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MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — In the Madison-Park News coverage area, voters will elect candidates vying for various federal, state, county, judicial and school board seats on Nov. 8. Voters will also decide state-level judicial contests.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for uncontested races.
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
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 return questionnaire by press time.
State House of Representatives District 8
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives receive a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Mike McFall
Age: 48
Occupation: Membership Services and Philanthropy Associate for the Williams Syndrome Association
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 5 years
Online campaign information: www.MikeMcFall.com
Education: Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Public Administration
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current Mayor Pro Tem of Hazel Park
Top goals: We must DESTIGMATIZE MENTAL ILLNESS and make care affordable and available when people need help, in times of crisis or routine care. I believe in a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions. I will stand up against all attacks on REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM. I support SMALL BUSINESSES, getting owners the resources they need so that our communities can thrive. I support common sense GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION measures like background checks and red-flag laws.
Republican
Robert Noble
Age: 64
Occupation: Self Employed
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 13 years
Online campaign information: www.nobleforstaterep.com
Education: Assoc. in Paralegal Science.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Seniors: Help our seniors by getting more money in their pockets. Education: Redo Proposal 1 on how public schools are funded to put schools on an equitable level. Teachers: Work to get teachers’ pay compatible to corp. America. Reinstate their right to strike. People: Get people off minimum wage by providing state sponsored zero interest loans for trade schools to advance themselves into good jobs. Crime: Place harsher mandatory criminal sentencing on crimes with guns.
State House of Representatives District 57
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Aisha Farooqi
Age: 38
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: www.farooqifor57.com
Education: University of Detroit Mercy-School of Law (JD). University of Michigan-Dearborn (BA).
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: As an attorney and Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals member, I know the importance of listening to the needs of the community. As your representative, I will be your voice in Lansing. My goals include:
• Creating good paying jobs and repealing the retirement tax
• Fully funding public education
• Investing in road and water infrastructure
• Safeguarding our freedom to make private healthcare decisions without government interference
• Supporting our local police and fire departments
Republican
Thomas E. Kuhn
Age: 71
Occupation: Attorney
Municipality of residence: Troy
For how long: 21 years
Online campaign information: VoteTomKuhn
Education: BA, MA, Ph.D degrees (Political Science); JD (Law degree)
Previously and currently held elected offices: 12 years, City Commissioner; 12 years, Community College Trustee; 4 years, County Commissioner
Top goals: My top goals include K-12 educational reform, as well as support for increased funding for local police and infrastructure. School closures have left many of our children below grade level in basic reading and math skills. We need to make sure that no kids are left behind. Also, we need to significantly improve funding for our local police-- particularly retention, training and forensic work-- and improve funding for infrastructure—roads, sewers and water.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 3
Two candidates are running for one two-year term. Oakland County commissioners receive a salary of approximately $36,000.
Democrat
Gary McGillivray
Age: 70
Occupation: Oakland County Commissioner
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: Not given
Online campaign information: Facebook Page
Education: 2 years of College in Law Enforcement, many classes through Michigan Assc. Of Counties, Michigan Municipal League, Mparks and others.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Madison Heights City Councilman & Mayor 1983- 2009, Currently serving as Oakland County Commissioner 2009 – Present, Oakland County Parks Commission currently Chairman.
Top goals: I believe the top goal as a Commissioner is to be a good fiscal steward of your tax dollars. It will be important to provide good practices for increased economic development. It is important also for good service to all county residents and businesses. Getting past our COVID pandemic has been difficult, but I think we have done a good job to prevent recurrence of the past couple years.
