Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

INSIDE: THE VOTER GUIDE FOR AUGUST 2 PRIMARY ELECTION

JULY 2022

THE MOVE TO BAN BOOKS FIGHTING FOR THE MINDS OF CHILDREN ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

DOWNTOWN07.22 36 THE PUSH TO BAN BOOKS It's happening nationally and in Oakland County – the movement to challenge and possibly ban select books in both public libraries and school libraries but this effort is nothing new – there have been attempts for many decades.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

THE PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE

David Hohendorf gives readers an inside look at how the primary election Voter Guide and companion Downtown Newsmagazine recommendations are produced, along with a new marker that has been placed on endorsements starting with 2022.

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

Mackinac shmoozefest draws more Dems; Trump bullies over Michigan endorsements; memories of Bill Lucas campaign with Craig performance; Levin and John Lewis crIticism; gearing up for 2022 at Michigan media; plus more.

Inside this issue readers will find the August 2 primary election Voter Guide, featuring positions taken by those who have opposition as they seek to represent the two parties come this November.

Photo by Valeriya Vatel | Dreamstime

DOWNTOWN07.22 53 MUNICIPAL LaStrada expansion approved; another new building addition in center of downtown Birmingham; Via Mansoni coming to the city; Birmingham Schools layoffs in response to major budget shortfall; temporary closing of museum; plus more.

73 COMMUNITY HOUSE CEO/President of the Community House, William Seklar, gives readers a history lesson on how this community asset was formed and what it will take to keep it functioning to fulfill its mission in the years ahead.

79 METRO INTELLIGENCER Gigi Nichols provides readers with quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro area.

82 ENDNOTE Downtown Newsmagazine offers its recommendations to voters on candidates who have opposition in the November 2 primary election.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER his issue of Downtown Newsmagazine contains our Voter Guide to the August 2 primary election, along with our endorsements of candidates who have opposition in the upcoming vote to determine who will be the standard bearer for Democrats and Republicans in the November general election.

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We have been producing a Voter Guide at Downtown Newsmagazine for all major elections in the past decade. In my case, this voter guide brings me close to 50 elections – primary and general – in which I have been part of producing information for voters in advance of election day.

Our Voter Guide and endorsements are included with our July print issue and at our website downtownpublications.com to provide information early in the election cycle for those voters who cast absentee ballots, an increasingly important portion of the voting public.

For a small publishing group, the Voter Guide is a major undertaking and consumes considerable time for weeks in advance of your receiving what we are providing in this July issue. The bulk of this work falls to news editor Lisa Brody and me, whether it is drafting relevant questions we send to candidates, processing responses from those running for office and getting this issue ready to upload to our printer.

Endorsements are another taxing undertaking, serving as the topic of nearly daily conversation weeks in advance of going to press with this issue.

On the local level, Downtown Newsmagazine is the only publication that still hews to the traditional role by providing recommendations on candidates appearing on the ballot, with the exception of the two Detroit daily newspapers, although there is debate on a national basis that suggests that those days could be numbered.

In early June as we were toiling away on this issue, The Washington Post reported that a number of national newspaper chains were looking to end the practice of providing editorial opinion pages and guest commentary, mainly as a cost saving measure in the challenged print industry. Among those cited was the Gannett Company which publishes USA Today and 250 daily newspapers in the country, among them the Detroit Free Press.

The major newspaper chain is not mandating elimination of editorial opinion but is recommending individual publications make the determination. Internal research reportedly shows that editorial opinion is the least read of anything appearing in a given issue, so as the logic goes, eliminate the cost of producing that part of the newspapers. Tragic.

Newspapers as we know them today took shape in the early days of the 18th century as part of the colonial formation of the country. It was in the 19th century that editorial pages began a regular daily offerings in the newspapers, which are often credited with the formation of political factions and parties who often used print products to get their political messages out to the masses.

There was a point in time, even as recent as 40 years ago, that newspapers carried considerable weight when it came to influencing public opinion, especially at election time. But the introduction of the internet and the explosion of social media provided an opportunity for most anyone to get into the game of offering opinions on anything. Add to that the introduction of big money – and certainly dark money – into the election arena and the rules of the game of changed dramatically. So the influence of newspapers’ editorial page opinions has certainly been diminished.

However, we are traditionalists at Downtown Newsmagazine, whether it applies to editorial opinion or the nature of news that we provide each week on our website and in our monthly print product.

We have not adopted the policies and attitudes of many publishing groups, including those locally, who gauge what types of stories to follow based on the amount of website traffic that gets generated. On the coverage front, I reject the click-bait approach to determining what we will provide our readers, either online or in print. I take a traditional approach to what we do here which is to provide hard news coverage of the government as the bulk of what we cover, along with the longform stories that we provide. Call me outdated, but I believe we have an obligation to provide information in hopes of informing residents. Informed members of the public can then decide if and how to react to what the government is doing. It keeps our democracy healthy.

Likewise, we take a similar view of the editorial page – Endnote – which appears at the back of each issue of Downtown Newsmagazine.

We take our endorsements of candidates very seriously, spending endless days discussing and parsing the information provided by the candidates, combined with our historical perspective on issues and knowledge we have or gather on those running for office. We readily admit that we are only one voice in the community, but we like to think we are probably one of the more informed parties in the debate.

As general policy, we often have to set aside our personal litmus test issues when it comes to issues. No candidate has to check all the boxes to agree with us on all issues. Our simple test is who in a candidate field can best provide overall representation for local residents.

I will forewarn readers that with this issue we have laid down a marker when it comes our endorsements. As we note on our editorial pages this month, as a matter of policy, we will not give our endorsement to any candidate who does not accept the results of the 2020 election. If someone running for office lives in an alternate reality which includes the belief that the 2020 national election was somehow stolen or rigged, after countless audits, recounts and court rulings to the contrary, then we will not help advance that person to a position of power where they could inflict further damage to our democracy which is already teetering on the edge, thanks to this vocal subset of the general population.

As the hue and cry of minority opinion continues to drown out the majority, I am drawn to a quote from science fiction writer and Boston University biochemistry professor Isaac Asimov: “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge’.”

VOTER GUIDE NOTE: Our thanks go out to Signature Sotheby’s International Realty in Birmingham, and owner Doug Hardy, for stepping up to be the community sponsor of the primary election Voter Guide. His financial support helped reduce the substantial costs of providing a 34page guide to the primary election. An occasional sparring partner with me when it comes to political/social issues, Doug Hardy and I both agree that providing to voters the candidates’ views on the issues is critical.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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BIRMINGHAM | BLOOMFIELD

Publisher David Hohendorf

News editor Lisa Brody

News staff/CoNtributors Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei | Tracy Donohue Kevin Elliott | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf Grace Lovins | Jennifer Lovy | Jeanine Matlow Gigi Nichols | Bill Seklar

PhotograPhy/CoNtributors Laurie Tennent | Mackenzie O'Brien | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio

advertisiNg direCtor David Hohendorf

advertisiNg sales Mark Grablowski

graPhiCs/it MaNager Chris Grammer

offiCe 124 W. Maple, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE GOALS/MISSION The personnel at Downtown Newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential. Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

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

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder/Homicide

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through June 23, 2022.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown Newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

SHADES OF BLUE: Those who attended the Mackinac Policy Conference, an annual policy and political shmoozefest put on by Detroit Regional Chamber, reported it had a definite “blue” tint to it this year, held May 31June 3, on Mackinac Island. In past years, it’s been a GOP hunting ground, with nary, or very few, Democrats hanging out on the storied Grand Hotel porch. This year, purportedly because of vaccination requirements indoors, more Democrats attended than Republicans, although some who attended said there was a collegial bipartisan atmosphere, allowing everyone to relax and actually chew the fat together. But hold your horses. Once they all left the island, toxic tactics came back into play.

WHO’S IN CHARGE?: There is a split court of opinion as to who is really running the Michigan Republican party when it comes to anointing candidates for state office. One school of thought is that the Maddock couple – state party chair Meshawn and husband Matt ‘Mad Dog’, a state Representative – are having heavy sway with former President Donald Trump.

One Republican said that the former prez “listens to them.” But then we hear that MADDOCK they, like others, are taking their marching orders from Mar-A-Lago resort, including when it came to the highly MADDOCK unusual endorsement by Meshawn of Matt DePerno for Michigan Attorney General in advance of the prenomination gathering this spring. Word has it that Meshawn really wanted to throw her support for attorney general to former Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, who had run for the post in 2018 and was considered by many to be the best hope in this year’s general election.

But we are told Trump insisted she go with DePerno.

TRUMP Trump supposedly also told Macomb Congresswoman Lisa McLain, who had the prez’s endorsement when she ran to assume office in 2020, that she had to back DePerno or she could forget any further backing by Trump.

NOTHING FOR GRANTED: Some could assume that Democrats at the top of the ticket – Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel – would be riding high and coasting into a second term with the meltdown of half of the Republicans running for governor, and the Trump-appointed secretary of state and attorney general candidates, Kristina Karamo and Matt DePerno. But they’d be wrong. The gossip is they are taking nothing for granted, and all three, as well as Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, recognize the stakes are enormous, and as one Democratic lawmaker said, “With so many radicals out there, and how targeted Whitmer already has been, it’s unknown how motivated that Republican MAGA base is.” Whitmer, who already has lots of green in the bank, is focusing less on fundraisers and more on events, with lots and lots of attention right now on southeast Michigan. As for who big bucks Republicans are focused on, “People I know are behind Tudor Dixon,” said one longtime Republican. “Tudor is the best candidate to go against Gretchen – it will be like Biden versus Trump again.” Many others in GOP circles are disappointed with Dixon because despite being endorsed by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Right to Life and the Devos family – along with a promise of large dollars – she is still only polling around five percent, in the cellar, only slightly higher than Rev. Ralph Rebrandt. Party handlers and lobbyists are urging her to spend significantly more time in Oakland County, and Republican candidate for House District 19 (Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Bingham Farms, Beverly Hills, Franklin, downtownpublications.com

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Southfield) Anthony Paesano is holding a fundraiser for her at his Bloomfield Township home.

DREAMING BIG: Once upon a time (2021), former Detroit Police Chief James Craig was the Republican’s numero uno choice. He was placed in the hands of esteemed GOP political strategist John Yob...who fled to self-funder Perry Johnson when Craig seemed to prefer hanging out to yak with Fox News, rather than chugging it around the state. Both Craig and Johnson, as we know, were two of the five candidates who failed the first test of a candidate – to submit qualified signatures to get on the ballot. Craig is blaming Yob, while Johnson still hasn’t fired him – and word is, is JOHNSON thinking about running for office again, either president or governor. It gives a new meaning to “aim high.”

SINKING SHIP: Speaking of James Craig, since he failed to make it as a Republican candidate for governor by submitting enough legitimate signatures, he’s announced he’s filing as a write-in candidate. Those in the know estimate a write-in statewide campaign will cost about $22 million. Craig has $1 million. “I don’t know anyone writing him checks,” said one early Republican backer. “Templar Baker (former GOP Chair Bobby Schostak’s political consulting group) was raising money for him, but they aren’t any more.” Some in CRAIG the party are likening Craig’s campaign to former Wayne County Sheriff Bill Lucas, who was a popular African American law enforcer, became the first Wayne County executive, and in 1986, switched parties, became a Republican and was convinced to run for governor against Democrat incumbent Governor Jim LUCAS Blanchard. When he first switched parties, like Craig, he received national accolades, and there was high hopes. However, Lucas received a shellacking, receiving only 31.45 percent of the vote, and Blanchard coasted to re-election. There’s little excitement, or hope, for the Republicans left on the ticket against Gretchen Whitmer. “Many Republicans are foreseeing an absolute disaster this year,” said a Republican politico. Others are calling it Armageddon 2022 for the history books.

SACRED FIGHT: It’s a no-holds-barred battle between sitting Congresspeople Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township, Royal Oak, Berkley, Huntington Woods, most of Macomb County) and Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Clawson, western Oakland and Wayne counties), and that includes fundraising and the airwaves. Levin ticked off several members of the Congressional Black Caucus with a campaign ad not just talking about his relationship with the late Congressman John Lewis (D-Georgia), but using his image as well. According to Punchbowl News, a political newsletter, they had spoken to several LEWIS members of the caucus, including Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield, West Bloomfield, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Detroit), a Stevens backer, who said they strongly disapproved of Levin featuring Lewis in his ad. We’ve noticed Levin no longer running the ad. Levin has repeatedly attacked Stevens’ acceptance of PAC – political action committee – donations, especially one in particular, a $300,000 bundled donation from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC. Levin announced he would no longer take corporate PAC donations. However, it’s unknown if corporate PACs, or a leadership PAC or a union PAC, made any $1,000 suggested PAC contributions at an event in Levin’s support at a recent Capitol baseball game, a flyer of which went out to Levin’s supporters.

NAME IN LIGHTS: We’re not saying it was her goal – as a matter of 28

fact, we know state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak) was just angry and disturbed with being portrayed as a “predator” and “groomer” who sexualized young children by fellow state Senator Lana Theis (RPlymouth) when she responded with a now viral speech standing up for herself as a “straight, white, Christian, married, suburban mom”...“You can’t claim that you are targeting marginalized kids in the name of quote ‘parental rights’ if another parent is MCMORROW standing up to say no.” Reclaiming her identity had a side benefit, in that she became a media darling, appearing in The New York Times, The Guardian, Business Insider, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, The New Yorker, Washington Post, The Daily Kos, Yahoo News, National Catholic Reporter, and tons of other Michigan press, and was featured all over BULLOCK broadcast TV, from WDIV’s Flashpoint with Devin Scillian to CNN, CBS, ABC, CNN with Don Lemon, and numerous appearances on MSNBC, as well as a personal call from President Joe Biden, unusual for a state legislator. Considering McMorrow is in a heated state Senate primary contest with fellow Democratic Senator Marshall Bullock II (DDetroit), the non-calculated move has certainly helped her recognition in the new district. As The New Yorker put it, “A role model for the midterms.”

MUSICAL CHAIRS: Facing an active political year, the two Detroit daily newspapers and other publications have changed their line up of talent, starting with The Detroit News, adding last year former Michigan Campaign Finance Network and one-time MIRS reporter Craig Mauger as a reporter in the Lansing bureau. Mauger was most recently named the Journalist of the Year by the Detroit chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). The Detroit News in May added Chad Livengood, who was most recently with Crain’s Detroit Business as a senior editor.

Livengood was at one time the Lansing bureau chief for The Detroit News. Now he will be the politics editor and a columnist. Bridge Michigan has added Laureen Gibbons as Capitol watchdog reporter. Gibbons had MAUGER served two years covering the Senate for MIRS and then six years covering the state government for MLive. Over at the Detroit Free Press, M.L. Elrick has returned as of May to fill the role of columnist following an unsuccessful 2021 run for Detroit City Council. Elrick, a decorated investigative reporter, has also done stints with Fox-2 and WDIV Channel 4. He was part of the team which won the Pulitzer Prize for the Detroit Free Press for Local Reporting in 2009, with coverage of the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal in Detroit.

THE PLOT THICKENS: Craig Mauger of The Detroit News received SPJ recognition for the following type of effort, first reported in early June. The Michigan Secretary of State chief legal director, Michael Brady, is stepping up formal review of two groups, Michigan! My Michigan! and Michigan Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, for failure to respond to multiple request for copies of donations made to Unlock Michigan, which ran a petition drive that helped repeal the 1945 law that gave executive power to Michigan governors in time of emergencies. The first two groups, one of which has at least some ties to Michigan Senate Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake), do not have to divulge donors under Michigan law, but it would appear the groups could have coordinated fundraising to benefit the Unlock Michigan petition group, which must divulge donors, according to a complaint filed by Bob LaBrant, an election expert who has past ties to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Total contributions from the two groups are about $2.65 million. Shirkey has labeled the challenge as pure politics. But let’s see the final resolution of this case, which could impact the future of dark money donations for the future in the state.

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FACES Rhea Dhar and Iris Hoffman eeing your published novel is an exciting time for any author. It certainly has been for Rhea Dhar and Iris Hoffman, whose book, Element Island: Secrets and Smoke, came out this past March.

“It felt good…after working on it for so long,” Hoffman said.

Their story follows Ember, a young hermit crab on a quest to save his friend, who was captured by a human. Ember is then invited to attend Element Island, where Elemental Crabs learn how to train against humans, and meets a new friend. Throughout the book, Ember discovers new mysteries on the island as he continues his search.

“We were talking about animals we like,” Hoffman said. “Then thought of hermit crabs, which didn’t seem like it had really been done before.”

The duo went through all the steps most writers do – collaborated, wrote, edited, found a publisher – but with the added stress of getting their homework done. And after school activities. Dhar and Hoffman currently attend Derby Middle School, and just finished the eighth grade.

It took Dhar and Hoffman about six months to write the book, and they often alternated between chapters for the writing. Both commented it was more difficult to write at the beginning of the process, but it got easier as they continued. In fact, the ending and epilogue ended up being Dhar’s favorite part to write.

Now that the book is published and out in the world, how does it feel to be getting feedback?

“It’s kind of shocking,” Dhar said. “Like, we were the only ones who read it pretty much, then more people were reading it, and they’re actually enjoying it.”

They hope people of all ages enjoy it, and find some of it funny.

Both Dhar and Hoffman said their parents were really encouraging throughout the whole process. Their publisher, Redwood Publishing LLC, was also incredibly encouraging and helped with all of the complexities that come with getting a book published.

“It was really amazing to see the cover and go through the entire process,” Dhar said.

Be on the lookout for other books from the talented writing duo. They plan to have at least two more books in the series, with the second one already completely written. They’re currently working on the third.

As far as the second book goes, there are multiple new characters being introduced. Dhar said that they’re really fun and shine more because their writing has improved since they published Element Island: Secrets and Smoke.

“It was definitely somewhat easier,” Hoffman said about the second book. “We already kind of knew what works best for us. So we could do the same thing writing the second one and it definitely made it move along a lot faster.”

Hoffman said that if younger kids see that someone not that much older than they are – like a couple of eighth graders – published a book, maybe it would inspire them to publish their own things, too.

“They only really need to be determined enough to actually finish writing and to go through the process,” Dhar said. “It doesn't really take anything that special, as long as you just are willing to follow through with everything.”

While the two aren’t sure what their futures hold, writing will be a part of it in some capacity.

“I definitely am going to keep writing,” Dhar said.

S

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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W

hen I was in junior high, Judy Blume’s young adult book, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, seemed to speak directly to me. I felt seen. In the novel, an 11-year-old girl searched for the meaning of religion in life while dealing with common pre-teen female issues like confronting puberty, buying her first bra, having her first period, and coping with her first romantic and sexual attraction.

Judy Blume wrote as if she was an 11year-old, and while my life didn’t precisely mirror Margaret’s, having access to the book, and being able to read it and discuss it with my mother and girlfriends was a freedom I did not know was noteworthy, as it turns out the book has been frequently challenged since its publication in 1970 for its frank discussion of sexual and religious topics. As a matter of fact, according to the American Library Association (ALA), Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, is one of the most frequently challenged books of the 21st century, along with 1984, To Kill a Mockingbird, Catcher In the Rye, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, On the Origin of Species, The Lord of the Rings, Of Mice and Men, The Lord of the Flies, and Slaughterhouse-Five.

BATTLE FOR MINDS OF CHILDREN: THE INCREASING REQUESTS TO BAN SPECIFIC BOOKS

BY LISA BRODY

A disparate yet widely well-respected selection of literature, what do all of these titles have in common?

According to R. Wolf Baldassaro of Banned Books Awareness, “The reasons behind these challenges may seem innocent and well-intentioned, but the truth is that at the center of the issue it isn’t these topics themselves that worry parents, it’s that we don’t want to acknowledge them for one very selfish reason: they make us uncomfortable. We simply don’t want to talk about it – especially with our children. Therefore, we hide in a bubble and force our children to search for the answers on their own and then get angry when they find them. “‘But if they read about it, they’ll know more than we do and start to question the world around them.’ That’s the rationale. So, logically it means that the books must be destroyed lest the truth get out that their world is changing, sociologically and physically,” Baldassaro asserts.

Today’s list of 10 most challenged books of 2021, according to the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, which tracked 729 challenges of 1,597 books to library, school and university materials and services in 2021, place a spotlight on two controversial subjects today: gender, sex and books which deal with race. The most

TODAY'S LIST OF 10 MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS OF 2021, ACCORDING TO THE ALA OFFICE FOR INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM, WHICH TRACKED 729 CHALLENGES OF 1,597 BOOKS TO LIBRARY, SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY MATERIALS AND SERVICES IN 2021, PLACE A SPOTLIGHT ON TWO CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECTS TODAY: GENDER, SEX AND BOOKS WHICH DEAL WITH RACE. challenged books in 2021 were Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe; Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison; Out of Darkness

by Ashley Hope Perez; The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas; The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews; The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson; and Beyond Magenta by Susan Kulin.

The reason many of these books were banned and challenged are for LGBTQIA+ content, they are considered sexually explicit or for sexual references, profanity, derogatory terms and depictions of abuse.

“It’s important to look at the books being attacked most – books about LGBTQIA+ people, race, people being oppressed,” said Nora Pelizzari, director of communications, National Coalition Against Censorship.

“The political climate is causing this ‘fear of other.’ It’s a symptom of the larger culture war the country is experiencing.”

Pelizzari said attempts to ban and remove books that some people “do not like are nothing new. The National Council Against Censorship has been around for 50 years and seen challenges for all 50 years.”

That said, Pelizzari said, “What we’re seeing is unprecedented. It’s a coordinated attack against libraries and public schools. We’re a non-partisan organization so it

takes a lot for us to say something is politically motivated.

We’re very balanced because we’ve seen attempts at banning from both sides. She said, however, book challenges and attacks from the left “are very minimal compared to what we are seeing on the right.” She noted parents on the left have tended to be very “politically correct,” looking to challenge and ban books like Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird because of some of its authentic-to-its-time language, “and because the depictions of race and racism and racist language are out of date.”

She said most of these “politically correct” challenges tend to be hyperlocal. “They tend to be about a book, or a syllabus. What we’re seeing on the right dwarfs that many times over. What we’re seeing on the right is a coordinated attack on whole lists of books – not just on school curricula but school libraries.”

PEN America Director of Free Expression and Education Jonathan Friedman concurred. “We have called the national movement the ‘Ed Scare’ – the effort to institute fear around schools. First it was around critical race theory, then around gender, then it focused around materials in schools. Parents who want to be activists are finding this is a way to be proactive. It’s supposed to be very local and they’re supposed to go directly to schools or to their local school boards. But often, it’s happening through back channels, in some cases through lists of emails and the spread of social media – ‘Did you hear about this book?’ It’s all gossip and rumor mills. It’s not about people actually reading the books.”

There were 377 challenges to library, school and university materials in 2019, of 566 books, according to the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, the first recent year in which there was a significant uptick in appeals for censorship and book banning. The number one challenged book was George, by Alex Gino, due to LGBTQIA+ content and a transgender character. The second most challenged book was Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin, along with A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss, Sex is a Funny Word by Cory Silverberg. Also on the list is Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack and I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. Each of these books were challenged for LGBTQIA+ content and political viewpoints.

Also on 2019’s list was The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Drama,written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, along with And Tango Makes Three, a children’s book by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson which is based on the true story of two male penguins who appear to love each other and nurture an egg.

The ALA tracked 156 challenges in 2020, with 273 books targeted, with George by Alex Gino at number one, followed by Stamped: Racism, AntiRacism and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds the second most challenged book nationwide, followed by All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, for “profanity, drug use and alcoholism and promotion of anti-police views.” Biased by Laurie Halse Anderson, was banned and challenged because it was claimed to be “biased against male students, and its inclusion of rape and profanity.” Also on the 2020 list is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Justice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins and Ann Hazard; To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; Of Mice and

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Men by John Steinbeck; The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

Book challenges and book bans have existed since Gutenberg invented the printing press around 1436, beginning the printing revolution and opening up literacy to a wider latitude of citizens than just those in the church. There were likely book bans before this time, Polly Boruff-Jones, dean of university libraries at Oakland University, said that when the printing press developed and more people had access to the written word as well as greater literacy, “The Church had less of an interpretation of their control and they sought to create bans. There was an attempt to maintain control of religious doctrine. The time of the Reformation was a time of (Martin) Luther publishing documents challenging Catholic doctrines – challenging the status quo. Whatever that is, is often what is being challenged.”

In the early American colonies, one of the first books banned was New English Canaan, which Boruff-Jones said attacked Puritanism and Puritan customs. Later, the Confederacy banned Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.

“There’s never been a time when there wasn’t censorship,” asserted Dr. Lisa Maruca, associate professor of English at Wayne State University, whose area of

THE MOMS FOR LIBERTY OAKLAND COUNTY TWITTER PAGE STATES “WE WELCOME ALL HAVE A DESIRE TO STAND UP FOR PARENTAL RIGHTS AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. DEDICATED TO FIGHTING 4 OUR KIDS, EDUCATING & EMPOWERING PARENTS.” THE GROUP, LAUNCHED IN FLORIDA TO SUPPORT “PARENTAL RIGHTS” IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NOW COUNTS EIGHT CHAPTERS IN MICHIGAN. expertise is in the history of books, including censorship.

She explained that 18th century novels written in England – which today are very popular for film and television adaptations, especially by Jane Austen – “were considered enticing and might contain romantic plots, or where the hero or heroine could overthrow social norms.”

Maruca said there were concerns they would influence young minds – especially women – because of what they considered salacious content, that a young woman might consider her suitor rather than her parents’ choosing for her.

“Whenever I teach this it reminds me of panics around video games or the internet,” she said. “This kind of concern has been going on 300 years, at least.

“It’s really about control. Censorship is about who has access to young minds, who is allowed the access to media,” Maruca pointed out. “Since the beginning of the printing press, that has been an urgent question.”

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, agrees.

“What we’re seeing right now is an unprecedented campaign to ban books from school libraries and public libraries – to remove the voices of marginalized communities, which have found a place in society and on the shelves across the country in libraries,” Caldwell-

Stone said, noting the most challenged books over the last few years include “Lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ teens, Black, Indigenous and people of color and their lived experiences, or by Black authors. We’re finding the effort to stigmatize these works as ‘critical race theory’ an unfounded theory – it’s a scare tactic.

“But it’s motivating people to go to their school boards with these banned books lists and demand they be removed. For children’s books, simply because they’re written by a Black author, they’re about Black lives or the impact of police violence on Black lives, they don’t want them to exist or be available,” Caldwell-Stone pointed out of national online groups spearheaded by Moms For Liberty and No Left Turn in Education.

The Moms for Liberty Oakland County Twitter page states “We welcome all who have a desire to stand up for parental rights at all levels of government. Dedicated to fighting 4 our kids, educating & empowering parents.”

The group, launched in Florida to support “parental rights” in public schools, has chapters that have spread across the country, and now counts eight chapters in Michigan. Among their issues in 2021 was forced masking of students and teaching of critical race theory.

The mission of No Left Turn in Education states “Parents from all walks of life are waking up to this troubling reality, but until now did not know where to turn to and what to do. They are afraid to speak up and push back. In No Left Turn in Education we believe in restoring the intended relationship between parents and the public education.”

Maruca of Wayne State University said that throughout the history of education, what has been chosen for children to study has always been chosen under the auspice of politics, “Whether you’re talking about the 18th century in England or 19th century in America, there was always a social rationale or moralistic purpose.”

She said that even the reason Shakespeare, the great bard, was elevated, had another purpose.

“We think of Shakespeare as great literature, but he was not taught in schools until the late 18th century/early 19th century in England, to promote Englishness in England, as they spread their colonial mission, this ‘pure English mission,’ and then the Americans imported this,” Maruca said.

The popular use of the McGuffey readers in mid-19th century and early 20th century American schools, a collection of British stories and poems, “made sure everyone would have the same accent and promoted whiteness at a time when the U.S. was a nation of immigrants and African Americans were starting to have access to education after emancipation,” Maruca said.

“These popular textbooks were representing literary heritage as very proper, white, British, monolithic language that is meant to be pronounced in a certain way, with an upper class, midwestern pronunciation – that everyone must sound the same and there is only one way to speak, and that all immigrants had to assimilate.”

Pelizzari and Friedman both said that while there have been significant increases over the last three to four years in efforts to challenge books, “This crisis began at the beginning of this school year,” Pelizzari said. “In recent months it grew from book challenges in schools and libraries to legislative attempts to determine what teachers can teach and what materials libraries can stock.”

“Starting in the late summer and fall, there were more bans on individual books that then spread to lists of books

that parents’ challenged to remove from school libraries through school boards, lists that spread around social media,” Friedman of PEN America said.

He said beginning in September, there have been numerous reports of parents “going and reading excerpts of books and attempting to shame school board members – elected officials who are not necessarily familiar with individual books. What do the typical school board members know about student constitutional rights?

