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ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS — In the Post’s coverage area, voters will decide various local races and ballot proposals Nov. 7. Below are the ballot language and profiles of the candidates, who were asked, in 75 words or fewer, to state their top goals if elected. If a candidate went over the word limit, (…) replaces the rest of the answer. The answers are printed verbatim. An (I) indicates the candidate is an incumbent. Profile forms were not sent to candidates who are running unopposed.
Rochester City Council
Six candidates are vying for four seats on council. The three highest vote-getters will earn four-year terms, and the fourth highest vote-getter will earn a two-year term.
David A. Berletich
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired, formerly Global IT Account Executive
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 27 Years in Rochester Area
Online campaign information: davidberletich.weebly.com
Education: BS MA/CS Lawrence Technological University, Southfield MI
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability; Focus on Reasonable Economic Growth; Keep It Rochester: I will strive to maintain the high quality of city services provided with our effective tax rate. I will also protect and enhance our green spaces to provide residents with adequate recreational space. I will always promote and protect our local businesses. Let’s Keep it Rochester, a great place to live and work for generations to come.
Douglas Gould (I)
Age: 54
Occupation: Professor and Department Chair at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/douglasgouldforcouncil
Education: BS from Michigan State University; PhD from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current: Rochester City Council Member
Top goals: Our highly approachable Main St. must be maintained; we continue to enjoy a high occupancy rate and mix of businesses that needs to be thoughtfully managed. There is no place on Main St. for marijuana dispensaries; I feel such businesses will lead to overcrowding, increased traffic and will change the complexion of our downtown. While, public transportation, implemented appropriately, promises to help our citizens move about the city and holds the potential to lessen traffic.
J. Christian Hauser
Age: 50
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: voteforhauser@gmail.com
Education: De La Salle Collegiate High School, Aquinas College (Bachelor of Science – Business Administration), University of Detroit School of Law (Juris Doctor).
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I am focused on maintaining our quality life, supporting our public safety officers, and encouraging sustainable growth in our City. As Vice-Chairperson of the Planning Commission, I am well-equipped to properly manage the concerns of developers, City administration and most importantly, our residents. I am also committed to preserving the quaintness of our City by strongly opposing the two ballot proposals that, if passed, would permit three marijuana dispensaries on Main Street and downtown.
Debbie Jones
Age: 67
Occupation: Sales Consultant
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 32 yrs
Online campaign information: Facebook page: Debbie Jones for Rochester City Council
Education: Bachelors—Human Resource Development (O.U.)
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I want to help preserve what we love most about Rochester--while encouraging growth in business/retail/dining. I know there is a balance to be achieved between preserving and growing; I pledge to strike this balance with a keen eye toward fiscal responsibility. I support the police and fire departments to continue to have safe neighborhoods and a thriving downtown. I will focus on infrastructure and protect green space and the city’s walkability.
Ann Peterson (I)
Age: 58
Occupation: Real Estate Broker /Mortgage Loan Officer
Municipality of residence: Rochester
For how long: 34+ yrs.
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Rochester City Council since 2015, serving my 3rd term (8 years)
Top goals: My Top priorities will be to address the protection of private property rights, the pressing needs of our community which are the importance of accessible and affordable water systems which is a fundamental right, traffic and pedestrian safety is another critical concern also reliable electricity which is vital for our daily lives and economic growth, profitable development is one key to our town’s fiscal strength and bringing awareness to human trafficking.
Marilyn Trent (I)
Age: 65
Occupation: Business Owner
Municipality of residence: City of Rochester
For how long: 33 Years
Online campaign information: Website - RetainTrent.org
Education: Bachelors of Fine Arts
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goals are a balanced budget without imposing new taxes, promoting responsible and intelligent development that aligns with the city’s zoning plans, preserving its aesthetic and mobility, and focusing on conservation and sustainability. I want to foster economic growth through initiatives like place-making and green space protection in a business-friendly, vibrant Downtown that will ensure the retention of Rochester’s quality of life. I will work to keep Rochester the special place that it is.
Rochester Hills Mayor
Two candidates are vying for one four-year term.
Ariane Paviani
Age: 35
Occupation: Self employed
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills
For how long: Since the age of 3
Online campaign information: www.arianepaviani.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rochester Hills holds a special place in my heart, but I’ve witnessed changes that worry me. Overdevelopment and the destruction of our green spaces threaten our city’s character and accessibility.
My mission is clear: I aim to advocate for smart development that safeguards our city’s distinct character and our way of life, all while preserving our green spaces. My commitment is to ensure Rochester Hills remains a thriving place for people of all generations.
Bryan K. Barnett (I) (Write-In)
Age: 48
Occupation: Mayor, City of Rochester Hills
Municipality of residence: City of Rochester Hills
For how long: 30 years
Online Campaign information: mayorbarnett.net
Education: BS Marketing, Oakland University; JFK School of Government, Harvard University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Mayor, City of Rochester Hills, 2006-present; City Councilmember, City of Rochester Hills, 1999-2006;
Top goals: Rochester Hills is consistently ranked one of the best cities in America to live, work and raise your family. We’ve created new parks, like Innovation Hills, added hundreds of acres of green space and been ranked Michigan’s safest city for 7 straight years. The city is in excellent financial shape and we are even lowering your taxes next year. I love serving as your Mayor and I’m running to keep a good thing going!
