The Paper - August 2010

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THE PAPER

AUGUST 2010

G N I D N PE Upper Long Lake Lakefront

Executive custom contemporary. Almost 27,000 sq. ft. of recreational living including pool and sports court. Sophisticated owners suite. $4,999,000

New Construction in City of Bloomfield

Custom details include “Kitchen Studio’s kitchen, 5 fireplaces, all bedroom suites with marble baths, designer flooring and millwork throughout, dual staircases, 4 car garage. $1,595,000

Bloomfield Hills All-Sports Lakefront

Grandeur exists in this almost 17,000 sq. ft. estate home. Over 2 acres of privacy. Guest house. Exquisite rec room walkout with media center. Terrace with pool and entertainment area. $4,499,000

Birmingham Custom Built

Newer construction. European style kitchen opens to family room, Butler’s pantry leads to dining room. Five bedrooms. Library with bar, bath and fireplace. Finished lower level. $1,299,000

City of Bloomfield

East coast style classic ... rebuilt in 2005.

Formal rooms with contemporary conveniences compliment the flow and function of this “perfect” property. Walk to Cranbrook Educational Community. $2,099,000

Orchard Lake Lakefront

Soft contemporary on over one acre of manicured grounds. This walkout setting is ideal for today’s living or a perfect spot to build your dream house. $1,200,000

Designer Perfect New Construction

In the City of Bloomfield. First floor master suite with private access to formal library. All bedroom suites with marble baths. Turn key. 4 car garage, dual staircases. $1,895,000

Bloomfield Hills Masterpiece

Look no further for that newer construction, custom designed, classic home. Dual owners suites. Finished lower level media, wet bar, exercise room and wine cellar. Heated 4 car garage. $1,698,700

Bloomfield Hills Gated Community

Quarton Lake Landmark Home

Orchard Lake Lakefront Buildable Site

Bloomfield Hills Soft Contemporary Waterfront

Large executive home with hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen opens to family room.

Formal library. Finished walkout lower level rec room with bar and pool. $1,149,000

Updated seven bedroom home is situated on an almost double lot. Classic design with contemporary conveniences. Kitchen opens to family room. Butler’s pantry. 3 car garage. $1,095,000

G N I D N PE Pine Lake Lakefront

In the Interlaken community. Almost 3/4 acre site with 100 ft. of lakefront. Expansive views of lake. Adjacent to Pine Lake Country Club.

Bloomfield Hills Schools. $1,075,000

Custom Newer Construction in Bloomfield Hills

Walking distance to Andover High School.

Over 9,000 sq. ft. of living with walkout.

Seven bedrooms. Four car garage. Upper Long Lake out lot access. $999,000

LD O S Lower Long Lake Lakefront

With views of Kirk in the Hills. Tucked away on 1.1 acres of rolling grounds. Soft contemporary with open floor plan. 5,921 sq. ft. of casual living. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $849,900

Bloomfield Township Mid-Century Modern

With updated granite kitchen. Floor to ceiling windows create spectacular views. Master wing with new marble bath, fireplace, and access to grounds. $789,000

One of Oakland County’s most scenic resort style locations. Water and sewer at road.

West Bloomfield schools. New lower price. $979,000

K AT H Y BROOCK Orchard Lake BALLARD Lakefront 248.318.4504

New on market. Condo alternative living.

Partially furnished. Completely updated.

Finished lower level. 4 car garage. One plus acre. Quiet cul-de-sac street. $749,000

Tranquil water views from every room. Large kitchen with family room and atrium sitting area. Finished walkout lower level with bar and guest suite. Bloomfield Hills Schools. $974,000

Birmingham Newer Construction

With European quality and treatments throughout. Open floor plan for entertaining.

Extensive use of stone and hardwood.

Exquisite owners suite. $729,000

KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM

MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

New Construction in Birmingham

Millcreek Builders new construction.

Complete with 5 bedrooms. Kitchen opens to family room. An owners suite like “The Ritz.”

Walk to schools. 3 car garage. $690,000

New Construction in Birmingham

Millcreek Builders home with almost 4,000 sq. ft. of today’s living with gourmet kitchen, eat-in, 2 way fireplace to family room.

Owners suite with office. Euro bath and dual closets. Private setting. $680,000

All-Sports Pine Lake

Lakefront home with walkout lower level.

Southwest facing. Long deep lot. Ideal recreational opportunity or build your dream house. A great destination location. $599,000

KATHYBROOCKHOMES.COM

West Bloomfield Rare 4 Acres

Parcel that is a perfect opportunity to build your dream estate. Rolling topography. Water at street and sewer up Maple Road.

Birmingham Schools. $489,000

■ inside / august ■ 7: MAIL BAG John Mogk

■ 8: CRIME MAP A locator guide to specific categories of crime in the local area

■ SNAPSHOTS ■ 11: Jessica Mindell ■ 35: Rino and Kristina Marra ■ 73: Allison Kaplan

■ 27: Mike Narlock ■ 71: Steve Frank

■ 39: MUNICIPAL Township extends moratorium; Bloomfield Hills budget; World Trade Center steel; new Birmingham ordinance; Bloomfield Hills looking for treasurer; Zazios gets approval; free state parks pass

■ 43: BUSINESS NOTES Greenstone's Fine Jewelry; Massage Green; Woodward Camera; Jordan's CrossFit; Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel; McQueen's Carpets & Rugs; Kroger; Orthodontic Associates

■ 68: STATE Graduated driving licenses may become more restrictive; wages capped under consolidation pacts

■ 70: COUNTY Ethics resolutions introduced; Cobo Center slated for more renovations

■ 74: EATING OUT A directory of places where you can dine out; Main Course and Quick Bites from the restaurant scene with Eleanor Heald; Focus on Wine with Eleanor and Ray Heald

■ 12

■ 77: THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

PROPERTY PRESSURE

The President and CEO of The Community House, Shelley Roberts, on rededicating the Tribute Terrace

What was once deemed an inner-city problem is now one that touches neighborhoods in every city, township, and village in Michigan — like the Great Recession, it leaves no area unscathed. Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills have each felt the fingers of foreclosure knocking on their doors.

■ 78: SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK The latest from the society and non-profit circuit

■ 86: FINAL WORD Our endorsements for the Aug. 3 primary election

■ OUR COVER

■ 19: THE SPA EXPERIENCE

■ 29: YOUR TIME TO VOTE

■ 57: PRIMARY ELECTION

Medical spas are joining more traditional day spas to nurture women — and men — and enhance their clients’ physical appearances.

More and more area voters are choosing the ease and timeliness of casting their vote by absentee ballot.

The Paper staff has interviewed candidates in local, Aug. 3 primary contested races to allow voters to hear exactly how they would govern if elected.

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THE PAPER

Looking south along Woodward Avenue in Birmingham during the Woodward Dream Cruise. Cover art by Amy K. Lockard from photos provided by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District.

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■ mail bag Renew SMART millage From John Mogk, Grosse Pointe Farms: Voters will be asked to approve the renewal of the SMART millage on the Aug. 3 primary ballot. A YES vote is crucial to the continued availability of public transportation in our region. SMART relies on the millage for nearly half of it operating funds and as the local match for a substantial portion of its federal funding.

SMART has been a vital means of transportation for southeastern Michigan residents for 40 years.

Approximately 14 million people ride SMART buses yearly. Whether it's a student attending school, a person going to work, or a senior traveling to a doctor, shopping or church, SMART has become a necessity for millions of people living in 75 communities in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.

SMART service is important to the region's economy. More than 54,000 businesses are located within a quarter mile of a SMART bus route, giving access to more than 916,000 jobs. In addition,

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.

SMART's "Get a Job — Get a Ride" program provides a free onemonth bus pass to people starting a new job.

Not only does SMART provide reliable transportation for citizens, but it's also making strides to be "green." This year the entire SMART fleet switched from diesel fuel to a bio-diesel blend and also introduced hybrid electric buses that lower emissions and improve fuel mileage.

SMART is seeking a 0.59-mill property tax renewal. This equates to $1 in tax for each $1,000 of taxable property value, approximately one-third of the tax

required by other public transportation systems. It is an investment well worth making!

Every $1 spent on public transportation is multiplied six times in the regional economy. No new taxes are proposed.

The renewal of the SMART millage will allow the system to continue to be the primary hub of transportation, connecting southeast Michigan communities, providing an accessible, efficient way to travel, and contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

The SMART choice is to vote YES on Aug. 3 for continued convenient public transportation in southeastern Michigan. ■

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 appear in print.

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. ■

PAPER PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: James W. Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr

EDITOR: ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Lisa Brody Staff Writers: Brooke Meier, Leslie Owsley, Kirk Pinho, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Sally Gerak, Eleanor Heald, Ray Heald Social Lights Photographer: Sally Gerak Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jules Haapala Account Representatives Jill Cesarz, Dan Neumaier, Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Assistants: Nicole Batchik TELEPHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS ASSISTANTS: Denise Jungjohan, Karen Polatka, Marcia Reimer DISTRIBUTION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SUPERVISOR: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014 OFFICE ADDRESS: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 TELEPHONE: 248.360.6397 • 248.360.7355 OFFICE HOURS: Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor 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.

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homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills just before the start of each month. Additional complimentary copies are available at newsstand locations.

Paid subscriptions are available for $15.00 annually, ask for our distribution department at 248.360.6397.

The September issue of The Paper.

In homes August 27.

Ad deadline August 10.

Contact Jules Haapala: 248.360.7355 Cell: 248.891.9024 juleshaapala@thescngroup.com.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY THE PAPER OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY 51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION

It's that simple.

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● Sexual Assault ● Assault ■ Robbery ■ Home Invasion ■ Breaking/Entering ■ Larceny ■ Burglary ▲ Vehicle Theft ▲ Vandalism ● Murder ★ Arson ✖ Drug Offenses ✪ Larceny From Vehicle

The latest crime locations by select categories from mid May through mid June, from information provided by the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township police departments.

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Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

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■ snapshot

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jessica mindell

ith just a pinch of this and a dash of that, Jessica Mindell created Jessica’s Natural Foods as if she were mixing it all in a chemistry beaker.

An engineer by training, she began experimenting with batches of granola to come up with a tasty gluten-free recipe for her husband. In the process, she found her calling.

“I’ve been passionate about baking for as long as I can remember,” Mindell said. “Back when I was a child, I wasn’t allowed to use the oven, so my parents would call me the microwave queen.”

Since that time, the 31-year-old Birmingham entrepreneur has delved into healthy baking and discovered a way to make granola that her glutenintolerant husband could eat.

“He loved granola, but couldn’t find any he could eat it,” she said. “I worked really hard at perfecting it and tweaking it.”

Mindell attended University of Michigan to study engineering, and worked various business jobs before pursuing her craft as a professional baker.

“I think there’s a lot of correlation between engineering and baking,” she said. “I’d make 10-20 batches a day with slight variations in the recipes. I loved the science and experimentation of it, and I think engineering has been tremendously helpful.”

Mindell said her granola has a nice flavor and crunch to it. It’s also beneficial for granola lovers who suffer from celiac disease, a digestive condition.

“The only treatment for celiac is a gluten-free diet,” she said.

Several local stores have picked up Mindell’s granola, and her almond cherry, chocolate chip, and vanilla maple flavors are all well received by consumers.

“The local stores have been so great about carrying local products,” Mindell said. Mindell’s own ingredients are bought directly from Michigan businesses, and her products can be found at Whole Foods, Hiller's Markets, and Plum Market, among others.

Having just launched the business a year ago, Mindell is already thinking about expanding and adding new, high-quality items to her repertoire.

“Right now it’s just granola, but I’d love to come out with other products. My goal is definitely to grow the company,” she said.

Not only does Mindell operate her business out of Birmingham, but she and her husband are also residents.

“We just love the community,” she said. “We thought it would be a great place to raise a family, and it’s even more wonderful than we could’ve imagined.”

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

PROPERTY PRESSURE How mortgage and property tax foreclosures continue to hurt us

By Lisa Brody

A

s the state's weakened financial situation lingers and home values continue to plummet, foreclosures from both a failure to pay mortgages and property taxes continue to rise. What was once deemed an inner-city problem is now one that touches neighborhoods in every city, township, and village in Michigan — like the Great Recession, it leaves no area unscathed.

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills have each felt the fingers of foreclosure knocking on their doors.

There are two different ways that individuals or businesses can have their property foreclosed. A mortgage is a security document that allows the borrower to keep the title of a property while using the property as security or collateral for a loan.

There is a regular, usually monthly, timetable to pay the lender back over the life of the loan. In a mortgage foreclosure, which means that the deed can be foreclosed through court action, after the first 10 days a mortgage payment is late, the title holder is notified, and a late penalty is added to the payment. If the mortgage is not paid in three consecutive months, the lender considers it in arrears, and seeks to secure payment from the property owner through a lawsuit.

In a mortgage foreclosure lawsuit, the property owner is summoned. Usually, a process server will serve the owner with the suit, who will then have 20 days to respond back to the court challenging them on the mortgage foreclosure lawsuit.

Once this occurs, the court has 40 days to respond back to the borrower. Each response, on specific complaints, can delay the process for as long as a year — or longer — as each side, and their attorneys, respond to complaints and possibly negotiate a purchase price for the property. ❯

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THE PAPER

AUGUST 2010

At any time during this process, the homeowner can pay all of the back payments and penalties and stop the foreclosure process in its tracks.

"Bottom line, the investor needs to contact the borrower or homeowner during this time and negotiate a purchase of the distressed property.

This is when the homeowner is greatly motivated and must make a decision quickly," according to Foreclosure University. It is also incumbent upon the homeowner to contact the lender and try to work out a modification or other rectification to stop the foreclosure process, and to show the lender how serious the owner is about saving the property. f there is no reconciliation between the lender and the property owner, an Oakland County Sheriff's deputy must post a notice on the home or building, notifying them t hat it is going to a sheriff's sale. About 30 days from notification, if the owner doesn't pay back all mortgage payments, under the supervision of a court, the property is put up for sale by the sheriff, with the proceeds going first to satisfy the mortgage, and then any other outstanding lien holders (such as a second mortgage).

The buyer can't take possession of the property for six months after the sheriff's sale, because the original property owner has that period of time for redemption — which is the opportunity to come up with the money to fully pay back the money he or she owes and reclaim the property.

In the wake of the nation's housing bubble bursting and the subsequent subprime mortgage crisis, there has been increased interest in renegotiation or modification of mortgage loans rather than foreclosure, which has often been difficult.

Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, in spring of this year, launched the Oakland County Foreclosure Prevention Initiative. It's designed for any Oakland County homeowner facing difficulty with their mortgage.

Accessibility is via a web site, www.fightmortgageforeclosure.com/oakland, where homeowners receive free help from licensed housing counselors.

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) offers several federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) housing counseling agencies for homeowners facing foreclosure, from Greenpath, the Community Action Agency, to the Michigan State University Extension Service. Each service offers counseling, money/debt management, mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling, renters assistance, services for the homeless, homebuyer education, and advice.

The federal government is also addressing foreclosure issues through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. In September 2008, the federal government released $3.92 billion to state and local governments for foreclosed and abandoned homes. Michigan received $263.5 million of that, with $17.4 million coming to Oakland County. eisner's office deals with tax foreclosure, a separate foreclosure issue for homeowners and other property owners. Tax foreclosure occurs following non-payment of property taxes, usually over a three-year period.

The tax collection process begins when the local assessor determines how much a property is worth, and what its taxable value is.

"If the taxpayer disagrees, they can appeal to their local tax board," Meisner said.

Once the taxable value is determined, municipalities send out summer and winter tax bills for the current year, "and ideally people pay them," Meisner said. "They are contributing to the appropriate tax rolls of the county. That's the normal course. Where people get in trouble is when they are not paid by the taxpayer."

Some people pay a portion of their annual property taxes with their mortgage payment, by having their taxes go into escrow with their mortgage company, which pays the property taxes directly to the municipality, and the borrower (property owner) repays it monthly with their mortgage payment. For everyone else, it's a once- or twice-a-year payment, depending on whether their municipality sends out a single or two (winter and summer) tax bill.

"We have a poverty form with specific guidelines in a Hardship Packet, where people have to meet very specific criteria, such as a certain income, no dependents over 18 living with you, you have to provide your W-2 and other information, where for that one year, we can reduce the property tax obligation," said Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli.

Birmingham Treasurer Sharon Ostin said that while the city's ordinance states that the city can't take a partial payment on property taxes, if contacted, there are installment payment options. It also offers a poverty exemption, where a homeowner would have to go before the State Tax Commission to get an exemption.

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At the point where the taxpayer fails to pay their property taxes, the city, township, or village will collect information on the property and complete a list of delinquent properties in the community. Under state law (Public Act 123 of 1999), on March 1 of the following year, every municipality must turn their list over to the county treasurer's office.

"March 1 is when a property officially becomes delinquent, and interest and penalties occur. That's a real trouble time," said Meisner. "Under state law, I have no authority or flexibility to waive fees or penalties. Interest is charged, and it stays."

Meisner said there is a 4 percent administrative fee added, a 1 percent per month interest charge (12 percent annually) added for the first year of the delinquency, and a $15 fee added to delinquent tax obligations.

On May 1 of the second year of the delinquency, there are additional charges added. Another 4 percent administrative fee is added to the previous one; on March 1 of the following year, the interest jumps from 1 percent to 1.5 percent per month — or from 12 percent annually to 18 percent annually — retroactively.

"The 12 percent is erased and is replaced with the 18 percent," he said.

In the second year of being delinquent, the property is in forfeiture, which is preliminary to foreclosure, and there is a circuit court hearing held. The property is put on a forfeiture list. In the third year of delinquency, the property is put into tax foreclosure.

"At the beginning of the year, my office conducts a show-cause hearing," Meisner said. "If somebody's experiencing hardship, and they can demonstrate it, we want to work out a payment plan with them. We plug in and see if we can help them." eisner said this culminates in a circuit court hearing, which is a property owner's last right of appeal before the property is posted and prepared for auction.

"We're very, very compassionate and lenient," he said. "Sometimes, we just want a judge to hear it, and maybe withhold it from auction for a year.

We also have a policy of not taking a principle residence if people are working with us; I'll pull it from auction."

"If someone comes in at the last minute and pays the taxes, we let them," he added. "We're not punitive. We have our taxes paid. We want people to stay in their homes. My predecessor (the late) Hugh Dohany had a very compassionate policy, and I've continued and expanded this. The last thing the county needs is another vacant property. However, sometimes we have no choice because people never communicate with us, or reach out for help."

Nationally, foreclosures are on the rise — 2010 is on track to see a record 3 million foreclosures nationwide, surpassing 2009's 2.8 million.

Realty Trac, a database of foreclosure, auction and bank-owned homes in the country, notes that in Michigan, through May 2010, there have been 13,493 foreclosure sales, with an average sales price of $111,348. In Oakland County, the average sales price for a foreclosed home is currently $100,435; in Birmingham, it's $180,417; in Bloomfield Hills, it's $159,694; and in Bloomfield Township, it's $150,894.

In Oakland County, the rate of foreclosures has been high the past couple of years compared to previous years, and the crisis may not be over.

Realty Trac states there was a spike this spring. In May alone, there were 2,610 homes foreclosed in Oakland County.

"There is actually a lag currently in foreclosure filings in southeastern Michigan, relative to the ❯

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AUGUST 2010

number of job losses experienced and the economy continuing to sour in our area," said Kevin Vettraino, a community and economic development planner for SEMCOG, which tracks mortgage foreclosure figures. "Detroit and Wayne County were hit extremely hard first, before the surrounding areas were, up to two or three years ago. Now, it has spread to the suburbs and other surrounding areas, while Detroit's foreclosure numbers are down.

"The problems in the urban core actually went on for a year before we began tracking them," he said. "But more recently, it's improving with the banks." ccording to SEMCOG, in August 2009, there were 358 mortgage foreclosures in Oakland County. By September 2009, the number had doubled to 710; then to 1,015 in October 2009. Numbers fell in November to 573, when a federal moratorium went into effect.

December saw 981 mortgage foreclosures in the county. There were 634 in January 2010; 962 in February when the federal moratorium was lifted; 1,095 in March; and 894 in April.

Birmingham experienced 11 mortgage foreclosures in August 2009, while Bloomfield Hills had three and Bloomfield Township had nine. In September 2009, there were seven in Birmingham, one in Bloomfield Hills, and 18 in the township. October 2009 saw 10 foreclosures in Birmingham, one in Bloomfield Hills, and 17 in Bloomfield Township.

In October 2009, there were eight in Birmingham, two in Bloomfield Hills, and 10 in Bloomfield Township. November saw 17 Birmingham foreclosures, three Bloomfield Hills foreclosures, and 24 Bloomfield Township foreclosures. In December there were 17 in Birmingham, three in Bloomfield Hills, and 24 in Bloomfield Township.

January 2010 saw 12 Birmingham foreclosures, two in Bloomfield Hills, and 13 in the township; while there were 15 in Birmingham in February, one in Bloomfield Hills, and 26 in Bloomfield Township. In March, foreclosures jumped in Birmingham to 21, there were four in Bloomfield Hills, and 21 in Bloomfield Township. April 2010 saw 14 foreclosures in Birmingham and 28 in the township. There were none in Bloomfield Hills.

"From a real estate point of view, we're seeing less foreclosures in the market right now," said Bob Taylor, president of the Michigan Association of Realtors, who is with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in Birmingham. He also owns Residential Real Estate Concepts and Consultants. "We're 18 months ahead of the rest of the country. We went into this first, and we're going to come out of it first. The consequence is, although all real estate is local, what we see nationally is our perception. We're seeing improvement in our market, yet all we're seeing in the national media are bad reports." aylor said that in February 2009, 22 percent of homes on the market were foreclosed properties; in July 2010, only 4 percent of homes for sale were foreclosures. In February 2009, foreclosed homes represented 45 percent of actual sales; in June 2010, they were less than 18 percent of actual sales.

To put foreclosures in perspective, in 2006, only 4.4 percent of all sales in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township were foreclosed homes. In 2007, foreclosures represented 9.9 percent of all sales. In 2008, foreclosures jumped to 24.1 percent of home sales in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills; and in 2009, foreclosures continued their climb to 34 percent of all sales.

"The (lower) values that were being established had a huge influence on everyone's home values, bringing them all down," Taylor said. "Now that foreclosed homes are only one in six homes vs. one in three homes, home values are beginning to stabilize" in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township.

The exception, he said, are the higher-priced, large homes, at greater than 5,000 square feet.

"They have still not stabilized," he said. "They fell much later, and currently, there are less buyers for them."

In 2005, such homes were getting approximately $305 per square foot.

Today, their value is less than $200 a square foot.

"It's what Lehman (Brothers) did to high-end homes," Taylor said. "They fell so fast, they may be ready to begin to stabilize."

Tax-foreclosed homes are not put up on the market with a realtor;

A

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www.oaklandpaper.com

rather, they are auctioned off by the county treasurer's office in August and October of each year.

The next auction is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 12 on the steps of the Oakland County Executive Building.

The August auction is a minimum-bid auction on all of the properties in the county that a judge has marked for foreclosure.

"We're trying to raise enough money to cover the amount of taxes, interest, and penalties owed," Meisner said. "Whatever I do not recover, I charge back to the locals (local municipality) and they're on the hook for anything that I can't recover. People come in and sometimes bid against each other.

Immediately, the previous owners' rights are extinguished, and the new owners can take possession of the property."

At the October auction, any properties that didn't sell in August are offered again, but at a no-minimum-bid auction. n the past, Meisner said, the auction and properties were not well advertised or marketed to the public, so often the only people attending were real estate speculators who acquired properties at a very cheap price. Meisner said he wants to change that by working with real estate professionals to learn how to successfully market the properties to raise money for the county.

"I want to figure out how to have a more successful land sale, because if we're successful, there will be less money coming out of the pockets of the locals," he said.

Ideally, though, Meisner, like many other treasurers around the state, would like to create a land bank in Oakland County.

"It's an incubator to nurse sick properties back to health and back to long-term tax productivity," he said. "When you auction them, you expose them to speculators. With a land bank as an alternate path, you put properties in it where there are special incentives for purchasers, and it allows you to have more control over who purchases these properties. In a land bank, you can do maintenance on the property, list it with a realtor, and be more selective in who buys the home. It gives us more control and more say in the future use of the land. It's a way many smart communities are looking at reusing land.

"On the other hand, auctions and foreclosed properties just continue to wreak havoc on our property values," Meisner said.

In the meantime, a list of properties his office will auction off this year is available.

Economists and real estate professionals locally and nationally continue to watch the foreclosure market, studying it to see which way the wind is blowing as its volubility fluctuates. It's still an uncertainty whether the market is on its way toward better times, or if it will be playing catch up for months, or years, to come.

"If housing was big enough to pull us out of a significant recession in 2001-02, and it was big enough to pull the entire world into a recession in 2008, its failure to recover may be the single reason why we might have a double dip in this recession," Taylor said. â–

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veryone needs an occasional moment of sheer indulgence, basking in the velvety luxury of being pampered by a spa experience and leaving the world behind while your face and body are rejuvenated and destressed. Spas are a haven, a retreat from the frenzied world. People can leave their cares at the door and enter into a portal of tranquility, even if it's just for an hour.

There's no short supply of spas and medi-spas in the Birmingham and Bloomfield communities. With the high number of these spas popping up all over, area residents can be choosy consumers.

There seems to be a choice for every customer. Day spa visits offer a flexible way to infuse luxury treatments into a person's everyday life.

Therapeutic massages, beautifying facials, and invigorating body wraps are just some of the popular spa treatments that allow you to relax for an hour or the entire day. Ecospas are usually set in a tranquil and natural environment, promote green practices, and offer a collection of holistic or ecologically-friendly products. Medi-spas offer a two-fold approach to relaxation and therapeutic treatments: Not only do they specialize in soothing skin treatments, but also offer diagnostic testing and cosmetic procedures administered by a staff of medical professionals. Mobile spas bring trained therapists to your home or office for those on a hectic schedule, and provide services such as facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures.

The medi-spa is a growing trend in the industry, integrating clinicalgrade aesthetic enhancement and spa treatments. They provide services with medical menu items, such as Botox injections or dermatological fillers like Restylane or Perlane, pain management, and spider vein surgery. In tandem, they treat facial conditions like brown spots, redness, and broken capillaries that can't be treated as effectively by an aesthetician. Other noninvasive services may include laser treatments, laser hair removal, IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments, microdermabrasion, photo facials, aggressive chemical peels and skin tightening. They are often operated by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

In the United States, the number of people opting for some form of cosmetic procedures is enormous. According to medicalspamd.com web site, in 2009, there were approximately 10 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. Surgical procedures accounted for 15 percent of the total, with non-surgical procedures making up the other 85 percent. Overall, Americans spent almost $10.5 billion on cosmetic procedures last year.

"Our most most popular treatments are clinical, like photo facials, fractionals (skin tightening) for fine lines and wrinkles, and of course microdermabrasion and specials peels and facials," said Bloomfield Hills' Visage Spa Office Manager Donna Phillips. "Botox and fillers continue to be popular. Surgery continues to have its place, but spa services are just a gentler way to lead you, depending on the age group. Fractionals may work for you, but as you age, or depending on your sun damage, plastic surgery may (be the only way to) give you the results. Some people have plastic surgery and then follow up with non-surgical procedures."

According to the International Spa Association's 2009 report, the number of medical spas continues to grow at the fastest rate. Since July 2007, the number of medical spas has grown by 85 percent, further proof that this spa type is a significant part of the industry. That said, day spas continue to dominate the industry, at 79 percent of total spas.

"Day spas can't do clinical treatments, and our pricing is very competitive, but we continue to put our feelers out to be competitive in this economic climate," Phillips said, citing the pricing for facials at $85 and up; massages at $80 and up, comparable to the same services rendered at day spas.

Dr. Mitchell Shek, in conjunction with Dr. Jennifer Caudill, oversees the Center for Cosmetic Dermatology in Birmingham.

"Patients are looking for non-invasive, low-risk ways with no downtime to change their appearance, akin to 10 years before their visit," Shek said.

"I have conducted studies of face differences between the ages of 20 and 50, and know the results for the client before I do the procedure."

Shek said his charge for injectibles ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. The results last for up to two years.

Janet Karson, a local senior sales representative with Obagi Medical

www.oaklandpaper.com

Products, a national company that specializes in pharmaceutical skin care prescription products, has seen her business soar due to the continuous uptick in medi-spas over the last several years. Her experience stems from years of selling skin care products to both day spas and medical spas.

"Cosmeceuticals is a hybrid industry, but we are a level up from those, and sell pharmaceuticals at the doctor's office," Karson said.

"Cosmeceuticals use products that targets outside the cell, and try to influence the cell behind it, whereas pharmaceuticals go inside the cell and change cell functions. It's like being invited to a party and either watching from outside or coming in."

