling establishments in Oakland County this year are the Black Finn Restaurant and Saloon in Royal Oak, with $327,321 in liquor purchased from the LCC through October; DTE Energy Theater in Independence Township at $247,751 in liquor purchased through the LCC; and Rosie O'Grady's Irish Pub in Ferndale, at $242,971. According to information provided by the LCC, the top 10 liquor-selling establishments in Birmingham are as follows: • The Hamilton Room and Quattro • The Townsend Hotel • South • Mitchell's Fish Market/Cameron's Steakhouse • 220 • Big Rock Chop & Brew House • Chen Chow Brasserie • Dick O'Dow's Irish Pub • Streetside Seafood • Cafe Via These rankings are slightly different from a year ago, when the Townsend ranked first with liquor purchases from the LCC totaling $248,738. The Hamilton Room & Quattro also crept up the rankings after being eighth last year at $85,501 in purchases from the LCC, rising to first this year with $202,546. However, the Hamilton Room was only open for a few months in 2009. South, a new bar that opened in June 2010, also made its way into the top three with LCC liquor purchases totaling $155,252 through October. According to Joe Spadafore, one of South's owners, business so far has been "really good." Although Bloomfield Township has fewer liquor-selling establishments than Birmingham, the top two — the Oakland Hills Country Club and the Moose Preserve — have bought more liquor from the LCC than Cafe Via, the 10th-highest this year in Birmingham. Through October, Oakland Hills purchased $68,584 in liquor from the LCC, while Moose Preserve spent $63,596. Andiamo West rounds off the top three in the township at $47,233. These rankings are similar to last year, with all three of those establishments being in the top three for 2009, albeit in a different order. As opposed to Birmingham, which doesn't

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have any country clubs, country clubs in Bloomfield Township account for four of the top 10 liquor-selling establishments. The top 10 for Bloomfield Township are: • Oakland Hills Country Club • The Moose Preserve • Andiamo West • The Birmingham Country Club • Beau Jack's • The Wabeek Country Club • The Forest Lake Country Club • Hogan's • Brandy's • The Heather Club Bloomfield Hills has the fewest liquor-selling establishments of the three local communities, with only five businesses licensed to sell liquor for on-site consumption: • The Radisson Kingsley • Bloomfield Hills Country Club • Village Club • Bloomfield Open Hunt • The Cranbrook Educational Community Of these five, only the Radisson Kingsley purchased enough liquor this year to rival Birmingham's top 10, at $56,187 through October 2010. All other city establishments purchased less than $14,000, and aside from the Radisson, didn't break $16,000 last year. State law mandates that all liquor-selling establishments purchase all their liquor and spirits from the LCC. Michigan is one of 19 liquor "control" jurisdictions — 18 states plus one county in Maryland. The remaining 32 states are "license" states. A "control" state is one where the state government sells liquor to licensees, and a "license" state is one where private businesses sell it to licensees. A state's ability to develop new control systems for alcohol came with the adoption and ratification of the 21st amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1933, which repealed Prohibition. It's not surprising that Michigan is a control state, considering it passed a law to prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1916 — three years before the federal government. ccording to the LCC, its primary function is the control of alcoholic beverage traffic and consumption in Michigan with the philosophy "to make alcoholic beverages available while regulating their sale and distribution in order to protect the rights and interests of all Michigan citizens." These goals are met through the selective licensing and strict enforcement of the Michigan Liquor Control Code and commission rules. However, the added revenue the state receives from liquor sales doesn't hurt, either, with annual gross sales reaching 6.7 million cases of liquor and a corresponding gross income of $210.9 million for the fiscal year ending in September 2009. State law requires that liquor license holders purchase only liquor and spirits from the LCC; beer and wine are exempt and can be bought directly from vendors. The LCC offers different on-premise liquor licenses depending on the establishment. "Class C" licenses allow for the sale of beer, wine, and

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liquor for consumption on the premise. A "club" license allows for the sale and consumption of beer, wine and liquor on the licensed premises; however, the alcohol can only be sold to "bona fide club members." "Hotel" licenses allow for the sale and consumption of beer, wine and liquor on the licensed premise and in guests' rooms. The same applies for "A Hotel" licenses, except that only beer and wine can be sold and consumed there. "Tavern" licenses likewise allow for the sale of beer and wine but not liquor. n-premise sales and consumption licensees will sometimes hold a "speciallydesignated merchant" license to sell beer and wine for consumption off the premises. All the top-selling liquor establishments cited in this report refer to on-premise retail licenses. Most establishments purchase their liquor weekly and most orders, according to the managers or owners of these establishments, are based on inventory and demand. Jeff Zimmerman, the beverage manager at Northern Lakes Seafood Company in the Radisson Kingsley, said he tries to make LCC liquor purchases that will satisfy the Radisson's out-oftown guests, as well as local residents. "Well, it's never an exact science for me because we have people who are locals regularly, so I'm basically trying to make sure (we have available) any type of flavor, taste, or texture anyone wants." According to Keith Schofield, director of management operations at the Townsend Hotel, his liquor purchasing is "predicated on a knowledge of trends and the number of people on the books." He said the establishment always purchases excess inventory to be prepared for the unexpected. "For example, if we get hit hard on a singlemalt scotch, we always have bottles in reserve, and then we will order more for the next time," he said. "We also keep par levels. As an example, we always have 20 cases of Absolut (vodka on hand)." Setting pars is also a common practice at Andiamo West in Bloomfield Township. Although all of these establishments vary in how much liquor they purchase from the LCC, one thing they all share is a wide variety of liquor behind the

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JANUARY 2011

bar — whiskey, vodka, flavored vodka, gin, rum, bourbon, single-malt scotch, and cognac, to name a few. "We buy everything," The Townsend's Schofield said. "We have a $50,000 liquor inventory on hand at any given time." This inventory includes select bottles of singlemalt scotch that run $400 a bottle; and expensive

department also tells me what their needs are. Similarly, if I have two different guests request something, I will look into it and taste it myself because there is a reason they are both requesting it." Jerry Vitale, the general manager and a partner at Andiamo West, said although the establishment has a substantial selection of

list that includes special seasonal cocktails for those looking to drink something festive, in addition to traditional concoctions. "It's a very classic place and there has been a return to good old-fashioned cocktails such as Manhattans and gin martinis. Gin is making a comeback," Schofield said. The Radisson Kingsley also offers a specialty

Local business purchases from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission Township or City Owner Name

DBA Name

Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield Bloomfield

The Hamilton Room and Quattro Chen Chow Brasserie Forest Avenue Bistro Salvatore Scallopini Café Via Cosi Dic O’ Dow’s Irish Pub Elie’s Big Rock Chop & Brew House Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Forté, A Birmingham Restaurant Zazios 220 Max and Erma’s Restaurant

201 Hamilton Partners LLC 260 Old Woodward, L.L.C. Bendyl, LLC Birmingham Ventures, Inc. Central Park Properties VII, LLC Cosi, Inc D O D Enterprises, Ltd. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Inc. Eton Street Restaurant, Inc. Fleming’s/Great Lakes-I, Limited Partnership Forté Birmingham Restaurant, Inc. Greenleaf Hospitality Group, Inc. Historical Edison Building, Inc. Max and Erma’s Restaurants, Inc. Old Woodward Ventures, LLC Palladium Restaurant III, L.L.C Papa Joe’s Birmingham, L.L.C. Peabody’s of Birmingham, Incorporated Phoenicia LLC Roberts and Roberts, Inc. Tallulah, LLC THC Investors Limited Partnership The Community House Association Toast Birmingham, LLC Woodward Tap, Inc. Bloomfield Hills Country Club Bloomfield Open Hunt Cranbrook Educational Community Kingsley Ventures, L.L.C. The Village Club Andiamo West, Inc. Birmingham Athletic Club Birmingham Country Club Bull Moose, Inc. Crust Pizza, Bloomfield Township LLC Forest Lake Country Club Golden Crown Restaurant, Inc. Habba Management, Inc. HCB, Inc. Jade Tiki Restaurant, Inc. Oakland Hills Country Club Restaurant Service Corporation Steve’s Deli, Inc. The Restaurant Group, Inc. W B B Inc. Wabeek Golf Club, L.L.C.

Purchases Through 10/2010

Mitchell’s Fish Market/Cameron’s Steakhouse Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market Place Peabody’s Phoenicia Streetside Seafood Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro The Townsend The Community House Toast South Bloomfield Hills Country Club Bloomfield Open Hunt Cranbrook Radisson Kingsley Hotel The Village Club Andiamo West Birmingham Athletic Club Birmingham Country Club The Moose Preserve Forest Lake Country Club The Golden Crown Fuddruckers of Bloomfield Heathers Club Jade Tiki Oakland Hills Country Club Hogan’s Steve’s Deli Brandy’s Beau Jack’s Wabeek Country Club

Purchases in 2009

$202,546.15 $98,269.60 $17,364.80 $0.00 $55,567.70 $0.00 $84,738.15 $33,359.15 $98,360.40 $47,796.75 $38,106.65 $32,567.65 $101,060.50 $12,422.85 $10,703.90 $131,104.25 $0.00 $53,410.20 $29,287.70 $74,423.10 $37,341.40 $176,112.10 $4,905.90 $31,645.90 $155,252.30 $13,264.80 $11,367.45 $2,988.90 $56,187.00 $13,129.30 $47,756.25 $22,388.50 $47,233.80 $63,596.50 $10,420.10 $31,601.15 $0.00

$85,501.25 $168,253.80 $22,417.80 $0.00 $83,239.35 $0.00 $111,435.80 $23,289.15 $172,078.40 $52,222.85 $52,380.70

$25,165.20 $0.00 $68,584.85 $30,870.75 $0.00 $25,363.55 $45,159.75 $34,962.50

$29,649.15 $0.00 $76,911.00 $46,544.55 $0.00 $41,183.40 $63,559.45 $40,524.30

$150,772.10 $16,193.60 $178,865.85 $0.00 $74,094.95 $38,293.90 $85,395.10 $248,738.90 $9,782.55 $44,930.45 $12,404.10 $11,764.10 $6,249.60 $77,507.20 $15,701.20 $80,414.47 $28,173.95 $58,261.15 $86,570.35 $11,181.75 $55,471.25 $0.00

SOURCE: Michigan Liquor Control Commission

cognacs, including Louis XIII, priced at $1,300 a bottle. A single pour will rack up a tab of $140. "A lot of artistry goes into producing these spirits," Schofield said. Northern Lakes Seafood Company's Zimmerman also said his inventory is "nice and solid." "We are catering to a wide variety of tastes," he said. "Nothing too trendy. Our banquet www.oaklandpaper.com

alcohol, it might not always carry everything that a guest may want. However, that doesn't mean it never will. "Sometimes we don't have what they request, but we have it for them the next week," he said. In addition to the plethora of different liquors available, many establishments offer specialty drink menus. The Corner Bar at the Townsend has a martini THE PAPER

cocktail list which Zimmerman describes as "very nice and very popular." "We have very good bartenders that make just about anything," he said. "They come up with new things all the time. We will drop a few off the menu and add on a few new ones. Our specialty cocktails are popular with people who dine here infrequently." Of course, locals probably prefer to order the 9

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JANUARY 2011

martinis named after them. "Some of the regulars have their names on the specialty cocktail list, as the drinks were made for them," Zimmerman said. "By just talking to them about what they like and don't like, we get an idea and mix some things together. Then, we tweak it so it's just right. We just have fun here." Two such martinis include Marty's Limoncellotini and Karen's X-Rated Martini. ven with the wide selection, one liquor continuously wins the popularity vote: Vodka. South's Spadafore said their most popular liquor is "definitely vodka," while Schofield stated that vodka is "the single best seller" at the Townsend. Andiamo West's Vitale agreed that vodka rules as king of all liquors, with Grey Goose "by far" being the most popular brand there. Many establishments try to have as many different kinds of vodka as possible, including premium vodkas like Grey Goose, Belvedere and Ketel One. "There's no question about it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; vodka is something that I have more of than anything else. It's a good mixer," Northern Lakes Seafood Company's Zimmerman said. "Despite the fact it's technically supposed to be neutral, there are different flavors in different vodkas. A blind taste of vodka shows that there's actually quite a bit of difference in flavor. It's supposed to be flavorless and tasteless, but some have more peppery notes while others have more of a citrus tang. Some taste like the grain they are made from. I make sure we have close to everything someone could want." These establishments buy their fair share of beer and wine, as well. However, it's usually more wine than beer. While South sells more liquor, it typically spends about $2,000 a week on wine and another $1,500 to $2,000 on beer to sell to patrons. "The city is more of a liquor place," Spadafore said. "This town likes to drink more liquor and wine than beer. Typically, the older crowd drinks more liquor and wine, while the younger crowd will drink beer." South tries to cater to all sorts of clientele with a dining area in the front, a club in the back, as well as a patio. At the Townsend's Rugby Grill, Corner Bar, and two ballrooms for banquets, Schofield said while he couldn't determine exactly how much is spent each year on just beer and wine, the establishments spend about $750,000 collectively on beer, wine, and liquor for resale to patrons. Schofield said his wine inventory is more than triple his liquor inventory, and that the type of the operation rather than the clientele determines which sells the most. The affluent, sophisticated crowd at the Rugby Grill, which typically sees a clientele with a median age of 45 to 50-years-old, buys almost twice as much wine for resale as liquor, since it's a dining house. "People will have a cocktail and then have wine with dinner because it complements it," Schofield said. The Corner Bar, on the other hand, is where the "younger kids go to have a good time,"

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according to Schofield. As would be expected, the bar sells more liquor than wine. On the whole, Schofield said he believes the Townsend sells more liquor than wine, with beer coming in a distant third. Zimmerman, who is a sommelier by trade, said Northern Lakes Seafood Company wine purchases are generally twice that of liquor purchases, with beer probably being one-tenth of that. He said he buys approximately $15,000 in wine every month, while spending $1,500 on beer. "We definitely have wine sales that are higher," he said. "Our wine list is extensive. Anybody who likes a certain texture or flavor of wine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; I want to make sure I have something that suits them. In an average month, we have twice the wine sales than we do liquor, and we sell a decent amount of liquor." Andiamo West's Vitale couldn't pin down exactly how much the establishment spends on just beer and wine annually; however, the total for beer, wine, and liquor up through the end of September 2010 was approximately $200,000, with wine making up the biggest portion â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not surprising at an Italian restaurant. Alcohol sales should increase even more during the holiday season. "December in the restaurant business pretty much everywhere is the best month," the Townsend's Schofield said. "Companies are doing Christmas parties, and everybody is in a festive mood (with) families and friends getting together." The Rugby Grill is already solidly booked for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. "You would have to know someone to get in on Christmas," he said. South's Spadafore said he anticipates spending an additional $40,000 to $50,000 to bring in liquor throughout the holiday season. "We definitely buy more liquor during the holidays," he said. "More people are around town going out, and all the college kids are home during the holidays." immerman said he also believes the Northern Lakes Seafood Company will see an increase in liquor sales during December, predicting a 50-percent spike for the month. "There are more holiday parties, banquets, and weddings that have upped the liquor sales," he said. "It's been a very good month for those things, so I've pushed up the liquor orders that I've needed to keep everybody happy." Of course, there are New Year's Eve celebrations that are bound to drive up liquor sales at any establishment. Since the economy has slightly affected liquor sales during the past few years, it stands to reason that there has been a slight correlation seen between the rebounding economy and increased alcohol sales. "There's no question that when the economy went south a couple years ago that it impacted everyone across the board," the Townsend's Schofield said. "As far as the bar industry, people celebrate and drink in good times and they drink in bad times." South's Spadafore added, "People continue drinking, maybe just a little less." However, people are feeling more confident

and celebrating more around the holidays this year. "Now that economy has stabilized we are seeing more interest in holiday parties," Northern Lakes Seafood Company's Zimmerman said. With more people feeling confident and comfortable going out to celebrate, that should help increase area establishments' overall business. Liquor accounts for about 50 percent of the business sales at South. Other establishments tend to group beer, wine, and liquor all together when breaking down sales figures. Zimmerman said alcohol roughly makes up anywhere from 26 to 30 percent of the Northern Lakes Seafood Company's overall business. As for the Townsend, Schofield said he was unable to quantify the percentage of overall business sales attributed to liquor. "We are primarily a hotel," he said. "And we sell a lot of food and a lot of liquor." ndiamo West's Vitale had similar difficulty estimating a percentage for liquor sales. However, he said he believes the sale of food and alcoholic beverages, in particular wine, complement each other at a dining establishment. "Our primary business is food, and I think being one of the finer, more popular Italian restaurants, one goes along with the other," he said of food and alcohol sales. "But what puts us on the map is our food and its quality." However, without factoring in the months of November and December, Andiamo West this year has purchased a little over half the liquor it did last year. Vitale attributes part of that to the state's new smoking ban in public establishments, and the major construction project along Telegraph Road this year. "There was a six-month period where people just didn't want to be on Telegraph," he said. n

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n a few days, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Ruth Johnson will have a new title: Michigan Secretary of State. Succeeding Terri Lynn Land, who is leaving office because of term limits, the former state lawmaker, Oakland County commissioner, and Republican lieutenant governor nominee in 2006 will be responsible for overseeing an expansive and important office in Michigan, one which heads up elections and manages vehicle registration and driver licensing, among a slew of other things. Johnson took the time to speak with The Paper shortly before assuming her new duties in Lansing.

1858 and they voted. Someone voted under that name. So we need to make sure there is integrity in the elections. (We can address that in a) couple of the ways. One is we have to make a photo ID requirement when you register to vote. Another is to clean up the voter registration files, and the third is one is to make sure that, when someone does commit an election crime, it's not just simply a $100 fine.