“Some originally meant to appease parents by removing the books in question, and it spread, and then it became a national movement,” Friedman said.

Caldwell-Stone said there have always been parents with concerns, as there were about Judy Blume’s books during the 1970s and 1980s.

Boruff-Jones of Oakland University said there have been other cycles of book challenges. “In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a huge spike in book banning and challenges due to the Moral Majority, which led an intentional campaign to challenge books that challenged traditional America, and what that group considered the ‘American Morality.’ There was a big spike at that time. It was a little more thoughtful challenge at that time because the books were read and considered.”

She said in certain areas of the country right now,

WHILE IT MAY SOUND SILLY TO SOME PARENTS TODAY, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO CAME OF AGE READING HARRY POTTER, CONCERNS ABOUT WHAT THEIR CHILD IS READING IS NOT UNREASONABLE, SAY LOCAL LIBRARIANS. IT'S A PARENT'S JOB TO OVERSEE THEIR OWN CHILD'S READING. WHAT BECOMES AN ISSUE OF CENSORSHIP IS WHEN A PARENT WANTS TO DICTATE WHAT ALL THE OTHER CHILDREN CAN READ. “books are being pulled and challenged without having read the books.”

Friedman said recent challenges have been galvanized by internet lists being traded – many without parents actually knowing the content of the books they are objecting to, including the groups Moms For Liberty and No Left Turn in Education, among others.

“Whole lists are being traded by email and across the internet, ramping up interest, and they’re sharing on social media lists of books with excerpts,” he said.

“We believe the reason these groups are succeeding is because they’re the loudest group in the room – not the most popular,” said Caldwell-Stone.

In Walton County, Florida, he said, a list of 58 books was presented to the school superintendent – “a list that had been compiled randomly by a right wing church group they claimed contained pornography and LGBT content. Some of the list had been compiled just by random people. The superintendent took one look at the list and banned all 58 books.

“However, only 24 were even in the school library,” Friedman said.

“It’s a misleading report because it’s written as if it’s a legal report, but it’s absolutely not – it’s a random report.”

He asked how a superintendent, with no knowledge of the books he banned, could consider that a rational

response. “No one in the school district had even complained about the books,” Friedman said. “It speaks to the frenzy and miscommunication that is going on when no one is acting authoritatively.”

Caldwell-Stone said in the 1990s there was a rise in secular humanism, a rejection of religious dogma and supernaturalism, instead relying on reason and logic.

Then, in the 2000s, as the Harry Potter books rode a wave of international popularity, some sought to ban them “because there was a concern children were learning witchcraft and to defy authority.”

While it may sound silly to some parents today, especially those who came of age reading Harry Potter, but concerns about what their child is reading is not unreasonable, say local librarians. It’s a parent’s job to oversee their own child’s reading.

What gets tricky, or becomes an issue of censorship, is when a parent wants to determine or dictate what all the other children in the community can or should read.

“I think it’s the job of parents to censor what their children see, and that’s definitely the stance we take here,” said Bloomfield Township Public Library Director Tera Moon. “Parents making decisions for other people’s children – I think every parent should be able to make that decision for their own children.”

“If my choices drove the collection, it would be limited to mysteries and books about the British Royal Family,” Cathy Russ, director of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, said tongue-in-cheek. “But it’s not the Cathy Russ Library, it’s the West Bloomfield Public Library. The word ‘library’ in the name – the key word is public. It serves the West Bloomfield community. The needs of the West Bloomfield community drives the collection. We provide the materials but our assumptions are the parents are setting the expectations with their child. It’s not for the librarian to say it for them, nor for them to say it for every other parent’s child. You make decisions for your family, and let every other family make decisions for their family.

“The public library is a place you can go and make up your mind,” Russ said. “I don’t know another place that is not an echo chamber. The library has something for everybody – all issues are represented. The pro side or the con side – the library is the place you can go and read about both sides and educate yourself so you are making the decision for yourself. The library is the only place that has that mission. With the internet, there is no credibility.

You can google something and the top responses can be there because they’re paid to be at the top of the list.”

Locally, there have been some book challenges, although Birmingham Public Schools and Bloomfield Hills Schools reported they have not had any issues either at the school library or school board level. According to local librarians, some have seen a few challenges, with Troy and Rochester Hills libraries seeing spikes this past fall.

While Rochester Hills Public Library Director Juliane Morian declined to be interviewed, Moon of Bloomfield Township said Rochester Hills has had about 10 books challenged, “primarily LGBTQ+ books and critical race theory-related books. Those challenging the books want them censored and removed from the library.”

“We’re starting to see it in Michigan,” said state Senator Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield, Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills). She is very concerned as fellow legislator, state Senator Lana Theis (R-Brighton) has introduced legislation to ban teaching of the 1619 Project.

“She has gone on the MIRS podcast, talking about banning Toni Morrison books, LGBT books, books with religion,” McMorrow said. “It’s terrifying – the person who is the chair of the (Michigan) Senate education committee talking about banning books. I’ve been talking with parents and teachers and they have been expressing frustration, that schools should be preparing students for the world… Books are how we prepare and grapple with the world. The idea we can soften real ideas and events and keep them from kids, it’s not real. It’s not really protecting kids – it’s trying to block the rest of the world, which is impossible. Otherwise we’re stuck in a bubble in our own lived experience.”

“We’re truly disturbed legislators are jumping on this bandwagon,” agreed ALA’s Deborah Caldwell-Stone.

“Parents know their children best – but no one should dictate what the whole community should read or dictate what they can consume.

“It’s the antithesis of our democracy – to put it into a law. We’re violating the spirit as well as the law of the First Amendment.”

The book seeing the greatest challenge in Troy in fall 2021, was also a book Troy high school libraries saw challenged was a 2006 graphic memoir, Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel, focusing on the author’s complex

THERE ARE CULTURAL WARS GOING ON NATIONALLY. IT'S PART OF THE LIBRARY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO ALL EXPRESSIONS OF KNOWLEDGE AND INTELLECTUAL ACTIVITY, AND THAT EVERYONE CAN FIND THEMSELVES WITHIN THE LIBRARY'S SHELVES. LIBRARIES ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO DEVELOP THEIR COLLECTIONS THAT REFLECT THEIR COMMUNITIES AND THE WIDER WORLD. relationship with her father while dealing with issues of sexual orientation, gender roles, suicide, emotional abuse and dysfunctional family. It was also made into a Tonyaward winning Broadway musical. Librarians reported they were blindsided by the challenges, which were due to the LGBTQ issues and sexual scenes.

“Sometimes it has the opposite effect, because then people check it out to see what it’s all about,” said one librarian, who asked not to be named.

“There are definitely pockets that are seeing challenges,” said Deborah Mikulah, executive director, Michigan Library Association, who is watching all of the other states, and is anticipating a big push before the 2022 election.

“We’re looking at political disagreements. There are cultural wars going on nationally. It’s part of the library’s responsibility to facilitate access to all expressions of knowledge and intellectual activity, and that everyone can find themselves within the library’s shelves,” Mikulah said. “Libraries are working very hard to develop their collections that reflect their communities and the wider world.”

Mikulah pointed out they’re particularly qualified to do that because librarians have masters of library and information services and receive ongoing training.

“Libraries continue to uphold the rights contained in

our First Amendment. It’s central to any functioning democracy – the rights of our citizens to read, to seek information, to speak freely,” she said.

Russ worked at the Troy Library for 13 years before becoming West Bloomfield Township Public Library’s director about 18 months ago, and said there were about three challenges over that period, one for a French foreign film which had some nudity, “and we noted it had been labeled and the person was warned,” another for a children’s book which a person thought should be in the teen section. “We reviewed it and agreed. Another was for a children’s book which the person thought was promoting gay parenthood, and we explained the processes we had. In those days, the challenges were definitely not political, they were about a particular piece of material, and they wanted to express their concerns, which is their right.

“In 2020, through today, there have been more politicallymotivated challenges. It reflects the polarizations we see in so many ways in our culture,” Russ noted.

“In some cases, it’s voicing a concern. In the past, it’s been a concern about where a work belongs rather than ‘take it out.’ That’s what’s changed, the sentiment all across the country that people want to have works removed from libraries rather than moved,” said Emily Dumas, director, Troy Public Library. She said it hasn’t yet happened in Troy, “but in other parts of the country, libraries are having to lock things up or get rid of them.”

Rebekah Craft, director of Birmingham’s Baldwin Public Library, said they generally have three or four challenges a decade. “Our most recent request was in 2018, for a picture book on the Palestinian/Israel situation which was written in favor of the Palestinians,” she said.

“We chose to keep it on the shelves because we also have books in favor of Israelis on the shelves.”

Craft said she believes it helps Baldwin that when there is a request, “We have a balanced collection. We’re able to say we have a book on this side of the issue and that side of issues.”

However, she recognizes the situation increasingly occurring across the country, noting that in Montana, “some libraries are having 200-plus books being requested to be banned.

“I think it matches the political climate right now.

There is a lot of division, with a lot of politicians latching onto certain issues around election time. People are passionate about their beliefs and are passionate about what their children are exposed to, and how their tax dollars are spent.”

Baldwin, like all of the other local libraries, has a collection development policy which outlines the types of materials they purchase, how they make their selections, and intellectual freedom. “That’s the basis of everything we do,” Craft said.

“I think of libraries as the last bastions of free speech,” said Troy library’s Dumas. “If people looked at it along those grounds, there’d be more common grounds. The government isn’t going to tell you what to read. No one is going to influence what you are going to read, what you are going to think. It’s one of the last bastions that influence curiosity because you have thousands and thousands of books at your fingertips, and even more online.”

“Books allow kids to think, books challenge kids, what they know and believe and expand their world without leaving home,” said National Coalition Against Censorship’s Pelizzari. “They feel seen and less alone.”

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FACES

Noel B. Murphy ilmmaker, comedian, educator, and self-described “evangelist for green technology and critical thinking,” Noel B. Murphy, grew up in the Detroit area but spent the past four decades living in other states and traveling the world. He recently moved from California to Grosse Pointe, where he is renovating a 1920s home and reconnecting with his childhood memories and some of the people in those memories.

According to Murphy, his Detroit roots run deep as the great-grandson of industrialist M.J. Murphy, who founded the Murphy Chair Company in Detroit about 150 years ago.

“I’m here to make a difference. I still believe in Michigan and the Detroit area and want to be part of breathing inspiration and possibility into it.”

Murphy said, “I’ve traveled the world and I’ve never seen architecture or the opportunity to own a home like we have here. But we need to fully embrace housing and diversity – and we need to care for and house people. There is enough for everyone.”

Murphy recently held the Detroit premiere of his documentary film, “BUCKY & The Design Science Revolution,” the second film in a trilogy about R. Buckminster Fuller, whose nickname was Bucky. This film focuses on Fuller's designs and artifacts as well as his inventive and abundance mindset.

Jeff Bridges and Marianne Williamson are featured in the film.

Fuller, a renowned 20th century architect, inventor, philosopher and systems theorist popularized visionary concepts such as Synergetics, Dymaxion, and the geodesic dome. Murphy refers to him as “the grandfather of green and the future” and “the greatest renegade thinker of modern times.”

Murphy’s documentary has traveled worldwide on the film festival circuit.

For this documentary, Murphy filmed Fuller’s 1940s Dymaxion House – an

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aluminum “house of the future” prototype which is on exhibit as part of the collection at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. Murphy said the third film will be made in the Detroit area.

“Bucky was a transformative thinker. He saw things differently than the rest of us. He had big ideas and big actions,” Murphy explained. “I hope my films awaken your curiosity about why you are here on the planet and inspires you to contribute your genius to society, like Bucky did.”

Murphy was first exposed to Fuller’s innovative ideas at Harvard University by storyteller and mentor, Dr. Hugh Morgan Hill, who also went by the name Brother Blue. Murphy became drawn to Fuller's genius when he discovered the comfort, answers, and inspiration in Fuller’s transformative teachings that he didn’t receive from his complicated childhood family life.

As part of his reconnection with the area, Murphy has begun reuniting with some of the people that were a meaningful part of his early life – including the family of late WJR Radio legend, J.P. McCarthy. In his teens, Murphy worked as an assistant to McCarthy which later open doors for him professionally.

“The McCarthy family unofficially adopted me. Staying with them in Bloomfield Hills was respite from my life – it was my ‘happy place’ growing up. They offered me love and safety and it changed my life. I’m so grateful and want to pass it on.”

Murphy offers up this challenge: “There are two questions you need to ask yourself: ‘Are you enough?’ ‘Is there enough?’ The answer may determine whether or not you achieve your genius…I will tell you that you are enough and there is enough. Show up and make a difference.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

PRIMARY ELECTION AUGUST 2022

PRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY SPONSOR:

SIGNATURE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY BIRMINGHAM | NORTHVILLE | GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE

Inside this August 2 primary election Voter Guide readers will find answers to questions Downtown Newsmagazine sent to those candidates who have party primary opposition. Because this is a primary, voters must decide in which party they will be voting to select the standard bearer for either the Democrat or Republican party. Them winners in the primary contests will advance to the November general election.

With newly drawn political districts, a number of local communities were divided by different districts. Unfortunately, meaningful and readable maps of the new districts are nowhere to be found so you will have to refer to your specific precinct number to determine if you are included in a district.

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U.S. CONGRESS – 11TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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U.S. CONGRESS – 11TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN

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MICHIGAN SENATE – 7TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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MICHIGAN SENATE – 8TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 5TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 5TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 20TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 20TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 54TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 54TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN

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MICHIGAN HOUSE – 56TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT

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COUNTY COMMISSION – 9TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRATS

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, part of Waterford, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Southfield, part of Detroit

Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, part of Detroit

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, most of Troy, Clawson, part of Royal Oak

Part of Birmingham, part of Troy, Pontiac

august 2 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

U.S. CONGRESS 11TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT ANDY LEVIN

Andy Levin is currently the congressman for Michigan’s 9th District, a position he has held since 2019. He previously held positions as the acting director, State of Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth; state chief workforce officer, State of Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth; and deputy director, State of Michigan Department of Labor, Energy and Economic Growth. A resident of Bloomfield Township, he is a graduate of Williams College, received a master’s degree in Asian languages and cultures from University of Michigan and a law degree from Harvard Law School, and is a past president of Congregation T’Chiyah, founder of Detroit Jews for Justice, and has been involved with National Skills Coalition and Michigan AIDS Coalition.

Israel-Palestine conflict Both political parties have consistently offered support for Israel, initially as it was the lone democratic state in the Middle East. However, in the last decade there has been a growing divide in that support, with the rise of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses, continuing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, and the lack of focus by this and the last administration to address the two-state solution. Where do you align on the issue of Israeli and Palestinian concerns and economic support of Israel? Is it a religious issue or a democracy issue?

I have always supported a secure, downtownpublications.com

democratic homeland for the Jewish people and realizing the political and human rights of the Palestinian people. I’m pro-Israel, pro-Palestine, and pro-peace. These goals are intertwined, which is why U.S. policy has always (except during the Trump years) supported a two-state solution. I am the author of the TwoState Solution Act, which helps move things in that direction. My legislation supports our aid to Israel, and I have voted to replenish Iron Dome. I oppose BDS. While I respect the right of individuals and organizations to engage in boycotts, I don’t consider BDS a helpful vehicle to produce a two-state reality that assures the rights of both people. I speak out against violence and human rights violations all around, and continue to oppose house demolitions, evictions of families from their land, settlement expansions, and other moves that make a peaceful settlement more difficult.

Build Back Better Act Is the $1.9 trillion spending plan known as the Build Back Better Act dead or is there a chance that it can be revived yet in 2022? What aspects of it do you feel are imperative for the Democrats to enact for voters?

As a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, I worked hard to ensure that the House passed the strongest possible version of the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). The BBBA is a life changing, once-in-ageneration investment in critical programs to make life better and lower costs in the face of inflation by providing affordable childcare to all families, universal pre-K for threeand four- year-olds, reducing prescription drug prices, increasing affordable housing, tackling climate change in a serious way at long last and more. I have called on the 50 Democrats in the Senate to pass as much of BBBA as they can agree on ASAP, and on President Biden to use his executive authority to enact key priorities in the package that would bring relief and lift Americans out of poverty, such as education and expanding health care coverage.

Immigration reform Title 42, which allowed the federal government to turn back immigrants at the border during a public health crisis such as COVID-

19, was due to expire at the end of May. Estimates are that Title 42 allowed the U.S. to turn away some two million immigrants in the past couple of years. Southern states in particular are concerned, along with critics in general, that the current administration lacks a clear policy of how to deal with immigrants at our southern border.

Further, several groups are calling for a complete overhaul of the immigration policy. What do you feel is needed in terms of an immigration policy at this time?

Title 42 prevents people from even making a claim for asylum, and thus is highly problematic under U.S. and international law. It is also discriminatory, since it impacts Black and Brown people seeking to enter our country the most. I’ve been active on this issue for decades, ever since I co-founded a group called Immigration Reform, Advocacy, Training and Education after Congress passed Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986. We need comprehensive reform that allows the millions of undocumented immigrants who have lived, worked and paid taxes here for years to come out of the shadows. We need to increase legal immigration. And we need to take on the causes of illegal immigration by dealing with climate change, corruption, violence and poverty in our neighboring countries to our south.

National health care insurance We often hear the concept that health care is a right for everyone.

But it would appear that candidates have a slightly different approach for how to handle health insurance. Please explain in detail your health insurance policy position and the potential cost to the government/taxpayers for this.

One of the most deeply disturbing realities in our nation is the disparity in the access and delivery of health care. Big Pharma rakes in billions in profits while working people are forced to turn to crowdfunding websites to pay medical bills. We can close health care gaps and make quality, affordable health available to all who reside in our nation. That’s why I’m a proud original cosponsor of the Medicare for All Act to extend comprehensive health care coverage including mental health, dental, vision and long-term care that have remained

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

inaccessible for too many Americans under our current system. Expanding and enhancing Medicare, a program that millions of American seniors have relied on since 1965, is one of the best ways to achieve universal health care in the United States.

What’s more, the American public is behind us: 70 percent support Medicare for All. Student debt issue Payments on college student loans have been delayed during the pandemic but loan payments are expected to resume later this fall.

At the same time, there has been a steady call for part or all of student debt to be forgiven. Do you favor forgiving student loans? If so, should this be accomplished through executive order or passage in Congress? Please explain.

I was proud to vote for the CARES Act and the HEROES Act that included suspension of student loan payments. I’ve also long championed the President canceling up to $50,000 in student loan debt, which disproportionately burdens Black and Brown communities. This step would help millions suffering from inflation and help young people buy homes and start families and businesses.

We also must address how we got to the point of having over $1.5 T of student debt in the first place.

President Biden embraced my America’s College Promise Act for precisely this reason. My bill would guarantee two years of free community college and similarly help with two years of study at HBCU’s.

As higher education costs continue to soar, post-secondary education – a much needed ticket into the middle class – is increasingly out of reach for many students.

Taxation reform Congress during the last administration lowered the top tax rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent but the Biden 3B

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administration wants to restore the top tax rate for 39.6 percent for joint filers making $450k and individuals making $400k. Do you support the increase in the top tax rate? Are there other tax reforms that you support? Please explain.

Yes, I am in favor of having the richest one percent pay their fair share of taxes. Wealth inequality in this country is more extreme than any time in the last 100 years.

Billionaires at the top have 196 times more wealth than the bottom 90 percent of Americans combined.

It’s unacceptable that Michigan nurses and police officers pay more in taxes than people like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. I also favor tax incentives to buy electric vehicles (with a bump for those that are union made in the USA) and resuming and extending the expanded Child Tax Credit to support poor and middle-class families.

quality educational and training opportunities, clean water and more.

I am also focused on fighting against climate change and defending our voting rights and the human rights of all. We have got to address our nation’s gun violence epidemic. We need common sense reform measures like universal background checks, gun violence restraining orders, and robust enforcement of the bump stock ban. I introduced a bill to protect our kids from gun violence after the Oxford High School shootings. Finally, I have been fighting to protect the abortion rights of every single American. Every person in this country should be able to make decisions about their own body and their own life.

Why voters should select you Tell us why voters should select you over your opponent in this race. Please be specific in drawing your comparisons.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes, 100 percent. President Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election and made history with Vice President Kamala Harris. And yes, I will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general elections because I have more than just faith in our election systems and democratic processes. I have seen Governor Whitmer, Secretary of State Benson, and Attorney General Nessel act to protect and defend Michigan’s elections. We should all be proud of their hard work and dedication.

Trump’s Big Lie has caused voters to fear for and question their safety while carrying out their civic duty.

That’s why I introduced legislation with Senator Jon Ossoff to protect election workers and polling places from threats of violence and intimidation.

Your top issues What would you list as your top three-five issues that you hope to address in this next term of Congress?

I’ve been laser-focused on making sure that Michiganders have affordable health care, access to 4B

First, I am deeply rooted here. My great grandparents were the first Jewish family in Birmingham in the 1890s. My four kids are the fifth generation of my family to live in the new 11th District. Second, I will always lead based on my deepest values and never make decisions out of political expediency or advantage.

Third, my efforts to make progress for working families fit this district like a glove, whether it’s fighting for universal healthcare, workers’ rights, human rights around the world, the free community college bill embraced

by President Biden, or to transform our economy to reverse climate change. Finally, I’m a more effective pragmatist, I started a successful business here and know the struggle to make payroll. I work across the aisle more effectively, having passed legislation to prevent veteran suicides, help poor moms access nutrition for their newborns, and more.

HALEY STEVENS

Haley Stevens is currently in her second term as congresswoman for Michigan’s 11th District. She previously was chief of staff to the United States Auto Rescue in the Obama Administration, as special advisor to the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administrator. She is active with Women in Manufacturing and the Pontiac Farmers Market, and is a frequent speaker at her alma mater, Seaholm High School. A resident of Waterford Township, she earned both bachelor’s and masters degrees from American University.

Israel-Palestine conflict I am proud of my commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and will continue working in Congress to support policies that strengthen our alliance. I will stand alongside Israel against the BDS movement, which seeks to undermine Israel’s economy and legitimacy. I believe in Israel’s fundamental right to self-defense. As the only democracy in the Middle East and our strongest ally in the region, Israel’s safety is paramount to American interests at home and abroad. I believe in the worth and value of every Palestinian and every Israeli and will work to support a negotiated solution resulting in two states – a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic Palestinian state – living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition. In my re-election effort I am proud to have the endorsements of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Democratic Majority for Israel, and the Jewish Democratic Council of America.

Build Back Better Act

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The top issue I hear about from my constituents is that costs for working families are too high. Build Back Better is a cost cutting package for hard working Americans. Lack of access to affordable childcare is one of the main reasons women have been unable to return to work postpandemic. This plan would ensure that no family spends over 7 percent of their income on child care. Drug costs are forcing seniors to make impossible choices between things like heating their house, or paying for medications. This is a reality that we must refuse to accept. Americans are tired of partisanship and political games which is why I want to see stand alone votes on the elements of this bill that have been negotiated and have bipartisan support. The House passed a bill to cap insulin at $35 dollars per month. I urge the Senate to take it up immediately.

Immigration reform Unfortunately, our immigration system is broken and needs comprehensive reform. In Congress, I have voted repeatedly to secure our borders and worked to provide a path to citizenship for those living, working, and paying taxes in the U.S., and serving in our military.

Dreamers are American in every way except on a piece of paper, and the United States is the only home they have ever known. I have also supported bipartisan proposals to make it easier for high-skilled immigrants to come here through the employment-based green card system and contribute to our economy. We need safety and fairness in our immigration system now.

National health care insurance Michiganders must continue to be able to choose the best health care for themselves and their families. I strongly support the Affordable Care Act, and Medicare, and Medicaid expansion. Last year saw record levels of sign ups for the ACA, which means that this program is working and stronger than ever. I support Congress considering legislation that provides individuals more options for care, like a public option and opportunities for individuals to buy into Medicare. It’s unacceptable that Americans remain uninsured due to job loss or high costs. I have voted twice to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices which would have an incredible 07.22

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impact for our seniors in addition to capping monthly insulin costs.

Student debt issue Too many Americans get stuck in a spiral of student loan debt. This is unacceptable and is why I am proud to have introduced H.R. 7000, the Clean Slate through Consolidation Act. My bill would remove student loan default records from the credit history of federal student loan borrowers who have consolidated their defaulted loan. I am also supportive of making education more affordable through robust Pell grants, community college funding, and apprenticeship programs. I remain very frustrated that too many middle class families do not qualify for financial aid even as parents of students heading to college are still saddled with student loan debt.

Taxation reform Our country needs tax fairness starting with the marginal tax rate so that someone like Jeff Bezos pays the same rate as a teacher. I am frustrated that the tax bill signed into law in 2017 left out the middle class. While it’s easy to say that millionaires and billionaires need to pay their fair share, it’s important that we define the highest wage earners and understand the impacts for small business owners. How we tax wage earners needs to be equitable and I believe our policies need to support the middle class first and foremost. I also believe in raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour to address ongoing economic disparity.

2020 presidential election results Yes. I believe in democracy and a peaceful and smooth transition of power. I will of course accept the outcomes of the 2022 primary and general election. I am saddened that this question even needs to be asked.

Your top issues Lowering costs for families. From prices at the pump, to child care, to college, Americans are feeling price pressures – and middle and working class families are bearing the brunt.

For eighteen months I have been the leading Congressional voice on passing the CHIPS Act and bringing relief to our automotive manufacturers – the economic downtownpublications.com

engine of Oakland County. I am proud to sit on the committee that is overseeing the passage of that bill and next Congress will continue to be a champion for Michigan’s automotive sector. I will continue to be a champion for women at a time where our rights are under attack by radical Republicans like never before. I voted for a bill that will make Roe v. Wade national law while representing one of the most endangered seats in Congress. I will never stop fighting for a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.

Why voters should select you As a proud daughter of Oakland County, the mission that drives my entire office is delivering for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. I am so proud that we have returned over $100 million dollars to constituents that came to us with casework needs. This is by far the most of the Michigan delegation and one of the highest totals in the entire Congress. We have helped veterans access benefits, small businesses get COVID aid to keep their doors open and assisted seniors who were facing the loss of their homes. Further, I delivered $18 million dollars through community funded projects ranging from infrastructure to critical mental health response programs to updating Livonia’s senior center.

When Michiganders need help accessing benefits or navigating complex federal processes, and when municipalities need a strong voice in Washington, they know they can count on me to get the job done. My record of delivery is proof positive of that.

CAST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT FROM THE COMFORT OF HOME Can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, August 2?

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

The application will arrive by mail at the address you supply. Fill it out and mail it back. Your local clerk will then mail you a ballot to vote in the August 2 primary.

Local clerks contact phone numbers: Birmingham: 248.530.1880 Bloomfield Hills: 248.644.1520 Ext. 1403 Bloomfield Township: 248.433.7702 DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

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august 2 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

U.S. CONGRESS 11TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN MARK AMBROSE

Mark Ambrose, an investment banker with Wells Fargo Bank, ives in Bloomfield Township. He served in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of captain. He is a graduate of West Point Military Academy, and received an MBA from Columbia University Business School and a master of international affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. He has been involved with Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metro Detroit and Homes for Autism.

Israel-Palestine conflict Both political parties have consistently offered support for Israel, initially as it was the lone democratic state in the Middle East. However, in the last decade there has been a growing divide in that support, with the rise of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement on college campuses, continuing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis, and the lack of focus by this and the last administration to address the two-state solution. Where do you align on the issue of Israeli and Palestinian concerns and economic support of Israel? Is it a religious issue or a democracy issue?

First, I would disagree with the premise that the last administration had a lack of focus when it comes to Israel as President Trump’s administration achieved the historic establishment of our embassy in Jerusalem. My response to this question is not anecdotal but very personal and based on experience as I have stayed in Akko, Israel (an Arab town near the border with Lebanon) and I have traveled to Nazareth, also an Arab town within Israel. The 6B

people living there are full citizens of the state of Israel, enjoying all the rights and freedoms of that country.

They have representation in the Knesset, and the Israeli-Arabs I spoke with had no interest in moving to either the West Bank or the Gaza Strip. When I traveled to the West Bank, it was a starkly different situation. It was chaotic, poorlygoverned by Fatah, and there did not seem to be any real protections for religious minorities. We must stand with democracies and those countries that protect all their citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious group. It is for that reason that Israel has my unwavering support. The Palestinian people must stop electing terrorist groups, like Hamas in Gaza, in order to be eligible for any type of support from the United States.