Medical personnel work alongside spa therapists in a calming environment unlike the stereotypical doctor's office. The thinking that medical spas tend to have a more clinical atmosphere than day spas is passé. To ensure clients are in a serene state of mind and body, many day or medi-spas hold fast to a Zen-like approach and embellish their spas with cascading fountains, beautiful decor, and floral wall hangings. Lighting isn't harsh, for yet another soothing effect.

According to the 2009 Spa International report, it's apparent that patients are more comfortable in spa environments. The majority of cosmetic surgeries performed, 58 percent, were done so at an office facility, as opposed to 18 percent at a hospital, and 23 percent at a free-standing surgical center.

Dr. Gregory Derdarian started NuImage Medspa in Birmingham in conjunction with Michigan Vascular Institute two-and-a-half years ago to add a component that would foster the plastic surgery side of his business.

Both facilities are in the same building and offer the best of both worlds.

"Now we offer everything from spa to medi-spa services," Derderian said.

"The spa is a boutique set up and although it's slower growth, we continue to grow regularly. What we're seeing is that our clients want more photo rejuvenation to combat fine lines and wrinkles, so we integrated photo rejuvenation with Botox for each individual for the best results."

Derderian noted that Botox is the No. 1 procedure used today, which aligns with medicalspamd.com, which cited the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2009 — Botox injection (2,557,068 procedures); hyaluronic acid, which aids in the cell correction from sun damage (1,313,038 procedures); laser hair removal (1,280,031 procedures); microdermabrasion (621,943 procedures) and chemical peels (529,285 procedures).

Shek said he goes against the grain in his approach to medi-spas.

"We don't consider ourselves a medi- or day spa, but a medical office that does cosmetic procedures," he said. "We don't do massages, but cosmetic procedures requiring medical interventions, mainly Botox, fillers and Radiesse (another filler). I do more Botox and filler treatments than any other doctor in Michigan."

Shek, a dermatologist, defines himself as a physician trained in cosmetic procedures and focuses on injectibles, which are the wave of the future.

"The future of cosmetic procedures are fillers," he said. "They're synthetically made by naturally-occurring body products."

Women are still the most common consumers, according to medicalspamed.com web site. Women had over 9 million cosmetic procedures, over 90 percent percent of the total.

Karson said that more women are investing in their skin and relying on their physicians for the best products on the market.

"Medi-spas are definitely growing and expanding," Karson said. "More and more women are purchasing products from physicians rather than retail outlets because they are now looking for products with an active ingredient with better results. The products don't cost anymore than retail products sold at Macy's, Saks, or department store brands, but are backed by clinical studies and are a far better investment.”

Products sold to medi-spas provide skin care resolution and anti-aging based on proven results, according to Karson, who now sells solely to medi-spas and physicians due to the efficacy of the medi-spa product lines.

"Our products help reverse the aging process — 90 percent of the aging process is caused by sun damage and these products repair cell sun damage and prevent from it from further happening," she said. "It improves skin texture, builds collagen in the skin, and accelerates cell skin turnover for younger skin.

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"Before a doctor purchases a product, he or she researches it intensely, including clinical studies ... to know that it works before recommending it to patients," she said.

Some medical spas gravitate toward a wellness focus, and in addition to traditional services offer acupuncture, nutrition counseling and naturopathic consulting.

Regardless of their leanings, medi-spas operate under the full-time supervision of a licensed medical director who is either a doctor of internal medicine or a dermatologists; however, a doctor doesn't have to be on site at all times.

"We have medical anaesthetists on staff that are trained and licensed with the state and overseen by our medical director," said Nicole Smith, an assistant with Beauty by Rx of Birmingham. "The nurse is trained in injectibles like Botox and Restylane that thwart wrinkles. Day spas can't offer these procedures."

Unlike other medi-spas, Shek doesn't employ anaesthetists and reserves his staff to doctors and nurses.

"I believe that if anyone is using a laser or conducting medical level cosmetics, they should have a nursing degree," Shek said.

Medical spa facilities themselves are not licensed by the state.

"Unlike hospitals or nursing homes, these facilities are not licensed," said Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Spokesperson Geralyn Lasher. "Physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners are, but not the facility.

The Legislature has not yet identified that, and licensing must be established through statute. From a consumer perspective, we encourage any complaints to be filed with the state."

In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery issued a statement in January warning patients about the lack of oversight at some medical spas.

"For those providing treatments outside of the physician's office, there are no national standards for medi-spas, no recognized definition of what

constitutes a medi-spa and no oversight organizations that provide the information you need to make an informed, safe choice for your medi-spa experience," the release states.

All day spa technicians/therapists and the facilities in which they operate must be licensed by the MDCH and the Board of Cosmetology. Based on the specific services provided by a given day spa, additional licenses may be required.

Services offered by day spas tend to vary from one facility to another and hinge on location, cost, and size of the day spa, but typically the menu for most day spas includes: facials, massage, waxing, body treatments, skin exfoliation and body wraps.

Chris Ygay, owner of Revitalize Day Spa in Birmingham, has owned the facility since December 2006. He said he backs his reputation on service value.

"Our popularity stems from service and price," Ygay said. "We set our prices affordable enough for a little luxury, but not so much that it breaks the bank."

Some day spas base the client's experience on the European spa tradition, where there is no dichotomy between mind and body; what heals one restores the other in keeping with synergistic Zen-like rituals. Each spa attempts to create an ambiance of unpretentious elegance and subtle nuances to foster an environment where the client's mind and body are transformed through an ultimate relaxation experience.

Ygay designed the Zen-like ambiance of Revitalize as an Asian retreat under a backdrop of earth tones and slate padded floors inspired by natural surroundings of bamboo, fresh blooming flowers, and gently falling fountains.

"All the décor was designed to create a spot where men and women feel comfortable," Ygay said.

Massage therapy is a spa staple designed to assist in the body's delivery of oxygen to muscles and reduce the carbon dioxide and lactic acid that

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The following is a non-comprehensive list of some of the day and medi-spas in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area: • Antonino Salon/Spa, 191 Townsend, Birmingham • Avalon Salon & Spa, 34657 Woodward Ave., Birmingham • Azenza Spa & Salon, 130 E. 14 Mile, Birmingham • Beauty by Rx, 286 W. Maple, Ste. 220, Birmingham • Bloomfield Nails & Spa, 4036 Telegraph, Ste. 102, Bloomfield Hills • Boyd Cosmetic Surgery Institute,135 E. Maple, Birmingham • Carol Lewis Skin Care, 386 E. Maple, Birmingham • Center for Cosmetic Dermatology, 800 S. Adams, No. 210, Birmingham • Cole Street Salon & Spa, 2388 Cole, Birmingham • Consher Organic Spa, 966 E. Maple, Birmingham • Deyo Studio, 576 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham • Diva Nail & Spa, 4080 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills; 873 W. Long Lake Bloomfield Hills; 3627 W. Maple Bloomfield Hills • Dr. Lori, The Skin Spa, 353 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham • Elle Medical Spa, 1157 S. Adams, Birmingham • Franklin Spa, 32751 Franklin Road, Franklin

THE PAPER

• Margot's Euro Spa, 101 Townsend, Birmingham • Madison Bleu Salon, 191 N. Old Woodward Birmingham • Mary Glancz European Facials & Cosmetic Salon, 630 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham • Masri Clinic for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery, 373 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham • Massage Green, 34200 Woodward Ave., Birmingham • NuImage Laser and Medical Spa, 700 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham • Orchid Day Med Spa, 525 Southfield Road, Birmingham • Patty's Salon & Spa, 3655 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills • Peau Claire Medi Spa, 33301 Woodward Ave, Birmingham • Quenlyn & Co. Salon & Spa, 3644 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills • Renaissance Spa, 3617 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills • Revitalize Day Spa, 751 Chestnut, Birmingham • Spa Skin, 2151 E. 14 Mile, No. 3, Birmingham • Sydney Blake Beauty Spaces, 330 Hamilton Row, Birmingham • Thomas D & Company, 344 Hamilton, Birmingham • Visage Spa, 36880 Woodward Ave., Ste. 201, Bloomfield Hills • Wax It Off, 600 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham

AUGUST 2010

build up in muscle tissue. It varies in application from long broad strokes and light touches to the deliberate kneading of over-worn muscles.

Massages are designed to relax the muscles, relieve tension and get the circulation flowing. Most spas offer a range of massages that may include deep tissue massage, which works its way deep into the muscles, and aromatherapy, where different essential oils are applied for therapeutic results.

Other styles are Eastern-based, such as Japanese shiatsu, where targeted body points are stimulated via pressure and free energetic pathways. Reiki, another Japanese method, is intended to deeply relax while rejuvenating the body. The Chinese art of reflexology relies on pressure-point massage applied to the feet, hands and/or ears.

"About 30 percent of my clientele are men, who primarily purchase massage services," Ygay said.

Another type of massage select day spas offer is the French-inspired endermologie, which reduces the appearance of cellulite.

"Our massage therapists combine services like firming or sea mud wraps so cellulite disappears," said Natalya Ostapenko, co-owner of Renaissance Day Spa in Bloomfield Township.

Facials treat the skin of the face through deep cleansing therapy.

Aestheticians perform a multi-step approach of massaging, toning, exfoliating, steaming and moisturizing the face for a beautifying result.

"We provide a European facial comprised of cleansing, moisturizer, mask, exfoliating, and extractions if pores are clogged, and finally a skin analysis," Ygay said. "It could move into other treatments that only a medi-spa could provide, such as microdermabrasion."

Facial products are comprised of high proteins, multi vitamins, enzymes, and collagen. They eliminate or mitigate wrinkles while accelerating the process of replacing old cells with new ones.

The Center for Cosmetic Dermatology's Shek performs facial sculpting that he claims can shed 10 years from a patient's face.

"Faces in their 20s have a hollowing at the temples, cheekbones are prominent and there are no jowls," he said. "We lift the cheekbones and fill in the area that has lost volume as the face has aged. Our injectibles are done without pain by providing nerve blocks during the procedure, and it limits bruising so there is no downtime."

Facial and body treatment products are sometimes derived from surprising sources.

Margot's European Spa in Birmingham features a golden caviar deluxe facial with the effects of lotus regeneration pearls, caviar sheets and a lotus silk pack for an intense anti-aging treatment.

The Franklin Spa on the border of Franklin and Bloomfield Township features a seaweed, kelp and plankton wrap to detoxify the body and improve the overall appearance of skin through hydration and mineral enriched sea ingredients.

Medi-spas take facials to another level of treatment using cutting-edge technology, according to Beauty by Rx Marketing's Smith.

"We offer hydra facials — a medical facial — and vibradermabrasion, a clinical treatment that hydrates and cleanses using serums that remove dead skin cells and impurities," Smith said. "It's a new technology ideal for all skin types. It rejuvenates the skin and is great for acne prone skin."

Skin exfoliation is a type of non-medical health treatment designed to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the face and body that leaves skin smoother and healthier looking. Micro-bead face scrubs and abrasive cloths are commonly used for exfoliating purposes, while chemical peels offer a more intensive solution. Extreme cases of skin exfoliation may require a more intense process of dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, through which the dead skin cells are removed by sanding.

Waxing, another popular process, is a type of day spa treatment through which body hair is removed by the root. A thin layer of hot wax mixture is applied to an area of the body requiring hair removal. A thin cloth or paper section is then applied atop the wax mixture and removed using a peeling motion. It results in the rooting of all body hair in the area, in addition to any dead skin cells. Typically, it can take three to eight weeks for hair to regrow after waxing.

Day spas also offer luxury body treatments such as body wraps, arowww.oaklandpaper.com

matherapy, mud baths, hot tubs, and saunas.

"We have a variety of body treatments like sea mud wraps," said Renaissance Day Spa's Ostapenko. "The seaweed used is from the Dead Sea in Israel, known for rejuvenating skin."

Both day spa and medi-spa businesses continue to boom in the Birmingham and Bloomfield areas, but each one continues to carve out its niche to draw or keep clients.

"We do most of our business in massages but we're starting to do more in makeup and nails," Ygay said. "It's a growing portion of our business and we're looking to expand to handle the overage."

The Consher Organic Spa in Birmingham seems to have an edge with the environmentally-conscious crowd. Only organic ingredients are used in all of its services.

Chris Colombo, owner of Colombo Media Group and a spokesperson for Dr. Michael Freedland, who runs both a private cosmetic surgery practice and Visage Spa in Bloomfield Hills, estimates that Freedland sunk over $1 million into his medi-spa.

"Both the spa and office are at the same location," Colombo said. "He went all out. There are waterfalls, foliage, gentle music playing and everything is symmetrical. It's a very calming atmosphere."

Freedland opened Visage to supplement services to his clients.

"When he first opened his practice it was with the idea that a lot of his clientele wanted to look and feel better," Colombo said. "It's more serviceoriented. It's not a money-maker, but just a natural fit so clients don't have to go outside to get other services."

Ostapenko dismisses conjecture that the uprising of medi-spas will lure business away from day spas.

"Every spa has its own clientele," Ostapenko said. "Corrective treatment is the same as medi-spas. We just don't do dermatological or cosmetic surgeries. We can compete with them. We have a very loyal and established clientele that we provide with excellent treatment and services."

Revitalize Day Spa's Ygay added that just three years ago he employed a staff of four, and now the spa has 18 employees.

"I've never been one to sit back and blame the economy," Ygay said. "The recent downswing in Michigan is just a prime example of where you have to be focused and constantly promote services. We're a good value for our clients and we wouldn't have grown if we didn't execute that."

Ygay also invested in his own professional makeup line and provides makeup applications and makeup lessons. As a business owner, he stays focused on marketing.

"I know there are a lot of owner/operators that have a lot of experiences to know what is within the industry, but I hire people who specialize in each sector and I provide the business acumen," Ygay said. "I have the resources to market the business and provide my staff with the training and customer service know-how for a successful business."

Shek's facility has realized continued growth despite the recession.

"Though we're not a fancy-looking spa, for the last three years we've seen 25 percent growth despite a bad economy," Shek said. "There has to be a reason for that. I have one of the busiest offices in the region."

Franklin Spa, which also has a location in West Bloomfield Township, has carved out its niche in several ways. It's the only facility in the area that provides a spa-mobile, and one of the few that offers a spa membership.

Clients are given a choice of a full-body massage, classic European facial, or spa manicure and pedicure each month. In tandem, members receive service discounts and other perks.

Medi-spas cite their doctors' reputations as the major draw for clients.

"Dr. Freedland makes us unique," said Visage Spa's Phillips. "His name and credentials set him apart, and some clients will come in just by his validity."

Moreover, staff and cutting-edge technology keep clients coming back.

"We stay current on what's going on in the industry, and our staff has been with us forever," Phillips said. "There is a lot of competition in the area but we don't feel it hurts our business at all. Day spas and medi-spas are like night and day." â–

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mike narlock

C

amping in Arizona at 12-years-old, Michael Narlock marveled at the Milky Way stretched brilliantly across the clear night sky, and a passion for astronomy was born. Now, as the head of astronomy at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills, Narlock is able to share that passion and acquired knowledge with students and those in the surrounding communities.

“I started as a part-time employee at Cranbrook Institute of Science in 1996, and became the head of the department in 2004,” Narlock said.

“When I came (to Cranbrook) for an interview, my breath was taken away; the beauty of the campus and dedication of the staff was unbelievable, and I immediately wanted to join the ranks.”

Narlock, always interested in math and science, said astronomy encompasses all the sciences and is a decidedly inexpensive way to study the great beyond.

“With astronomy, you make a small investment in a telescope, and your laboratory is the sky,” he said. “It’s hard to understand what goes on here on Earth and not wonder what’s going on out there.”

Many people outside of the nearby communities don’t realize what the planetarium has to offer, Narlock said. “I think a lot of people think we’re just a K-12 school, but our lifeblood is the public coming and being educated in science.”

In 2009, Narlock had the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee Public Museum to debut a brief commemorative 40th anniversary tribute of the Apollo 11 moon landings.

“It was a short little three to four minute piece,” Narlock said. “It was more informational than anything else.”

With rivers, wildlife and acres of unspoiled terrain, Narlock calls Cranbook a rare gem.

“Cranbrook is sort of a centerpiece,” he said. “We were here since the very beginning.”

Narlock, whose wife recently gave birth to a son, also has an inquisitive 3-year-old boy who shares his father’s love of space.

“He’s gone to the planetarium with me and he’s loaded with questions.”

With light pollution that has gradually developed over the past 150 years, Narlock is troubled by the inability to pique the interest of today’s youth with a simple night sky. To that end, Cranbrook Institute of Science offers programs, exhibits, and a state-of-the-art planetarium to inspire others to discover the majesty and wonder of space.

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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YOUR TIME TO VOTE More voters are choosing the ease and timeliness of casting their vote by absentee ballot

By Kirk Pinho

❯

A

fter World War II, millions of young GIs came home from the blood-drenched battlefields of Bastogne, Normandy, and Iwo Jima and began families, prompting an unprecedented surge in newborns. Now, that baby boom generation is coming to a point in their lives when they are eligible because of their age to vote as absentees — one of the reasons attributed to a continually-increasing level of people casting ballots away from poll booths throughout Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, and in fact, throughout Oakland County.

"Over time, absentee voting has become more common," said Bill Ballenger, editor of Inside Michigan Politics and a former Republican state lawmaker, adding that about one-third of all ballots cast in this year's August primary election could be absentee. In addition, he said, a recent push for so-called "no reason" absentee voting could cause an even larger percentage of the population to vote that way.

John Klemanski, a professor of political science at Oakland University (OU), said he expects the increase in absentee voting to continue over the next several years as the population ages.

"It's going to go up," he said, adding that he hopes Michigan follows the lead of other states that he noted are making it easier for people to vote. ❯

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"It's a force to be reckoned with," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. "Any smart politician is going to get a specially-prepared, specially-tailored piece of (campaign) literature mailed to the home to arrive the day the absentee ballots go out so you'll have your literature right there on your dining room table on one side, a cup of coffee in the middle, and your ballot on the other.

"You cannot afford to ignore that group of people who vote absentee," he continued. "Many, many times those people are game-changers."

Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bill Bullard Jr. (RHighland) agreed.

"Politicians aren't stupid," he said, referring to the fact that absentee voters are representing an increasing percentage of the voting bloc.

Dan Farough, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Gary Peters (DBirmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills) stressed that Peters' re-election bid will "have very aggressive" voter outreach and that the grassroots campaign will have volunteers who will "be doing all kinds of activities" to listen to voters' concerns.

"We're planning to burn through a lot of shoe leather," Farough said.

State Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills) said a substantial portion of the 116,000 voters who cast ballots in his 2006 election race did so through absentee ballots. The population has aged and, particularly in his district, a lot of working professionals make the commute to areas outside of those communities for their jobs, leaving little time to head to the polls.

"In my district, there is a very large percentage of people who vote absentee," Pappageorge said. "In some areas, they may be eligible for an absentee ballot but don't bother to vote, but that's not true in my area."

Absentee voters tend to be more informed on issues and candidates, in Pappageorge's opinion, because they have more time to get their information on ballot proposals and office-seekers.

"Absentee voters are absolutely critical in elections," he said.

OU's Klemanski also agreed that "there is certainly the potential" for the voters who cast absentee ballots to be more informed than people who cast their ballots in person.

State Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills) said that because he's unopposed in the Aug. 3 primary election, he won't be doing any specific campaigning to target absentee voters, but he expects to send out campaign literature to them specifically in his re-election bid against Democrat Julie Candler in the November general election campaign.

"If I was opposed (in the primary), I would definitely be mailing to absentee voters," Moss said. "(Absentee voting is) going up because it's convenient and we have more seniors. People are gone, and more people realize that it's obviously convenient."

And while the chairmen of both the Oakland County Democratic Party and the Oakland County Republican Party may have strong political differences, they agree that the absentee voting bloc has been increasing in recent years and continues to remain a critical target of savvy candidates' election bids.

County GOP Chairman David Law, a former state lawmaker representing the 39th House District, said absentee voters were a "big part" of his election campaigns and that it's critical to "get to absentees more than just one time" with campaign literature, whether it's through mailings or other methods. Law also said that absentee voters tend to make up a larger percentage of the overall electorate in off-year or mid-term elections than in general elections.

"It can make or break a race," he said.

Mike McGuinness, the top dog for the county Democratic Party who is also running for an Oakland County Board of Commissioners seat as a write-in candidate, said party officials have been advising candidates to "communicate with absentee voters on a consistent basis," particularly at or around the time local clerks mail out absentee ballots to those voters.

Some Oakland County clerks in recent years have decried a 2007 court ruling that required them to scrap their previous practice of automatically mailing out absentee ballot applications to everyone over the age of 60. As a result, some say they've had to build up a new list consisting of people who have requested to be on a permanent absentee voter list.

An October 2007 Michigan Court of Appeals ruling prohibited the unsolicited mailing of absentee ballot applications to regular absentee voters.

Following that ruling, the Michigan Secretary of State's Office Election www.oaklandpaper.com

Bureau issued its own standard to be used by local clerks across the state.

Under an Election Bureau memo distributed in January 2008, clerks who had kept a permanent list of absentee voters that had previously asked to be on such a list could mail absentee ballot applications to those individuals. However, lists that included those who hadn't specially asked to be on the list could no longer be used, and the clerks were directed to start a new permanent absentee voter list, should they so choose.

According to the Michigan Secretary of State's web site, absentee ballots can be obtained if a voter meets one of the following criteria: • The voter is 60-years-old or older; • The voter is unable to vote without assistance at the polls; • The voter is expecting to be out of town on election day; • The voter is in jail awaiting arraignment or trial; • The voter is unable attend the polls due to religious reasons; or • The voter is appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of his/her own precinct of residence.

There has been a movement in Michigan to pass legislation that would allow anyone to vote absentee, commonly called "no-reason" absentee voting. Lawmakers with reservations about "no-reason" absentee ballot voting generally cite concerns over ballot security and potential voter fraud.

Requests for absentee ballots — which must include a citation of one of the six statutory reasons for voting absentee — must be made in writing and submitted to the city or township clerk no later than 2 p.m. on the Saturday before election day.

The following is a breakdown of how the Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills communities handle absentee ballots and what increases have been observed by the clerks responsible for overseeing elections.

Birmingham Although about 1,560 absentee ballot applications had been requested in Birmingham as of July 9, statistics provided by the City Clerk's office seem to reflect the growing trend of absentee voting power in the city. In 2008, there were 1,887 absentee ballots cast in the primary election, vs.

1,430 in the 2006 primary. Information for 2004 was not available prior to press time.

Those figures, give or take, represent about 10 percent of the voters in the community. As of press time, there were 15,976 registered voters in Birmingham. That figure has been increasing in recent years, with one exception. In 2008, there were 15,335 registered voters in Birmingham, and in 2006, there were 15,132 registered voters, according to data provided by City Clerk Laura Broski's office. However, there were 16,372 voters registered for the 2004 primary election.

According to Broski and other clerks, the last day Birmingham can mail an absentee ballot is the Saturday before the election — this year, Saturday, July 31. However, a resident can obtain an absentee ballot as late as the day before the election, although the ballot must be voted at City Hall that day.

Deputy City Clerk Doreen Martin said that, like other communities in the area, a list of people who have requested to be placed on an absentee voter list has been formulated since the appeals court ruling prohibiting automatic absentee ballot mailing, and those on the list do not have to request the application for every election.

The community does not send out letters notifying individuals of absentee voting eligibility and procedures.

In the upcoming primary election, Birmingham will be counting absentee ballots in the voters' individual precincts.

All of the community's election inspectors go through specialized training, including how to handle absentee ballots to ensure their security.

"Generally, they verify the signature of the application to the ballot," Martin said. "Once that has been verified, (the ballots) are separated from the envelope to maintain secrecy."

Once all the security measures have been taken, Martin said, the ballots are "fed through the (voting) machine."

Candidates for office and others can request to be on an e-mail list detailing voters who have applied to cast absentee ballots, Martin said.

There are no other ways in Birmingham to receive the information aside from the e-mail list, according to Martin. A $15 fee is collected from those who wish to be on such a list for each election. ❯

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31

Bloomfield Hills According to City Clerk Amy Burton, about 365 absent ballots had been requested for the Aug. 3 primary election by early July, although she said she expects almost twice that amount to actually be used. In previous primaries, the number has fluctuated, but data reflects that there is an increasing trend.

For example, in 2004, there were only 325 absentee ballots cast in the primary election. However, the following primary in 2006 saw 589 absentee ballots cast, with that figure tapering off slightly to 556 in 2008.

Those figures reflect a substantial portion of the Bloomfield Hills electorate, which has been hovering around 3,500 registered voters since 2004.

Like other communities, elections workers in Bloomfield Hills follow protocols put forth by the Secretary of State's Elections Bureau when it comes to handling absentee ballots. The application for an absentee ballot has to be signed, Burton said, and the signatures are verified. Once that process takes place, a ballot is issued.

In the primary election, absentee ballots will be counted in each precinct instead of with a separate counting board.

"What I'm going to implement this time is a team of workers separate from the normal precinct workers," Burton said. "They are workers that usually run the counting board. They are going to go to the precinct and process the absentee ballots on the same tabulator."

Of the approximately 30 trained election inspectors in the city, "typically" there are about five who work on the counting board in other elections.

Burton said the decision to have the counting board workers in each precinct allows the other election inspectors to help those residents who decide to vote in person.

Bloomfield Township Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli said that of the 33,405 registered voters in the community on July 1, a little over 5,100 of those already had been issued absentee ballots. That statistic, as of press time, reflects similar

numbers from years past — 5,271 absentee voters in 2004, 5,178 in 2006, and 5,522 in 2008 — but Roncelli said she expects that figure to rise to between 6,500 and 7,000 absentee voters in the upcoming primary election.

And while the number of absentee ballots cast has been increasing, the overall electorate has remained largely stagnant. In 2004, there were 32,229 registered voters in the township; in 2006, that number climbed by less than 1,000 to 33,003; and increased to 33,227 for the 2008 primary. Therefore, if the predictions come true, a substantial increase in absentee voters as a proportion of the general electorate would come to fruition.

Bloomfield Township voters don't receive a letter informing them of absentee voting eligibility, or the procedures and deadlines for obtaining an absentee ballot, Roncelli said.

"When the law changed, we sent notices on to anybody who was on our list who was 60 (years old) and over that was on our list before," she said.

"We sent a notice saying they could only be on the list if they returned this application, per the law."

In order to obtain an absentee ballot, those on the list automatically receive an application. People can also call the clerk's office or visit in person to obtain an application for an absentee ballot.

When the primary comes around, Bloomfield Township will have a "separate counting board" for absentee ballots because of the "large quantity" of absentee voters and the ease and convenience of such a process, according to Roncelli.

Security measures include keeping the ballots sealed until election day.

"They are secured every night in the clerk's office," Roncelli said.

Candidates have applied to receive the township's absentee ballot list, Roncelli said in July. However, she didn't have the names of those candidates off the top of her head.

The list is generally sent electronically to candidates who request it, although candidates can request that information on a CD-ROM. Those updates cost $40. If the candidates want to receive daily updates, it's an additional $20, Roncelli said. ■

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R

ino and Kristina Marra are a passionate pair.

They share a passion for their profession of styling hair and the creation of hair as fashion.

They're united by a passion for one another.

They're passionate for their son, Vasco.

And they're passionate for their award-winning Birmingham salon, Figo Salon, which they've owned together since 2004.

Their ardor for each is intertwined. They have been together for 15 years, brought together over a love of styling, when Kristina began working for Rino.

“I hired Kristina as an assistant many years ago,” Rino said. “We’re now both master stylists, and we’ve been married for eight years.”

The pair continually educate themselves on the ever changing world of fashion, and pass their knowledge on to their staff.

“We have weekly classes for junior stylists in our own academy within the salon. Once a month, we do classes to keep up on what’s new and hot in Hollywood and on the runways,” Rino said.

The Marras’ reputation and cutting edge technology for up-to-date style earned them the title as the official salon for Miss Michigan and Miss Michigan Teen.

“Whenever (the contestant) is in town and there’s an event, we do their hair and makeup,” Kristina said.

With this year’s Miss Michigan having been crowned Miss USA, 2010 was a particularly thrilling year for the Marras. “(Miss Michigan) was in the salon to get her hair prepped a week before she went to Las Vegas,” Kristina said. “To watch it and see her win was pretty exciting. Even though it’s not happening to you, your heart kind of races and you feel that anxiety for her.”

Hair styling isn’t the only passion the Marras share: their 19-monthold son, Vasco, is their best collaboration yet.

“We do so much for the salon and events,” Kristina said. “When we do have any spare time, we’re definitely with our son.” Instead of leaving their son home while they work, Vasco often attends events with them.

The Marras chose Birmingham to locate their business, in part, because the city gave Rino flashbacks to his hometown in Italy.

“It reminded me of a very European city, and it felt like a perfect spot for fashion,” he said.

Having grown accustomed to working together day after day, the Marras find the arrangement to be very natural and beneficial to their relationship and lifestyle.

“The most important part is that we’re able to be together at the best part of the day, not just in the morning or at night when you’re out of energy,” Rino said. “I really wouldn’t have it any other way.”