The Paper: What are your top priorities for your first year in office and how do you plan to accomplish them? RJ: One is election integrity. We'll have an Election Crimes Unit so that we will be able to look into crimes that are currently happening. We will be working with the Attorney General's Office. They have the ultimate authority, but we'll be able to have the information ready for them, should they want to proceed. We also need to increase some of the fines. They can work for six months right now on an election crime and find out that the person gets a $100 fine. At this point, we need to make sure that the fine is commensurate with whatever crime they've committed. I don't think there's anything more important than having fair elections — one citizen equals one vote — to democracy, to our republic, to our liberties. Secondly, we need to streamline our services and make services more convenient. We can do that by three different methods. One is to increase the online services. Secondly, we need to partner with other public entities. And third, we need to do public/private partnerships. For the public/private partnerships, when you go to buy a boat, a trailer, a snowmobile or an ATV, you should be able to get the license right where you're at so you'll have one-stop shopping. We do that right now with most of the car dealers, so it would just be building on a system that's already there that works. For the public partnership, we can work with other governmental units. Wouldn't it be nice if some of www.oaklandpaper.com

the smaller counties would cooperate with the Secretary of State's Office? We have many offices in the state that only have one or two people in them for the Secretary of State's office. Because of the (Michigan) Constitution, we have to have one office in every county, all 83 counties. So if you have a small office, wouldn't it be great if you could go to your county clerk's office — whatever county that may be that's low population — and at that county, not only can you get your birth certificate but your youngster can also get their driver's license? So it's more convenience, and that's very important because this is a customer-convenience business. And it would also allow the two governmental entities to share the same building and work together so that we get rid of the brick-andmortar costs, or at least cut them in half, which is very helpful because the brick-and-mortar costs really don't help people. Third, we need to get rid of government waste and corruption. I want more transparency in government. There are many different ways that those of us in office, or running for office, can have loopholes to be able to collect money and spend money, and the public really doesn't know about it. So we need to make sure that some laws are changed so that those of us that are public servants, we disclose the money that we get and also how we spend it.

The Paper: As the state's top elections official, what sort of changes or modifications need to be made to the way elections are run in Michigan to ensure ballot integrity and the elimination of fraud? Where do you stand on the "no-reason absentee voting" issue? RJ: Michigan is one of the few states that does not require a photo ID when you register to vote and it does not require a photo ID when you vote absentee. So we have a loophole built into our system and we are one of the few states that allows this. So you can go and register to vote and you don't show your ID. And then you can go back later to vote absentee, go to your clerk's office, get the ballot and vote, and turn it right back in and you've never shown your photo ID at any point during the process and you've not even signed an affidavit of identity. That needs to be fixed. That's a glaring hole in our system that we have that allows people to register to vote. The Pew (Research Center) report on the state in 2008 found that we had 102.54 percent of the eligible electorate registered to vote in Michigan. So we need to clean up the qualified voter file, and make sure people aren't voting twice. And we also have records — and 2004 was the last research project that was done — that there were actually people that voted that had passed away years before. (Another media outlet) uncovered one that, the person was born in

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I support "no-reason absentee voting" if we make some other changes, and one of them is that you would have to show your ID to register to vote. We also need to have a system like we have in Oakland (County) and Macomb (County) called an Absentee Ballot Tracker so that they can be tracked, so that they don't end up in anybody's basement like they have in Ecorse. So with the photo ID and the tracker, I think we can stop the fraud because most fraud in elections happens in absentee voting. We need to make voting more convenient, but also more secure at the same time. The Paper: You were one of the people who spear-headed the official investigation into the socalled "Tea Party" candidate fiasco this year. What, if anything, can you tell us about the status of the investigation? Tell us how you became aware of potential problems, and your initial actions in response. RJ: I only know what everybody else does. I'm not privileged to any special information. I do know that you have two very high-ranking Democratic officials for the Oakland County party that are both under investigation and (Oakland County Circuit Court) Judge (Edward) Sosnick as a one-man grand jury in place. It will know more next year. I think it just illustrates something that we need to be cautious of, and that's the great deception that either party can do. They simply had a few people show up at a convention. They called themselves the Tea Party; they were not at all. It was simply put in place, 100 percent, just to deceive the voters, and that's just wrong. We can't have a system where that can happen. The estimate was that 5 to 7 percent of the people that felt strongly that government was spending too much money would vote for the fake Tea Party because it was so hard to get the word out 13

that there's a real Tea Party and a fake Tea Party. Thereby, elections — and many, many of them are won or lost on 7 percent — those elections would be changed based on the deception of the voters. And it's not just Michigan; there were several other states that this was happening in and it was by operatives that have a completely different mindset than the Tea Party people. One gentleman that had reportedly registered to run for county commissioner in Waterford got (something) from our office saying "You owe money because you didn't file the next set of paperwork so that we have that transparency that's required by law." And he called and said, "I don't know why I got this late notice. I don't know why you're sending me a $30 late fee. I never signed up to run for anything." Talking to him, he determined that some kind of fraud had been committed. He put it in writing to us and I reported it to the (Attorney General's) Office, the sheriff's office, and I also sent it to the FBI, considering that there are other state's involved in the same thing. The Sheriff's Department took action and has been working hand-in-hand with all the other entities involved, also. Then, after that, the county executive got involved and that's when he requested a one-man grand jury, which was granted by the Circuit Court bench. The Paper: Recently, an effort to have the state Senate vote on — among other things — an increase in vehicle registration fees to help pay for infrastructure projects in the state failed. As the person ultimately responsible for collecting those fees, is that an effort you could get behind and support? Why or why not? RJ: I think right now we shouldn't be looking at how we raise fees, fines and taxes. We need to be looking at how we cut them, how we do more with less — just like working with other county clerk's to be able to have services right inside their buildings so we don't have the brick and mortar; just like working with the private sector so that they can be giving you the licenses when you buy a recreational vehicle of some sort. Those are the kinds of ways we need to be cutting costs, not 14

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I think when you do the right thing, people notice that and I think it always helps you. I think it's the best way to govern and the best way to be a public servant — to fight for people.

keeping the status quo and increasing fees. We are already the sixth-highest in registrations in the United States. We are the sixth most costliest. I don't think it's a good idea to be raising any fees, fines or taxes right now. Here at the county, we were able to cut 20 percent of our staff and over $1 million, and at the same time we've received 14 national awards for better services, for more convenience, for putting more things online, and also for more transparency and voter integrity. That's the same kind of governing we need to take to Lansing, not how we can charge people more. The Paper: Some campaign finance reform advocates have been pushing for stricter reporting requirements, as well as for tougher disclosure standards for lobbyists and lobbyist agents. Since your office is responsible for overseeing such reporting and disclosure requirements, what — if any — changes to rules regarding campaign finance reform or lobbying rules would you advocate, and why? RJ: Yes, I would advocate and hope that the Legislature would look on it favorably, especially because we have new people coming in and I don't think they've been part of the culture where you can actually set up different funding mechanisms so that you can reap the financial

We polled and (being selected DeVos' running mate) did help a percentage point or two. Every little thing helped. The Paper: It didn't appear that you were fully embraced by some other county officeholders after you defeated G. William "Doc" Caddell in the November 2004 GOP primary and won the general election contest that year. Tell us why that is or isn't an accurate perception.

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benefit without reporting to the citizens, who really want to know and really deserve to know where you got the money from and how you spent it. I have a fund right now that was just set up and, while it does not have those types of reporting requirements — it has some — we are going to report quarterly so that people will know, which is even better than what the Campaign Finance Act requires. I think the best way to lead is by doing it myself, by example. The Paper: While still serving in the state House, you made quite a name for yourself by championing reforms in the way intermediate school districts operate. To what degree do you believe that helped with name recognition outside of Oakland County as you sought the secretary of state position? Was being selected as Dick DeVos' running mate in 2006 more or less helpful in that regard? RJ: I think when you do the right thing, people notice that and I think it always helps you. I think it's the best way to govern and the best way to be a public servant — to fight for people. I spent far less money than my opponent did on my campaign and I do think it's because I do have a reputation of going after fraud, corruption and waste in government, and I will continue to do the same.

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RJ: I think any time you run against an incumbent and win, there's always going to be some resistance. But I have to say it didn't take long before all of that passed and we got on with business. People were very professional and very helpful and I think, in the end, probably thought that was not a bad thing to happen, just because we have been able to win 14 national awards with some very innovative people that work in the county clerk's office. The Paper: Give us your impressions of Bill Bullard Jr., who has been selected to serve the remainder of your unexpired term as county clerk/register of deeds. What do you see as Bill's strengths as he takes over that position? RJ: Once again, I'm very pleased that we leave Bill Bullard with an office with a three-year budget in place. We've already made cuts. He has a staff that he gets to work with of about 112 to 115 people that are second-to-none. They are the most dedicated, hard-working, committed staff that I've ever worked with. We actually can get twice as much done as some other counties with the same amount of staff, and do it very well. So I am very proud of the staff and I am pleased that we will be leaving Bill with everything in place for him so he can start out and hit the ground running. He has incredible knowledge. He's been a state representative and a (state) senator, so he knows what it takes to change laws up there (in Lansing) and that will help Oakland County. He's been the chairman of the Board of Commissioners, so he knows how the system works. I think probably Bill's best quality that I've seen is that he's a great listener. I think you have to be a good listener to be a good public servant. ■ JANUARY 2011

■ snapshot

mayer morganroth

or 56 years, the powerful and well-known in metro Detroit have turned to Birmingham attorney Mayer Morganroth when they've needed high-end legal help. His clients have included former Detroit mayors Coleman Young and, for a short while, Kwame Kilpatrick. He successfully represented automaker John DeLorean against drug charges, worked with Geoffrey Fieger on the Jack Kevorkian case, and successfully defended perpetual political outsider Lyndon LaRouche. For all of the high-profile clients he's had, he said exposure to the media's scrutiny doesn't help. "Generally speaking, it's more stress and more pressure," he said. "It's encumbering — you get the media calling you all day and all night. Whenever we would go out in public, DeLorean and I were facing 200 cameras. Kevorkian, even more so." He said that it's best to avoid publicity. It's not advantageous to the client since you run the risk of disclosing your tactics. Yet, Morganroth said it's not a good idea to ignore the media. He said running from questions or giving a "no comment" is a mistake. Throughout all of his years arguing in court, he said he's only once called a press conference and that was when Kevorkian was coming out of jail and too ill to deal with one media outlet after another. For a short while, Morganroth represented Kilpatrick at the beginning of the text message scandal that eventually brought him down. While he didn't agree with Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, he said

she was tough and doing the job she was hired to do. "Her job is to pursue wrongdoing. I can't fault her for that," he said, adding that he believes it's time for the prosecution of Kilpatrick to end as it's not helping Detroit — even in light of the recent announcement of Kilpatrick's federal indictments. Morganroth said Young didn't get a fair shake and he believes a lot of unfair accusations got leveled over the years. He said the man was pursued from the beginning and subjected to a great deal of discrimination. "There were people who felt a black man wasn't capable of running a city like Detroit and they constantly badgered and pursued him," he said. "We used to have to turn up the TV or radio whenever we would meet because people were always trying to listen in on him. I was going to file a restraining order against the FBI and they heard about it and sent a letter to him to say he was no longer under investigation." In the end, Morganroth said Young didn't benefit financially from the time he was mayor and ended up dying with only the pension he earned from his time in public service. Of course, the long-time litigator has a few hard and fast rules for new attorneys to live by, including being prepared, presenting yourself accurately, and being civil. "Respect is what's missing these days in the practice of law," he said. "You can disagree without being disagreeable." — Alex Lundberg — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

■ county Bullard appointed to fill Johnson’s county clerk post By Alex Lundberg Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard Jr. (R-Highland) has been tapped to replace Michigan Secretary of State-elect Ruth Johnson in her role as the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Bullard was chosen for the position by the Bullard Oakland County Circuit Court judges to serve out the remainder of Johnson’s term, which will expire at the end of 2012. In a Tuesday, Dec. 7 press release, Circuit Court Chief Judge Nanci Grant said Bullard has the right mix of qualities that the judges believe will make for a good county clerk. “Bill Bullard is well known and has a good reputation for working with all areas of government to improve services to the public,”

she said. “The judges gave due diligence to this decision. While there are many important responsibilities as the county clerk, it’s important to appoint someone who understands and appreciates the judicial process. We look forward to working with Bill Bullard.” Bullard was the first person to throw his hat into the ring for the clerk’s position. The other candidates for the job were Lake Orion Comptroller Carol Ebner, attorney Karen Geibel, attorney Michelle Komorn, CPA William Molnar, Bloomfield Township Clerk Janet Roncelli, Senior Living Residence Executive Director Brenda Savage, paralegal Robert Seffinger, U.S. Postal Service worker Vivian Snitgen, video production supervisor and election inspector Cynthia Thompson, and pharmacy technician Marilyn Youngquist. A notable name that dropped off that list was that of retired Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Fred Mester. The judge had thrown his name into the ring early and then withdrew, citing a potential conflict under state law. Bullard had the endorsement of Johnson and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. Even so, he said he was never

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a shoo-in for the job. “Whenever you have a secret ballot, you’re never sure,” he said. “I am happy that I got the job and feel fortunate that the judges of the (Oakland County Circuit) court had confidence in me.” The day after the announcement, he said he would be meeting with Johnson and her department heads to start the transition process. While on paper it looks like he will be getting a pay raise for switching positions within the county government structure — going from just over $30,000 a year to almost $140,000 a year — the amounts aren’t so disparate upon closer inspection. The county commission position is a part-time job and Bullard will have to shelve his private law practice to take on the county clerk/register of deeds position’s full-time duties. Bullard will finish out the rest of Johnson’s term of office, which expires on Dec. 31, 2012. If he wants to retain the position, he will have to file for it and appear on the 2012 general election ballot — the next countywide election. According to Highland Township Clerk Mary McDonell, two special elections will have to be held to fill Bullard’s county commissioner vacancy — a primary election in May and a general election in August. She said she expects each election will cost the township around $15,000. Besides Highland Township, Bullard’s 2nd Commissioner District includes Holly, Rose, and Springfield townships. Bullard was handily re-elected to his county commission post last month. First elected as an Oakland County commissioner in 2002, Bullard has served as the Board of Commissioners’ chairman for the past six years. He previously served in the state Legislature from 1982 to 2002, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate. Before serving in Lansing, Bullard served as a Highland Township trustee from 1978 to 1980 and as Highland Township supervisor from 1980 to 1982. ■

Referral scuttles proposed county ethics ordinance

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By Alex Lundberg A proposed ethics ordinance to govern both hired and elected

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county personnel was shot down without so much as a single “no” vote. The ordinance was pulled from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners agenda by Chairman Bill Bullard Jr. (RHighland) and referred to the county board’s Human Resources Committee, among others. Commissioner Tim Greimel (DAuburn Hills), who has championed the proposed ethics ordinance, said Bullard used a procedural move to kill the ordinance without it ever getting a vote. “He referred it to a committee (Human Resources) that wasn’t going to meet until next year,” he said. “It’s a shame. The ordinance didn’t have everything I wanted it to have but I would have accepted it. I guess there were too much ethics there for the Republicans.” Bullard said there were too few committees involved in the review process. “A lot of things come out of committee and are routine and have no issues with them,” he said. “I was hearing from members of other committees that wanted to look into the (ethics ordinance) issues more thoroughly.” Namely, he said he wanted the ordinance to go through the Human Resources and Finance committees, as well as the General Government Committee. Bullard said all three committees should get a look at the ordinance, as well as the seven new commissioners who will be sworn in at the next county commission meeting. Greimel acknowledged that the chances of getting something like the proposed ethics proposal passed next year are dim — Republicans will expand their majority on the commission on Jan. 1 — but he said he would try again in 2011. He said it’s important enough of an issue to try. “The old policy is 20-years-old,” Greimel said. “There’s no meaningful guidance on gifts. There’s no anti-nepotism guidelines. There’s no mechanism to hold elected officials accountable.” Bullard said the county already has an ethics ordinance and there was no issue of a loophole or ethical problem in the county. As for the issue of partisanship, he said a Republican-dominated county commission will be able to do a better job with a new ordinance. “I have more confidence in a Republican majority to decide this issue,” Bullard said. ■ JANUARY 2011