Build Back Better Act Is the $1.9 trillion spending plan known as the Build Back Better Act dead or is there a chance that it can be revived yet in 2022? What aspects of it do you feel are imperative for the Democrats to enact for voters?

million immigrants in the past couple of years. Southern states in particular are concerned, along with critics in general, that the current administration lacks a clear policy of how to deal with immigrants at our southern border. Further, several groups are calling for a complete overhaul of the immigration policy. What do you feel is needed in terms of an immigration policy at this time?

This administration’s neglect of the crisis at our border is hurting both U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants. It is irresponsible and cynical. I am a strong supporter of legal immigration and support those who wish to abide by our nation’s laws and processes to become lawful citizens of the United States. As an Army reservist, I served along our southern border in Arizona.

I was shocked at the violence this small Arizona town endured due to human trafficking and drug smuggling. This is not sustainable, and it is killing U.S. citizens and illegal immigrants alike. Our priority must be to secure our southern border.

National health care insurance

In this period of extraordinary inflation, this administration’s “Build Back Better Act” is irresponsible. It would only add to the pain that Americans would feel as prices rise more than they have in 40 years.

The price tag is actually well beyond $1.9 trillion as different types of accounting gimmicks were used to try to make the advertised cost more palatable to the public. The price spike we are experiencing was set in motion by the partisan American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. That $1.9 trillion package was unnecessary in an economy that was already well into a recovery. Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for it, so Vice President Harris broke the tie and the Democrats pushed the reckless package through.

One of President Obama’s top economic advisors, Larry Summers, derided that bill as the “least responsible economic policy in 40 years.”

Immigration reform Title 42, which allowed the federal government to turn back immigrants at the border during a public health crisis such as COVID-19, was due to expire at the end of May. Estimates are that Title 42 allowed the U.S. to turn away some two

We often hear the concept that health care is a right for everyone.

But it would appear that candidates have a slightly different approach for how to handle health insurance.

Please explain in detail your health insurance policy position and the potential cost to the government/taxpayers for this.

From a Constitutional standpoint, legal minds with years of experience still argue over whether healthcare is a right or not. While we often hear of healthcare described a right, that does not mean it is universally accepted. It is, however, the right and decent thing to do to care for those who are unable to care for themselves. We need to have a safety net to protect our most vulnerable neighbors, but the government should not mandate the type of coverage that the population at large is allowed to have. Government is inefficient in its allocation of resources. We must trust families enough to make their own decisions as to what healthcare package works best for them.

Additionally, until we settle on a more moderate solution to our healthcare problem, it is virtually impossible to estimate the potential cost to taxpayers. What is clear is that the current unfunded mandates and costs

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

associated with “Obamacare” are unsustainable. This is another reason I have posted a debt clock on my website so people can see (in realtime) the costs we are placing on our future generation’s shoulders due to Washington’s inability to find better solutions to our most pressing problems like this.

Student debt issue Payments on college student loans have been delayed during the pandemic but loan payments are expected to resume later this fall.

At the same time, there has been a steady call for part or all of student debt to be forgiven. Do you favor forgiving student loans? If so, should this be accomplished through executive order or passage in Congress? Please explain.

I am opposed to forgiving student loans. The government would be disproportionately favoring the wealthy and those with advanced degrees over those who never had the opportunity to go to college or graduate school. There are also many who sacrificed and tightened their belts to pay off their student loans. This is an irresponsible proposal that gives preferential treatment to one class at the expense of another.

Taxation reform Congress during the last administration lowered the top tax rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent but the Biden administration wants to restore the top tax rate for 39.6 percent for joint filers making $450k and individuals making $400k. Do you support the increase in the top tax rate? Are there other tax reforms that you support? Please explain.

I am in favor of the government living within its means and eliminating wasteful spending. I do not support any tax increases. Tax increases often create incentives that have the 07.22

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opposite effect of what was intended.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Two principles that are foundations of our democracy are 1) Civilian control of the military and 2) The peaceful transfer of power. While Democrats questioned the validity of the 2016 election and Republicans questioned the results of the 2020 election – rule of law asserts we must accept the results of the elections of the past and work toward taking steps which will restore confidence in our electoral system in the future. I will argue strongly for reform that will strengthen our belief in the credibility of our elections, such as voter ID requirements and strict rules around absentee voting and the chain of custody for ballots. Voting rules should never again be changed by executive orders and the rulings of judges. Rule changes must be voted on by state legislators. Otherwise, too much power flows to the executive or judicial branch in each state.

from Columbia University and have worked in banking for 24 years, also earning my designation as a Chartered Financial. I understand economics and the causes of inflation. I know how to fix it. Military – I am a graduate of West Point and served as a tank officer in the U.S. Army overseas and here at home.

Border security – While in the Army Reserve, I served along the Mexican Border in Arizona and witnessed the violence and crime that a porous border invites. Foreign Policy – I earned a Master of International Affairs at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs with a specialization on Russia and the PostSoviet states.

Reduce inflation and improve our economy through responsible economic policies. Security: Border Security, Public Safety, and Honoring our Police. Build our military, so that it will never be challenged. Create jobs for Michigan and America through fair trade and economically encourage business to invest, build and manufacture in the United States. Cure Autism – dedicate resources to ending this disease.

Why voters should select you Tell us why voters should select you over your opponent in this race.

Please be specific in drawing your comparisons.

I believe I have the strongest likelihood of defeating either Andy Levin or Haley Stevens in the general election due to a background that can address some of the most pressing challenges we have today: Reducing inflation – I earned an MBA downtownpublications.com

While I do believe in an overhaul of the current process, we must continue to discourage and turn away illegal immigration and encourage legal immigration. This administration is failing both the American people and the honorable people looking to come into our country the right way.

National health care insurance

here in the 11th district has failed us.

Look around, gas prices are up an obscene amount, product shortages are a regular occurrence, and we are more divided as a people than ever.

This is not normal. I want my daughter to grow up in a prosperous county that has an optimistic version of America, not one that hates itself.

We must come together and I am the candidate to unite Oakland County and be a true public servant.

President Trump put us on a great path forward to allow for true competition in the marketplace, lowering drug costs and in some cases outright making them free.

Medicare for all and Obamacare are not viable options for our country moving forward.

MATTHEW DENOTTER Student debt issue No, I do not favor student loan forgiveness. We need to our give graduating seniors better options for education outside of the normal university system. Our young people are struggling and many are finding amazing success in the trades. We must encourage this.

Taxation reform The Trump tax cut helped all Americans with their finances. We must continue to fight to lower taxes and lower government spending.

Your top issues What would you list as your top three-five issues that you hope to address in this next term of Congress?

Immigration reform

Matthew DenOtter is a realtor living in Highland. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Calvin College.

Israel-Palestine conflict We must continue to support Israel and our Middle Eastern allies.

Without a strong foundation, the US would not be able to maintain our interests in that region of the world.

The issues facing Israel and Palestine are clearly religious and political, but not insurmountable. I believe a peaceful solution can be had.

Build Back Better Act I do not believe in passing Build Back Better (BBB). This bill would be a disaster for the already strained transportation and supply chain industries. Hidden inside of this package is a bill to do away with 1099s. This would upend our trucking industry and create chaos in several others like agriculture.

2020 presidential election results I have serious reservation with the 2020 election. Mainly, with the security of the mail-in ballots and our QVF system here in Michigan. I support reforms like Secure MI Vote to stop the mass mailing of unsolicited absentee requests and a regular audit of our voter rolls. I hope that the SOS will follow the law this election.

Your top issues 1. Stopping the inflation crisis 2. Fixing our supply chain 3. Protecting life 4. Protecting our constitutional rights 5. Lowering the US government’s spending Why voters should select you I am not a career politician. I am not running to advance a political agenda or for vanity. I am running because I believe that our current leadership

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august 2 primary voter guide Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

STATE SENATE/7TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT RYAN FOSTER

and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

budget? Be specific.

Yes I would support any bills making elected officials financial records available. Donald Trump was told to release his records and he would not. Being open is very important so our voters can see what kind of person they are getting.

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services?

Please be specific.

Term limits for legislators/administration Ryan Foster is a graduate of Ferris State University who resides in Southfield. He is a driver for Precision Transportation. Foster has not previously held elected office.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not?

Please be specific in your answer.

How American history is important and should be taught not excluding any topic. Slavery, wars and rights of citizens should be taught. The First Amendment is freedom of speech and press, which means we should not label any group at fault or omit history.

Legislative ethics/transparency Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, 8B

Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review?

Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

Yes and it should be. The 22nd amendment means two terms only.

President Washington started this long ago. There are members of office who never lose. They have money and connections and it carries over to the next election. Real citizens never have a chance to get name recognition or win races because of lack of funds. I am a prime example of this.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years.

A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republicancontrolled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals. What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Our state’s budget surplus should be used to cut down our debt. If we cut down our debt now our government will have more flexibility later in terms of economic woes.

Highland Park water/sewer debt

Water should be cut off. If they can’t afford to be a city and do basic government activities like policing, roads and education, have Highland Park be taken over by another city or be annexed with Detroit.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

The laws and voting amendments were put in place for safety because of COVID-19. Now that the virus and society is moving forward we can get back to more traditional voting. Also not restricting others from voting where you have stricter ID laws and residency requirements but making it easier for working class Americans to vote and encouraging the process.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in

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Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, part of Waterford, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Southfield, part of Detroit

Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes. President Biden won fair and square. President Trump lost with the same numbers he beat Senator Hillary Clinton with. I would accept my results because I pledge not to spend a lot of money to create a fake image to win a race. Other people in this race are going to spend thousands of dollars and lie to you. I can just approach you at your door step and tell you the truth.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect.

Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v. Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned?

Why or why not?

I am a Democrat but do not support abortion. Only exception is rape. It says in the Bible ‘I knew you from the womb.’ If I say I support abortion to win a race, that would be deceiving. But if I lost a race based on my religious beliefs, it would be an honor.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what 07.22

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lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

advisory board member on the Dr. Martin Luther King Task Force and Fair Michigan, and Congregation Beth Ahm.

Right of redress is a effort of lawmakers saying they know more than the average citizen. Then citizens can’t change or probably never hear about it. It’s wrong and that’s the reason why I am running for Michigan state Senate district 7.

Legislative bans on education topics

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

Why select Ryan Foster over incumbent Jeremy Moss? I am bringing real issues to the battle.

First I am not a career politician and do not have a giant bank account.

But I will give energy to issues for the working class, push for reducing our state’s debt, investing in early education K-5 grade and standing up for our police officers. I did eight years of police service, six years of Michigan Department of Corrections, three years army reserve, teacher, football coach and president. My opponent has not been on working class side because he is big money, incumbent, friends in high places, sheltered and doesn’t represent middle class and working class Americans.

JEREMY MOSS

Jeremy Moss is currently finishing his first term as a Michigan state Senator. He previously served as a Southfield city councilman and state Representative. He is a graduate of Michigan State University who majored in journalism and political science, and is a resident of Southfield. He has been active as an downtownpublications.com

In 2016, I co-sponsored legislation that was signed into law requiring instruction in Michigan public school curriculum on genocide, including the Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide. That bill passed 105-1 in the House and 35-3 in the Senate because our legislature at the time recognized that by requiring our students to learn in the classroom about past atrocities – factually and comprehensively – we are providing the most impactful tool to ensure they are not repeated. This approach allows our students to strengthen their sense of empathy for those who may look or seem different and their resolve to take action against injustice and prejudice. We have more work to do. Sadly, an effort that was once overwhelmingly bipartisan has now been politicized and I do not support efforts in the legislature to repeal this type of curriculum or restrict truth in education.

Legislative ethics/transparency I am leading efforts in the state legislature to create a more open government so you can hold your elected officials accountable.

Michigan is one of only two states in which the governor and legislators are not subject to document requests under the Freedom of Information Act. I drafted the Legislative Open Records Act to give you more access to the innerworkings of government and we are closer than ever to seeing this institutional-changing legislation signed into law. We are also one of only two states not requiring state lawmakers to disclose our personal finances. Without that disclosure, legislators could move legislation to personally enrich themselves and their family. I support financial disclosure. To build trust, we must shine a light on legislative conflicts of interest. For my efforts on government transparency, I was twice awarded the Michigan Press Association’s Sunshine Award.

Term limits for legislators/administration Thirty years after term limits were

adopted, Michigan voters will have the chance to examine its impact and assess how it worked. There will be a proposal on November’s ballot to reduce the years someone can serve in the legislature from 14 to 12 while allowing a lawmaker to serve that time in one chamber, instead of the current cap of six years in the House and eight years in the Senate. I supported bringing this proposal to the ballot for voters to decide and I will vote for it. The current system is flawed, especially in the House where we have seen years of legislative scandals due to inexperience, ineptitude, and unaccountability. Lawmakers in consequential leadership positions – some who earn these influential spots in just their first year in office – make short-term policy decisions with impunity because they won’t be around when future legislators clean up their mess.

State budget surplus With our budget surplus, I am working to direct tax relief to Michigan residents who have been experiencing rising everyday costs. I championed our Senate Democrats’ plan to relieve the sales tax on gas, issue immediate $500 rebates to working families, restore the earned income tax credit, and repeal the tax on retirees. In the wake of the pandemic and its impact on our communities, we should continue to grow our historic investment in K-12, support post-secondary education including community colleges and skilled trade apprenticeships, boost assistance to job training and retraining programs, and provide grants and forgivable loans to vulnerable industries that have not fully recovered. These last few traumatic years should also compel to us make long-term, serious investment in mental health services.

Highland Park water/sewer debt This specific billing dispute is currently working its way through court and no other community should absorb liabilities as we await legal clarity on exactly what debts are owed. I’m a fierce advocate for government transparency and GLWA must ensure full disclosure on how this issue escalated to this point. The core problem is decades-long disinvestment in our communities by state government. Generations of legislators slashed revenue sharing – tax dollars we send to Lansing with

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the expectation they will fund essential services back home – and, as a result, cities in Michigan receive the least state support compared to cities around the country. Highland Park defaulted into emergency management due to funding cuts and emergency management accelerated the crisis the city is facing today. I established the Municipal Caucus in the legislature, a bipartisan group of legislators who previously served in local government focused on solving our broken municipal finance system.

Voting law changes Voting rights secure all other rights. I join the two-thirds of Michigan voters who supported Proposal 3 in 2018 to enshrine voting rights and promote access to absentee voting.

Nevertheless, Republican Senators have introduced legislation to restrict how you vote, chasing disproven claims about our election. I am leading the fight in the state Senate against Republican bills that could make it harder for you to vote.

Instead, we should be embracing positive reforms that keep voting fair, accessible and efficient. We must ensure that Michigan’s election administrators receive adequate resources and proper training for each election. I’m also working on proposals to permit clerks to start processing absentee ballots earlier, just as other states do, thereby expediting the results and avoiding election night chaos.

2020 presidential election results The 2020 election was the most scrutinized election in Michigan history. A bipartisan Michigan Senate Oversight Committee report found that indeed the results were accurate and there is no systemic fraud in our voting systems. I accept the result of the 2020 election and will accept the results of the 2022 as an accurate reflection of the will of Michigan voters.

Michigan abortion ban law I am a pro-choice legislator. I do not believe government should dictate how women and families access reproductive care. With Roe v. Wade on the path to being struck down as of this writing, and the dangerous implications for Michigan women, we

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august 2 primary voter guide Birmingham

STATE SENATE/8TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years.

A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republicancontrolled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals. What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

At face value, the legislation proffered in the House has merit, but I would have to study the bills further to properly determine my position.

My support would be based on the rationale afforded in the legislation.

Although elected members of government are public figures, they should be afforded privacy in certain areas.

I would like to see revenue sharing for municipalities increased as well as economic relief plans for Michigan families. As we are seeing costs increase, we also see that there is no concomitant wage increase.

Legislation should be introduced to provide some funding which would give tax relief – especially to mid to lower income working families.

Term limits for legislators/administration

Highland Park water/sewer debt

Legislative ethics/transparency

MARSHALL BULLOCK II

Marshall Bullock II is currently a state Senator finishing his first term in office.

He lives in the University District of Detroit and has a bachelor’s degree from University of Phoenix. Bullock also served as a district manager for the city of Detroit, and the in the Duggan administration.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not?

Please be specific in your answer.

Absolutely not. The current wave of censorship in schools to mandate away the uncomfortable truth and facts of history is in direct conflict with the purpose of education. I believe that the legislature should encourage freedom of expression.

Schools are a place where there should be open discussion on a diverse array of issues and topics, so that students can differentiate between the various ideologies and perspectives in a safe space that allows them to develop a healthy respect for differing opinions. I do not and will not support legislation to restrict what is taught in the public schools of Michigan.

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Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review?

Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

Yes. To be effective and impactful, it is important for legislators to have institutional knowledge that is gained over time. It is my belief that the current legislation on term limits should be revisited to determine its effectiveness. Placing elected officials in a perpetual campaign cycle often carries with it the detrimental effect of disrupting the flow of key discussions and legislation. Longer term limits may be the answer, however, I recommend that we review the data to determine the most effective course of action.

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services?

Please be specific.

There has to be a role for the state of Michigan to step in and provide, whether that’s arbitration or some financial assistance to alleviate this matter, which further erodes the public interest and confidence in our ability to oversee matters of importance.

Voting law changes

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school

Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, part of Detroit

2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

I do not believe further laws are needed in the area of voting. If some of the proposed legislation were to pass, it would restrict voting and have a dampening effect on the electorate. The people have spoken on this issue, and we don’t need to go backward in our voting rights.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes, I accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan, and I will accept the 2022 primary and general election results as well. I believe in the process, and I have availed myself as an active participant. To not accept the results (minus some blatant and wholly visible act of sabotage) would undermine everything I believe in as a Michigan citizen and responsible voter.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect.

Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v. Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

Why or why not?

The 1931 Michigan act should be 07.22

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eliminated if Roe v. Wade is overturned. The state should not be in the business of legislating people’s bodies, nor should we base our argument on religious grounds. The fact is, banning any medical procedure becomes a slippery slope, depending on who wields the power, and I am not convinced that banning abortion is where we would end, given the mindset of those that choose that direction.

I will continue to be that. That is why voters should choose me, because “I get things done.”

MALLORY MCMORROW

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

I don’t agree with these tactics.

Voters must know the character and interests of those that they send to Lansing. To protect their rights those in office must seek to promote the greater good.

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

During my time in the Senate, I have learned that to be an effective legislator, you have to be able to build coalitions and work with those that don’t always share your point of view. This comes naturally to me, and I have committed all of my efforts to doing what is right for my constituents and as a result I have gotten legislation passed as well as votes from across the aisle on issues that were important to my constituency. We all have a sense of purpose and know that we owe our presence in Lansing to the electorate, but not everyone that has been elected has been effective. My constituents want an effective and vocal advocate. I have been that and downtownpublications.com

Mallory McMorrow is completing her first term as a state Senator. A resident of Royal Oak, she is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a degree in industrial design, and has been involved with the Royal Oak and Oakland County Democratic Clubs. Prior to her Senate career, she worked in product design and advertising for Mazda, Mattel, Gawker Media, and Hearst, among other companies.

Legislative bans on education topics I’m horrified by recent attempts to ban books and roll back progress that has been made over decades to teach the full scope of our history. It is important that kids are taught an accurate account of our country and world’s history. Shielding them from hard truths and difficult or uncomfortable conversations sets them up for failure in the real world outside of the classroom. I oppose and would vote against any efforts to block accurate education in any subject from classroom curriculums.

Legislative ethics/transparency

November, letting the voters decide.

Michigan currently has some of the strictest legislative term limits in the nation. While well-intended to promote fresh ideas and allow more people the opportunity to run and serve, the impact of such strict term limits have removed any institutional memory from the state House and Senate by pushing out qualified officials just as they’ve gotten their feet under them. In practice, this has led to less willingness to take on long-term issues and solutions that would outlive one’s term, and has increased the power and influence of lobbyists who carry far more years of experience in Lansing than most legislators. Amending our term limits to cap total years of service at 12 years but flexibility to serve in both or one chamber will create more opportunity for long-term thinking, development of expertise, and reduce the influence of lobbyists – without completely removing term limits in the state.

State budget surplus Given the pain many families are feeling right now with inflation and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, I support the governor’s proposal of leveraging some of our surplus dollars to provide immediate $500 relief to households earning $250k/year or less. However, I do not support the Republican tax cut proposals which would create longterm cuts to our state budget, cuts which we would not be able to sustain once our one-time surplus dollars run out. What we need is real tax reform that better balances our system to ensure sustainable longterm revenue while taking the bulk of the tax burden off of lower- and middle-income families, such as a graduated income tax. We need to invest in the things that will attract people to Michigan. People = talent.

Smart economic development recognizes that companies will grow or move to where the talent is, not the other way around.

exception. Additionally, the state must pass legislation to create a more streamlined process for municipalities to create stormwater utilities – legislation by Senator Rosemary Bayer that I’ve cosponsored. Currently, Oakland County communities pay millions in legal fees and settlements from a handful of law firms who take our communities to court over this issue – taxpayer dollars that are enriching these few firms but not being used to fix this growing problem.

Voting law changes Expanding access to the ballot box is critical, and these changes were supported by a wide majority of voters in 2018. However, our clerks – both Republican and Democratic – have consistently asked the legislature to pass supporting legislation and funding to sufficiently adapt to these changes, including more time to process and count absentee ballots and requiring training for poll challengers. As with most issues, my role as a legislator is to rely on and support those who are experts in our field, and I’ve consistently advocated for the legislature to do more to support the changes our clerks and election officials are requesting to ensure our elections are efficient, secure, and that voters trust that their vote is counted securely.

2020 presidential election results Yes. Free and fair elections are the bedrock of our communities, state, and system of democracy. I’ve built close relationships with our clerks and election officials and know that Michigan leads the nation in election security. Sometimes our preferred candidates win. Sometimes our preferred candidates lose. It’s incumbent on all of us to trust the voters to decide what’s next, to accept the results of each election, and to operate from a place of truth.

Michigan abortion ban law

I voted in support of the resolution placing financial disclosure and term limit reform on the ballot. I would support the bills currently introduced and support stronger policies around financial disclosures and transparency.

Term limits for legislators/administration I supported the resolution placing term limit reform on the ballot in

Highland Park water/sewer debt The state of Michigan can and should leverage federal infrastructure dollars to both mitigate the impact of this debt and invest the critical dollars needed to upgrade our water infrastructure, and separate the combined sewer system to better manage more extreme flooding and extreme weather incidents that have become the norm instead of the

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The fall of Roe and the retreat to Michigan’s 1931 will be devastating to women, girls, and all people who need to access reproductive care in Michigan – reaching as far as families seeking IVF treatment, stripping women of the ability to participate fully in our economy by determining if and when to get pregnant, and – because the 1931 states that abortion is a felony – 11B

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STATE SENATE/8TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT sending doctors, women, and family members to jail. Beyond supporting the Planned Parenthood/ACLU/ Michigan voices ballot initiative which would amend our state constitution to enshrine abortion access and reproductive rights, I’m the co-sponsor of legislation to repeal the 1931 and the primary bill sponsor on the Reproductive Healthcare Act in the Senate, which would effectively codify Roe and access to abortion in statute.

owners navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve brought millions of dollars back to our district to support parks, pedestrian safety, infrastructure projects, removal of lead water service lines, and so much more. I’ve got a strong track record of fighting every day for my constituents – and against outright lies, hatred, and fearmongering – and would be honored to do so again over the next four years.

STATE SENATE/7TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT need a pro-choice majority in the legislature to repeal the 1931 Michigan law making abortion a felony in our state that would immediately be in effect after the impending Supreme Court ruling. I have already co-sponsored legislation to repeal that law and I enthusiastically support the Reproductive Freedom for All campaign to enshrine the right to choose in our state Constitution.

Right of redress

Right of redress I’ve consistently supported efforts to strengthen and protect the citizens petition initiative process, such as allowing voters to request their name be removed from a petition should they feel misled, and preventing signature collectors from lying about what an initiative does.

It violates the Michigan Constitution to include policy restrictions within appropriations bills and I support efforts to challenge those efforts when they arise.

Why select you?

In this moment, with so much under attack – from reproductive rights to discrimination against the LGBTQ community, to racial justice and the accurate teaching of our history, to the critical threat of climate change and voting rights – you deserve someone in Lansing who will fight for you every single day. Through it all, we’ve never lost sight of our people. We’ve held dozens of town halls and events, hosted a near-weekly Livestream with direct access to experts, helped over 1,000 people access their unemployment benefits, and supported policies to help all of our residents and small business

Gov. Whitmer has rightfully required policy bills and spending bills be drafted separately to gain her signature and become law, and I support that approach to prevent manipulation of the referendum process. As state Senator, I have led many reforms to increase public participation in our lawmaking process when bad actors in the legislature instead work to diminish it. The Michigan Constitution guarantees that citizens can put an initiative on the ballot if they gather enough signatures, but that proposal first appears before the legislature, where a simple majority in each chamber could adopt it without sending it to a public vote.

We’ve seen shameful legislative tactics deployed to fast-track some proposals and prevent others from ever becoming law. I introduced a resolution to increase the threshold for the legislature to pass a publicled proposal – from a simple majority to three-quarters vote – otherwise, it must go to the ballot.

public service. I’ve built relationships to be effective and produce real results. Eight of my bills were signed into law – real solutions affecting real people – including legislation to create more pathways for students who dropped out of high school to complete their degree, reduce unfair barriers for returning citizens seeking employment, and assist homeowners with making needed home improvements by lowering property taxes. That is no small feat being a Democrat serving in a Republican majority. For this work and more, Capitol-area news outlet MIRS News named me as its 2021 Democratic Legislator of the Year.

I’m running for my last term in the Senate under term-limits and have a lot more energy left to see through the issues I’ve been working on.

Why select you?

I grew up in this district, was educated here (2004 Groves High School graduate), and have devoted more than a decade of my life to

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august 2 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

STATE HOUSE/5TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT REGGIE REG DAVIS

Reggie Reg Davis is a community liaison for the city of Detroit and a retired broadcast journalist. He resides in northwest Detroit. He attended Wayne State University and Oral Roberts University and is founder/president of CeaseFire Youth Initiative. He previously was a Detroit City Charter commissioner, Detroit Deputy District Manager and a Wayne County commissioner.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms?

Would you support such legislation?

Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Our children should not be restricted from information, they should begin learning and researching true history and life experiences as soon as they are able to speak in complete sentences. I will not support legislation which restricts or bans the teaching or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, genderbased issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Legislative ethics/transparency Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other downtownpublications.com

states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

Yes, I support financial disclosure legislation and the current bills are probably not strong enough. The disclosed information should be publicly available because those who are elected by us, the people, should at all times be subject to scrutiny and evaluation by the people who put them there; it’s called public trust and transparency is a very important part of that type of trust.

must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republican-controlled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals.

What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

The budget surplus should be used to rebuild and prolong the infrastructure of our roads, bridges and highways.

Michigan should never have a pothole season and our highways should run smoothly, similar to the roads in the state of New Jersey. The surplus should also be used in an effort to fight against senseless gun violence in which our state has its fair share of.

Highland Park water/sewer debt

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe that the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review. I support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms. The state of Michigan should have term limits, however, I believe that three two-year terms for the House of Representatives and two four-year terms for Senate is not enough time for a representative of the people to serve. Many citizens never have the chance to know their representative because they come and go so fast.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

It’s probably not the absolute answer, however, one solution is that Highland Park water and sewer should be held responsible and they should pay whether by a long-term payment plan or a reduced lump sum. Either way, they need to be held responsible.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

Any type of measure or law that suppresses a citizen’s right to vote freely, safely and without any type of condition or stipulation is uncalled for and I do not support it.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

Yes, I do support the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan and I will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election.

The state of Michigan has one of the most steadfast and reliable election systems in this country and I stand by it.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect. Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v.

Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

The 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be immediately eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe v Wade is overturned. A woman should have the absolute right to choose what she does with her body.

I support a woman’s right to choose.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the 13B

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public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

Citizens should allow their representatives to do their job, however, there should be certain thresholds set in place by which the democracy by which we live should come into play. If our legislators are continuously spending incorrectly according to the majority census of the citizenry, then the people should be able to step in and make some type of correction.

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

I campaign on the ideal of how important it is for us to save lives in the great state of Michigan. From my plans to reform mental health care to my stance as an anti-gun violence advocate, we must begin to shift our focus as a state to one of the most important reasons that we have government in place and that is for the safety and welfare of the citizens of our beautiful state. As state Representative I will sponsor and support bills that make for better auto insurance rates and for roads and highways that allow for better travel however, I will first and foremost be concerned with and support bills that stand for a healthier, safer, happier Michigander who can breathe fresh air, have access to good health care (physical and mental) and can go to school and walk the streets without the threat of gunfire. This is why the citizens of the newly drawn State House District 5 should vote Reggie Reg Davis for State Representative.

