Endorsements in contested races; the DIA and SMART issues

Voters in west Oakland County will stream to the polls on Tuesday, Aug. 7 to cast their ballots in a bevy of contested Democratic and Republican primary election races, in addition to voicing their opinion on a slew of local and regional ballot questions. On this page last week, we offered our advice on the purely local tax questions impacting lakes area voters. Today, we present our recommendations in support of candidates who we believe would be their party’s best standard-bearer heading into the Nov. 6 general election; or, in some cases, those we’re recommending for elected office outright if there is no opposition from the other side in the general election. In addition, we will offer our advice on the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) ballot questions appearing before voters next week.

Remember, this is a primary election, so you can vote for candidates in only one party, unlike a general election where voters can cross over and cast a vote for candidates from any party.

U.S. CONGRESS

11th District

(Waterford, West Bloomfield, White Lake, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom, Milford, White Lake, Highland)

Republican

Although Republican voters in the 11th Congressional District have only one name appearing before them on the ballot, they have the ability to tap a battle-tested leader who is mounting a write-in campaign to take their voice to the halls of the U.S. House of Representatives. Write-in candidate NANCY CASSIS, a former state senator and state representative, is GOP voters’ best bet as a sure-fire conservative who brings years of legislative experience to the fold. Cassis was an effective and powerful leader in Lansing during her time in the state Capitol. We trust she would bring sound Republican bona fides to Washington D.C. — something we can’t say about her opponent, who didn’t make himself available for a candidate interview.

Democrat

Democrats in the 11th Congressional District should have no qualms picking Dr. SYED TAJ, a member of the Canton Township Board of Trustees, to represent them in the general election. While Taj’s political resume is short, he favors single-payer health care, increased infrastructure spending to get people back to work, and diplomacy instead of beating the war drum.

14th District

(Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield)

Democrat

There are some known quantities and political newcomers duking it out for the Democratic Party’s nomination in this oddly-redrawn district, namely two sitting Congressmen. While we believe one has done a good job in the nation’s capitol in his first term, Democratic voters should back U.S. Rep. GARY PETERS to carry the party’s torch in the general election. Peters, an Oakland County resident, is well versed in the needs of the county and has been an effective voice in Washington since his election in 2008.

STATE HOUSE

39th District

(Commerce, Wixom, Wolverine Lake)

Republican

A field of six candidates for the GOP nod makes for a pretty tough decision next week for Republicans, with Nicholas Kennedy and Bubba Urdan among the strong candidates. However, KLINT KESTO strikes us as being best suited to represent Republicans in November. We note Kesto’s admitted disdain for the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act as evidence of his traditional conservative ideology and one of the chief things that distinguishes him from this competitive batch of candidates.

Democrat

PAM JACKSON and Region Strong will face off next week for the right to advance to the November general election to take on the winner of the GOP primary. Jackson and Strong share many stances on the issues, but for Democratic voters seeking advise, we believe Jackson’s background in business, construction and education tip the balance in her favor. She’s also got a slight edge in that she’s been running for various west Oakland offices for some time now, a little longer than Strong, indicating she possesses the drive and desire to serve.

40th District

(West Bloomfield)

Republican

The winner of this four-way GOP contest will square off against Democrat Dorian Coston in November. From what we can tell, DAVID WOLKINSON would be the best choice for conservative Republicans. He trumpets the need to bolster parental choice and teacher/school accountability when it comes to addressing education reforms, and beats the anti-tax and right-to-work drums loader than any other candidate. If you’re looking for a died-in-the-wool conservative voice, Wolkinson is the candidate for you.

43rd District

(Waterford)

Republican

State Rep. GAIL HAINES is easily the best choice for Republicans in the 43rd state House District. A solid conservative who has wielded the gavel in the state House of Representatives Health Policy Committee that’s tackling issues related to Obamacare, Haines has been a champion of fiscal stewardship and limited government during her tenure in Lansing. Republican voters should have no reservations tapping her to take on the Democratic challenger in the fall.

44th District

(White Lake, Waterford, Highland, Milford)

Democrat

MARK VENIE has been a familiar name on west Oakland County ballots for years. He has run for several different offices, most recently Oakland County commissioner, indicating to us that he has the drive and determination to do the people’s bidding. Venie would be a sound choice for Democrats.

OAKLAND COUNTY

County Executive

Republican

For 20 years, L. BROOKS PATTERSON has steered Oakland County as its executive through both good times and bad, always espousing fiscal discipline and providing leadership and outside-the-box thinking that other counties in Michigan could certainly use. In perhaps our easiest decision this election cycle, Patterson has more than earned the right to face his Democratic opponent in the fall. As the adage goes, if the county’s leadership isn’t broken, why fix it?

Sheriff

Republican

Oakland County Sheriff MICHAEL BOUCHARD is facing a Republican challenge from a candidate whose entire platform is essentially based on the creation of a boot camp. Bouchard, an seasoned leader with years of law enforcement and legislative experience at the state level, is the easy choice for west Oakland County Republicans on Aug. 7. Bouchard knows the difficulties of the job and has done it well for years. There’s no reason for the GOP to think he wouldn’t represent the party well in the Nov. 6 general election.

Water Resources Commissioner

Democrat

Of the two Democrats squaring off to oust the current Water Resources Commissioner, county Commissioner JIM NASH (D-Farmington Hills) brings the most to the table. Nash knows the ins and outs of county government, has experience serving on the Sierra Club Southeast Michigan Group Political Committee and Executive Committee, is a staunch environmental advocate, and offers Democrats their best candidate for a general election challenge to incumbent Republican John P. McCulloch.