Republican
Ronald Dwyer
Age: 48
Occupation: Business owner of RCS JANITORIAL, a multi-state operational janitorial company; Realtor 20+ Years; Insurance Agent 30+ years
Municipality of residence: Troy Homeowner
For how long: Troy for 27 years, Oakland County for 48 years
Online campaign information: ronforoakland.com
Education: Associates Degree Oakland Community College ; Insurance Degree American Institute of Insurance ; Licensed Insurance Agent, Licensed Realtor
Previously and currently held elected offices: Precinct Delegate 5 terms city of Troy
Top goals: 1) Protect our AAA bond rating. 2) Stop wasteful spending like $3 Million to the World Economic Forum which states we have too many automobiles and paying $25 Million to the Highland Park water bill. 3) Properly fund the Sheriff department and return it’s $1.5 million shortfall as crime is on the rise. 4) Protect parents’ rights. 5) Protect small business from interference by intrusive unconstitutional mandates. 6) Build a business-friendly Oakland. 7) Protect Oakland County Parks.
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 (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.
Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education
Six candidates are running
for three four-year terms.
Adam Duberstein
Age: 41
Occupation: Clinical Psychologist
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 2.5 years
Online campaign information: www.facebook.com/ElectAdam Duberstein
Education: BA, Earlham College; MA, Ohio State; MA & Doctorate, Michigan School of Psychology
Previously and currently held elected offices: Hazel Park District Library Board Trustee since November 2020; currently library board president.
Top goals: 1). I want to work with the cities of Hazel Park and Ferndale to offer financial incentives for employees for living in our district. 2). Students should have more curricular options. I want students to learn about skilled trades earlier, and I’d like to see more foreign language and fine arts offerings. 3). I’d like to make sure that all students have a relationship with a counselor, a social worker, and a school psychologist.
Benjamin Ervin
Age: 34
Occupation: Automotive Business Manager
Municipality of residence: I live within the Hazel Park School District as well as Ferndale’s city limits.
For how long: Since 2016.
Online campaign information: https://www.facebook.com/VoteBenjaminErvin
Education: University of Kentucky, B.A. in Political Science; Michigan State University, Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: The success of Hazel Park students will always be my guiding light for decisions. I’m able to work with anyone, on anything - as long as the end goal is student success. My top goals are to 1) retain and attract the best teachers; 2) improve student academic performance; 3) increase resources supporting students’ mental health; 4) boost career readiness by creating a career fair, financial education class, and enhance current trade skills programs.
Beverly Hinton
Age: 70
Occupation: Retired pre-school teacher
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: Lifetime
Online campaign information: Facebook.com - Hinton for School Board
Education: Two years at University of Michigan
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current school board member 8 years
Top goals: I’m seeking re-election to continue my lifetime of service to our school district and community. As a passionate advocate for public education and children I will advocate for safe entrances, trade classes, schools of character, opening the Webb pool, improving transparency, maintaining fiscal responsibility, retaining staff and students, strengthening school community relations, listening to teachers, staff, parents and taxpayers. Endorsed by the MEA and HPEA unions. I would be honored to have your support too!
Deborah Laframboise
Age: 55
Occupation: Administrative Assistant
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 25 years
Online campaign information: Deborah Laframboise for School Board
Education: Bachelors from University of Detroit Mercy in Elementary Education, Masters from Oakland University in Curriculum, Instruction & Leadership.
Previously and currently held offices: None
Top goals: My top goal, when elected, is getting behavior under control. Having spent the last 20 years as a substitute teacher in Hazel Park schools, I have seen a dramatic increase in behavior issues. I feel many of the other issues facing educators today will decrease if behavior is under control. More goals are adequately preparing our students for adulthood and increasing test scores and graduation rate. I am endorsed by the HPEA, and MEA.
Ian Lloyd
Age: 45
Occupation: Licensed Master Social Worker
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 30+ years
Online campaign information: Facebook - Elect Ian Lloyd
Education: Hazel Park High School Diploma; Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare, University of Washington; Masters of Social Work [Clinical], University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Michigan Department of Education: School Social Worker, Graduate School Credential, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor [full approval]; Licensed Master Social Worker, Michigan Department of Health, Board of Social Work
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: As an honorably discharged active-duty military veteran, home owner, and father to a 6 y/o son, I care about the safety and quality of the education and services in Hazel Park Schools provided to our children. My top goal as a candidate running for school board is to unite the community by fostering and nurturing a healthy atmosphere of trust, transparency, in order to enhance school and support services to students, parents, and the community.