YES WE CAN, EH? EVEN DURING THE 2006 AND 2008 DEMOCRATIC WAVE ELECTIONS, AREA VOTERS REMAINED FIERCELY LOYAL TO THE REPUBLICAN PARTY By Kirk Pinho

e knew who Rick Snyder was. We knew who Virg Bernero was. It was the same with Ruth Johnson and Jocelyn Benson, and Bill Schuette and David Leyton. We knew Gary Peters and Rocky Raczkowski. But what about Diane Dunaskiss, or Brenda Moon? Who were they? The answer to that question leads to what some in the political realm call "the base" — candidates for office who are unknown to the vast majority of the electorate but who get votes anyway, almost always solely because of their political party affiliation. Tracking such races can serve as a barometer of where voters in a community are at politically from one election to the next. The Paper examined election results from the Wayne State University Board of Governors, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and University of Michigan Board of Regents contests in 2004, 2006, 2008 and the Nov. 2, 2010 general election to get an indication of the political climate in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, and the county as a whole. The results of the university board races provide a decent indication of a community's party support in a given election since voters generally don't know much — if anything — about the university board candidates other than their party affiliation, which tends to dictate choices in the voting booth. "People split their (votes) at the top of the ticket," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, referring to gubernatorial, congressional, and state legislative contests. "When they get down to the university boards, it's pretty much an alignment of the respective parties." The Birmingham-Bloomfield area remains overwhelmingly Republican, with none of the three communities giving less than 50 percent of its votes in those three university board races, on average, to the GOP's candidates in any of the past four elections. David Dulio, chairman and an associate professor of the Political Science Department at Oakland University, chalked up the results of the university board races — particularly in 2006, 2008, and 2010 — to partisan waves sweeping the country and the so-called "enthusi18

asm gap" in recent elections. "What you see is more Democrats turning out in 2006 and 2008, and the opposite is true for Republicans in 2010," Dulio said. State Sen. John Pappageorge (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) agreed that the enthusiasm gap in those elections — for the GOP in 2006 and 2008, and for Democrats in 2010 — had a large impact on races. But he chalked up the majority of the swing, one way or the other, to the national political climate. "The population you're talking about there tends to be more interested in politics nationally," he said. "It has a history of being tuned in to what's happening politically. Because of that, they are more influenced (by national politics). I believe what's going on in Washington has a lot of influence." State Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) said that each community "has their own different personality" and that comparing them would be like trying to compare Germany, France and Italy. "The electoral dynamics are real different, too," Moss said. Top-of-the-ticket contests have a large impact on the voter turnout, according to Moss. For example, 2006 Republican gubernatorial hopeful Dick DeVos "was a weak candidate," he said, thereby "oppressing" some of the Republican turnout in 2006. And he said he was surprised that "the Obama tsunami" didn't translate into higher levels of support for Democratic candidates than what The Paper's analysis revealed. If the outcomes from those university board contests — broken down community by community — are any indication, voters in the three local communities were experiencing a bit of Republican fatigue in 2006 and 2008, but went back to the GOP in the November 2010 election. In the 2006 and 2008 elections, when a national Democratic tide swept the country, the three local communities still stood strong behind the GOP candidates in university board races. They did, however, support Republicans by about 5 percentage points less, on average — not exactly the mass exodus away from the party as was seen in other parts of the county during that time period. By 2010, the Republicans had hit their stride again, besting their

support from 2004 during the era of President George W. Bush's defeat of U.S. Sen. John Kerry. Generally speaking, the three communities upped their Republican support by about one or two points in November 2010 as compared to 2004. "The figures don't surprise me," said former Oakland County Republican Party Chairman David Law, a former state lawmaker. "I was feeling for the last couple years that was coming." Come the new year when Republicans control the state legislative branch and governor's mansion, the GOP has to "put policies in place to create job growth," Law said. "When voters see Republicans taking the lead, we'll continue to expand those numbers" in the state House and state Senate, Law said. Pappageorge echoed similar sentiments. "My party has an opportunity to really make some changes that will turn Michigan around," he said. "It's a short window. I believe in many ways it's a two-hour — not twoyear — window and we better step up and do the things that, for eight years (in the Granholm administration) didn't get done. That includes tax policy, it includes our appropriations process, and it includes changes in our regulatory environment. The regulatory environment in Michigan is saying to the capital markets, 'Don't come here.'" Moss said that Republicans have been given the keys to the car, but "on probation," turning on its head a campaign slogan President Obama used during the run-up to the 2010 mid-term election. "We (Republicans) shouldn't get cocky," Moss said. "We should be real, real careful to understand what it was that the people want us to do, and they don't want us to

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make the (Republican) elephant the state symbol." According to Moss, the GOP needs to get the economy blasting on all cylinders, bring jobs back to the state, and get Michigan's spending under control. What would happen if Republicans fail to live up to those obligations? "We will be thrown out on our butts," Moss said. But Frank Houston, chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party, said he remains optimistic about the party's future in the county, stating that Democratic candidates are becoming more viable in races that, in the past, would have been mere blips on the county party's radar. "The trend is that more and more of Oakland County is becoming Democratic-friendly," Houston said. "Democrats are working harder in places we maybe would have given up on in years before. "The trends are that we all need to be doing a better job of reaching out to everyone," he said. "As a party, we've put a lot of emphasis into reaching out into communities that traditionally have been represented by Republicans." Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, a Democrat who was elected in 2008

JANUARY 2011

Area voting percentages in partisan university board races since 2004 GOP

2010 DEMS

GOP

2008 DEMS

GOP

DEMS

GOP

DEMS

62.25

32.79

54.77

40.20

54.08

40.65

59.17

35.96

Bloomfield Township 64.05

31.23

57.42

38.19

57.74

37.72

62.89

32.64

Bloomfield Hills

71.93

23.89

64.23

31.72

64.99

30.82

70.23

26.44

Oakland County

51.65

42.02

43.01

49.94

44.18

49.55

48.24

45.72

Birmingham

after serving in the Michigan House of Representatives, said he believes that people are "looking for a common vision that they can buy into and participate in and feel that their values are being respected and reflected in the policies that are going forward." He attributed the 2010 swing in voter preferences to high unemployment and other issues — including foreclosures, the auto industry restructuring and financial regulation — causing "a lot of anxiety and frustration." He also said that Democrats, after being in power for two years in the nation's capitol, "did a poor job of communicating with the country about how Democrats were fighting to create jobs and stabilize our communities." Meisner

also stressed the need to look beyond partisan identity and instead "roll up our sleeves" and get to work on solutions to problems that both political parties can embrace. Patterson said he expects the apparent increase in GOP support to continue into 2012 and beyond. The figures cited in this report were calculated by adding the support for each of the two candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties in the races for the Wayne State University Board of Governors, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and University of Michigan Board of Regents. The total figures for each of those three races were then averaged to come up with a level of party support in each recent election year. What follows is a statistical breakdown of apparent political party support in the last four elections, including the Nov. 2, 2010 mid-term election, in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, and Oakland County.

Birmingham Republicans in the last four election cycles have maintained healthy advantages over their Democratic opponents in the univ e r s i t y b o a r d races in

2006

2004

Birmingham. In 2010, the GOP candidates received, on average, 62.25 percent of the Birmingham votes in those contests, while in 2004 they were able to capture 59.17 percent. Democrats in those two cycles received 32.79 percent and 35.96 percent of the city's votes, respectively. During the two Democratic wave elections — 2006 and 2008 — Democrats were able to make some inroads in Birmingham. In 2006, they received on average 40.65 percent of the Birmingham votes in the university board contests, and in 2008 they received 40.2 percent. The GOP held on to its turf though, capturing on average 54.08 percent and 54.77 percent, respectively, in those two elections.

Bloomfield Hills voters remained staunchly Republican — although there was an uptick in Democratic support during those elections. In 2008, 64.23 percent — an eight-year low — of city voters on average voted for Republican university board candidates, while in 2006, that figure was slightly higher at 64.99 percent. Democrats, on the other hand, received 31.72 percent and 30.82 percent, respectively, in those two elections. The 2010 general election saw 71.93 percent of city votes cast for Republican candidates while just 23.89 percent of the vote went to Democratic candidates. In 2004, 70.23 percent of votes went for Republicans and 26.44 percent were cast for Democrats.

Bloomfield Township

Oakland County voters as a whole were perhaps more fickle than those in the Birmingham and Bloomfield communities. With the exception of Republicans in the 2010 election, in the last four campaign seasons no party has received an average vote total of greater than 50 percent. This past November, Republicans received on average 51.65 percent of the county votes cast in the university board races, while Democrats received 42.02 percent on average — a sudden swing against Democrats, who had just the previous election cycle received nearly 50 percent of county votes, on average. In the Obama wave election, they received 49.94 percent, while GOP candidates took in about 43.01 percent of the vote. Democrats also received a plurality of the vote in the county in 2006 with 49.55 percent of votes in the university board races, while the GOP was able to pull in 44.18 percent. In 2004, 48.24 percent of the ballots cast, on average, were for GOP candidates in the university board races, while 45.72 percent went to Democrats. ■

As with the other communities in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, Bloomfield Township voters have remained loyal to the GOP over the course of the last four elections, although Democrats were able to chip away at some of the Republican support in 2006 and 2008. In those two elections, Republicans still received 57.42 and 57.74 percent of the Bloomfield Township votes in university board races, on average. Democrats notched 38.19 percent in 2008 and 37.72 percent in 2006. Bloomfield Township voters in the 2010 general election backed the GOP candidates with 64.05 percent of the votes, on average. The Democrats received 31.23 percent support, on average, in the last general election. In 2004, the GOP received 62.89 percent of the Bloomfield Township vote, on average, while the Democrats received 32.64 percent.

Bloomfield Hills Even throughout the Democratic tsunamis of 2008 and 2006, www.oaklandpaper.com

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Oakland County

Cottages OAKLAND TOWNSHIP’S ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE a manor home unlike any other on 2.68 acres with private rear yard (pool, jacuzzi, entertainment deck and pool house). Total of 19,684 sq. ft. with 5 bedrooms, 7 baths and 2 lavs. First floor master suite with 3 closets, fireplace and morning kitchen, 4 suites up, 1st and 2nd floor laundry rooms, 2nd entertainment kitchen with pantry on 1st floor, 11 fireplaces, finished walkout, 6+ car garage and endless details, can't be duplicated at this price. Additional lots (6) available, can be purchased to add to your gated estate. COV210119846 $3,990,000

CIRCULAR DRIVE welcomes you to this 2.92 acre estate with the utmost privacy. One of a kind home with old world flair and every custom feature you could imagine. 7,168 sq. ft. with 6 bedrooms, 6 baths and 2 lavs. First floor master suite with the ultimate bath and shower. Fabulous finished walkout. The backyard sanctuary with salt water pool is just steps away from walking trails, tennis and Orange Lake. Heated 4 car garage. Bloomfield Hills FOR210113920 $2,100,000

HAVE YOUR OWN PRIVATE 2+ ACRE RESORT compound on all sports Holloway Reservoir Lake. Why drive "Up North." Enjoy the panoramic view from all windows of this 3,200 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths, first floor master suite and finished walkout perfect for entertaining. In-ground pool with separate pool house has kitchen, bedroom, bath and living room. Garden shed with dog kennel and fenced run. Magnificent landscaping. Too many special features to mention. Oregon Township SAN210103760 $799,900

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ALEXANDER BOEGAERTS designed one of a kind transitional home on 2+ acres. Complete privacy with oversize driveway and rear yard with entertainment center, Pebbletech in-ground pool/jacuzzi with blue stone decking. 5,800 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 lavs has 1st floor master suite plus 3 bedroom suites up. Finished walk out has everything you could dream of having. Oakland Township ORI210115669 $1,499,000

NOT JUST THE VIEW TO ENJOY, but the beauty and serenity in this luxury home on Minnow Lake. Located on one of the premier lots in The Hills of Lone Pine gated community. 4,828 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 lavs, has a first floor master suite with fireplace and luxurious bath, great room with soaring ceilings and wall of windows to view the lake. Finished walk out with full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and 2nd family room. Heated greenhouse, private courtyard entry, 2 decks and brick paver patio. Excellent value! Bloomfield Hills WIC210090446 $799,000

HOME WAS TOTALLY REBUILT in 2004 by Bob Jones. Located on a private ro 3.44 wooded acres with a gated entry. 6,491 sq. ft. home has 5 bedrooms, 5 bat 2 lavs plus too many custom features to list. In law/au pair apartment with se entry and balcony. Finished lower level with every entertainment feature. style in-ground pool with waterfall and multiple decks. 5+ car garage. Oa Township GRE210116539 $1,399,000

CUSTOM BUILT HOME in desirable Birmingham neighborhood. Built in 1992 with all the custom features and architectural details you could imagine. 4,680 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Unbelievable master suite with 14’ x 13’ lounging area, enormous closet plus jack and jill and private suite up. Finished lower level with kitchen, bath, 2nd family room, exercise room and game room. Oversized Trex deck with spacious yard and perennial gardens. Short Sale Birmingham WES210138718 $749,900

OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME! Home custom design architect Don Paul Young in the estate section of Fra Almost 2 acre wooded site on a private lake to enjo natural surroundings. Interior is totally redone, taken to the studs and finished to perfection. Never been li this 4,351 sq. ft. home that has 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 bath a first and second floor master suite. Fra CAN210124300 $749,900

The Integrity The Powe LOCATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS GATED ADULT COMMUNITY (55+). Enjoy activities in the club house with a library, exercise room plus swimming pool, tennis courts, walking trails +++. 1,840 sq.ft. ranch with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, bright kitchen with breakfast room, living room with fireplace plus large basement ready to finish. Park like private rear yard with Trex deck and wrap around front porch. Short Sale. Auburn Hills HIL210139854 $184,900

POPULAR all-sports Lakeville Lake. You can have that "Up North" feel in less than an hour from Metropolitan Detroit. Updated 1,344 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 3 bath home home can be your vacation home. Finished walk out, site large enough for a garage and won't block the lake view. Priced to sell and not a short sale! Immediate occupancy. Addison Township GRA210118769 $99,900

DECORATOR PERFECT 1,412 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath townhouse with finished walkout. Updated kitchen with hardwood floors, 3 doorwalls opening to decks and patios, 1 car detached garage. Close walk to the Paint Creek Trail. Short Sale. Rochester Hills OAK210139859 $76,900

442 S. Old Wo hallan

248.5

www.Lynn

to Castles

l be the best year ever since 2007. mes, strong prices, trusted negotiating d Sellers for the last 3 decades.

ENTER THE 550 FT. WINDING DRIVE leading to private 3.2 acre estate with inground pool and magnificent private yard designed by Tringali. Home has superior trim, extensive hardwood, stone, granite and custom ceramic. 5,719 sq. ft., 5 bedroom, 5 bath and 2 lav home with dream kitchen, hearth room and screened in sun porch off breakfast room, first floor master suite, finished walk out plus 8 car heated garage. Rochester Hills TIE210116541 $1,100,000

MAGNIFICENT ESTATE in the prestigious gated community of Orchard Ridge. Sits high on a hill with private wooded yard, multiple decks with cement ballisters on 1.44 acres. 7,870 sq.ft. with 5 bedrooms, 7 baths and 2 lavs. Dream kitchen (23 x 17) opens to family room and breakfast room. Enormous first floor master suite with sitting area and fireplace, all bedrooms are suites plus apartment with bedroom, bath, kitchen, dining room and living room with fireplace. Walkout ready to finish. Too many custom features to mention. 6 car heated garage. Oakland Township ORC210058837 $2,800,000

BACKING TO SERENE PONDS with wildlife to enjoy. Decorator's delight with every upgrade, former Moceri model. 5,338 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs, master suite has separate sitting room with dual fireplaces and private exercise room, fully paneled library, multiple fireplaces, back hall with mud room and neutral décor. Finished walkout with theatre, kitchen/bar, bath, game area and 2nd family room. One of the best developments on the billion dollar mile. Oakland Township WHI210103035 $1,095,000

BUILT IN 1936 and totally renovated in 2006 with all the best in design and materials. 3+ acres with in ground pool and extensive gardens created by master gardener. 4,270 sq. ft with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Charming English Country guest house with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room with fireplace, kitchen, 2 car garage. Three-story 100 year old barn with rock climbing wall, golf practice range, basketball court plus ample space for 5 horse stalls. Rochester Hills TIE210099204 $1,089,000

Lynn Baker Associate Broker

248.379.3000 lbaker@hallandhunter.com

Deby Gannes Realtor

248.379.3003 dgannes@hallandhunter.com

BUILT IN 1998 on almost an acre located on a peaceful and serene location backing to woods. 3,469 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Spacious master with fireplace and oversize closet, jack and jill plus a private suite, oversize laundry with mudroom. Finished walkout perfect for entertaining. Paver patio with fire pit, gazebo on top deck and 3 car garage. Franklin CHE210139082 $574,900

LUXURIOUS CONDO built by Dave Smith just 2 blocks from downtown Rochester (Main Street shopping). Brick and stone exterior, private entry, 2,040 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, Brazillian cherry floors, attached 2 car garage plus a secluded upper deck and lower paver patio. Backs to ravine to give more privacy. Walkout with 10 foot ceilings ready to finish. Rochester SEC210108413 $429,900

TOTALLY UPDATED 1 bedroom 1 bath condo with balcony located in downtown Birmingham. Granite floors and corian in the kitchen, Euro shower door, crown molding, surround sound, neutral décor and decorator perfect, plus 2 covered parking places. Can be rented fully furnished. Immediate occupancy. Gym in the building. Birmingham CHE210093290 $1500 a month.

VACANT SITES IN OAKLAND TOWNSHIP, ROCHESTER HILLS, FRANKLIN, BRANDON TOWNSHIP AND OXFORD. Sites in 3 coveted gated communities of Orchard Ridge, Wyndridge and Oak Pointe. Some walkouts and all over 2 acres priced from $132,000. 2 cul-de-sac lots over 5 acres each located in Oakland Township on private road priced from $299,900. Harmony Hills in Oxford has 2.5 acre sites starting at $44,000. Half acre + site in Franklin, 2 sites in Rochester Hills and 53 acres in Brandon Township. Call about land contract terms and private tour.