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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■ municipal Township extends moratorium on medical marijuana

Bloomfield Hills budget

By Brooke Meier

By Kirk Pinho

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved a 30-day extension of a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries in the township.

The original moratorium is set to expire on Aug. 12.

In early April, the board unanimously approved a 120-day moratorium on allowing medical marijuana dispensaries to open up in Bloomfield Township, after receiving several inquiries from people interested in opening up dispensaries in the township.

The moratorium is meant to give township planners and officials time to study areas within the township where medical marijuana facilities might be permissible.

Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli said a draft ordinance is expected to go before the township Planning Commission for review at the end of, or prior to expiration of the 30-day extension.

A public hearing will be held at that time to allow residents to comment and suggest any changes to the proposed ordinance. Following the public hearing, the commission will make a recommendation and the ordinance will move to the township board.

The township board will then hold another public hearing and discuss whether to approve the ordinance, taking in recommendations from the Planning Commission and public hearings.

“We approved the extension because we need more time to research the issue,” Roncelli said.

“Each week something new comes up. We want to make sure we look at everything, are proactive, and have a comprehensive ordinance.”

As part of the moratorium, an appeals board was put in place to allow medical marijuana caregivers to make their case and possibly receive approval to do business in the township while township officials draft a proposed ordinance.

In November 2008, Michigan became the 13th state in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use by an overwhelming statewide vote.

The law requires patients to carry identification cards issued by the state, and caregivers to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility. A caregiver can help up to five other patients, and may grow 12 plants per patient. www.oaklandpaper.com

Deficit less than had been anticipated The Bloomfield Hills fiscal year (FY) 2009-10 budget came in with a significantly lower deficit than what the City Commission first anticipated at the beginning of the budget cycle.

At a Wednesday, June 30 meeting, commissioners responded to fiscal figures which were met with joy: that the city had spent less than what officials had expected at the outset of FY 2009-10. Some reports pegged that as close to $1 million, but others, particularly former Treasurer/Finance Director Carolyn Lorenz, dispute that assertion.

She said by phone on Thursday, July 7, that there was “a lot of misinformation” circulating about what she said was a difference of about $700,000 in the projected budget deficit for the past fiscal year, which ended on Wednesday, June 30. Lorenz said the original deficit for the 2009-10 fiscal year was expected to be about $950,000, but due to various cost-cutting measures the city implemented, the deficit to date was a fraction of that, at about $220,000. She projected that, with invoices still coming in for 2009-10, the final deficit will end up being between $250,000 and $300,000.

Lorenz also rebutted the implication that the commission was surprised when members found out about the difference between the projected deficit and what In April, Supervisor Dave Payne informed the township board that officials were discussing limiting all medical marijuana facilities to operate in a research park district off Franklin Road, north of Square Lake Road.

Payne, and the township board, have stressed in the past that this is strictly a land-use issue.

“We understand voters overwhelming approved legalizing medical marijuana,” he said. ■

World Trade Center steel set for display inside fire station

By Kirk Pinho The Birmingham City Commission has unanimously approved the installation of a piece of steel recov-

ended up actually being the case, stating that she provided monthly fiscal reports to the commissioners. She also stated in a letter addressed to the commission that, when expenditures decrease in a budget, state law doesn’t require budget amendments; however, when the expenditures increase beyond what has been appropriated, statute requires modifications to the community’s spending plan to reflect those hikes.

She also said that some commissioners may be relying too heavily on five-year financial forecasts, instead of more current budget projections. In addition, Lorenz said the city’s budget last year was $9.4 million, not $8.6 million as has been reported.

City Manager Jay Cravens didn’t return calls for comment and confirmation on the figures Lorenz provided.

City Commissioner Sarah McClure refused to comment, instead insisting that members of the media attend the Tuesday, July 13 City Commission meeting for further information and an “action plan,” which she declined to discuss.

Messages left with Mayor Michael McCready, Commissioner Michael Zambricki, and Commissioner Pat Hardy were not returned prior to press time.

Commissioner Robert Toohey couldn’t provide information immediately prior to press time. ■ ered from the wreckage of New York’s World Trade Center, destroyed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S. that killed nearly 3,000 people, to be displayed inside the Adams Road fire station.

It’s unclear at this time when the memorial will be installed.

According to city officials, the fairly-small structure will be paid for by a local family who had a relative survive the terrorist attacks in New York City.

Birmingham Fire Chief Michael Metz said the memorial will be “relatively small” and placed on a pedestal with a plaque commemorating public safety officials’ involvement and losses during the attacks.

“We’re pretty excited about it,” Metz said, adding that it will be a “very nice memorial to the 9/11 victims.”

“It will be a great conversation

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starter, and we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

Mayor Rackeline Hoff said the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey previously announced that pieces of steel from the Twin Towers were available for public memorial and public art displays.

She also said the issue was “very controversial” and that various people throughout the community both supported and opposed obtaining a piece of steel wreckage for use in public art and memorial displays.

At least one area resident, a 9/11 widow, has spoken publicly against such a memorial in the city, saying that it would be a difficult reminder for her and her son.

In February, the Birmingham Public Arts Board explored whether there was enough financial support to move forward with a memorial proposal. The board determined in a meeting that month that about $20,000 was needed to obtain a piece of steel for use as a public art display or memorial.

Hoff said a compromise was reached that allowed the project “not as a work of art, but instead as a tribute” to the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York, on the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and a field near Shanksville, Penn, where a hijacked aircraft crashed.

The City Commission’s 7-0 vote to approve the fire station memorial plan came on Monday, July 12.

The Adams Road fire station is located at the corner of Adams and Bowers. ■

Ordinance targets those who leave kids in vehicles

By Kirk Pinho The Birmingham City Commission has unanimously approved a new ordinance that authorizes a civil infraction for those who leave a child under the age of 8 in a vehicle unattended.

Police Chief Donald Studt said the ordinance, which takes effect immediately, gives police officers more discretion about how to handle situations where a child is left in a car alone.

“We wanted to have an opportunity under city ordinance to take action without going to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for complete action,” Studt said. “It saves time and it saves the prosecutor from having to get involved, and it saves Child Protective Services from getting involved where we think it’s something less than a felony.”

Previously, the only mechanism of enforcing the state law against such Page 41 ❯

39

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■ municipal ❯ Page 39

an act was to pursue felony charges through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. However, in milder cases, such as a person leaving a sick child in a car while the adult goes into a drugstore to buy medicine, for example, an officer would have to either disregard the incident or go through the process of helping bring charges against the adult.

Studt said the most recent incident occurred a couple months ago when a woman left her child in a car while she was getting her fingernails done.

“We haven’t had a lot of cases of that, but we’ve had a few,” Studt said.

Under the new ordinance, violators could face a maximum of 90 days in jail for the misdemeanor offense and/or a $500 fine.

“It’s like (the punishment for infraction of) any other low-end ordinance,” Studt said.

Mayor Pro Tem Gordon Rinschler said the new ordinance isn’t “breaking any new ground” and that it essentially mimics state law regarding the matter.

“It was the sensible thing to do,” Rinschler said.

The commission’s decision came on Monday, June 28. ■

Commissioners grant approval to Zazios restaurant

By Kirk Pinho A restaurant development that has stirred controversy in Birmingham has received final site plan and design approval from the city’s governing body, and the goahead for the mayor and city clerk to complete and execute a contract involving an economic development liquor license.

Zazios, to be located at 34977 Woodward Avenue, received the City Commission’s blessing on Monday, June 28, with some contention, as Commissioner George Dilgard was the sole dissenter in a 6-1 vote in favor of granting final approval to the Greenleaf Trust-owned Italian restaurant.

Dilgard said his reasoning for voting against the approval was that he didn’t agree with “retroactively giving an economic development liquor license” to the company, and that it should have had the license application in order before it began the formal process of opening the restaurant.

An economic development liquor license is designed as a tool for economic development in a specific area of town. Criteria to receive a license www.oaklandpaper.com

New treasurer sought Bloomfield Hills hires search firm

By Kirk Pinho The Bloomfield Hills City Commission has unanimously approved hiring the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to help conduct a search for a new finance director to replace Carolyn Lorenz, who left her position last month.

The commission has used the MML in the past to conduct searches to fill such positions, and those searches have been “successful processes” in the past, according to city officials.

Up to $8,000 will be used to pay for the search, under a motion approved by the commission in a 5-0 last week. Up to $6,500 will be used for the actual search process, with an additional $1,500 allowed for travel so candidates from other areas can be interviewed.

Commissioner Sarah McClure said that the MML “may find a wonderful candidate” for the treasurer/finance director job, but she doesn’t want to limit the

includes a 500 percent property value increase and/or at least $10 million investment into a building, whichever is less. The licenses are confined to the city’s Triangle District and Woodward Avenue frontage, both east and west, from Lincoln up to Poppleton, including the overlay district, with only certain specific buildings meeting the license criteria. None of them are adjacent to residential areas. All parcels must be a minimum of three stories.

City staff indicated that the $34million Greenleaf Trust project has increased property values at that parcel by 2,046 percent.

Mayor Rackeline Hoff echoed sentiments similar to Dilgard’s earlier this week.

“The (Greenleaf Trust) building is beautiful, and I’m sure the restaurant will be wonderful,” she said prior to the commission’s vote. However, she said, the process “puts the city in an uncomfortable position.”

City Planning Director Jana Ecker said the company has “an excellent track record with the city.”

Public testimony from city and Greenleaf Trust officials indicated that the “more-formal” restaurant has not requested a dance or entertainment permit from Birmingham officials.

Tony Masco, vice president of

search to simply applicants from the public sector. She suggested that there may be candidates at private businesses who would be a good fit for the community’s recently-vacated post.

“We would like it to be done (filling the post) as soon as possible,” McClure said, adding she hopes to have the position filled by the fall.

McClure said she’s part of a group of city officials who have been tasked with examining the issue, and that they will have their first meeting next week.

Lorenz tendered her resignation to City Manager Jay Cravens a month ago in order to spend more time with her family and husband, who has just started a new business. Her last day on the job was June 30.

The vacant post is currently being filled in the interim by Plante & Moran auditors.

The commission’s decision to tap MML for the search came on Tuesday, July 13. ■

food and beverage and business development for Greenleaf Trust, said the company is “ecstatic” with the commission’s decision. He said a tentative restaurant opening date is set for July 23, but that’s predicated on approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Restaurant staff will be partially from the company’s homebase in Kalamazoo, but Masco said, “If you’re writing about that, we’re always looking for good people.”

The restaurant features Matt Shellig as the executive chef, formerly of Shiraz, and General Manager Fadi Achour, the former GM of Meriweather restaurant in Southfield, according to Masco.

Zazios will seat 191 people, with 32 of those seats being at the bar.

Masco said the company anticipates no more than 38 percent of Zazios sales to involve alcohol, with the balance being strictly from food sales. ■

Free state park passes available at local libraries

By Brooke Meier For the second year, the state Department of Natural Resources

THE PAPER

and Environment (DNRE) is offering free park passes at local libraries throughout the state.

Both the Bloomfield Township and Baldwin public libraries carry the free passes.

The program, modeled after the museum pass program offered by the Detroit Institute of Art, was started by the DNRE in 2009 when the department recognized the benefits of offering free family fun to families suffering in the harsh economic downturn.

“Unemployment numbers were skyrocketing, and we realized there aren’t a whole lot of free places for parents to take their kids,” said Maia Stephens, a recreation programmer for the DNRE. “We didn’t want people to not feel welcome in our parks because of the cost of the motor vehicle permits.”

Park and Read allows library cardholders to check out a one-day pass for any Michigan state park or recreation area in lieu of the resident daily motor vehicle permit.

“This $6 savings also provides free access to the more than 500 events taking place in state parks throughout the summer,” she said.

“For those interested in bringing along a library book for serious beach reading, 71 of the state parks have hammocks available for Park and Read users to borrow while onsite for the day so they can fully enjoy a great book in Michigan’s great outdoors.”

Area state parks with hammocks include Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township; the Highland Recreation Area in White Lake and Highland townships; the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford; and the Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township.

“Baldwin is delighted to offer this program to our cardholders for a second year,” said Matt Church, associate director of the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham. “Park and Read lets you experience our state’s beauty and gets you into the park without a charge. Saving money while having fun — a fine combination.”

The passes are valid for seven days after checkout, and can be used for one day at any one of Michigan’s 98 state parks. Passes are valid for day-use only.

“This is a great opportunity to try something different,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNRE’s Recreation Division. “Whether you’re looking for time alone or time together, these free passes are a great excuse to go for a picnic, take the kids swimming, or to find your next best fishing spot.”

The program is available through Oct. 1, 2010.

For more information on the availability of the park passes, visit one of the local participating libraries. ■ 41

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■ business notes Greenstone’s Fine Jewelry, a Birmingham institution for almost 40 years, is moving to 430 N. Old Woodward from 528 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. Owner Robert Greenstone said he is looking forward to a midAugust move.

“We had a great opportunity for a new and very exciting space to accommodate our growing needs,” he said.

“It’s a larger space and architecturally outstanding.”

According to Greenstone, the building is a Victor Saroki design.

Greenstone’s Fine Jewelry opened in 1925 under Greenstone’s grandfather, Abraham Greenstone, and has remained a family business. “I’m the only family member of this generation at the store,” Greenstone said.

Greenstone’s specializes in providing high-quality diamonds, gems, gold, jewelry design and watches. “We are the only official Rolex Jeweler in Birmingham,” said Greenstone, a local resident who enjoys serving the Birmingham community. “Working among my colleagues and neighbors has been a privilege and a pleasure for my 30 years in the business. I recognize most of the customers coming into the store by name, face and generation. I’m fortunate to be able to serve many third-year generation customers.”

In addition to jewelry, Greenstone said service is very important, and the business also provides repair, appraisal and engraving services.

■ Massage Green has opened a new location at 34200 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham. Amy Bazzy, director of operations, said that owner Rob Kader was particularly drawn to the city. “It’s a great location and Birmingham is exploding,” she said. “We couldn’t ask for a better city in every aspect.”

Located next door to Papa Joe’s on Woodward, Massage Green takes walkins. “We offer massage therapy and we’re all about the green,” Bazzy said.

“We are LEED Certified Green.”

Also featuring facials, hot stone massages and aroma therapy, Massage Green offers membership programs to

their clients that allows the business to provide very affordable services, according to Bazzy. “We’re a lot less expensive than competitors,” she said.

August marks Massage Green’s twoyear anniversary. Kader, owner of the Birmingham location, also operates a Dearborn location.

■ Woodward Camera is celebrating 40 years at the 33501 Woodward Ave. location in Birmingham. Father-daughter team Bert and Liz Weidner are grateful for their success as a local business.

“Our loyal customers keep coming back generation after generation,” Liz Weidner said. “We find it really amazing that we are selling cameras to the grandchildren of original customers.”

Liz Weidner said her father had always had a strong affinity for photography and it prompted him to start the business. “He passed that on to me,” she said. “I love photography and I love helping people take better photos.”

With 15 employees, Liz Weidner said that business is doing very well. “It’s unfortunate that a lot of small business camera stores are going out of business, but we’re very grateful to be doing very, very well,” she said.

The building that Woodward Camera operates out of was built in 1969 by Birmingham architect Joseph Savin, and has won awards for its design, according to Bert Weidner. The Weidners say they couldn’t be happier with their location, their customers and their place in the city of Birmingham.

Woodward Camera offers digital cameras, accessories, wedding photography, photography classes, photo restoration, albums, frames, photo gifts and a complete photo lab.

■ Jordan’s CrossFit has recently moved into a new 3,000-square-foot building at 2124 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Township. The new space is located within Bloomfield Gymnastics and offers a combination of weight training, gymnastics and cardio to enhance clients’ bodies and minds. The facility offers an open garage door wall to allow students to enjoy the summer weather while they exercise. “We do a lot of workouts outside,” said owner Jordan Levin. “It’s fun and inviting and I love being able to work outside. We don’t have any machines and it’s a lot of fun.”

Levin started the business in 2009

and it has grown rapidly. “I love helping my members accomplish things and challenging them to try new and different exercises,” he said. “I’m also a motivational speaker and I like to coach people to achieve all they can.”

■ Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel (CBWM) recently welcomed a number of new agents to the rapidly-growing company.

The new agents include Jacquelyn Hasenfratz, Teresa Stovall and Darla Niewoit-Hartline at the 298 S. Old Woodward Ave. location in Birmingham.

Additionally, agents Susan Maczko and Sara Reppke have joined the Birmingham location at 500 S. Old Woodward Ave. “Some agents have moved from other real estate companies,” said Marketing Director Kim Pollack. “We’re doing more sales that we were doing last year. It’s a very viable career.”

CEO Kelly Sweeney is pleased to be able to add to the CBWM team. “We are happy to have such talented people joining our team,” Sweeney said. “Our customers can be assured that these agents will deliver the superior level of service that CBWM is known for.”

Founded in 1950, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel is a real estate firm with 11 offices and more than 400 real estate agents in southeast Michigan.

■ McQueen’s Carpets and Rugs has recently moved to 746 E. Maple Road in Birmingham from 4066 W. Maple Road in Bloomfield Hills. Owner Greg McQueen said he is pleased with the relocation. “We really love the area and we felt it was better visibility,” McQueen said of the new location. “We had an opportunity to get a terrific showroom and a great location.

It has great natural light and I’ve had tons of people tell me that they’ve seen the new showroom.”

McQueen’s also offers its own designated free parking. The store features a variety of flooring that can’t be found elsewhere, according to McQueen.

“We have some of the most unique and beautiful products in the flooring industry,” he said. “We carry a lot of

natural products. We’re more like a design flooring showroom and we can provide ideas that customers might not otherwise get.”

McQueen’s opened 46 years ago under Donald McQueen, Greg McQueen’s father. “About 23 years ago, I took over,” Greg said.

While summer months are traditionally slower, McQueen said business is on the upswing. “We’re impressed with the number of people who are coming in and buying,” he said. “Birmingham is definitely a great place to be.”

■ The Kroger store at Maple and Telegraph roads in Bloomfield Township has closed.

In its stead, shoppers can visit the newly-revamped Kroger at Maple and Lahser roads, and the updated store on Telegraph at Long Lake. There is also a Kroger store at Maple and Woodward in Birmingham.

According to Brandon Barrow, a consumer communications representative for Kroger, employees were given the opportunity to work in other locations and most associates were able to transfer closer to their homes.

The Maple and Telegraph store originally opened in the Bloomfield Plaza Mall in 1990.

■ Orthodontic Associates’ full-service practice has recently opened offices at 35046 Woodward Ave., Ste. 200 in Birmingham. “At Orthodontic Associates, we recognize the importance of your smile. No two smiles are alike and each requires individual attention. We are genuinely dedicated to your smile and overall oral heath,” said Dr. Gregory Hummon. “It’s important to us that every person is treated as an individual, regards their experience here as being positive, and completes his or her orthodontic treatment with a wonderful, healthy and confident smile,” said Dr. Thomas Gebeck.

Orthodontic Associates offers completely customized smiles and Drs. Hummon and Gebeck specialize in orthodontics for adults and children, including Invisalign invisible braces.

Business items from the BirminghamBloomfield community are reported by Katey Meisner.

E-mails to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com must be received three weeks prior to publication.

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Bloomfield $1,100,000 Special setting for this custom designed home on private setting in Bloomfield Hills! Great floor plan for the ultimate in entertaining. Indoor waterfall to lower level pool. Indoor full tennis court! Upper and lower levels of living and entertainment! Large outdoor areas of patios, decks and gardens. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 210043625 Presented by Ronni Keating

Bloomfield Hills $599,000 Wonderful site in Rudgate! Well maintained ranch with walkout needing updates or build your dream home on this spectacular 1.39 acre lot in the City of Bloomfield Hills. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 210017586 Presented by Ronni Keating

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Bloomfield Village $1,295,000

Set high upon a hilltop on a private cul-de-sac and in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, this home has been meticulously updated. Style and sophistication, high end amenities and gracious living space. First and second floor master suites, neutral stone baths and gorgeous fixtures.

Gourmet kitchen. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 210023765 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Stunning and stylish décor with great details in this newer construction.

Great built-ins, wainscoting and thick millwork. Gourmet kitchen opens to family room, master bedroom with huge walk in closet and spa like bath, second floor laundry and finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 210010160 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Bloomfield Village $1,170,000

Birmingham $999,900

Tucked deep into the Estate section, this home sits on three lots. Custom features, first floor master suite with his and her baths. Gracious rooms, granite/cherry kitchen, dual stairwells, mud room with informal powder room. Birmingham Schools. Five bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 210025571 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Gracious Quarton Lake Estates home. Soaring ceilings, custom details and stylish décor. Gourmet kitchen boasts premium appliances and granite.

Generous master suite with a spa-like bath and huge walk-in closet. First floor laundry, finished lower level with recreation room and storage. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 210081534 Presented by Sara Lipnitz

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Birmingham $2,850,000 Magnificent shingle style home overlooking Birmingham's Quarton Lake. Designed by C. Longe, built by Kojaian Homes. Exceptional quality home is in pristine order and decorated to perfection. Tailored grounds with large yard and bluestone porch, patio and walkways. Open floor plan with nine foot ceilings on main floor. Five bedrooms with 6.1 baths. 210036052 Presented by Mike Cotter and Paula Law

Oakland Township $2,295,000

Birmingham $1,150,000

Exquisite home in gated Orchard Ridge Subdivision with the exceptional appointments you would expect! Superb kitchen entertainment area.

Finished lower level with media room, sauna, spa, bar, bistro area, game room and guest suite. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths. 210062442 Presented by Paula Law

Convenient to the magic of downtown! This custom home leaves little to the imagination, unsurpassed quality and beautifully presented with very high end detailing. Lovely lower level and spectacular carriage house with guest quarters including full bath. Third floor could be developed into additional square footage. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 210071981 Presented by Mike Cotter

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Bloomfield $1,995,000 Outstanding home in every way! Flowing floor plan with 9,000 square feet of superb living space. Perfect for entertaining and comfortable living. Five generous bedroom suites including a fantastic master retreat with separate sitting room. Resort style lot overlooking magnificent pebble tech pool surrounded by lush landscape. 210040822 Presented by Renee Acho

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Birmingham $799,000

Masterfully Crafted Newer Construction! This luxurious, impeccably detailed 5,100 plus square foot home welcomes you with a two story foyer opening to living/dining room with soaring ceilings, windows and paneled library with fireplace. Second floor features a spacious master retreat with fireplace. Three additional bedrooms with 3.2 baths.

210043184 Presented by Renee Acho

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Just Reduced! 2006 stunning contemporary by Young & Young Architects, situated on 1.33 acres of plush landscape is environmentally sensitive and forward thinking in its use of resources and space. Floating glass walls, soaring windows, tinted concrete floors, wood details and magnificently streamlined kitchen. Five bedrooms with 3.1 baths.

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Highly motivated sellers! Surprise jewel on an amazing one acre lot in the heart of Birmingham. The land surrounding it, includes a slice of a river coupled with your own private park. An exceptional home with an elegant interior. Hardwood floors, formal dining room, eat in kitchen, three fireplaces, and year round sunroom with full view of the stunning backyard expanse. Lower level walk out. Six bedrooms, 5.2 baths.

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Wonderful totally updated contemporary. Gourmet kitchen with high end stainless steel appliances, living room with granite fireplace and wet bar opens to dining room. Stunning master suite with custom built-ins and heated marble bath with jetted tub and steam shower. Lower level with fifth bedroom. Beautiful in ground pool. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths.

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Lake Angelus Frontage $2,499,900

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,999,900

Fabulous sunsets surround this newer built home on sandy point. Dead end street. Beautiful views. South Shore with every possible amenity, granite, marble, and heated three and a half car garage. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 210021645 Presented by Lee Embrey

Contemporary Tudor on over one acre with 6,854 sq ft of modern sophistication. Granite kitchen, Subzero, Viking, Thermador and Bosch appliances. First floor junior master. Three fireplaces. 1,800 sq ft Mahogany deck with hot tub. Five bedrooms with five baths. 210021093 Presented by Lee Embrey

Orchard Lake Frontage $1,399,900

Lake Angelus Frontage $894,000

Fabulous 4,300 sq ft lakefront home with stunning sunset views. Updates include; new kitchen with all upper end appliances, baths and hardwood floors. Private hot tub. Sandy frontage and wooded lot on 1.3 acres. Four bedrooms with four baths. 210043324 Presented by Lee Embrey

Very well kept home with fabulous views of Lake Angelus. 2,000 square foot Ranch with an additional 1,600 square footage in the finished lower level. Three fireplaces. Full deck, paver patio, stone sea wall, private road.

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Consider this distinctive property located in Washtenaw & Jackson counties for your personal estate, corporate getaway, hunt club or recreational retreat.

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■ election

9th Congressional District Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township Anna Jarrek, Judge Richard D. Kuhn, Rocky Raczkowski, and Paul Welday are competing in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 Republican primary election for the chance to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, a Democrat, in the November general election. U.S. representatives serve two-year terms and are currently paid $174,000 annually.

The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. Kuhn didn’t participate in our candidate interview session.

BUDGET/DEFICIT/DEBT: With the federal budget deficit approaching $1.6 trillion and the national debt at over $13 trillion and projected to rise close to $20 trillion by 2015, what changes do you advocate in federal budgeting and spending? Be specific about programs or departments that you believe should be allocated more or less money.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN: The resignation of General Stanley McChrystal and the expected offensive in Kandahar have brought renewed attention to the war in Afghanistan. Explain why you do or don’t believe the U.S. should remain involved in militarily conflicts there and in Iraq. What would you do differently to prosecute these wars? What needs to be done to ensure that additional conflict doesn’t break out in those countries once troop drawdowns begin?

IMMIGRATION: Attorney General Eric Holder recently filed suit against the state of Arizona, contesting its new immigration law. Efforts in other states have been made to essentially copy that law. First, do you agree with the Arizona law, and should something similar be in place in Michigan? What needs to be done about illegal immigration, not just on the U.S.-Mexico border, but nationwide?

TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the district at this time, and how do you propose to address them?

WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters choose you over your opponents?

ANNA JARREK BUDGET/DEFICIT/DEBT: Nation-building is completely wrong. We shouldn’t be in 135 countries and have 700 bases. That should be cut. If we want to cut the budget, that’s the place to cut. Also, cut the Department of Education. Education should be controlled locally. The Department of Energy (should be cut), also. Jimmy Carter started that 33 years ago to be independent of foreign oil, but it’s not what it’s supposed to be. It’s $33 billion a year, they employ 16,000 people. It’s based on money, and I don’t know what they do. There are other departments (that need to be cut), too — the Department of Agriculture, and 58

the Department of Homeland Security. I think everything is a waste of money.

They are not for the little farmers, they are not for people, the consumers.

They are just for big corporations.

Farm subsidies are going to big corporations who don’t need subsidies; they can go to little farmers.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN: We can’t police the world. We can’t dictate to every country what to do. I believe we should not be in Afghanistan or Iraq. We should just come home. This is an unending war. It’s an undeclared war. It costs money, and we are broke. Let’s bring the troops home. It’s unwinnable.

Anna Jarrek is a member of the Oakland County Republican Party's 9th Congressional District Executive Committee.

It just costs money and there’s no end to it. We are not safer because of going there; we are less safe.

If the American military leaves Afghanistan, the people should decide how they are going to lead. I don’t think the American government should dictate to everybody how to lead. I don’t know how much equipment we have over there, but we should just take our stuff and come home.

IMMIGRATION: I support the Arizona law. The federal government is not doing their job and they have to do something. Also, states should be controlling illegal immigrants. I came here 40 years ago as a legal immigrant. I also had a sponsor, a guy from Chicago. Some charity paid my airplane ticket and I had one year to return the money. Right now, what we have, when they come here, they get benefits — free health care, free schools, everything free. I know a few people who came from Russia and they are working, but their whole family came here — parents and grandparents. They never worked in this country like my husband worked, and they have better benefits than he does. He just received his first Social Security check, $1,800 and some change, and these people who came from Russia, they never worked a day in this country and they receive more benefits. We shouldn’t let older people in here who won’t be working here, just taking these benefits. It’s not fair for American people who have been working for 40 years.

My husband, he retired and he doesn’t have insurance. Before, he was laid off for a year. No insurance. But these

immigrants, they have insurance. We should close our borders and watch who we let in this country. Also, we are destroying other countries and these people come here, these angry people.

TOP ISSUES: I’m looking for the free market. The free market can take care of lots of problems. We are making things very complicated. They want to run everything. We just need lower taxes and less government involvement, and less regulation so businesses can grow. It is very hard to start a business right now because there is so much regulation that a small business can’t afford it. We just need a free market.

Also, we have to do something with the monetary system. What we have here is just international bankers. To me, that’s a huge problem. The dollar is worth nothing.

Since 1913, the dollar has gone down like 97 percent. (International bankers) are running everything and their goal is a New World Order. We have to wake up and not participate in their schemes.