STEELE P. HUGHES

Steele P. Hughes is currently constituent services director for District 10 in the state House of Representatives for Rep. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford). He received a degree in business administration from Northwood University. A resident of Detroit, he has been a board member and football coach for Detroit City Lions Youth Organization, involved with the Detroit branch of NAACP and Detroit PAL organization.

Legislative bans on education topics The simple answer is no I will not support legislation that limits or bans of Michigan teachers from teaching critical topics. President Franklin Roosevelt said it best in his first inaugural address, “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

Unfortunately, the political leadership in the Republican Party deems it necessary to attack educators like my wife, a current teacher in metro Detroit. Limit the critical analysis of our nation’s history and legislate nationalism instead of promoting free thought and unbiased environments.

If the left is suffering from so-called wokeness, then the right is suffering from intolerance. As Malcom X was quoted, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Our children can’t be adequately prepared if we hide the truth, degrade the facts and whitewash our struggles that have led to some of this country’s amazing advancements.

Legislative ethics/transparency To be a true public servant you must be open to public scrutiny. I am not

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sure if the current bills in the state house go far enough. The best model we have currently is the state of Alaska which ranks as one of the highest in ethics practices according to a 2015 Washington Post article.

Personally, I would support a constitutional amendment creating a new elected State Office of Inspector General – this person should be nonpartisan and given broad scope to investigate state political officials, state agencies, local government practices, open meetings and FOIA request/investigations. After the amount of fraud perpetrated on the UIA during the pandemic and the lack of trust in government we need proper oversight in Lansing and throughout the state.

Term limits for legislators/administration This Michigander like many others supports term limits, but yes, we need to review our current model.

Sadly, this legislative session rushed this proposal on the ballot. Now I agree with the financial disclosure provision of the ballot initiative, because currently law makers police themselves in this regard. Our constituents need to know if we have any financial conflicts of interest. We need more debate on term limits in both chambers, to keep political acumen but not a lifetime career.

State budget surplus We definitely need an income tax cut for Michigan’s working families and repeal the draconian pension tax on retirees. I support the Governor’s proposal for $500 rebate checks to help Michigan families battling current inflationary hurdles. I would hope to work with my future GOP colleagues to create a more manageable tax relief bill. Yes, the income tax should be cut to 4 percent, but only for those making less than $500,000 annually. I believe the 4.25 percent should remain for higher income tax brackets. Budget surpluses are great, but in reality our state and local municipalities continue to face legacy cost (pension deficits) we need to seriously plan to resolve now and not later. My budget wish list would include the following: Increased funding in skilled trades training for high school and adult education.

Increased funding for foster care and adult/senior care. Funding green infrastructure projects for example mixed rubber-asphalt based road paving (ex. Dickinson County) / Water

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retention ponds in metro Detroit to ease pressure on sewer system.

Highland Park water/sewer debt This problem was created by the state of Michigan when Highland Park was moved to the GLWA system after their water treatment plant was forced to close. Now there is no easy fix to this problem, because Highland Park is not flush with cash or tax base to pay the outstanding debt. The immediate fix would be payment from the state of Michigan to cover the debts. The state in turn would have to cut revenue sharing to Highland Park to reimburse taxpayers. Highland Park needs to consider merging with a neighboring city to best provide services to the residents. But let’s be clear, Highland Park is only the problem we see right now. In our near future many small municipalities will face similar hardships. Growing legacy costs, higher interest rates on bond payments, decreasing population and lack of commercial/industrial growth.

Michigan governments will have to think long and hard about adopting regional government structures to cut cost and deliver services to residents.

Voting law changes The voters in Michigan have spoken and Lansing needs to respect the will of the people. I have no major concern with 2018 voter approved election law.

2020 presidential election results Yes. Joe Biden is President of the United States and he won the state of Michigan’s 16 electoral votes. I trust Secretary of State Benson to monitor and help facilitate a free and fair election in 2022.

Michigan abortion ban law I am a father to a beautiful baby girl and it is my duty to protect her at all cost. Part of this protection is my belief she and every other woman on our planet has the right to make decisions for her own personal health.

This includes the right to have a safe abortion. The 1931 law is a relic that needs to be repealed. Doctors should not have to worry about criminal charges for providing this procedure.

Right of redress We have seen the legislature use the expenditure tactic for the Emergency Manager law which was repealed by 07.22

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majority of Michigan voters. Yes, the public should have a right to redress all laws passed by the legislature.

Although the remedy cannot be the same for all laws or we will have a free for all of special interest groups working to shape agenda and manipulate voters. One solution I could support is sunset clauses on legislation passed with appropriations that have been repealed before by voters. Or voter ballot initiatives could be petitioned to go on the ballot during that sunset period before a vote on renewal of the legislation.

NATALIE PRICE

Term limits for legislators/administration

Why select you?

Voters should vote for Steele P. Hughes because I am your average community member seeking to represent the everyday person. I am a son, husband, father and brother that’s running with honesty and integrity. Once elected, the legislation and appropriations that I will be focused on are education, healthcare, foster care reform and infrastructure with a focal point specifically on updating our underground infrastructure. I’m the only candidate in this race with Lansing experience, I have worked as the consultant services director for State House District 10 since January 2021. I’ve worked on over 4,000 unemployment claims, countless DHHS issues, assisted community members on navigating insurance claims and connecting them with resources when their basements flooded last summer.

I’ve done the work in Lansing and I am looking to continue doing the work with just a different title as your next State Representative. So I ask for your support, please vote for Steele P. Hughes for State Representative on August 2, 2022.

For more information, please visit www.strongerwithsteele.com

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vote, disclosure must be required. I am in support of the constitutional amendment that will be on our November ballots, which will require statewide officials to file financial disclosure, putting Michigan in line with what 48 other states and Congress already require.

Natalie Price is a Berkley city council member, and was previously Berkley Citizens Engagement Advisory Committee Chair. She has a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and a master’s degree from University of Exeter in the UK, both in English and critical theory. She has been active in Sierra Club, Equality Michigan and co-creator of Backyard Playroom.

Legislative bans on education topics I will not support any legislation that attempts to dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms.

As a former teacher and as a mom of two elementary-age students, I know that kids need to be able to discuss race, racism, gender, sexuality, and the difficult realities of our nation’s history in order to learn how to navigate the world in which we live with kindness, compassion, empathy and the ability to make a positive difference.

Legislative ethics/transparency As a city council member, I am subject to much stricter standards of ethics and transparency than my state representatives. My communications related to all cityrelated business are subject to the Freedom of Information Act. I also follow a clear policy that requires me to disclose any possible conflicts of interest before I take action or vote on any related matters. Our state lawmakers, members of the administration, and members of the state Supreme Court and university boards should, at the very least, be required to meet the same standards of ethics and transparency as our municipal leaders. If personal financial information has the potential to impact a state leader’s action or

Under the constitutional amendment that is proposed for the November ballot, voters will have the opportunity to decide whether to allow lawmakers to serve 12 years overall in Lansing, spending potentially their entire time in the House or Senate or dividing the years between the two chambers. I support this proposal because I understand that the existing law (which limits members of the state House to three two-year terms and members of the state Senate to two four-year terms) does not allow enough institutional knowledge to accumulate for optimal leadership in either of these bodies.

State budget surplus I support Governor Whitmer’s recently proposed budget and spending plan, which would roll back the retirement tax and triple the Earned Income Tax Credit, make the highest per-student investment ever, continue rebuilding our infrastructure, spur economic developments, back workforce development programs, and lower costs. I also support her proposed MI Tax Rebate Right Now plan, which would send a $500 immediate tax rebate to Michigan’s working families.

I do not think that the surplus, which is bolstered by temporary COVID-relief funds, should be used for sweeping tax cuts, which would leave a permanent hole in the state budget.

Headlee) improperly restrict how local governments can collect the money they need. The state has also diverted $8.6 billion in revenue sharing away from our cities. This has cost Highland Park alone $17,083,580 since 2002. We must fix this broken system in order to give all our cities the resources they need to provide essential services to our residents.

Voting law changes When more people participate, our democracy gets stronger. Voters strengthened our democracy when they amended our state constitution in 2018 to enable no-reason absentee voting and required automatic voter registration. I support such changes that empower more eligible voters to participate and will fight against any changes to election laws that limit participation in our democratic process.

2020 presidential election results Yes. We have a safe and secure election process, and the attempts to sow mistrust about the voting process since 2020 are a direct attack on our democracy. We must counteract fear with facts in order to sustain and increase participation in our election process. When more people participate, our democracy gets stronger.

Michigan abortion ban law The 1931 law that bans abortions in Michigan must be eliminated in order to protect reproductive justice for all.

Access to legal and safe abortion care is an essential element of access to affordable quality healthcare, which all people deserve.

Right of redress

Highland Park water/sewer debt The state of Michigan is responsible for this issue and should foot the bill for it. Before 2012, Highland Park had its own water processing facility.

The state shut it down and required that Highland Park participate in GLWA on an emergency basis with the promise of a remediation plan for fixing its facility. This “emergency basis” continued for a decade with water rates that Highland Park clearly could not afford. This situation is indicative of a bigger issue of our state’s failure to provide adequate support to our municipalities.

Conflicting tax laws (Prop A and

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Our Constitution says that voters may hold a referendum on any bill passed by the legislature only as long as there is no money expended. The intent was to prevent a situation in which the state would need to take back money that has already been spent; however, after the Emergency Manager law was repealed by voters, the party in power started throwing in at least $1 to their controversial bills so that voters couldn’t challenge them. This is just political gamesmanship plain and simple, and it has been used to deny Michigan residents their voice in our democracy. The legislature should be 15B

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accountable first and foremost to the citizens of Michigan, which is why protecting access to the ballot through voting rights legislation and passing transparency and accountability laws is so important.

Michigan citizens deserve a legislature that won’t use legal loopholes and anti-democratic tactics to pass laws in conflict with the interests of Michigan families, but will instead work on behalf of Michiganders to get things done on the issues that matter to the people.

Why select you?

We need leaders in Lansing who are well-poised to fight for the issues that matter most. As the only elected official in this race, I provide a clear voice of proven leadership. My voting record reflects our values of equity and inclusion, environmental protections, and support for local businesses. As a former teacher, I will advocate for strong schools throughout our region, ensuring that all districts have the resources they need. And as a mom, I will fight to keep all of our kids safe by fighting for common-sense gun laws and intentionally inclusive communities. I am grateful for the endorsements and support of Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg, former state Senator and state Representative Gilda Jacobs, state Representative Lori Stone, Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell, as well as mayors and fellow city council members/commissioners from throughout our region. I will continue to build community as a trusted leader in Lansing.

MICHELLE WOODDELL

Michelle Wooddell, a resident of Southfield, is an associate professor in the School of Nonprofit, Health, 16B

Hospitality and Tourism Management at Grand Valley State University. She has a PhD in public administration from Wayne State University, a masters in public administration from New York University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Michigan. She is a former board member of League of Women Voters and Junior League of Detroit, but has not held public office.

Legislative bans on education topics I believe that trained education professionals – not state legislators – are in the best position to determine the material that is taught in our classrooms. As teachers, we are trained not only in our areas of specialization but also how to ensure that the material is delivered in an age-appropriate, culturally-sensitive and thoughtful manner. Parents who have concerns about specific areas should talk with their child’s teachers and the local school systems, not their state legislator. I am much more concerned about ensuring that all of our schools are properly funded, that our teachers are supported and that every student in Michigan has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential. The system of educational funding in our state needs to be revised to promote more stability and long-term planning. Many of our school buildings are in need of infrastructure repairs and the personnel crisis in our public schools is real and needs to be addressed quickly yet competently.

Legislative ethics/transparency I absolutely would support bills that increase transparency of the financial transactions of state lawmakers and I would support making these disclosures publicly available. In general, I believe that every Michigan resident has the right to know who is supporting our elected officials and we have the responsibility as voters to ensure that we do our homework about candidates. I also believe that Michigan needs to revise its campaign finance laws. This campaign has opened my eyes to the need for increased attention to the ways in which our elected officials fund their campaigns. I would like to limit the amount of money that Super PAC’s are allowed to spend in a given election, to increase transparency around “dark money” and to expand public disclosure of Super PAC donors. Putting the power back in the hands of the people as opposed

to the lobbyists is, in general, a good thing for Michigan.

Term limits for legislators/administration I believe that our state legislature could benefit from having more experienced individuals in place, so I do support the November ballot proposal. However, I believe that we need to do everything that we can to elect individuals who see public service as a chance to give back to their community, as opposed to a lifelong career. I believe that our system of government does better when we have leaders who come from all sectors of society – business, education, health care, the nonprofit sector, agriculture and more. We need leaders who are not just taking the next step in their lifetime of holding public office, but who are willing to step forward for a period of time to help address our state’s challenges. Out on the campaign trail, so many people have thanked me for running – for being willing to put myself out there even though I am definitely not a politician.

State budget surplus This is a unique time in Michigan’s history, as we enjoy a budget surplus that will allow us to address some of our key statewide challenges. I would combine policies that provide immediate relief for our residents in this time of high inflation with policies that invest in our state’s long-term success. My priorities would be: Repeal of the “retirement tax” for Michigan seniors; Tax rebates for all Michigan residents, as proposed by Governor Whitmer; Investments in infrastructure projects throughout the state, including schools, roads, bridges and state parks; Investment in programs that address the need for increased mental health support in our communities; and support for programs that invest in clean energy production in Michigan so that we can be less reliant on other countries and states.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Although I know there is some dispute about the legal underpinnings of this issue, the fact remains that a great debt has been amassed by Highland Park, one of our region’s poorest communities. The issue should obviously have been dealt with long ago, but since it has not, I support an immediate suspension of

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the extra fees that other member communities are now paying to help pay down this debt while we wait for the court case to play out.

Alternatively, debt payments should be placed into escrow while the issue is settled. The larger issue, however, is ensuring that everyone in our region has access to affordable clean water. We need to invest more in strengthening and maintaining Michigan’s water infrastructure including lead pipe removal, drinking water treatment, storm water, and wastewater management.

Voting law changes In my opinion, voting is the most fundamental right that we have as Americans and that’s why one of my very first volunteer positions in the community was as a member of the League of Women Voters of Michigan’s state board. In that role, I had a firsthand look at the ways in which a person’s ability to vote is impacted by their economic conditions, transportation issues and a lack of good voter information. I believe that there are many things that the state legislature can do to ensure that our election laws support full participation, including: Expanding equitable access to the ballot, including measures such as early voting, absentee ballot preprocessing, and full funding of our election administration at all levels.

Declaring our polling places as gunfree zones. Expanding voter registration opportunities and making it easier for all residents to participate in the process.

2020 presidential election results I was a poll worker in 2020 and this helped cement my faith in the voting process in Michigan. I saw so many people who were committed to ensuring the integrity of the vote that day and I absolutely accept the presidential election results. I will accept the results of the 2022 elections. This mistrust in our basic system of elections must end, as it is tearing at the very fabric of our democracy. We need to do more to educate the public about the processing of ballots and we need to ensure complete transparency throughout the process. Election deniers and their claims of stolen elections without evidence cannot be allowed to continue to disrupt our democracy without vigorous pushback from the majority of voters.

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VOTE VOT E AUGUST 2 N D

By Absentee or At The Polls

Michigan abortion ban law First and foremost, I 100 percent believe that healthcare decisions should be made by the individual in consultation with whomever they choose and I support a woman’s right to choose to terminate a pregnancy.

If Roe v Wade is indeed overturned, I think that Michigan’s leaders have an obligation to consider a bill to overturn the 1931 law and I would vote in support of its elimination. My larger concern is that an individual’s fundamental right to privacy is at stake in this debate and I believe that action at the federal level is needed to stop our nation from becoming a patchwork of different regulations with respect to privacy. Who I choose to marry, when I choose to have children and how I choose to live should, in general, should not be dictated or over-regulated by the government.

Right of redress I think that, as a state, we need to be careful about the degree to which we allow policy measures to be adopted with just a high number of signatures, particularly when circulators have the right to lie when talking with voters. We see this now in Betsy DeVos’ push to allow public funding to flow to private schools.

The people of Michigan have already spoken on this issue and the state constitution doesn’t allow it, yet if her petitions gain the correct number of signatures, it will automatically become law. That is a process that wreaks havoc with the normal democratic process. I believe that a mechanism already exists to hold legislators accountable for bad laws – elections. To be a functioning democratic republic, we need voters to hold their elected officials response for their action – or inaction – on an issue.

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economic situations have access to quality and affordable educational opportunities. Finally, I am a working mom with aging parents and an adopted son who struggles with his mental health every day. I know the challenges that families face in trying to balance everything that goes into living a full and productive life.

Although it pains me to say it, I am also one of the oldest candidates running for this seat. I know that I would absolutely not have been the best representative that I could be if I sought this seat 10 years ago. Age has taught me critical decisionmaking skills, improved my negotiating ability and helped me understand the complexities of solving large-scale community problems.

Strengthen Our Schools by adopting a more equitable funding model to ensure all schools & students have ample resources.

Protect Our Environment by investing in renewable energy to create jobs while making Michigan more sustainable.

Promote Equity, Inclusion, & Safety with fair wages, accessible healthcare, & common-sense gun laws that protect our communities.

PRICE

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY PRIORITIES at www.VoteNataliePrice.com or follow @VoteNataliePrice on social media

DEMOCRAT FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Why select you?

I believe that my district would be best served by my vast experience in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. I am a small business owner so I know all about the challenges of balancing the bottom line with the needs of my team. I am also an educator. Every day I see the challenges that today’s students face – from college affordability to the need to balance work, family and school. I also understand the importance of ensuring that students from all backgrounds and sociodowntownpublications.com

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STATE HOUSE/5TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN PAUL TAROS

administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills.

Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient?

Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

Corruption at all levels of government needs to stop and those who are found guilty need to be fully prosecuted. Financial disclosures should be required for not only elected officials, but also bureaucrats in a position to select and/or pay vendors.

Term limits for legislators/administration

Paul Taros of Birmingham is president of Taros & Associates, PC, certified public accountants. He received his BBA from University of Michigan and his MBA from Wayne State University. He is a threetime Ambassador of the Year for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, on the board of directors for Crossroads for Youth, and active at St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Our schools need to get back to teaching students how to think, not what to think.

Schools should teach and discuss the Dr. Ossian Sweet case, which took place in Detroit. (Dr. Ossian Sweet along with ten family members and friends were charged with murder after a mob attacked his Detroit home.) Students would be able to discuss race and gun rights, among other things.

Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

No, I do not believe we should increase the number of years a person can serve in the House or Senate. Our founders envisioned a lawmaker serving in the legislature and then returning to live as a private citizen, under the laws they passed. We do not need career politicians.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 20222023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republicancontrolled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals. What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

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Water was once a minor expense, but today it is a major portion of every household’s budget. When a GLWA member does not pay for their water and sewer services it drives up the cost of water and sewer services for the other member communities. If a GLWA member doesn’t pay their bills they should be removed from the authority.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

Fair and honest elections are a cornerstone of any democracy. Every eligible voter should be assured that their vote is counted and that there are no fraudulent votes cast. I would support any law that restores our belief that the election results are fair and accurate.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect. Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v. Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

Government should protect those least able to care for themselves and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of protection than an unborn baby. To think of an unborn baby just days away from being born, to be suddenly torn from the mother’s womb and killed is abhorrent.

Roe v. Wade needs to be overturned.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted.

Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

The citizens elect the legislature, so it is disingenuous to say that if the legislature attaches an expenditure provision to a piece of legislation it prevents citizens from having a voice. When Democrats embrace the mantra “the ends justify the means” it is very troubling.

Why select you?

Taxpayers are being crushed by skyrocketing food and gas prices. To help ease their pain I would certainly be in favor of tax cuts. The bloated state government is full of pet projects, ineffective programs and wasteful spending. Let’s give the taxpayers a break and cut their taxes.

There are millions of voters who believe voter fraud took place in the 2020 election. The documentary “2000 Mules“ indicates that there was voter fraud. Other investigators have found numerous statistical abnormalities that suggest voter fraud took place. These facts certainly warrant a commission to investigate the 2020 election and make recommendations to insure safe and secure elections in the future.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a

Legislative ethics/transparency Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers.

The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the

Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

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Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest? Please be specific.

Michigan is in trouble. We are paying more in taxes and getting poorer services.

Our schools are failing, the roads are atrocious and public safety has declined.

We need to prioritize our spending and eliminate unnecessary programs. I have and will continue to call out wrongdoing by elected officials.

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STATE HOUSE/20TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT NOAH ARBIT

we want to raise our kids to be upstanding citizens capable of contributing to our communities and achieving their aspirations, we must ensure that they are educated in a holistic manner. That means learning about difficult chapters of history; that means learning about messy, inconclusive debates that polarize our society. I will vehemently oppose legislation that seeks to sanitize curricula.

Legislative ethics/transparency

Noah Arbit is the founder and executive director of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus. A resident of West Bloomfield, he has a degree from Wayne State University in comparative politics and Jewish studies. He previously worked as director of communications for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, was a staffer for Governor Gretchen Whitmer and worked on the Hillary Clinton 2016 campaign. He is a member of the West Bloomfield Diversity Task Force, sits on the executive committee of West Bloomfield-Lakes Area Democratic Club and is a member of Jewish Labor Committee.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms?

Would you support such legislation?

Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

Absolutely not. The idea that we should shield our kids from necessary, if difficult, conversations about our world and our history is asinine. But the truth is, those who advocate for silencing educational inquiry are not concerned with kids’ welfare; they are instrumentalizing our kids to obscure their real motivation, which is both simpler and more noxious: bigotry. If downtownpublications.com

Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

Yes, I support and will vote for the transparency and financial disclosure legislation, and will work with legislators in both parties to bring greater transparency and accountability to all branches of Michigan government, including the legislature and the executive office of the governor.

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

Reasonable minds can differ on the utility of term limits writ large, but any successful term limits policy would adequately balance two competing goals: the need to retain institutional knowledge in the legislature, and the need to refresh our institutions with new blood and new voices. By this metric alone, Michigan’s current legislative term limits policy is an

abject failure that has drastically harmed the quality of governance in our state, to the detriment of all Michiganders. Limiting state reps to six years and state senators to eight years means legislators have little time to learn how to navigate the institution before they are turfed out; this vacuum of legislative expertise empowers entrenched lobbyists, special interests, and other power brokers at the expense of the people’s elected representatives. I encourage all voters to join me in supporting the ballot proposal “Michiganders for Transparency and Term Limits.”

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republican-controlled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals.

What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

I am open to conversations about prioritizing the areas in which the surplus should be used, but as a general principle, it must be used sustainably and targeted to build capacity. I am not interested in squandering a one-time sugar high.

Let’s invest with purpose and build infrastructure that will last and pay dividends long into the future. Let’s invest in expanded mental health care treatment for Michiganders, particularly youth and seniors. Let’s invest in a robust public transit system to connect southeast Michigan, and in educating and training young people – our workforce of the future. Let’s build capacity in the services that we deliver to residents, so we can become an even more innovative, thriving economy that fosters dynamic businesses and delivers for people. Let’s help shape the contours of our economic future, instead of letting events and trends

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

elsewhere dictate how Michigan will proceed in the 21st century.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

I strongly support Governor Whitmer’s recent request that GLWA forestall the portion of its planned rate increase attributed to Highland Park’s debt until the culmination of the legal process or arrival of a political solution between the parties. Clearly, residents of West Bloomfield, Commerce, Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake should not be held financially responsible for the dispute between Highland Park and GLWA. Pending the outcome of the litigation, I am open to working with the Whitmer Administration, members of the legislature, and experts on various ideas and strategies to arrive at creative, fiscally responsible solutions to the issue of Highland Park’s debt to GLWA – so long as the solution does not involve other communities underwriting that debt.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

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How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

I believe in expanding the franchise, so that every Michigander has access to the foundational constitutional right to elect their own government. I will zealously oppose any proposal seeking to curtail that right. It’s time to empower local clerks to preprocess absentee ballots, so the public can receive results in a timely manner; make Election Day a state holiday, and cease underfunding municipal and county clerks’ budgets for election administration. These are the kinds of legitimate reforms that would substantially improve Michigan’s elections and boost confidence and trust in our voting system – not the anti-democratic bile promoted by extremist politicians seeking to appease the egos of disgraced former presidents.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

It is deeply disturbing and a sad reflection of the state of our politics that this question even has to be asked. Of course I accept the results of the 2020 election, in which Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were duly elected. Of course I will accept the results of the 2022 Democratic Primary and general election, regardless of whether or not I am the winner. Our constitutional democracy depends on fidelity to the rule of law, and on the consent of the governed. I will not be party to any action or statement that casts doubt on the legitimacy of free and fair elections, and I will never be afraid to call out election deniers, conspiracy theorists, and demagogues wherever they rear their ugly heads in the State of Michigan.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect. Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v.

Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to 20B

allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

Unequivocally, yes. It is long past time to repeal Michigan’s snapback abortion ban. I am thankful that Attorney General Dana Nessel and Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald have committed not to enforce the 1931 abortion ban should Roe v. Wade be overturned.

But, that is no substitute for legislative action. If elected, I will sign on to be an original co-sponsor of the Michigan Reproductive Health Act, and I will be a fierce advocate for safe and legal abortion access and reproductive health. I encourage all voters to join me in supporting the “MI Right to Reproductive Freedom” constitutional amendment proposal, which will likely be on the November ballot. Additionally, it is long past time to repeal Michigan’s antiquated ban on sodomy, because we cannot rely on a radical, right-wing United States Supreme Court to protect the rights of women or LGBTQ+ people in Michigan. We need Lansing to act.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

It is absolutely time to eliminate the distinction between appropriative and policy legislation that makes legislation containing any amount of appropriations exempt from citizen review via initiative and referendum.

The legal loophole is anti-democratic and its continued use only erodes faith in our democratic institutions to represent the will of the people.

Relatedly, it is also long past time to repeal the constitutional provision undergirding the “adopt-and-amend” legislative tactic, whereby the

legislature takes up and adopts a citizen-led constitutional ballot proposal before it appears on the ballot only to amend it later, so as to prevent the substance of the initial ballot initiative from entering the force of law. These are both noxious tactics that fly in the face of democratic principles.

education degrees from Wayne State University. A West Bloomfield resident, he is a trustee on the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education, and involved with the West Bloomfield/Lakes area Democratic Club and Sierra Club.

Why select you?

The state legislature should certainly not be empowered to prevent important race and gender-based issues. During my 24-year career in public education, I have never witnessed “critical race theory” being taught in our classrooms – it’s not part of the curriculum to begin with, since CRT is a university level concept, so why ban it? Efforts to ban these topics from discussion in the classroom absolutely discourages open inquiry by students and prevents students from understanding our country’s history.

The purpose of teaching about racism, slavery, the civil rights movement, and the women’s rights movement, among others, has never been to make students feel guilty about history, but rather to teach them about the injustices that marginalized groups have faced to ensure we do not allow history to repeat itself. I would absolutely oppose legislation that seeks to restrict what is taught in schools regarding race and gender.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

I never intended to run for office, but I was sick and tired of watching my hometown of West Bloomfield be gerrymandered and treated as an afterthought in Lansing. I stepped up to run when no one else would, because I love our community. I am the only Democratic candidate who was raised in this community, who was educated in this community. And I will move heaven and earth for our community, which is exactly why Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Steve Kaplan, county commissioners Marcia Gershenson and Kristen Nelson, and so many of our leaders have endorsed my candidacy.

Because West Bloomfield, Commerce, and the Lakes deserve a passionate, forward-thinking, relentless leader who exhausts every path to find innovative, commonsense solutions. A leader who shows up, works tirelessly, and fights for us with faith and fidelity. That’s the kind of person I am. That’s the kind of representative I’ll be.

KEN FERGUSON

Ken Ferguson is a teacher of visuallyimpaired students with the Grosse Pointe School System. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, and masters and

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Legislative bans on education topics

Legislative ethics/transparency Transparency in government is essential in maintaining a government free of corruption and maintaining public trust in the government. Several bills have been introduced in the House to require financial disclosure of the State Board of Education (HB 4344), candidates for the state’s Executive Branch (HB 4602), judicial candidates (HB 4090), and state representatives (HB 4323). Despite bipartisan support for these bills, many have not been touched since their introduction in the House or committee referral in 2021. I agree that the bills currently introduced in this session of the legislature make solid efforts to require financial disclosure, but House and committee leadership must take them seriously. There is no reason that these bills should have died in committee if there was bipartisan support and cosponsorship. Ignoring these bills because of the fear of personal ramifications is irresponsible governing and 07.22

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jeopardizes the trust that Michigan’s voters place in our elected officials and legislature as a whole.

I believe our current term limits are too short and the rapid turnover allows special interests to have the upper hand in driving legislation.