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LAKE PRIVILEGES on all-sports Crescent Lake. Wonderful home on private wooded site with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, basement. Neat and clean with neutral décor. Ready to move right in with quick occupancy. Many upgrades, maintenance free exterior, 2 car detached garage built in 2004, 2 front porches plus a short walk to the lake. Waterford CLI2100115933 $69,900

■ state Bills authorizing business tax relief fail to clear House By Alex Lundberg Bills that would authorize temporary, partial tax relief for businesses hampered by long-term infrastructure projects failed to be enacted before the end of the 2009-10 legislative session in Lansing. Two bills were recently introduced to give local governments the ability to lessen the tax burden on businesses hit hard by road construction projects and give those same local governments a way to judge when a business should be considered worthy of tax relief. State Rep. Gail Haines (R-Lake Angelus) sponsored two bills that would help business owners affected by major infrastructure construction projects. The Adverse Construction Specific Tax Act would require a major infrastructure project to last at least three months in its first year and two into its second year in order for a business to be eligible for property tax relief. The second bill is an amendment to the General Property Tax Act that would allow local governing bodies that are tax collecting units to exempt real and personal property owned or leased by an eligible busi-

KEEP IT SIMPLE One deadline. One concise monthly, full-color package of ad and news information. Reach over 29,000 Birmingham-Bloomfield homes free by direct mail, plus 1,500 copies free on newsstands. Eliminate the hassle of daily or weekly ad deadlines. Don't wonder what type of editorial environment surrounds your message. Know who your ad will reach. The February issue of The Paper. In homes January 27. Ad deadline January 14. Contact Debra Grubb. 248.360.7355 debragrubb@thescngroup.com. It's that simple.

ness. Such businesses would have 50 percent of their real and personal property taxes exempted. On Sept. 10, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson held a press conference outside of Carl’s Golf Land on Telegraph Road to address the need for the state to provide some kind of relief to business owners dealing with the effects of major road reconstruction on their operations. At the time, both the northbound and southbound lanes of Telegraph were being worked on. At the time, he proposed giving local communities the option of reducing property taxes up to 50 percent in the affected areas. Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials had stated the construction along Telegraph Road was actually three individual projects. The first was a resurfacing of northbound and southbound lanes from 8 Mile Road to I-696, the second was a reconstruction of the roadway in both directions from 12 Mile Road to Long Lake, and the third was a reconstruction of the northbound lanes from Square Lake Road to Orchard Lake Road. The Telegraph Road resurfacing and reconstruction work was preceded by the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) contacting landowners with information about planned lane shifts and closures. MDOT spokesmen said at the time the owners of 450 parcels were notified, although that number didn’t reflect the accurate number of Telegraph Road businesses impacted by construction. In the case of a shopping area or strip mall, such parcels are counted as a single notification, with the responsibility for contacting individual businesses falling to the owner. Craig Bryson, an RCOC spokesman, said at the time there’s always an outcry from businesses when area streets get torn up. “This comes up with every major construction project,” he said. “We sympathize, but it’s a tough situation. You can’t tear up and rebuild a road without interrupting traffic.” The RCOC has no control over the Telegraph Road project and has no say over how any taxing authority does its business. ■

Child abuser registry bills may be reintroduced in ‘11 By Alex Lundberg A term-limited state lawmaker is asking the new state Legislature to pickup on his pitch to create a child abuser registry, after his proposal failed to be taken up before the 2009-10 legislative session expired. Legislation had been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives to create a statewide registry for convicted child

abusers and set punishments for offenders who don’t comply with registration procedures. House Bills (HBs) 6568 and 6569, introduced as a tie-barred pair, would have forced convicted child abusers to register with local law enforcement agencies and created a graduated system of jail sentences for failure to register. The bills’ sponsor, state Rep. John Espinoza (D-Croswell), said the idea for the legislation came out of an incident in Port Huron where a toddler was found to be physically abused by both her mother and her father. Both had been charged with the crime, but during the investigation of the case it was found that the father had been a person of interest in another child abuse case. “The father hadn’t been charged, but he was confronted by officers in a case where a child had died under suspicious circumstances,” he said. According to Espinoza, there’s a great mechanism in place for tracking people who have been convicted of being sexual predators, but nothing of the kind exists for convicted child abusers. He said his legislation would give law enforcement officials a way of keeping tabs on these abusers and give residents a tool for keeping an eye on situations they suspect might be abusive. Hopefully, he said, a registry would keep a situation like the one in Port Huron from happening again. Still, Espinoza said he’s aware of the problems inherent in creating broadsword legislation when a scalpel is the tool that’s called for. Criticisms of the state’s sex offender registry have pointed out that some people have landed on that list for activities that don’t exactly rise to the level of sexually predatory behavior. “You’re not going to get arrested for spanking your child,” Espinoza said. “You have to get convicted of child abuse. Giving a kid a swat on the butt for crossing the street the wrong way — the swat on the butt I got — is not going to get you on the list.” He said a spanking is different from abuse and the two can’t be categorized the same way. He said he was concerned that the legislation not be too broad so that incidents like verbal abuse — which can certainly be seen as a red flag of abuse elsewhere — isn’t a way to get on a child abuse list. Espinoza is term-limited and said he hopes he can convince lawmakers who are coming back in the next legislative session to pursue the matter. ■

Snyder to reverse Granholm move that created DNRE By Angela Niemi Gov.-elect Rick Snyder reportedly will implement a new group executive model designed to reorganize

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the state government, which includes splitting the recently condensed Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) into separate departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Natural Resources (DNR). Snyder will issue executive orders after Jan. 1 to split the DNRE, effectively reversing Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s executive order to combine the two departments. According to Snyder’s website, this “reorganization will allow the DEQ and DNR to better focus on their core missions than the currently constituted super-sized DNRE is able.” As part of his reorganization plan, Snyder will have agency and department directors report to their respective group executive, who in turn will report directly to the governor, in an attempt to implement a more streamlined business management model for state government. The departments of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and Rural Development will all report to the group executive for Quality of Life. On Nov. 30, Snyder announced Dan Wyant will fill that post, as well as that of DEQ director. Rodney Stokes will be the new DNR director, while Keith Creagh will be the director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Dan, Keith and Rodney bring exceptional private and public sector experience to this new management model which will allow departments to function better and take successful practices from the private sector and put them to work in government,” Snyder stated in the public announcement on his website. Environmental groups seem to support Snyder’s decision to re-split the DNRE — as long as important work gets done. “Clean Water Action believes Gov.elect Snyder should do what he needs to do. Our hope is that regardless of the structure the job gets done,” said Michigan Director of Clean Water Action Cyndi Roper. “We hope there are competent people in place to protect the lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as the air and people of Michigan from pollution.” Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) Executive Director Erin McDonough said she is excited to work with Wyant, Creagh, and Stokes. “We are interested in working with (the new directors) and the new Quality of Life Division,” she said. “We are excited about the opportunity to move some of our programs forward and willing to work with these people. We encourage them to move towards more outcome-based planning — to strategically use the dollars received from hunting, fishing and trapping licenses to a more efficient and effective use for the health and quality of the environment.” ■ JANUARY 2011

■ snapshot

madison romney

t a mere 16 years of age, Madison Romney is a budding philanthropist raising funds and supplies for Costa Rican children after seeing first-hand how poverty can shape and shatter lives. As a varsity soccer player at Cranbrook and a member of the Rochester Soccer Club travel team, Madison is taking the spirit of teamwork and spearheading a collective effort among her teammates to take in gentlyused or new soccer gear to send to Nicaraguan refugees who scaled mountains for a chance at a peaceful life. Her idea was put into motion two years ago when the Romney family decided to vacation in Costa Rica during spring break. "Whenever we visit another country, we learn about the culture," she said. "We called ahead to visit and, when asked, they said they could use some school supplies." The Romneys were the first Americans to visit the school. Once they saw the poor conditions of the one-room schoolhouse — which didn't have doors and had only two walls for 30 students between 1st and 5th grade — Madison said something clicked. "They taught us a traditional dance and put a show on for us," she said. "After spending two hours playing soccer with them, I thought we could keep donating soccer gear like shin guards, cleats, shirts, shorts and balls." Despite the language barrier between Madison and the students, there was a mutual bond between them. "We played a sport we both loved. That was the most inspirational thing of all," she said. As a result, she set to the task of asking friends, family and fellow

teammates for donations of soccer uniforms and gear. Once she amassed enough items to fill a trio of large boxes, she was taken aback by the $1,200 in shipping costs. But using the same drive she plays soccer with, she vowed to reach her goal. "I held a garage sale to get the money together to ship the boxes and I'm happy to say they were sent two weeks ago," she said. The experience has reinforced how much she appreciates the people in her life and where she lives. "I've always been taught to be grateful and this just showed me how much we need to be," she said. "Not everyone is as privileged as I am and I should never complain." Madison's family is known for their public service given that she is the daughter of former Michigan State University Trustee G. Scott Romney, niece of former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and granddaughter of former Michigan Governor George Romney. "We are a close-knit family," she said. "My dad is very close to his brother (Mitt)." The Romney clan is driven by their passions and causes, and Madison is no different. Compassion guides her toward her goals and pragmatism assists. "I think if people get involved, they should make sure it's something they're passionate about and that way you get more accomplished," she said. — Leslie Shepard-Owsley — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

■ municipal ACLU sues city and township over their medical pot rules By Alex Lundberg Saying they’ve overstepped their bounds, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed suit against the cities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Livonia over their local ordinances that deny medical marijuana patients access to the drug in direct conflict with a 2008 ballot initiative that legalized its use as a medicine. ACLU Staff Attorney Dan Korobkin said the suit was filed on behalf of Birmingham residents Linda and Bob Lott, who suffer from multiple sclerosis and glaucoma, respectively. Both of them have been directed to use medical marijuana by their doctors. Since then, both have received their medical marijuana patient registration cards from the state. Bob Lott also has registered with the state as a caregiver, meaning he can grow and provide marijuana to a limited number of people who have been registered as medical marijuana patients. The ordinances in question, Korobkin said, are in violation of the state law enacted following voter approval of a 2008 medical marijuana ballot question. “The ordinances, in effect, ban the use of medical marijuana,” Korobkin said. “According to the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, no one who uses it in connection to the law may be prosecuted.” The Lotts are not suing for damages or any kind of financial award. They are asking for a declaratory judgment — a court order that would render the cities’ ordinances invalid and unenforceable against them. Birmingham Mayor Gordon Rinschler said the ordinance at issue in the ACLU suit is probably the shortest on the city’s books. “The Birmingham ordinance says that if something is against federal law, it’s also against Birmingham law,” he said. “There’s nothing about medical marijuana (cited in the ordinance), growing it or distributing it. We didn’t engage in criticizing the Medical Marijuana Act as other communities did. It was not a controversial or difficult issue.” He said that Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and any other community grappling with how to administer medical marijuana laws are by no means alone. Communities in every state where voters have approved the use of the drug for medical use are facing similar issues. Saying he was speaking as a resident of Birmingham, rather than as a member of the City Commission or 24

New city manager Bruner selected to succeed Markus By Alex Lundberg

fter a nationwide search for a replacement for former City Manager Tom Markus, the Birmingham City Commission has chosen Ferndale City Manager Robert Bruner as Markus’ replacement. Bruner was tapped on Sunday, Dec. 12 as the new city manager after a weekend of meetings with both the public and the City Commission. The final three candidates were the subject of a meet-and-greet session last Friday afternoon, as well as a day of open-door interviews in front of the City Commission. Bruner signed a three-year, $118,000 per year contract and will get a standard defined contribution benefits package. Birmingham Mayor Gordon Rinschler expressed the commission’s appreciation for Bruner’s skills. “The commission is pleased to have found in Mr. Bruner a very talented and skilled manager who appreciates the past success of Birmingham and has the passion and vision to continue that success into the future,” he said in a press release. Bruner has been the city manager for Ferndale since 2007. Before that he was the assistant city manager in Ypsilanti from 2004 to 2007. During his time working in Ypsilanti, he took a leave of absence to work as the public information officer for the Texas field office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). From 2001 to 2004 he was the assistant to the city manager in Oak Park, and before that he was a management and technology consultant for Accenture. Bruner said the Birmingham city manager position is the most desirable job of its kind. “I think they’ve had two city the city’s mayor, Rinschler said he knew something like this suit was on its way. “I always believed this issue would spend a lot of time in court before it’s worked out,” Rinschler said. The Bloomfield Hills ordinance allows medical marijuana patients to use the drug at their home only. What the City Commission doesn’t want is a storefront operation in the

managers in 45 years,” he said. “That kind of stability is attractive. The community has a great reputation. It has a competent, professional staff and it’s a beautiful, walkable community.” He said his first order of business will be to get acclimated to the staff and learn the history of Birmingham. By the time he comes into office — his first day on the job will be Feb. 14 — the city will have started its budget drafting process, and that’s going to take up a lot of his time. Beyond that, he said he’s going to spend his time learning. “I told the commissioners that I’m not an answer man, I’m not there to tell them what to do,” Bruner said. “I plan to do more listening than talking. God gives you two ears and one mouth and I’m going to use them in respect to that proportion.” Outgoing Ferndale Mayor Craig Covey said Bruner has developed “quite a good history” with that city in just under four years. “He’s a delegator. He’s good at forecasting budgetary and financial issues,” Covey said. “He’s not afraid to bring in people with more expertise than he has to guide him.” Bruner, he said, has worked well with the kinds of financial struggles Ferndale and other cities around the state have had to deal with in recent years, and will bring that experience to the table in Birmingham. Markus left Birmingham to take a city manager position in Iowa City, Iowa. In his press release, Rinschler heaped special praise on The Mercer Group candidate search firm for bringing so many candidates to the City Commission’s attention, and wished the runners-up — Gary Boden and Larry Shaffer — the best in their future careers. ■ business district — something the state medical marijuana statute doesn’t allow. While there is no way of knowing how many Bloomfield Hills residents are directly concerned about the legal state of medical marijuana — the lists of patients and caregivers are exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests — 62 percent of city residents voted to allow

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use of the drug for medicinal purposes when the question appeared on the November 2008 general election ballot. In Birmingham, 70 percent of voters supported the medical marijuana ballot question. Korobkin said the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills ordinances are not proper. The main argument is that city (and township and village) law stems from state law, which provides for the controlled use, cultivation and distribution of marijuana as a medicine. Federal law, he said, isn’t at issue here. “Cities are not allowed to pass ordinances that violate state law,” he said. “Even if it’s a technical violation of state law, it’s not a requirement of local (law enforcement) agencies to enforce federal law.” Attorney William Hampton, who represents both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, couldn’t be reached for comment. The Michigan Medical Marijuana Act permits physician-approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, nail patella (a genetic disorder that results in small, poorly developed nails and kneecaps), and other conditions as may be approved by the state Department of Community Health. Also qualifying are chronic or debilitating diseases or medical conditions or their treatments that produce cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those caused by epilepsy; or severe or persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those which are characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Registered medical marijuana patients receive their medical marijuana from designated caregivers. According to state law, a caregiver can acquire 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana and grow up to 12 marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility for a qualifying patient. One individual caregiver can assist up to five patients, who can be a relative, friend, associate, or other known relation — as long as they’ve never been convicted of a felony drug offense. The law permits registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana. ■ JANUARY 2011

■ municipal Medical marijuana ordinances land township in court

the law.” The suit was filed on Dec. 14 in the Oakland County Circuit Court. The case will be presided over by Circuit Court Judge Denise LangfordMorris. Rockind said his clients aren’t asking for money, compensation, or damages. Instead, they are seeking declaratory action. “We simply filed to get a judge to declare that the Bloomfield Township ordinances are unconstitutional and violate the Michigan Marijuana Act, which is the supreme law in the state of Michigan,” he said. ■

By Angela Niemi Bloomfield Township is being sued over two medical marijuana ordinances enacted at the end of October. Attorneys Neil Rockind and Thomas Loeb are representing a pair of anonymous residents being referred to in the case as John Doe and Richard Roe. “We are complaining on behalf of two citizens and residents who are lawfully in compliance with the state’s medical marijuana laws but who are also Bloomfield Township residents. And Bloomfield Township has passed ordinances that severely restrict and undermine the Michigan medical marijuana law,” Rockind said. Bloomfield Township’s ordinances prohibit any cultivation or distribution of medical marijuana by any caregiver or patient. The ordinance provisions allow up to two registered patients to use medical marijuana per residential dwelling. The ordinances also require a qualifying patient to register with the township police department by providing their name, date of birth, address, phone number, driver’s license number, Michigan Medical Marijuana Act number; and declare whether they are a renter or an owner of a residence. If they are a renter, they must also provide the name of the rental unit’s owner, his or her address and telephone number. “This is one more effort by local government to undermine, restrict, or limit the Medical Marijuana Act and the rights of patients, who otherwise are attempting to comply with state law,” Rockind said. “It’s inexcusable that any local township would insist its residents have to separately register with the township police department.” “It violates the confidentiality of every patient by having them register with the police department and provide all the information they are asking for,” Loeb added. “It’s none of the police department’s business what patients live in Bloomfield Township and what they are using to treat their conditions.” Loeb also said confidentiality was the reason why the lawsuit was filed anonymously. Both complainants are registered as medical marijuana patients and caregivers with the Michigan Department of Community Health, as required by state law. According to Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne, the lawsuit is www.oaklandpaper.com

