Publication select ▼
In the Royal Oak Review’s coverage area, voters on Nov. 8 will elect candidates for local, state and federal offices.
Candidates were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goal(s) if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim.
Profile forms were not sent to candidates who are running unopposed.
Governor
Six candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for the position is $159,300 plus benefits.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Age: 51
Occupation: I have served as Michigan’s 49th governor since 2019.
Municipality of residence: Lansing, Michigan
For how long: I have lived in Ingham County since 1989, after moving there from Kent County.
Online campaign information: www.gretchenwhitmer.com
Education: Michigan State University (BA, 1993), Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University (JD, 1998)
Previously and currently held elected offices: I have served as Michigan’s 49th Governor since 2019. I previously served as Ingham County Prosecutor in 2016, in the State Senate from 2006-2015, and in the State House of Representatives from 2001-2006.
Top goals: I am focused on the fundamentals: cutting costs for families, improving education, creating good-paying jobs, building resilient infrastructure, and supporting small businesses.
I will continue fighting to cut taxes for seniors and working families, grow our economy, and protect the fundamental rights of Michigan women.
Despite all the challenges of the past few years, we have brought people together to get things done, and I will build on that momentum to continue moving Michigan forward.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Age: 45
Occupation: Former steel sales executive and small business owner, mother of 4
Municipality of residence: Norton Shores, Muskegon County
For how long: 20+ years
Online campaign information: TudorDixon.com
Education: Psychology degree from University of Kentucky
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: I am running for governor to improve education after Gretchen Whitmer’s lockdowns set our students back. I am running to restore law and order and declare that we will not accept spiking crime and that we support our police. I am running to improve our economy and ease the burden of regulations. I have vowed to cut 40% of regulations in my first four years so businesses can grow and Michiganders can attain good-paying jobs.
Libertarian
Mary Buzuma
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired U.S. Navy after 26 years in Naval Intelligence
Municipality of residence: Grand Haven
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: electmarybuzuma.com
Education: BA, Political Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As the first Libertarian governor of Michigan I will work to roll back the state and restore the inalienable right to choose for all Michiganders. The right to choose how to educate their children, how to spend their hard earned money, how to best take care of their medical needs and most important how to live their lives.
U.S. Taxpayers
Donna Brandenburg
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Green
Kevin Hogan
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired Published Research Biochemist (with an Avocation of Substitute Teacher)
Municipality of residence: Dearborn Heights
For how long: No answer given
Online campaign information: Ballotpedia.org
Education: University of Michigan: Biochemistry, Western Governors University: Masters in Education (teach Chemistry)
Previously and currently held elected offices: No answer given
Top goals: Provide for Women’s Equality; LGBTQI(+) Equality, End The Gretchen Whitmer COVID19 (and its Variants) Pandemic, Fix Michigan’s broken Education System (only 10 states are worse in education than Michigan), Improve Everyone’s Standard of Living by Improving the Economy through Job Creation (including fixing the damn roads, bridges, and damns) and Ending the The Gretchen Whitmer Dictatorship (E-Cigarrettes off the market, COVID19 Lock Downs, Mask Mandates,...) and providing for Animal Rights.
Natural Law
Daryl M. Simpson
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Secretary of State
Five candidates are running for one four-year term. The secretary of state receives a salary of $112,410.
Democrat
Jocelyn Benson
Age: 44 (at this writing)
Occupation: Michigan Secretary of State, election lawyer
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 18 years
Online campaign information: www.votebenson.com
Education: A graduate of Wellesley College, Harvard Law School, Oxford University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Michigan Secretary of State; Wellesley, Massachusetts Town Council
Top goals: If reelected, my goal will be to continue the work we’ve done since 2018, namely continuing to improve services at the Secretary of State’s Office and protect our democracy so every voice is heard and every vote is counted for Republicans, Democrats and Independents, alike. We have modernized our office so branch office visits are 20 minutes or less, and in November 2020 I presided over the safest, most secure general election in Michigan history.
