Our recommendations for November ballot

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township voters will be deciding in the November 5 general election a variety of congressional, state, county and local political offices, along with local school boards, plus determining the fate of a county proposal for a tax increase for parks. Downtown Newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in all of the races, the answers to which can be found in the Voter Guide which we have posted at downtownpublications.com/voterguide. Most but not all candidates responded, a requirement to get an endorsement.

We considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues. In determining who we thought could best represent voters, we looked at both views of the candidates and how well they sync with the views of those they would represent. Lastly, we continue to ask all candidates whether or not they accepted the results of the 2020 presidential election – an ongoing litmus test for us.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

11th District / Two-year term

(Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills)

Since she first took office in 2018, we have been impressed with Congresswoman HALEY STEVENS, a Democrat who stakes out a more moderate stance on most issues which we think aligns best with residents of this sprawling district that takes in a large portion of the county. A big-government radical? Hardly. She has built a strong reputation as someone concerned about growing manufacturing in Michigan and has led efforts to engage younger women in technology and engineering. On critical issues like women’s healthcare and the LGBTQ+ community, she stands squarely on the side of those defending constituents’ rights. Stevens has proven capable of both working across the aisle but does not shrink when it’s necessary to do battle on behalf of her district. Her opponent in this contest seems like a classic isolationist which in the most extreme can lead to an abdication of leadership on the world stage, not what is needed nowadays. Voters’ best bet is to return Stevens for another two-year term.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

6th District / Two-year term

(Majority of Birmingham, part of Bloomfield Township)

We have been very impressed with the attention to detail and focus NATALIE PRICE has given to the issues presented during her first term, and recommend she be re-elected to this district which meanders into Royal Oak, Berkley and Huntington Woods. A diligent, nose-to-the-grindstone public servant, she has particularly been zeroed in on issues that affect her communities, no doubt the result of her time as a local municipal board member. We especially give her props for the noise ordinance legislation she introduced this session which would hopefully control the noise on Woodward Avenue.

19th District / Two-year term

(Part of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township)

We have been impressed with what we have seen from Democrat SAMANTHA STECKLOFF, now finishing her second term in the state House. A breast cancer survivor, she has harnessed that experience to become a warrior for women’s health care rights. Steckloff has also used one of her committee chair positions to dig into the topic of education, to everyone’s benefit. And she has applied an equal effort on another committee to address transportation and road funding needs. We also get the sense that she has not forgotten her local Farmington Hills City Commission roots and works to keep in touch with local constituents both here and the other communities in this district. Voters should return her to Lansing where her work is not complete.

20th District / Two-year term

(Bloomfield Township)

Two years ago we were excited to endorse Democrat Noah Arbit for this perennially swing district, noting his support for LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, and he went on to win the seat. We were pleased with his advocacy in extending the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to add sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as his work on hate crime legislation. But we rue that Arbit frequently forgets that a portion of Bloomfield Township is included in this district which also contains West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake and a few other municipalities. We have raised this issue with him in the past so we view his failure to respond this cycle to our entreaties as a ghosting of us and the one precinct in the township. Immaturity or arrogance? You decide. Success is performative, and we remind Arbit, and all elected officials, that every vote is critical, no matter how small they believe a precinct, and we regret he did not respond so we could continue our conversation.

54th District – Two-year term

(Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills)

This race is a rerun of the 2022 battle in which the Republican prevailed. We found ourselves falling prey to wishful thinking that backing the Democrat in this race, who we endorsed in the last election, would help strengthen that party’s dominance in the House. However, we feel Republican incumbent DONNI STEELE of Lake Orion should be given a second term as the better informed candidate in this contest. While we don’t agree with her on some issues, we also support her take on others, like lack of budget transparency and the little time lawmakers are given to review the spending plans each year. We have been impressed by Steele in several instances, notably when she bucked the GOP party line on common sense votes for gun safety and abortion rights, noting they reflected the values of her constituents. We hope she does that more often.

56th District / Two-year term

(Part of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township)

House Democrat SHARON MACDONELL of Troy got our endorsement in 2022 and we have never regretted our decision. A community activist, she ran on a platform of fighting for education funding, improved access to health care and voting rights. Fortunately for us all, she beat back a recall attempt last year because of her support for ‘red flag’ laws when it comes to gun control. Her Republican opponent seems to lack a basic understanding of the issues. No question that MacDonell belongs in Lansing.