If the new outdoor ice rink in Birmingham’s Barnum Park is judged as a success, the Birmingham City Commission may consider duplicating the facility at other city parks. (The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Outdoor ice rink opens New Barnum Park feature ready for use By Alex Lundberg

ichigan’s winter has finally set in enough to open the new outdoor ice rink at Birmingham’s Barnum Park. The rink was supposed to open more than a week ago, but by that time it wasn’t frozen deep enough to use. The skating rink was a project conceived of and paid for entirely by city residents. When a resident brought up the idea of creating an open-edged skating rink in a city park — in this case, Barnum Park — city commissioners told her plainly that no money had been budgeted for such a project and no money would be made available. The resident, Pierce-St. James Neighborhood Association President Janelle Boyce, who is also a member of the Birmingham Planning Board, came back a few weeks later with pledges and promises of money to the tune of $7,000 and in-kind donations for several thousand dollars more in planning and construction services. Donations were made by the Birmingham Estates Neighborhood Association, the Birmingham YMCA, Rex and Janelle Boyce, Nicolette Heister, the Howarth Neighborhood Association, Edward A. Katz, the Mill Pond Neighborhood Association, the Pembroke Neighborhood Association, the Pierce Elementary School Community Education Association and the Presidents’ Council of

being referred to the township attorney. “We were very careful as we

Neighborhood Associations. Because the rink has no cooling system, the rink’s availability is subject to cooperation from the weather. If the rink is considered to be a success, the commission has given it’s provisional assent to considering reproducing the project at other city parks. The city is looking for residents’ impressions and will take comments and suggestions via email at cityweb@ci.birmingham.mi.us or by phone at 248-530-1700. When the rink is open, weather permitting, it’s use is at the user’s risk. Similarly, the city doesn’t take responsibility for injury or loss due to theft or damage. The city has established the following rules for the ice rink’s use: • No pets are allowed; • No food or drink are allowed on the ice; • No loitering or use without skates are allowed; • No cross skating or skating that interferes with general skating is allowed; • Speed skating is prohibited; • Games that interfere with other skaters aren’t allowed; • No sticks, hockey nets or pucks may be used; • No smoking or alcohol are allowed; • Foul or offensive language are prohibited; and • No fighting or rough-housing are allowed. ■

developed that ordinance,” he said. “Based on our legal counsel’s advice, we felt it was consistent with

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Auditors note drop in revenue for Bloomfield Hills By Alex Lundberg The city of Bloomfield Hills’ audit report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010 indicates that while the city’s financial health is good, the city finds itself in much the same place as its neighbors, as property values continue to drop and drag down tax revenues with them. The audit, conducted by Plante & Moran, states the city had $31 million in assets and $11 million in liabilities for a net total of just more than $20 million in assets. That’s down slightly from the previous, 2008-09 fiscal year. The city was shown to be taking in just more than $13 million in revenues for the 2009-10 fiscal year, with the bulk of that, about $7 million, in the form of property tax revenue. That figure is lower than it was in the previous fiscal year, but that’s to be expected given the declining property values and tax revenues. “Much of that difference comes from a decline in property tax revenues,” said City Treasurer Lisa Dolan. “There’s been a 5.3 percent decline in property tax revenues since last year.” The auditors see property taxes as one of three issues that the city will have to deal with in the coming years, along with state-shared revenues and business fees. The problem that all three issues share is they aren’t going to rise in a manner comparable to the rate of inflation. Property taxes make up more than 80 percent of the city’s general fund revenues. Other sources, like state-shared revenue, are expected to dwindle or eventually disappear. The state-shared revenue for the 2009-10 fiscal year was $251,237, down by 3.6 percent from the year before. Expenses, on the other hand, are free to rise as they will and Page 26 ❯ 25

■ municipal By Angela Niemi

fter three years of meetings and public hearings, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved a site plan and special land use permit for the development of a Tim Hortons near the southeast corner of Woodward Avenue and Square Lake Road. The site plan was approved at a Dec. 13 township board meeting. After a public meeting held on Nov. 8, the board had decided to table the issue until the developer, Laith Jonna of Square Lake Road Properties, LLC, requested it to be back on the board’s agenda. At the time, board members felt certain issues still needed to be addressed, including noise, odors, aesthetics, hours of operation, as well as other concerns raised by residents. Supervisor Dave Payne said those issues have since been addressed by the developer. “Some of the residents’ issues — hours of operations, noise, traffic — there were changes made to the developer’s plan which in the board’s mind accommodated some of those concerns,” he said. According to Clerk Jan Roncelli, the developer still needs to meet several conditions before obtaining a certificate of occupancy. Final approval is contingent on the following conditions being met: • Compliance with the township’s landscape and traffic engineering consultants; • Compliance with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT); • Compliance with signage rules, and approval of signage by the township’s Design Review ❯ Page 25 are outpacing the rate of

inflation. The big driver of costs, as with any service provider, is personnel. According to auditors, doubledigit increases in the cost of health care, pensions and funding retiree health care are going to keep driving those costs upward. The city’s revenues for the 200910 fiscal year were less than the $13.6 million in expenditures — a difference of about $410,281 that was covered by the city’s fund balance, $1.6 million of which was unrestricted and could be used for any purpose. The fund balance is a rainy day fund set aside for unforeseeable, therefore unbudgetable, expenses. 26

Despite opposition from some area residents, the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved plans to transform a former Bennigan’s restaurant into a Tim Hortons because the developer had met all existing ordinance requirements and didn’t request any variances. (The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Tim Hortons plan OK’d Township sets conditions for project Board, which still needs to be sought for a menu board, sign, and speaker post; • Repairing and maintaining the easterly brick wall; • Compliance with the noise ordinance; • Limiting the hours of operation from 5 a.m. to midnight with drive-through-only operation from 9 p.m. to midnight; • Entering into a development agreement with the township that prohibits the construction and operation of any additional restaurants for a period of no less than 10 years; • The agreement has to run

with the land and be recorded with the Oakland County Register of Deeds; • Prohibiting the preparation of fried foods; • Prohibiting operations from midnight to 5 a.m.; and • Obtaining an easement from CVS for the purpose of constructing a right-hand turn traffic lane. Furthermore, the township has to provide MDOT with a letter requesting that the Square Lake Road corridor be studied to address resident access and safety issues. Roncelli said the township has already completed that task. Neighborhood residents defied

Financial planners generally call for a fund balance that is between 10 and 15 percent of the budget. ■

tious water and sewer improvement project program. The township board voted to have the department scale back capital improvement project plans at their Nov. 22 meeting. Since 2004, the township has undertaken several major capital improvements in the township’s water and sewer systems. The first phase of the Bloomfield’s Long-Term Capital Improvement Program to improve the township’s water system included installing over 12 miles of water main to replace old pipes or add new water main. Two new pressurereducing chambers were also constructed to better control pressure

Board says yes to smaller capital improvement plan By Angela Niemi With the decline of the economy, it’s more difficult for communities to take on large-scale capital improvement projects, which is why the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has decided to authorize a proposal from the Engineering and Environmental Services Department to proceed with a smaller, less ambi-

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icy road conditions and came to the township board’s Dec. 13 meeting to express concerns and disapproval of the development of a fast food establishment on the property. Payne said quite a few people were late to the meeting because of road conditions, and Roncelli said they township officials delayed the public hearing on the proposal for an additional 20 minutes to make sure that everybody who wanted to be a part of the hearing could be. Throughout the entire process, residents have been outspoken against having a Tim Hortons developed at the site of a former Bennigan’s property, something of which the township board has been well aware. “Obviously, quite a few residents were opposed to the project,” Roncelli said. “I think the overall concern of the board was that both the residents and developers had rights.” She also said that the deciding factor of the board’s decision to grant them approval was that “the developers met all the ordinance requirements and weren’t asking for any variances.” Despite past public hearings being contentious, Roncelli said the residents attending the Dec. 13 board meeting were “quietly thoughtful” after board members voted to approve the site plan. “Nobody was out of order,” she said. “The residents spoke their peace, and the board spoke theirs. It was not overtly contentious. It has been a long haul for the developer, the board, and the residents, too. I hope the project proceeds with ease for both the developer and the residents.” ■ in the system. The next phase of the capital improvement program calls for the replacement of approximately 6 miles of under-sized water main within residential subdivisions, the assessment and rehabilitation of 23 miles of critical transmission pipe, as well as the implementation of a system-wide fixed base water-metering program, which would allow water meters to be read remotely. The preliminary cost estimate of this phase is $8.3 million. As for the sewer system, Bloomfield Township has been under a Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) Abatement Order since Page 27 ❯ JANUARY 2011

■ municipal ❯ Page 26 1988 to keep the township’s allotted town outlet capacity in compliance with the EvergreenFarmington Sewage Disposal System. After heavy rains between 1996 and 2000, the township exceeded its outlet capacity, prompting corrective measures to decrease infiltration and inflow into the sewer system. Since 1999, the township has been rehabilitating its sewer system. Currently, there are still several miles of sewer identified by the township’s engineering department that need immediate rehabilitation. Over the years, Bloomfield Township has utilized special grants and has partnered with other agencies to defray the cost of the sewer work. For example, the township was just approved for a $391,000 federal grant from the Rouge Program Office to fund a portion of sewer rehabilitation in an area with excessive infiltration and inflow. However, more funds are necessary, as a recently completed mitigation plan funded by a U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant identified over 24,000 feet of the township’s sewer located within a floodplain. The township’s outlet capacity could be lowered by implementing a program to seal manholes and pipes in these areas. The preliminary cost for this entire sewer rehabilitation plan is $7.6 million. However, two capital improvement projects coming in at around $8 million each are difficult to finance in the current economic climate. Bonds were sold in 2006 and 2008 to fund the first phase of the Long-Term Capital Improvement Program for the water system. The principal and interest payments on these bonds are paid for by water customers based on a fixed debt charge of $32 annually. The township’s sewer system has had a longtime debt charge of $20 annually. Bonds were sold in 2008 to finance many other sewer projects, as well. In order to cover the cost of continuing the programs, additional bonds will need to be sold. To finance each $8-million bond sale, the debt charge to customers would be an additional $44 annually for water bonds and an additional $56 a year for sewer bonds. Therefore, a residential customer would pay an additional $100 each year. However, with the economy as it is, township officials recognize that it’s not a good time to ask customers for additional money. “Things were different six years ago. There didn’t seem to be such a hardship as there is today,” said

www.oaklandpaper.com

Birmingham resident Kathy Williams talks with Bloomfield Township residents Ted Wilson and Steve Knight as their dogs play in the new dog park inside Birmingham’s Lincoln Hills golf course. (The Paper photo/ Amy K. Lockard)

Dog park open for use Facility completed inside Lincoln Hills By Alex Lundberg

y popular demand, the city of Birmingham has opened the gate on its new dog park, a place where four-legged residents can run without a leash at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course. The park officially opened on Nov. 30, and immediately drew residents and their pets. “It’s a nice thing for the community,” said Steve Knight of Bloomfield Township. “There are very few places to run your dog safely and to get interaction with other dogs. My guess is that it will take off by summer.” Knight was at the park with his neighbor, Ted Wilson, and their respective dogs, Hazel and Harriet. The dog park is located at 2666 W. 14 Mile Road. The dog park portion of the golf course is located in the southeast edge of the property. Pets in the park must be licensed and have the license on them. Their owners are responsible for damages and injuries they might cause. Aggressive dogs or those that bark excessively must be removed from the site. The dog owners using the park must be at least 18-years-old or with a parent. No children younger than 5 can be in the park’s fenced area. In addition, the park rules stipulate that there may be no more than two dogs per user and the Wayne Domine, the township’s engineering and environmental services director. “Because of the economy,

dogs must be inside the fenced area at all times. Dogs in heat, puppies under 4months-old, dogs with infections or parasites, and unfixed male dogs over 6-months-old aren’t allowed in the park. Fighting between dogs is not permitted. Birmingham police are not obligated to intervene in an altercation between the animals. Food, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park. Users of the park are required to clean up after their own dog and the city reserves the right to exclude anyone for violating the rules. A full listing of the rules for the park can be found at www.bhamgov.org/dogpark. For now, use of the dog park is free for both city residents and non-residents, but that may change. This winter is being viewed by the city as an orientation period during which the city will work on establishing a fee structure and how to create an official dog park pass. There used to another dog park in Birmingham, at Springdale, but a neighborhood association took the issue to the Michigan Supreme Court and got it closed down. Their argument was that an off-leash dog park was not an appropriate use for the park site. ■ we wanted to go back to the board and find out how to proceed with the program. Right now we are look-

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ing to curb back the program, not have it be so large scale. We decided to prioritize areas of concern that are essential to get done in the next two years. As of now we see a need for about $3 million in work.” Such priority projects would include water mains that are in immediate need of replacement, and in particular replacing hydrants and valves, many of which are outdated. “In the past we targeted large subdivisions to replace water mains,” Domine said. “Now with a smaller package program what we are going to do is look at some of the older areas where we have older-style hydrants and valves. The Fire Department has to use adapters to even use them. By replacing these it will serve a couple purposes — fire protection and water replacement.” Domine also said township officials have considered retrofitting some pressure reducing chambers, which would improve water quality and water system reliability. It would also keep the system active and operating while reducing future maintenance costs. “Our original $8 million project is huge,” he said. “We decided to look at what we could possibly afford. I looked at what effect would a bond sale for $3 million have. It would be an additional $20 per water and sewer customer for the next 20 years. This way it allows us to continue a program to improve the system. If we let the program sit idle, it doesn’t mean it will cost less in the future.” The sewer program would focus on key specific areas, including the Rouge Program Office Grant area, in order to reduce infiltration and inflow that will keep the township in compliance with regulations. To pay back bonds totaling $3 million, it would cost water users an additional $8 annually and sewer customers an additional $12 annually. Water and sewer customers would then pay $72 annually for debt retirement. As of now this is just a tentative plan. All the Engineering and Environmental Services Department has gained is authorization from the Board of Trustees to proceed in developing a smaller scale program. “Our intent was to get approval from the board to continue these programs and to get funding for the projects,” Domine said. “We got a yes saying it’s important to improve our infrastructure and to get funding in place to pay for it. After the beginning of next year, we will go back with a list of projects, the actual cost for those, and then we will sell the bonds.” ■ 27

■ municipal Birmingham is on sound financial footing, audit says By Alex Lundberg The analysis of Birmingham’s finances for the past fiscal year (FY) show tight budgeting and personal sacrifices have left the city on a good financial footing. At their Monday, Nov. 22 meeting, the Birmingham City Commission accepted a Plante & Moran audit report for FY 2009-10, which ended June 30. Plante & Moran CPA Christopher Jones said there are some ups and downs in the budget but, overall, the city’s financial experts have done a very good job. “Based on your procedures and our tests, we are able to give you an unqualified opinion,” he said. “That means that your final information is accurate. You might not like what it tells us, but the information is accurate.” According to the audit, the city’s revenues went up from FY 2008-09 to FY 2009-10, $47.9 million up from $47.6 million. The city’s expenses went down slightly, going from $43 million to $42.7 million in the same amount of time. Jones said the general fund spending plan performed better than it was budgeted to do, and the city’s funding of retirement benefits has been better than most other municipalities. “You’re funding it as well as the actuary tells you to,” Jones said. “Most governmental units are not funding their retiree health care well enough and they’re passing those costs on to the next generation.” Overall, he said it was a good report for the city because building permit revenues are up, staffing and wages have been kept under control and the city has a strong budget process and budget controls. “You’re getting good results and good work out of your people,” Jones said. “There’s no one good thing here — there are lots of things.” Overall, the revenues for FY 200910 ended up 1.5 percent higher than the budgeted amount. The unexpected bump was due to higher building permit revenue; reduced wages via wage freezes for administrators and retirements; lower legal costs; and loans to golf courses rather than expenditures. In all, expenditures were lower than budgeted by $1.3 million and revenues were higher than expected by $1.7 million. The city’s entire debt is $46.6 million, $28.8 million of which is general obligation bonds. The rest of the debt is tied up in contractual obligations which represent the city’s participation in Oakland County combined sewage overflow abatement projects. Birmingham has an “AAA” rating 28

Transit center battle Lawsuit’s discovery period extended By Alex Lundberg

he ongoing saga involving a proposed transit center on the Birmingham/Troy border will go on longer, as both sides of a pending lawsuit have agreed to a longer period of discovery for lawyers to get information about the facts of the case. Troy City Attorney Lori Bluhm said developer Grand Sakwa has asked for and received an extension of a discovery period originally awarded on Oct. 6 by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge John McDonald. The original discovery period was set to expire in December. She said the city approved the extension, which extends the discovery period until Jan. 11. One of the reasons for the extension, Bluhm said, was because of McDonald’s pending retirement. Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot will be handling the case after McDonald’s retirement, according to Bluhm. The concept of a transit center first surfaced in 1999, when Grand Sakwa sought to purchase the former Ford New Holland Tractor site at the corner of Maple and Coolidge in Troy. Grand Sakwa filed a lawsuit against Troy to get the zoning the firm wanted for the site. Bluhm said the developer wanted more than Troy’s zoning would allow and an agreement was forged that let Grand Sakwa have most of what it wanted, which was high-density shopping with condominiums, in return for a small piece of that property which would eventually become the Birmingham-Troy Transit Center. Grand Sakwa argued over the summer that a consent judgment in the suit stipulated, at least in part, that the transit center be fully-funded by June 2, 2010, and if that didn’t occur, the property would revert back to the development company. The developer has argued in court that funding has not been secured and that Troy needs to quit the claim on the transit cen-

from Standard & Poors and Fitch and a “Aa1” rating from Moody’s for the handling of its debt. Mayor Gordon Rinschler said the good news was the direct result of the city’s dedication to careful planning. “We saved more money than we thought,” he said. “Our finances

ter site. The city of Troy sees it differently. “We’ve had budget allocations for the last 10 years and we’ve got federal grants,” Bluhm said. “But the grants are for reimbursement; they won’t be deposited until the center is built.” She said the city has an $8.4million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant, a $1.3million congressional earmark, and an energy efficiency grant of $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to pay for the project. “Their argument, I assume, is that because we don’t have cash in hand that it’s not fully-funded,” Bluhm said. “We’re saying that we have.” The proposed transit center is expected to consist of an Amtrak platform, a public plaza, parking, a pedestrian tunnel leading from the Birmingham side of the train tracks and extending under the tracks, and sidewalks for access to the platform. The plot of land in Troy that would become the main transit center facility is in the Midtown Square shopping center, which includes a Home Depot, Target and condominiums. Birmingham officials are in the process of negotiating the purchase of property for the pedestrian tunnel portion of the project. While the passenger trains running along the tracks at the border of the two cities are owned by Amtrak, the rails themselves are owned by Canadian National, which only permits passengers to board from the Birmingham side, necessitating construction of the pedestrian tunnel beneath the tracks and connecting to the transit center, which will be situated on the Troy side of tracks. The transit center building, to be situated off of Doyle Drive behind Midtown Square in Troy, will be approximately 2,400 square feet, with a waiting area, ticket seller space, restrooms, kiosk area, and janitor space. ■

have always been well-managed, conservatively managed. We’ve been active in this for years. We’ve reduced (the city’s employee head count) by 25 percent over the past five years through attrition.” With the praise came some warnings, however. Jones said that taxable values have been dropping for years