Republican
Kristina Elaine Karamo
Age: 37
Occupation: Professor at Wayne County Community College
Municipality of residence: Oak Park
For how long: 4 years
Online campaign information: www.KristinaKaramo.com
Education: BA from Oakland University in Communications, Master Degree in Christian Apologetics, Biola University in CA.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: Ensure a politically neutral Department of State. Elections shall be operated per the rule-of-law. Car dealership and repair facility inspections along with fees and fines shall not be used to fund a bloated budget when less than 8% of what is currently generated by the SoS is needed to run the SoS. Ensure SOS branch office and vehicle related operations are customer focused, by ensuring local concerns are integral when improving administrative operations.
Libertarian
Gregory Scott Stempfle
Age: 45
Occupation: Medical Technologist, Henry Ford Hospital
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: Since 2010
Online campaign information: www.stempfle4sos.org
Education: BS Clinical Laboratory Sciences – Wayne State, 2008; MS Molecular Medicine and Genetics - Wayne State, 2012
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I would like to streamline and automate services, when possible, without leaving those without access to technology behind. I will advocate for changes to the vehicle registration process so that car and truck owners can permanently register their vehicle rather than every year or two years. I will also advocate for changes to our election system to increase the participation of independent and third-party candidates such as ranked choice voting for state elections.
U.S. Taxpayers
Christine C. Schwartz
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Green
Larry James Hutchinson Jr.
Age: 49
Occupation: Artist and author
Municipality of residence: Lansing
For how long: 10 years.
Online campaign information: Facebook
Education: Associates of Arts in psychology, Mott Community College, and studied Anthropology and Political Science at University of Michigan - Flint
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals all fly under the umbrella of campaign finance reform. We need publicly funded elections and for election day to become a state holiday. I’d love to see 100 percent voter participation, but that is not likely. Publicly funded elections can. I sign the waiver and requested that any candidate that has taken money to please return it. Election day becoming a state holiday is a no brainer. Thx and Vote Green.
Attorney General
Four candidates are running for one four-year term. The attorney general receives a salary of $112,410.
Democrat
Dana Nessel
Age: 53
Occupation: Michigan Attorney General
Municipality of residence: Plymouth
For how long: I was elected in 2018.
Online campaign information: www.dananessel.com
Education: Graduated from the University of Michigan and Wayne State University law school.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Attorney General is my first elected office.
Top goals: I would like to continue the work of my first term, fighting for the rights of all Michiganders. I will continue prosecuting sexual assault and domestic violence. I will defend reproductive freedom and uphold the will of the voters. I will pursue consumer protection and go after price-gouging, including when special interests like Big Pharma charge exorbitant prices for life-saving medications. As the People’s Lawyer, I will defend the most vulnerable among us.
Republican
Matthew DePerno
Age: 52
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Kalamazoo
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: www.depernoformi.com
Education: Undergrad from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1994, and master’s degree in Taxation Law (LL.M.) from New York University School of Law in 1995.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goal is to restore Michigan to the great state it once was. I will fight to lower the skyrocketing crime, clean up government corruption and fight for parents rights in schools. Michigan was once a leader in business and education and a place we were proud to call home. I will fight to make this a reality again. I kindly ask for your support.
Libertarian
Joseph W. McHugh Jr.
Age: 44
Occupation: Financial Advisor & Fitness Coach
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: Mid-2021
Online campaign information: LibertyStrikesBack.com
Education: BA Michigan State University, International Relations & Political Economy; MBA Babson College Entrepreneurship & Sustainability
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: We will restore our liberty and justice by partnering with attorneys and the public to accomplish the following: transparent voting systems run on open source election software, voiding vague laws, terms of service and privacy policy agreements to comply with the 1926 Void for Vagueness doctrine and due process, and enforce a No Harm, No Crime standard to restore free action, release non-violent prisoners, expunge records immediately, and provide backpay for unjustly lost time.
U.S. Taxpayers
Gerald T. Van Sickle
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
U.S. House of Representatives District 11
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. U.S. representatives receive a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Haley Stevens
Age: 39
Occupation: Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: Not given.
Online campaign information: https://haleystevensforcongress.com
Education: B.A. in Social Policy and Philosophy and M.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from American University
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am the current two term Congresswoman from Michigan’s 11th District.
Top goals: My top goals and why I am running for re-election in Michigan’s 11th District are protecting a woman’s right to choose, increasing opportunities for women, girls, and minorities in STEM education, and ending the gun violence epidemic that plagues our society.