WHY YOU? I’m for a non-intervention foreign policy. We should have a strong military to protect our borders and shores, but we aren’t protecting that. As far as I know, both of (the other candidates) are for war, and I’m for peace. I’m for a small, limited government, a Constitutional government. This government is so huge.

The role of government should just be protecting our liberties, not running all kinds of businesses and everything else. I’m for sound money. We have to do something about it. In the Constitution, it says Congress should have the power to coin money. It’s not the Federal Reserve, it’s just printing paper money. It’s unconstitutional. This country is going in the wrong direction. That’s why I’m running. I don’t want my grandkids to be slaves to international bankers. That’s where we are heading. We should not be listening to international organizations like the UN. ROCKY RACZKOWSKI BUDGET/DEFICIT/DEBT: I share a lot of the frustrations and fears of some of the people that I’m hearing from while walking door-to-door. They ask me what my three top priorities are and I tell them, “The national debt, the national debt, the national debt.”

By the end of this year, we will be at $14 (trillion). By the time we elect a new Congressman or by the time we get elected in November, we aren’t going to be looking at the year 2011 budget, we are going to be looking at the year 2012 budget because the (fiscal) year begins Oct. 1. So, yes, there is a projected budget deficit of an added $1.5 trillion or $1.6 trillion, and some are even saying $1.8 trillion by the end of this fiscal year. I believe we need to first tackle the deficit and start slowly paying off the debt.

I’m calling for a 10-percent cut right across the board. I’m also calling for the Department of Defense to

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stop nation-building. We need to start rebuilding our own country first. I know this first-hand because I was involved in a lot of civil-military operations, and I’ve stepped out of the military, the active reserves, so I could speak freely about this. Our military is spending way too much money and our Department of Defense budget is focused too much on civil operations and building other nations, rather than rebuilding our own country.

What departments would I call for elimination of? The Department of Education. One of the most interesting things is, about four months ago, there was a big debate and everybody was watching one state to see what textbooks they would purchase — Texas. When most states buy textbooks, they try to buy them together and negotiate the best price. They weren’t looking at Washington D.C. We have a lot of unfunded mandates coming from Washington D.C. and the Department of Education, even under Republican programs, like the No Child Left Behind mandates. We can eliminate (the Department of Education), send that money back to the states, cut our deficit and debt, and give that money back to the people. Also, the Department of Energy. It was created to make us less dependent on foreign fuels. They could cut their budget significantly and still try to accomplish that mission.

Rocky Raczkowski is the former chairman and CEO of Star Tickets, a national ticketing and entertainment company, and also a former state representative, at one point the majority leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. Raczkowski is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of major.

I strongly believe we need to make some strenuous cuts. If we don’t do that, most economists will tell you we will have an economic collapse of the dollar. I’m a strong supporter of less taxes and more growth. On the intricate details of where the (Department of Defense) needs to be cut, we may differ. I see where we are supporting our soldiers, and where we are not.

This is not a firmly declared war like it was in WWII. Basically, this is a Vietnam-esque situation.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN: I come from the perspective of being a former enlisted man who served two tours of duty in the last six years. I was in the Horn of AUGUST 2010

Africa and Afghanistan. I served in and around the Somali regional state. This is one of the reasons why I stepped out of the active reserve and into the individual ready reserve, so I can say some of the things I am saying. I couldn’t put the Rolling Stone article down. It was exactly how I felt on a daily basis.

We have so many politicians, Democrats and Republicans sitting in Washington sending us off to war without understanding what it is to go to war, or how to fight a war. I was always taught Sun Tsu’s greatest book, “The Art of War.” You don’t commit the military unless you have overwhelming force, and you commit the military to win. You must have the will to win. My colleagues are correct in the fact that there is no statement of victory anywhere in any of these political speeches. True, the rules of engagement are terrible because they basically tie the hands of soldiers. When we have a military that, for the first time in its entire history, looks at giving a medal of bravery for practicing restraint, we’ve got a problem. I apologize, but the military is not there to be the Peace Corps. The military is there to break things and destroy certain enemies.

What’s happening currently in Afghanistan and Iraq, we are practicing this (counterinsurgency) strategy, and I am one of those individuals from the military who can speak a bit freer. Anything that I say is not implying an endorsement of the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense because I’m still a major in the U.S. Army. I believe our (counterinsurgency) strategy is tremendously flawed. I believe it’s backwards in that it’s carrot and stick, when I believe it should be stick and then carrot like it was in WWII. We are actually building up these nations and we are building up their governments. You read about how General McChrystal was trying to prop up Karzai in different regions, and prop up the free-standing government to create a semblance of a real, active government, so not only are we fighting and giving direct action to the enemy, but we are also trying to stand up a government at the same time. It doesn’t always work well. The only way you fight an enemy like that is to destroy them with technology and with boots on the ground. We are not doing that right now. We are practicing the civil-military operation, the (counterinsurgency) strategy that doesn’t take the fight to the enemy.

So with that being said, should we stay or go? This administration in this undeclared war now says we should leave Afghanistan in 15 months. Do I believe that’s going to be postponed? Yes, I believe that’s going to be postponed. But if we are going to continue what we’re doing right now, we are going to get what we’ve always gotten, and that’s a quagmire. (We should) lift the rules of engagement and let the soldiers fight the battles that they need to fight. I’m tired of hearing candidates saying they listen to the boots on the ground, or the generals or commanders in the field. They don’t; neither www.oaklandpaper.com

party did. Nor did (former Secretary of Defense) Donald Rumsfeld. Nor does this administration. That’s why Gen. Shinseki left the Department of the Army under the Bush Administration and retired early. I’m not asking (for more troops). I’m asking that we fight a low-intensity conflict (LIC) with special operations forces — technology with overwhelming force. How many times have we had a target in the crosshairs and let them go? We saw how effective it was to use the Northern Alliance forces and the Mujahaddin to basically extricate the Taliban and destroy them. The only reason we really lost the Taliban and Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora was the leaks coming out of Washington.

To me, this race is personal because (of) a number special to my heart grew; it (recently) went from eight to nine. I lost another friend (from military service). It’s been nine friends I’ve lost in the War on Terror.

When I go to Washington, I will know what it means to have shed blood and served with people and sweated in the heat. To me, this is personal, it’s not partisan. It’s about what’s right for our country.

IMMIGRATION: I speak four foreign languages and I learned as a state representative that we actually print driver license exams in three different languages. That’s a burden on our budget because when you have to print them at different Secretary of State offices, that’s an added cost. So I agree with English being the primary language. The eVerify system — County commissioner Jim Runestad is one of the individuals who has been a leader on that, and I strongly agree with what he is doing. I disagree with some portions of the national Chamber of Commerce because they haven’t taken on this aspect of the fight on illegal immigration. Why do we have illegal immigration? Because when you cross the border into the Untied States, you are finding some kind of economic sovereignty or an ability to find money and create a better life for yourself.

What we need to do is fine employers that knowingly hire illegal aliens. We need to stop this madness economically. We really need to control our borders, north and south. In the Bush administration, under the pressure the Bush administration had, we had the Minutemen. We built about 322 or 312 miles of this fence, and that’s it. Our federal government pretty much stopped.

I sent out an e-mail today. I addressed this specific thing because Eric Holder stated in his public announcement that they were going to sue, the Department of Justice was going to go after Arizona. He said that immigration is a federal issue.

Yeah, it’s a federal issue. As my colleagues stated, we are not enforcing it. As a Congressman, I will work hard to make sure that we enforce our borders, defend our borders, and go after employers that hire illegal aliens. I will fight hard to make English the primary language. I was born to parents that immigrated

legally. We have a green card lottery across the world. We have a refugee assistance program. It’s part of our Department of State program to bring refugees from across the world and make them Americans. We pay for their housing, food, ESL (classes), and then on top of that, Gary Peters voted to increase their monthly nontaxable benefits from $900 a month to $1,800 a month. Is that fair?

Then, we put out booklets on naturalization and benefits, and in these benefits booklets that are also printed in multiple languages, we talk about benefits to immigrants.

How do we solve the problem? We have the sponsorship program. I’m all for bringing back the sponsorship program. I believe in legal immigration, but let’s do it right. We are wasting so much money when what we should be looking at is how we got into this situation. We’ve expanded every willy-nilly program and made it easy for people to come into the United States and create this problem for us. It’s a major problem for our country. You’re talking about 13 million people. You need to document them. I think both parties have talked about documenting these individuals, but we also need to stop them at the border, increase border patrol, ICE, naturalization, and make it a stronger crime, a felony, for any corporation that hires illegal aliens or immigrants.

I do support the Arizona law.

Should Michigan implement this? I think every state should implement the Arizona law. It basically mirrors the federal law.

TOP ISSUES: The national debt, the national debt, and the national debt.

On top of those three, it’s generation of jobs, cutting our spending, and protecting America. Under all of those, health care, cap-and-trade, protecting our nation with a strong military, and having a vibrant economy all fall under the national debt. If we have an economic collapse in this country, our dollar falls, all these programs are for naught. It all impacts one very important aspect that I’m most concerned about, and that’s Oakland County and Oakland County families. This is my home.

I plan on addressing (these issues) by how I answered the first question, being part of a class of young (congressional) freshman who are more concerned with being patriots than politicians, abiding by the Constitution and abiding by representing the families and citizens of Oakland County.

The three main issues are generating jobs, cutting government spending and protecting America, be it repealing the health care act; working on reforming cap-and-trade if it passes and is signed; fixing our economy so that we don’t go into a collapse with overspending; and hopefully lowering taxes. If you lower taxes, you create less government and create more personal freedom.

WHY YOU? When you ask me the question, “Why are you running and why are you better than the other individuals,” it’s not so much about the other individuals or Gary Peters,

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but instead it’s about why I’m running. This is personal to me. When you lose friends in war, and have friends that have lost jobs and their careers, you realize that everything Washington does plays a roll in our lives. They are paying for their future by selling ours. This isn’t something that I’ve looked for doing my entire life. I’m running because you’ve seen my record in the past. I was one of the co-chairs of term limits in Michigan, I served in the state Legislature, was honored to be picked as the youngest majority leader in the country, left and went and served in the private sector. I served two tours after that in the global War on Terror.

I was called up by my country and had a great expedition overseas for a year at a time.

Most importantly, it comes down to this. Yeah, the experience is great. I’ve run a national business, as well. Most of us have had some type of business experience. I’ve been the CEO of a national business. I’ve run military operations. I’ve commanded military units. I’ve actually taken orders. I started from the ground up and so forth, but that’s all background. Of all these candidates sitting here and even in the general (election) when we face Gary Peters, all of us may say the same things but there is only one that’s committed to accomplish this in Washington. But how many people will actually go and fight? I will fight toothand-nail like I have for my country. I love Oakland County. I love the families in Oakland County. I love my extended family, my friends, as well as all the people that have joined our campaign.

There is a reason why we have about 1,000 volunteers on our campaign already, more than any local campaign or in the state. People are interested in change. They are interested in someone who is not looking for a political career.

I’m not looking for a political career.

I’m looking to do the job, do it right, fight for Oakland County families, and I would come back home and live under the laws that we pass, just like I did when I served in the state Legislature.

I’m an optimist. I do believe our country’s best days are yet to come, but we need some out-of-the-box thinkers who are ready to fight for what’s right. Like I said before, we need more patriots than politicians because to me, I still get goosebumps when I see the flag.

PAUL WELDAY BUDGET/DEFICIT/DEBT: There are huge subsidies going to sugar growers in Florida, to cotton producers. We all agree this budget is out of control and our deficit is a clear-and-present danger and our long-term national debt threatens to choke the life out of this economy. Our top priority has to be to pull our federal spending in line with reality.

The one difference, of course, is that I’m the one candidate who has done that. During the 1990s, when Congressman (Joe) Knollenberg served on the Appropriations Committee, I was assigned to work with him in that capacity. We had done something that hasn’t been done since, and that’s recision. That’s Congress going in, reviewing the budget, and actually cutting 59

■ election monies that had been budgeted and appropriated. In 1995, we cut $50 billion. That was a lot of hard work. Just saying you’re going to cut across the board doesn’t do it. You’ve got to roll up your sleeves and go down department by department to find where the excess spending is. You’ve got to build the support in the committee among your colleagues on the floor and get it done in the Senate, too.

The one thing that is essential is to get a handle on entitlements. The biggest portion of our federal budget is Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Whenever that’s brought up, most politicians head for the hills.

It’s the third rail of politics. It’s become so partisan, but this is not a Republican or Democratic issue; this is an American issue. Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to provide for those people for whom this government has made extensive promises for their retirement security. I think that’s something we ought to stand behind with full faith and credit.

The first order of business is to demonstrate commitment, on a bipartisan basis, to address the serious problems that exist. Social Security takes in less than it’s paying out, so this requires our immediate attention and it’s the most important step in getting our budget in order. Frankly, in order for us to resolve this issue, it’s going to take all of us working together because we see what happens when one party or another tries to ram legislation through. Look at this health care bill, passed on a one-party basis, and over 50 percent of the American people rejected it. It’s future is uncertain. If we are going to address this issue, we have to come together and make this a priority for us.

We need to pass a budget. For the first time since the Budget Act was passed in 1974, the Democrat Congress hasn’t even passed a budget this year. They have some loose language they’re throwing around to their committee chairmen like Barney Frank and Sander Levin and others, but there are no targets for which to shoot for.

How do the American people hold them accountable when there is no budget? So having a budget is very, very important. One of the things we have to do, as we go forward with a reduction in the allocations to the various appropriation committees is to drill down. Let’s talk about the (Department of Defense). Years ago, when the military decided they were going to launch the next generation of aircraft, the F-35, because of the political nature of these kinds of contracts, they didn’t award just one contract for the engine, they awarded two, both developing fighter engines, both costing $4 billion each. We don’t need two fighter engine programs going forward.

We can save $4 billion immediately.

I don’t want to cut veterans’ spending. My mother was a nurse in the VA, and I’ve seen the veteran’s system first hand, and we owe more to our returning veterans. We are in a new age, fighting new wars, dealing with new kinds of disabilities. I don’t want to see any cuts in veterans’ benefits. In terms of Defense, I say I’m a 60

hawk but I’m a cheap hawk. I want to be sure the troops have all the tools they need to do the job they’ve been asked to do. We are policy makers.

We have to set policy. While it certainly is possible to make reductions in the Department of Defense, our first priority is to make sure they have the resources they need.

IRAQ/AFGHANISTAN: The first thing it’s important to note is that we have troops in the field today, men and women who are risking their lives for this country under very difficult circumstances. I don’t agree with the

Paul Welday is the owner and president of Renaissance Strategies, Inc., a marketing, communications, and public relations consulting firm.

comments of our RNC Chairman Michael Steele when he said this is “Obama’s war.” This is America’s war.

It’s not a partisan issue. But at the same time, I think it’s important to raise questions. We are policy makers as members of Congress. It’s the responsibility of the administration, the commander in chief, to report to the Congress as to what our objectives are, what our timetables are to reasonably achieve those objectives, and what the cost of that is going to be. I have serious reservations because I have yet to hear from the Obama administration what exactly constitutes “victory” in Afghanistan.

When do we know we’ve won? Is it elimination of the Taliban? Is it going into Pakistan? Is it ensuring that Karzai government is permanently ensconced? There are a lot of questions that this administration owes answers to, not just to Congress but to the American people as a whole.

We have made a significant commitment in Afghanistan. Almost $1 trillion. We’ve also lost a lot of good men and women in that fight, and I want to honor their memory.

What I don’t want to see is an arbitrary date for troop withdrawal because the one thing I can assure you is, the Taliban will go back into their caves and wait for that (withdrawal) date on the calender. I don’t think you can tie the hands of the commanders. I want to press this administration and the Secretary of Defense and Gen. Petreaus.

One of the most important issues, with regards to this transition of authority, is the rules of engagement.

You hear this from people serving today, coming back. They don’t know when they can engage. There are very severe limitations, and if we are going to ask these men and women to do the job, we’ve got to be very clear

what it is we are asking from them.

Those things need to be addressed right away. I want to press the administration for some clear objectives and hold them accountable for that. I don’t want to set a hard-andfast deadline for troop withdrawal, but I do think we need to be continually reviewing the situation and leaving when the time is right.

IMMIGRATION: This is one area where the Constitution is very clear. It gives Congress and the federal government the authority to regulate immigration, and it’s an absolute tragedy that the state of Arizona has had to assume the responsibility that the federal government has walked away from. That’s the reason Arizona passed the law. I think this administration, Eric Holder, is absolutely offbase by filing suit in federal court to stop this Arizona law. If the federal government did what it’s supposed to do and enforce its own laws, this wouldn’t be an issue. The federal government hasn’t assumed responsibility for it for quite some time. Obama’s here today and Obama is filing suit against Arizona for what they have to do to protect their citizens, and that’s the first responsibility of government.

I agree with them having done what they have done, but as a member of Congress, I’m going to demand that we assume the responsibility that the Constitution gives us to regulate immigration and enforce existing law.

We need to secure our borders.

That’s the first priority before we start talking about immigration reform. We have laws in place, like eVerify. We have an economic incentive for people to cross into this country from any border because they believe they can make more money here than in their home country. We need to make sure that people who are offering jobs are only giving those to people who are here legally.

I also think, frankly, that we need to make English the official language.

We need to stand on our principles.

We don’t want to bifurcate this country like they do in Canada, with French on one road sign and English on another. It reaffirms the fact that this is a country founded on English.

It says that if you come to America, you need to understand and know the language. Most countries in the world, before they accept immigrants, make sure they do know the language before they are able to work and be citizens. This is something that the American people want. We shouldn’t be forcing the government to produce multi-lingual road signs. What’s next, (multi-lingual) election ballots? In school districts in this area, we have 60 or 70 dialects spoken, and I think that’s a wonderful thing and that people should embrace their heritage.

But at what point then do we say, “Gee, we have to add this language and that language.”

TOP ISSUES: There are really three primary objectives I’ve set out. Certainly the first is moving forth a pro-growth agenda and improving the climate for private sector job creation. We have to stop going in the direction that the Obama-Pelosi-Peters Congress is taking

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us, and that’s clearly the wrong direction. My view is that we do need to incentivize employers to create employees, and we haven’t done that. We’ve done things like stimulus bills which drive us further into debt, and frankly haven’t created jobs. We’ve moved backwards.

Clearly, we also need to reduce the size of the federal government by cutting federal spending. That is job No. 1. It’s part of creating a pro-growth economy.

The third thing that I think is fundamentally important for elected officials is to restore trust in federal government. People are very cynical, they are losing faith. We need to restore that faith and trust because if we don’t do that there is going to be an even further chasm between the people who government is elected to serve, and politicians in Washington.

We’ve got to be doing stuff for the right reasons, and we’ve got to be accountable. We’ve got to represent the interests of the people, and I don’t think we’ve done a very good job of that (in Washington). That’s a big commitment from me. If I don’t have the consent of the people I’m elected to serve, I’m not doing my job.

WHY YOU? We do need to get people aware. That is the key issue here.

Fundamentally, who the Republican Party nominates is a very, very important question because it’s not just about winning the nomination, it’s about who is the strongest candidate going into the fall campaign — who can give Gary Peters the race of a lifetime, can win, and bring that seat back, not just to the Republican Party but to the people of Oakland County. I think that I have the mix of background. You want to talk about personal? Ten days ago, I had a baby girl, and when I look in the eyes of that child, nothing is more personal than that. Now, I know I can provide for her, but what kind of country are we going to leave for children like Natalie? Every parent feels the same way.

I have business experience. Nobody handed me a business; I went out there and built it from the ground up.

I’m the kind of business owner who turns the lights out at night and makes sure the coffee pot is turned off before we lock the doors. Most importantly, I’ve created jobs, met payrolls and paid taxes on time. I know what the obstacles are and the challenges it takes to keep a business up. The other thing that’s very important is my real, hands-on, legislative experience working in Washington, playing a very important roll in cutting federal spending when we were cutting federal spending. I know what it takes to put the folks together that we need to put together the legislation we need to put us on the right track.

Finally, I think it’s very important that people recognize that I’m someone who people know and trust. I’m a principled conservative running for the right reasons. I’ve built a broadbased coalition of people across this district. I’ve felt the support growing now every day and I’m excited about this primary and the opportunity to defeat Gary Peters in the fall. ■ AUGUST 2010

13th State Senate District Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township Roi Chinn, David R. Kniffen, and incumbent state Sen. John Pappageorge are competing in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 Republican Primary election. The winner of the GOP primary race will face Democrat Aaron Bailey in the November general election. State senators serve four-year terms and are currently paid $79,650 a year.

The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses.

BUDGET: A struggling economy and a slow, gradual recovery don’t bode well for the state’s budget scenario. Calls for tax cuts may buy votes at the polls, but implementing them is meaningless without spending cuts and reforms. What are your expenditure priorities for the state? Where can waste be eliminated or reforms be implemented to save money? What, if anything, needs to be done on the revenue side of the budget equation?

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Legislation to establish a regional authority to create and oversee an expanded transit system is languishing in the state Legislature. Please tell us why you do or don’t believe the region is in need of expanded transit services and options. If you believe expanded transit is needed, what’s your vision for a regional system, and how do you propose to pay for it?

EDUCATION: Like the state itself and municipal governments, Michigan schools have been hamstrung by budget constraints. Please state why you do or don’t believe the state’s public schools are adequately funded.

What education reforms do you advocate to either improve education or save money? What needs to change in the state’s higher education system to accommodate a knowledgebased economy?

TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the Legislature, and how do you propose to address them?

WHY YOU? Why specifically should voters choose you over your opponent?

ROI CHINN BUDGET: For me, the first thing is what our ideals are. I’ve walked through Clawson, Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Madison Heights, and certain parts of Troy, and it seems that overwhelmingly voters want one of the spending priorities to be education.

So education is one of the top spending priorities for the people of the 13th District.

Secondly, I look at investment. We know that we need to address clean technologies. That’s going to bring a great deal of money, overall, (and) long-term, jobs to Michigan. And we www.oaklandpaper.com

need to invest in our infrastructure.

Infrastructure allows us to bring about thousands of new jobs to Michigan. So those would be the two areas I would look at, as well as public safety. Public safety is an expenditure we need to fund.

Michigan Defining Moments, the Citizens Research Council, the Renaissance Business Group, and the Mackinac Center, for the last ten years, have recommended cuts that could have been made that would have put Michigan in a more competitive position. I’m looking at reforming health care. We are doing a press release later on — it’s called the Chinn Health Care Plan — looking at

Roi Chinn is administrator of the city of Detroit's Municipal Parking Division, overseeing operations, facility management, revenue collections, administration and finance. He is a member of the Bloomfield Hills Financial Goals Team and the Detroit Mass Transit Technical Committee Board.

Chinn is a State Court Administrative Office-approved civil mediator.

Medicaid. We could save about $800 million if we move to a managed care aspect on health care across the board. We need to look at corrections.

We need to give judges the discretion to sentence criminals in a way that doesn’t overtax the citizens.

We could look at outsourcing. I think the Legislature could use their authority to ask for consolidation, and also ask for a service-sharing and privatizing certain inventories throughout the state. For that, I would call for an independent commission to be established to look at certain inventories we could privatize to the private sector.

For education, I think 40 percent of the education budget, if you look at what the cost savings could be if we look at new technology, imagine, if you will, a teacher who teaches one class over four periods of a day. Firsthour students and second-hour students generally get a better education than sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-hour students. I’m asking that we adopt Blackboard. They have places like Maryland that have saved over $200 million by utilizing technology in schools so a teacher will have online course instruction, which helps stu-

dents who are more methodical, students who require a little bit more studying. There are so many ways we can take technology. We could work with Google and use computing to lower our costs across the board.

When I look at some of the expenditures with teachers’ pay, personally I think teachers should be some of the highest-paid people in the country.

Realistically, that’s not something that we can do today, and we do have dead weight. But I do think that, as a negotiator and as a mediator, I think I can go to Lansing and negotiate and mediate a better term.

At this point, I think until we do some housekeeping in Lansing, a tax is something that none of the voters want. Realistically, when you look at the picture, in time, we are going to have to raise some taxes and lower some taxes. I think, in time, we are going to have to cut some services and invest in some services. But I think in the next four years, a tax increase would be foolhardy. I think we have cost savings if we manage and right size the government right now in Lansing. I would not advocate a tax.

The tax I do support is the Michigan Fair Tax. I would also support some sort of tax based on consumption, lowering the overall tax rate for all of Michigan consumers.

Those are the two tax rates I would probably advocate on the revenue side. The Michigan Fair Tax would lower the overall tax and do away with the income tax, do away with the personal tax, things of that sort.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Four years ago, my daughter came home with a project measuring our carbon footprint.

So, for the past four years, I’ve been parking and riding. I ride the SMART bus all the way down from Bloomfield Hills to the city of Detroit. For every $1 that we commit to a mass rail system, it will yield about $6 or $7, so as far as economic development, I think it’s great. But I think we are ready for some real dynamic leadership. The people of Michigan are ready for a light rail leadership. But the leadership begins somewhere. So, “Just connect me from Birmingham to Troy,” or from Detroit to Lansing.

We need to take this go to Chicago.

We need to take this to key areas of economic development. We also know that more students — qualified, talented students — want vibrant cities.

They move to New York or Chicago, where transportation is something that, according to survey after survey, students want. The students who are coming out of college today want that. When you look at the economic impact of going from Michigan to maybe Toronto or Chicago or Cleveland, traveling from Mackinac Island all the way down to Detroit, this is the way of the future. This is

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something we need to seriously work on in the Legislature.

As far as funding, there are a lot of dynamic organizations in the public and private sector, and when the federal government sees a plan, a comprehensive plan to connect Detroit to Lansing, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, to tie it in to something, I think they will definitely step in. I’m very much in support of light rail.

The funding could come from the federal government, partnerships from the private sector, and public sector.

These are some of the things we need to discuss. I know there are multiple organizations that are looking at it and have looked at it for the past 10 years. It just needs more political will and leadership to get this moving in the right direction.

EDUCATION: When it comes to education, parents really love their children and education is definitely a priority. As far as how much money could be there, of course we’d always want more, more, and more money.

As far as taxpayers are concerned, I think we need to look at education from the very beginning. Early childhood education definitely needs to be funded. Our kindergarten needs to be funded for children. That’s a part of that 21st Century revolution of what we need to get to, in the long term.

Vocational education (is needed). Not everyone is equipped to go to college or wants to go to college. When you look at the green economy, the alternative renewable energy, manufacturing comes in. The wind turbine needs to be manufactured somewhere, those solar panels need to be placed somewhere, so there is a need for quality vocational jobs. Vocational schools don’t have to take on the identity that they did in the past, where vocational schools were just for the kids who were washed out and couldn’t make it. When we look at the budget with 20J funding, I was angry and upset, and I do know (Sen. Pappageorge) was fighting for the people here in the 13th District. But sitting on the Bloomfield Hills Financial Goals Team, parents were angry. Take away from anything, but don’t take away from education because of politics. Certain things were threatened. The children become the sacrifice. I think that sort of politics needs to stop in Lansing.

We need to be smarter. I went to one of the schools and saw an entirely new encyclopedia. I was asking myself, “Are we keeping these encyclopedia companies in business?”

Kids don’t use them. Getting back to what some of the universities can do, the Mackinac Center had the audacity to suggest maybe privatizing the University of Michigan. I would look at how universities are managing their budgets. That’s something we need to definitely look at. How many sabbaticals are going on? How do we 61

■ election take and transfer that into a 21st Century, knowledge-based Michigan?

I think universities are sort of incubators for attracting investors and talent. I think that’s what is the path we need to stay on, more privatepublic partnerships allowing universities to really press the power that they have — the University of Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, all these great universities that we have, Wayne State. But I feel (the University of) Michigan is on par with Cornell, Brown, Berkley, and maybe we have to, at some point, look at a very hard reality of maybe incrementally privatizing, maybe over four years, maybe over eight years.

But with that comes the cost of increased tuition, so it will be a very delicate increment, but it will be a very delicate way of balancing that.

TOP ISSUES: For me, the biggest issue that I think sets the agenda for the Legislature, in this election year, is to look at where we are at and hold those responsible for where we are. I think that will set the course of this election. Having overseen a major department in Detroit, mine is one of the only departments that doesn’t cost the department one penny. We need to look at our finances and look at a better way of doing our finances in the state of Michigan. There are some PAYGO systems out there, some legislation someone may have been talking about. Departments out there — we’re not going to spend more than what we are cutting in those programs. We need to move to more long-term financial planning. I would like to take (L. Brooks Patterson’s rolling, multi-year) financial planning further. We need to look at what your finances are, so that you’re not a quarter or two-quarters into your budget before you’re trying to cut everything. That’s really a kitchen table way of doing things. People are doing that throughout the district.

It’s been working for us (in the city of Detroit).

This election isn’t about Roi Chinn. We need to create a predictable, simple tax structure. We have to help businesses out. We have to have a friendlier state. We have to get rid of all the bureaucracy that it takes to get something done.

Looking at a simple, fair, predictable tax structure is something businesses want so they can do research and development and hire people, things of that sort.