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and that decline is expected to continue into the near future — at least until 2012 and possibly beyond. As taxable values go down, taking with them crucial tax revenues for cities like Birmingham, municipal funds are going to take a hit. “You had to use the fund balance this year,” he said. “If you know the tax revenue will continue to go down, you will continue to have difficulties.” Even though he said the city has done a good job of funding retiree health care costs, he advised the City Commission to be aware that that funding also relies on a return on investments. Rinschler said Birmingham employees’ retirement health care is funded by a mixture of city contributions, employee contributions, and investment returns. Those investments took the same hit everyone else’s did when the stock market tanked at the beginning of the recession. The nuts and bolts of how the city provides benefits still needs further ironing out. “We have to get off defined benefits for employees,” Rinschler said. “That has been the nut of the most difficult labor relations issues lately.” ■

Bloomfield Citizen’s Police Academy to begin on Jan. 18 Bloomfield Township residents interested in gaining insight into the world of police officers will have a chance to do so at the Bloomfield Township Police Department’s firstever Citizen’s Police Academy. “We would like to show our residents a little bit more about how their police department works,” said Community Liaison Officer Pete Matejcik. Participants will learn crime scene processing techniques such as fingerprint lifting, as well as how to use police radar and take laser vehicle speed measurements. Tours of the police station and firearm range will be included, as well as a K-9 demonstration, drunk driving enforcement, accident investigation, police communication, and dispatch operations. Investigations Bureau detectives will be providing a presentation, as well. Participants will learn how to save a life with CPR and automated external ddefibrillator (AED) training and certification. The free classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the new Department of Public Works building. The seven-week program will start Jan. 18 and end March 1. Those interested in the Citizen’s Academy should contact Matejcik. All applicants will be required to go through a cursory background investigation. ■ JANUARY 2011

■ eating out The Eating Out directory for The Paper is just that, a guide to dining establishments where patrons can go to eat. Many, if not most, of these eateries also allow for take-out orders. If an establishment serves beer(B), wine(W) or liquor (L), the listing indicates such. Likewise, if breakfast (B), lunch (L) or dinner (D) is served, we indicate by code and then the days it is offered. 220: A one-of-a-kind Birmingham restaurant specializing in steaks and fresh seafood with an Italian flair, complemented by a fine selection of distinguished American, Italian and global wines. Located in the historic Edison Building in the heart of downtown Birmingham. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Akshay Indian Cuisine: Featuring Indo Chinese, South Indian, Northern Indian and Tandoori (Clay Oven) dishes. Spicy flavors compliment the relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Reasonable pricing makes Akshay Indian Cuisine a local favorite. L & D, Tuesday Sunday. 1615 S. Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.858.2315. Andiamo: Andiamo’s offers Northern Italian decor amid a chic dining spot. A favorite among many area celebrities. Featuring traditional Italian dishes in an elegant dining room or live music in the lounge. An extensive wine list and selection of desserts. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Beau Jacks: Known for its superior whitefish and popular salads, Beau Jacks offers certified black angus beef as well as vegetarian and heart-conscious items. The menu features chili, onion loaf, baked spinach and artichoke dip, croissants and wraps. B, W, L. L, MondaySaturday; D, daily. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Beyond Juice: Offering Meal-in-a-Cup creations, sandwiches and a variety of desserts. Greek, seasoned chicken, tuna and garden salads also available, along with homemade Belgian waffles and jumbo muffins. B & L, daily; D, MondaySaturday. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Boy: Big Boy features its classic diner burgers, breakfast specials and popular dessert menu. With its famous Big Boy sandwich and soup and salad bar, its a hometown diner for the whole family. B, L & D, daily. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717. Big Rock Chophouse: Big Rock Chophouse’s 4-star, award-winning menu offers flavorful recipes centered around enormous, hand-cut aged steaks, lamb chops and fresh seafood. Featuring an on-site brew house, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine cellar, complete with more than 400 fine wine and champagne selections. B, W, L & D, www.oaklandpaper.com

Monday-Saturday. 245 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Featuring Japanese and American fusion-style fare, the cafe specializes in sushi, beef teriyaki, bibimbap and some kobe beef. The atmosphere is a relaxing, family-style environment. L & D, daily. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Birmingham Tower Deli: Gourmet delicatessen located in downtown Birmingham features Boars Head meats and cheeses, soups, salads, burgers and pizza. Catering available. B, L & D, Monday-Friday. 280 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Ste. 105, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9730. Bloomfield Deli: With a large selection of sandwiches and wraps, Bloomfield Deli also offers several different varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken wraps and breakfast sandwiches. Also offering fresh salads and a salad bar with 20 different vegetables and fruits. B & L, Monday-Friday. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Boston Market: Features sirloin, beef brisket, turkey, meatloaf and rotisserie chicken. Boston Market offers soup, steamed vegetables, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and casseroles to pair with a main dish. L & D, daily. 42983 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.334.5559. Brandy’s Steakhouse: A cozy ambiance, private dining room and traditional dishes can be expected at Brandy’s. Offering salads, seafood, pastas and Brandy’s signature steaks. B,W,L. L, Monday-Saturday; D, daily. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.338.4300. Breakaway Deli: Breakaway Deli features a variety of house sandwiches as well as a meat-free zone for vegetarians. B & L, Monday-Saturday; D, MondayFriday. 71 West Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.642.2900. Brooklyn Pizza: Brooklyn Pizza features New York-style pizza by the slice, homemade cookies and ice cream. L & D, daily. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Cafe Via: A high-end downtown eatery featuring an elegant setting as well as a patio courtyard. Grilled salmon, roasted chicken, crabcakes and lambchops are some favorites at Cafe Via. B, W, L. L & D, Monday-Saturday. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800. Cameron’s Steakhouse: Featuring dry aged and prime steak with an impressive wine list. Cameron’s is a classic steakhouse. B, W, L. D, daily. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. Chen Chow Brasserie: The decor and menu selection at Chen Chow Brasserie create a most elegant dining experience.

Main courses include Pan Seared Tofu, Tamarind Glazed Salmon, Miso Sea Bass, Steamed Halibut, Dashi & Udon and more. Extensive wine list. B, W, L. D, daily. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: A warm environment featuring China Village’s famous sesame and General Tso’s Chicken. L & D daily. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Cityscape Deli: Cityscape offers homemade soups and a wide variety of custom carved sandwiches, pasta salads, bean and couscous and Hungarian beef goulash. Homemade healthy sides compliment fresh deli sandwiches. B, L & D, Monday-Saturday. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Cosi: With a signature flatbread, sandwiches, melts, soups, salads and a kids menu, Cosi offers options for all diners. B, W. B, L & D daily. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Crust: An upscale restaurant, with an open kitchen and dining room decor with natural wood elements. Full menu includes Neapolitan, thin crust pizzas, salads, sandwiches and small plates. B, W, L. L and D, daily. 6622 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: A menu featuring eight different deli sandwiches and an extensive breakfast menu. B & L, daily. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Offering Irish classics and home cooking, including stuffed chicken, wild Irish salmon and, of course, shepherd’s pie. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Featuring a huge assortment of bagels, sandwiches and specialty coffees. B & L, daily. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Lebanese dishes from stuffed grape leaves to taboulee and humus. B, W, L. L & D, Monday Saturday. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Pita sandwiches, soups, burgers, hot dogs and melts available. An extensive breakfast menu includes egg specials, breakfast roll-ups, omelettes, breakfast sandwiches and sides. B &L, daily. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Forest Grill: Forest Grill’s seasonal menu showcases house-made charcuterie, raw bar, clay oven-baked pizzas and traditional bistro dishes. Influenced by French, Italian and contemporary American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. Extensive wine list, including a number of regional wines

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from boutique vinters and Michigan vineyards. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Forté Restaurant: With beautiful decor and lavish cuisine, Forte offers a complete dining experience, including an extensive wine list. Renowned chefs present a complete breakfast menu as well. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 201 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7300. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: An American steakhouse with a contemporary flair featuring aged prime beef, market fresh seafood and an awardwinning wine list. B, W, L & D, daily. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Fuddrucker’s: With simple recipes and made-from-scratch buns, Fuddrucker’s offers burgers, chicken, fish, salad, and a kids menu. B, W. L & D, daily. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Featuring sandwiches, salads and Coney Island classics. Breakfast is available anytime. B, L & D, daily. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Hogan’s Restaurant: Casual atmosphere and homemade fare, Hogan’s offers steak, seafood, burgers, a vegetarian and children’s menu. A tavern-type environment is also available to patrons. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. House of India: A casual dining experience with traditional east Indian fare featuring vegetarian plates and specialties such as lamb curry and Tandoori chicken. L & D, daily. 1615 S. Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0201. Hunter House Hamburgers: Featuring high quality, gourmet hamburgers. Recently voted Number One Burger in Michigan by Food Network Magazine and “20 Burgers You Must Eat Right Now” in June 2009 Gourmet Magazine. B, Monday-Saturday; L & D daily. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: From creatively flavored pancakes to steaks, sandwiches and salads, IHOP is best known for its breakfast fare. B, L & D, daily. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.333.7522. Jade Tiki Restaurant: Authentic Chinese cuisine serving signatures dishes like Sesame Chicken, General Tsao's Chicken, Szechuan Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, and Beef & Broccoli. Carry out available. B, L. L & D, daily. 3250 S. Boulevard, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.852.8181. Kerby’s Koney Island: Kerby’s offers a special chili recipe, lean meats and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties. B, L, & D, daily. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills. 248.333.1166. 29

■ prep’s place Soupelicious advice for your stockpot By Johnny Prep

ow! Single-digit temperatures. Eight inches of snow. Schools closed. In December! It's screaming "soup" out there. Warm, delicious, and comforting soup. That's what I'm talking. Soupelicious! There are a lot of soups out there. Many are quite good; most are rather mediocre. But there are methods to the madness. Let's talk. Soup, like many foods, has flavors that are built in layers. Each layer has the potential to be a dynamo or a dud. With a little care and attention, your layers can be stars. Let's start by talking about the base stock used in soups. This is really the one area where great restaurant soups have the advantage, because they are constantly making stocks. Stocks don't really require a tremendous amount of attention as far as time goes — just pay attention to the methods. By far the most common stock used in soups is chicken stock. So let's concentrate on that. First off, you always want to start making a stock in cold water and bring it to a simmer slowly. This method helps extract the flavor from the ingredients. Dropping food in rapidly-boiling water is known as blanching, and it has the opposite effect of what you want. In other words, blanching helps the food hold its flavor. Putting the food in the water and bringing it up slowly is what you want for stocks. Secondly, to get really deep flavor, make a rich chicken stock. This means that you are going to start with a roasted chicken instead of a raw chicken. You'll be surprised how much delicious depth of flavor this adds. I find it to be convenient and a great value to buy a couple of rotisserie chickens at the store. Then I take off the legs and thighs and enjoy them for lunch. I take the rest of the chicken and make the stock out of it. When the stock is done, I then pull the chicken out of the pot and debone the meat. This then gives me enough to add a little back in the soup if I want, and plenty to make a

Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: Serving barbecue ribs that are slow cooked and covered in a smoky sauce, Kirk’s also offers barbeque and broasted chicken, seafood, homemade macaroni and cheese, peach and apple cobbler, and sweet potato pies. B, L & D, TuesdaySunday. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. La Marsa: Authentic recipes are the secret ingredient for La Marsa's contin30

tasty little chicken salad for another meal. That's good value. The second trick to enhancing the richness is to reduce the stock more than normal. Most chicken soups are cooked for 1.5 hours. When making a rich chicken stock, simmer it for 2 to 2.5 hours to kick in that extra intensity of flavor. Removing fat from the stock is a good idea. You can skim it with a spoon.

water comes to a boil, and for the first few minutes after it boils, you will see what they call a scum forming on the top of the water. This comes from the meat. It doesn't really affect the flavor, but it clouds the soup and detracts from the beauty. So use a fine sieve and just lightly skim the surface of the stock. Then tap the sieve over an empty bowl to discard later.

Creating a good soup featuring flavors built in layers is a matter of employing the right methods. All it takes is a little bit of care and attention in order to make sure each layer is a dynamo, not a dud.

There are also fancy measuring cups that facilitate the process. But the easiest way is to refrigerate the stock after it has cooled off and let the fat congeal on the surface. Then you can just peel it off very easily. The other important ingredients in stock are the aromatics. At a minimum you want to add one whole onion cut in half, one stalk of cleaned celery, and two to three peeled carrots. Then for an extra infusion, add one large bay leaf to the pot. Now remember that soup is a perfect candidate for what I call "trash can cooking." In other words, when you look in your vegetable bin and see some items that are on their last leg, consider them as candidates to go in the stock. Parsley, fresh herbs, turnips, and fennel are excellent additions. Most recipes don't call for three carrots, but I really like the golden color that it adds and just a nuance of sweetness. Carrots are the only vegetable I save from the stock and chop up to put back into many of my soups. Skimming is another technique that you use when making stocks. As the

Now that you have a great stock, there are many great ingredients you can add to make it a full-fledged soup. I strongly suggest you try out some pureed vegetable soups. Probably the most popular pureed vegetable soup is squash. My family, and most of my friends, all love squash soup. The problem with most squash soup recipes is that they start out by boiling cubes of winter squash in water. Well, that takes a lot of the flavor right out of the squash. Let's try the reverse approach. Roast the squash in the oven until it is soft and lightly browned with the sugars fully developed. This really brings out the love in squash. It's pretty easy. Just cut the squash in half length-wise and face it flesh-side down in a roasting pan. Prick a few tiny holes in the top with a knife and place it in a 350 degree oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. The top of the squash should be browned and the flesh on the bottom should be browning, as well. This means sweet goodness is inside. Then scoop the meat out of the squash into a large food processor with a blade. Let that baby process

ued success. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is served in a casual dining atmosphere. From kabobs to rice pudding, fare is healthy and fresh. Signature items include tabboulli, hommous, lamb chops, and chicken kabobs. L & D, daily. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800.

and salads. B, L & D, daily. 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301 (248.646.8568) and at 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.8568.

Leo’s Coney Island: Greek specialties, burgers and coneys are offered along with omelettes, breakfast specials, soups

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: Featuring Greek fare, like hand-carved gyros, Little Daddy’s Parthenon offers oven roasted turkey, gourmet sandwiches and housemade food. B, L & D, daily. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills,

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until it's smooth as silk. Sometimes adding a little stock to the squash helps the smoothing process. Pour that puree into a pot and start adding stock. Add enough stock to get it to the thickness you prefer. There is no correct thickness. Some people like it really thick, some not so much. This usually takes about two cups of stock for a good size butternut squash. Then stir in about a half cup of heavy cream. This is optional, but it adds a velvety texture that is just plain pleasing to the tongue. Now all you have to do is add salt to taste. Don't be freaked out by how much salt soup takes. It's quite a bit. But add it in increments and taste it as you go so you don't over salt. This is a really simple and straightforward squash soup that is deep in pure flavor. You can do the same thing with stock and other vegetables. Carrot soup is tremendous, as well. Just add more carrots to the stock a half hour before it's finished. Remove them and puree them just like the squash. Use the same technique and boom, you have another great soup. If you like a heartier, more rustic vegetable soup, try adding cut up green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower to the stock. While that is simmering, sauté some mushrooms, garlic, and zucchini in a separate pan. Season with Italian seasoning and lightly with salt and pepper. Saute the mushrooms until they get a little color, then add the rest. Once the zucchini is soft, add the mixture right into the stock. This layering effect really gives you a beautiful flavor profile. At this point you can add your favorite cooked noodles or rice if you prefer. Add a little good bread and a glass of wine and enjoy. Stay warm and take care. ■ John Prepolec produces a cable television program, "Five Star Cooking at Home," at Bloomfield Community Television. Comcast subscribers can see it in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills on Channel 15 and in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Franklin and Bingham Farms on Channel 18. AT&T U-verse subscribers can see it on Channel 99. Times are Mondays at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. You can view it anytime online at the Bloomfield Township website, w w w. b l o o m f i e l d t w p . o r g / s e r v i c e s / cable. You can find his website at www.johnnyprep.com.

