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In the Eastsider’s coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the governor’s race, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives, and the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates who are running uncontested for their party’s nomination. 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.
Governor of Michigan
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and six candidates, including a write-in candidate, are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The salary for the position is $159,300.
Democrat
Gretchen Whitmer
Running unopposed.
Republican
Tudor M. Dixon
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ryan D. Kelley
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Ralph Rebandt
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired Pastor
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: ralphrebandtforgovernor.com
Education: B.R.E., M.A.R., M.Div.
Previously and currently held elected offices: No
Top goals: We are in a social and moral crisis. My goal is to bring back our Jude’s-Christian values, and together with truth, transparency, and accountability: ensure constitutional protections; make Michigan an open record state; secure election integrity; provide school choice; reduce taxes and budget; eliminate corporate welfare and reduce government agencies by involving faith based organization’s; and establish a Citizens Round Table.
Republican
Kevin Rinke
Age: 61
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Hills
For how long: Michigan born and raised. I built my home in Oakland County, was raised in
Wayne County and worked in Macomb County.
Online campaign information: https://rinkeformichigan.com/
Education: Bachelor’s in Advertising with a minor in Statistics from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: As governor, I aim to make Michigan the best state in America. To do so, we must emulate what other successful states have done. I have called for the elimination of the state income tax by January 1, 2024. I want to create an economic climate that incentivizes businesses and workers to come to Michigan. I want to fix our education system, add vocational training to the common curriculum and get Michigan back on track.
Republican
Garrett Soldano
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
James Craig (Write-in)
Age: 65
Occupation: Served as Chief of Police in Portland, ME; Cincinnati, OH; and Detroit, MI. After eight years as Chief of Police in his hometown of Detroit and 44 years as a dedicated public servant, Craig retired in June 2021. After twenty-eight years with Los Angeles Police Department, the Chief rose through the ranks to Captain Three. 2 1/2 years as a Detroit Police Officer before being laid off.
Municipality of residence: Detroit, Michigan
For how long: Professional experience 44 years
Online campaign information: www.chiefjamescraig.com
Education: Craig graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1977, Obtained an undergraduate degree from West Coast University BS in Business and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Public Administration, James Craig, started coursework in a Doctorate program UOP; however, he had to stop the program when appointed Police Chief in the city of Detroit.
Previously and currently held elected offices: NONE.
Top goals: James Craig is running for Governor of Michigan with a commitment to fix leadership in state government and institute an effective administration that fosters a collaborative environment to drive the vibrancy of the state’s economy, education, public safety, and communities. I will work to WIN as a write-in candidate.
U.S. House of Representatives District 10
Five candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Huwaida Arraf
Age: 46
Occupation: Civil Rights Attorney
Municipality of residence: Macomb Township
For how long: 3 years
Online campaign information: huwaidaforcongress.com
Education: Juris Doctor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Getting big money out of politics so that we can make this government and economy work for the masses, not just the wealthy, well-connected few. I will fight to keep abortion legal, pass gun safety laws to protect our communities, guarantee health care, create good jobs that pay a living wage, expand social security, provide a quality education to every child, and make corporate polluters pay to clean our air and water.
Democrat
Carl J. Marlinga
Age: 75
Occupation: Retired Circuit Court Judge
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 40 years
Online campaign information: www.marlinga4congress.com
Education: Graduate University of Michigan Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney, 1985 – 2004; Macomb County Probate Judge, 2013-2016; Macomb County Circuit Court Judge, 2017 – February, 2022
Top goals: We must seriously address the price of gasoline and its affect upon overall inflation. We do this in the short term by authorizing a ceiling on profits that oil companies can make; but we also must move the economy to cheaper and cleaner forms of energy, harvesting the power of sun, wind, tides, and geothermal. We can create good paying union jobs by manufacturing the energy efficient products that will save our environment and provide cheap energy.
Democrat
Rhonda Powell
Age: 52
Occupation: Director of Operations
Municipality of residence: Mount Clemens
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: www.RhondaPowellforCongress.com
Education: MS Community Service, BA in Human Service
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: Rhonda Powell is a 4th generation resident of Macomb County, a proven leader and advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable people Washington continues to leave behind. She will fight to ensure pre-K for all children, combat climate change, government accountability, protect reproductive and voting rights, and help working families not just get by, but get ahead.
Rhonda Powell is a native of the 10th District that will represent the interest of fellow residents.
Democrat
Angela Rogensues
Age: 41
Occupation: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Municipality of residence: Warren, Michigan
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: www.angelaforuscongress.com
Education: Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Health studies and Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Educating Adults from DePaul University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Warren City Council, At Large Member
Top goals: Angela will fight Republican efforts to limit contraception and other essential reproductive healthcare access. Work to bring good-paying, union manufacturing jobs to the district by rebuilding American supply chains and making more products in Michigan. Angela will also prioritize lowering the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare and expanding benefits to cover vision, hearing, and dental. Stand up to special interests and Republicans trying to cut Social Security and Medicare Benefits.