How do we make Michigan competitive again? What areas are we going to invest in so we can have long-term payback and growth? Looking at green jobs. Do we have the infrastructure in place? Are we building the infrastructure? Education, early education, vocational training — these are investments that are going to create jobs. Once taxes are offered better in Texas, they are going to say, “Byebye.” We need to look at, long-term, where are we growing, developing, and sustaining.

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WHY YOU? John spoke about no dirty campaigning. That hasn’t been done in this particular campaign.

Obviously that’s something we pride ourselves on. We all have different resumes. For me, when I think about my family, neighbors, and the state of Michigan, I believe the people of Michigan deserve better jobs, education, and lives, and I believe my leadership in Lansing will enable me to help create an environment in the state where we have high-powered, skilled, educated police; we’ll have high productivity and high profitability throughout Michigan. I’m going to get up every single day, and work tirelessly every single day for the benefit of voters and their children to make sure we create the dynamic jobs we’ve discussed, to make sure we’ve lifted the burden of having the highest taxes, to create a tax base that is simple and predictable and fair, that we reform the way that we do business and that we get our budget in line.

I’ve worked as an executive in the private sector for three different Fortune 500 companies building profit, so I am going to take that to Lansing. I will utilize my public administration skills from the city of Detroit. I’ve managed budgets over the last four years in the hundreds of millions of dollars. I’ve negotiated with unions, and worked with different municipalities. I’ve worked with Democrats. I’m going to do everything I can right now for the voters.

This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about what can we do. What agenda can we set and then follow that agenda to secure the outcomes for the people of Michigan.

I want to be the state senator for the 13th district, and I ask for your vote.

DAVID R. KNIFFEN BUDGET: This has been a strong side to my run for election, the budget. I believe we are wasting money in every sector of Michigan state government, across the board — everything from abuse in programs, whether it’s Section 8 vouchers, bridge cards, abuse running rampant in that, to road waste, waste through the Secretary of State, waste through pretty much every facet of our government. I believe that if we can eliminate a lot of that waste, trim it back as much as possible, we really won’t really need to eliminate programs, per se, but just cut out the nonsense that’s just being wasted.

We need to help businesses, basically, whatever it takes to help. Right now, we have a program in place that gives benefits to movie companies.

It’s doing great. I’ve encountered a lot of people from the film business over the past few months who have said it’s our tax breaks that are bringing them here. But there’s more than just the movie business in the country and the state, so we really need to spend money on bringing businesses here, whatever it takes.

Basically, we get money from

taxes. That’s how the state raises money. Taxes can be cut providing that the other side of it goes down, and our budget is balanced. I believe that if we cut out the waste, there will be so much surplus money, in turn, taxes can be lowered, including the Michigan Business Tax, the personal property tax, our excise tax, and getting our gas prices down. So revenue will be there as long as we can cut the budget there, as far as what’s wasted.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: In southeast Michigan, it’s long overdue and it has a lot to do with the Big Three automakers here. As much as I would like to see it and as much as it would be beneficial to cut down on the wear-and-tear on our roads and the traffic, and a lot of peoples’ headaches with potholes and car insurance, I’m afraid that because we’ve gone so long without it, that it might not get used, like it would be almost like the People Mover, which is great when there’s a baseball game, but you don’t see a lot of people riding it. It just does circles and circles without a lot of passengers.

I’m afraid that we might go into it with all great intentions, but it might just be another tax burden. If anything, I would say that would be an issue I would we would have to have the people of Michigan vote on it.

I’ve traveled to a lot of areas, and (mass transit is part of) peoples’ daily livelihood. In Michigan that’s not the case — we’re the Motor City, and we are very independent. The subway system in New York is 100years-old. This was before cars. The San Francisco trolley system, that was before cars were readily available. We’ve come so far without a metro transit system, would we really be able to get someone on a lightrail system or a transit system every day to work? In theory, it would be great and it would save them a lot of money and wear-and-tear, but would they actually do it? For us to spend the time and money, and exercise the eminent domain of property, we are talking about billions of dollars to implement a system that would serve metro Detroit in the way it would need to be. Would it be effective? I’m afraid it wouldn’t be. For us to dump that kind of money into it — although it would stimulate the economy through jobs, it’s still our tax money.

EDUCATION: As far as the funding that’s going to schools, I agree with Sen. Pappageorge. We can’t send 99 percent of our tax revenue to schools in hopes that it will change everything. There are other things that have to be paid for, as well. With that said, inside the funding that they already get, I believe there is waste that can be removed, cut out. We need to start getting value for our money. Every little thing can add up, from the school bus that picks up four kids on a route. If that was readjusted, maybe it can save $1 or $2 a day over the long term. Things

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like that can really change.

I spent a lot of time in Troy Schools, K through 10th-grade, a National Exemplary High School, but the same problem is distraction all over the state of Michigan. When kids in high school get in a fight, bringing drugs, weapons, anything to school, it’s a distraction, and it’s costing money in terms of personnel to deal with that. The time that a teacher would have to spend with this is not adequately spent dealing with our kids. I think we need to deal with distraction on a higher level. When a kid gets in a fight at school and he’s 15 or 16, instead of sending him to the principal’s office, why isn’t it a crime?

Two years later, it’s assault. If we consider it assault at 16, I believe we would really cut down on the amount of nonsense that goes on in our schools. Kids need to know that they are going to school to learn; they’re not going there for social hour. It needs (to be) said ahead of time that fighting in school will not be tolerated, and that it’s a crime. As long as it’s said ahead of time, there’s no excuse.

If you get in a fight in front of a store and you’re 18, it’s a crime. If you’re 17, 16, 15, and you get into a fight, why isn’t it a crime? We need to institute that this is a big deal, and we won’t tolerate it. It’s distractions like that. People are getting bullied in school. These are smart kids who are afraid of going to school and afraid to learn because of bullies. This is very detrimental, and this is costing a lot of money and a lot of time in our schools. The more distraction we cut out, the better off we are.

We have some of the most brilliant minds, scholars teaching these people (in higher education). How come they can’t write their own scholastic books and distribute them to their students instead of us paying a third party and raising tuition and making it hard for somebody to even attend the college?

Why is it that these schools have these brilliant professors and they can’t balance their own budgets? We really need to put some pressure on them since they are taking our state’s money and our taxes, to excel, to do better.

If you can’t mess with curriculum, there’s only so much you can do.

More importantly, what we can do, K12, is instill better values and better learning. In high school, you don’t learn about credit, you don’t learn about banking, you don’t learn about law, other than watching the movie “12 Angry Men.” I’m afraid that we really aren’t teaching them about the real world. We can’t assume everyone is going to college. Maybe we could avert a crisis like the mortgage crisis if we learned in 12th-grade what it took to own a home, what a mortgage was about, what a credit score was about.

Most people don’t ever learn about a credit score, most people just adapt.

We need more practical, real life (education). Not just economics, but everything. We need to focus on what we’re teaching kids. If that means we’re not AUGUST 2010

teaching volleyball in 12th-grade, and instead have a financial class, then that’s what we have to do.

TOP ISSUES: Our economy is a huge problem. I walk down the streets of Troy and Royal Oak. You walk down Main Street now and, every other store, there’s a “For Lease” sign. We need to attract businesses back here, not scare them away with the Michigan Business Tax, and the personal property tax. We’ve made it so they can’t even keep their doors open.

They probably leave the state.

Basically, we need to not only attract small businesses but also large businesses. You don’t want to have a tourist job where you know you’re there for the summer but you struggle in the winter. In the 1950s, you knew you were set; you could raise your family, buy your house, have a cottage Up North if you so choose, and you could retire off it. People don’t have that kind of security anymore.

California, they have their Google, Yahoo!, eBay. People know they can build their lives around that. Our Big Three has faltered. We need to bring companies back that can establish that. We need to make it so small businesses can survive, so an independent business owner, which is very important to our economy, can survive and continue to prosper.

We are way over budget. We are wasting money in every sector and it needs to stop. As soon as we can go in from the legislative standpoint and scrutinize every single program and cut out the waste, we can relieve this tax burden, we can balance our budget and be where we need to be.

Third, it’s our image. Michigan has this image of corruption. We have our Kwame Kilpatricks. We can’t get enough of him in the media, but it’s not good for Michigan. We can’t have that. We need to curb the corruption. Look at all the money that has been wasted. But it’s really not as bad as people believe it to be. If you go to California or Arizona and say you’re from Detroit, you get a look of disgust, and we need to change that. We really need to change that up.

WHY YOU? I’m 31. I’ve never been in politics before. I’ve never held office, I’ve never run for office, and I believe that’s my edge in this whole race. I don’t owe any PACs, any lobbyists. I don’t owe favors to anybody except the voters who, God-willing, will elect me. I’ve owned a business since I was 18, and I know the struggle. I’m out there every single day working.

I’m going to put the same ambition and dedication into the state Legislature — hands-on hard work, getting my hands dirty, rolling up the sleeves, and working hard to get our state back to where I believe it should be.

JOHN PAPPAGEORGE BUDGET: Let me just outline the nature of the problem, to begin with.

With the budget that starts Oct. 1, we are short $1.7 billion. I’ve tried to get people to visualize the difference www.oaklandpaper.com

between $1 billion and $1 million.

With $1 million in $10 bills, the stack would be about 10 feet high; $1 billion would be taller than the Empire State Building. We are short almost two stacks taller than the Empire State Building. Nibbling at the edges will not get us there. The thing that separates us in Lansing — in fact, separates every Legislature in the world at every level — is the issue of income redistribution. Conservatives oppose it, liberals favor of it. So the conservative says, “We need to cut.

When you cut, programs are reduced or eliminated and folks go to the unemployment line.” The liberal says, “Let’s raise taxes.” That sends most of us up the wall, and eventually a larger number of people to the unemployment line.

What we need to do now in Michigan is reduce the cost of government without sending anyone out the door. How do you do that? I looked at the pay for all public servants in the state of Michigan. That’s everyone — college professors, local, county, and state (employees). The pay is $21.3 billion, not counting health care. A 5 percent pay cut for all public servants is $1 billion. If you look at health care in the private sector, the average that the individual pays is 21 to 22 percent. In the public sector, it’s zero, 6 percent, 10 percent, some paying 20 percent. If we go to 20 percent, that’s $680 million. That’s the $1.7 billion that we are short. Nobody goes out the door. No programs are cut, and no tax increase is necessary. Rather, you’re now prepared to get rid of things like the surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax. That’s the way to proceed. I have a Constitutional amendment for the 5 percent. Sen. Mark Jensson, my colleague from the west side of the state, has the one for the health care. I believe that’s the way to proceed.

By the way, when did we decide in this country that, in times of crisis, the private sector has to adjust to the economy and the public sector doesn’t? And by the way, this 5 percent cut, where cuts have already been made, it counts against the 5 percent if they’ve been negotiated.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: A regional transit system is evolving, but very slowly, because of limited resources.

Light-rail is coming up Woodward Avenue at a cost of $108 or $109 million. It’s a public-private (partnership). The state is paying $8 million or $9 million, and the state is paying $100 million. The Transit Center in Birmingham and Troy, I took the lead on that early for what looked like a $7-million project. As the plans developed, the feds liked it too, and now the feds are going to foot that bill. Now, why do we need a transit center to place light (rail) where Birmingham and Troy come together? In the city of Troy, that’s 80,000 people. About 120,000 work in the city of Troy. Of the 80,000 people

who live there, only 8,000 work in Troy. That means 112,000 people every day are coming to Troy to work. Now, you can put rail up Woodward, but when they get to the transit center, that’s when they’ll be taking that last mile or so to get to their job. That’s why this is all connected, but the pieces are going to come together slowly. I travel to Chicago and I like going by train, and there’s work going on to speed up the slowest pieces of that track.

SMART is a success story; their ridership has been increasing over the

John Pappageorge has served in the Michigan Senate since 2007. Prior to that, Pappageorge served as a state representative from 1999 to 2004, and an Oakland County Commissioner from 1989 to 1992.

He previously worked as chief of the Futures Group, U.S. Army Strategic Studies Institute, involving long-range U.S. policies and programs. Pappageorge also worked as special assistant to the supreme allied commander in Europe, negotiating with Greek and Turkish political and military leaders; and as a State Department policy planner.

years — not phenomenally, but it’s not decreasing, it’s increasing, because it’s handling the cross-traffic. They are doing alight there.

We don’t have the kind of competition that other cities have. All cities with successful transit systems have competition. Chicago has five different entities providing public transportation. That’s why it’s going to take us a long time in this part of the world to put a regional system together. But if you look around, it’s coming incrementally, based on available resources.

EDUCATION: When it comes to education, they’ll never be adequately funded for all the things we could do for our kids. Remember, I told you about a stack (of $10 bills) taller than the Empire State Building? Of the $20 billion we have in the General Fund for K-12, $11 billion goes to K-12. Another $1 billion goes to higher education. That’s $12 billion. The other is spread out across 15 other budgets. So clearly, education is our first choice, our priority, and we fund it accordingly. Have they had to take cuts, yes? Last year, that cut was 2.3 percent. Health budget was cut 8 percent. Police and fire were cut 11 percent. Given the terrible times, that’s why you have to go back to what I keep talking about.

We have to have everybody step up

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and accept some pain. In the superintendent’s budget, 80 percent of that K-12 budget is pay. So, there is no way out of this except to keep our priorities, which is education.

One of the things is “Troops to Teachers,” that I was involved with back in the House, and that’s 40something-year olds who are majors, lieutenant colonels, sergeant majors, who have 20 years of military service.

They’ve been teaching for 20 years. If they are engineers, they’ve been building bridges and so forth. And now, they are a good source of more male teachers in the system, but our bureaucracy so tangles them up that it will not give them constructive credit for those 20 years, and they are told they have to go through three years of teacher certification.

Not too many 40-year-olds, most of whom are married, can devote three years to teacher certification. I’ve been fighting that with the bureaucracy for years.

It’s the same thing for higher education. I’ve just reduced the pressure on raising tuition, haven’t I? The Constitution says, “Stay out of the curriculum business,” very clearly. So the kind of stuff you’re talking about is pretty much in the hands of the colleges and universities. We can’t do that. We can’t fool with the curriculum.

TOP ISSUES: I believe people think they are losing control over their lives. Health care, welfare, taxes, crime, name the subject. What people want is more control over their lives.

That’s the basis, in my view, of the Tea Party, and it’s attracting every part of the political spectrum. So when I look at legislation, one of my criteria is, “Will this increase a person’s control over his life and the future of his children and his grandchildren?” The first and most important part of having control over your life is a good job, a private sector job.

So when I look at the kind of stuff I’m doing, and what I’ll continue doing, it’s to create more jobs in Michigan to attract businesses in Michigan, to look at our infrastructure problems, and clearly to keep education as our No. 1 priority. My three are education, infrastructure, and safety.

WHY YOU? I’ve got the experience that comes with the fact that I’m the oldest person in the race. With the experience is the beginning of wisdom, in many ways. I believe being an elected official is the highest nonreligious calling there is. We can’t get enough people to get involved because of the nastiness of the election campaigns, which I don’t do. I’ve commanded troops in combat. I’ve been the director of business and strategic planning of a major corporation. I’ve settled international disputes. I’ve been involved in politics, if you will, in international relations at every level, from international to local, and now I want to put all that experience into my job in representing the 13th State Senate district. ■ 63

■ election

16th County Commission Bloomfield Township Democrats Kathy Hagopian and J. Andrew O’Connor are competing in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election.

The winner will face incumbent Republican Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub in the November general election.

County commissioners serve twoyear terms and are currently paid $33,742.

The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses.

BUDGET: Please explain what county spending reductions, if any, you would like to see in the future. What revenue enhancements, if any, do you advocate? Finally, state why you believe the budget can be balanced by addressing only one side of the ledger or the other, or why both spending cuts and increased revenues are the solution.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: Oakland County voters are being asked to authorize the renewal of a 0.2415-mill levy for operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in the county for a period of 10 years, from 2012 to 2021. Please tell use why you do or don’t support the millage renewal.

SMART MILLAGE: After much wrangling late last year, county commissioners agreed to place a Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) millage renewal on August primary election ballots in only the communities opting to receive SMART services, rather than a countywide vote that could result in all county property owners paying the tax and receiving bus transit services. Tell us why you do or don’t believe the SMART millage should remain optional for individual communities.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Legislation to establish a regional authority to create and oversee an expanded transit system is languishing in the state Legislature. Please tell us why you do or don’t believe the region is in need of expanded transit services and options. If you believe expanded transit is needed, what’s your vision for a regional system, and how do you propose to pay for it?

NIGHT MEETINGS: The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has scheduled and held a handful of night sessions as an alternative to the county board’s traditional daytime meetings, in an effort to foster greater transparency through enhanced public access and partici64

pation in meetings. Please state why you do or don’t believe the night meetings have been effective in meeting those goals, and whether the evening sessions should be continued.

TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the county board, and how do you propose to address them?

WHY YOU? Why specifically should voters choose you over your opponent?

KATHY HAGOPIAN BUDGET: There are many areas of spending that would need to be looked at to reduce our costs at the county level. One area that I would like to see is our energy spending

Kathy Hagopian is the owner and president of Building Accessories Corp. She has served on the West Bloomfield Township Wetlands Board, as vice chairwoman of West Bloomfield Youth Assistance, and as president of the Green Lake Homeowners Association.

reduced through implementing newer, green technology. The survey would not only include buildings, but how we utilize county-issued vehicles. I am quite sure there are measures that can be implemented to save taxpayers money to be used in more critical areas of our budget or infrastructure.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: I do support the parks and recreation millage. Our parks give residents the opportunity to engage in activities they may not otherwise be able to participate. Our parks are attractive to visitors in the area.

Finally, I believe we need to maintain our infrastructure to maintain and attract families and businesses to our area.

SMART MILLAGE: I believe that we should have a unified transportation system throughout Oakland County.

We are short changing our small and medium sized businesses by not providing a comprehensive transportation system. Approximately threequarters of the people who use the

SMART system are using the system to get to work. Oakland County businesses will have a larger population to which to draw talented employees who may not own a vehicle. If we are able to pool funds in from all of the Oakland County communities, we could strive to make a superior transportation system that will attract additional riders.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Many forwardthinking states and communities have a comprehensive transportation system. Having a comprehensive transportation system will draw additional business. It will reduce our carbon footprint. It will also give our residents the choice of reducing their overhead costs by not having to own a vehicle or a second vehicle.

In many cities across the United States that I have visited, I was able to take mass transportation from the airport to the hotel. I was able to save the cost of renting a vehicle to get to the hotel or convention center.

NIGHT MEETINGS: I was very happy to see that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has scheduled meetings in the evening. It is convenient for those residents who may not be participating in our government that otherwise would be contributing. I would definitely encourage additional meetings in the evening. West Bloomfield Township has televised some meetings on our local cable channel and I certainly would encourage additional coverage throughout the county.

TOP ISSUES: It is important to have a strong small business base in Oakland County to create stable jobs for the community. It is important to support and retain our existing base, while continuing to attract new small businesses to the community. The MicroLending Program should be expanded to help our small business community with low interest loans.

I am acutely aware that being fiscally responsible is a requirement for running a small business. It is important to have those who are running our county government possesses these same values and skills. I will use my skills to find where we can reduce our expenses so we are able to maintain our essential safety services.

My third priority is continuing to be an environmental steward. I have nearly 10 years on the West Bloomfield Wetlands Board creating solutions and setting policies for the protection of our environmental assets.

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WHY YOU? I have a new, fresh perspective that I can add to the county commission. Having never run for an elected office gives me the unique advantage to dig deeper to ask the hard questions of why and not accept the old standby answer of “that is how it has always been done.” In these times we are facing, we need to have successful, visionary business people take the lead in finding solutions and implementing criteria and benchmarks to goals.

Oftentimes when we have new people come into an organization they are able to reach over party lines and create some new positive energy to an organization. I am one who is able to work in a positive manner with others for a collective goal. I am a business person who likes to see goals accomplished under budget and within time deadlines. I am not a career politician.

J. ANDREW O’CONNOR BUDGET: Spending reductions are simply necessary and inevitable when decreases in revenue occur to maintain a balanced budget. Reductions in spending must not be the goal to maintain a balanced budget. New and innovative ideas to maintain and increase revenues should be empha-

J. Andrew O'Connor is an information technology consultant. He served as a West Bloomfield Township parks and recreation commissioner from 2004 to 2008, and as a president, vice president, and board member for the Middle Straits Lake Improvement Association.

sized as the goal and in the thinking of how a balanced budget can and should be realized.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: I support the renewal of the parks and recreation millage. I am proud to say that I was a Commissioner on the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission. While on the parks commission, it astonished me how unaware many residents are of just what the Parks and Recreation Department has to offer. Page 67 ❯ AUGUST 2010

20th County Commission Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township Incumbent David W. Potts, E. Lynne Risdon, and David L. Wisz are competing in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 Republican primary election. The winner will face Democrat Daniel K. Murray in the November general election. County commissioners serve two-year terms and are currently paid $33,742.

The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses.

BUDGET: Please explain what county spending reductions, if any, you would like to see in the future. What revenue enhancements, if any, do you advocate? Finally, state why you believe the budget can be balanced by addressing only one side of the ledger or the other, or why both spending cuts and increased revenues are the solution.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: Oakland County voters are being asked to authorize the renewal of a 0.2415-mill levy for operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in the county for a period of 10 years, from 2012 to 2021. Please tell use why you do or don’t support the millage renewal.

SMART MILLAGE: After much wrangling late last year, county commissioners agreed to place a Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) millage renewal on August primary election ballots in only the communities opting to receive SMART services, rather than a countywide vote that could result in all county property owners paying the tax and receiving bus transit services. Tell us why you do or don’t believe the SMART millage should remain optional for individual communities.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Legislation to establish a regional authority to create and oversee an expanded transit system is languishing in the state Legislature. Please tell us why you do or don’t believe the region is in need of expanded transit services and options. If you believe expanded transit is needed, what’s your vision for a regional system, and how do you propose to pay for it?

NIGHT MEETINGS: The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has scheduled and held a handful of night sessions as an alternative to the county board’s traditional daytime www.oaklandpaper.com

meetings, in an effort to foster greater transparency through enhanced public access and participation in meetings. Please state why you do or don’t believe the night meetings have been effective in meeting those goals, and whether the evening sessions should be continued.

TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the county board, and how do you propose to address them?

WHY YOU? Why specifically should voters choose you over your opponent?

DAVID W. POTTS BUDGET: I support the proposals for the 2010 budget now pending as part of our three-year process. Cuts will not be across the board but by priority as the revenues and the tasks assigned the departments are accepted. We will do priorities if needed … some pigs are more equal than others

David W. Potts was first elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 2006. He is a former member of the Birmingham Planning Board and former vice chairman of the Oakland County Bar Association.

… Animal Farm. No tax increases …

Our tax ceiling if reached would only generate $1.6 million. We will get results within our revenues. We have some surplus but our challenge is 2113 when we face a huge gap. We will manage as we have without increases in revenue.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: I support it. It will generate 40 percent of the parks budget and there will be a disaster if it fails. We need to address the south end issues and provide more access to those citizens.

SMART MILLAGE: I support the renewal and supported the effort to get a countywide vote on SMART funding, which would have produced tax cuts for Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Troy; but it failed. The cost to the average Oakland County home with a state equalized value (SEV) of $100,000 would have been

less the $5 per month.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: We need it but it must be comprehensive and have all the players buy in, including the state and Detroit The unions are problematic for any comprehensive system.

NIGHT MEETINGS: I’m for them!

But the cost for overtime etc. needs to be weighed against actual increased attendance, which unless the special issue folks show up has been marginal. The jury is still out.

TOP ISSUES: Budget, Budget and Budget. The silly stuff that will come with a 12 to 12 deadlock … will cause problems and possibly threaten our AAA bond rating. Who gets hurt … which departments? The courts, the sheriff, etc.?

WHY YOU? Why me? I am honest, a hard worker, experienced, and I get it. I am an economist by education, a lawyer by training and practice and I care about public service. I have had some success in life and I truly owe my country for what I have obtained by effort; but the opportunity was there. (I was the) first in my family to get a college degree, etc.

E. LYNNE RISDON BUDGET: I represent fiscal responsibility and restraint and support reduced county spending to ensure the continuance of Oakland County’s coveted AAA bond rating.

As a lifelong resident of District 20, with a 35-year career encompassing certified public accounting, budgeting, financial planning, and commercial lending, I bring a fresh, committed and financially-sound perspective to our district.

I can be counted on to make the tough decisions required in the current economic environment. In the face of unprecedented declining revenues for our county, I will ensure that quality services are maintained and improved by eliminating needless and overlapping expenditures.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: Millions of dollars have been expended over the last few years to acquire two new parks and various facilities for the county, despite the unprecedented decline in county revenues. This is fiscally irresponsible.

The county has 13 parks and numerous recreational facilities which provide more than adequate recreational and social facilities to meet the needs of county residents. I support a renewal millage that covers the operating costs for our existing parks and recreational facilities.

Additionally, I propose a moratorium on the acquisition of additional parks

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and facilities to reduce county capital expenditures and spending.

SMART MILLAGE: SMART’s viability is in question given decreased revenues and usage resulting in projected losses. Currently, 38 out of the county’s 61 communities (62 percent) have opted out of SMART services. We need to take a countywide vote on continuing to support SMART. The current opting in vs.

E. Lynne Risdon is a banker and certified public accountant (CPA).

opting out approach is not sustainable on a long-term basis.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: I support maximizing transportation options and services within the framework of fiscal responsibility and restraint.

NIGHT MEETINGS: I support greater transparency through public access and participation in nighttime meetings. I agree with the current schedule of both day and night meetings to allow all residents the opportunity to attend the meetings.

TOP ISSUES: Fiscal responsibility and restraint: I represent fiscal responsibility and restraint and support reduced county spending to ensure the continuance of Oakland County’s coveted AAA bond rating.

As a life-long resident of District 20, with a 35-year career encompassing certified public accounting, budgeting, financial planning, and commercial lending, I bring a fresh, committed and financially sound perspective to our district.

No to raising taxes while maintaining quality services: I can be counted on to make the tough decisions required in the current economic environment. In the face of unprecedented declining revenues for our county, I will ensure that quality services are maintained and improved by eliminating needless and overlapping expenditures.

Ensure that Oakland County remains a great place to live, work and raise a family: My fresh, committed and financially-sound perspective coupled with my passion Page 67 ❯ 65

■ election

Oakland County Probate Court J. Martin Brennan, Dana Margaret Hathaway, Barbara Murphy, Kathleen Ryan, and Jamie Marie Verdi are competing in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election race for an Oakland County Probate Court bench seat.

The two candidates receiving the most votes on Aug. 3 will face off in the November general election.

Probate Court judges serve six-year terms and are currently paid $140,000 annually.

The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. Brennan, Ryan, and Verdi didn’t respond to our candidate questionnaire.

CASELOAD: The Oakland County Probate Court has experienced growth in the number of new cases filed in recent years. Please state why you do or don’t believe the probate court has adequate personnel and financial resources to accommodate the caseload. What changes, if any, do you advocate to help handle the growing caseload?

MEDIATION: Those involved in cases handled by the probate court can seek a resolution outside of court through mediation. Please state why you are or aren’t satisfied with the probate court’s mediation program.

What changes, if any, do you advocate in the program to better serve the public and ease the court’s caseload?

CHILDREN’S ADVOCATES: Volunteers are appointed by the probate court to represent the best interests of a minor in a minor guardianship case by investigating and reporting on the child’s and the proposed guardian’s situation.

Please tell us what changes, if any, in the child advocate program you would support.

TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the circuit court at this time, and how do you propose to address them?

WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters choose you over your opponents?

DANA MARGARET HATHAWAY CASELOAD: In 2009, there were 7,992 new files opened in the Oakland County Probate Court. The particular court in which I am seeking election is currently staffed with two clerks, a secretary and a judicial staff attorney. While I believe the court has adequate personnel to accommodate the caseload, there are some changes I would suggest to streamline operations, become more efficient and save taxpayer money. I 66

would like to see online public access, such as CourtView 2000, made available to the people of Oakland County so that they can quickly check the status of their matters. I would also implement a system where the court no longer requires mandatory appearances for routine, uncontested matters. This would save Oakland County families over $ 100,000 annually and improve docket efficiency.

MEDIATION: I think the probate court’s mediation program is an excellent tool to help resolve dis-

Dana Margaret Hathaway is an attorney with Woman and Brooke LLP.

putes because it allows people to reach a solution or agreement that is satisfactory to everyone. Some of the advantages to the probate court’s mediation program are that disputes can be resolved quickly and mediation can be less expensive than having the case resolved through the traditional court process. In addition, people may take advantage of the mediation process without giving up their legal rights or foreclosing their right to trial.

Currently, mediation may be ordered by the judge or people may submit to mediation voluntarily.

Because of its effectiveness, if elected I would utilize the resource of mediation to resolve a broader range of disputes than those which have traditionally been sent to mediation.