48301. 248.647.3400. Max & Erma’s: Features a familyfriendly environment with a variety of burgers, an assortment of salads and a signature tortilla soup, plus steaks, ribs and fajitas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mirage Cafe: Mediterranean fare with healthy options and menu items made fresh daily. Among customer favorites JANUARY 2011

■ eating out are the chicken lemon rice and lentil soup, chicken shawarma and chicken cream chop. The cafe also offers Caribou Coffee, smoothies and an assortment of desserts. L & D, daily. 297 E. Maple Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.731.7768. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Accepting daily delivery of a wide variety of fresh fish flown in from all coasts, the atmosphere is that of an upscale seafood restaurant. Also features a lively bar area. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese restaurant serving fried rice, sesame chicken, General Tso’s chicken and standard Chinese favorites. L & D, daily. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Featuring a Thai atmosphere and variety of Thai specialties such as duck, noodles, seafood and curries. Also offering soups, salads, fried rice and appetizers. B, Monday Thursday; L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co: Serving a signature lobster reuben for lunch and a Chilean sea bass for dinner. The seasonal menu includes a soft shell crab, lobster bisque and Columbia river king salmon. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.0370. Old Woodward Deli: With a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, Old Woodward Deli prides itself on delivering fresh and homemade meals. Reubens are the No. 1 best seller. Hours are 10 a.m.2:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. 768 N. Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.0768. Olga’s Kitchen: Olga’s offers fresh and unique flavored appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads. Grilled to-order Olga bread available. L & D daily. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500 and at 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Peabody’s: With rustic beams and subtle lighting, Peabody’s offers unique sandwiches and salads, along with fresh seafood, house prime rib, signature steaks and pastas. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Pancake House: Best known for breakfast fare, the Original Pancake House has a varied menu. B, L & D, daily. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: A variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts., plus an on-site bakery. B, L & D, daily. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48309. 248.203.7966 and at 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. www.oaklandpaper.com

248.253.9877. Pasta Fagioli: Pasta Fagioli brings the taste of southern Italy to every table. Offering a large variety of homemade pastas and unique entrees at moderate prices. Favorites include angel hair pasta infused with lobster, shrimp and portobello mushrooms tossed in fresh tomato basil sauce; spinach and ricotta ravioli; and a smorgasbord of chicken and veal dishes. It's namesake soup, Pasta Fagioli, is comfort food for the soul. Delectable desserts such as Tiramisu and Ray's Ice Cream, and Spumoni, complement any meal. L & D, weekdays; D, weekends. 2398 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.332.1111. Phoenicia: A special dining experience, Phoenicia offers all the traditional dishes of Lebanon. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern fare featuring chicken shawarma, sweet salad, fattoush, Greek salad, lambchops, seafood and taboulee. Pita Cafe is known for its fantastic garlic spread. L & D, daily. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Pizza Papalis & Rio Wraps: Full menu includes rio wraps, pizzas, salads, soups, pasta and desserts; known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza. L & D, daily. 4036 Telegraph Road, Ste.106, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7722. Qdoba: A one-of-a-kind Mexican grill restaurant, Qdoba features tacos, salads, nachos, quesadillas and more. L & D, daily. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quattro Cucina Italiana: A high-end setting offering Osso Buco and Branzino filet among several signature Italian dishes. With a relaxing, open atmosphere, Quattro features a variety of pastas, soups, salads and an extensive wine list. B,W,L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.606 Quiznos: A signature toasting style creates crisp edges, melted cheese, sizzling meat and warm bread. Choose from over 20 oven-toasted subs, five flatbread chopped salads, 10 sammies, five torpedoes & bullets and soups. Offering a full children’s menu and new, on-site catering. L & D daily. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Rio Wraps: Features burritos, salads and deli wraps. L & D, daily. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.540.7722. Salvatore Scallopini: Salvatore Scallopini offers fresh prepared daily Italian dishes, appetizers and a variety of desserts. B, W. L & D, daily. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: A casual cafe offering health-conscious options.

Grilled paninis, sandwiches, grilled flatbreads, chopped salads and quesadillas are featured. L & D daily. 172 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200 South: Gourmet southwest fare set in an atmosphere akin to South Beach Miami. Homemade fare includes signature items such as swordfish, fish tacos, and grilled tuna. Large outdoor patio in front with a full length bar inside, private dining, and dancing club at the rear. Extensive wine and cocktail lists. B, W, L. L & D, daily. Open 7 days a week, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. 210 S. Old Woodward Ave., Ste. 100, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Steve’s Deli: Classic and popular deli featuring a wide variety of soups, sandwiches and deserts. B, L & D, daily. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Streetside has developed a reputation for fresh fish, oysters and other seafood on a seasonal menu B,W,L. L, Monday-Friday; D, daily. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Sushi Hana’s menu includes tempura, teriyakis, yakitori, fried egg, seafood, vegetables and more. Offers traditional Japanese fare as well as some Korean dishes. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: A casual dining atmosphere, Sy Thai serves orange duck, noodle dishes, stir-fried mussels with onions and all the usual Thai classics. L & D, daily. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: Featuring wine varieties from regions all over the world, Tallulah offers wine by the bottle, half bottle and glass. American fare is on the menu with a farm-to-table concept. Dishes are made fresh daily with organic, local products. Indoor and seasonal patio seating available. B, W, L. B, D, Wednesday-Sunday. 155 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: Part of the Townsend Hotel complex, The Corner Bar offers a lighter fare from 5-7 p.m. that includes sliders and salads. B, W, L. D, Wednesday-Saturday. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: Family restaurant in an art gallery environment offering full menu. American fare includes omelettes, sandwiches and a variety of salads. B, L & D, daily. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: The Moose Preserve features a full menu, including fresh fish, barbecue ribs and

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certified black angus steak. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Phat Sammich: Offers 70 different sandwiches, five daily soup specials and salads. Homemade fare is prepared fresh daily and weekday lunch delivery is available. L & D, daily. 34186 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0860 The Rugby Grille: Conveniently located inside Birmingham’s Townsend Hotel and offering a luxury dining experience. B, W, L. B, L & D, daily. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: With a modern retro style, Toast offers American dishes with a touch of southwestern taste, including signature breakfast food to burgers. B, W, L. B & L, daily; D, Monday-Saturday. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tokyo Sushi & Grill: A cozy sushi bar offering sashimi, soba noodle dishes, teriyakis, tempura, all the traditional Japanese dishes, and, of course, sushi. L & D, daily. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501. TOPZ: Offering homemade fare, featuring Michigan vendors and local Michigan products, TOPZ prides itself on its airbaked, non-fried fries, nuggets, onion rings, burgers, chili and soups. L & D, daily. 327 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.1108. Whistle Stop Cafe: Voted among the best diners in America by Good Morning America, this eatery boasts of its local roots and feel. B & L, daily; D, MondayFriday. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588. Zazios: Featuring modern Italian cuisine along with an extensive wine list and an interactive Chef's Table. The 10,000square-foot space boasts a bi-level kitchen, seating for 210, thermoelectric wine cellars, the Z Lounge, a 40-seat bar with an extensive martini list, and private dining. Italian fare infused with a Mediterranean influence. Signature small plate items include seared sea scallops, polenta with telaggio fonduta, and crisp shrimp and calamari. Assaggini tastings, and pastas, seafood, and meat entrees available. B, W, L. D, daily. 34977 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.530.6400. Want your eating establishment listed? There is no charge for this directory in The Paper but there are a couple of rules. An eatery must be located in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills and must have tables where patrons can dine in. Send your information via fax (248.360.1220) or e-mail to news@thescngroup.com. 31

■ business notes Kelly Sweeny, CEO of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, has announced that the company will be acquiring Coldwell Banker Hoppough & Associates, an Ionia-based brokerage firm with six offices in the Grand Rapids area. “I investigated merging with a number of large companies but, when I weighed all our options, Coldwell Banker Weif Manuel proved to be the best choice in every category, said Coldwell Banker Hoppough & Associates owner Cathy Hoppough, who called Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel a “market leader” with “the tools, resources and knowledge to take our company to the next level” in her announcement to her associates. “Cathy Hoppough is a powerhouse REALTOR,” Sweeney said. “She started her company in 1985 and now has offices throughout Kent, Ionia and Montcalm counties. Cathy has a stellar reputation and is one of the top REO brokers in the nation. The Hoppough offices — with their award-winning associates — will be outstanding additions to the Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel family.” ■ While visiting close friends in Greece in July 2009, Alisha Serras fell in love — with Scavolini, Italy’s best-selling brand of cabinetry, that is. Soon after her return, Alisha shared her passion for the high-style Italian kitchen line with her

husband Brian Gamache and sister Niki Serras, and the dream of bringing Scavolini home to Michigan was conceived. A little over a year later, the three owners gave birth to Scavolini by Cucina Moda, the first exclusive dealer of the cabinet line in Michigan. Celebrating the opening of the Birmingham design showroom with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the Serras sisters and Gamache are joined by local officials and members of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber. “Birmingham is a hub for high-style design and a destination for kitchen couture,” said Niki Serras. “Scavolini is known for high-fashion cabinetry with a large range of materials and colors we can help you define your style from traditional to contemporary.” Scavolini has been producing kitchens for over 40 years. For more information, visit www.scavolini.us. The 2000-square foot showroom, located at 202 E. Maple Road in downtown Birmingham, is a great place to host a charity event with working kitchens ideal for a chef cooking demo. Contact 248-792-2285 or visit www.cucinamoda.com for more information. Scavolini by Cucina Moda is a member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, a membership organization dedicated to promoting the economic development, strengthening the business climate and improving the quality of life in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

and Franklin, Mich. For more information, visit www.bbcc.com. (Editor’s note: Photo by Doug Ashley. Pictured from left to right in the first row are Corrine Khederian, State Sen. John Papageorge; Linda Hatfield, Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union; Niki Serras, owner, Scavolini by Cucina Moda; Alisha Serras, owner, Scavolini by Cucina Moda; Brian Gemache, Scavolini by Cucina Moda; Joe Bauman, president, Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce; Rackeline Hoff, commissioner, City of Birmingham; and Craig James, Changing Places Moving and Storage. Pictured from left to right in the second row are Gordon Rinschler, mayor, City of Birmingham; John Heiney, executive director, Birmingham’s Principal Shopping District.) ■ Yoga Shelter has appointed studio managers to oversee operations for its Birmingham, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield studios. “On a magnificent tree, none of the leaves are the same but they all have an important role contributing to the tree’s overall beauty,” said Eric Paskel, Yoga Shelter founder. “Just like the leaves on the tree, our managers are incredibly unique individuals contributing to the overall beauty and success of Yoga Shelter.” The managers are responsible for things such as overseeing staff and payroll, local marketing, building relationships in the local community and growing membership. Sara Zonder has been named manager of the Birmingham Yoga Shelter. She has worked for the company since 2005 in an array of roles, including managing membership initiatives and the Royal Oak studio. “I am so excited to be in Birmingham at this beautiful studio,” Zonder said. “I intend to grow memberships and build relationships in the local community.” Before coming to the Yoga Shelter, Zonder was assistant director of summer programs for teens, overseeing staff, operations and logistics for smooth program facilitation. The Birmingham Yoga Shelter is located at 379 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, and can be reached at 248723-YOGA. Free parking is available on the first floor of the Birmingham Place garage. You can also reach out to Zonder at sara@yogashelter.com Ian Waskin is studio manager in Royal Oak. He has been with the company since 2009. “I aim to grow memberships and work with area schools and businesses to bring the Yoga Shelter outside of the studio and into the community,” Waskin said. Waskin brings a history of customer service and hospitality to the post. He was previously assistant general manager for a Marriott Hotel in Oregon and staff at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch in Montana. He is also a certified personal trainer. The Royal Oak Yoga Shelter is located at the corner of 11 Mile and Main at 108 S. Main in Royal Oak. The studio is located on the second floor, with parking behind the building. Call 248-545-YOGA or e-mail ian@yogashelter.com for more information. Bryan Lubaway is now manager of the West Bloomfield studio.

“I look at the West Bloomfield Yoga Shelter as a separate entity that I guide toward generating a profit while maintaining the ideals of support to students that are the foundation of the Yoga Shelter,” he said. Lubaway has worked in management positions at each of the three Oakland County studios. He has restaurant management experience and is also a Yoga teacher. Lubaway is focused on building relationships in the community and with schools and universities, and also increasing the number of students who go through Life and Teacher Training. He also plans to expand the studio’s retail offerings. The West Bloomfield Yoga Shelter is located in the Orchard Mall at 6363 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Call 248-538-0200 or e-mail bryan@yogashelter.com for more information. Paskel opened the first Yoga Shelter in 2004 in West Bloomfield to provide yoga to the masses, a shelter in the storm of life. Yoga Shelter offers classes, workshops and retreats, all focused on community and improving one’s life. The Yoga Shelter company has opened a new studio every year since its founding, with locations now in Birmingham, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe and Los Angeles, serving more than 1 million students and counting. More studios are set to open in 2011, locally and across the country. Every Yoga Shelter program guides individuals toward a life of peace and prosperity. Having taught tens of thousands of yoga classes and trained hundreds of people to teach his style of yoga, Paskel was the first person to lead classes from a place of mental alignment, not physical, and was the first yoga teacher to remove Sanskrit from class, teach entirely in English and play mainstream music. ■ Modern Monogram, a new personalized gift store located at 798 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, recently celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials and members of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce. “Personalized gifts demonstrate that you’ve really put some thought into a gift,” said Eva Meade, owner of Modern Monogram. “We offer a variety of merchandise from clothing to accessories that can be monogrammed,

or you can bring in items purchased elsewhere for personalization.” A one-stop shop for elegant and contemporary personalized gifts, the store carries items such as accessories and apparel for men, women and children, luggage and travel accessories, linens, and home goods. Guests attending the ribbon-cutting

THE PAPER

ceremony included Birmingham City Commissioner Stuart Sherman; Stan Slavsky of Maintenance Engineering; John Pfeiffer of Sir Speedy Printing; Paul Taros of Taros & Associates; Eva Meade; Rob Miles of the Organization for Bat Conservation; Danielle Workman of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce; and Tom Aubrey of Edward Jones Investments. ■ Shane Cotner and Linda Loisal of the Edward Jones financial services firm in Bloomfield Hills recently received Client Service Excellence awards for the region. “We are honored to receive this award,” Cotner said. “The Client Service Excellence award is special because it is a direct reflection of the relationships we have with our clients.” According to Jim Weddle, Edward Jones’ managing partner, Cotner and Loisal are outstanding members of the Edward Jones team. “While all of our associates understand the value of client service, it’s obvious that they have been striving to provide the best service for their clients,” he said. Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. The firm’s finance advisors work directly with their clients to understand their personal goals, from college savings to retirement, and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-andhold strategy. ■ Children’s store bec & sam’s, carrying a wide variety of children’s clothes, recently opened at 146 W. Maple Road in Birmingham. The store carries clothing for girls in sizes up to 16, and clothes for boys in sizes up to 6, in addition to christening gowns, flower girl dresses, and much more. “We recently relocated our store to Birmingham and we’re very pleased. The merchants and city have been very supportive,” said owner Julie Gripps. “In addition to clothing, we are also selling bedding, furniture, wall art, flower girl dresses, etc. We’re the only source for fine bedding and furniture for babies and children’s rooms in the metro Detroit area. For more information, visit www.becandsams.com or call 248-5938650. ■ MASQ Beauty recently opened at 798 N. Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. The store offers beauty services, from brow-waxing to makeup lessons. Learn more at www.MASQbeauty.com, or call 248-723-6277. ■ McQueen’s Carpets & Rugs is now doing business at 746 E. Maple Road in Birmingham. Find out more about their fine flooring by calling 248-647-5250. ■ Business news items from the Birmingham-Bloomfield community can be sent via e-mail to news@thescngroup.com, and must be received two weeks prior to publication.

JANUARY 2011

â&#x2013; snapshot

stephanie bergeron

alsh College President and CEO Stephanie Bergeron has always gotten down to business. For the past four years, she has overseen the operations of the largest business graduate school in southeast Michigan. "When I think of my role, I think of how I'm leading an institution for students to be successful today and tomorrow," she said. She says that 85 percent of Walsh graduates remain in Michigan after they receive their degree. "We try to help them find a job in their career paths. About 900 companies recruit on campus or post job positions here. Then over last couple years, there was a great dislocation so alums come back to help us find them new employment. We are seeing positive momentum." Due to the deflated economy, Bergeron said more students are pursuing education to maximize their portfolio. "Adult education is counter-cyclical," she said. "We are seeing more students trying to accelerate their degree by taking more credit hours to position themselves in different career opportunities." She noted high enrollment in management and finance MBA programs, in tandem with accounting degrees. Walsh is now carving out its niche in areas like information assurance and information technology. Shortly after Bergeron came on board, the college launched a doctoral program. "It's been a labor of love for the students and and ourselves." Bergeron said the singular emphasis on business degrees sets Walsh apart from the competition. By employing adjunct faculty who are actually in the working world, another dimension to learning is added.