While I applaud the efforts of the ballot measure, I feel it would have been more beneficial to increase the House term to eight years and Senate to twelve years while still incorporating the financial transparency piece.

voter registration to expand access to electoral participation to folks who were unable to make it to the polls on election day, for whatever their reason may be. Let me be clear: attempts to undermine the 2018 ballot initiative to expand voting rights should be seen as nothing less than attempts to suppress voters in lowincome communities and communities of already marginalized Michiganders. The only changes to our state’s election laws that I would support are changes which would further empower Michiganders to vote in elections, regardless of their party affiliation, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.

State budget surplus

2020 presidential election results

As an educator, it is my firm belief that any school aid fund surplus monies should be allocated to districts which are struggling to provide adequate resources for their students. In my mind, it’s simple: school funds should continue to fund our public schools. With regard to the general fund, I support allocation of these funds toward initiatives that Governor Whitmer was elected to tackle, including improving Michigan’s infrastructure, expanding access to skilled trade training programs, making higher education more affordable for Michigan’s students and their families, and eliminating the state’s retirement tax.

I do accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan as several investigations have proven there was no evidence of voter fraud.

Regardless of the outcomes of the 2022 primary and general elections, I will accept the results because I have faith in our Secretary of State that our elections are handled fairly and responsibly.

Term limits for legislators/administration

Highland Park water/sewer debt Water and sewage is a basic human right. While it is important for local municipalities to be fiscally responsible and pay their debts, it does not make sense to raise rates on a community which is already struggling to meet their obligations.

Municipalities, counties, and the state of Michigan must work together to support Highland Park by providing state officials to offer guidance as well as financial assistance by using some of the budget reserves.

Voting law changes Attempts by members of the state legislature to undermine legislation passed by a wide margin of Michigan’s voters are highly problematic and suggest that some members of the legislature are willing to overturn policy that voters put forth and voted into law for their own personal benefit and security in their elected office. Voters approved noreason absentee voting and same-day downtownpublications.com

Why select you?

My track record of service to my community truly sets me apart from other candidates in this race. In 2016, I was elected to serve on the West Bloomfield School Board. As an educator working with the blind and low-vision, I’ve served the students across Wayne County that need support most, while also serving my colleagues in the local teachers’ unions with the AFT and MEA. Prior to my career in education, I served our country with the Army Reserves in Desert Storm. I have received the endorsement of labor unions who have placed their faith in me as the candidate who will strive to ensure everyone in my community feels represented in Lansing. I have dedicated my life to building and maintaining relationships with the people around me and made it clear that I am someone that can be trusted to represent everyone, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or political affiliation.

JAMES SKLAR

Michigan abortion ban law As a dad, I find it very concerning that there are legislators who seek to restrict my daughters’ choices regarding their bodies. I think the 1931 abortion ban should certainly be overturned should Roe v. Wade be overturned. I was happy to hear about the recent preliminary judicial decision protecting a woman’s right to choose, but there is still work to be done in protecting the right to abortion in Michigan.

Legislative ethics/transparency It’s past due time Michigan finally implements legislation to expand Michigan’s open records laws.

Currently, Michigan legislators, the governor, lieutenant governor, and executive office employees are exempted from FOIA. Consequently, I support removing these exceptions and enacting the proper procedures and requirements for the disclosure of public records by all public bodies in our state.

Term limits for legislators/administration Currently, Michigan has one of the strictest legislative term limits in the nation. Term limits may actually be contributing to Michigan’s last place ranking in state government ethics and transparency. Having worked three years in the legislature, too much institutional knowledge is in the hands of lobbyists and corporations who can afford those lobbyists. I support measures to shift the power back to Michigan citizens, which is why I support reforming our term limits in Michigan.

State budget surplus

Right of redress The use of expenditure provisions in public acts to prevent voters from overturning laws they feel unjust is deceptive and does not serve the interests of Michiganders.

Referendum rights should include the right to handle appropriations. I was pleased to see the city of Detroit propose a ballot initiative in 2021 seeking to subject appropriations legislation to the same referendum policy as other legislative action taken by the city government, though I was disappointed it did not pass, because such an action would eliminate these deceptive maneuvers to block voters from holding a referendum on laws that legislators want to maintain despite voters disagreeing.

K-12 budget, and supporting the health and safety of students and teachers.

James Sklar of West Bloomfield has undergraduate degrees from Oakland University and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. He has worked as an intern at the White House during the Obama Administration and as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives.

For a surplus, I believe we need to make sure our waterways are clean and limit chemicals like PFAS. Additionally, our communities need to be better equipped to handle water main breaks and be proactive when it comes to water leaks in households.

This past year has shown that water main breaks can go on for hours without being detected, which cause boil advisories to be issued. I believe Michigan needs to adopt and be the leader in our water infrastructure. The technology is there as I have seen its integration sprout up right here in Oakland County. It’s time that Michigan becomes a smart state when it comes to water.

Highland Park water/sewer debt

Legislative bans on education topics I plan to vote against any legislation that would restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, genderbased issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Additionally, I support free public education, increasing our

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According to the water authority, the city of Highland Park has paid less than 1 percent of its water bill since 2012 and other metro Detroit communities have been paying more money to GLWA for Highland Parks

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STATE HOUSE/20TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN DIANA THERESA MOHYI

school administrators in the last two years have caused children’s education to suffer. The first priority must be to fix the damage. Suicidal behavior of young people is skyrocketing and school administrator’s response is to buy therapy dogs instead of solving the issue, division, isolation and loneliness. Canceling the St Mary’s Fair was callous.

Legislative ethics/transparency

Diana Mohyi is a self-employed attorney in private practice who lives in West Bloomfield. She is a graduate of University of Michigan and Case Western Reserve University Law School. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Birmingham, Impact 100 of Oakland County and German American Business Council of Michigan.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system. Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues. Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms?

Would you support such legislation?

Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

The state legislature should restrict what is taught in public classrooms to protect children just like protecting minors from advertising. I would support banning the teaching of critical race theory curriculum because it is divisive inaccurate value based curriculum. It is a parent’s inalienable right to decide on the values that should be taught to their children. It is the responsibility of schools to provide the highest quality education in core curriculum: math, science, reading and writing. Many Michigan children barely know how to read and write. The policies of the 22B

Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

I would support reasonable financial disclosure legislation. Public servants do not have the same expectation of privacy regarding their finances as the general public because their decisions impact the public. With regard to current legislation, I don’t believe it is enough. The public should be able to view the financial disclosure that legislative officials must provide.

Public officials must disclose the sources of their income with reasonable protections for client confidentiality mandated for legal professionals.

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

The current Michigan term limits appear reasonable. I would not support a proposal which would allow legislators to serve longer terms because that would be tantamount to

electing kings and queens to rule over us. Term limits keep the swamp from getting too deeply rooted in the government system by acting as a drain.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republican-controlled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals.

What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

The legislature should return funds back to taxpayers by cutting taxes and issuing tax refunds to taxpayers.

Michiganders and small businesses are financially damaged by the government imposed shutdowns put in place by decree of Governor Whitmer. It is the state government’s responsibility to try to do what little it can to make up for it by providing Michiganders financial relief. Part of that fund could be used towards fixing the roads and infrastructure.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

Highland Park must be held accountable for the debt. Responsible

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DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

member communities are not responsible for the debts of the delinquent member and it would be an illegal taking to impose that responsibility. Highland Park could be sued in court by member communities which have been aggrieved by this failure. The state government should take over local government’s duties when it is not doing its job on an emergency basis to avoid a public health crisis. The state or county government should directly collect taxes from communities to pay for these services since the current structure is not working. The state government could pass a law which mandates that.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

Yes, the election law needs to be changed to protect election integrity.

Ballot harvesting must be absolutely illegal, absentee ballots must be specifically requested, voter ID must be required, time limits must be upheld for whether votes are counted if they are sent to the clerk past election day, and signature verification must be enforced on absentee ballot processing by clerks.

These proposed changes would not interfere with the 2018 changes and will only improve the Michigan election system all Michiganders.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

I accept the result of the 2020 07.22

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STATE HOUSE/20TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN Michigan election under protest because on information and belief, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson interfered with a lawful election audit by destroying evidence necessary to conduct said audit. The people of Michigan need to move forward and not backwards. Michigan must be able to hold election audits without interference from officials, especially those charged with upholding the integrity of elections. I would accept the results of the 2022 primary and general, however, I would support election audits to verify the accuracy of the election.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect.

Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v. Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here.

Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

I am pro-life. I do not think there should be a revision to the law because abortion is the termination of a human life. This issue could be decided by ballot proposal by voters.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

The legislature should never use maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws adopted by legislature. A law should be passed which prohibits such maneuvers. downtownpublications.com

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

I have a track record of being responsible and practical and fulfilling my duties to my clients and the public. I am an attorney with over 10 years practice experience and a full time small business owner for over five years in legal practice. I focus on family law and have served my clients with the highest quality service. I have had real life experience in the working world and understand what the needs of small business and families are. I am not a product of government bureaucracy. I am the only Republican candidate who fulfilled my precinct delegate duties at the county and state convention. My Republican opponent failed to show up. I recognize the destruction that has happened to small business and education in the last two years and I am committed to fixing it. I am committed to protecting our constitutional freedoms.

STATE HOUSE/20TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT unpaid bills. Highland Park officials have been litigating this case in the courts for years and Highland Park lost. I agree with the court’s decision, and the state needs to work with Highland Park to come up with a comprehensive plan to repay their debt that will be fair to Highland Park and to the residents of Michigan.

Voting law changes I believe that voting is a fundamental right of every Michigan citizen, and it’s the job of our state government to ensure easy access to the ballot box. Consequently, I would oppose any legislation that restricts Michigan citizens the right to vote.

I’m running for State Representative because the Michigan House needs fresh new ideas and an understanding of how to enact those policies the right way. I worked three years in the Michigan Legislature, interned at the White House under the Obama Administration, and obtained my law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. I’m worried that the opportunities I had to succeed aren’t there anymore. I will work hard to keep our talent in Michigan and invest in the future generations of Michigan leaders. My passion for Michigan and my experiences are why I believe I will be an effective voice for my community.

2020 presidential election results Yes, I accept the 2020 results, and I will accept the 2022 results. Our elections are secure. There is a process for finalizing and certifying vote counts for elections here in Michigan. The honest truth is, many Michiganders are falling victim to misinformation designed to sow mistrust in our elections. I am committed to ensuring free and fair elections, preserving a healthy democracy, and honoring the will of the voters.

Michigan abortion ban law Michigan residents and families need to be able to have high quality and affordable healthcare, which is why I believe we need to repeal Michigan’s 1931 State law, which makes abortion illegal. I stand with women across the state of Michigan, and I believe that we should protect, not attack, or limit access to, important resources for women’s health. I will gladly vote against any legislation that attempts to prohibit women’s freedoms in any way.

Right of redress When lawmakers attached expenditure provisions to prevent citizens from overturning laws, these actions diminish the rights and trust of the public. It is the duty of the legislature to ensure citizens have their voices heard and votes counted, which is why I would propose and support legislation to close loopholes and improve government transparency.

Why select you?

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STATE HOUSE/54TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT Legislative ethics/transparency

STEPHANIE FAKIH

Stephanie Fakih of Bloomfield Township is founder and principal attorney of Rights First Law PC. She earned her BA in political science from University of Michigan and her JD from Fordham University School of Law. She currently is a Bloomfield Township trustee, involved with Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, member of the board of Bloomfield Youth Assistance and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms?

Would you support such legislation?

Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

In Michigan local school boards are tasked with, among other things, approving recommended curriculum and textbooks based on standards, goals and policies established by the board. It is important these curriculum decisions remain at the local level. Many families often choose to call a place home because of a highly rated school district.

Allowing local school boards to approve curriculum and textbooks puts families in control by voting for school board members who represent the ideals important to them.

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Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

When personal financial disclosures are required they provide necessary information to the public about a public official’s financial interests and help ensure that officials are making decisions in the best interest of the public and not for personal financial reasons. Requiring personal financial disclosures can also serve as a reminder for public officials of a potential conflict of interest, allowing them to abstain from making decisions that may be seen as conflicts of interest. The disclosed information should be publicly available to allow a determination of what, if any, conflicts exist.

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

Elections can, and do, serve as term limits when voters are mobilized; voters do not have to wait until someone is term limited out of office before replacing them. Extending the terms of Michigan legislators is only a good thing if voters are engaged and want to continue to vote for a representative in the House or Senate.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and

is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republican-controlled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals.

What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

Michigan needs a huge investment in infrastructure. According to the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Southeast Michigan alone needs an additional $1.2 billion per year for the next 25 years just to get our roads to fair condition.

Bonding our way out of this is not sustainable. Michigan’s roads, bridges, water and sewer systems are in disrepair and without a serious influx of money, will never again meet the standards we have come to expect in the United States of America. By investing in Michigan’s infrastructure, we are investing in a better future for our families.

Corporations and large companies will finally eye Michigan for their newest facility or office and will gladly come here, without incentives, because of our quality of life and educated, capable workforce. We have to make Michigan viable from a business perspective and the only way to do it is if we get serious about infrastructure; only then will Michigan finally be a national player attracting people to our state, not out of it.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

and sewer services? Please be specific.

Highland Park is certainly responsible for the amounts owed to the Great Lakes Water Authority, but we have to ask how Highland Park got to this point. We need to ensure local governments across our state do not find themselves unprepared for the increased cost of water and the necessary capital to maintain water and sewer infrastructure. Federal dollars helped create these systems and federal dollars may be required to help maintain them. Until then, Michigan needs to think seriously about water and sewer infrastructure and a municipalities’ ability to maintain that infrastructure with limited revenue that also pays for other critical services.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

Like our government, elections have checks and balances. Michigan’s current voting laws ensure that anyone eligible to vote can vote. If questions arise about an individual’s eligibility to vote, there are mechanisms in place to verify that votes are legally cast. If someone is found to be in violation of our voting laws we have severe criminal penalties to account for that behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar acts.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

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I accept the presidential election results of 2020 and will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general elections. Elections are handled hyper-locally – your local clerk is in charge of the elections in your city or township. I encourage anyone questioning the veracity of election results to volunteer with their city or township clerk’s office during election season and see that everyday people run our democracy and while it may not be perfect, it is fair and just.

maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

Legislators represent the interests and values of the voting population and should not employ legal maneuvers that diminish the voice of citizens. If the legislature is eager to pass laws that at first glance seem unpopular, the legislature must work on messaging. Explain to citizens why the law is necessary and why it is in their best interest.

Why select you?

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect. Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v.

Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

The 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be eliminated.

Personal freedoms are extremely important to people in this country and that does not change when it comes to a woman’s body and her decision to carry and birth a child.

Roe v. Wade has been the law of the land for decades and the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of that decision does not and should not catapult us back to outdated laws.

The Michigan legislature should work to ensure women in Michigan have personal autonomy over their bodies.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

The newly drawn House District 54 is representative of our state as a whole: red and blue and seemingly on different sides of everything. Inflation, shortages of goods, uncertainty about the future – these are serious things happening to all of us, right now. We need leadership to take action and lead us out of these problems, together. As a criminal defense attorney I work everyday between stakeholders that have seemingly different end games, but I know this is never the case. I know how to build relationships to get things done and I am ready to do that in Lansing. I am going to Lansing to remind lawmakers we are not in competition with each other, but in competition with other states. We can and should better the lives of Michigan residents. We have everything in this state that we need, we just need the leadership to put it together. I am that leadership.

GARY GERSON

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such downtownpublications.com

University and a master’s in education from Grand Canyon University. He is a friend of Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Legislative bans on education topics Teachers must teach the truth.

History teachers must be allowed to present factual accounts of history even if those truths are painful.

English teachers must be allowed to tackle subjects that might be controversial. We must trust our teachers and administrators to decide what is age-appropriate and necessary for curricular development as needs evolve. Legislating limitations is insular and shortminded, and I do not support such legislation. Efforts to restrict open inquiry are bad for our kids, our state, and our educational system.

Buzzwords such as “critical race theory” can be divisive, and I prefer the term “culturally relevant teaching” as it affirms students’ ethnic and racial backgrounds and is the basis for critiquing the causes of social inequality on personal levels. I taught high school for 26 years and know that teachers need to be in charge of their curricula. This is about supporting our good teachers.

seems sound, allowing a longer term in either the House or the Senate if one stays in either one or the other, which makes sense to me. I would like to see how the “combination” statute would work and if that needs further tweaking.

State budget surplus With inflation now in the works and a recession looming, I do approve of the governor’s plan to refund some of the money directly to the people, and I am also in favor of a proposed tax break to further put money into the taxpayer’s hands and further into the Michigan economy. But thinking outside of that box, I would like to see more of the surplus going into the study of, and provisions for, Michiganders who are the victim of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

There needs to be an influx of funds into this arena as kids (and adults) with FASD are underrepresented in the current budget and underserved in the welfare system. I want money to go into specialized housing and training centers to help keep those with alcohol-related neurological disorders out of jail (they make up perhaps one-third of those incarcerated).

Legislative ethics/transparency

Highland Park water/sewer debt

Public servants need to show their sources of income and be transparent in their financial dealings. It seems obvious that the Michigan public has impressions that many politicians, judges, and board members have conflicting interests that may compromise their decision-making.

While this may not be true in many or even most cases, the perception exists. Michigan is one of only two states that doesn’t require public disclosure of finances. So no, current legislation is insufficient, and I do support House Bill 4062.

Previous efforts have been approved by ethics committees so it is a mystery as to why they have stalled.

It is time for financial disclosure.

It is clear that member communities in Oakland County have already been subsidizing Highland Park’s longoverdue water bill. This needs to stop, and any funds that come from member communities should indeed be placed in escrow rather than paid directly to the Great Lakes Water Authority. A judge has ruled that Highland Park should pay their bill, and I agree that they should. I’m saddened that Highland Park residents have been paying for their water but that the funds have not gone to the GLWA. I know that Highland Park has suffered economically, but they have to find a way to budget for clean water for their residents who are already paying for it. Highland Park must pay that bill.

Term limits for legislators/administration

Voting law changes

Gary Gerson is principal of Bloomfield Educational Consultants. Gerson, a resident of Bloomfield Township, has a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt

I’m learning that six total years for a state rep is not a lot of time, politically speaking. It would seem that once a representative gets used to the way things work in Lansing, that rep is then finished with the term. I do agree with term limits, but I would rather the state rep’s years be studied more closely. The proposal

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

The only voter law changes that I see necessary are those that protect the voters and allow every single vote to be counted by any means necessary.

I think the approved votes from 2018 should be supported completely. As for other changes, many of the recent “suggestions” are derived from a 25B

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limited population that still believes the myth of voter fraud by our previous president and others. Those suggestions are ludicrous and limiting, seemingly counter to the 2018 mandates. Leave voter laws alone unless they are aimed at protecting each voter and his/her vote.

2020 presidential election results There was no fraud. There was no “steal.” Michigan’s voting reputation is just fine as it is, and I will accept the primary and general election results. This panic about voter fraud needs to go away.

education, scientific inquiry, global warming and the greenhouse effect, foster care, adoption subsidies, Children’s Special Health, business development, the gig economy, world travel, textbook development, being an author, graphs and data, religious studies, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, AIDS education, the arts, and youth sports. There is no substitute for experience, and I was a lead teacher, a curriculum director, a head coach, and president of the faculty council. I developed my own business. I wrote five books. I thrive at building understanding and cohesion. I have education and children in the forefront of my platform.

Michigan abortion ban law As I am writing this response, Governor Whitmer has already begun the process of dismissing the 1931 act. Assuming Roe v Wade is overturned, abortion rights will fall to the state. We are in good shape now to keep women’s reproductive rights legal, but we must also aim for the future when subsequent governments might disagree. It is now our responsibility as legislators to overturn this law and revise Michigan’s constitution to completely support abortion rights for women. Their bodies, their choices.

SHADIA MARTINI

Why select you?

My Democratic primary opponents are both brilliant and accomplished. That being said, my knowledge base is quite broad, and that makes me a firmer representative for our district’s population. I have wide experience in advanced education, specialized education, IEP’s, learning challenges, curriculum development, private schools, public schools, science 26B

Term limits for legislators/administration The proposal on the November ballot regarding term limits, if passed, would still make Michigan one of the states with one of the strictest term limit rules for state legislatures in the country. I will support either outcome that Michigan voters choose in November.

State budget surplus

Right of redress Citizens have a right to petition and I don’t want to see that right compromised by additional provisions of any sort. I would like to study which maneuvers have come into play and what referendum rights have been compromised. Any system of challenge to lawmakers’ adoptions should be honored as long as laws and the constitution are not violated.

I would study this to see how these adoptions have been used unethically and work to reverse them if they are not appropriate. I would consult experts if necessary, including the American Civil Liberties Union, to see if this fits their agenda as well.

Michigan is only one of two states in the entire country that does not require state lawmakers to disclose financial interests. The supposed bipartisan transparency legislation advanced through the state House is not actually transparent. Financial disclosures by legislators would not be made available to the public, only to a secret committee exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. Public disclosure is mandated in dozens of states, and it should be mandated in Michigan just the same. The current legislation is not sufficient.

Shadia Martini of Bloomfield Township owns Martini Construction, Great Estate Realty and Pigalle Salon. She has a degree in architectural engineering from Aleppo University and an MBA from University of Michigan. She is involved with National Association of Builders, National Association of Realtors, Muslim Unity Center, and on the board of Syrian American Council and Arab American Center for Economic and Social Services.

Legislative bans on education topics I oppose efforts to restrict or ban the teaching of issues surrounding race, gender, and history in our classrooms.

In Syria, where I grew up, our curriculum was controlled by the government. We were lied to about history and about the world around us, to the benefit of the dictatorship.

America is a free democracy, our children should be able to learn about critical issues without impediments or restrictions imposed by politicians with biased agendas.

Legislative ethics/transparency

I support Governor Whitmer’s proposal to offer a $500 tax rebate to working families rather than the proposed longterm tax cuts in the Senate. Michigan’s economic future is uncertain due to inflation, the continued economic impact of the pandemic, and supply chain issues. A recession may be looming on the horizon – we need to think beyond the short-term while still offering sensible relief to Michigan families.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Residents of Oakland County should not be responsible for the city of Highland Park’s neglect, plain and simple. Now, a sewage rate hike is set to hit GLWA communities, in part due to Highland Park’s debt. I support Governor Whitmer’s request that the rate increase incurred due to Highland Park be paused and the proposal for an independent audit that will answer critical questions concerning the debt.

Voting law changes Michigan voters voted overwhelmingly to make voting easier and more accessible. Current proposals to help “secure the vote” are spurred by election conspiracies from 2020 and are designed solely to make it harder for marginalized groups to vote. I believe in continuing to reflect the will of Michigan voters in 2018 and maintaining our current election laws.

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

2020 presidential election results I accept the results of the 2020 election in Michigan and I will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election. I grew up in Syria, a country where only one candidate was allowed on the ballot for president. I know what fraudulent elections look like: no such thing occurred in Michigan.

Michigan abortion ban law The archaic 1931 law banning abortion should be eliminated. Left as it was written, the law bans virtually all abortions except for those conducted to protect the life of the mother. The right to choose must be protected – an almost 100 year old law that does not even contain rape or incest exceptions does not belong in the 21st century.

Right of redress The legislature should not intentionally prevent Michiganders from challenging enacted legislation – this is unequivocally an infringement of guaranteed rights. Attaching extraneous expenditure provisions with clear intent to block the public from challenging legislation should be disallowed.

Why select you?

I’ve lived under dictatorship and democracy. I’ve been a worker and a small business owner. My unique life experiences have allowed me to see both sides of the coin. I’m so appreciative of the right to political participation, something that I could have never imagined growing up in a country like Syria where one negative word about the government could land you in prison. I’ve embraced my newfound rights to the fullest extent.

Since the outbreak of the war in Syria in 2011, I’ve been an outspoken human rights advocate at the state and national level, meeting with legislators on both sides of the aisle to fight for civilians under siege. I was a leader in the effort to get the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 passed and signed into law.

Beyond my decade of advocacy experience, I’ve been a southeast Michigan small business owner and real estate broker for over two decades. I’m ready to bring my business know-how and my grassroots advocacy experience to Lansing to fight for working families and to promote sensible pro-growth economic policy.

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STATE HOUSE/54TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN SANDY KIESEL

to control what their children are taught. School boards and the state must listen.

Legislative ethics/transparency

Sandy Kiesel of Orion Township is Executive Director of Election Integrity Fund and Force and COO of Bright Harbor LLC Wealth Management. She has a degree in mechanical engineering from Trine University and an MBA from Michigan State University Eli Broad School of Business. She is a former board member of Society of Automotive Engineers and is involved with Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms?

Would you support such legislation?

Why or why not? Please be specific in your answer.

It is important that K-12 public school students are taught the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic along with topics that do not promote hate, that do not stereotype any race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, and that are age appropriate. High quality education is critical to develop properly prepared people to move our state forward in the future. With the guidelines above, the exact content of the curriculum is a local topic that should be a collaboration between parents and school boards. Parents have the responsibility and the right downtownpublications.com

Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

Trust and transparency are critical to a properly functioning government. If this does not exist, the electorate will always question the actions of the government. I support disclosure of personal financial information if there is a reason for concern with restrictions to the time period of when a person is serving in public office and only to ensure that no ethical standards are violated. I do not support that the disclosed information be made available to the public. Disclosure of the information could put individuals unnecessarily at risk.

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review? Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

I believe that our term limits are in need of review. Legislators, in their last term in office, seem to not have the same dedication to the constituents as they are not concerned about re-election. As they are more focused on what comes next for them, future opportunities for the next position can have undue influence on their positions. I do not support the extension on term limits that is potentially on the November

ballot. The handling of this proposal did not give voters a chance to express their opinions. I believe limiting former representatives working for lobby groups immediately following their term in office should be managed similar to non-compete agreements in business. I also support changes that would drive more accountability for public functionaries in their last term.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years. A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republican-controlled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals.

What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

Our children in Michigan are behind.

They were behind before the pandemic and the educational gaps only increased during the pandemic.

Those surplus funds should be used to raise the education level of our students. The children are Michigan’s future.

Highland Park water/sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

Highland Park needs to pay their bills.

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

As a process improvement and waste elimination specialist, I would recommend they use engineering techniques to locate non-value added items and focus on reducing waste in their other expenses to enable paying their water and sewer bills. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Public Works Commission Candice Miller said, “other member of the communities have unfairly absorbed Highland Park’s unpaid water and sewer bills.”

These other communities should not be responsible for Highland Park’s water and sewer expenses.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

Yes, many election laws need to be revised to produce transparent and trusted elections. Election laws need to be followed and when they are not, there must be accountability. I have spent the last 18 months working on election integrity and leading teams across the state to analyze government data. What was uncovered was inaccurate Qualified Voter Files, no reason absentee voting, drop boxes with uneven availability and no monitoring, outside money with no accountability, the use of ERIC to feed our qualified voter file, no meaningful audits, no investigations and no consequences for breaking the law allowed us to have an election where it was easy to cheat impossible for the public to trust. I want all of the current laws to be followed, laws that make it easy to cheat eliminated and laws that make every legal vote count passed.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in 27B

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Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

I do not accept the 2020 election results. Data determines election legitimacy and everyone should be able to clearly see the data. Over the last 18 months, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization I lead conducted extensive research across the state. The results are currently released in several reports and can be seen on www.electionintegrityforce.com. Additional analysis was also presented by MC4EI, PIME, Stand Up MI, Patrick Colbeck, and in the movie 2000 Mules. With the exposure of Qualified Voter File inaccuracy, vote count variability, ballot stuffing by mules and laws not followed, there was illegality in the election. No results following illegality can be accepted. For 2022, accepting results depends on following the law. We must have an accurate Qualified Voter File, voter identification, monitored drop boxes, ballot chain of custody, no machines, complete transparency during the transporting and counting of ballots, and nongovernmental audit of results.

Michigan abortion ban law In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect. Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v.

Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Why or why not?

Abortion is often framed as a binary decision of “pro-life” versus “prochoice.” This issue is more complicated. When is pregnancy and life viable? Pro-life people say at conception yet, in nature, 50 percent of fertilized eggs are lost before implanting in the uterus. If such a large percentage of eggs never implant, is it an abortion to take a morning after pill to prevent an egg from implanting? What about eggs that are fertilized during in-vitro fertilization yet never transferred, is that an abortion? What about babies that have genetic testing and are not viable life, is terminating that pregnancy an abortion? The binary 28B

case does not cover these examples as the 1931 law also does not adequately address medical knowledge and advancements. To be clear, late term abortions are unacceptable and should be illegal.

However, as the few examples above show, there are areas of gray that need consideration.

Right of redress The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

I believe in the people’s right to participate and choose. The people being involved, the more the better, is always best. I do not like maneuvers that impact referendum rights and support other ways for Michiganders to be able to participate and choose.