CHILDREN’S ADVOCATES: Child advocates are important because they provide necessary information to assist the court in making decisions about proposed guardianships.

While the court checks the proposed guardian’s criminal and other background, the volunteer conducts thorough interviews with family members, teachers, doctors, and sometimes the child. The volunteer then reports to the court a detailed recommendation for what is best for the child.

While I think the current child advocate program is very effective,

one change I would support applies to the court’s review of existing minor guardianships. The current law requires the probate court to review guardianships of minors age 6 and under on an annual basis.

Because of the vulnerable nature of children that age, I would support mandating minor guardianship reviews on a more frequent basis to protect children.

TOP ISSUES: Important issues concerning the probate court are docket efficiency, court accessibility and mental health matters.

I think docket efficiency could be improved if mandatory court appearances were eliminated for routine, uncontested matters and online access to probate matters was available to the public.

If elected, I want to be accessible to the attorneys and people of Oakland County and my courtroom will be one where everyone is heard and every issue is considered thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Currently, mental health matters account for more than 30 percent of the probate court’s docket. I would advocate for reformation of the mental health code and propose consideration of a mental health court.

Both would help protect Oakland County families by providing timely mental health treatment to those in need to avoid unnecessary harm.

WHY YOU? The difference between me and the other candidates in this race comes down to one word: empathy.

As an attorney, one certainly feels compassion for the person they’re representing in a probate court case.

However, it’s no comparison to having a family member as the subject of a court case.

Two of my grandfathers suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. I’ve seen the probate court and how it influences people’s lives from the other side of the bench.

People that come before the probate court are often very vulnerable.

And unless you’ve experienced the court from that perspective, you can never really know what the court’s work means to people, both for good and bad.

This unique perspective gives me greater empathy and a greater desire to see that justice is done.

BARBARA MURPHY CASELOAD: The probate court’s annual caseload is growing because the number of residents becoming seniors is increasing and more guardianship and conservatorship

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petitions will be filed for these individuals. In the following years we will see an increase in estate and trust cases as the baby boomers pass away.

The probate court is aligned with its budget through 2012. The court will have to continue to be innovative to accomplish more cases with less; including utilizing volunteers, referring cases to non-binding mediation, seeking grant funding, and using video hearings in lieu of transporting patients to the court.

MEDIATION: Mediation is a good choice for parties to resolve their cases without the delay, cost and stress of court litigation. It is a voluntary process and if the parties do not reach an agreement, then their case continues on to a court trial.

Sixty to 80 percent of mediated

Barbara Murphy is probate and family law attorney with a private practice. She previously worked as an Wayne County Prosecutor's Office clerk, and an Oakland County judicial clerk.

cases are resolved at mediation. The probate court can better utilize mediation by making more referrals; in 2009 only 17 probate matters (primarily guardianships and one estate case) and 132 divorce matters were scheduled at the Oakland Mediation Center in Bloomfield, which is operated by trained volunteers and provides mediation at very low cost. We need to ensure there are several probate attorneys serving as volunteers and then upgrade the process by referring cases to mediation at an early point in each case and creating more awareness of this opportunity by providing pamphlets to the parties.

CHILDREN’S ADVOCATES: I have been court appointed to advocate for children as a guardian ad litem (GAL) for nearly 17 years in Oakland County. The court also appoints as children’s advocates volunteers who are not attorneys. Currently there are 60 non-attorney volunteers who handle 15 to 20 new cases Page 68 ❯ AUGUST 2010

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With the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department, I am learning the same to be true. I would like to work with all commissioners to review possible new marketing strategies so that when renewals are presented, more residents would understand the importance of keeping and maintaining the national award-winning Oakland County parks and recreation.

SMART MILLAGE: The SMART millage renewal is appropriate to be placed on the ballot for only those communities which have opted in for SMART services. Only those communities which opt in for the services should be paying for the services.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: I do support an expanded Regional Transit system. A big challenge with a regional transit system within Oakland County is to have that system be easily accessible to residents while continuing to strive for little to no environmental impact. At this time, with the current economic conditions, this is an issue which should have ... a cost/benefit factor for the creation of jobs.

NIGHT MEETINGS: Absolutely! I support having all commission meetings being scheduled during evening hours. Because the commission works for the public, all meetings should be held at times to provide maximum public participation.

Daytime meetings should only be held when necessary to facilitate outside professional input.

TOP ISSUES: At this time I believe the No. 1, 2, and 3 issues for Oakland County residents is, and should be, job creation. Issues such as infrastructure can only be dealt with through a solid tax base and the growing of community prosperity resulting from job creation.

WHY YOU? The old way of doings things has not worked. What residents of Oakland County and District 16 need is a commissioner like me who is not afraid to do the next right thing for all residents! I have worked as a Leader in the information technology business for over 25 years. Innovations in technology have changed the way business is done. Innovations are needed to create greater prosperity for residents of District 16 and all residents of Oakland County. When I am elected I will work with all members of the commission and county executive to assist current businesses and attract new business for growth and prosperity for all residents in Oakland County. ■ www.oaklandpaper.com

Parks, recreation levy Voters to weigh in on 10-year renewal

By Brooke Meier

A

10-year millage renewal for Oakland County’s parks and recreation programs will appear on the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election ballot in all Oakland County communities.

Voters will be asked to authorize a 10-year renewal of 0.2415 mills for the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in Oakland County.

County property owners currently pay a 0.2415 millage for Oakland County parks, which will expire at the end of 2011.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value.

The owner of a county property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $24.15 a year in property taxes under the millage renewal.

The renewed levy would be collected from 2012 to 2021.

The ballot proposal wouldn’t result in a tax hike. If approved on Aug. 3, property owners would pay the same Oakland County parks and recreation tax rate they do now; however, if their property’s taxable value declines, they would actually pay less in property taxes to support county parks and recreation, despite the unchanged tax rate.

The only user fees for Oakland County parks is a daily vehicle entry fee of $5 per car, or an annual fee of $30. Another option

20th County Commission ❯ Page 65

for the well-being and representation of Oakland County citizens will greatly benefit our constituents.

WHY YOU? As a life-long resident of District 20, a banker and CPA with an extensive background in budgeting and financial planning, I bring a fresh and committed perspective to representing District 20. I am a concerned taxpayer running for the Oakland County commissioner seat for the 20th District because my strong financial and managerial skills coupled with my passion for the well-being of Oakland County citizens will greatly benefit our constituents.

I represent fiscal responsibility and

for people is a parks “Perks Pass,” which is a joint Oakland County Parks and Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) pass which costs $48 for the season.

The millage renewal ballot language states: “The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission was created in 1966 pursuant to Public Act 261 of 1965. Since 1967, there has been a separately dedicated parks and recreation millage. The current millage will expire on December 31, 2011. Accordingly, shall the current millage of .2415 mills, for the purpose of operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities in Oakland County, Michigan, be renewed for a period of ten (10) years from 2012 to 2021? The .2415 mills is equal to $0.2415 per $1,000 of taxable value. The millage, if renewed, will generate approximately $10,900,000 in 2012. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed only to the County of Oakland to be used solely for the purpose of funding the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission. This renewal is a continuation of the previous increase of the constitutional tax limitation on the total amount of general ad valorem taxes which may be imposed each year for all purposes upon taxable property in Oakland County, Michigan as set forth in Section 6, Article 9 of the Michigan Constitution.” ■ restraint and support reduced government and county spending to ensure the continuance of Oakland County’s coveted AAA bond rating.

DAVID L. WISZ BUDGET: Government employees receive a 45 percent premium in pay and benefits over those of us who create wealth in the private economy.

Notably, Oakland County currently has 84 employees who make more than $100,000. If government employees earned the average of what private workers earn, states and localities would save $339 billion a year from their more than $2.1 trillion budgets. These savings are larger than the combined estimated deficits for 2010 and 2011 of every state in America.

I propose that non-public safety

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government employees share in the sacrifice and accept a marginal reduction on salaries up to $40,000 by 5 percent; the next $60,000 by 7.5 percent; the next $50,000 by 10 percent; and those over $150,000 by 15 percent. Such a plan would maintain Oakland County’s AAA credit rating and assure public safety.

PARKS AND RECREATION MILLAGE: Until Oakland County privatizes all county-owned and operated golf courses, I would oppose any millage renewal.

SMART MILLAGE: The bus system will generate operating deficits of $5.8 million; $10.8 million; $15.4 million; and $17.3 million over the next four years. About one-third of the total 2010 SMART bus operating budget of $122 million is siphoned from Michigan’s annual road budget and is a redistribution of wealth from Michigan’s car and truck driv-

David L. Wisz is a patent attorney and founding member of Carlson, Gaskey & Olds, P.C., a Birmingham-based intellectual property firm. He has served as treasurer-secretary of the State Bar of Michigan (Intellectual Property Section), the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Policy Committee, and the Birmingham Traffic and Safety Board.

ers to government unions. Car and truck drivers pay substantially more for bus trips they never take than do the bus riders themselves, as less than 10 percent of SMART bus revenue comes from ridership. We have also seen attempts by incumbent Oakland County Commissioner David Potts (as) the only “Republican” to vote with all the Democrats for a $17 million countywide bus tax hike and prevent any locality from opting out. I oppose this.

REGIONAL TRANSIT: Next to national health care, no liberal dream has lingered longer than forcing people out of cars and onto mass transit.

As documented by the Mackinac Center, per passenger mile (ppm) spending on highways is about 3.2 cents; however, this is paid by actual users through car registrations, gas taxes, etc. Mass transit averages 71 cents ppm with non-user subsidies of 53 cents. Light rail is Page 67 ❯ 67

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worse at $1.37 ppm.

Tax hikes of 8 cents on gasoline (currently 19 cents per gallon) and 12 cents on diesel (currently 15 cents per gallon) have been introduced in the Michigan House. Yet this is not enough. Bills 5731-33 have now been introduced to form the Regional Mass Transit Authority with the power to levy taxes. I oppose these tax hikes.

NIGHT MEETINGS: I strongly support night meetings to facilitate accessibility to citizens.

TOP ISSUES: Oakland County must retain its AAA credit rating — the measure used to assess the credit worthiness of its debt issues and the fiscal discipline of its government.

Basically, I have a common-sense platform: Manage Oakland County’s finances the way responsible families manage their household expenses. I will vote to cut taxes and reject wasteful spending programs whose primary constituencies are papershuffling bureaucrats, ACORN-type groups, and career politicians. I will also work to stop boondoggle projects such as the Birmingham/Troy “transit center” we don’t need and can’t afford, with building costs that have already skyrocketed from $3 million to $10 million. How operational costs will be paid for has yet to be explained. Now is the time to spend less — not more!

WHY YOU? As an engineer and patent attorney, I am the only candidate who has built a successful business from the ground up and can be counted on to vote for less government, lower taxes and pro-growth free-enterprise solutions to the taxand-spend, spread-the-wealth problems caused by big government liberal Democrats — and even some Republicans — that have devastated Michigan’s economy, increased crime and fostered a welfare culture of dependency that has driven our young people elsewhere in search of real jobs and a brighter future.

I believe only hard-working citizens and businesses can generate private-sector jobs and prosperity in Michigan. With your support, we can keep Oakland County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. ■

Oakland County Probate Court

❯ Page 66

per year, as well as continue on the open cases. They receive initial training from the probate court, as well as in-service training every year.

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They provide detailed confidential reports to the court to assist the judges in making decisions on what is in the best interest of the children and where they should live.

As a judge, I would like to begin an annual mandatory training program for those who are volunteers and appointed attorneys to ensure that everyone is up to date on current laws and procedures; this training could be accomplished through e-mail to save time and expense. The volunteers want to handle more cases and therefore they should receive more cases.

TOP ISSUES: Probate caseload management: With the growing senior population (currently 150,000) there will be more cases for the four probate judges to resolve. I would utilize trained volunteers to assist in guardianship cases and refer cases to mediation, which would assist with resolving cases and thereby save the parties time and money in court and also work with the courts’ limited resources of staff and money.

Scheduling delays and accessibility: Cases are scheduled all at one time which results in long waits and delays. I would work to revamp the scheduling process to schedule contested cases vs. non-contested cases on different days and creating a staggered schedule (i.e., cases at 8:30 a.m., cases at 10:30 a.m., etc.). The courtrooms need to be more accessible for those with disabilities. I would move the parties closer to the bench for those with hearing disabilities and designate an area for wheelchairs. I would schedule adequate time when hearing cases involving the elderly, mentally ill, disabled, and children.

Family law cases: Three of the four probate judges are also assigned to the Family Division and resolve cases including divorce, custody, parenting time, and juvenile cases. Oakland County has a 60 percent divorce rate. I would encourage voluntary mediation especially in the high conflict area of parenting time schedules. I believe children need a relationship with both parents and their schedules should be individually tailored to their family. I would evaluate the facts of each case according to our laws and work to structure a parenting schedule that works for each family which may be equal parenting time.

WHY YOU? The citizens of Oakland County need a judge who will: protect them and their family, apply the law fairly and consistently, and who will help them navigate the court and not waste their time. As a practicing attorney for nearly 17 years handling probate law and family law cases, I know the law (I even taught

a university class on probate law) and I have the experiences and skills to resolve cases which will save people time in my courtroom. The biggest complaints that I hear from people going to court are whether the judge listened to them, how long they had to wait, and inconsistent decisions. I would bring my skills and experiences to the bench to make the courtroom experience better for the people of Oakland County. ■

Millage renewal for OCC appears on primary ballot

By Kirk Pinho Oakland Community College (OCC) is seeking a 10-year renewal of a 0.7811-mill levy at the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election polls.

The millage renewal will appear on the primary election ballot in all Oakland County communities, including in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township.

Currently, OCC has two millages that are collected. The first, a 1-mill levy that is collected in perpetuity, has been reduced to 0.8033 mills by the Headlee Amendment to Michigan’s Constitution. The second millage, which is up for renewal on the Aug. 3 primary election ballot at the rate of 0.7811 of mill, was originally approved by county voters at 0.8 mills, but also has been rolled back due to the Headlee Amendment, according to OCC Spokesman George Cartsonis.

Approximately half of the college’s total $161-million budget comes from the two millages, with each millage representing about one-quarter of OCC’s revenues.

The millage up for renewal was first levied in 1995, and went before Oakland County voters for renewal in 2001. If approved by primary election voters, the millage would be levied for the first time in July 2012, according to Cartsonis.

The official ballot language voters will be asked to consider reads: “Shall Oakland Community College be authorized to levy taxes in an amount not to exceed $0.7811 per thousand dollars ($1,000) (0.7811 mills) of the taxable value of all taxable property in the College District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the July 1, 2012, tax levy, as a renewal of that portion of the millage authorization previously authorized by the electors to provide funds for all Community College purposes authorized by law? It is estimated that 0.7811 mills would raise approximately $38,502,796 when

THE PAPER

first levied in 2012.”

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay just over $78 in the first year of the renewed millage collection.

The ballot proposal wouldn’t result in a tax hike. If approved on Aug. 3, property owners would pay the same OCC tax rate they do now; however, if their property’s taxable value declines, they would actually pay less to OCC in property taxes, despite the unchanged tax rate. ■

SMART asking voters to two-year millage renewal

By Leslie Shepard-Owsley Voters in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township will be asked to renew a millage supporting bus transit service through the Suburban Mobility Authority Regional Transportation (SMART) as they cast ballots in the Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election.

Currently, Oakland County allows each municipality to decide whether to place the SMART millage on local ballots. Those communities whose voters authorize a SMART millage receive bus services.

The Aug. 3 SMART ballot proposal seeks a renewal of the 0.59-mill levy last collected in December 2009. If approved, SMART would collect a two-year millage at the existing rate of 0.59 mills. The millage would then be scheduled again for renewal in August 2012.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which generally is equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $59 in the first year of the renewed millage collection.

The ballot proposal wouldn’t result in a tax hike. If approved on Aug. 3, property owners would pay the same SMART property tax rate they do now; however, if their property’s taxable value declines, they would actually pay less in property taxes to support SMART services, despite the unchanged tax rate.

“The SMART millage is a renewal, and if it passes, service will continue in the communities which currently have the service; but if not, it will likely be gone,” said Transportation Riders United Director Megan Owens. “The millage provides a large part of funding, but if (the Page 69 ❯ AUGUST 2010

❯ Page 68

renewal) fails, much of the additional funding that comes from state and federal sources would also stop, so it’s critical it passes to provide services to the communities.”

In fiscal year 2010, SMART received $28.1 million in matching state funds and $14.5 million in deferral funds in addition to a onetime award of $20.2 million in federal stimulus dollars, according to SMART’s web site.

Owens noted that the last time the SMART millage was renewed by voters in 2006, it passed by a large margin.

“The voters passed it by 76 percent,” she said. “We know there’s a lot of support out there, but we can’t take it for granted due to financial strains. We know people don’t want to be surprised at the polls, so right now we’re making people aware of the ballot initiative.”

According to SMART Spokesperson Beth Dryden, SMART can’t advocate for or against a millage, so Transportation Riders United and other action committees, such as Citizens for a Smart Future, are taking up the torch.

As the election inches closer, Owens’ group will be sending out flyers, postcards and airing advertisements about the ballot question.

“SMART transports over 12 million riders a year throughout the (opt-in) communities and they rely on that service,” Owens said.

Of Oakland County’s 61 communities, 21 previously have chosen to participate.

SMART provides fixed-route and connector service; American with Disabilities Act Paratransit Service, and conducts a Community Partnership Program.

The Community Partnership Program, which was launched in 1995, is made of local communities and groups that partner with SMART and share the responsibility to provide service. The partnering communities and groups determine the need within their own community and work with SMART to develop the most efficient and effective service to fulfill the community’s transportation needs.

SMART ridership has increased 9 percent since the last millage renewal in 2006. Average daily ridership is 39,850 on the fixed-route system, and 1,594 on the connector service, which is curb-to-curb service utilizing smaller vehicles that provide service for seniors and the disabled, as well as providing service to persons that don’t live near a fixed route.

“Our Community Partnership Program serves 600,000 yearly, and www.oaklandpaper.com

the SMART connector service serves 450,000 annually, and through these programs, over 1 million senior and disabled passengers are serviced,” Dryden said.

The SMART Community Partnership Program provides communities with access to funding and SMART resources to help operate community transit programs. SMART provides each community partner with funding through community credits, in which a portion of the transit property tax is returned to local communities for operating and/or capital purchases According to Owens, the SMART millage per household equates to about $30 a year, or 9 cents a day for homes with a state equalized value of $100,000. ■

More restrictive graduated driver’s license proposed

By Leslie Shepard-Owsley The state House of Representatives is mulling a trio of changes that would impact Michigan’s student drivers.

House Bill (HB) 4493, sponsored by state Rep. Richard LeBlanc (DWestland), addresses three aspects of Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law. The GDL has three stages, or levels, including a learner (driving with supervision), an intermediate (driving alone with restrictions), and a full (no restrictions) license.

“In the interest of safety for young drivers, I wanted something in place addressing passenger restriction limitations,” LeBlanc said. “I taught driver education at one time, and through my experience have seen how easily teens are distracted.

“Automobile crashes are the No. 1 cause of death for teenagers, and passengers contribute to driver distraction, so this legislation is sensible,” he said.

LeBlanc’s bill applies to persons 17 or younger, and would make changes to three aspects of the graduated license program, including: night driving, passenger restrictions, and wireless communication use.

If passed, the bill would restrict nighttime driving beginning at 10 p.m., as opposed to midnight, unless the student driver is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a licensed driver over the age of 21 designated by a parent or legal guardian, or except when the student driver is going to or from work.

Second, the bill would prohibit student drivers from transporting non-family passengers under the age

21 for the first six months of Level 2 licensure, and would allow only one non-family passenger under age 21 for the remaining duration of Level 2 licensure. There’s no current passenger restrictions.

“I’ve received some negative feedback from some people on the first two issues,” LeBlanc said.

One common complaint is that the proposed passenger restriction is too rigid for low-density areas, such as rural areas, where families typically combine forces for carpooling. The passenger age restriction is also considered by some to be too binding.

Others have complained that the nighttime driving restrictions are too stringent.

“My goal was the passenger issue,” LeBlanc said. “I’m not the one that carried the curfew banner.

Others extended that to driver safety. My goal was to enhance state law for new drivers.”

Finally, the bill would prohibit Level 2 licensed drivers from using cell phones for texting or talking unless it’s for a 911 emergency.

Expert testimony is being considered while the Legislature deliberates on the bill, including research by C. Raymond Bingham, head of the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Bingham’s research covers adolescent development, with a focus on adolescent driving and alcohol use, longitudinal research methodology, and multi-variate statistics.

Bingham testified at a June 24 Michigan House of Representatives Transportation Committee hearing in support of the bill.

A lack of driving experience puts all teens at risk, according to Bingham, but distracting behaviors and conditions are known to elevate that risk.

In his testimony, Bingham noted that teenage passengers dramatically increase the likelihood that a teen driver will be involved in a crash.

Driving at night and using cell phones while driving also contribute to the danger.

According to Bingham, the proposed enhancements to Michigan’s GDL program are long overdue.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers 15- to 19-years-old in the United States.

Yet, Bingham said, the current Michigan GDL program has not been modified to keep it up to date with new research information, and “Michigan is quickly falling behind other states in the steps being taken to save lives by enhancing GDL.” Surveys conducted by Bingham’s group indicate that parents of driving-age teens in Michigan overwhelm-

THE PAPER

ingly support stronger GDL restrictions, which would benefit all motorists. Bingham said that 84 percent (a total of 742 in 2008) of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes in Michigan that involve at least one teenage driver were under age 50.

“So it’s not just teens that are protected by GDL,” he said.

Penalties for violations of the proposed changes would be considered civil infractions. A legislative analysis states that if the bill is adopted, there’s a significant likelihood that there will be an increase in the number of civil infractions written for violating the graduated license permits, particularly for having more than one passenger under 18 in the car and for violating the 10 p.m. driving curfew. Municipalities and the state Justice System Fund, a repository for funds for civil infractions, will likely be enhanced from the change in graduated licensing, another possible incentive for adoption of LeBlanc’s bill. ■

Bills could impact salaries under consolidation pacts

By Kirk Pinho Bills introduced by a pair of Republican state Senators would amend current state statute to stipulate that local units of government could no longer enter into shared service agreements which require that lower-salaried employees effected by that merger receive a bump in pay or improvement of benefits in order to bring those employees in line with what the employees from the other jurisdiction receive. They would need to maintain their level of pay at their previous levels.

Senate Bills (SBs) 1085 and 1086, proffered by Sen. Mark Jansen and Sen. Bill Hardiman, respectively, were most recently referred to a second reading in the Senate on Wednesday, June 30.

Under the legislation, an employee could not receive a pay decrease or have a negative impact on their benefits, according to legislative analyses of the two bills. The analysis also states that currently, state statute stipulates that “some agreements have been written interpreting the requirement (in state law) to mean that all affected employees must receive the highest level of wages and benefits paid to any of them.”

Employees who are impacted by collective bargaining agreements would remain under the ones they most recently agreed to until a new labor pact is implemented.

The legislation could impact any intergovernmental agreement in the state, according to Jansen’s staff. ■ 69

■ county Cobo slated for more renovations before auto show

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Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, which operates Cobo Center in Detroit, will proceed with a second phase of renovations at Cobo before the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

The 2011 show will be held Jan. 15-23. Media preview days for the international press will be held Jan. 10-11, 2011.

The regional authority was put in place with representatives of Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties and the city of Detroit, after Detroit’s City Council scuttled a Cobo renovation, expansion, and oversight agreement prior to a July 1, 2009 deadline. Under state legislation, the regional authority will lease Cobo Center from the city for 30 years.

The regional authority quickly developed a three-phase plan to get Cobo into better shape. The first phase was completed prior to the 2010 auto show; $3 million was spent in loading dock repairs, electrical upgrades, and fire suppression.

The second phase will entail revamping escalators, continuing the fire prevention and electrical system improvements, upgrading general aesthetics, and improving staffing, including putting employees in uniforms. In addition, a new caterer has been hired.

“We want to get $30 million in funding for this renovation,” said Sam Locricchio of John Bailey and Associates, the public relations firm for the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, promoters of the NAIAS. “When you’re exposing yourself to international manufacturers and press, you want to put your best foot forward.”

The ultimate goal is a $288-million expansion and renovation project to completely redesign and reconstruct Cobo Center. ■

Reform resolutions would let residents check spending

By Kirk Pinho A series of resolutions introduced by Oakland County Commissioner Tim Greimel (DRochester Hills) would implement reforms for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and county employees in an effort to boost THE PAPER

transparency in government, including new ways for residents to track county spending online.

The first resolution would enact the Oakland County Ethics Ordinance, which is based almost entirely on Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox’s Model Ethics Ordinance for Local Governments.

The second resolution would require that all check registers for “all individual expenditures by all county elected officials and departments be posted online in such a way as to be easily accessible by members of the public,” starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, which begins on Oct. 1. The third resolution would essentially call for the Department of Information Technology to implement a “Track Your Taxes” web site, similar to one that Cox’s department maintains.

“Right now, there’s nowhere taxpayers can go to see each and every expenditure the county makes,” Greimel said. “The idea is to display the information in a more userfriendly format.”

Greimel said there’s minimal staff time required to put check registers online, but there will be a “significant amount of staff time required to create this new format for budget information that’s simpler and easier to understand.”

However, he said continual staff time wouldn’t be required.

“I believe in transparency, 100 percent, because this is not my money I’m spending. It’s your money,” said Commissioner Shelley Taub (R-Bloomfield Township), who co-sponsored one of the resolutions.

The resolutions, filed on Wednesday, July 7, have been met with skepticism from several county officials.

Oakland County Deputy Executive Gerald Poisson suggested that the resolutions are duplicative of current state law, and Budget and Management Director Laurie Van Pelt questioned how the measures would truly provide any additional levels of transparency to Oakland County government when monthly financial breakdowns are available for residents online.

“I’m not sure how useful that will be, and I’m not sure how expensive it would be,” Van Pelt said. “You’re talking about volumes of information. We could have easily close to 5,000 employees that get biweekly paychecks. I’m not sure how easy it would be to produce whatever it is that he’s trying to provide.” ■ SEPTEMBER 2009

■ snapshot

steve frank

S

teve Frank coached himself right into a new career.

At a turning point in his life, he realized his strength and passion coincided with his hobby, cycling and working as a head cycling coach for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. Good at it and personally fulfilled, he found it was a metaphor for life, and he began a new business as a personal lifestyle and business coach. In that capacity it allows him to help others realize their own personal and professional goals.

The biggest misconception, he said, is that people don’t realize they are in need of a coach. It's Frank's job to encourage his clients to take stock of their lives.

“Life is the biggest endurance event out there,” he said. “It’s about balance. My goal is to help (clients) set their goals and achieve them. I work with them from where they are today and where they want to be, holding them accountable along the way.”

With clients living, working, and traveling around the globe, Frank meets with them in person, on the phone, and via Skype to assist them through their ultimate business and life paths. Generally, he meets with a client three times each month, but the timing can vary depending on the needs of the individual.

“The process has to work for the client,” he said. “I encourage new clients to commit to three to six months. Some meet twice a week, and some clients meet three times a month.”

Not surprising, Frank also incorporates his own determined mindset into his work with the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.

“It’s my fifth year coaching,” Frank said. “There are people who didn’t own a bicycle when they signed up.”

Frank coaches cyclists ranging from 20-years-old to participants in their 70s. Much like his work as a business coach, he helps cyclists to visualize their goal, stay on track and maintain the confidence to persevere. He travels across the country to fight for a cause that affected the mother of a close friend. In addition to being a vessel to help others, Frank has been in love with cycling since he was a child.

“I’ve been an avid cyclist for years and years. I love being outdoors and having the wind in my face,” he said. “I’ve met great people through cycling, and I get to experience beautiful places.”

As a 20-year Birmingham resident, Frank’s greatest sense of pride is his wife, two children, and the passion for motivating others to achieve their goals. He left a safe, corporate job to pursue his dream of professional coaching, and he hasn’t looked back. His daughter recognized the positive change in him when he began coaching, and Frank has no doubt he has made the right decision.

“There are always challenges, but I’m doing what I enjoy,” he said.

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

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THE PAPER

248.539.0500 AUGUST 2010

■ snapshot

A

allison kaplan

llison Kaplan is an advocate for women. It comes from being a survivor of many of life's most difficult trials.

She has become an activist to help to inform and empower other women by developing a unique web site, askinyourface.com, with information and suggestions for women of all ages.

“I had been through a devastating divorce. My father suffered a tragic death, basically at the same time,” Kaplan said. “Being at a place in my life when I was suffering, I became more sensitive and interested in the women around me.”

When Kaplan sat down at her computer and began to write, the floodgates opened, and her web site became a reality in 2008. With the help of webmaster Tim Aten, askinyourface.com evolved into an interactive site touching on women-centered issues such as skincare, shopping, gardening, food, and health matters like mid-life anorexia.