OAKLAND COUNTY

County Executive / Four-year term

Like many, we watched carefully when incumbent executive Dave Coulter was appointed to the position in August 2019, following the death of forever executive L. Brooks Patterson. We are very pleased to state that Coulter has acquitted himself more than admirably as he completes his first full elected term. He has imprinted his stamp on Oakland County while maintaining the important AAA rating, provided financial stability and definitely has the support of the business community – as well as many Republicans who comprise that community. We are especially pleased to see how Coulter has expanded the county’s portfolio through environmental sustainability and equal rights and access for all residents. As Oakland County ages – a fact many local municipalities are facing as well – he is tasking his deputies and others in county government with creative development to assist that demographic. We do have questions regarding the immense financial investment into the city of Pontiac, which his opponent raised, but we are trusting Coulter in this and many other matters. Voters should definitely give DAVE COULTER another four-year term.

County Prosecutor / Four-year term

When Democrat KAREN MCDONALD was first elected as Oakland County Prosecutor four years ago, some had a tendency to label her a ‘progressive’ candidate merely on the basis of her platform of making changes in that office if elected. Frankly, the changes were not part of a ‘progressive’ agenda, they were simply necessary. She has fulfilled many of the promises made on the campaign trail, getting involved with gun storage and ‘red flag’ laws, along with reviewing cash bail policies and creation of a Conviction Integrity Unit to review convictions in past cases and a Hate Crimes Unit. She has initiated a number of other changes in how her office operates that were long overdue. Most recently her office sparked a national conversation with its handling of the Oxford school shooting as prosecution took place for both the shooter and his parents. Her Republican opponent in this race has raised a number of issues and we would think that the valid ones will be addressed but we trust McDonald is the one to determine where improvement is still needed. Voters should give her another term.

County Sheriff / Four-year term

Republican MICHAEL BOUCHARD has served as Oakland County Sheriff for over 24 years, following time in the state legislature. Bouchard commands a workforce of over 1,400 employees and the department actually serves by contract as the policing force for many local communities. He still remains involved at the state level when it comes to necessary legislation while being recognized with his involvement in law enforcement professional groups at the national level, including work with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. We think Bouchard has been progressive when it comes to keeping Oakland County ahead of the curve in terms of new concepts in law enforcement and he currently is without peers. Vote for Bouchard.

County Clerk / Four-year term

With the exception of one election in the last decade, which we admitted at the time was a close call on our part, we have always found ourselves endorsing Democrat LISA BROWN for the office of Oakland County Clerk, and this year we are recommending her again for another four-year term. We were impressed with her performance when she was a member of the state legislature and she quickly mastered the rigors of being the county clerk and register of deeds. Brown responded well to the increased challenges posed by the 2020 and 2022 elections, and she continues to update her office and services, both as clerk and register of deeds. Brown brings a strong track record and tons of institutional knowledge which is why voters must turn to her first.

County Treasurer / Four-year term

Currently completing his first four-year term following successful stints in the state legislature, county treasurer ROBERT WITTENBERG is continuing the strong performance of his predecessor, and is working to further assistance and cooperation with local municipalities. Wittenberg has a solid grasp of both how the office operates and the importance of maintaining the AAA bond rating for Oakland County.

Water Resources Commissioner / Four-year term

Between his time as a county commissioner and as water resources commissioner, Democrat JIM NASH has served Oakland County for about 20 years. Long before he took on his latest role, Nash had earned a reputation as an environmentalist and that has only been firmed up since then. The challenges facing the office of water resources commissioner continue to grow and Nash has demonstrated that he is more than equipped to handle the changes in the modern era. He is adept at bringing together resource persons to address issues and has earned a place as an environmental leader when it comes to sewer and water, the county’s many lakes and the multitude of climate change challenges today and in the years ahead. Oakland County will be in good hands with Nash’s return to another four-year term.

Board of Commissioners

1st District

(Part of Birmingham)

The incumbent in this race, DAVE WOODWARD, has spent a lot of years in the trenches, first representing his constituents as state representative in the House, and since 2005, as a county commissioner. When the county board switched to Democratic leadership, his fellow board members made him the board chair, and for good reason. Woodward understands the issues of Oakland County like few others – not only what needs to be done, but how to get things accomplished.

9th District

(Part of Bloomfield Township)

The incumbent Democrat in this district, ANGELA POWELL, was first elected to the county board in 2018. She has a good grasp of the issues and understands the needs of Oakland County. She should be given another two-year term.

11th District

(Part of Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills)

First elected to the Oakland County board in 2004, Democrat MARCIA GERSHENSON of Bloomfield Township has built a reputation as a hard working, knowledgeable, devoted member of the commission. Currently the vice chairwoman of the board, she brings detailed comprehension of county government along with her past involvement with the regional SEMCOG organization. Another two-year term is in order.

18th District

(Part of Bloomfield Township)

Democrat LINNIE TAYLOR was appointed county commissioner for this district in December of 2023 and in her short tenure has shown her value representing residents. She brings past Southfield City Council experience and a masters degree in Human Resource Management to the position. Voters should grant her a two-year term.