Elect people like myself that will always consider the opinions of the people in the district and contact all of your representatives often to ensure they understand the position.

policies, creating laws and taking actions to assure the well-being and prosperity of Michiganders. I am fiscally responsible and focused on economic growth. I support lower taxes, elimination of obstructive regulations, investing in our infrastructure, funding our police and firemen, investing in our education system and policies that attract business and investment to Michigan.

DONNI STEELE

Donni Steele of Orion Township is the Orion Township Treasurer. She previously served on the Orion Township Board of Trustees. Steele has a degree in business administration and management from Hillsdale College. She is the chairperson of the Paint Creek Trail Commission, treasurer of Polly Ann Trail Management Council, and is on the Orion Township Parks and Path Committee and Orion Chamber.

students who will ultimately live and teach in Michigan. Monies spent for schools in Michigan is not indicative of the outcomes we are receiving from our students. I would legislate for “let’s go back to the basics – educational achievement and excellence.”

Legislative ethics/transparency Currently for candidates and elected officials all campaign financial information is public information – how much money was given; who gave it; when it was given; what their employment is; address; etc.

Although Michigan is one of the few states who doesn’t force these personal financial disclosures, I am unclear for the purpose of these disclosures beyond campaign financial disclosure. I would need a compelling reason to legislate such financial disclosures, including making it publicly available. In the event these arguments are compelling, I would disclose my financial information, for I have nothing to hide.

Term limits for legislators/administration I support longer terms for the House and Senate collectively; however, I believe the collective term(s) should be longer than 12 years. The leadership, wisdom and knowledge are not being maintained by the elected leaders, they are being maintained by the staff and consultants. By the time legislators learn to be efficient and effective, it’s time for them to go.

Legislative bans on education topics State budget surplus

Why select you?

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

I am a Michigan First Candidate. I am patriotic, passionate and persistent for your personal freedoms. I am fighting for election integrity. I want to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat resulting in transparent and trusted elections, the foundation of Constitutional Republic. I believe in God given freedoms and our constitution. I will stand strong against government overreach and work to restore your personal choice and freedoms; your right to free speech, bear arms, personal medical decisions, and education of your children. My priority is implementing

Extreme measures on either side diminishes educational excellence.

Education should be allowing our students to have critical and analytical thinking on all subjects.

Outright banning or forcing teachers to teach these subjects has gotten us so far away from the basics of education. Education should be about excellence, achievement, preparedness all within a safe learning environment – both physically and socially. Our schools should have more learning freedoms and flexibility but the goal should always be the same – academic achievement and excellence. Our Michigan teachers should be the best of the best and be paid accordingly. Our universities should have excellent and rigorous teaching programs for our college students so we can attract the best

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

The future of Michigan should be considered in all spending. Michigan should be positioned to attract and retain population, students, and businesses. All spending should be placed through the lens of “the future posterity for Michigan.” To me this would include lower personal income taxes; less Michigan incurred debt; enhanced school safety mechanisms for K-12 and universities; less personal business taxes for all business; all aging infrastructure; attract and retain talent through innovation and educational opportunities.

Highland Park water/sewer debt The state should take responsibility for this issue and come up with a 07.22

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STATE HOUSE/54TH DISTRICT/REPUBLICAN solution. The state made Highland hook up to GLWA and now the state must help these member communities. It is so illogic to assume your neighbors should pay for your water/sewer usage – in essence that’s what we are doing with Highland Park – the neighbors are paying their bill. One of my concerns as treasurer of Orion Township is why hasn’t this been exposed sooner? Why hasn’t the Water Resource Commission of Oakland County exposed this, why are they not advocating on behalf of the communities which they serve?

The state should immediately step in with all parties involved and collectively come up with a solution to ensure other communities will not be responsible for Highland Park’s water/sewer costs. Highland Park will never be able to afford this past debt and the state should make the paying communities whole for their past interference. However, moving forward, Highland Park needs to pay for their water and sewer.

Unfortunately, at taxpayers’ expense this issue is being settled and exposed in court – what a huge waste of resources that could have been utilized to resolve this issue initially.

Voting law changes I support the “Secure My Vote” petition and the possibility of this becoming law. This ballot initiative requires voter identification; prohibits donations to fund elections; and absentee ballot applications are available only upon request. Working at a local municipality and witnessing the plethora and the availability for voters to vote during the election cycle is immense and these stated changes will not hinder voters’ ability to vote and will not impact the proposal of 2018.

2020 presidential election results Yes, and yes. We as a community; a county; a state and a nation – we must always look forward and work on making things better.

harmful to state governments, which is the essence of this ruling. I support the state law which allows preserving the life of the mother and I believe the state of Michigan should create her own laws.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM. DONATE TO DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE.

Right of redress Clearly the government spends too much money and there is far too much overreach with the (peoples) funds. I believe in less government, less spending, less regulations and I would work on diminishing these maneuvers which prevents citizens referendum ability.

Why select you?

I have been an active community advocate and resident of this area for over 50 years; I have a strong background in the real estate business and as a small business owner for 20+ years; I have 10 years of experience as an elected official in Orion – a beautiful and thriving community. During my tenure as treasurer and trustee I have continued to be a fiscal conservative who has concentrated on saving our residents time and money through safer and more efficient processes. My heart is for the community, the people, the state and this country. I am a hardworker, a wife, a mother, a sister, and daughter – I have the most qualifications and experience as state Representative for the 54th district.

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Michigan abortion ban law I support the 10th amendment to the United States Constitution which supports states’ rights. At the local level we witness preemptive state legislation constantly which can be very harmful to local governments – as example, the Highland Park water issue. Similarly federal mandates are downtownpublications.com

We thank you in advance for your support of our effort to bring you quality local journalism each month. www.downtownpublications.com DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

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august 2 primary voter guide Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

STATE HOUSE/56TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT SHARON MACDONELL

Sharon MacDonell of Troy is a manager for advertising and video at Lawrence Technological University.

She has a degree in history from University of Michigan, and has been a precinct delegate.

Legislative bans on education topics In 24 states legislation has been introduced to restrict or outright ban the teaching and/or discussion of certain topics such as race, racism, gender-based issues and how American history is taught in the K-12 public school system.

Critics of these efforts to restrict what is taught in public schools say such legislation prevents open inquiry into important issues.

Should the state legislature in Michigan dictate or restrict what is taught in public school classrooms? Would you support such legislation? Why or why not?

Please be specific in your answer.

I would not support such legislation. I strongly oppose allowing political groups to manipulate curricula to suit their current whims. Education is about reality. Accurate social studies and history should be taught to students, at their age-appropriate levels. Only by learning about America’s past – the positives and negatives – can students formulate their understanding of how this country arrived where it is today and then decide how they wish to recreate it in the future.

Legislative ethics/transparency Michigan continues to rank near the bottom in comparison with 30B

other states when it comes to codified ethics and transparency rules for state lawmakers. The Michigan House, during several recent sessions, has approved bills to force disclosure of personal financial information of House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, and in some cases members of the state Supreme Court and university boards, although the Senate has not advanced such bills. Would you support financial disclosure legislation and, if so, are the current bills approved by the House sufficient? Should the disclosed information be publicly available?

The Michigan Legislative Term Limits and Financial Disclosure Amendment has now been passed by both houses in Lansing and will appear as a ballot proposal on Michigan’s general election ballots in November.

If passed by the people, the amendment to our state constitution will bring Michigan in line with most other states regarding financial items on the ballot. However, the proposal is not as strong as its proponents wish. State legislators will still not have to disclose as much as members of the U.S. Congress do.

Left out of the proposal are important disclosures such as income, debts, details on owned property, and travel payments. This information should be made public.

Term limits for legislators/administration Do you think the current term limits for House and Senate members are in need of review?

Do you support the proposal for term limits that could be on the November ballot which would allow an elected House or Senate member to serve longer terms in either the House or Senate? Why or why not?

because it will encourage elected officials to stay in either the House or the Senate for their entire legislative career and give them the time needed to learn proper governing procedures, develop policy expertise, and establish trusted relationships with colleagues, so they can serve the people more effectively.

State budget surplus The state of Michigan has been running a general fund and school aid fund surplus for two years and is expected to carry over a surplus of $7 billion moving into the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which must be adopted by October 1. The surplus has been driven by growing tax revenues and a decline in student population, which reduces spending in that area by about $300 million annually. The budget surplus does not include nearly $15 billion in federal pandemic funding that will be spent over the next several years.

A variety of proposals from the administration and the Republicancontrolled Senate have been put forth, including tax cuts for both business and individuals. What are your ideas for using the budget surplus for the coming fiscal year’s budget? Be specific.

One thing I believe we should not do is spend all of the surplus funds now.

I would prioritize public schools, including in-school mental health resources for our children and infrastructure improvements as the beneficiaries of some of the funds. I support Governor Whitmer’s MI Tax Rebate Right Now to get money into the hands of Michigan’s working families who are suffering from the effects of inflation. I believe the rest can be held aside as a rainy-day fund for emergencies.

Highland Park water/sewer debt

I do believe our current term limits need review. Studies show that our rigid term limits for the Michigan legislature don’t stop elected officials from becoming professional, lifelong politicians. The limits also create too much turnover so that our legislature has many inexperienced members at any given time. While I would not support ending the term limits altogether, I do support the 2022 moderate expansion of term limits

Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, most of Troy, Clawson, part of Royal Oak

same. The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services?

Please be specific.

Our county and state government should always work together to keep prices low for all House District 56 and Oakland County residents at a time when people are struggling from rising prices. As a state legislator, I’d utilize my role in exploring state-level solutions that would help resolve this issue while working with our partners at the county level to ensure these debts don’t persist into the future and place House Distict 56 residents at risk of increased water prices.

Voting law changes Voters approved no-reason absentee voting and a number of other changes by a wide margin in 2018. There have been several attempts since 2020 to make changes to the election laws, but critics have charged that some of the changes would negatively impact some voters. Do you think further changes to the election laws are needed and if so, what specifically would those changes be? If you do, why do you think so?

How would that impact the proposal voters passed in 2018?

I supported improved voting access and redistricting changes back in 2018. My only interest in changing them now is to build on them and guarantee fair and even better access to voting for everyone. I do not support those who wish to roll back these freedoms and limit voter access in the future.

2020 presidential election results Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan? Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election? Explain why or why not.

I accept the 2020 election results 07.22

august 2 primary voter guide

because they have been audited several times. There is no evidence of any election misconduct in Michigan. I will accept the results of the 2022 primary and general elections because city clerks are still doing their jobs. My only fear for the future is the possible politicization at the Michigan Secretary of State level and down into the county and city clerks’ offices. We must do our best to keep the business of these offices ethical and fair.

It is a terrible shame that elected officials can use unethical and antiConstitutional methods to cheat Michiganders out of their rights. It’s a sign that they know their policies are wrong, unpopular, and unwanted.

I want to lead the effort to stop this kind of unethical behavior and seek to overturn laws that have been cemented in by these unfair practices.

Michigan abortion ban law

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s) in this contest?

Please be specific.

In 1931, Michigan legislators adopted a law that banned abortion in the state, based on an 1846 ban that had been in effect.

Now with the U.S. Supreme Court preparing to rule and likely overturn Roe v. Wade, some are concerned that the 1931 Michigan law will prevent any abortions here. Do you think the 1931 Michigan act banning abortion should be revised or eliminated to allow for abortions here if Roe V. Wade is overturned?

Why or why not?

Yes, I will work on revising or eliminating the 1931 ban legally. As an American, I believe in bodily autonomy and that no person or government has the right to force me to do something with my body against my will. I will fight to protect reproductive rights from governmental overreach for the women of Michigan and House District 56.

Why select you?

I believe I am more energetic than my opponent and more committed to protecting women’s reproductive freedom. I have spent years making my community the best it can be for my neighbors and family, and now I am ready to do that on a much broader scale, from Lansing, for all of the people of House District 56.

My priorities include funding our public schools adequately, protecting everyone’s voting rights, defending reproductive freedoms for all, ensuring clean and safe drinking water in the state, and protecting underserved communities from unfair treatment at home, school, work, and in society.

CYNDI PELTONEN

involved with the Clawson Troy Optimists, Clawson Performing Arts Boosters, Clawson Chamber of Commerce, and Oakland County School Boards Associations.

Legislative bans on education topics I do not support legislation that dictates or restricts what is taught in our public school classrooms. The main roles of the legislature are oversight, appropriations, and assistance to constituents. Dictating what is taught in classrooms is micromanaging and an overreach for which legislators are not qualified. It is the role of the State Board of Education to provide leadership and general oversight over all public education. Michigan’s Strategic Education Plan, approved by the SBE in 2020, “aims to provide focused direction to Michigan’s education community in support of all learners.” In support of Goal 2 “to improve early literacy achievement,” MDE released its Equity in Literacy document in 2021. This resource advises school districts about using evidence-based strategies, initiatives, and programs to improve literacy achievement and access to literacy, with special attention to reducing class, racial, and ethnic disparities. The guidance document describes research-based literacy instruction and addresses practices that support access to high-quality literacy learning for all Michigan students.

Right of redress

Legislative ethics/transparency

The Michigan House and Senate have in the past employed seldom used maneuvers to prevent the public from challenging laws that were enacted. Lawmakers accomplish this by attaching an expenditure provision to the legislation which then prevents citizens from petitioning to overturn the law. Citizens in Michigan are allowed referendum rights when it comes to legislation but not laws involving spending. Do you think that such legal maneuvers should be used by the legislature or do such actions diminish the rights of the public to challenge what lawmakers have adopted? What can be done to eliminate such maneuvers on the part of the legislature?

Yes, I support financial disclosure legislation that shines a light on elected officials’ financial interests.

Strengthening Michigan’s conflict of interest laws to require legislators to file personal financial disclosure reports would raise ethics standards and bring a higher level of accountability. People deserve to know where lawmakers’ interests lie.

downtownpublications.com

Cyndi Peltonen is a retired vocal music teacher for PK-8 graders. She previously taught in Birmingham and Berkley Schools. She has a bachelors in music from Wayne State University. A resident of Clawson, she has been the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and trustee over several tenures on the Clawson Board of Education. She is

Term limits for legislators/administration Yes, term limits need to be revisited.

A great deal of institutional knowledge was lost when the 1992 law was passed. Research shows it’s not the fact that we have term limits but that the limits are so short. With constant turnover, only

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

staff and lobbyists have a deep knowledge of issues. While term limits are good for bringing in new people, with terms so short, everyone is always thinking of the next election cycle. Even on the school board you need a couple of years to get your “feet wet.” The current proposal is a good start, but we must continue to review the issue and find solutions that are best for the common good.

State budget surplus Tax cuts do not result in economic stimulus. According to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, we are already a low tax state. There is no reason for further tax cuts.

Instead we should invest in our people. Restoring revenue sharing to our cities and townships, providing much needed support to K-12 education, community colleges, state colleges and universities would help make up for ground lost over the last 20 years. Putting people to work by investing in our infrastructure, rolling back retirement taxes and expanding the Earned Income Tax credit, puts dollars in the pockets of those who need it and will spend it. I agree with Governor Whitmer’s Budget Proposal to Enhance Education – including a 5 percent per pupil increase to the foundation allowance, support for economically disadvantaged students, special education, vocational, career and technical education, funding for educator recruitment and retention, pre-school, student mental health, school safety, before and after school programs, and school infrastructure.

Highland Park water/sewer debt It is not fair to residents in other GLWA municipalities who have seen water and sewer rates continue to rise. We have been shouldering the cost for far too long. These increases are especially hard for lower wage and fixed income households to absorb.

The May 10 ruling by a Wayne County Court orders the city of Highland Park to start repaying its debt to GLWA for water and sewer charges. It may be time for the state to step in and help find a resolution, since it was the state, under a previous administration, that “temporarily” moved Highland Park to GLWA. 31B

august 2 primary voter guide “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congressmen and government officials but the voters of our country.”

STATE HOUSE/56TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT Voting law changes I support “Promote the Vote” and “MI Right to Vote.” Both these ballot measures would expand voting rights and strengthen the guarantees voters overwhelmingly approved in 2018. These two proposals accurately reflect voters’ wishes as expressed in 2018. The other two proposed ballot measures are intended to suppress the vote and undermine trust in our elections.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 32ND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

2020 presidential election results Of course I accept the election results of 2020 and will accept the results of the 2022 elections, as well. Over 250 bipartisan, transparent, and ethical postelection audits confirmed the accuracy and integrity of the 2020 election in Michigan.

Michigan abortion ban law Yes, the act should be struck down.

I am a “volunteer signature gatherer” for the petition to amend the constitution to: “establish new individual right to reproductive freedom…” These are just a few of many reasons we must ensure every woman has the right to decide if and when to have a child without political interference: Reproductive rights are basic human rights.

Women are entitled to selfdetermination and human dignity.

Overturning Roe v Wade revokes a personal liberty right that has been the law of the land for 50 years.

Having an abortion is a very personal decision. If a person does not believe in abortions, they should not have an abortion. Banning abortions does not eliminate abortions, it just does away with safe abortions.

past 30 years through my work with Clawson PTAs at all building levels, Clawson-Troy Optimist Club, Clawson Performing Arts Boosters, Clawson Chamber of Commerce, Oakland County School Boards Association, and 21 years on the Clawson Board of Education. As part of my board service I took classes, seminars, and attended conferences to earn the levels of Certified Board Member Award, Award of Merit, Award of Distinction, and Master Board Member Award. Through these classes and hands-on experience, I know how to craft good public policy and to use a multi-million dollar budget as a tool to set priorities. I can work with those who may have a different political philosophy to do what’s best for kids. In addition, I have completed masters level coursework for public administration and educational leadership, including Michigan School Finance. This unique combination of experience and education has prepared me to be successful as the next state Representative in the new HD56.

Right of redress

VOTE

No, these legal maneuvers are devious and cowardly, and yes they do diminish the right of the people to hold legislators accountable. The ballot proposal MI Right to Vote includes language which outlaw this sort of “end around.”

Why select you?

I have a proven record of leadership and community service over the

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07.22

august 2 primary voter guide Bloomfield Township

COUNTY COMMISSION/9TH DISTRICT/DEMOCRAT MARK HOLLAND

Yes. Mass transit is vital for our future.

People who are afforded the privilege to work at home have a career in computer technology, but what about the essential workers who keep us afloat during the pandemic? Yes. I support mass transit all the way to Pontiac.

Oakland’s sustainability efforts

Mark Holland of Pontiac is employed at United Wholesale Mortgage and has attended classes at Oakland Community College, University of Phoenix and the American Institute of Banking. He is a former member of the Pontiac City Council and a former deputy mayor of Pontiac.

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt Highland Park, a member of the Great Lakes Water Authority, since 2012 has failed to pay for what now amounts to over $54 million in water and sewer debt, which means member communities in Oakland County will be placed in a position to underwrite this debt whether through increased rates for water and sewer or tapping budget reserves to accomplish the same.

The state of Michigan has failed to deal with this issue. What do you think should be the solution to this growing problem of a GLWA member community failing to pay for water and sewer services? Please be specific.

If elected, first, we would consult with the county commissioner of that district as well as other municipal representatives to bring us up to speed on what plans they have to correct the deficit. We would schedule a meeting with The GLWA board of directors and see what we can do together to assist Highland Park.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter has appointed the county’s first sustainability officer, as part of the county’s effort to address global warming issues in the coming years.

Do you support the county’s efforts on this undertaking? Should the board of commissioners have a role in setting the agenda for reaching carbon neutral goals in the future?

Yes. This is why mass transit is so important to help get more gasoline cars off the street and more people carpooling or riding our transit system of the future to help save our air and quality of life.

Future of the board of commissioners The size of the county board of commissioners has been reduced over several decades, each time with the reduction being billed as a way to save taxpayer funds. The most recent change in board size, prompted by Democrats taking control of the board, reduced the size from 21 commissioners to 19. Some have suggested that the ultimate goal may be to reduce the size of the board to 15 members, like in Wayne County, followed by a sizable annual pay increase.

With all honesty, this is a question for our citizens. Elected position is an office owned by Mr. and Mrs. Oakland County and the citizens should decide the compensation for elected positions and the number of elected representatives.

After all, we work for them.

2020 presidential election results

Mass transit for region In 2016, voters in the four-county area of Oakland, Wayne, Macomb and Washtenaw counties narrowly turned down a regional mass transit millage.

There had been talk of bringing that question back in subsequent election years but supporters have not been successful in that effort. Do you agree that the counties should be pushing ahead with mass transit plans? Please explain. downtownpublications.com

Do you accept the presidential election results of 2020 in Michigan?

Will you accept the results of the 2022 primary and general election?

Explain why or why not.

I will not discuss the past 2020 election, we are focusing on the future of Oakland County citizens.

What do you believe are the key issues facing Oakland County at this time? How would you work to resolve the issues?

Pandemic recovery funding, work with other municipalities and our state and federal representatives to create a funding plan to cover our hardest hit COVID areas. Assisting Pontiac with moving the Community Block Grant Department to Pontiac City Hall. Pontiac has a large number of senior citizens who could use assistance with home repairs. Bringing the CDBG Department back to Pontiac would bring Pontiac citizens closer to needed funding and resources.

Why you Why should voters select you over your primary opponent? Please be specific in drawing your comparison.

I get the job done. A former city councilman and former deputy mayor of the great city of Pontiac. Experience matters, with legislative and executive experience as well as the community boards I’ve been apart of like TIFA and Brownfield Board, Allow me to work for you and elect me your next Oakland County Commissioner in the newly drawn district 9. I will work hard for you.

ANGELA POWELL

DISTRICT COMMUNITIES Part of Birmingham, part of Troy, Pontiac

Highland Park Water and Sewer debt Water is important and the state should have some responsibility with this debt.

But overall something is going to have to be figured out and it probably will be some shared responsibility from residents, government, businesses, private funding involved.

Mass transit for region Bottom line is this new generation is changing to have a major focus on transportation in a mass transit fashion and we need to be trying to focus on this! So, yes, I support mass transit.

Oakland’s sustainability efforts Yes, I support it. And I am in support of having the discussion regarding carbon neutral goals in future.

Future of the board of commissioners I am in support of pay being adjusted and board size is determined by party in majority and where county stand at the time, and there are many things to consider during this process.

2020 presidential election results Yes, because I am confident in our local, county and state clerks and leadership whom govern this process to do their jobs well. Remember clerks represent both sides, so they all want efficient elections. I watched/witnessed closely with Oakland and city of Pontiac’s process.

Key issues Mental Health, workforce, housing, transportation.

Angela Powell of Pontiac is currently a member of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, starting in 2018. She is the owner of an individual and small business tax preparation firm, Tax Savvy Referrals. Powell has a bachelor’s degree in English from Oakland University. She has served as the Constituent Services Coordinator for state Rep. Tim Greimel, Community and Political Director for the Oakland Democratic Party and as the Democratic Communications and Community Organizer for the state House.

Key issues DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

Why you?

I am a hard worker whose work ethics speaks for itself. My track record, leadership, partnership, community organizing, and fighting has taught and allowed me to advocate for people. And during all ups and downs, I have kept myself in the public eye to continue working/supporting communities. I am that leader who maximizes on getting the resources needed to improve individuals lives. If people are in a good place, they will want better, but the opportunity must be given and this is what I work to do.

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FACES

Chase Ben-Ezra, Zach Homer and Luke Linovitz n late February, as Russian troops invaded Ukraine, videos of war, devastation, and displacement filled screens around the world. For Birmingham Groves students Chase Ben-Ezra, 16 of Franklin, and Zach Homer, 17 of Birmingham, as well as Seaholm student Luke Linovitz, 15 of Birmingham, the images permeated their social media feeds. The civicminded high schoolers wanted to do something to help, so they put out calls on their Instagram accounts, asking friends, family and neighbors to donate in support of the people of Ukraine. The response was far beyond what they anticipated.

“We wanted to do something together that could be helpful to many other people and have great impact,” described Ben-Ezra. With his family, he passes out Thanksgiving meals each year to those in need, and all the boys describe being raised in an environment that emphasized the importance of giving back.

“We gathered winter hats, winter gloves, hand warmers, foot warmers, first aid kits, flashlights. I think some tents even,” recalls Homer. “Most of it was for warmth. We also sent a lot of food – emergency food that can last a while.”

Over a span of a few weeks this past spring, the teenagers’ front porches were used as drop off locations for collecting these goods. What they thought would be a few boxes of items to donate turned into over 100 large boxes, far too much to fit in their family cars.

“I couldn’t tell you how many packages were at our house. My mom was flipping out that we wouldn’t have enough space in our own cars. We had

I

been planning on using my dad’s pickup truck, but we couldn’t fit the stuff in all six of our cars,” said Homer as they recalled renting a U-Haul in order to get all of the goods to the Hamtramck warehouse operated by Standard Trucking Company that was working directly with Ukrainian aid organizations.

Once the boxes got to the facility, they described a complex operation of more than 100 people who unboxed and sorted the donations to be shipped throughout Ukraine.

“We were trying to help unload, and there was a train of people passing boxes. Ten of them just jumped in the truck,” said Ben-Ezra.

Ben-Ezra and Homer, who have been best friends since preschool, and Linovitz, whose mom and Ben-Ezra’s are best friends and whom they have all known since they were young, said that part of the reason they wanted to give back was the fact that the woman who cleans Homer’s house is from the Ukraine, and he was able to hear first-hand the direct impacts that the war was having on the residents who lived there. The boys’ mothers researched organizations through which to donate, but the rest of the work was up to the three of them.

While there was a huge influx of donations during those early days of the war, the boys are aware, through their daily news digest from Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter, that the need has not abated.

“We want to continue doing other community service. We have more ideas, and more projects as time goes on.”

Story: Hillary Brody Anchill

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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MUNICIPAL City planners tackle outdoor dining issues

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham’s city commission and planning board met at a workshop on Monday, June 20, to further discussion regarding the city’s outdoor dining policy, and to discuss the possibility of social districts and reevaluate current guidelines for food trucks.

After the COVID-19 pandemic began, the city allowed businesses to expand outdoor dining platforms, increasing the outdoor dining capacity. Since the governor’s emergency orders expired in June 2021, the planning board has been slow to come to a consensus on an updated ordinance concerning outdoor dining standards.

The board failed to pass an updated policy at their meeting on Wednesday, May 11, notably over aspects of the policy such as umbrellas, sun awnings, the use of public property for outdoor dining areas, and access to parking. The ordinance has not yet been presented to the commission.

Access to parking has been a repeated concern expressed during commission and board meetings.

Currently, 13 businesses in downtown Birmingham have outdoor dining platforms that occupy a total of 26 parking spaces. Commissioners and planning board members debated whether the occupied spaces are cause for concern for the future, although there is access to parking garages around the area.

The commissioners and planning board members briefly discussed concerns that businesses may be unaware of the current deliberations on outdoor dining policies, despite proper noticing, as some planning board members have been upset at the lack of public comment or input from businesses during planning board meetings. The city commission directed them to continue working on the ordinance.

The city commission previously held a special workshop on Monday, March 14, to consider the use of food trucks and outline issues the planning board should take into consideration when they draft new regulations.

Existing regulations currently permit stationary vendors at public events and during approved special or athletic events, along with restrictions such as limited hours depending on Daylight Saving Time, vendors are not allowed within 50 feet of public downtownpublications.com

Via Manzoni coming to Birmingham

By Lisa Brody

ia Manzoni Milano, an Italian luxury designer boutique which also operates as viamanzoni.com, a luxury membership website offering discounts on men's and women's fashions and jewelry, will open in September at 239 Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham.

Via Manzoni offers luxury clothing, accessories, and lifestyle goods at a discount. Some current offerings on their website include Prada, Bottega Venetta and Jimmy Choo.

According to their website, “Elegance and luxury are found on all corners of Via Manzoni, a busy street in Milan that is home to high-end fashion boutiques and glamorous shoppers. Leading from the Piazza della Scala northwest towards the Piazza Cavour, a portion of this street represents entry to Milan’s up-market fashion district, and provided us with inspiration when naming our online boutique. The feel of Via Manzoni is exactly the high-end, fashionable vision that we want to create for our customers, and we feel this bustling Italian street perfectly captures the tone of our brand.

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locations – schools, courthouse, police stations – unless authorized, and there is a 10-minute time limit for vendors to occupy a stationary location on public property.

Various commissioners and board members expressed support for reestablishing specific guidelines and regulations that allow food trucks to operate around or at the same capacity as frozen confections vendors.

Mayor pro tem Pierre Boutros and commissioner Clinton Baller also reiterated previous suggestions made during the meeting on March 14 that the 90-day notice currently required for permission in order to place food trucks in the streets next to parks be reduced. Baller suggested allowing neighborhood associations being permitted to get expedited permits for food trucks in their neighborhoods, along with encouraging the Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) to encourage food trucks at special events in the city. The planning board was given direction to create a set of guidelines for a trial period where the city would allow food trucks to be stationary at special events in the city. Another idea for the planning

board to explore is allowing food trucks in an area in the city during lunch hours, such as Shain Park or the empty lot at Woodward and Maple.