“There’s a ridiculous pressure to live up to,” said Kaplan, who works as a personal trainer with many local women and men. “Women feel like if they can’t reach a certain goal, they’re not valuable. But, there’s so much more to us than our physical selves, and it makes me very sad to see women suffer in that way.”

As an eating disorders survivor, Kaplan has been able to channel her personal tragedies through a positive outlet to help women who suffer with similar issues.

“I lived that ugly world for a period of time,” she said. “I think that every single experience, whether it’s a good one or a bad one, makes us who we are today. I’m sure that’s where a lot of my inspiration, compassion and empathy come from.”

With the assistance of 25 qualified contributing writers and consultants, askinyourface.com reaches about 2,000 visitors each week. Kaplan brings forth her lengthy expertise in personal training, yoga instructing, wellness coaching and speaking.

“I hope that when women come to the web site, they can find something that resonates with them in a deeply positive way,” she said.

Searching the web site, there are articles to help women stay in shape, search for deeper meaning in their lives, find assistance in everyday matters, or just discover a new place to shop.

Though Kaplan recalls difficult moments in her life, she has emerged triumphant with four beautiful children and a very supportive husband.

“Talk about a huge supporter,” she said. “I could never have done this without him,” she said.

Married for 11 years, Kaplan and her husband, Steve, reside in Bloomfield Township.

“It’s where I moved and started my life over again,” she said. “It has great meaning for me in that regard. It’s been a real haven.”

— Katey Meisner — The Paper photo/Amy K. Lockard

■ 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 takeout 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 heartconscious items. The menu features chili, onion loaf, baked spinach and artichoke dip, croissants and wraps. B, W, L. L, Monday-Saturday; 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, Monday-Saturday. 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. L & D, 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, familystyle 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.

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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 meatfree zone for vegetarians. B & L, MondaySaturday; D, Monday-Friday. 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 fea-

turing 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 from boutique vinters and Michigan vineyards. B, W, L. L, Monday-Friday; D, Monday-Saturday. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.9400.

2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.333.7522.

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.

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, Tuesday- Sunday.

33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.7010.

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

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: Featuring Greek fare, like hand-carved gyros, Little Daddy’s Parthenon offers oven roasted turkey, gourmet sandwiches and house-made food. B, L & D, daily. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400.

Max & Erma’s: Features a family-friendly 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.

Forte 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.

Mirage Cafe: Mediterranean fare with healthy options and menu items made fresh daily.

Among customer favorites 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.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: An American steakhouse with a contemporary flair featuring aged prime beef, market fresh seafood and an award-winning wine list. B, W, L & D, daily. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

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.

Fuddrucker’s: With simple recipes and madefrom-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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

THE PAPER

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 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 sal-

AUGUST 2010

■ main course Continuing the trip to Italy for 20 years

should not go without mention.

Currently “Don’t be Cruel: The Life & Times of the King” is playing Wednesday through Sunday. Check out this great show at AndiamoNoviTheatre.com

by Eleanor Heald

I

t has been 20 years since CEO Joseph Vicari opened his first Andiamo Italia in Warren (14 Mile at Van Dyke) and invited area residents by saying “Andiamo Italia,” or “Let’s go to Italy.”

In 1997, he opened Andiamo in Bloomfield Township and now owns a total of 11 locations throughout the metro area.

Vicari became attracted to the restaurant business in his teens. “I really enjoyed,” he says, “the occasions when my family went out to eat – often to Larco’s in Detroit. It was charismatic.”

Vicari describes himself as an eastsider. Yet in 1996, he believed a needed expansion was to the west side of the metro-Detroit area. Mike Ilitch convinced him when he referred to the intersection of Maple and Telegraph Roads as the best location in the state.

LAND OF THE SUN FEEL Large, four-foot tall urns filled with dried sunflowers create a Mediterranean “food from the land of the sun” feel. Dating back to the 1890s in Sicily, these urns, procured by Birmingham’s Designer Ron Rea of Ron & Roman Design LLC, once adorned the foyer of the New York Men’s Club. They are part of the original design that Rea has tweaked over the years.

Tweaking and expansion led to the addition of the open year-round Tuscan Sun Room, available for parties of 40 to 60 people, and the new Roman-styled banquet rooms on the lower level.

With a main dining room seating 200, Andiamo Bloomfield Township employs a staff of 100. The floor design, however, offers the feeling of a smaller space with a number of intimate tables. Overseeing Andiamo Bloomfield Township dining room is operating partner Jerry Vitale, a veteran of the food service and hospitality industry.

SIGNATURE SPECIALS With the exception of Signature Specials, the menu at all Andiamo locations is similar — including the renowned fresh, on-premise made breads, pastas, creamy risotto, both long-simmered and made-to-order savory sauces accompanying seafood, veal and aged beef. These dishes are

ads, 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.

248.253.9877.

www.oaklandpaper.com

AND THE FUTURE? “Birmingham has appeal,” was Vicari’s quick response.

(Andiamo, 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 248.865.9300.

Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to midnight; Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Reservations taken for two or more weekdays and four or more Friday and Saturday.)

QUICK BITES

Andiamo Bloomfield co-owner Jerry Vitale and chef Joseph Parrino in the newly rempvated banquet center. The Paper photo / Amy K. Lockard

the inspiration of Italian cooking maestro Master Chef Aldo Ottaviani, Andiamo’s Corporate Executive Chef.

Signature Specials at Andiamo Bloomfield Township represent the inventiveness of Executive Chef Joseph Parrino, a second generation American and third generation of chefs in his family. He did culinary studies in both Rome and Sicily.

In addition to the myriad main menu selections, Chef Joe’s monthly-changing signatures include two antipasti ($11-$14), two pastas served with a choice of house salad or soup and bread ($21-$26). Five main courses are also served with soup or salad, a side of pasta and bread ($19-$44).

Served with Andiamo Salad or cup of soup, pasta, house potato and homemade Italian breads, Filetto di Manzo, a steer filet mignon broiled and served with Andiamo Signature Zip Sauce, $34, is the number one best seller on the main menu.

Proprietor Joe Vicari, however, prefers spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, $15, or for its flavor medley, Paglia e Fieno con Filetto di Pollo (green and white noodles tossed with peas, prosciutto, onions, rosemary and chicken tenderloins in a light cream sauce), $20.

EVOLUTION Created with the assistance of Dr. Tom Rifai, Chief Medical Director for

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

Metabolic Nutrition and Weight Management at St Joseph Mercy Oakland, Andiamo Lean is a threecourse offering (starter, main course and dessert) all for less than 600 calories. They’re not sumo-sized, and the calorie police are smiling. The price depends on the main course selected, and they range $18-$29. The latter and higher-priced selection is Vitello con Insalata di Portabella, char-grilled free raised veal ribeye steak topped with a portabella mushroom slaw on a bed of balsamic braised Swiss chard.

Over his 20 years as Andiamo proprietor, Vicari notes the sophistication of diners – developed through travel and the popularity of TV chefs. “Now, people are more excited about food,” he observes. “That goes for wine, too. To satisfy diner interests, we offer cooking classes once each month.”

Wine interest drives the Andiamo list with a large selection of Italian labels, both by the glass and by the bottle, ranging $28-$65. A nice selection of world reds put the spotlight on California producers.

Live entertainment in the bar/lounge of larger restaurants is met with diner enthusiasm. At Andiamo, this is no exception. Easy listening, with the option of dancing, is offered Wednesday through Saturday. Although it’s not a feature of Andiamo Bloomfield Township, Andiamo Novi Theatre

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. 248.593.6060

THE PAPER

In Birmingham, Streetside Seafood’s proprietor Bill Roberts says his goal is “to be the best seafood restaurant in the metro-Detroit area – that’s how it has been and will continue to be,” with his new Chef de Cuisine Michael Barrera, who in 2003, graduated with a Culinary Arts Degree from the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia, Pa. Chef Barrera moved his family to the Detroit area in 2005 and has spent the last five years as Roberts’ day sous chef at Beverly Hills Grill. At Streetside, he steps into the shoes of former executive chef Sharon Juergens, who decided after 12 years that she needed a break to prepare for her upcoming September wedding.

She’s working a flex schedule for her friend Chef Kelli Lewton of 2 Unique Caterers and says, “I will be back in an area kitchen full time later this year.”

Reacting to July Focus on Wine and the availability of Michigan wines in area restaurants, Master Sommelier and Forest Grill wine director Claudia Tyagi notes, “We’ve got four Michigan wines by the glass at Forest Grill [735 Forest Avenue}, plus a few bottle selections with more on the way – and we’re in Birmingham!”

■ Eleanor Heald is a nationally-published writer who also writes the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for The Paper. Suggestions for this feature and specifically for the Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to quickbites@oaklandpaper.com.

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,

75

■ focus on wine Washington wines express their terroir

By Eleanor & Ray Heald Often, when the term west coast is used in wine articles, the focus is California. This time, let’s focus on Washington state with a winery story and some recommendations for other wines from a state where the wine industry has weathered economic challenges well.

MERCER ESTATES A quarter century common ground in a shared passion for Columbia Valley, Wash., wines and a winemaking her-

itage brought the Mercer and Hogue families together in a new venture, Mercer Estates.

Cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah, form the backbone of Mercer Estates red wines. Chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling, and sauvignon blanc are the portfolio’s whites. Veteran winemaker David Forsyth, formerly with Hogue Cellars for 23 years, is in charge of winemaking on behalf of the families. In the coming vintages most, if not all, of Mercer Estates wines will be estate-grown, bottled and produced.

We’ve known Forsyth for his entire winemaking career. He grew up in eastern Washington and is a firm believer in a “vineyard-centric approach,” to winegrowing. His goal is to achieve a natural expression of terroir, reinforced by a non-intervendaily. 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 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.

tionist philosophy of winemaking.

Forsyth embraced his transition from a staff of 45, producing over 500,000 cases a year at Hogue Cellars to a staff of three in the Mercer Estates cellar. On an average day, he is at work in the cellar, tasting wines, but also dragging hoses, filling barrels, and cleaning tanks with his team. “I missed the simplicity,” Forsyth says, “of family winemaking, and I am in a unique position to be part of the Mercer Estates experience from the ground up.

“Great winemaking encompasses every decision I make, from vineyard to bottle, however small in scope.

Because I’m able to be more hands on, I can influence every part of the process personally to make the subtle decisions that define quality.”

Yet, Forsyth is a risk taker. He’s a former member of the U.S. skydiving team as well as an expert skier. For winemaking, he tempers his risks with patience, perseverance and long experience to achieve success.

“I’m always trying to express,” he notes, “what makes my wines unique and different. My wines emphasize a natural fruit character and their terroir, the elements that come from careful stewardship of the vines and care in the cellar, not from a complexity we impose on the grape.”

To know whether Forsyth walks his talk, taste his Mercer Estates wines and judge for yourself. At their price point, we think they’re spot on.

• Pinot Grigio 2008, $14: pear and white peach aromas and flavors lead to an attractive full palate and rich finish.

• Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $14: melon, grapefruit, pear and lime notes are enriched by two months

in 20 percent new American oak.

• Chardonnay 2007, $17: 80 percent was barrel fermented in half new French oak. This is a pleasurable pour of balanced tropical fruit mingled with vanilla from the time spent in oak.

• Riesling 2007, $14: scores with bright apple fruit complemented by orange zest. Perceptibly dry and a good match for lighter foods.

• Merlot 2007, $23: cherry, ripe berry and vanilla introduce a plump, generous, rich wine.

• Cabernet Sauvignon, $23: generous dark fruits are well enhanced by a rich finish. Seriously great value for the money.

Sy Thai Cafe: A casual dining atmosphere, Sy Thai serves orange duck, noodle dishes, stirfried 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 farmto-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.

Streetside Seafood: Streetside has developed a reputation for fresh fish, oysters and other seafood on a seasonal menu B,W,L. L, MondayFriday; D, daily. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

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.

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, MondayFriday; D, Monday-Saturday. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

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.

76

mas and flavors of mandarin orange, jasmine blossom, citrus, peach, lychee and ripe pineapple. It’s a perfect summer wine with seafood such as trout, sea bass, swordfish, oysters, scallops, crab or charcuterie, such as salume (Italian dry-cured sausage). Try the following Argentine Torrontes: • 2009 Bodega Luigi Bosca Finca La • Linda $11 • 2009 Alamos $13 • 2009 Colome $15 • 2009 Tamari $15 • 2009 Dona Paula Estate $16

BURGUNDY AND HYPE

ARGENTINE WHITE GAINING ATTRACTION

In Burgundy, vintage 2009 is receiving significant media hype. Yet, this comes before most of the 2008s hit U.S. retail stores. A brief survey of very available 2007s, have us hyping a few gems. Yes, Burgundy wines are expensive, so no bargain prices, but some very nice pours. Try the following from Bouchard Pere & Fils: • Meursault $45 – white fruit and floral notes, mineral and citrus.

• Meursault Perrieres $88 - floral notes with oaky hints. Lively and delicious.

• Corton–Charlemagne $141 – if you buy only one, this is the best chardonnay you may ever taste.

White-fleshed fruits, balanced toasty oak and a long finish.

• Le Corton $91 – ripe strawberry mingles with black fruit and spice.

Great structure and long finish.

• Vigne de l’Enfant Jesus $97 – ripe strawberry and plum tinged with spice and oaky notes, lead to an intense, rich wine with a long velvety finish.

Although Malbec and Mendoza are the best-known names among Argentine wines, the white varietal Torrontes is gaining traction. Dry and medium-bodied, it has floral aro-

Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally-respected Quarterly Review of Wines, among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: The Moose Preserve features a full menu, including fresh fish, barbecue ribs and certified black angus steak. B, W, L. L & D, daily. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

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

OTHER NORTHWEST WINES (Washington, unless otherwise noted) • Alex Nicole Cellars 2009 Viognier $20 • Shepard’s Mark 2008, $18 (blend of roussanne, marsanne and viognier) • Desert Wind 2006 Merlot, $17 • Duck Pond 2008 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon, $22 • Duck Pond 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12 • McKinley 2005 Syrah, $22 • Thurston Wolfe 2008 PGV, $15 (pinot gris and viognier blend) • Vin du Lac of Chelan Grisant 2008 $14 (pinot gris) • Vin du Lac of Chelan 2007 Pinot Noir, $18 • Vin du Lac of Chelan 2007 Cabernet Franc $35

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.

THE PAPER

TOPZ: Offering homemade fare, featuring Michigan vendors and local Michigan products, TOPZ prides itself on its air-baked, 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, Monday-Friday. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588.

(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) to Katey Meisner or e-mail to kateymeisner@thescngroup.com.

AUGUST 2010

■ the community house

A

ugust is an odd time for me. My neighborhood is a ghost town. It seems that everyone has gone on vacation, and I spend my free time taking walks while listening to books on tape and picking up newspapers littering the sidewalks. It's too quiet for me, so I go to work with a feeling of excitement to be in the midst of all kinds of activity.

Our camps have been very popular this summer, with much larger enrollments than in 2009.

Some of our August camps have a limited number of openings, so check them out for your children.

They include: • Fencing Camp for ages 7-15 • American Girl Camp with Girls Empowered for girls ages 6-11; • Peace is the Word Camp for girls ages 6-10; • Get into the Act Summer Theatre Camp for ages 5-7 (only 2 spots remaining!); Shelley Roberts • French Play Group Camp for ages 4-5; • Cabaret Camp for grades 7-12; • Self-Defense and Safety Camp for ages 7-11; • The Mini Mural Camp for grades 6-8; • "Where the Wild Things Are" Creative Art Camp for grades 3-5; and • Sudoku Warrior Training Camp for grades 4-6.

Please see our web site at www.communityhouse.com or call us at 248-644-5832 to register or for additional information.

On Monday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m., The Community House will be rededicating our Tribute Terrace. All those who have contributed to the Terrace are invited. Originally dedicated in 2003, this special area is now home to almost 400 brick pavers, lovely gardens, benches, and a central fountain.

With the right combination of sunshine and rain this summer, our Tribute Terrace is beautiful now. Take a walk in this special area adjacent to our Van Dusen Terrace and see bricks and benches honoring your friends, neighbors and family members. Buying a brick is a unique opportunity to commemorate a special occasion such as a wedding, new baby, birthday, graduation, retirement or anniversary. You can provide a lasting gift or memorial for someone you love: a friend, a child, a parent, a spouse, or a special pet. Please call for Frannie Greenebaum at 248-594-6404 for additional information.

The Community House is a member of a wonderful non-profit organization, the Children's Charities Coalition, which joins together to fund raise to support programs for children in the metro Detroit area. Come join in the madness, the frenzy and the fun from Aug. 6 through Aug. 8 when the Coalition will hold a "Downtown Birmingham Garage Sale" at the former Arhaus store at 202 N. Old Woodward. There will be great deals!

Also, please go through your closets, basements and garages and donate items for the sale. Items may be dropped off at the Old Woodward location from Aug. 2-5. Call 248-258-5511 for additional information.

Watch for our fall catalog in mid-August. At 48 pages, it is the most comprehensive one we have ever published. It can also be seen on our web site.

As much as I hate to see summer end, fall at The Community House promises to be very stimulating. I'm especially looking forward to our two fall Successful Job Strategies programs which will provide information about obtaining jobs in the film industry and transitioning skills from the profit to the non-profit world. I'm also excited about our special events.

On Sept. 15, the Children's Charities Coalition will hold its second annual karaoke night, Sing Out for Kids, at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Those who have previewed the eight homes that will be featured on our House Tour on Sept. 16 have said that they are the best ever. On Sept. 26, we will have the first of our new Classical Brunches, a familyfriendly, educational and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday afternoon. In October, we will host Student OUR TOWN and then celebrate OUR TOWN's 25th anniversary; and finally in November, we will inaugurate the first Elmore Leonard Literary Arts and Film Festival.

Finally, if you are looking for the best place for child care for your infant, toddler or preschooler, visit our Early Childhood Center. Less than 4 percent of child care centers in Michigan are accredited, and of course we are in that 4 percent. We have a limited number of openings in this very special top-notch center.

I look forward to seeing you at The Community House! ■ Shelley Roberts is President and CEO of The Community House. www.oaklandpaper.com

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Call for Details: 248-530-9988 Promotional Code: KGAug 77

■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Yatooma Foundation’s Champion for the Kids 2 Day Event

Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. Social Lights is posted each week on The Paper’s website at oaklandpaper.com, where readers can sign up for an e-mail alert when the latest column is posted. Many more photos from each event appear online each week, and past columns and photos are archived on the website for The Paper.

Yatooma Foundation’s Champion for the Kids 2 Day Event The Fifth Annual Champions for the Kids VIP Dinner/Auction attracted 287 to the Townsend Hotel. During the cocktail hour, Simone Vitale made music in the tent adjacent to the ballroom lobby where silent auction items were displayed and garnered some $35,000 in bids. Looking very dapper in an outfit made for him by Paul Cicchini Custom Clothiers, Jamal Newberry, the five-year-old son of last year’s Bridge to the Future Award recipient, welcomed the guests to the ballroom and introduced Yatooma, who gave the invocation. Two award presentations highlighted the dinner program. One was a moving video story of the 2010 Bridge to the Future Award recipient Taline Kalandjian, who, with help from Yatooma’s Foundation for the Kids, successfully kept her family of three other siblings together after both of their parents died. Another was the Champion Award, presented to Art Van Elslander for underwriting the foundation’s Extreme Christmas Makeover for the family of April Moody, whose little daughter Casi Cook presented the award. After dinner, Dan Stahl got folks to bid $80,000 in the live auction. This included the $4,000 somebody paid for a dinner party in Vicki & Tom Celani’s wine cellar.

The next day, 137 golfers played Oakland Hills Country Club’s North or South course. Kelly Duff, Bob Brown, Adam Brozo and Tom Carroll comprised the north course’s winning foursome; Greg Turcotte, Chuck Christie, Mark Merucci, Bill Dorough and George Blaha comprised the south course’s winners.

Longest drives were hit by Cliff Stewart and Kelly Crawford (north course); Brian Clark and Melanie West (south course). Closest to the pin winners were Scott Williamson (north course) and Satish Bajaj (south course.) The Fifth Annual Champions for the Kids two-day event grossed nearly $370,000. Go to www.forthekidsfoundation.org for more information about the foundation Yatooma founded in memory of his father.

Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association’s Bravo Bravo!

First row: Vivian Pickard (left), Champion Awardee Art Van Eslander of Bloomfield, Kim Bondy of Birmingham and Sue & David Van Elslander of Grosse Pointe. Second row, left to right: Andrew( left) & Alicia Turnbull of Grosse Pointe and Ed Deeb of Bloomfield. Susan (left) & William Seklar of Bloomfield and committee member Jaime Rae Tuirnbull of Clarkston. Third row: Auction co-chair Peggy Smith of Bloomfield and her son / event volunteer Jason. Honorary cochair Ted Lindsay and his wife Joanne of Oakland. Foundation recipient April Moody (left) of Pontiac and Pamela Ayres of Bloomfield. At left: Cathy & Jim Rosenthal of Bloomfield. Below, left to right: Diana Sikes (left) of Bloomfield, Donna Yost of Birmingham and Diane Wells of Lake Orion.

Foundation founder and president Norman Yatooma of Bloomfield and his wife Nicole, who cochaired the auction.

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Under the chairmanship of Jennifer Knapp, Jerrid Mooney and Richard Rice, Michigan Opera Theatre’s Volunteer Association’s Young Professional’s Bravo Bravo! sold out (2,000-plus). It featured 36 restaurant stations and 30 beverage stations plus eight entertainment acts and nine fashion presentations positioned throughout the two levels of the Detroit Opera House. Most of the generous event partners donated their wares, and the high energy soiree raised about $250,000. The only negative to report is the difficulty partaking of all the offerings. For example, it was not until the next morning when I was in good enough light to read everything in the small event passport booklet that I learned to my great dismay that I could have gotten false eyelashes applied in the Heidi Bashar Salon Beauty Bar en route to the General Director’s Lounge where Ben Sharkey was singing and the Capital Grille was serving roasted tenderloin and lobster & crab cakes. Oh well, there’s always next year.

Northwood University Cocktail Reception More than 50 people accepted Northwood University president Dr. Keith Pretty’s invitation to a cocktail reception at the Village Club to view photographs of some of Patricia Hill Burnett’s portraits. Guests included past Northwood Distinguished Women, like the artist, Nancy Barker, Susanne Forbes Dicker, Eleanor Josaitis, Patricia Naegele, Millie Pastor, Harriet Rotter, Linda Solomon, Barbara Tucker and Maggie Allesee. Portraits of the artist herself, Allesee and Irma Elder, together with those of Geoffrey Fieger with Dr. Kevorkian, Margaret Thatcher, Marlo Thomas and Max Fisher, were some in the collection displayed on easels around the room. NU Michigan board member Lynn Stinson, a past Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award recipient, displayed her abundant speaking talent when she introduced first Hill Burnett, and then Pretty. Hill Burnett, who will be 90 in September, spoke candidly. “I’m a real prostitute when it comes to portraits. I want my subjects (to be) happy,” she explained. Pretty bragged about NU’s successes like beating everybody, including Harvard, in last year’s mock trial competition. He espoused the business school’s core belief in limited government, its mission to develop the future leaders of a global free enterprise society, and its eschewing of public funds. He also pitched its Restoring the American Dream campaign, the goal of

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which is $120-million. For information about NU, which has campuses in Michigan, Florida, Texas and a new graduate MBA program in Switzerland, go to www.northwood.edu.

■ Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association’s Bravo Bravo!

BBAC’s Studio 1 Garden Party Some 100 people attended a celebration, sponsored by Jeffrey and Trisha Stander, of the BBAC’s first full year of outreach programming in Studio 1. Studio 1 is supported by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the DeRoy Testamentary Foundation, and Home Instead. The program provides hands-on, meaningful art experiences to more than 4,000 individuals from 17 partners, like HAVEN, Covenant House, JARC, and Clawson Seniors. In addition to viewing the colorful work, including garden art which was for sale, guests witnessed the presentation of nine pieces created as a community service project. This collaboration involved Kensington Hall boys with Orchards Children’s Services kids, and Academy of the Sacred Heart upper school girls with youth at Children’s Village.

Above, left to right: Tom Zomber (left) & his wife Judy Elyas of Ferndale, Barbara Bloch of Bloomfield, Sllverghost’s Marcie Polen & Deleano Acevedo of Ferndale. Bill (left) & Pam Gerber and Leslie Pilling of Bloomfield and Russell Sumner of Waterford. At right: Heidi Bashar Salon’s Bashar Kallabat of Bloomfield with Mimi Lulgjuraj of Rochester Hills. Chato Hill of Bloomfield and his date/ daughter Liz Hill of Ferndale. Brian Berryman of Royal Oak and Susan Rafferty of Birmingham. Gary (left) & Jody Astrein of Birmingham, Michael Perkins and Mark Blanke of Rochester Hills. MOT‘s Dr. David DiChiera of Detroit with Barbara Bloch of Bloomfield.

Project HOPE’s Annual Meeting Nearly 60 members of Project HOPE’s Women’s Division assembled at Pine Lake Country Club for their annual meeting chaired by Linda Juracek-Lipa.

Alice Berberian Haidostian played piano selections before lunch and two representatives from Project HOPE’s home office in Millwood, VA provided an update of Project HOPE’s sustainable health care activities in the U.S and around the world, including their emergency responses this year to the disaster in Haiti. Ruth Holmes then fascinated guests by profiling, through handwriting samples, celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Kwame Kilpatrick and Bernard Madoff, as well as some women in the audience. The gathering concluded with the unanimous election of new officers. Anita Hedeen passed the presidential gavel to Eva Meharry and Andrea Orsini Brown turned over her treasurer duties to her mother Serena. Other officers Linda Juracek-Lipa, Francine Schmidt and Tina Prevas - switched jobs and welcomed Christa Hintz.

PATH’s Salute America!

Hindsight being 20/20, the planners of Salute America could have ignored the rain predicted for the evening of the event and gone ahead with their plan to picnic on the terrace at The Village Club because the rains never came. But judging from the longstanding friendships among many of the 175 guests, none really cared whether they partied al fresco.

They were there to salute Patty www.oaklandpaper.com

■ Northwood University Cocktail Reception

Clockwise from lower left: NU Distinguished Woman Susan Forbes Dicker (left) of Troy with Valerie Straith, Judie Sherman and Patty Prowse of Bloomfield.

Northwood University president Keith Pretty (left) of Midland with event emcee / NU board member Lynn Stinson and NU Distinguished Woman / artist Patricia Hill Burnett of Bloomfield. David Potts (left) of Birmingham, Terry Stinson of Bloomfield and NU’s Brian Parr of Grand Blanc. Carole Larson Wendzel (left) and Irma Elder of Bloomfield with Elder’s portrait by Burnett.

Bobbie Carey (left) of Commerce with NU Distinguished Woman Maggie Allesee and her portrait by Burnett.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Lighthouse PATH’s Salute America!

Clockwise from upper left: Event honorees Vicki Vlasic (left) of Orchard Lake and Patty Ghesquiere of Birmingham. Monica (left) & Matt Schwanitz and Lighthouse PATH board president Jim & Spring Clarke of Bloomfield.

Event sponsors Trott Foundation’s Kappy (left) & Dave Trott of Birmingham with Gary & Lynne Wood of Bloomfield. Michele Barr (center) of Bloomfield with honorary co-chair Susan Cooper (left) and her daughter Elizabeth Krushena of Bloomfield. Darlene & David Jackson of Birmingham. Tracy (left) & Don Nystrom and Laura Stapleton of Bloomfield and Mindy Richards Dunbar of Beverly Hills. Priscilla Perkins (left) of Troy, Vicki Vlasic of Orchard Lake, Alia Dietz of Bloomfield, Patty Ghesquiere of Birmingham, Cheryl Lindsay of W. Bloomfield, Sheryl Briggs of Orchard Lake, Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield, and Ellen Rogers of Birmingham (who trace their friendships back to their days in the Junior League of Birmingham). Event sponsor Nicole Eisenberg (left) with Alia Dietz, Eileen Kiriluk of Bloomfield, Vicki Vlasic of Orchard Lake, Leah Henderson of Bloomfield. CJ (left), Jay, Patty, Colin & Kyle Ghesquiere of Birmingham. Jerry (left) & Alia Dietz with honorary co-chair Sue & Paul Nine of Bloomfield.

■ Franklin Garden Walk

Clockwise from at left: Jewelry artists Shelley Farkas (left) of Bloomfield and Minna Schwarz-Seim of W. Bloomfield. Ann Hartzell (left) of Orchard Lake and Sally Flynn of Bloomfield. Docents Maryann Cromwell (left) and Lavon Cook of Bloomfield.

Event chairs Lynn Choudhury (left) of Bloomfield and Eliana Ferreira of Bingham Farms. Dora Higbie (left) of Beverly Hills and Cathy Pollock of Birmingham. Docent Georgia Charnas and Paul Yee of Bloomfield stop to look at photograph of Morgan Freeman looking out the barn window.

Garden owners Linda & Barry Solomon of Bloomfield.