"It's a rich learning environment," she said. Bergeron's path took a sharp detour after working 26 years in finance control for corporate magnates such as General Motors, Chrysler and Goodyear Tire and Rubber. "Walsh is unique because of the people here," she said. "What struck me when I came here is that all we care about is the student as a singleminded purpose and passion." She currently manages Walsh's $25-million budget, which is largely funded from tuition and private donations. "Our tuition price positioning is to say we provide extraordinary value to our students," she said. "We try to practice in our business office what we teach in the classroom." Bergeron has made the grade as one of Detroit's most influential women. She credits her parents and husband in part for her success. "Both my mother and father gave me the drive, but my husband gives me the inspiration," she said. She earned a degree in business administration, a degree in accounting from The University of Michigan, and her MBA from the University of Detroit. Bergeron also serves on a slew of local and independent boards and committees. When asked what her greatest achievement is so far, Bergeron said, "I don't know if I've had it yet." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Leslie Shepard-Owsley â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

■ social scene ■ Shopping & Champagne, Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center

Artists Jim and Darcel Deneau of Novi

John and Joanne Vesty of Rochester Hills

Caroline and Eve Chambers of Southfield

Cheryl and Ron Riback, and Robert and Annie Cohen

Kristen Armstrong, a patron and student from Birmingham; Megan Garbinski of Troy; and Marcie Wagner, whose sons attend the summer program at the BBAC

Sharon Woods of Birmingham

Fran and George Stern of Birmingham have been attending the BBAC event for 20 years

Kelly Talmers of Birmingham

Darlene and Roland Knight of Birmingham

Douglas and Ellen Cale, owners of Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Birmingham

Lorraine Schultz of Bloomfield Hills, and Maggie Allesee and Joanie Abraham from Birmingham

Kristen Walker of Farmington

Joshua Sherbin, BBAC board chair

Ely and Andrea Tama, gold sponsors of the event

■ Athletes Adopting Families, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 at The Reserve in Birmingham

Stephanie Toy of West Bloomfield and Michelle Slessor of Rochester Hills 34

Carlynne Tucker, Cindy Blair and Nadalie Brown THE PAPER

Melissa Sampey, Sherrie Handrions of Boost Marketing, and Mindy Mai JANUARY 2011

met the most interesting and artistic people at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010 at their annual Shop & Champagne event. There were hundreds of artistic creations for gift giving or keeping. Andrea and E l y T a m a were gold sponsors of the event. Andrea has been teaching acrylic painting for 25 years and feels that “The act of painting can be healing. It takes you to a different place because there is a certain focus when you paint.” As committee chair of “Shop & Drop,” Andrea says the BBAC is a “wonderful creative environment.” S h a r o n W o o d is a first-year jewelry/metalsmithing student whose designs look like something out of a high-end catalogue. Wood’s designs are simple, elegant and organic. She works mostly using silver and stone and is very humble about her work. I hope to see more of her creations next year! F r a n and G e o r g e S t e r n of Birmingham have been attending the event for twenty years! Talk about being patrons of the arts and of the BBAC!. Advisory council member and all around fabulous conversationalist and Allesee philanthropist M a g g i e brought two of her friends, Lorraine S c h u l t z and J o a n i e A b r a h a m. All the ladies looked festive and fetching and enjoyed the evening immensely. Our beautiful hat model, Kelly Talmers, attends every year and claims it is “always a really great evening.” Annie Van Gelderen, chair-elect of the Board of Directors chaired the BBAC Shop & Champagne event, making this annual holiday shop of juried art a popular, must attend, “Gotta see it!” event of the season. And talk about good taste. Slows Bar BQ, Splendid Plates, Wolfgang Puck Grille, Phoenicia, Streetside, Jeremy Restaurant and Bar, Andiamo, 220Edison’s, Brooklyn Pizza, Schakolad of Birmingham and Great Lakes Tea and Spice were the contributing culinary sponsors. You really have not lived until you have had Slows Bar BQ’s mac and cheese — so delicious! Another taste treat are the truffles from Birmingham’s Schakolad. Owner Douglas Cale eats chocolate all day long as it is his “passion.” His favorite is the pistachio cherry dark bark, loaded with antioxidants. And of course the cherries are from Traverse City. Joshua Sherbin, Board Chair of the BBAC, said that “Champagne & Shop is a wonderful event and what an important community resource our Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center is for artists of all ages and abilities.” Did I tell you that the evening’s purchases were discounted 10 percent and complimentary gift wrapping by Lisa’s Gift Wrappers was also available? Call (248) 644-0866 next year for tickets and get aglow www.oaklandpaper.com

Nicole and Norman Yatooma

Agnes and Jeff Waltz of West Bloomfield

Amy Jendrasina and Monica Lee of Detroit, and Val McFarland of Commerce

Jeff Ivory of Stonebridge Financial

Tim Beardon and Jeff Ivory of Stonebridge Financial

Jordan Lillian and Kendal Duncan

Danielle Pedersen, Lauren Turner, Tiffany Stone, Cortney McGee and Bethany Alferink

Danielle, Lauren and Bethany, aka the “Gossip Girls”

Councilman John Akouri, Jeffrey Lance Abood, and Issa G. Hadda THE PAPER

Dr. Laurie and Steve Mastrogianos

Patti and Hal Strait

Heather Zara of WDIV-TV, Terry Foster of The Detroit News and 97.1 FM The Ticket radio host, and Marissa Kosak of Birmingham 35

■ social scene ■ Athletes Adopting Families, Thursday, December 9, 2010 At The Reserve in Birmingham from the knowledge that you are supporting local artists and the BBAC! The holiday shop was open to the public from Dec. 3 through Dec. 7. See you there next year!

Vanessa Cayle and Thomas Meissner

Jan and Chris Connolly

Michael Hamilton of Auburn Hills and Kim Biggs of Clarkston

Cathy Burke and Sonya Smith

John Schalter and Terry Foster

Denny and Jeff Frattaroli

Former Piston Rick Mahorn, former Lion Herman Moore

Vanessa and Dr. John Cayle

Louis Delmas of the Detroit Lions

Shital Patel and Matt Swegles

Justin Abdelkader of the Red Wings

THE PAPER

At the Reserve in Birmingham, Michigan on Thursday, Dec. 9 Stonebridge Financial partnered with Volunteers of America and Boost 1 Marketing to sponsor “Athletes Adopting Families” to provide gifts and food for needy families this holiday season. I don’t ever remember seeing so many good looking and generous people in one room. J e f f Ivory of Stonebridge Financial spoke to the crowd saying, “We are blessed to have the opportunity to support such a great cause as Adopt a Family.” Farmington Hills Councilman J o h n Akouri echoed the same sentiments, adding, “I am proud to support this event, especially around the holidays with so many people in need. It is a great thing to come together as a community to make a difference for those less fortunate.” Model Jordan Lillian told me how “nice it is to be able to donate my time and energy to such a worthy cause.” And a great excuse to dress up! Everyone looked amazing. Why was I the only person in blue jeans? K i m Biggs, our raven-haired “Gucci go-to Girl” posed for a photo with Michael H a m i l t on of Auburn Hills. T e r r y Foster, Detroit News sports writer, 97.1 radio talk show host and blogger told me he gets his inspiration from everyday events in his busy schedule. I think he inspired the whole crowd that evening. It was a pleasure to talk to him and hear about his current writing project. And “The Baddest Bad Boy of them all,” to quote G e o r g e B l a h a, R i c k M a h o r n, currently a radio analyst for the Pistons was all smiles signing autographs for the paying crowd. Sitting next to Mahorn was my personal favorite and former highflying Detroit Lion, Herman Moore. Florida native, Western Michigan University alumni and current Detroit Lion safety, Louis Delmas penned his name for charity along with Red Wing Justin Abdelkader, who took time off from his training routine of boxing to join forces for a good cause. Hopefully Justin with have time off with family and friends in his native Muskegon this holiday season. I finally caught up with Dr. Jon Cayle, who was preoccupied during the first round of photos because he was coaching a woman over the phone who was giving birth. He later joined the festivities and posed with his beautiful wife, Vanessa Caylee of the Craniosacral Institute of Michigan, which offers innovative health care options. What a delightful evening of inspiration and selfless giving in Birmingham. Cheers! I am wishing our readers a healthy and happy new year! It is my pleasure to bring you these pictures and stories. Thank you for reading. ■ Story and photos by Carrie Hall of Carrie Hall Photography. Reach her at 586-943-6747 or imagesbycarrie.com JANUARY 2011

new year is here, and I know it will be a good one. Last year, it felt like we turned the economic tide at The Community House, and this year promises to be even better. We are well on our way with respect to commitments from community volunteers and businesses to support our 2011 special events. These events always align with our mission of enriching the lives of people in the metropolitan area, and they raise needed funds for our community outreach work. At the risk of neglecting to thank someone, I would like to publicly recognize some people who were very special Community House friends in 2010. First and foremost is The Community House Board of Directors and staff. Board members devoted a tremendous amount of time to service on our board committees and special event committees. They gave generous financial support and sought support from their friends, and no one could ask for better staff members. Although they have not received a raise for Shelley Roberts three years straight and department heads have taken pay cuts, staff members are dedicated and hard-working and morale is strong. They make it a pleasure for me to come to work each and every day. Volunteers make it possible for us to carry out our mission. Numbering over 800, our wonderful volunteers provide service in many ways: Volunteering at the front desk, hosting classes, serving on special event committees, working special and outreach events, and processing mailings, to name a few. We are indebted to them for all that they do to support The House and our community. A few volunteers who deserve special recognition for their work in 2010 are: • Christina and Greg Schwartz and their sons and wives or significant others for working diligently as chairs of the Annual Fund Drive, and Richard Astrein for chairing the Business Annual Fund Drive. • Carolyn Hefner for chairing House in Bloom with Chris Giftos. The gorgeous flower arrangements, beautiful linens, delicious lunch and fantastic speaker brought a sold-out crowd to an event that many said was the best they had attended in many years. Special thanks to First Michigan Bank for sponsoring this event. • Connie Beckett and Kelly Shuert for chairing the Children's Charities Coalition event Kids Helping Kids, One Step at a Time, which taught the important value to children of helping kids who are less fortunate and raised significant funds for four area charities. Special thanks to the sponsors and especially lead sponsors, Meijer, Shuert Industries, and Huntington Bank. My thanks also to Jeff Johnston for serving as The Community House chair for the Coalition's golf event with the Red Wing Alumni Association, and to Kroger for being the presenting sponsor. • Green Breeze would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Also, a special thank you to volunteer Carol Czechowski for her work with the vendors. • Classical Brunch Chair Sandi Reitelman and her committee and Artistic Director Robert deMaine for creating a series that has been a sell out. Also, our thanks to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Erb Foundation, and others for supporting this new blockbuster event. • Michelle Schwab and Kristen Armstrong, co-chairs of the Birmingham House Tour, made a formidable team. They secured fabulous homes that many said made it our best tour ever, and made it their job to achieve sponsorship goals. Our thanks to long-time presenting sponsor, Hall & Hunter Realtors, and major sponsors Art Van, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Realtors, and House of Bedrooms. • Dave Trott and his firm, Trott and Trott, for a generous grant that made it possible for our middle school leadership program 21st Century Leaders to have the most participants in its history and a revamped curriculum. • Raymond James for continued sponsorship of our Influential Women series. • Becky Sorensen and her committee, which brought new energy and creativity to the OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale. This year, more art was sold since 2002, and two new events were introduced, a tea and a Young Professionals night chaired by Nicole Gopoian. Special thanks to the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation for generous support of both OUR TOWN and Student OUR TOWN. Thanks to John Grant; Becky Sorensen and UBS Financial; Jeanne Hackett; Sylvia Hagenlocker; Raymond James; Comprehensive Planning; and Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield Hills for sponsorships. • Board members Jackie Sefferman and Kathy Wilson, who together with their committee, went way beyond the call of duty with the Elmore Leonard Film Festival. This labor of love was a full-time job. We are indebted to them, committee members Steve Karageanes, Geoff Wickersham, Richard Jewell and others, for creating this new, wonderful signature event. • Denise Bianchini, who chaired the Winter Holiday Gift Show Preview Party. Because of her creativity and hard work, the event was fun, festive and successful. Our thanks to presenting sponsor Kathy Broock Ballard and sponsor and good new neighbor, the Surnow Company. • George and Barbara Miller, the Richard C. Devereaux Foundation and the Rosso Foundation for making capital gifts for The House. George and Barbara and the Devereaux Foundation enabled us to renovate our front and north entrances to make them wheelchair accessible. The Rosso Foundation made a recent gift that will be used for the much needed renovation of our demo kitchen. • George Miller has also given us a lasting legacy by spearheading an endowment drive from members of the Birmingham Senior Men’s Club. If I neglected to name you, please know how grateful I am for all you do for The Community House and our community. Visit communityhouse.com to learn about new winter classes and trips. My best wishes for a happy and healthy year! ■ Shelley Roberts is President and CEO of The Community House. www.oaklandpaper.com

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oaklandpaper.com Get news each week from The Paper. Take the time to sign up now for weekly e-mail news updates and breaking news special alerts from The Paper at oaklandpaper.com. Look for the news alerts featured in the index on our home page and register to receive weekly news that we post to the website. Hundreds of local residents have already signed up to receive an e-mail alert when we post new material to our site. Make sure you are not left out of the information loop.

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■ final word Temporary tax relief for businesses

he Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) massive Telegraph Road reconstruction project became fodder for legislation allowing local governments to provide temporary tax breaks for businesses struggling to remain open during extended infrastructure projects. Unfortunately, the legislation — introduced by an Oakland County representative following the November general election — wasn't taken up by Michigan's lameduck lawmakers before they adjourned the Legislature's 2009-10 session. If a member of the state's 96th Legislature introduces the same proposal in the next two years, it would be worthy of support. State Rep. Gail Haines (R-Lake Angelus) sponsored bills giving local governments the ability to lessen the tax burden on businesses hit hard by road construction and other infrastructure projects, and giving local governments a way to judge when a business would be eligible for tax relief. Under Haines' House Bill (HB) 6571, a major infrastructure project would have to last at least three months in the first tax year in which construction begins and have a planned duration of at least two months in a subsequent tax year in order for a business to be eligible for tax relief. The bill allows a local government to determine the period of tax relief by resolution. It defined an eligible business as one that owns real or personal property subject to ad valorem taxes or a business that is contractually responsible for the payment of ad valorem taxes on real or personal property and which is or will be adversely impacted by a construction project. HB 6572, outlining the proposed Adverse Construction Specific Tax Act, would have

been an amendment to the General Property Tax Act and allow local governing bodies that are tax collecting units to exempt from regular taxation real and personal property owned or leased by an eligible business. Such businesses could have 50 percent of taxes on real and personal property exempted. It was Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson who initially proposed the idea of granting temporary property tax relief to businesses negatively affected by extended road construction projects. Patterson's pitch reportedly was prompted by an unprecedented outcry from county businesses citing 20 to 50 percent declines in business volume due to long-term projects. He pointed toward extensive construction work along Telegraph Road as an example of why tax relief for businesses is sometimes necessary. When Patterson's idea was floated back in September, we stated that we would need to see the formal details of such a proposal before being able to form an editorial stance, but also expressed our doubt that taxing authorities would actually forego a portion of their tax revenue in this age of declining revenues. After reviewing the specific language of Haines' bills, we had hoped that lawmakers would go ahead and adopt the legislation before the end of the lameduck session. The legislation was based on truly longterm infrastructure projects — those lasting three months in one tax year and at least two months in the next — which is appropriate. Had the bills authorized tax relief for projects that last days, or even a couple weeks, we may have argued against the idea. We also liked the fact that the decision to grant tax relief to an eligible business and the

duration of that tax relief would be up to local governments. Municipalities would take the greatest "hit" in terms of lost tax revenue, so the decision on tax relief should rest with the local government. At the time Patterson announced his proposal, we wondered whether taxing authorities could afford to give up any of their revenue at this time, no matter how helpful it would be to the business community. We still wonder about that, but would be comfortable letting local officials make that call. Not only do we wonder about how many municipalities would voluntarily forego some revenue at this time, but we also question the wisdom of local governments forfeiting tax revenue while they're cutting back on police, fire, and public works personnel — for example — thereby further jeopardizing response times or the level of services that can be provided to businesses and the greater community. Although we still question the likelihood of municipalities giving up some of their property tax revenue when they're having to make cuts in public services to get by on sinking revenue receipts, Haines' legislation put local governments in the driver's seat when it comes to weighing such issues, as they should be. HBs 6571 and 6572 apparently weren't priorities for legislators as they wrapped up their work this year. Haines' bills didn't make it out of the House Tax Policy Committee before the Legislature adjourned its session. Identical proposals introduced to the new Legislature would warrant adoption. Local governments could then determine whether it would be worth initially sacrificing a bit of revenue in order to help businesses remain in operation and long-term taxpayers. ■

Land purchase worth examining

he city of Birmingham and Brother Rice High School are weighing whether to split the cost of acquiring a formerly commercial property that would allow the city to preserve some more green space and the school to have a new home for its baseball team. While the price of the piece of property could throw a wrench into our stance on this, at this juncture it seems as if this public-private partnership — something that local governments have been looking to do more of in recent years — is a win-win for both the city and the school, and worthy of exhaustive examination. At a November meeting, the Birmingham City Commission voted to perform due diligence in regards to a possible partnership with Brother Rice High School to purchase the former Stanley Door property, located at 2400 Lincoln, and turn it into a baseball diamond/park. If the deal goes through, the school will pay two-thirds of the purchase price

and the city will pick up the final third. According to Brother Rice President John Birney, when the property went back on the market over two months ago, the price had come down considerably, making it a more viable option for purchase. He said that the school's baseball team has been playing at St. James Field at the corner of Grant and Ruffner for 40 years, but developments in the area are finally making that location untenable. No final decision has been made to go ahead with the purchase. The city is still looking into whether the purchase will be a good thing for Birmingham given a tight budget. While the cost-sharing approach toward purchasing the property is a good thing, we would like the city and the school to take the partnership further because there will certainly be maintenance costs for the property — grounds-keeping, fertilizing, overall general upkeep, among others. If the property is actually purchased, we would like to see a similar cost-splitting agreement forged so that both

the city and the school are responsible for maintenance costs, and not having those entirely fall on the city's shoulders. The city has taken opportunities in the past decade or so to purchase land for more green space — Barnum Park and property next to the Roeper School, for example — and we are aware of the some of the bellyaching some people have been doing about the city perhaps already having enough parks and open areas. However, we don't buy into that logic because there will come a point when there simply will be no more green space left to save. The city should, essentially, strike while the iron is hot and there are available properties still out there. In a time when the economic and budgetary climates are showing little sign of improving for the foreseeable future, we anticipate proposals like this one to crop up more frequently. The city and the school are moving in the right direction by looking into the possibility of acquiring the property in a joint effort. ■

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