Republican
Mark Ambrose
Age: 52
Occupation: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Regional Investment Manager
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 13 years - also raised in Bloomfield Twp. (additional 18 years)
Online campaign information: www.voteambrose.com
Education: Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Twp.: 1984-1988; U.S. Military Academy, West Point, B.Sc. in Systems Engineering: 1988-1992; Columbia University, Master of International Affairs, Russian Studies: 1995-1998; Columbia Business School, MBA (Master of Business Administration), 1996-1998
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1. Reduce inflation and improve our economy through responsible and informed economic policies. 2. Security: Increase border security, reduce crime, and honor our police. 3. Strengthen our military, so that the United States will never be challenged. 4. Create jobs for Michigan and America through fair trade. Encourage business to invest, build and manufacture in the United States. 5. Cure Autism – dedicate resources to ending this disease.
State Senate District 3
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Stephanie Chang
Age: 38
Occupation: State Senator
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: ~17 years
Online campaign information: www.stephaniechang.com
Education: BA in Psychology and Minor in APIA Studies, Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy, University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Representative (2015-18), State Senator (2019-present)
Top goals: I will continue to work for an economy that works for everyone, quality education for all our kids, preventing flooding in our neighborhoods and ensuring clean air and water, fixing our roads and bridges, housing justice, a strong and fair justice system, gun violence prevention, and protecting reproductive freedom.
Working Class Party
Linda Rayburn
Did not answer questions by press time.
State Senate District 8
Two candidates are running for one four-year term. The salary for a state senator is $71,685 plus benefits.
Democrat
Mallory McMorrow
Age: 36
Occupation: State Senator for Michigan’s 13th District
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 6 years
Online campaign information: www.McMorrowforMichigan.com
Education: the University of Notre Dame, BA in Industrial Design
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Senator for Michigan’s 13th District
Top goals: My top priorities are defending reproductive rights for women, families and anyone who needs them; reducing gun violence; protecting our water and fighting climate change; protecting your right to vote, supporting our schools, teachers, students, and parents; and empowering workers and families.
Republican
Brandon Ronald Simpson
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 5
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Natalie Price
Age: 41
Occupation: Berkley City Councilmember
Municipality of residence: Berkley
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information: www.votenatalieprice.com
Education: MA, English Studies. University of Exeter (UK) 2006. BA, English and Classics. Vassar College 2004.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I was elected to Berkley City Council in 2019, and I continue to serve in this role.
Top goals: As a progressive democrat, former teacher, city councilmember, and mom, my priorities include:
• Creating inclusive communities and securing them with better gun laws
• Leveling the playing field with equitable education funding models
• Supporting essential services and infrastructure by boosting municipal funding
• Fighting for our most basic rights including safe and legal abortion care
We are all connected, and when we work together to lift up every resident, our whole region benefits.
Republican
Paul Taros
Age: 65
Occupation: Certified Public Accountant
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: TimeForTaros.com
Education: MBA from Wayne State University, BBA from the University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: We need to stop worrying what pronouns our children should use and return to proven educational techniques. Teach our kids how to think, rather than indoctrinating them with what to think. We need to return to the 3 R’s, reading, writing and arithmetic. So many of our children graduate without being proficient in the 3 R’s. Vocational and skilled trades should be added to the high school curriculum.
State House of Representatives District 6
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Regina Weiss
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Charles T. Villerot
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 7
One candidate is running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Helena Scott
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 56
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685 plus expenses.
Democrat
Sharon MacDonell
Age: 60
Occupation: Advertising Manager and Video Producer
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 17 years
Online campaign information: electsharonmac.com
Education: BA, History, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate
Top goals: For over a decade, I have been active in my community, helping save the Troy Public Library and demanding ethical behavior from our officials. As the State Rep for House District 56, I will continue solving our community’s problems. I will work diligently to ensure that our public schools are adequately funded, improve healthcare access, overturn the Retirement Tax, and help families and small businesses as they face the challenges of ongoing economic pressures.