Like the food truck regulations, the city commission had discussed the topic of social districts during their special meeting workshop on Monday, March 14. On the topic of social districts, commissioners expressed mixed opinions when it came to the possibility of establishing a district in the city.

Baller and mayor Therese Longe noted that there is currently a lack of demand for the designation of social districts by local businesses. A social district is a cooperative between a city and at least two restaurants and bars, and currently none in Birmingham have come forward requesting one, Baller said. While most members and commissioners were open to the idea of establishing a social district, there were concerns about street closures creating tension between businesses if patrons are not able to access storefronts or if any increased activity interrupts the operations of the businesses surrounding the district. Longe, Baller and planning board member

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Stuart Jeffares stated their interest in potentially closing streets for specific days and times during the week for street entertainment without necessarily creating a specific social district. There was discussion and suggestions about closing Pierce, Merrill or Martin streets in downtown, having low key entertainment, including family-friendly entertainment and music, and as Baller said, “the rest will follow.”

Social districts are zones determined by governing bodies of municipalities and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) that allow for the consumption of alcohol within the designated zone.

For a social district to be set up, municipalities must include a commons area that is clearly defined and marked with signs within the district where customers of licensed businesses can consume alcohol.

Commissioner Andrew Haig suggested that a trial period could be considered in a dedicated parking lot that would eliminate any need for road closures or possible traffic interruptions and also create an equal opportunity for businesses in the area to participate if they choose.

The planning board was directed to analyze social districts coming to Birmingham in the future.

Water, sewer rates for Bloomfield Hills

By Lisa Brody

Residents living in Bloomfield Hills will not see either their water or sewer rates increase for fiscal year 2022-2023, which begins July 1, after city commissioners unanimously approved resolutions at their meeting on Tuesday, June 14, to maintain the same rates as the current fiscal year.

The water rate pass through from Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) will remain at $47.96 per metered cubic foot (MCF) used and $43.75 per meter equivalent unit (MEU) fixed quarterly charge is necessary.

For sewer rates, the sanitary sewer rate is $35.58 per MCF of water sales, and a $15 per MEU quarterly charge is necessary.

A review of the rate recommendations was done by Hubbell, Roth & Clark, the city's engineering servicer, which analyzed the rates and the services.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve, with commissioner Brad Baxter absent.

53

School district to lay off 10 percent of staff

By Lisa Brody

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In response to a $14.3 million budget shortfall which was discovered in the Birmingham school district last fall, reported to families and residents in late February, superintendent Dr. Embekka Roberson has now announced that personnel will be reduced by approximately 10 percent for the 2022-2023 school year.

In a letter sent out to BPS families on May 27, Roberson wrote, “I’m deeply saddened that we have a budget challenge looming over us.

This week we began the difficult process of meeting with staff members who will not have a position with our district next school year… despite our best efforts, there is simply no way to avoid staff reductions given the magnitude of our structural budget challenges.”

She described the layoffs as, “Total reductions amount to approximately 105 full-time-equivalent (FTE) positions, including 46 teacher/certified staff, 19 paraprofessionals, two building administrators, one Central Leadership Team position, 13 Central Leadership staff, and 24 other positions. Reductions include resignations, retirements, and unfilled positions, so the exact number of layoffs is less than the 105 FTE reduction.”

Roberson, who became superintendent last July 1, along with other administrative staff, discovered budget discrepancies last October. What had been assumed to be an estimated $1.58 million budget shortfall, approved by the Birmingham Board of Education in late June 2021 as part of the 2021-2022 budget, was actually $14.3 million due to discrepancies in both revenue and expenditure estimates, including underestimations of salary and retirement calculations for the 202122 school year, an overestimation of student enrollment, and an overlevying of property taxes which will result in a credit to taxpayers, Roberson explained to families in February.

One-time federal and state grants were sought and applied to part of the shortfall, as well as $3.49 million of the district's $20 million fund

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balance, but there is still outstanding debt.

Other issues which Roberson acknowledged need to be rectified is a 10-year decline in enrollment in the district. Enrollment has declined from 8,375 students in the 2012-2013 school year to 7,283 students in the 2021-2022 school year. However, the district received funding from the state for 7,297 students for this school year, an excess of 545 students, which is money the district has to return. Relative to the excess taxes charged in the past, the district plans a temporary school millage suspension.

As for the staff layoffs, “These staffing changes are also necessary long-term as we realign our district to meet the current reality of declining enrollment. Our district has lost about 1,000 students in the last 10 years, including 600 in just the last two years,” Roberson wrote to families. “Declining birth rates have been a factor in declining enrollment, and the trend was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as some families took their children out of the district.

While we are beginning to hear from many families that want to return, this will be a slow and gradual process.”

Roberson assured families that while the realignment is painful, “we will secure the financial health of our district moving forward, and every decision must be made with our students at the center. This means adjusting staffing while keeping class sizes competitive, keeping programming options that make BPS unique, and helping students prepare for success beyond their K-12 careers.

It means utilizing our Strategic Plan to guide our vision of student success academically, socially, and emotionally. Finally, it means delivering on my promise to you to emerge a stronger, more effective Birmingham Public Schools community.”

Long Lake repaving using tri-party funds Bloomfield Hills commissioners approved on Tuesday, June 14, the use of tri-party funds to repave Long Lake Road between Woodward and Lahser.

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be interested in using their established tri-party funds to resurface Long Lake Road between Lahser Road and Woodward Avenue.

The project will include milling and replacing two inches of hot mix asphalt and widening some shoulders.

The tri-party program was established by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to assist local communities with road improvements in Oakland County.

Funding is provided one-third by RCOC, one-third by Oakland County, and matched one-third by the community. Hendrickson informed commissioners that Bloomfield Hills has used these funds in the past to repave certain roads.

“I have looked at using this money in the past but have not found a project that would qualify and was advantageous to the city,” Hendrickson said. “This proposed project may be a good use of these funds...if the commission is not interested in this project, RCOC will not improve the road at this time.”

The total cost of the road improvement is estimated at $375,000. The city's required portion is $92,257.33.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve, with commissioner Brad Baxter not in attendance.

Rochester joins CoRE mental health

By Lisa Brody

The success of a mental health co-response team shared between the municipalities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Auburn Hills police departments has led to its expansion to include the city of Rochester and another dedicated mental health clinician.

Both Birmingham city commissioners and Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved a letter of commitment to include the city of Rochester at their meetings on Monday, June 13.

The Mental Health Co-Response Team, called CoRE, is a partnership between law enforcement and

mental health professionals in order to better serve the people in the community suffering from a mental health crisis, Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence previously explained to the Birmingham City Commission in a memo, noting that law enforcement “has and continues to be the primary first responders to people in crisis. With CoRE, a mental health clinician co-responds to crisis calls for service in the field with police officers.”

The program is overseen by the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), which is the Community Mental Health Service Program and Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan responsible for providing behavioral health services to more than 23,000 individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse issues in Oakland County.

CoRE was initially funded by a $75,000 grant through the Community Foundation, with a subsequent grant of $265,000 secured through the American

Rescue Fund Act, explained Bloomfield Township Police Captain James Gallagher. The expansion to include the city of Rochester will allow the grant to be fully funded, and will begin in September.

“OCHN will be the receiver of the grant. They're very supportive of the program,” Gallagher said.

“The Co-Responder Program is a criminal justice diversion program that pairs law enforcement and behavioral health specialists to intervene and respond to behavioral health-related calls for police service.

These teams utilize the combined expertise of the officer and the behavioral health specialist to deescalate situations and help link individuals with behavioral health issues to appropriate services,” said OCHN in a memo.

Currently, the CoRE co-response team has one dedicated social worker, Hillary Nusbaum, working with it. With the expansion into the city of Rochester, the program will be hiring a second social worker to work with police officers.

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Planners like redo of post office building

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A contemporary five-story mixed use building addition to the old Birmingham post office at 320 Martin Street in Birmingham was met with enthusiasm by the Birmingham Planning Board at their meeting on Wednesday, May 25, as the owner, the Surnow Company, came before it requesting approval of a community impact study and preliminary site plan and design review, which they received.

Birmingham Planning Director Nicholas Dupuis explained the new five-story addition would be built on the back of the historic post office, which was first erected in 1929. It would replace the on street surface parking lot located on Maple and Bates streets. The addition would have first floor retail along its Maple frontage, two floors of office and two floors of residential.

“We believe they conformed to the 2016 Plan, as they will be replacing a surface parking lot, which the 2016 Plan says are a detriment to the city,” Dupuis said.

“It is a contemporary style but it provides context with the historic post office and with the rest of downtown. It is a historic site but not on the national registry. It has murals inside of the post office site which are owned by the national postal agency which are on the Michigan Historic Registry.”

It would be a 52,000 square foot addition, consisting of 2,450 square feet of retail, about 19,000 square feet of office space and about 14,000 square feet of residential in six large units. When asked by board members why there were not more residential units proposed, Sam Surnow responded, “Right now our plan is to rent them. Based on our research, speaking to leasing agents and brokers, and based on the upscale nature of the building, the location on Shain Park, the 360 degree views, we felt it should be this size. However, between now and the final site plan, we could change and add units.”

The site requires nine parking spaces for the proposed residential units, however there are two floors of underground parking proposed, with 26 spaces in two automated levels, for a total of 52 spaces.

“It's basically one space, stacked, and vehicles can be moved around,” said architect Kevin Biddison. “The

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vehicles park themselves. It is fully automated. They are not dedicated spaces, and they're only for building occupants.”

The system to be used has been utilized in Los Angeles for about 10 years, as well as in the newly renovated residential Detroit Free Press building in downtown Detroit.

“We went and saw this parking technology and think once people use it they'll view it as a great amenity,” Surnow said.

Board member Stuart Jeffares asked Surnow if he has a plan for the offices floors if people do not go back to the office. Surnow said he imagines some could be converted to residential.

“But I don't believe that'll be the case. I believe in Birmingham,” he said.

“It's a beautiful building, a perfect union of old and new,” said board member Janelle Boyce.

Board members voted 6-0, with chair Scott Clein not in attendance, to accept the community impact study and approve the preliminary site plan and design review.

Two-story veterinary hospital moves ahead A proposal for a new two-story building to replace the current onestory Gasow Veterinary Hospital was met with unanimous recommendations for approvals to the city commission at the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, June 8.

The current one-story building housing Gasow Veterinary Hospital, located at 36877 Woodward Avenue south of Quarton Road, has been located there since the 1960s, noted senior planner Brooks Cowan in presenting their request for a special land use permit and final site plan review.

“They are planning to knock it down and build a new two-story commercial building,” Cowan said, noting they had addressed several concerns of planning board members from their preliminary site plan presentation. “They went to the zoning board of appeals, and have received three variances, for modifying the site plan to have 75 percent of the building façade within five feet of the front lot line; to reduce the parking lot frontage to 25 percent or less of the front lot line; and to permit one, not two, doors on Woodward.”

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on four separate parcels. A condition for approval at the city commission, planning board members requested, was for the hospital to get a lot combination approved. They also requested more windows be added to a side elevation.

Five more parking spaces were added to the alley, as well as a requested screening wall and landscaping to provide privacy to the residences in the neighborhood behind the vet hospital.

“This project is tremendous. I applaud the changes,” said board member Bryan Williams.

New fiscal year budget set for Birmingham

By Grace Lovins

In a unanimous decision, Birmingham city commissioners approved a $104.8 million annual budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year at their meeting on Monday, June 13.

Next fiscal year’s budget represents a $4.1 million increase from fiscal year 2021-2022, and includes a 1.7 percent overall millage

decrease from the previous fiscal year.

The fiscal year will begin July 1, 2022 and ends June 30, 2023.

For the eighth consecutive year, the city saw a decrease in the overall property tax levy and a decrease in the operating levy for the fifth consecutive year. The budget also maintains an approximate .3256 mill gap between the operating levy and the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment maximum.

Birmingham Director of Finance Mark Gerber stated that as a result of the actual taxable value received

by Oakland County of $3 billion, there was a slight adjustment to the millage rates. The operating, refuse and debt levies slightly decreased, while the library levy slightly increased.

The operating levy decreased from 10.7703 mills to 10.7655 mills. Refuse and debt levies decreased .0003 mills and .0002 mills respectively. The library levy increased by .0023 mills, or about .18 percent.

From the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget to the approved 2022-2023 fiscal year budget, the overall

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Birmingham Museum closing for repairs The Birmingham Museum has closed June 14 through August 9 to completely restore the Allen House’s historic windows on the upper level.

Leslie Pielek, Birmingham

Museum Director, said the construction project, which has been in the works since before the pandemic, will completely restore the Allen House’s historic windows on the upper level. Each double hung window will be taken down to the wood, repaired, re-glazed, and properly repainted before original hardware is re-attached and the windows are re-installed.

While the major restoration project will close the Birmingham Museum to the public for eight weeks, staff will be actively maintaining social media, assisting patrons with research, working with the museum collection, and developing a new exhibit from a temporary office at the Baldwin Public Library during the closure.

“The project is a labor-intensive effort that must be handled by specialists,” said Pielack. “When it is done, it will provide significant energy cost savings and preserve one of the most important architectural features of the historic house. We are excited to see this fantastic preservation project underway, but it involves

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millage rate decreased 1.7 percent, or .2354 mills.

The 2022-2023 revenue budget shows an increase of $5.8 million, or 7.1 percent, from the 2021-2022 budget for a total of $88,272,020. The general fund has projected revenue and expenses of $43.4 million.

Property taxes are projected to account for $30.3 million in revenues to the general fund; $3.1 million in charges for services; and $2.4 million in state grants.

The two major expenditures for the city's general fund are $10.4 million for public works, including streets, sidewalks, and water and sewer utilities, and $18.5 million for public safety. General government expenditures are projected at $5.8 million.

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requiring lead mitigation measures during the project and the relocation of staff and artifacts.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important this project is as an example of top-notch historic preservation that we strive for as a city,” said Nicholas Dupuis, Birmingham Planning Director.

“Every step of the way, the Allen House window restoration project is a model for what can be done to preserve valuable historic features that simply cannot be duplicated with modern materials.”

The project, which has been in the planning for several years, was hailed by the Historic District Commission as “an invaluable, comprehensive and replicable resource for historic preservation projects across the city.”

considerable disruption of our normal operations and intensive coordination to get the job done while protecting staff and the museum collection, We’re grateful to the Baldwin Public Library for their gracious offer to provide staff workspace during the construction.”

The 1926 Allen House, which is in the process of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed by Rupert Koch in a unique take on the Colonial Revival style popular at the time. Its 49 windows and many doors were designed to take advantage of breezes and the view on its hill overlooking the Rouge River valley.

But the large number of windows have created a challenge for its restoration, and deferred maintenance over the years has added to the technical aspects of the project. Another challenge to the project is the ubiquitous use of leaded white paint when the windows were originally installed almost 100 years ago. While safely encapsulated when re-painted over the years, restoring the windows will temporarily disturb the under layers,

La Strada Kitchen & Bar expansion okayed La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar, located on 243 E. Merrill in Birmingham, was granted a special land use permit at the city commission meeting on Monday,

June 13, allowing the restaurant to expand into the neighboring space previously occupied by Adore Nails and Spa and add an outdoor dining platform on the southwest side of the building in the Merrill Street right-ofway.

The new dining platform will be able to seat 20 people, with four chairs at five different tables, in addition to their existing platform, equalling 36 total seats for their outdoor dining areas. The interior expansion will bump the bistro’s total indoor seating but will remain below the 65-seat maximum in place.

La Strada opened in 2015 as La Strada Dolci e Caffee, and quickly become a popular European-style bistro known for VIP service, ambiance and thoughtfully created rustic Italian offerings. Owner Zharko Palushaj, former operating partner with Tre Monti Ristorante in Troy, re-branded the bistro in late 2019 as La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar. At a planning board meeting in May, Birmingham attorney John Henke spoke on behalf of La Strada.

“La Strada was given the opportunity to expand and give it a little more breathing room. This will give a little more elbow room for servers and diners, and provide a retail opportunity in an indoor space.

It’s a little bigger expansion than they wanted … we are likely to return with a kitchen redo, and hopefully grab-and-go lunch.”

The expansion request includes a reconfiguration of the dining room to provide additional window seating in the former spa space, as well as an additional 16 outdoor dining seats.

The ordinance, which was designed to activate the city’s business district and sidewalks, makes available additional liquor licenses in the city outside of limited Class C liquor licenses and costly economic development liquor licenses.

Commissioner Andrew Haig expressed concerns over the outdoor dining plans due to the lack of an outdoor dining policy in place for the city. He noted that the city does not currently have a clear policy that determines how parking utilization will be structured around outdoor dining platforms, which has the

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potential to create issues in the future.

Although a policy has not officially been set by the city, multiple commissioners noted that La Strada had been compliant to the outdoor dining regulations put in place at the height of the pandemic as well as all regulations pertaining to liquor licensing and maintaining public walkways establishing further confidence in the plans for the bistro’s platform.

Commissioner Elaine McLain responded to Haig’s concerns stating that the outdoor platform will slow traffic since the platform will occupy two parking spots, but with the parking garage located around the corner, the occupied spots will not create an issue. She commended the bistro’s adherence to city regulations and goals to develop the corner after the pandemic created new opportunities for expansions into outdoor dining areas.

The commission unanimously voted to approve the special land use permit for the bistro under the condition that city-standard tree grates must be installed in the two

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tree boxes adjacent to the storefront and outdoor dining area.

The city commission and planning board hosted a joint meeting on Monday, June 20, to discuss the outdoor dining ordinance draft along with other topics including food trucks and social districts.

Mad Hatter to now become Bell Bistro

By Lisa Brody

Say goodbye to the Mad Hatter Bistro in Birmingham and hello to Bell Bistro.

The Birmingham Planning Board gave a unanimous recommendation for approval for the special land use permit and final site plan and design review to the owners of Mad Hatter Bistro to become Bell Bistro, 185 N. Old Woodward, offering sophisticated American fare, at its meeting on Wednesday, May 25.

Birmingham planner Leah Blizinski said the owner of Mad Hatter, Randy Dickow, has an existing bistro with “an outdoor

dining permit that is no longer feasible due to the changing streetscape.” There is no change of ownership, but there is a change in the name, interior layout, building facade, menu and outdoor dining area.

Blizinski explained currently Mad Hatter is a bistro with 65 interior seats, nine of which are at the bar.

The new proposal includes an interior renovation which will adjust the seating to 34 interior seats on the main level with 10 seats at the bar and 20 dining seats on the lower level, for a total of 64 interior seats.

Outdoors, they are proposing one table with four seats surrounded by a railing topped by purple hydrangea.

They plan to change their doors to a nano-wall.

Blizinski said proposed hours would be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday.

Acting chair Bryan Williams was concerned the plans were missing several details, as it was a final site plan request. Planning director Nicholas Dupuis said there will be two more reviews of the bistro

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

change, before first the historic design review committee, and then the city commission, which gives final approvals.

Kelly Allen, attorney for the applicant, said the new name is “paying homage to the original owner of the building, Samuel Oliver Wylie Bell.”

She noted that when the city redid the streetscape along Old Woodward, Mad Hatter lost its outdoor dining as there is no current space for it to have a dining platform.

“We were encouraged, and we did, reach out to Paris Baguette,” she said. “They have no reason to give up their outdoor space.

“You know four seats are not going to cut it. We are going to come back, and we are hopeful we can work something out for outdoor dining,” Allen said.

Board members voted 6-0, with chair Scott Clein absent, to recommend approval of the special land use permit, final site plan and design review.

07.22

FACES

Carrie Leff and Lisa Klein s physicians and friends, Carrie Leff, an internist and pediatrician at Henry Ford Health in Bloomfield Township and Lisa Klein, a pediatrician with Child Health Associates in Troy and Novi, play an important role as co-founders of Turning Teen, a platform that offers workshops about puberty for children and their parents.

“It’s a passion project,” said Leff, who has three daughters and practices adolescent and women’s health exclusively. “There wasn’t a whole lot of teaching and we thought it would be helpful for parents. We wanted to start the conversation.”

What began at various venues shifted to an online format during the pandemic. “Being body positive should be normal. When you think of it as a science lesson, it’s much easier to go through,” she added. “It’s so great to empower parents and teach them how to have those hard conversations that are so meaningful.”

Leff always had an interest in adolescent health and her recent focus on women and girls 10 and up fills a void for an age group that can be overlooked with pediatricians often catering to babies and OB-GYNs who tend to be more associated with sex. “There is a lost group of patients we don’t see well,” she said. “I am really interested in that cross-sectional age of transition.”

She earned her medical degree at Midwestern University in Chicago, while Klein went to Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Klein, who lives with her husband and their two sons, followed a similar path.

“I knew I would end up working with children,” said Klein who worked as a camp counselor and had a passion for teaching and public speaking. “Medicine has provided that for me.”

She comes from a family of physicians. Growing up, Klein’s family knew Leff’s, and the women reconnected during their residencies.

Turning Teen came about when they reconnected once again online and discovered they had similar interests. “We are parents and pediatricians and we believe all pediatricians and parents need access to information,” Klein said.

“We’re so passionate about that and we realized that we had a lot to offer, so we said, ‘Let’s be a resource.’”

Their passion project went from family and friends to group discussions about puberty for parents and kids.

They would like to expand their reach, which currently includes in-person and virtual platforms as well as pre-recorded sessions.

After being approached by a publishing company to write the second title in a series, the two co-authored “Celebrate Your Body 2: The Ultimate Puberty Book for Preteen and Teen Girls,” that covers topics such as body changes, sex and gender. Recently, the book was banned from public school libraries in parts of Florida.

While Klein said she finds the ban scary and sad, she does see an advantage.

“The silver lining is the publicity that comes out of this and how proud we are about this important information and the resources that we generate,” she said.

“Health is imperative to safety and well-being.” In response, she and Leff recently had an opinion piece published in The Washington Post.

In the end, they just want to facilitate conversations that may be harder for parents and kids to initiate. “As a pediatrician, I love having both medical knowledge combined with parenting knowledge to help others be better parents,” said Klein.

As a parent, she knows how difficult the role can be. “Turning Teen is just like having a resource for kids who are bullied or need help with their eating healthy or a new teen driver,” she explained. “Puberty is a part of life. Everybody goes through it.”

A

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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BUSINESS MATTERS Cookies & ice cream What started out as an effort to create the perfect milk chocolate cookie in Logan, Utah, in 2017, by two cousins, Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO), with the highest quality ingredient in every unique batch has become Crumbl Cookies, with 300 bakeries in 36 states. The newest bakery will be opening this summer at 105 Telegraph Road at Long Lake in Bloomfield Township, by Starbucks.

Crumbl’s award-winning milk chocolate chip cookie has always been on the menu along with their chilled pink sugar cookie becoming a semi-permanent menu item soon after. Crumbl then introduced its concept of a rotating menu, which includes a four flavor rotating menu each week. New flavors are added frequently, often weekly, in addition to current recipes being updated and improved. Among the favorites are Snickerdoodle cupcake, served warm; buttermilk pancake; orange creamsicle; served chilled; lemon blackberry; iced oatmeal; and various homemade flavors of ice cream, like brownie fudge and cookie dough crunch. Picking up cookies? You’ll enjoy taking them home in their iconic pink packaging, designed to perfectly fit each Crumbl cookie side-by-side, whether in a four-pack, six-pack, or 12-pack boxes.

Salon takeover Monica Dwyer describes the stylists at the new 865 West Salon, located at 865 West Long Lake and Telegraph roads in Bloomfield Township as “like a family.”

Previously Tarro Salon, Dwyer, who was the manager and a stylist at Tarro for 17 years, looked around for another place for the nine stylists to place their hair blowers and curling irons when the former owner moved to Atlanta and took up a new career.

“I looked at other spaces, but we all wanted to stay together and this is a great location,” she said of the salon.

So Dwyer called the former owner in Atlanta, who still had a lease, and asked him if he’d sell to her. “He said sure. I got an agreement with the landlord. It was quick,” she said.

All nine of the stylists, along with one manicurist, have stayed, continuing their practice of providing “all hair services. We’re a full service salon,” Dwyer said. The downtownpublications.com

one change? The interior of the salon was gutted. “Coming out of COVID, the salon needed a lot of updates.” Tarro had a darker environment. “My vision was to have it very clean, open and inviting,” Dwyer said. “It’s now very bright and open.”

Banking on it Citizen’s Bank is opening a new location, at 795 E. Maple Road just east of Woodward, in the Kroger plaza. The new bank branch will feature a drive through as well as options for customers to open a checking or savings account, make a deposit, refinance their home with a new mortgage, speak to a loan officer, or any of their other banking services. Stockton Mortgage Company, a direct mortgage lender, opened a Bloomfield Hills branch at 39520 Woodward Avenue, Suite 205.

Bloomfield Hills Branch Manager Alan Garbacik and his team offer all of the mortgage solutions to strategically meet borrower’s needs.

According to Stockton, they’re big enough to compete with the big guys, but small enough to work closely together every day. Bryan J. Schon, Managing Director – Investments, and Michael Dymkowski, CFP®, Senior Vice President – Investments, have joined Wells Fargo Investments in Birmingham. The Schon Dymkowski Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is one of the largest practices in Michigan with over $500 million in client assets under management and approximately $4.5 million in production revenue, as of April 30, 2022. Schon brings more than 20 years of financial services experience to his role. In 2022, Schon was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for Michigan. Dymkowski has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Fresh Mediterranean fare Pita Way, founded in Clarkston in 2010 by Brandon Bahoura, is opening a new location at 3945 Telegraph Road just south of Long Lake in Bloomfield Township, by Hungry Howie’s. Bahoura said he was inspired by delicious meals his family made in his childhood. His goal was to open a restaurant that captured the same experience he

had: exciting, tasty and healthy Mediterranean food. “Our bottom line is to serve delicious, convenient, and healthy meals to our customers.

We’ve mastered the art of fresh and authentic Mediterranean food with fast and friendly service through our values of dedication, empathy, enthusiasm, integrity and ambition.”

Pita Way offers lentil and chicken lemon rice soups; salads; gyros, shawarma, falafel, tawook, crispy chicken and beef kafta, and diners can choose to enjoy them in a traditional roll up sandwich, a “quesopita,” a version of a quesadilla, or a Pita Way bowl.

Hummus, tabbouli, fries, rice and garlic are available as sides.

New med spa opens A luxurious new medi spa has opened in The Pearl Building in Birmingham at 865 N. Old Woodward, Suite 120. Aurora Plastic Surgery & Med Spa combines the latest advancements in plastic surgery with state-of-theart nonsurgical aesthetic treatments, providing patients with the widest array of cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and achieve their appearance goals.

“The result is a new you who feels confident, attractive, and beautiful in your skin. Spending time at Aurora Medi Spa is a tune-up for your face, body, mind and soul. In our elegant Med Spa setting we put patients first, so you will look and feel rejuvenated, re-energized, younger and more beautiful!” according to their website. Plastic surgeon William Huettner, MD, specializes in injectables, body contouring, and abdominoplasty. Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji, MD is a general surgeon and the medical director at Aurora Medi Spa. He specializes in injectables, nonsurgical face lifts, and blepharoplasty procedures. Aurora Medi Spa offers facelifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction, botox, fillers, skin rejuvenation, laser skincare, body sculpturing, ultherapy, body resurfacing, hair removal services and lashes and eyebrows.

SIGN UP TODAY Get the latest news online from the leading news organization for the Birmingham and Bloomfield area.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE WHERE WE STARTED. WHERE ARE WE GOING? HISTORY AND BACKGROUND Beyond its black lacquered doors, just past its crystal chandeliers and down its century old corridors lies a charity, an age old nonprofit organization gifted to the community by those who had been entrusted with much, and by which much was expected. The Community House.

These selfless visionaries rose up and marshaled their time, talent and treasure to address the cultural weaknesses and societal challenges of the day; socially, civically and philanthropically.

History tells us that The Community House was conceived in the transition period between a world war and the start of Birmingham’s surge in population. Programs and services were created with a keen awareness and a certain sensitivity to the new social trends, challenges and attitudes of the day.

By 1923, men, women and children were spending less time at home than ever before. Based upon the social changes of the day, the founders Bill Seklar believed that the establishment of a “Community House” could become a home away from home for the changing community – children and adults “gathering, meeting others; to dance, laugh, to sing and to hear someone discuss things that interest and educate.” The founders believed that “people were not made to live alone…the nature of man demands social intercourse.”