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Ghesquiere and Vicki Vlasic, two American women who, as Lighthouse CEO John Ziraldo said, “commit to their neighbors even though they may not know them.” The remarks by both women commanded attention.

By way of explaining her volunteer associations with the Junior League, PATH, The Community House, and Beaumont Foundation, Ghesquiere noted, “I’m a copy cat, a stalker….a lot of women have inspired me.”

Vlasic, who envisioned and executed a series of tremendously successful PATH fundraisers, revealed that she grew up on a farm “where you always helped your neighbors.” She added that she was proud to be associated with PATH because of its integrity.

That integrity was displayed by another speaker during the brief program. Cresendra Hankins, a two-year PATH resident and mother of six who is working on her MA in social work, was introduced as PATH’s 2010 Dior Diva, selected for a total makeover by the beauty products company.

Hankins was especially joyful because, with the help of PATH, she and her kids would move into their own home the next day, courtesy of Lighthouse Community Development.

Enabling other Hankins-type success is how the event proceeds - $53,500 - will be used.

Franklin Garden Walk The drizzly weather broke just before the Franklin Garden Walk was scheduled to commence and the annual fundraiser for the Women’s National Farm & Garden Association’s Franklin Branch went off without a hitch, to the great delight of president Phyllis Ashinger and event cochairs Lynn Choudhury and Eliana Ferreire. Barbara Turner, Pat Ciagne, Cindy Lovett, Karen Dewald, Cindy Schiano, Mary Jane Majors, Susan Chambers, Judy Adelman and Teri Tietmeyer, who comprised their committee, dozens of volunteers and the six unique gardens open to the public made the day memorable for some 900 tourists. They viewed a lakeside garden designed by AquaFina Designs of Sylvan Lake, as well as those cultivated by Bruce & Shelly Hoffman, Helena Shavell, Karen & Bill Marsh, Jamie & Denise Jacob and Linda & Barry Solomon. All were notable, but the latter‘s was artfully smile-provoking. In addition to the garden tours, the event offered salad luncheons (for 200-plus ticket holders) in Franklin Community Church and shopping at 15 booths arranged around the village gazebo. The 24th annual event raised more than $12,000 for the club’s horticultural projects and scholarships.

AUGUST 2010

Birmingham Historical Museum & Park’s Enchanted Evening “Who needs Broadway when we’ve got The Village Players?” posited Friends president Pam DeWeese following the musical performances that highlighted the enchanted evening on the lawn behind the Hunter House. She was speaking to the 80 people, both history and theater buffs, who turned out for the old fashioned event where the back porch was the stage. Putting the spotlight on the players was logical since their long history is featured in the BHM&P’s “On Our Way to 100: The History of the Village Players” exhibit.

It features props, costumes, photographs and other artifacts illustrating the history of one of the oldest community theaters in the country. (The exhibition’s final curtain call is July 31). Performers included Village Youth Theatre members plus singers Sarah Rydzewski, Jennifer Jones, Holly Conroy, Kevin Branshaw, Mark Hammell, Rita Liegl and keyboardist Dennis Penny doing selections from upcoming VP season shows. (Check it out at www.birminghamvillageplayers.com.) Also ready for viewing in the room, where a buffet of donated refreshments was popular, was Geri Rinschler’s collection of cook books and utensils. It will run through Oct. 9. Although the evening was primarily a friend raiser, it did add almost $2,000 to the BHM&P Friends account.

■ Friends of Birmingham Historical Museum & Park’s Enchanted Evening with the Village Players

Clockwise from upper left: Bill Haycook (left) of Bloomfield, Friends president Pam DeWeese of Birmingham, and John Kisik of Southfield. Diane D’Agostino and John Copeland of Bloomfield. Dolly & Bill Johnson of Bloomfield.Barbara & Jim Suhay of Birmingham. Food writer Geri Rinschler (left), Pat Andrews, Peggy Ryan and Elaine Morse of Birmingham (with Rinschler’s cook books and utensils in the display case exhibit). Laura Schreiner (left) of Birmingham and her mother Laura Schreiner of Bloomfield. Holly (left) & Brian Conroy of Royal Oak, Joan & John Reddy of Bloomfield. Youth Theatre producer Cathie Badalamenti of Birmingham.

■ Michigan Opera Theatre Volunteer Association Tea

MOT Volunteer Benefit Tea There were two stories at this event. One was hats. Hats, hats and more hats. Most of the 50 ladies wore them to the Heathers Club.

Models paraded selections from Mr. Song Millinery and guests bought them. Even some members who happened to be dining in the grill were intrigued enough to purchase one.

The other story was milliner Luke Song’s biography as solicited from him via emcee Sue Nine’s interesting, interview-style questions. Who knew that the hat designer, much celebrated since Aretha Franklin wore his hat to the last presidential inauguration, got a degree in biochemistry from U of M before studying fine arts in NYC and Paris, only returning to work in his parents millinery business because he ran out of money? Almost sounds like an opera libretto - appropriate since the colorful event raised money for MOT’s Volunteer Association.

Clockwise from upper left: Hat model and committee member Linda Pudlik (left) of Farmington Hills, milliner Luke Song of Birmingham, event co-chair Sue Nine and event chair Curtis Posuniak of Bloomfield. Committee members Adel Amerman (left) of Grosse Pointe and Annette DeLorenzo of Bloomfield.

Model / event co-chair Millie Pastor (left) of Bloomfield with Wally Prechter of Grosse Ile and Mado Lie of Grosse Pointe.

Committee member Phyllis Marra of Bloomfield. Linda JuracekLipa (left) of Birmingham and committee member Maureen D’Avanzo of Bloomfield. Committee members Valerie Straith (left), Judie Sherman and Patricia Hill Burnett of Bloomfield.

Committee member Barbara Tucker (left) of Bloomfield and event co-chair Gloria Clark of Grosse Pointe. Committee member Betty Bright of Bloomfield

DSO’s Hero Gala Kudos to everyone connected to the first annual Heroes Gala. It was a boffo event – both for the honored hero – civic leader and DSO board chair emeritus Jim Nicholson - and for www.oaklandpaper.com

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Hero Gala

Above, left to right: Hero Jim Nicholson (center) of Grosse Pointe with David & event co-chair Jennifer Fischer of Bloomfield. Sheldon & Bobbi Toll of Bloomfield. Board member Jack & Aviva Robinson of Bloomfield. Karen & DSO board member Rick Williams of Bloomfield.

Below: Jerry (left) & board member Maureen D’Avanzo with Lynn & Bharat Gandhi of Bloomfield. Board member Brigitte & Mort Harris of Bloomfield with Bill & board member Madge Berman of Franklin. Maureen Nagel (left) & Barry Brink of Beverly Hills, Stephan Huber of Troy and Wendy & Bill Powers of Bloomfield.

Clockwise from immediate left: Event cochair Judy and current DSO board chair Stanley Frankel of Bloomfield. Board member Dr. Susan Harold of Franklin with Dr. Alexandra Krot of Bloomfield. Lynn & J. Ferron of Bloomfield. Board members Bonnie Larson (left) of Bloomfield & Linda Dresner Levy of Birmingham with Gene Applebaum of Bloomfield and Maddie Forbes of Franklin. Laurie Rosen (left) of Franklin and Corryl Parr of Birmingham.

■ Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s 19th Annual Golf Classic

Clockwise from lower left: Event co-chairs Claudia Harlan of Bloomfield and John Kraowiak of Northville. Sponsor Oakland MRI’s team: Eric Swider (left) and Stephen Collias of Beverly Hills, Susan Swider of W. Bloomfield, Matt Gurwin of Birmingham, Linda Fortino of Bloomfield and Rick Borowski of Shelby Twp. WXYZ TV VP/GM Ed Fernandez (left) with Roseann Royle and Mary Cordier of Birmingham, and Zaida Lakotish of Warren. Sponsor Michigan Brain & Spine Surgery’s team: Jeff Page (left) and Melinda Fons of Bloomfield, Dr. Lucia Zamorano and Vince Barrett of W. Bloomfield. Sally Sehn (left) and her daughter Carole Laramie of Bloomfield and sponsor Oakland MRI’s Susan Swider of W. Bloomfield.

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the guests. Nicholson, who was board chair for six challenging years, even got to conclude the evening’s concert by conducting the “1812 Overture” with the audience clapping and streamers and confetti raining down on the stage at Orchestra Hall.

It was a great ending to a concert that saluted his fondness for both classical and country music. It was punctuated with brief tributes, including one from his son Jim who confided that their mother Ann was really the taskmaster at home, where the family motto was “work hard; have fun.” The audience included the gala guests, plus 700 concert-only ticketholders. They joined the DSO musicians in a standing ovation to the first DSO hero.

Dinner and dancing at the adjacent Max M. Fisher Music Center followed the concert. The formal dinner in the Music Box ($5,000, $2,500, $1,000 tickets) sold out with 410 guests.

Sixty more people enjoyed a strolling dinner ($250 tickets), and more than 100 paid $75 to arrive at 10 p.m. for the Afterparty in Allesee Hall, which was converted to a club room. All could enjoy the al fresco cigar terrace, sports lounge and dancing in the first floor atrium and Afterparty Club.

People were still partying when the music stopped at 1 a.m. By then, the volunteer doormen who had welcomed guests in Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne-style business suits had morphed into Superman and Batman. Not only was the inaugural Heroes Gala lots of fun, it also raised more than $680,000 for the DSO.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Golf Classic In addition to serving the poor, the Detroit Society of St. Vincent de Paul also maintains a summer camp on the shores of Lake Huron (Camp Ozanam – named for the society founder) for disadvantaged boys and girls. Claudia Harlan and John Krakowiak chaired the 19th annual golf classic benefiting the camp. It attracted 105 golfers to Forest Lake Country Club. They were joined for the social hour and dinner by 36 more supporters. A silent auction ($6,500) before dinner and live auction ($12,000) following dinner garnered attention, but Mary Cordier added some excitement by offering to match all $500 camp donations.

Eleven people so pledged, bringing in another $11,000. The Hershey Insurance team of Don White, Tom Sutherland, Jeff Goulet, and Todd Moilanen won first place with a score of 57. The team of Mark Gilroy, Brian Petterle, Mark Angellotti and Kerry Martin came in second with a 60. Paul Nagel and Kathleen Galen won the straightest drive award. Bob Madole and Ann Nagel got closest to the pin.

But the real winners are the 400 kids AUGUST 2010

who get to go to Camp Ozanam free of charge this summer thanks in part to the $77,000 raised by the golf classic.

■ The Garden Party

The Garden Party The J. Lewis Cooper family and Elizabeth and Sydney Ross Foundation’s second annual The Garden Party was even better than the remarkable inaugural event. Not only did it attract more than 500 people (compared to 400 in 2009), the sun mostly stayed behind the clouds, making the Sunday afternoon under the tents at the Academy of the Scared Heart very pleasant temperature-wise. The 30 generous restaurants brought superb cuisine. It ranged from 220 Restaurant’s toasted lobster ravioli to Wolfgang Puck Grille’s shrimp with avocado mousse and heirloom tomato relish. People were going back for seconds to some stations, like No.VI Chophouse for lobster whipped potatoes, and Morton’s The Steakhouse for beef tenderloin. Not unexpectedly, the 100 wines being poured at 24 wine stations were excellent. (Ross owns Michigan’s largest statewide wine and spirit distributing company). And the people watching was superb since many of the ladies, and some of the men, wore great hats. Two new components this year were the comfortable collection of Moon Valley rustic furniture placed around the lawn and the static display of classic and vintage cars that guests were invited to bring. Notably, there was no speechifying to interrupt the socializing, sipping and supping, and the event raised nearly $100,000. This will be divided between Oakland Community College Culinary Studies Institute and the Children’s Leukemia Foundation.

Childhelp’s Celebrate the Child Michigan’s Childhelp chapter began its 10th anniversary celebration with an afternoon street party for all ages. Approximately 150 people, including the children Childhelp has placed with caring families, enjoyed activities and food at the Celebrate the Child event sponsored by Katie and Sam Valenti and friends of Bill Davidson. The celebration continued for 70 benefactors ($250) at the David Klein Gallery where the colorful exhibit “Healing Expressions” was mounted. The work of abused children in therapy was organized by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. The benefactor party was sponsored by Moore Stephens Doeren Mayhew. The main event attracted 200 to the Townsend and celebrated Michigan. Highlights included the cocktail hour silent auction ($15,000 bid); the strolling supper of Michigan fare (think sliders, whitefish, prowww.oaklandpaper.com

Above, left to right: Event founders / co-chairs Elizabeth & Syd Ross of Bloomfield with sponsor Moon Valley Rustic Furniture’s Lisa & Rick Detkowski of Clarkston. GP Foundation board members William Seklar (left) and Bill Roberts of Bloomfield with their wives Susan and Maria. GP Foundation board member Marc Jonna & his wife Evyenia of Birmingham. Sponsor Celani Family Vineyards’ Tom & Vicki Celani of Bloomfield with event coordinator Jaime Rae Turnbull of Clarkston. Below, left to right: Pam (left), Mikayla & Mike Bouchard of Birmingham with Sam Moore of Grand Rapids. Sam Slaughter (left) & his wife Anne Lehker of Milford and Jim & Debra Berline of Bloomfield. Danyelle (left) & Gary Burkhart of Bloomfield with Paula & Jimmy Carson of Rochester Hills.

Clockwise from upper left: Mike & Susan Kowalski of Bloomfield. Judy & Jim Bisignano of Birmingham. Doug & Carol Smith of Bloomfield. Norman & Nicole Yatooma of Bloomfield. Lidija & Jure Grahovac of Bloomfield. Larry & Anne Allingham of Birmingham. Sharlean & Harold Sullivan of Bloomfield. Juliette & Ed Jonna of Bloomfield.

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■ social lights / sally gerak ■ Childhelp Michigan’s Celebrate the Child, Celebration Michigan

duce); a video coordinated by Julie Benjamin featuring Michigan icons like Bill Kennedy, Ollie Fretter, Soupy Sales and Faygo pop; and the brief live auction. The excitement in the latter was created when Keith Pomeroy, Sam Valenti, Ethan Davidson and Joe Dumars offered to host a dinner party for 12 at the Townsend. It raised $5,000 of the live auction $10,200 total. Guests took home a bag of donated Michigan goodies and the knowledge that Childhelp Michigan’s service to abused children will continue. The 10th anniversary event netted $100,000 for the cause.

Zoo Society’s Sunset at the Zoo

Top row, left to right: Committee member Julie Benjamin, Bloomfield native, now of Oak Park, with board members Betsy Reich of Birmingham and Char Terry of Bloomfield. Committee members Lou (left) & Terry Merz and Sam & Katie Valenti of Bloomfield. Event chairs Wendy Silverman (left) and Gretchen & Ethan Davidson of Bloomfield. Clockwise from above left: Committee member Elizabeth Brazilian (center) of Birmingham with her daughter-in-law Mar Yvette (left) of Los Angeles and daughter Mara Brazilian of Birmingham. Sisters Molly (left) and Nancy Varbedian, Susan Varbedian Lucken and her husband Tim Lucken of Birmingham. Irma Elder of Bloomfield with gallery owner/VIP party host David Klein of Birmingham.

Honorary co-chairs Keith Pomeroy, who serves as president of the state advisory board, and board member Susu Sosnick of Birmingham. Cathy (left) & Charlie Schwartz of NYC with Nancy & Hannah Hodari of Birmingham. Terry & Meryl Podolsky of Bloomfield with auction art they bought. Emily Cunnington of Phoenix, AZ with her grandparents Tom and Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham. Board member Robert Pliska (left) of Bloomfield with Peggy Kerr of Birmingham and Tim Travis of Waterford. Geoffrey & board member Keenie Fieger of Bloomfield. Bottom row, left to right: Michael Poris (left) with Denise & Gary Kulak of Birmingham.

David & Margo Grossman of Franklin. Janice Steinhardt (left) and board member Susu Sosnick of Birmingham with Ali Moiin of Grosse Pointe.

More than 1,750 attended 2010 Sunset, including the 325 VIPs ($600, $300-tickets) who arrived early for a reception on the plaza overlooking the lions’ habitat. The three newest residents – Larson, Emily and Erin – were alternately sleepy and affectionate, seemingly grateful to have been rescued from their former drug house guard duties in Oakley, Kansas. Those folks joined the hoi polloi ($125-tickets) at more than 40 feeding stations. Among the generous restaurants and bars and the sustenance they offered: Cameron’s braised short rib sliders, Mitchell’s Fish Market’s shrimp cocktail and oyster shooters, Beyond Juice’s total energy meal-in-a-cup smoothies, and The Cupcake Station’s mini icons. Dan Stall and his live auction team then got people to bid $113,650, including the overbid of $10,000 for a three-hour cruising party for 35 aboard the Infinity Yacht and the $6,000 that two different people paid to be a Top Gun fighter pilot for a day. A silent auction also garnered lots of attention ($13,000 bid) and the popular Sunset Keys raffle of 250 donated items raised about $15,875. As happened last year, for the first time in many years, a storm blew through and put an early (9:45 p.m.) kibosh on the wildest evening of the summer. The net revenue from Sunset 2010 ($285,000) is earmarked to refurbish the King of the Jungle habitat.

The Zoo also revs up on Wednesdays during July and August with its annual Wild Summer Nights concert series. Concerts take place in the Main Picnic Grove from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 25 and are free with regular Zoo admission. For featured music go to the events site at www.Detroitzoo.org.

Run for the Ribbon’s Night As the pink ribbon is the established symbol for breast cancer support, a blue ribbon symbolizes support for prostate cancer. Because the MIU knows firsthand the need for prostate awareness, treatment and research, it staged the second annual Run for the Ribbon and the pre-event, Night on the Townsend. More than 84

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300 attended the night event where Alexander Zonjic kept the tone very upbeat during the strolling dinner and silent auction (nearly $18,000 bid).

Some 1,500 participants and 500 of their fans turned out two days later for the Run for the (blue) Ribbon 5K Run & Walk at the Detroit Zoo on Father’s Day. The best female time was posted by Dalila Beard and best male by Stephen Biebelhausen. Local runners included Tess, Alex, Daniel & Jim Relle, Kristina & William Gray, Marla & Dawn Aginian, Sarah & Michael Jankowski, Ann Lang, Nancy Broadbridge, Coby Moscowitz, David & Michael Lutz, Bryan Lively, Darryl Grant, Anthony Lopetrone, Christian McTurk and Richard McDermott. The two-day event raised nearly $150,000 to battle prostate cancer in Southeastern Michigan.

JDRF Golf Classic Grant Beard chaired this 12th annual event that attracted 120 golfers to Franklin Hills Country Club.

Although nobody won the Fresard Buick that was offered for a hole in one, the event added $115,000 (up 15% from 2009) to the $1-millionplus dollars for juvenile diabetes research it has raised since it was established.

Designing with Antiques Judy Frankel is featuring a different interior designer each month at her Antiques Centre of Troy. She hosted a reception for the July designer Jennifer Taylor whose vignette featured The Secret Garden. It was centered by a large rustic table topped with a moss runner. Among the dozens who defied the stormy weather to attend were past featured designers like Arturo Sanchez, Barry Harrison and Leslie Pilling, as well as Corey Jenkins, Jeff Kolp, Susan Zinger, and Beth Singer. Still to be featured are: Patti Kelter & Jane Schwartz (Aug.), Shirley Maddalena (Sept.), Jane Synnestvedt (Oct.), Amy Weinstein (Nov.), and Michelle LaVictor & Janet Henke (Dec.).

Appreciating Clients and Culture Kudos to Sigma Investment Counselors for thanking its clients by treating them to a cocktail supper reception at the Detroit Institute of Arts and an exclusive tour of the “Through African Eyes: The European in African Art” exhibit. Before the tour, curator Nii Quarcoopome spoke to the 80-plus guests about the fascinating exhibit depicting the dynamics of cultural exchanges between Africans and Europeans over the past five hundred years. It will close Aug. 8, so if you haven’t seen it yet, time’s a wasting.

■ Detroit Zoological Society’s Sunset at the Zoo

Clockwise from lower left: David & DZS board member Jennifer Fischer with Jim Rein of Bloomfield. Colleen (left) & Paul Ziegler of Bloomfield with John Bukowicz of Sylvan Lake. Deane MacMillan and his wife Lindy Donigan of Bloomfield. DZS chair emeritus Ruth Glancy (left) of Grosse Pointe with zoo CEO / executive director Ron Kagan of Royal Oak and Susie Vestevich of Birmingham. Committee member Joe & Melissa Campanelli of Bloomfield. Mayor Dave & Yvette Bing of Detroit. Peg Tallett (center) of Pleasant Ridge with Charlie & Mary Parkhill of Bloomfield. DZS board member Tony (left) Early & his son Matt with Allison Hurt of Bloomfield. DZS board member Ira (left) & Brenda Jaffe of Farmington Hills with Andrea & DZS board member David Page of Bloomfield.

■ Michigan Institute of Urology Run for the Ribbon’s Night on the Townsend

Clockwise from upper left: Host committee members Maggie (left) and Bob Allesee of Bloomfield with MIU’s Dr. Alphonse Santino of Grosse Pointe and Dr. Claude Reitelman and his wife Sandie of Birmingham. MIU’s Dr. Michael Lutz & his wife Kathryn of Birmingham with her son Kris Stiman and Lisa Chlublskii of Rochester Hills.

Chris (left) & Dennia Ruen of Rochester Hills with Dr. David & Sharon Wood of Birmingham. Lynn Sirich (left) of Birmingham with childhood friends Marina Nepe, Michelle Nichols and Alicia Turnbull and their mother Bobbie Santino of Grosse Pointe. Michele Katz (left) of Waterford with Brad & David Lutz of Bloomfield. Beth Gotthelf (left) and her mother Shirley of Birmingham.

Nicole (left) & Norman Yatooma of Bloomfield with event coordinator Jaime Rae Turnbull of Clarkston.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304, email samgerak@aol.com or call (248) 646-6390. www.oaklandpaper.com

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■ final word

Primary election endorsements

T

he Tuesday, Aug. 3 primary election will present Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Bloomfield Township voters with a number of contested candidate races, and a trio of ballot questions to decide. As always, we have attempted to sort through the field of candidates to determine who could best represent their party in the November general election. Remember, this is a primary election, so you can vote for candidates in only one party or the other, unlike a general election where party affiliation doesn’t restrict a voter.

The endorsements below are limited to only contested races appearing on Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township ballots.

9th Congressional District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) Republican Area voters have a field of four Republican candidates facing off on Aug. 3 for the opportunity to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters in November. The GOP field includes some names that should be familiar, including former Judge Richard D. Kuhn, Paul Welday and Rocky Raczkowski. While either Welday or Raczkowski are capable of taking on Peters — we can’t say the same for Kuhn, since he didn’t make himself available for an interview session — we suggest Republican voters back Raczkowski.

A former chairman and CEO of Star Tickets, a national ticketing and entertainment company, Raczkowski is also a former state representative, and at one point was the majority leader in the Michigan House of Representatives. Raczkowski is also a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of major.

While Congress doesn’t dictate military strategy, Raczkowski’s recent military service in Afghanistan and Somalia gave him some first-hand experience in the ongoing War on Terror, so he has a unique ability to see what is and isn’t working. Coupled with his business and legislative background, Raczkowski would be the GOP’s best bet against Peters in November.

13th State Senate District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) Republican Incumbent state Sen. John Pappageorge is being challenged by a pair of candidates, including the impressive Roi Chinn, who’s brimming with fresh and intriguing ideas for resolving various ills.

However, neither Chinn nor the other challenger made a case for a need for a change; and although this is a primary race, we’re not inclined to support a challenger without a reason to replace the incumbent. Therefore, 13th District GOP voters should cast their vote for Pappageorge with confidence.

Pappageorge has served in the Michigan Senate since 2007, and is seeking a second and final fouryear term. Prior to that, he served as a state representative from 1999 to 2004, and an Oakland County Commissioner from 1989 to 1992.

Pappageorge previously held positions in the U.S. Army, and as a State Department policy planner.

Although citing education as a budget priority, Pappageorge says he’ll have no trouble paring back education spending if necessary so that the state lives within its means. Yet, he argues that state aid for local schools wouldn’t have to be reduced if state government reforms are implemented — particularly wage reductions for all employees.

16th County Commission District (Bloomfield Township) Democrat The winner of this race will face incumbent

Republican County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub in November. Of the two Democrats, we believe J. Andrew O’Connor has an edge in experience.

O’Connor, an information technology consultant, served as an elected West Bloomfield Township parks and recreation commissioner from 2004 to 2008, thereby playing a role in overseeing a multimillion dollar annual budget supported by taxpayer dollars.

20th County Commission District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) Republican Three GOP candidates are competing on Aug. 3, with Democrat Daniel K. Murray waiting to see who his general election opponent will be. The Republican primary race features incumbent County Commissioner David W. Potts. However, challenger David L. Wisz has made a strong case for the need for a change. In addition, Wisz strikes us as being a better GOP standard bearer in November.

Wisz, who’s been aggressive in lobbing bombs toward Potts during the primary campaign, justifiably criticizes the incumbent’s support for a countywide millage collection to support bus transit services, even in communities — such as Bloomfield Hills — that neither want nor need such service. Wisz points to the need to trim county employee wages if the revenue crunch persists, particularly among the highest paid employees.

Oakland County Probate Court Five attorneys are running for a single, nonincumbent open seat on the Oakland County Probate Court bench. The two candidates collecting the highest vote totals on Aug. 3 will compete in November for the six-year position. Only two of the candidates responded to our candidate questionnaire, making it impossible for us to consider the other three for an endorsement. Of the candidates that responded to our questions, Barbara Murphy, who was unsuccessful in seeking a probate court bench seat in 2008, appears to have a clear advantage when it comes to experience relevant to the probate court. She is a probate and family law attorney with a private practice, and previously worked as a Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office clerk, and an Oakland County judicial clerk. More important, Murphy has been a court appointed advocate for children as a guardian ad litem (GAL) for nearly 17 years.

Oakland Community College Millage OCC is seeking a 10-year renewal of a 0.7811mill levy. Now, more than ever, OCC is an essential institution that needs support with a YES vote.

The millage up for renewal was originally approved by county voters in 1995 at 0.8 mills, but has been rolled back due to the Headlee Amendment. If approved, the renewed millage would be levied for the first time in July 2012.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which generally is equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay just over $78 in the first year of the renewed millage collection. The millage provides as much as one-quarter of OCC’s annual revenues, which makes it crucial.

The ballot proposal wouldn’t result in a tax hike. Property owners would pay the same OCC property tax rate they do now; however, if their property’s taxable value declines, they would actually pay less in property taxes to support OCC, despite the unchanged tax rate.

Like all taxing authorities, OCC could make a strong case for the need for a tax hike just to maintain what it offers today, as the taxable value

of property across the county has declined, driving down the tax revenue the community college receives. However, OCC officials appropriately took the conservative path by merely asking for the existing tax rate for another 10 years.

In addition, OCC will become increasingly important in the county, as scores of people seek to gain skills and begin new careers following job losses.

This is particularly true as the economy moves away from manufacturing. OCC, with several campus locations across the county, is accessible and offers a necessary and more affordable alternative to traditional four-year institutions — although one can expect OCC to provide more four-year programs — since not all county residents want, need, or can afford a four-year degree. That all makes it imperative to vote YES on the OCC millage renewal.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage A 10-year millage renewal for Oakland County’s parks and recreation programs should be authorized with a YES vote.

Voters are asked to approve a 10-year renewal of 0.2415 mills for operating, maintaining, improving and acquiring parks and recreation areas and facilities.

The owner of a county property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) would pay $24.15 a year in property taxes under the millage renewal. The levy would be collected from 2012 to 2021. Like the OCC millage proposal, the parks and recreation millage renewal wouldn’t result in a tax hike and a property owner will actually pay less if their property’s taxable value is declining.

Because we’ve heard grumblings from some in the community about the county parks system acquiring land and creating new parks at a time of economic distress, it should be noted that the vast majority of the system’s additions were realized through grants funded by oil and gas royalties, not taxes.

The county parks and facilities need to be maintained. Failure to do so would result in facilities becoming neglected, possibly to the point of becoming a liability for the county. The parks system isn’t asking for anything more than what it’s already getting from property owners, other than to continue that for another 10 years. Voters shouldn’t hesitate to honor that request by voting YES. SMART Millage Voters in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township are asked to renew a millage supporting the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). SMART reportedly conveys a lot of employees to city and township businesses, making it a significant factor in those communities and their tax bases, so we’re urging a YES vote.

The SMART proposal seeks a renewal of the 0.59-mill levy last collected in December 2009. If approved, SMART would collect a two-year millage at the existing rate.

Once again, this ballot proposal wouldn’t result in a tax hike, just a two-year continuation of what’s currently collected. Yet, the same tax rate will result in a lower tax burden if a property’s value declines, which is the new norm, at least for the next few years.

In these difficult times, a growing number of people are finding it difficult to keep one or more automobiles on the road, and therefore rely on SMART services. That option needs to remain available, so city and township voters should renew the millage for another two years. ■

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