Republican
Mark Gunn
Age: 62
Occupation: Small business Owner (Loss Control operations in Midwest)
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 34 years
Online campaign information: Michigan | Mark Gunn State Rep (markgunn4rep.com)
Education: Bachelors and Masters Degree
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate in Troy for 8 years.
Top goals: Economy /Small business: Fight for income tax cuts. Oppose any more budget increases. Repeal the Retirement tax. Fight to remove many regulations hurting business growth. Infrastructure: Support use of better material for roads, to provide longer life of the roads. Support more investment into the roads and bridges by cutting costs in other areas. Schools: Support a plan to increase teacher pay. Support schools focus on Science, technology, English and Math.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 1
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.
Democrat
David T. Woodward
Age: 46
Occupation: County Commissioner, small business owner
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak, MI
For how long: 45 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: B.S. Mathematics, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Board of Commissioner Chairman (2019-present) County Commissioner (2005-present) U.S. Presidential Elector (2008) State Representative (1999-2004)
Top goals:
Transit
• Expand county transit system to connect people to more destinations.
• Increase transportation options for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.
• Get more workers to jobs, patients to health care, and students to higher education.
Infrastructure
• Fix road and water infrastructure.
• Build electric vehicle infrastructure required to support EV demand.
• Create more county parks.
Manufacturing
• Created U.S. Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
• Support local manufacturers. Make things in America.
• Improve supply chains. Create good-paying jobs.
Republican
Chris Meister
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 2
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.
Democrat
Penny Luebs
Age: 68
Occupation: Social Worker
Municipality of residence: Clawson
For how long: 43 years
Online campaign information: Facebook: Penny Luebs Oakland County Commissioner
Education: Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Social Work. LMSW
Previously and currently held elected offices: Oakland County Commissioner, 2018 to present; Mayor, City of Clawson, 2007 - 2017; Council Member, City of Clawson, 2003-2007
Top goals: Maintain safe, friendly cities with great services. Support mental health in our schools and communities. Support seniors, infrastructure and the environment while maintaining a balanced budget. With the assistance of CARES and ARPA dollars, we directed grants to businesses, local groups, non-profits, seniors, veterans and children throughout the pandemic and now. I help people everyday. I’m committed to bringing people together to solve problems.
Republican
Ken Roberts
Age: 44
Occupation: Residential Remodeler
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: Roberts4commissioner.com
Education: School of Infantry USMC, Criminal Justice Assoc., Business Assoc.
Previously and current held elected offices: No office; Precinct delegate
Top goals: As a veteran and former first responder; Safety. Fund the police, fire and responders with the training they deserve. We call them when in need; support them. Fiscal responsibility is a must. In this economy, we can’t take money out of our households and seniors with fixed incomes on proposals that are not going to work. Food and gas prices are high enough at the moment; we need accountability on our tax dollars. Schools!
Oakland County Board of
Commissioners District 19
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.
Democrat
Charlie Cavell
Age: 32
Occupation: County Commissioner and Social Worker
Municipality of residence: Ferndale
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: https://www.cavell4commission.com
Education: Wayne State BSW and University of Michigan MSW
Previously and currently held elected offices: County Commission District 18 (Ferndale, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Birmingham, and parts of Royal Oak)
Top goals: If elected, my main goals are to achieve racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. I will do this by helping to create and expand the following programs.
Thriving communities:
+Affordable utilities for working families
+Aging in place programs for seniors
Happy and healthy people:
+Expand Childcare programming
Smart business:
+Prioritize small businesses thru economic gardening over big business tax breaks
Republican
Joseph C. Pucci
Age: 47
Occupation: VP/Business Dev.
Municipality of residence: Huntington Woods, District 19, Oakland County
For how long: 15yr
Online campaign information: www.votepucci.com
Education: MSU
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Oppose any transit expansion, paying for other city/county water bills, partnering with NGO’s like the WEF that the current commissioner panel invited into the county! Protect parents’ rights and that of small business’ to not be infringed on by local bureaucrats. Lastly, fully fund our Sheriff department and road commission.
Justice of Supreme Court
Five candidates are running for two eight-year terms. Justices
earn a salary of $165,000.