Space would also be provided for milestone gatherings and for other civic and community-based activities. And by unanimous vote, the founders deemed the new Community House to be the official center in the region for charitable endeavors.

Almost a century later, The Community House carries on that same mission, vision and tradition of its founding leaders.

CENTER OF CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS Today, in addition to The Community House itself, scores of other nonprofit and supported groups also call The Community House “home.”

Noble organizations – all with their own individual charitable or communitybased missions – that are still generously subsidized by The Community House.

By 2018, The Community House provided critical support to 14 “other” nonprofit or supported groups at a direct or lost opportunity cost to The Community House – approaching $1 million dollars. Funds that The Community House covered at the expense of its own mission, via its own revenue generating efforts and supplemented by generous donors via our own annual fundraising initiatives.

All these organizations utilized free space, most free or discounted food or services. Extraordinary organizations raising awareness and bringing much needed support, visibility, and funding – time, talent and treasure to scores of worthwhile causes while operating within our community, our region, across the state, and around the world. Devastated by COVID and now battling the economy, supply chain issues, labor shortages, rising fuel costs and inflation, The Community House and its leadership found that it could no longer support other legitimate non-profits, under old paradigms, at the expense of The Community House. To keep our own doors open, we had to focus our attention and energies on our own families, children and adults, in the community, on our 100-year-old mission, maintaining our century old building, and on our survival. Thanks to our Foundation and to hundreds of generous donors, family foundations and corporate sponsors, our journey back has been slow but steady. The needs of the community still exceed our resources – and post-COVID – continue to grow day by day.

ABOUT US While delivering high quality classes, enrichment, arts, culture, programs, space to gather, compassion, education and charity – is what we do – it is not who we are.

Who we are – is a non-profit, charitable organization, gifted to the

community by others, uniquely positioned and qualified to identify, recognize, and react to the challenges facing ordinary people living throughout extraordinary times. We are fillings the gaps and the voids in community that profoundly test, challenge and impact society, community, families, children and adults, generation after generation.

Our Founders called us to a higher standard, a higher calling. We rise to that calling every day. It truly does take a village. We believe that The Community House is at the center of that village – metaphorically and literally.

Every day, we assess and evaluate the programs and services we provide – striving for excellence, but always challenging ourselves and gauging whether we are staying relevant to our mission and staying good and faithful stewards, meeting the needs of those that we faithfully serve – while doing more with less.

We have proven that we are investible, that we can stand the test of time, that we are good stewards, that we can maximize our assets and value to others while truly making a difference. But, try as we might, we have yet to achieve true self-sustainability and lasting adaptability.

The “gap” between what we can offer and provide to others, and what we can manage financially is widening. COVID, supply chain issues, lack of staff and inflation only compound the situation. The community’s demand for our services have exceeded our ability to meet the community’s needs – financially and programmatically.

NEXT STEPS If we are to remain a beacon in an ever-changing world, our vision must be clear – we must reach a place where The Community House is not forced to make tough choices on essential community programming and services – educationally and socially - based solely upon our ability to charge others. It is not in our DNA to turn others away based upon their ability to pay or based solely upon the profitability of the program or service.vToo often, it is those that need us most, that can afford our services least. It is vital that we grow our scholarship fund and operating endowment so that no one is ever again turned away because of their ability to pay.

Rising from COVID and now battling the economy, we have taken the time to reflect on where our limited nonprofit resources should be reallocated to make the biggest impact on community today and tomorrow. Consistent with our nearly century old nonprofit, charitable mission – we have determined health and wellness, social connectedness, arts and culture, exercise and movement, and healthy eating and food preparation, for children and adults – must now take center stage. Society demands it.

In response, The Community House Association established The Community House Foundation. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness and to secure philanthropic funds to support The Community House, its quality programs and services. Since its founding, the Foundation has been focused on the revitalization of the Community House’s planned giving program.

Legacy and planned giving has been identified as an area essential to The Community House’s long-term financial health. We are a rare community gem. Birmingham Bloomfield is fortunate to have a Community House in its midst. There are only 38 in the country modeled like us; only two in Michigan – The Community House Birmingham and The War Memorial Grosse Pointe.

As we prepare to turn the page on our first century of service in 2023, we are seeking legacy and estate gifts to accelerate and give critical momentum and credibility to The Community House, our future space and facility needs, its important work and mission – commensurate to The Community House’s laser-focused efforts to reach self-reliance and sustainability via its philanthropic efforts, stewardship, program capacity and ongoing fiscal excellence. We are independent, we receive no tax dollars, no steady support – we rely solely on our own efforts and the kindness of others – like you – to survive and grow. The War Memorial Grosse Pointe just received a $20 million family gift, unrestricted. Fingers crossed The Community House Birmingham will be fortunate and worthy as well.

For more information about The Community House Foundation or its Legacy and Planned Giving opportunities, please contact Christopher Smude, Vice President, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org or call 248.644.5832.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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73

FACES Pierre Chammas hortly before he turned 14, Pierre Chammas emigrated from Lebanon to the U.S. with his family. “We made Michigan our home,” said the owner of Steve’s Mediterranean Chef, known for their popular products such as hummus, tabouli, garlic sauce, grape leaves, and spinach and feta pie. “I’ve been here almost my entire life, but I never thought I’d be in this business.”

Inspired by a visit to a childhood friend on the east coast who showed him how well Middle Eastern food had done in that market, Chammas switched gears and founded the Basha hummus brand.

“There were more barriers back then to make food compared to now and you had to convince people to put it on the shelves and buy from us,” he said.

The products would come to be sold in 23 states, but success came with a downside.

“My wife and I have five children and they were pretty young at the time,” said Chammas, who lives in Bloomfield Hills. “Work was consuming all of my time and I wasn’t spending enough time with my family.”

So, in 2006, he sold the company to Garden Fresh Gourmet, assisting with the transition for two years. This allowed him to spend a lot more time with his family and pursue other career paths – but he missed the food business. So, when a friend asked him to come back as a consultant, “It was like a call from heaven,” he said.

“I loved being back in the business,” said Chammas. When he learned that Steve’s Backroom was for sale a few years later, he bought the east side staple. “What a revival it was for me to get back into this business with a company that has been around for so long,” he added.

Now known as Steve’s Mediterranean Chef, the company rebranded and relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility in Madison Heights, going from around $600,000 in sales to projecting around $7 million this year.

They also expanded the original customer base from around 40 stores to a little over 250 in Michigan.

While they do rely on distributors for a few further locations, like Lansing and Mackinac Island, they mainly practice direct store delivery (DSD). “We use our trucks to get the products to the stores and we do everything here the way we do it at home, just 10 times larger in buckets and bowls,” Chammas explained.

“When I did this my second time around, the gratification had to be more than money and profit,” he explained. “Four out of five of my kids are in the business with me, which is a huge plus. We all appreciate what it means to have a business with family.” The only one who doesn’t work there will head to college in the fall.

Chammas appreciates the input and the unique perspectives that come from his kids, and they all appreciate the other workers there who were earning a living wage even before COVID. “We focus a lot more on people and handmade products, with less automation. We still mix everything in small batches,” he said.

“That is a big part of our growth. If we have a downfall, it’s that we don’t have the people we need to meet demand. We could still use at least 10 more employees.”

Chammas feels grateful to get the food from his heritage into the market and to work alongside his kids.

“I have the best of both worlds,” he said. “I got back into doing what I love with the people I love, with my family.”

S

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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PLACES TO EAT

Go To Our Website For

DELIVERY

The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220.

220restaurant.com 5th Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

5thtavern.com Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com Beverly Hills Grill: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025.

248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com Birmingham Pub: American. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.940.0000. casapernoi.com downtownpublications.com

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com Eddie Merlot’s: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. eddiemerlots.com Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Lunch, Friday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com Hazel’s: Seafood. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham.

248.671.1714. eatathazels.com Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301.

248.333.7522. Ihop.com Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609. joemuer.com Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road,

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6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | stevesdeli.com

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

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METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Pasta time When restauranteur Pasquale Lamarra opened Pastaio in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he had no idea that move would also lead him to opening another restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan. His Pastaio location in Florida was the former home of Michigan-based Hopcat, which had gone out of business. The landlord of the Florida property liked Pastaio so much that he convinced Lamarra to open a Pastaio in another shuttered Hopcat property that he owned in Royal Oak. The rest is history. Pastaio now occupies the first and third floor of the former Hopcat establishment while the second-floor houses the Lamarra’s 00-Bar. The restaurant and bar has seating for about 600 guests. The menu includes hand-made pastas and pizzas as well as entrée dishes featuring chicken, steak and salmon. Signature pasta dishes include Pappardelle Bolognese with ground veal, pork, beef, carrot, onion, fresh tomato sauce, herbs, and Cavatelli Trattoria with chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic, herbs. Lamarra designed the interior to have a clean, timeless contemporary feel using white walls, upscale lighting and finishes. 208 W. Fifth Street, Royal Oak eatpastaio.com

Nautical Bowls opens in Royal Oak The Nautical Bowls chain boasts 77 locations and was founded in Minnesota, also known as the land of 10,000 lakes, a nod to its nautical name. Bloomfield Hills native Dan Fisch fell in love with the acai bowls offered at Nautical Bowls while living in Minnesota. “I traveled a lot with my job and tried everyone’s acai bowls, but always came back to Nautical Bowls.” Now Dan and his wife Katie have brought the first Michigan Nautical Bowl concept to Royal Oak. So, what is an acai bowl? Pronounced ah-sighEE, the bowls feature the tasty acai berry, which has been heralded for an array of health benefits. You will find such bowls offered at a number of juice and heath food eateries but Dan Fisch explains that the Nautical Bowls brand is quite different than most. “While other places may use corn syrup, our bowls have no sugar added and are completely organic. It’s a nutritious meal replacement,” he said. The menu includes 10 signature bowls, such as the Anchor Bowl which features açaí topped with granola, banana, coconut flakes and cashew cacao butte. Customers can also choose to create their own custom bowl. In addition to the Royal Oak location, the Fischs have also bought franchise rights in Ann Arbor and Novi. 30955 Woodward Avenue, Suite 425, Royal Oak nauticalbowls.com

How sweet it is Troy newcomer Le Choux is named after its sweet and delicate French cream puff pastries but cream puffs are just one of the delicacies offered at the independently owned French/Korean bakery. The bakery, which has seating for about 20 customers, is owned by Kevin and Christine Kim. Kevin points out that, unlike many chain bakeries, their products are made fresh each day and the dough is never frozen. Besides cream puffs, customers will find a large assortment of stuffed macarons inspired by Korean fatcarons and overloaded with tasty fillings including chocolate gnocchi, strawberry, matcha, mango, fig, red velvet, salted caramel, banana and blueberry yogurt.

Flaky croissants are available in plain, almond or chocolate. Handmade cakes are known for their light, whipped cream and are paired with fresh fruit. The Korean fusion side of the menu includes Pain de Champagne, which is a rustic country bread stuffed with sweet squash, cream cheese and rice cake, and Soboro – a soft bun stuffed with red beans. Kevin Kim explains the interesting evolution of the French bakery in his homeland of Korea.

“Flour was introduced to our culture after the war but the French bakeries really took off after the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. We needed to feed the world,” he said. 3730 Rochester Road, Troy lechouxmi.com

Tigerlily to bloom in Ferndale Interior renovations are underway in downtown Ferndale where Hometown Restaurant Group is planning the launch of Tigerlily, an Asian-inspired restaurant and sushi bar in the former Antihero location. The new Tigerlily

Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.646.8568. leosconeyisland.com Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com Madam: American. Breakfast, Monday-Friday, Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com Mad Hatter Bistro, Bar & Tea Room: Global.

Brunch, weekends, Lunch, ThursdaySunday, Dinner, Friday & Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor.185 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. madhatterbistro.com Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009.

248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations.

6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexrestaurants.com Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.451.0500. olgas.com Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775. oph-mi.com Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. phoeniciabirmingham.com Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese.

Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876. qdoba.com Roadside B & G: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. salsbirmingham.com Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily.

Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. slicepizzakitchen.com Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.550.0455. statesidedeli.com Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. streetsideseafood.com Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations.

315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com Sylvan Table: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320.

248.369.3360. sylvantable.com Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. thaistreetkitchen.com The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025.

248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.

0571. zefrenchlady.com The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com The Morrie: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily.

Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Dinner, WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road., Ferndale, 48220.

248.584.3499. assaggibistro.com Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, ThursdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699. bluenileferndale.com Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com Como’s: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com Cork Wine Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 23810 Woodward Avenue, Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. corkwinepub.org Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072.

248.591.3300. crispellis.com The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations.

22950 Woodward Avenue, 48220.

248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220.

248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com Mezcal: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220.

248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor.100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2875. pearlsdeepdive.com Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com Otus Supply: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 345 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.6160. otussupply.com Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. roninsushi.com Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com Sozai: Japanese. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017.

248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No

concept will focus on sushi and Asian cuisine inside a fully-redesigned, 4,000-square-foot dining area that includes a full sushi bar, a privateshowcase dining table and room, and a separate, 900-square-foot tiki bar dubbed Mai Tiki. Design work is being done by sought-after Birmingham architects Ron & Roman, with the restaurant and tiki bar on track for a grand opening this summer. The exterior facade has been taken down to its original, historic frontage. Over $1 million has been put into renovating the spaces, which will have seating for 170 at Tigerlily and 44 at Mai Tiki. Hours will be seven days a week at Tigerlily, opening at 4 p.m. on weekdays, with Mai Tiki accessible by guests only through Tigerlily in a speakeasy fashion.

Inspired by both Asian influences and the city of Ferndale’s unique color and tradition, Tigerlily plays homage to the flower that once grew wild in presentday Ferndale – the tiger lily. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale

Hollywood-glam in Detroit Cash Only Supper Club, a new fine-dining and live entertainment concept from Heirloom Hospitality Group, has debuted in downtown Detroit.

Nestled below Prime & Proper, Cash Only Supper Club sets itself apart with an ultra-luxurious, Hollywood-glam-inspired vibe, complete with intimate seating and nightly musical performances. Guests are escorted to their table by tuxedo-clad team members for a seven-plus course menu which changes monthly. A strict fancy cocktail to black-tie dress code will be enforced, and a dinner jacket is required for all gentlemen. The culinary team is led by executive chef/partner Anthony DiRienzo. The club’s opening menu featured lobster tartelette, uni crispy rice, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, King Crab Vera Cruz, short rib on the bone, salmon & sorrel, along with a tableside “Cash Caesar” and truffle risotto. The restaurant also includes a robust liquor, wine, and cocktail program. “Stepping into Cash Only Supper Club, you’ll feel a nostalgic, yet modern, sense of time, where the atmosphere is intimate, the crowd is posh, and you can actually taste the glamour. We believe there will be no better place to celebrate your special occasions,” said Jeremy Sasson, founder of Heirloom Hospitality Group. In case you’re wondering, Cash Only Supper Club accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and CASH, of course! 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit cashonlydetroit.com

Fire ravages iconic Detroit eatery The iconic Traffic Jam and Snug, established in 1965, caught fire early in the morning hours of May 27. The fire devastated the establishment but fortunately, nobody was injured. The eatery is known throughout Midtown Detroit for their in-house bakery, microbrewery, dairy, eclectic menu and curiously intimate multi-level dining rooms. On December 18, 1992, after a decade-long legal battle, Traffic Jam became the first brew-pub in the state of Michigan, paving the way for other brew pubs in the state. Traffic Jam and Snug is located at 511 W. Canfield Street – the same street as The Jolly Pumpkin, Shinola and Third Man Records, which is owned by Detroit musician Jack White. White immediately took to Twitter to express his concern. “Such sad news. The Cass Corridor institution, Traffic Jam and Snug Restaurant suffers a total loss fire. My heart and support goes out to them and their workers for this loss,” he said. As to the question of when and if the eatery will open again, Traffic Jam’s last post on Facebook said they are taking it “inch by inch...one step at a time.”

Somm Slam at Oak & Reel On Saturday, July 18th, Oak & Reel invites you to their Milwaukee Junction eatery for a fun evening of delicious food, exemplary wine, witty banter, and friendly competition. Oak & Reel sommeliers, Melissa Wilson and Bruce Felts, will compete against SheWolf sommelier Dan Reinisch for entertainment and bragging rights. The winner will take home the coveted “Golden Bottle,” made special for Oak & Reel’s Somm Slams. Two-starred Michelin chef and Oak & Reel owner Jared Gadbaw has created a decadent five-course menu featuring ingredients that highlight the peak of the season.

Guests will enjoy two wine pairings with each of the courses, and vote for who paired it better. The first Somm Slam, hosted at the beginning of the year, sold out and saw sommelier Bruce Felts take home the coveted Golden Bottle. Tickets can be purchased on exploretock.com/oakandreel for $225/person. 2921 East Grand Boulevard, Detroit oakandreel.com

reservations. 23144 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. eatattoast.com Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com Vinsetta Garage: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. thecapitalgrille.com Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com Grand Castor: Latin American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083.

248.278.7777. grancastor.com Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084.

248.404.9845. mortons.com Naked Burger: American. Lunch, TuesdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858. nakedburgerdetroit.com NM Café: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 80

48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307.

248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com Orchid Café: Thai. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037.

248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. recipesinc.com RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084.

248.269.8424. ruthschris.com Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083.

248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034.

248.208.1680.

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

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield

Township, 48322. 248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346.

248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday.

No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210.

313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226.

DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201.

313.832.2700.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.5700.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for August primary oters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills will be determining the fate of primary candidates in the Tuesday, August 2, election, either at the polls or through absentee ballots which are now being mailed out by municipal clerks. Reflected on voters’ ballots this year will be the new districts for the county commission, state Senate and House, and Congress.

A new public safety millage will face Bloomfield Township voters, and voters in the Bloomfield Hills School district will cast ballots to restore the operating millage for non-homestead properties.

This is a primary election in which you will be deciding who best can represent your party in the November general election, so you must vote on candidates in just one political party.

Downtown Newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in all contested primary races, the answers to which can be found in the Voter Guide in this edition or at downtownpublications.com.

When making our recommendations we considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues. In determining who we thought could best represent a party heading into the November contests, we looked at both views of the candidates, their ability to run a competitive campaign and how quickly they could assume office should they make it through the general election balloting. In addition, we took into account whether or not they accepted the results of the 2020 presidential election – a defining litmus test for us.

V

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 11th Congressional District Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Waterford, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Commerce, Wixom, White Lake, Walled Lake, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lake Angelus, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Sylvan Lake, Troy, Wolverine Lake

Democrat No matter who wins in this primary, we all will ultimately lose because so will either Andy Levin or Haley Stevens – two excellent second term Representatives elected in the 2018 Democratic wave. Due to redistricting, they are now facing each other in this Democrat-leaning district, which covers a majority of Oakland County. Levin lays out the political class claim to this district as a fourthgeneration resident of Birmingham, Bloomfield and Royal Oak, but members of Congress do not have to live in their district and he could have run in his current geographical district and done quite well.

While we admire Levin’s passion for Medicare for All, union organizing and other Progressive ideals, we feel HALEY STEVENS is the better choice for the new 11th district. Both advocate many of the same Democratic ideals and issues, but Stevens stakes out a more moderate stance which we think aligns best with this district. She has been involved for the last four years with her ‘Manufacturing Mondays,’ where she has regularly visited manufacturers and businesses in the district, 82

worked with women in business and led efforts to engage younger women in technology and engineering, while doing outreach to minority communities. We also think voters appreciate her position that there is a need for improvements in Medicare and the Affordable Health Care Act, but do not want to be forced to lose their private insurance. In terms of representing the party heading into November, Stevens stands the best chance with her personal approach to issues against a GOP opponent.

Republican A graduate of West Point, a retired Army Captain who served in the Middle East, including Israel and the West Bank, as well as America’s southern border, MARK AMBROSE holds an MBA and master degree in international and public affairs from Columbia University, providing him with a background which suffuses his reputable and informed perspective as a reliable conservative.

Ambrose is an investment banker from Bloomfield Township who understands the nuances of proposed policies, whether taxation reform, health care or inflation woes and economic growth.

Ambrose would be a strong standard bearer for the Republican Party in this Oakland County district for the general election.

MICHIGAN SENATE 7th State Senate District Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, part of Waterford, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Southfield, part of Detroit

Democrat Incumbent state Senator JEREMY MOSS stands head and shoulders above his opponent, and is a role model for a progressive Democratic politician. A graduate of Hillel Day School and Birmingham Groves High School, he is a lifelong resident of Southfield, and has spent his adulthood representing the city – first as the youngest Southfield city councilman, where he was the chair of the council’s legislative and urban affairs committee, and as a member of the neighborhood services committee, and helped create an economic development committee. In 2014, he successfully was elected to the state House, becoming the second openly gay member to ever be elected to that chamber, and was reelected in 2016. In 2018, he won a primary, and then the general election, for a state Senate seat, championing ethics and judicial reform, voting rights, closing the education gap, infrastructure, the revitalization of low-income housing stock, and passionately, the expansion of Michigan’s civil rights protection. He is on the Dr. Martin Luther King Advisory Task Force and Fair Michigan. He is a politician who walks the walk with his constituents and would run the strongest general election campaign on behalf of his party.

8th State Senate District Birmingham, Royal Oak, Clawson, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, part of Detroit DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

Democrat Determining who to back in this primary contest was one of the tougher decisions we had to make.

This newly drawn district sprawls from Birmingham, Ferndale and Royal Oak, along with a few other Oakland communities and then into part of Detroit. It is a classic casualty of the redistricting process, pitting two worthy incumbent Democrat state Senate members for the right to represent their party in the November election. On the one hand you have Marshall Bullock II of Detroit with a decades-long history of social work and youth advocacy in the city, and a stint in the Duggan administration. In Lansing he is the head of the Black Caucus and partnered with Senator Jeremy Moss to create the Black and Jewish Unity Caucus. A worthy track record, without doubt. He is facing incumbent MALLORY MCMORROW of Royal Oak who already represents Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills and other parts of Oakland in her current district. Her first term in the Senate has been a productive one in terms of proposed new legislation. While both candidates hold similar views, McMorrow has shown considerable moxie in Lansing when it comes to challenging the old boys network, be it on sexism and other issues, and the fringe far right powers that populate the Capitol – even though many might shrink from the fight. Not McMorrow. In fact, her most recent foray against the homophobic and hateful forces in the legislature has made her a rock start of sorts in Michigan and on the national scene. We throw our support behind McMorrow who in her first run for office dethroned an incumbent with a legacy Republican name. We look forward to how she will carry the party flag into November.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 5th State House District Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Oak Park, Berkley, Beverly Hills, part of Royal Oak, part of Southfield, part of Detroit

Democrat Previously a Birmingham/Bloomfield district, with redistricting it now runs from Birmingham down through northwest Detroit, with about half of the district in Oakland County, and half in Wayne. This primary field presents two strong candidates who could do the job well, including Natalie Price of Berkley, and MICHELLE WOODDELL of Southfield. A moderate Democrat who says she “loves balanced budgets but hates unfunded mandates,” she recognizes the importance of representing the entire district. With a business, Nonprofit Spot LLC, helping non-profit organizations with programming, operations, and management, located in northwest Detroit, she knows what it means to make payroll and appreciates the area. She is also a college professor, teaching others to lead. After years collaborating with community leaders and activists, Wooddell feels this is her time. We agree.

Republican There are two candidates seeking to represent the GOP in the November race. One candidate ghosted both Downtown Newsmagazine and our readers by 07.22

failing to respond for the Voter Guide. The other candidate, Paul Taros, appears to have drunk the kool-aid when it comes to refusing to accept the proven results of the 2020 presidential election.

Downtown Newsmagazine has an established policy of not promoting to elected positions of power those who have an altered sense of reality, so we will not endorse in this race.

20th State House District Part of Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, part of Commerce Township

Democrat Three qualified candidates, all West Bloomfield residents, are seeking to be the standard bearer for the Democrats in this district, so determining who to support was most challenging. The three share similar views on the important issues and all have life/work and government experiences that will serve district residents well should they advance to Lansing after the November vote. In this race, however, we are recommending NOAH ARBIT as voters’ choice in this primary. While young, he has already been an industrious grassroots activist, creating the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus to battle anti-Semitism and elect candidates with shared values. He appears more than capable of running a spirited race on behalf of the party for the general election.

Republican We never heard from one of the two candidates in this Republican primary race. The one which did participate in our Q&A – Diana Theresa Mohyi – had a response relative to the results of the 2020 election that seemed evasive at first blush but on further review we think she puts herself squarely in the group that either doesn’t understand the laws governing elections or she wants to dress up her answer to hide her true position. Once again, we won’t – as a matter of policy – promote for office those posing a threat to our democracy, especially those like Mohyi who suggest election “audits” be conducted by individuals not elected or appointed (i.e. clerks) to assure election integrity – a scary proposition.

54th State House District Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion, Oakland Township

Democrat As a Bloomfield Township Trustee, STEPHANIE FAKIH has staked herself out as a voice for resident concerns. While relatively new, she examines issues before her with an eye for how residents will be affected, or investigates them from the point of view of homeowner interests. A criminal defense attorney, she drills down on the nitty gritty to look at all facets of an item. An advocate for improvements in infrastructure, concerns about inflation, personal freedoms and advocating for businesses in Michigan, Fakih is the right choice for Democrats in this primary election.

Republican A strong conservative and a proven public servant, downtownpublications.com

DONNI STEELE is the clear Republican choice for this district. She has been Orion Township Treasurer for the last five years, and served on the township’s board of trustees before that, working hard to better the community through involvement on its trails management councils. In addition, she has experience as a small business owner and as a realtor, understanding how legislation in Lansing affects those in the district. With her fiscally conservative background, she also has her eye on the future of Michigan as spending is considered.

Steele would clearly be the party’s best contender for the general election.

56th State House District Part of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township, most of Troy, Clawson, part of Royal Oak

Democrat Two qualified candidates are seeking the nod in the Democrat party contest for the 56th House district.

We suggest SHARON MACDONELL be voters’ first choice in this race. MacDonell has a history of activism in the community of Troy, helping to restore services that had been cut back and pushing for ethical standards on local elected and appointed boards. Her energetic approach to community issues indicates what we are likely to see in terms of representing the party in the general election race, and the district if she ultimately takes this post in November.

OAKLAND COUNTY 9th County Commission District Part of Birmingham, part of Troy, Pontiac

Democrat This Oakland County Board of Commissioners primary contest will likely determine who will represent the party come November for a new district that includes part of Bloomfield Township.

We throw our support behind current county commissioner ANGELA POWELL who was first elected to the board in the 2018 balloting. Powell has a good grasp on issues and would represent the Democratic party well heading into the contest come November.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Public Safety Millage Replacement Bloomfield Township has placed on the ballot a replacement millage of 3.89 mills to continue providing of fire, police and public safety protection, for a period of 10 years, beginning in 2023. This public safety millage replaces two of the township’s current public safety millages, which are expiring, one this year, one in 2023, and is not a renewal. If this millage is approved, the millage expiring in 2023 will not be levied. The combination levy of the two public safety millages expiring is 3.2879 mills, so there is an increase in the tax rate, but officials have laid out an argument for why they need the extra money for public safety, and we agree and recommend a YES vote. While we typically would not be in favor of a combination of the two, nor of placing it on the August ballot, there is not a scheduled election in 2023, so its expiration would force the township to spend unnecessarily for a special election. The township has said there will be two DOWNTOWN NeWsmagaziNe

other necessary millages on the November ballot, and history teaches us that when voters are faced with a number of millages, most will fail, so we understand officials’ logic for putting this important replacement millage on the August ballot.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS Operating Millage Restoration Proposal The operating millage restoration proposal for Bloomfield Hills Schools is seeking to restore tax money lost due to the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment, only on properties classified as nonhomestead which also includes commercial and business properties. The goal of this millage would allow the district to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills only on these types of properties which would then be subject to future Headlee rollbacks when the value of property exceeds the rate of inflation each year or five percent, whichever is less. This affects those who claim a second home in the Bloomfield Hills Schools’ district, but most importantly, all businesses located in the district. While residents are technically exempt, over time they may be forced to pay as businesses pass their costs on. So keep this last fact in mind if you are inclined to support this proposal.

POCKET VOTER GUIDE A simple recap as reference when you are filling out your ballot at home or at the polling place. Downtown recommendations in contested primary races.

U.S. CONGRESS 11th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat – Haley Stevens Republican – Mark Ambrose STATE SENATE 7th District (Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat – Jeremy Moss 8th District (Birmingham) Democrat – Mallory McMorrow STATE HOUSE 5th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat – Michelle Wooddell 20th DISTRICT (Bloomfield Township) Democrat – Noah Arbit 54th District (Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) Democrat – Stephanie Fakih Republican – Donni Steele 56th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township) Democrat – Sharon MacDonell COUNTY BOARD (Bloomfield Township) 9th District Democrat – Angela Powell 83

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