Democrat
Henry Yanez
Age: 64
Occupation: retired
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: Website - henryyanezforcongress.com, FB Page - facebook.com/citi zenyanez, Twitter - @CitizenYanez
Education: AAS in Fire Science and General Studies from Oakland Community College
Previously and currently held elected offices: I am currently a City Councilman for the City of Sterling Heights. Previously I held the position of State Representative for House District 25, Sterling Heights and Warren, for three terms.
Top goals: 1 – I’ll work for an economy that is fair for everyone by lowering the cost of health care and prescriptions, hold corporations accountable for price gouging during tough economic times and make education more affordable to alleviate student debt.
2 – Affordable healthcare for all is a must, people shouldn’t go bankrupt for getting sick.
3 – Protecting our environment to make sure we leave a healthy, productive planet for future generations.
Republican
John James
Age: 41
Occupation: President, James Group
Municipality of residence: Farmington Hills, Michigan
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: JohnJamesMI.com
Education: United States Military Academy, BS; University of Michigan, MBA; Pennsylvania State University, MS Supply Chain Management
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Tackling rising prices, promoting clean water and quality education, repatriating manufacturing.
I will help stop reckless policies in Washington that cause more expensive gas, food and essentials. We must stop relying on foreign goods and bring our critical supply chains back to the U.S. I will prioritize investment in our futures by keeping our water clean and protecting a parent’s right to educate their children where they will be safest and most successful.
Republican
Tony Marcinkewciz
Age: 27
Occupation: Software Engineer
Municipality of residence: Macomb County
For how long: 10 years
Online campaign information: tonyformi10.com
Education: Bachelors Of Science in Information Technology Concentrations in Web and Database Development
Minor in Political Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals:
- Build Back American Small Business
- Lockdown Accountability Hearings
- Stop Inflation
- Lower Gas Prices
- Defund DC
State Senate District 11
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. State senators earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Veronica Klinefelt
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 30 years
Online campaign information: www.veronicaklinefelt.com
Education: Macomb Community College, Wayne State University, BS in Criminal Justice
Previously and currently held elected offices: Macomb County Commissioner (in 10th year), Eastpointe City Council (8 years), East Detroit School Board (6 years)
Top goals: Strong school districts and safe, clean neighborhoods are essential for thriving communities. We need to invest more locally. To attract businesses, we must invest in infrastructure, and training that meets the needs of today’s job market. We need to support programs that enable seniors to maintain their independence. The most important aspect of being an elected official is to understand that we are public servants who should work toward better government.
Democrat
Monique Owens
Age: 38
Occupation: Mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe, Michigan
For how long: 11+ years
Online campaign information: moniqueowensforsenate.org
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Concentration in Criminal Justice (Madonna University)
Previously and currently held elected offices: Councilwoman of Eastpointe, Michigan(2017-2019) and Mayor of Eastpointe, Michigan (2019-Present)
Top goals: Access to affordable housing by providing grants and a plan for new housing development. Quality education for our children by providing access to resources that accommodate them in housing, before and after school nutritional food programs, and tutoring services. Gun safety by providing thorough background checks to obtain a firearm, especially for those with a history of mental illness. Stricker laws of a high and aggravated nature for those caught in possession of weapons obtained illegally.
Republican
Mike MacDonald
Running unopposed.
State House of Representatives District 12
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Kimberly L. Edwards
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Democrat
Richard M. Steenland
Age: 60
Occupation: State Representative
Municipality of residence: Roseville
For how long: 60 years
Online campaign information: www.richsteenland.com
Education: Graduated from Roseville Brablec High School (1979), Associate’s Degree from Macomb Community College (1992) in general studies, attended Oakland University January 1993-January 1995
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current State Representative, 22nd House District (January 2021-present); Roseville City Clerk (November 2007-November 2020); Roseville City Council (November 1993-November 2007); Roseville Mayor Pro Tem (November 2005-November 2007)
Top goals: These are challenging times for all of us and moving Michigan forward in a post-COVID recovery will require experienced and pragmatic leadership from lawmakers. My priorities continue to be the creation of good paying jobs for our residents, strengthening our communities through investing in public education and expanding work force training programs, while keeping our communities safe by funding police/fire, fixing our roads/water infrastructure and providing tax relief to families facing increased costs of living.
Republican
Diane Saber
Running unopposed.
Michigan House of Representatives District 62
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and four candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Michael Brooks
Running unopposed.
Republican
Hilary Dubay
Age: 44
Occupation: Lead Sales Associate, Elite Wedding Co.