Richard Bernstein
Age: 48
Occupation: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Municipality of residence: Birmingham
For how long: 23 years in Birmingham and lifelong resident of Michigan
Online campaign information: TheBlindJustice.com
Education: Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned juris doctor from Northwestern University School of Law
Previously and currently held elected offices: Former member of the Wayne State University Board of Governors and current Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Top goals: The greatest need in Michigan’s justice system is increasing access to justice so all people have an opportunity to participate and navigate the justice system without getting left behind. The Michigan Supreme Court’s Justice For All Task Force is committed to working towards 100% access to justice in the civil system and I applaud the effort to make Michigan courts more accessible to all people statewide.
Kyra Harris Bolden
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Paul Hudson
Age: 40
Occupation: Lawyer
Municipality of residence: Kalamazoo
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.hudsonforjustice.com
Education: Cornell University, B.A. in Government and Philosophy, 2003; Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2006
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As a Supreme Court Justice, my top goal is to be the fiercely independent, nonpartisan, and fair-minded judicial umpire that Michigan voters deserve. A good judge, much like a good umpire, doesn’t make up the rules or change them mid-game. A good judge just calls balls and strikes, faithfully applying the rules as written - fairly, consistently, and without favoring one side or the other.
Kerry Lee Morgan
Age: 67
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Redford Township
For how long: 40years
Online campaign information: https://www.martindale.com/attorney/kerry-lee-morgan-2161158/
Education: Michigan State University, B.A.; Regent University, M.A.; Detroit College of Law, J.D.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: The Supreme Court needs Justices who will apply the law as written, not as it should be written in the mind of the Judge. The restoration of this purpose is my top goal.
Brian Zahra
Age: 62
Occupation: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court
Municipality of residence: Northville Township
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: Zahra4Justice.com
Education: JD, University of Detroit School of Law (1987); BGS, Wayne State University (1984)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, January 14, 2011 to present. Elected in 2012, re-elected in 2014. Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals, December, 1998 to January 13, 2011. Elected in 2000, re-elected in 2006. Judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court, December 1994 to December 1998. Elected in 1996.
Top goals: Continue to be a voice for judicial restraint, an advocate for the separation of constitutional powers, and a defender of our state and federal constitutions. Administratively, I will continue my work as Co-Chair of the Access to Justice Commission. There is no right to a lawyer in civil cases. Nonetheless, these cases involve issues critically important to Michigan families. The legal profession must step up to provide guidance to those unable to obtain legal assistance.
Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District
One candidate is running for one six-year term. Michigan court of appeals judges receive a salary of $173,092.
Colleen A. O’Brien
Running unopposed.
Judge of Court of Appeals - 2nd District (Partial Term)
Two candidates are running for one partial term ending Jan. 1, 2027. Michigan court of appeals judges receive a salary of $173,092.
Sima Patel
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Michael Warren
Age: 55
Occupation: Judge, Oakland Circuit Court
Municipality of residence: Beverly Hills
For how long: 27 years
Online campaign information: www.JudgeMichaelWarren.com
Education: Wayne State University, BA Honors History (1989); University of Michigan Law School, JD (1992)
Previously and currently held elected offices: State Board of Education (1999-2002); Judge, Oakland County Circuit Court (2002-present)
Top goals: For decades Judge Michael Warren has been tenaciously fighting for justice, the rule of law, fairness, and the Constitution. He has tried over 360 jury trials and was named Judge of the Decade. Endorsed by Sheriff Mike Bouchard (R), Sheriff Anthony Wickersham (D), and the Police Officers Association of Michigan; he co-founded Patriot Week with his then 10 year old daughter (www.PatriotWeek.org). His leadership and experience will strengthen Michigan’s Court of Appeals.
Judge of the 52nd District Court 4th Division
Two candidates are running for one six-year term. A district court judge earns $45,724 from the county and $108,065 from the state annually.
Tonya Clawson Goetz
Age: 50
Occupation: Prosecuting Attorney
Municipality of residence: Troy, Michigan
For how long: 15 Years
Online campaign information: www.Goetz4Judge.com
Education: 1994-1997-Boston University, Boston, MA, Juris Doctorate; 1990-1994-Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, B.A. in History and French; 1986-1990-University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, H.S. Diploma
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Create a positive and respectful work environment in the courthouse by maintaining professional relationships with prosecutors, attorneys and officers who appear before me. Be mindful of the Judicial Canons and act within the limited judicial authority granted by the Michigan and United States Constitutions. As your judge, I will follow the law while protecting everyone’s rights. I will treat all parties with courtesy and work to restore integrity, ethics and respect to our District Court.
