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MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — In the Madison-Park News coverage area, voters will select party candidates vying to earn spots in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in the primary election Aug. 2.
Below are profiles submitted by the candidates. Profiles do not appear for candidates uncontested in their party. 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 11
Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary and two candidates are running in the Republican primary to compete for one two-year term in November. U.S. representatives earn a salary of $174,000.
Democrat
Andy Levin
Age: 61
Occupation: U.S. Representative in Congress
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 16 years
Online campaign information: No answer given.
Education: BA in Religion from Williams College, MA in Asian Languages and Culture from U of M, JD from Harvard Law School
Previously and currently held elected offices: Elected to U.S. Congress in 2018
Top goals: My goals are simple. Our children have a right to grow up on a safe, livable planet. No American should have to choose between seeking health care and feeding themselves. Schools shouldn’t be warzones. Justice matters. Democracy matters. That’s why I came to Congress--for our kids and our communities--and because I steadfastly believe that the American people deserve better. Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Democrat
Haley Stevens
Age: 39
Occupation: Member of Congress, Michigan’s 11th District
Municipality of residence: Waterford
For how long: 1 year
Online campaign information: https://haleystevensforcongress.com/
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy, American University. Masters of Arts in Social policy and Philosophy from American University.
Previously and currently held elected offices: Member of Congress, Michigan’s 11th Congressional District. Elected 2018 and re-elected 2020.
Top goals: If I am re-elected my top goal will be to continue delivering for the people of Oakland County. From fighting for a women’s right to choose to ensuring women and girls have access to quality STEM education I will never back down for my constituents. Additionally, some of my most important votes while in Congress have been to address this national epidemic of gun violence which has hit us even here in Oakland County recently.
Republican
Mark Ambrose
Age: 52
Occupation: Regional Investment Manager and Chartered Financial Analyst
Municipality of residence: Bloomfield Township
For how long: 13 years most recently - also raised in Bloomfield Twp. (addtl. 18 years)
Online campaign information: https://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, Masters of International Affairs, Russian Studies: 1995-1998; Columbia Business School, Masters of Business Administration, 1996-1998
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals: My top goals are to fix our broken economy and reverse runaway inflation, to protect our borders and reform our immigration policy, and to keep America safe at home and abroad.
Republican
Matthew DenOtter
Age: 48
Occupation: Sales, Johnson & Johnson
Municipality of residence: Highland
For how long: 7 years in Highland; 2 years in Farmington before that
Online campaign information: www.DenOtterforCongress.com
Education: I’m a graduate of Calvin University with a Degree in Criminal Justice.
Previously and currently held elected offices: None; outsider.
Top goals: I’m a proud conservative Republican. My core beliefs are that we must put our Nation first, that the federal government should not be infringing on our day-to-day lives, that freedom and liberty are essential, and that we must stand for law and order. I want to get rid of Haley Stevens and Andy Levin who do not represent the values of our communities – we need to bring commonsense back to Oakland County.
State Senate District 3
Two candidates are running for the Democratic nomination and no candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one four-year term in November. 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.
Democrat
Toinu Reeves
Age: 46
Occupation: Founder and Managing Director of two Nonprofits: Laescient.org and Socivisus.org; University of Michigan - Graduate Student Instructor - Graduate Employees’ Union Member
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 46 years
Online campaign information: toinu4statesenate.org
Education: Dartmouth College - AB Economics and Philosophy; Wayne State University - Graduate Mathematics Program; University of Michigan - MA Economics; University of Michigan - PhD Candidate Economics
Previously and currently held elected offices: N/A
Top goals:
• Secure Money for Economic Development, Jobs, and Job Training
• Reduce Gun Violence
• Support Veterans and First Responders
• Expand Healthcare Coverage Including Mental Health
• Ensure Equitable Funding for Education
• Develop Prosperous and Diverse Communities
• Return the $600 Million in Excess Property Taxes to Detroit Residents by the City of Detroit following the 2007 crisis
• Ensure each local municipalities receives its fair share of State taxes
• Establish Environmental Justice
State House of Representatives District 8
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. State representatives earn a salary of $71,685.
Democrat
Durrel K. Douglas
Age: 35
Occupation: Community Organizer, Non-Profit Founder
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 2 years
Online campaign information: DouglasForMichigan.com
Education: Western Governors University
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: - Bring good-paying jobs back to our communities and fight for a livable minimum wage.
- Fight to ensure every Michigan family has access to quality health care, regardless of their economic situation.
- Ensure that all of our children receive the education they need to thrive.
- Finally fix our crumbling roads and infrastructure.
- Work for criminal justice reform to provide real second chances and to lower incarceration rates.
Democrat
Ernest Little
Age: 69
Occupation: Realtor and Mortgage Loan Originator, retired City of Detroit Housing Inspector
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 69 years
Online campaign information: ernestlittleforstaterep.com
Education: Wayne State University, Bachelor of Science
Previously and currently held elected offices: President of Third Precinct Police/Community Relations Council 2018 to present, Democratic Precinct Delegate 171, Member of Coordinating Council for Detroit Empowerment Zone 1995 and Selective Service System Local Board 91 from1983 to 2003
Top goals: Institute More Measures to Fight Crime And Provide Safe Streets. Increase Programs That Combat Drug Abuse, Provide Early Intervention, And Improve Addiction Recovery. Ensure Access To Early-Childhood Education And Equitably Funded K-12 Schools. Fight For Affordable Healthcare, Housing, And Mental Health Repeal Taxes On Retiree Pensions. Promote Women’s Rights.