19th District

(Most of Birmingham)

Democrat CHARLIE CAVELL, a social worker from Ferndale, has represented this district well for the last two years, helping to advance the objectives of the Democratic board of commissioners while advocating for both the children in Oakland County and its senior population. Cavell should be returned to the board for another term.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

Supervisor / Four-year term

Four years ago, we gave the benefit of the doubt to Dani Walsh, a Democrat who first ran as a Republican to win a trustee seat in 2016. She argued for a separate HR position for the 400-plus employees, and emphasized that a comprehensive master plan was long overdue. We won’t make that same mistake again, having witnessed chaotic management (or mismanagement) of the township for almost four years, a lack of respect towards colleagues and an inability to take the mantle of responsibility for critical leadership decisions. There is still no HR director, nor a new master plan, and the irresponsible haste and incompetence of a last minute strategic plan was the final straw for us. We strongly believe Republican MIKE MCCREADY can hit the ground running with little learning curve if elected supervisor. He is battle-tested – experience that will benefit Bloomfield Township residents. McCready is a former Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner and a three-term state Representative with financial acumen and knowledge writing legislation, which requires working with residents and local municipal leaders. After being term-limited, late Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson snagged him to be the county’s economic development director, a position he continued for the vibrant city of Novi. McCready’s wealth of experience and low-key, no-drama persona will allow Bloomfield Township to thrive as the top-notch community residents – and employees – expect it to be.

Trustee / Four-year term / Elect four

A reminder to voters that Clerk Martin Brook and Treasurer Michael Schostak are running unopposed. There are seven candidates, however, running for four open board of trustee seats. While township candidates must designate a party affiliation, it is noteworthy that Bloomfield Township voters are not partisan, voting for the best candidates regardless of party label. The three incumbents, NEAL BARNETT, VALERIE SAYLES MURRAY and CHRISTOPHER KOLINSKI all deserve to be re-elected. Neal Barnett has over 20 years of excellent and devoted service to the township, and is the definition of institutional wisdom. No matter who he deals with, Barnett treats everyone with respect and shares the knowledge he has gained. In her first term, Val Murray comes completely prepared for every meeting, having studied the issues at hand and has shown compassion and interest for all residents. Chris Kolinski was appointed last year to fill Michael Schostak’s seat when he was appointed treasurer, but he previously was chair of the township’s board of review and member of the financial sustainability committee. A fireman/paramedic with Northville Township, he provides a unique perspective on public safety and union needs, resources and bargaining for the board. ROMAN GRIGORIEV would nicely round out the board of trustees table, with thoughtful ideas of how to improve the community.

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS BOARD

Nonpartisan / Six-year term / Vote for three

Four candidates are seeking three positions to be determined in this November election. Two of the group are current members of the board – AMY HOCHKAMMER, treasurer of the board, and JENNIFER RASS, who now serves as board president – and must be returned for new terms. Their skills, knowledge and understanding of school issues are needed on this board. For the third open seat, we recommend JASON TEJANI, an attorney and scientist. His passion for education and his views on what is needed in the district would be a good board addition.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD

Nonpartisan / Four-year term / Vote for three

There are three open seats on the seven-member Bloomfield Hills Schools of Education. Incumbent Siva Kumar is no longer running due to a job opportunity, although his name still appears on the ballot. Fellow incumbents MICHELLE SOUTHWARD and JONATHAN VANGEMERT should be returned for a second term, along with JASON ABEL, who is a rock solid candidate and will help keep the board cohesive. Southward and VenGemert work well with the other board members and have helped provide leadership and guidance during a term which was marked by extraordinary challenges, including the resignation of the previous superintendent and a long process of finding and hiring the new superintendent. New superintendent Rick West deserves the continuity and stability these three candidates, along with the other four board members, will help provide.

OAKLAND COUNTY PARK TAX

We have long been a supporter of the Oakland County park system which is funded for the most part by annual taxes paid by county residents. But we are opposing what county commissioners have placed on the ballot for this election.

The county electorate was first asked for a five-year county parks tax – .25 mill – in 1966. It was renewed every five years until 1990 when voters agreed to renew the tax for 10 years. In 2020 the county asked for an increase to .35 mill for a 10-year period, and voters willingly obliged. Now the county is back just four years later for another increase. The county board of commissioners recently approved a ballot question, this time for .65-mill but for a 20-year period, an overall billion dollar tax haul.

At no point should a tax run 20 years in length. Taxpayers should at least have the ability to look once a decade to see if the government is performing as promised.

We may be willing to back a 10-year – not 20-year – tax increase. For now, we say vote NO on this 20-year tax increase.