Kirsten Nielsen Hartig
Age: 56
Occupation: Judge of the 52-4 District Court, serving Clawson and Troy
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 24 years
Online campaign information: keepjudgehartig.com
Education: Michigan State University, James Madison College, Urban Policy Planning graduated in 1988
The American University, Washington College of Law, Washington D.C., graduated 1991
Previously and currently held elected offices: I was elected judge of the 52-4 District Court in 2010 and have served in that capacity from 2011 to present.
Top goals: My top goal is to do justice every day, as I have for the past twelve years. I will continue to treat each case carefully and fairly, and make informed decisions. I will always remember that each case affects our whole community. I will support the addition of a Veteran’s Court, and continue to preside over the Mental Health and Sobriety Treatment Courts. I will- as always- avoid partisanship and serve all my neighbors.
Royal Oak Schools Board of Education
Four candidates are running for three four-year terms.
Deborah Anderson
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Standardized patient for 2 medical schools
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 42 years
Online campaign information: Elect Deb Anderson on Facebook
Education: BA, Central Michigan University; MA, Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: I’ve been on the Royal Oak School Board since 2006
Top goals: I intend to continue focusing on ensuring that every Royal Oak student receives a quality education; that every student feels included, welcomed and valued; and that the district continues to maximize the use of the taxpayer dollars that fund our district. In addition, school safety, including student and staff mental health and well-being, is of paramount importance.
Michelle Cook
Age: 48
Occupation: Teacher
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 22 years
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/CookforROSB
Education: BA Elementary Education, Western Michigan University; MA TESOL (Teaching English to Students of Other Languages), Eastern Michigan University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: One of my top priorities will be ensuring that we offer competitive wages and a workplace where employees feel they are appreciated and their input into decisions affecting their jobs is valued so that we can recruit and retain quality staff. Another top priority is helping our students recover from academic and social-emotional challenges due to the upheaval of the pandemic by targeting increased funding to where it will help our students most.
Charlie Gandy-Thompson
Age: 56
Occupation: Engineering Manager
Municipality of residence: Royal Oak
For how long: 19 Years
Online campaign information: None
Education: MS in Engineering Management & BS in Computer Engineering
Previously and currently held elected offices: Never been elected for office
Top goals: If elected, I want to collaborate with the Superintendent, Teachers, and Student Groups to ensure Royal Oak Schools are competitive in Math and STEM. I am running for Royal Oak School Board to ensure RO Students are exposed to completive curriculum and Developmental Programs. My goal is to expose them.
Lauren Jasinski
Age: 34
Occupation: Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Municipality of residence: City of Royal Oak
For how long: 7 Years
Online campaign information: www.JasinskiforROSB.com
Education: B.A. Social Relations and Policy and Secondary Education (MSU) M.A. Teaching and Curriculum (MSU)
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My number one priority as a school board trustee would be to improve school safety across the district. Physical safety and psychological safety are equally important in creating a welcoming and positive school culture. This includes things such as proper training of staff and students for a crisis, but also programming that is diverse and culturally responsive, proactive mental health resources, and opportunities to meet the needs of all students.
Clawson Public Schools Board of Education
Four candidates are running for four four-year terms.
Daniel Ewald Jr.
Running unopposed.
Samantha Hanser-Maynard
Running unopposed.
Thomas J. Reed Jr.
Running unopposed.
Ted Verner Jr.
Running unopposed.
Statewide proposals
Proposal 22-1
A proposal to amend the state constitution to require annual public financial disclosure reports by legislators and other state officers and change state legislator term limit to 12 total years in legislature.
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Require members of legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general file annual public financial disclosure reports after 2023, including assets, liabilities, income sources, future employment agreements, gifts, travel reimbursements, and positions held in organizations except religious, social, and political organizations.
• Require legislature implement but not limit or restrict reporting requirements.