Rochester Hills City Council District 2
Two candidates are vying for one four-year term.
David J. Blair (I)
Age: 41
Occupation: Managing partner at CV Tech, a managed IT services firm.
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills, MI
For how long: 15 Years
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/blairforrh
Education: Masters in Information Technology & Masters in Business Administration, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI. Associate of Science in Digital Media, Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current District 2 Representative, Rochester Hills City Council
Top goals: Rochester Hills residents love their city, and all it has to offer. This was underscored by a recent community survey, which showed residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with city services, feel safe in our community, and appreciate the high quality of life afforded by our city’s award-winning amenities. My top goals are maintaining this high level of excellence, continuing to invest in our parks and green spaces, and keeping taxes among the lowest in Oakland County.
Nicholas A. Sahu
Age: 25
Occupation: Contracts Specialist
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills
For how long: 25 Years
Online campaign information: www.sahu4rh.com
Education: BS Public Administration & Public Policy (Oakland University), Highschool Diploma (Rochester Adams High School)
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: I believe we should rein in excessive development by strictly enforcing our ordinances and zoning. We must also limit conditional use and wetland waivers. By expanding the notification ordinance for planning from the current 350 ft, residents and developers can better align on development matters. I would also prioritize preservation and expansion of our greenspaces. Our residents need a councilor who will advocate for them — a public servant, not a politician.
Rochester Hills Library Board Member
Five candidates are vying for two six-year terms.
Terry Hetrick
Age: 65
Occupation: Paraeducator with RCS for 25 years
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills for 29 years
Education: Graduated Pennsylvania State University in 1981
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: To ensure the RHPL Board of Trustees continues to defend our residents’ right to access information. To support the library’s mission that “empowers people to explore and create with resources that enlighten, educate, entertain, and inform. To maintain, grow, and keep moving the library forward as one of the preeminent places for the citizens of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township to spend time.
Madge Lawson (I)
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: Award-winning published writer and watercolorist
Municipality of residence: Resident of Rochester Hills
For how long: since 1982
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Michigan; Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Interior Design and Art.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Currently the President of Rochester Hills Public Library Board of Trustees. Invited to fill a vacancy on the Library Board’s Board in 1996. Elected to four six-year terms of office.
Top goals: As current president of the Rochester Hills Public Library Board of Trustees, I am seeking re-election to protect your right to read. I served on the “Friends” board for 14 years and the Library Board of Trustees since 1996. I’m currently acting chair of the library’s centennial celebration in 2024. As board members, we take an oath to defend everyone’s constitutional right to read. Vote for me on November 7th and I will continue to uphold that pledge.
Pamela Olesen
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired AP Science Teacher; Currently volunteering as a Tai Chi instructor.
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills, MI
For how long: since 2006 (17 years)
Online campaign information: www.pamelaolesen.com
Education: Masters in the Art of Teaching-Marygrove College, MI; Bachelor of Arts in Biology - Rutgers University, NJ
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I am running for the Library Board because I believe our library has more to offer than you may know. Social media cannot compete with what our library has! I encourage you to come into the library and explore. Have a conversation with me! Join me at one of the many programs. Enjoy family time. Read a book. Try the 3D printer. Be part of the Library experience! I’ll meet you there!
Chuck Stouffer (I)
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Harper West
Age: 63
Occupation: Psychotherapist
Municipality of residence: Rochester Hills
For how long: 29 years
Online campaign information: www.harperwest.net
Education: BA, Michigan State University; MA, Michigan School of Psychology
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I oppose book banning, support the First Amendment, and will work to ensure the Freedom to Read for our entire diverse community, without pursuing a political, ideological, or religious agenda. I propose adding an environmental sustainability plan to the strategic plan to reduce environmental impacts and save money. I will ensure upcoming capital improvements to the library building are done in a fiscally prudent manner, while planning for flexible use in future years.
Rochester Open Stores Ordinance Summary of Ballot Question:
This proposed ordinance, if adopted, would provide for three retail adult use cannabis retail establishments to be allowed to operate in the city limits. Shall the Proposal be Adopted?
Cannabis Licensing Charter Amendment Summary Ballot Question:
This proposed charter amendment, if adopted, would establish an application process, selection criteria, licenses, fees, and regulations for three adult use retail cannabis establishments in the City. Shall the Proposal be Adopted?
Rochester Hills Renewal of Special Police Millage
The City of Rochester Hills funds police services through two (2) Special Police Millages which total 3.4864 mills [Special Police I = 1.1359 mill and Special Police II = 2.3505 mill]. These Special Police Millages will expire after their final levy this year to provide funding for the City’s Fiscal Year 2024. Shall the City of Rochester Hills be authorized to continue to levy up to a total of 3.4864 mills ($3.4864 per $1,000.00) on the taxable value of property located in the City for ten (10) years, beginning in 2024 (for Fiscal Year 2025) and continuing through 2033 (for Fiscal Year 2034), inclusive, which would raise an estimated $15,916,040.00 in the first year if levied in full, for the purpose of funding and maintaining police protection, services, and operations. If approved, this will renew previously authorized, but expiring, Special Police Millages.