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 30+ years
Online campaign information: Dubay4Michigan.com
Education: Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: President, L’Anse Creuse School Board
Top goals: Advocating for children started with my son’s Autism diagnosis. Knowing students deserve the best education, led to my position on the L’Anse Creuse school board. Representing my community for the past 5 years has provided me with insights to issues unique to us. Improving our workforce, infrastructure and our economy needs attention! We need a voice in Lansing that will represent and stand up for us. I am qualified and capable of being that voice.
Republican
Joe Marino
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired Auto Dealer & currently own an automotive consulting firm
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 35 Years
Online campaign information: www.MarinoforMichigan.com
Education: St Peters Catholic, Notre Dame Catholic
Previously and currently held elected offices: Republican Precinct Delegate
Top goals: After spending 40 years in the auto business and running a successful dealership employing over 100 people, I experienced firsthand how important low taxes, controlled spending, and a healthy job environment are for Michigan families and our economy. With inflation raging, record high gas prices, and the economy on the edge, I feel my experience and business expertise give me the necessary qualifications to help get more dollars back in the hands of our taxpayers.
Republican
Alicia St. Germaine
Age: 52
Occupation: AFLAC Insurance Agent
Municipality of residence: Harrison Township
For how long: 33 years
Online campaign information: www.aliciastgermaine.com
Education: Roseville High School graduate and some college
Previously and currently elected offices: None
Top goals: I am not a seasoned politician and don’t pretend to have all the solutions. I will stay true to myself and stand up for what “We the People” actually means. I will support law enforcement, and work to find resources to protect school children without infringing on the Second Amendment. I will support small businesses for a strong economy. I will protect Lake St. Clair’s beauty. Promoting election integrity is also critical in my campaign.
Republican
Rola Zarife
Age: 43
Occupation: Financial Service Industry
Municipality of residence: Fraser, MI
For how long: 10 years, been a Macomb Resident partically my whole life
Online campaign information: voterola.com
Education: Bachelors in Finance from Walsh College
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: One of my top priorities will be to dig into how Lansing spends our tax dollars. With the financial uncertainty, the country and Michigan face, my almost two decades in financial services I feel will help me achieve this goal which will be critical in the coming years. The state’s COVID response was immoral and I would work to ensure no Governor could act in that fashion again.
Macomb County Executive
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. The county executive earns a salary of $175,061.
Democrat
Mark A. Hackel
Running unopposed.
Republican
Nicholyn Brandenburg
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 10
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and one candidate is running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Harold L. Haugh
Running unopposed.
Republican
Adam Shane Pelt
Running unopposed.
Macomb County Board of Commissioners District 13
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and three candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Macomb County commissioners earn a salary of $35,704. The board chair, elected by the commissioners, earns a salary of $91,809.
Democrat
Courtney Flynn
Age: 35
Occupation: Communications and Public Information Director, City of Oak Park
Municipality of residence: St. Clair Shores
For how long: 4 months
Online campaign information: flynnforthewin.com
Education: Bachelors of Science in Print Journalism from Bowling Green State University; Masters of Public Administration from Wayne State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goals as a Macomb County Commissioner are to Ensure the Board of Commissioners provides the oversight necessary of a government entity that best serves the residents and creates a strong system of checks and balances;
Leverage funds, specifically federal dollars, to further invest in infrastructure, clean water, senior and veteran services and broadband access;
Create a level of transparency that allows residents to be engaged in and understand how County government is working to represent their needs.
Democrat
Sarah Ann Lucido
Age: 44
Occupation: Eastpointe City Councilperson
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: 35 years
Online campaign information: https://sarahlucidoforcountycommissioner.weebly.com
Education: Graduate of East Detroit High School, Michigan State University Extension Citizen Planner Program, and Greater Metropolitan Association of Relators Training Program
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to Eastpointe City Council in 2015 and reelected in 2019
Top goals: My priority is to ensure that our South Macomb County communities are receiving our fair share of funding and to make certain that we are not allowing our residents’ hard earned tax dollars to be wasted. Fair distribution and zero waste, that is my goal. I have seven years of elected government experience. I know the budgeting process in municipal and regional government. I am ready and able to protect our interests.
Democrat
Robert D. Roscoe
Age: No answer given.
Occupation: No answer given.
Municipality of residence: Eastpointe
For how long: I have lived in Eastpointe for the past 15 years.
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: No answer given.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I currently serving my second term as an Eastpointe School Board Member as (Treasurer).
Top goals: I love my community and I want to serve. I have served in leaderships roles in the union for over 40 years including chairman, contract negotiator, and union steward. My Platform is to protect workers, seniors, ensure safe water, roads repair, and community development. Most of all I want to create and environment which government considers communication with the community to make life improvements. Please consider Robert Roscoe as your Macomb County Commissioner.
Republican
Michael Babat
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
Republican
Randell J. Shafer
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