• Replace current term limits for state representatives and state senators with a 12-year total limit in any combination between house and senate, except a person elected to senate in 2022 may be elected the number of times allowed when that person became a candidate.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Proposal 22-2
A proposal to amend the state constitution to add provisions regarding elections.
This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Recognize fundamental right to vote without harassing conduct;
• Require military or overseas ballots be counted if postmarked by election day;
• Provide voter right to verify identity with photo ID or signed statement;
• Provide voter right to single application to vote absentee in all elections;
• Require state-funded absentee-ballot drop boxes, and postage for absentee applications and ballots;
• Provide that only election officials may conduct post-election audits;
• Require nine days of early in-person voting;
• Allow donations to fund elections, which must be disclosed;
• Require canvass boards certify election results based only on the official records of votes cast.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Proposal 22-3
A proposal to amend the state constitution to establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make all decisions about pregnancy and abortion; allow state to regulate abortion in some cases; and forbid prosecution of individuals exercising established right. This proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Establish new individual right to reproductive freedom, including right to make and carry out all decisions about pregnancy, such as prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion, miscarriage management, and infertility;
• Allow state to regulate abortion after fetal viability, but not prohibit if medically needed to protect a patient’s life or physical or mental health;
• Forbid state discrimination in enforcement of this right; prohibit prosecution of an individual, or a person helping a pregnant individual, for exercising rights established by this amendment;
• Invalidate state laws conflicting with this amendment.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Oakland County Public Transportation Millage
A proposal to authorize Oakland County to levy a millage for the purpose of funding public transportation services in Oakland County, including operating, maintaining, improving, and expanding transit services, creating and expanding new fixed routes for bus service connecting local communities, expanding transportation services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and providing transportation to get employees to jobs, patients to healthcare, students to colleges and universities, for the general public to have more transportation options, and for related purposes authorized by law.
This millage would be levied at a maximum rate of .95 mills (95 cents per $1,000 in taxable value) for a period of 10 years beginning in 2022 and ending in 2031.
This millage would replace an expiring millage levied by the Oakland County Public Transportation Authority supporting the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART), and fund replacement of other local public transportation millages.
If this new millage is approved and levied, revenue will be distributed to Oakland County, SMART, North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Older Persons’ Commission (OPC), and the Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA). It is estimated that $66,163,000 will be collected in the first year. Expenditure of revenue from the millage will be subject to oversight by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and to independent audits.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Senior Services Millage Proposal
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Royal Oak, Michigan be increased by 0.2000 mill ($0.20 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, 2022 to 2026, inclusive for the sole purpose of providing fundings for services, activities, and programs for “older persons” pursuant to the authority provided by Act 39 of PA 1976, specifically MCL 400.576? It is estimated that, if levied, the 0.2000 mill would raise approximately $622,000 when first levied in December 2022.
Shall this proposal be adopted?
Charter Proposal Parks, Forestry, Recreation, Playgrounds And Animal Shelter Millage
City of Royal Oak Charter Amendment authorizing the levy of a five-year tax millage of up to 0.700 mills for parks, forestry, recreation and playgrounds including animal shelter purposes, commencing December 2022.
It is proposed that Section 11(e) be added to the City Charter of the City of Royal Oak authorizing the levy of up to 0.700 mills ($0.70 per $1000 of taxable value) for a period of five (5) years, 2022 to 2026, inclusive, to be used for parks, forestry, recreation and playgrounds, including animal shelter purposes which will raise an estimated $2,175,794 when first levied in 2022.
Shall the proposal be adopted?
Building And Site Sinking Fund Tax Renewal Proposition
This proposal, if approved by the electors, will renew and restore the authority, last approved by the electors in 2013 and which expires with the 2022 levy, for the School District to levy a building and site sinking fund tax, the proceeds of which will be used to make improvements and repairs to the School District’s facilities. Pursuant to State Law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund tax proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, maintenance or other operating expenses.
Shall the Royal Oak Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy one (1) mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, being the years 2023 to 2032, inclusive, to create a building and site sinking fund to be used for the construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology and other purposes, to the extent permitted by law? This millage would provide estimated revenues to the School District of approximately $3,434,697 during the 2023 calendar year, if approved and levied.