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.
Democrat
Ryan Nelson
Age: 44
Occupation: Employment Services Company - Founder and Executive Recruiter
Municipality of residence: Detroit
For how long: 2 years
Online campaign information: www.BuildMichiganStrong.com
Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering - The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: I have knocked doors everyday in every neighborhood in our new 8th District, and will continue if elected, because I know that we have better ideas and deeper wisdom to solve the tough issues we face than the politically well-connected few in Lansing. Doing democracy everyday, and not politics, will be my goal. I am running to be a problem-solver and tireless advocate for- and to affirm the work, experience, and dignity of- every citizen.
Democrat
David M. Soltis
Age: 55
Occupation: Teacher
Municipality of residence: City of Madison Heights
For how long: 14 years
Online campaign information: soltis.statehousemi@gmail.com
Education: B.A. Oakland University & Masters Public Administration Oakland University
Previously and currently held elected offices: 3rd Term Elected City Councilman Madison Heights
Top goals: I want to continue advocating at the State level for seniors and children including Juvenile Justice as well as school reform. I have seen firsthand that there are inequalities across school districts and staffing ratios are unbalanced. Michigan’s Child Protective Services are in disarray. 2018 Audit General’s Report stated serious violations. Even to current day state’s child welfare system is under federal court oversight. I will bring common sense and sanity to Lansing.
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: pre-law degree from Purdue University Global
Previously and currently held elected offices: None
Top goals: There are many areas that have importance to me but here are top priorities: RULE OF LAW: Pro Law Enforcement - NEVER defund our 1st responders. SENIORS: Non-taxable pensions. BUSINESS: Less Regulation for small business start-ups. GUN CONTROL: Severe criminal sentencing when a firearm is involved. PEOPLE FIRST: What is best for the district, the state of Michigan and the political party is last. VETERANS: A Hire Veterans first policy with small businesses.
Republican
Attie Pollard
Age: 37
Occupation: Commercial Security
Municipality of residence: Highland Park
For how long: 7 years
Online campaign information: Facebook.com/Attie Pollard for Highland Park City Council District 1 & Michigan State House District 8.
Education: Detroit Northern High School class of 2004 With a high school diploma.
Previously and currently held elected offices: I was in Candidate for the Michigan State House in 2016
Top goals: End to the State Income Tax, Sales Taxing Powers to localities in Michigan, Death Penalty for Murder & Rape Crimes, Legalization of Prostitution, Commission of New Nuclear Power Plants to Reduce Greenhouse Emissions, Education Diversity such as push for homeschooling & charter schools, and ballot reform to pay a fee option to become a candidate for Governor, Senator, US Rep and President.
State House of Representatives District 57
Two candidates are running in the Democratic primary and one candidate is running in the Republican primary to compete for one two-year term in November. 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 (B.A.).
Previously and currently held elected offices: None.
Top goals: 1. Supporting economic development and bringing good-paying jobs to our communities. 2. Improving our infrastructure. 3. Ensuring that our children receive an adequate and equitable public education. 4. Investing in community safety initiatives. 5. Protecting our environment and drinking water.
Democrat
Marcia Squier
Age: 47
Occupation: Valet Training Manager
Municipality of residence: Sterling Heights
For how long: Since 2018
Online campaign information: Hiresquier.com
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, Psychology Major, Wayne State University, Class of 1997
Previously and currently held elected offices: Chairman & 2nd Vice President: Ingleside-Grossedale Park Association (2013-2018), St. Clair Shores, MI; Secretary: Kennedy Middle School PTC (2014), Lakeshore Public Schools, St. Clair Shores, MI
Top goals: Investment in the following 4 areas: Healthcare, Infrastructure, Renewables, Education. As a noncorporate candidate, I have zero conflicts of interest and believe we need to get big money out of politics. I support reproductive rights, the LGBT & BIPOC communities, secular government and common sense gun regulations.
Republican
Thomas E. Kuhn
Running unopposed.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 3
One candidate is running for the Democratic nomination and two candidates are running for the Republican nomination to compete for one two-year term in November. Oakland County commissioners earn an approximately $36,000 salary.
Democrat
Gary R. McGillivray
Running unopposed.
Republican
Ronald Dwyer
Age: 48
Occupation: Owner of RCS JANITORIAL a multi-state janitorial company, Realtor 20+ Years, Insurance Agent 30+ years
Municipality of residence: Troy Homeowner
For how long: Resided in the City of Troy for 27 years. Lived in 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 4 terms city of Troy
Top goals: As a homeowner in the district, my goals are to continue the legacy that Brooks Patterson left, keep our AAA bond rating by keeping our spending in check and that has not been happening with wasteful spending, making sure small business are not interfered with by intrusive unconstitutional mandates and allow parents to decide what’s best for their children’s safety. Also continue to provide our Sherrif’s department the tools to protect the community
Republican
Al Gui
Did not return questionnaire by press time.