Monica Rattee
Age: 33
Occupation: Associate Broker and Bookkeeper at Re/Max in the Park, Bookkeeper at the Hazel Park Promise Zone and Bookkeeper at the Pontiac Promise Zone
Municipality of residence: Hazel Park
For how long: 33
Online campaign information: facebook.com/electmonicarattee
Education: High School Diploma
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: My top goal is to bring in new programs that will allow our students to get certifications and/or college credits while still in high school. I am a mother of three and I want the best for them which means I want the best for their peers as well so they can all succeed together.
The Lamphere Schools
Board of Education
Five candidates are running for three six-year terms.
Anthony Austin
Age: 58
Occupation: President, 1 Vision Media Group
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 23 Years
Online campaign information: email at AnthonyPAustin@1VisionMediaGroup.com
Education: Level 4 Master Board Member with the Michigan Association of School Boards (368 Educational Hours) B.S. in Information Systems - Clarion University of Pennsylvania Army Officer Communications (Signal) Basic and Advance Courses Graduate Army Combined Arms Services Staff School Graduate Digital Media Arts Graduate - Specs Howard School of Media Arts
Previously and currently held elected offices: Current School Board Member for Lamphere School District (President last two years)
Top goals: I am committed to the educational, professional, personal development and safety of our students. I am running to continue the successful work that is being done in the Lamphere Schools and the continued pledge of helping our students succeed in their life goals. Our top goals continues to center around: Student Safety; Student Mental Health; and a Curriculum that will allow our students to compete globally. I feel I have the professional, communication, community and educational skills needed to assist Lamphere Schools achieve these goals.
Paul Cavanaugh
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 37 years
Online campaign information: No answer given
Education: BA in Education from Western Michigan University
Previously and currently held elected offices: Lamphere School Board for 14 years. Currently running for a fourth term.
Top goals: Students are top priority. All classes, programs, positions, all spending, all decisions are made based on what is best for our students. Lamphere Schools provide multiple opportunities for students to explore. A top priority is to continue to provide and improve opportunities in academics, athletics, leadership, music, drama, and other areas of interest. Student safety, mental health, and learning loss due to COVID are top priorities as we navigate post pandemic education.
Lexi Cousino
Age: 37
Occupation: Licensed Nursing Home Administrator
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 12 years
Online campaign information: Lexi Cousino for Lamphere School Board
Education: Bachelors in Recreation Therapy, Masters in Healthcare Administration
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: Prevent staff burnout and improve retention: I will fight for retention and recognition of all Lamphere staff, including teachers and support staff. Overall student health/wellness- Ensuring our students have a safe environment to learn and have an environment that is conducive to safe in mind and body. Career/Life readiness: Push for options for our students to explore their passions and utilize common sense to ensure they are set up for a successful career and life.
Dedra LeSage
Age: 47
Occupation: Accounting Administrator
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 14 years
Education: Not listed
Online campaign information:
https://www.facebook.com/DedraLesageforLamphereSchoolBoard/
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: 1. Improving the mental health of our students. I will fight for our students to help the schools provide access to the resources they need to cope with mental health issues. 2. Teacher Retention – Creative ideas to keep and attract talent. 3. Post-Secondary Options – College is not part of everyone’s path to success. For the past year I have been reaching out to unions and trades schools to research options that are available for students.
Ryan McCann
Age: 46
Occupation: Principal Agile Coach at Rocket Central
Municipality of residence: Madison Heights
For how long: 20 years
Online campaign information: N/A
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University
Previously and currently held elected offices: School Board Trustee & School Board Secretary
Top goals: If re-elected, I would continue to: 1. Support programs and curriculum that equip our students with the tools they need to succeed beyond high school (e.g. robotics, phenomenal science, inquiry journeys). 2. Ensure our district is fiscally responsible. 3. Ensure our district provides for the safety and welfare of students. I believe I have the experience, skills, connectedness (two children currently attending Lamphere Schools), and passion to continue to serve on the Lamphere School Board.
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?