County Commissioner

6th District

(White Lake, Waterford)

Republican

With no Democrat running to represent the Board of Commissioners 6th District, the winner of the primary election will earn a two-year term on the county board. The GOP challenger gunning for incumbent Commissioner JIM RUNESTAD has offered little in the way of reasoning for a change in representation. Runestad has been a consistent voice for conservative values in his four years on the county board, and we seen no evidence that he needs to be ousted.

COURTS

Oakland County Circuit Court

Non-incumbent Position

With five attorneys running to replace retiring Oakland County Circuit Court Family Division Judge Edward Sosnick, the top two vote-getters will move on to the general election. However, we received questionnaire responses from only two of those candidates. Of those two, LAYNE ASHLEY SAKWA is best in tune with what a judge can and can’t do, and what a judge should and shouldn’t do. An assistant prosecutor in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Section, we think Sakwa deserves the nod from primary voters.

48th District Court

(Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield)

Similarly, we received only two responses from the four seeking a seat on the 48th District Court bench: Judge DIANE D’AGOSTINI and attorney JOSH ARNKOFF. Unlike in some other races, Arnkoff cites a slew of concerns he has as reason to replace D’Agostini. But we’re not convinced that those concerns are entirely — or at all — the products of D’Agostini’s action and/or inaction. Since the two candidates receiving the most votes on Aug. 7 will move on to duke it out in the general election, we’re suggesting voting for either D’Agostini, who has served the court since 2000, or Arnkoff. Frankly, from what we can tell, that matchup would be the best for voters to decide in November.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

COMMERCE TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Republican

With no Democrat on the ballot, the winner of the Aug. 7 GOP primary election will earn a four-year term as Commerce Township supervisor. Although we have known his challenger to have served well on the township board, TOM ZONER clearly deserves another four years in charge. He’s been an active, dedicated leader and has broad experience that dates back decades and includes stints as the township’s clerk and as a trustee. It would be a mistake for voters to replace him, particularly at this critical time for Commerce Township.

Trustee

Republican

In this six-person Republican field with no Democrats on the ballot, voters would be wise to send DAVID LAW, RICK SOVEL and ROBERT LONG back for four more years on the township Board of Trustees, and elect PETER PACE for the fourth trustee position. Sovel and Long haven’t been afraid during their lengthy stints on the township’s governing body to buck township leadership when they felt it was the right thing to do, and Law, who was appointed to the board in January 2011, brings a wealth of experience, including as a state representative and assistant attorney general. Pace has decades of experience owning his own business and involvement in the community, including as a member of the Planning Commission. We feel he would bring the same gusto to the township board. If Pace doesn’t appeal to you, Bob Berkheiser would likely do well as trustee, given his business and management background.

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Republican

Five candidates are vying for the GOP nomination to face one of two Democrats in November. Donna Gundle-Krieg and Rick Hamill are decent candidates, but Republican voters should go with LYNN O’BRIEN, who’s got nearly 20 years of municipal government experience — far more than any other person in this race. She offered up more specifics on how to bolster the township’s tax base, and argues that making changes to assist existing businesses and attracting the right new ones will boost property values and revenue, thereby addressing budget challenges.

Democrat

If you’re voting the Democratic ballot next week, we’re recommending DOUG BOURGEOIS to represent the party in November, given his background as a business owner and first responder, including as a township firefighter and its current fire marshal.

Clerk

Republican

Faced with a pair of Republicans to choose from next week, Highland Township voters should reelect Clerk MARY McDONELL to another four-year term as the township’s chief elections official. Although challenger Linda Vance seemed well-versed in the issues, we see no reason for the township to steer its ship in a different direction in the Clerk’s Office. With two of three current full-time elected officials gone after this election, voters would be wise to maintain some semblance of continuity in Highland’s leadership structure by giving McDonell another term.

Treasurer

Republican

With the pending retirement of Treasurer Judy Kiley, Highland voters have two Republicans to choose from on Aug. 7: JUDITH COOPER, Kiley’s deputy, and Tami Flowers, the former administrator of the Highland-White Lake Business Association. Cooper is the natural successor to Kiley and deserves your vote. Although we feel that Flowers is capable of doing the job, Cooper’s experience in the Treasurer’s Office — 11-plus years in Highland, and another 8 years in the White Lake Township Treasurer’s Office — makes her the better candidate.

Trustee

Republican

It’s a big field of Republicans in the running for four trustee positions, with no Democrats lined up for the general election ballot. Voters should stick with the three incumbents, MARY PAT CHYNOWETH, RAYMOND P. POLIDORI, and RUSS TIERNEY, as no specific reason to out them has come from the challengers. CHARLES DITTMAR, a former Huron Valley Schools board member, is the voters best option for the fourth trustee seat.

MILFORD TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Republican

Supervisor DON GREEN faces a trio of Republican challengers in the primary election, although none have offered enough reasons for his ouster. Green, first elected to the supervisor’s post in 2000, brings local and regional leadership to the table. Milford voters should easily feel comfortable backing Green in next week’s GOP primary.

Trustee

Republican

Likewise, the Republican challengers to the four incumbent trustees — RANDAL BUSICK, WILLIAM E. MAZZARA, DALE R. WILTSE and BRIEN R. WORRELL — have not given us any reason why either of those four should not be elected to another term. Backing the four incumbents this time around should give Milford voters no pause. They’ve earned another four-year term.

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Republican

There’s not much of a contest in the race, where GARY WALL is clearly the best candidate, given his detailed and thoughtful opinions on important issues for the township. Wall has cultivated many worthwhile experiences and relationships in the township through his more than two decades of business ownership and volunteer work in the community. He’s offers Republicans the best choice in challenging incumbent Carl Solden in November.

Clerk

Democrat

Democratic voters would be represented well in the general election by either Teresa Fortino or RITA HOLLOWAY-IRWIN. Although Fortino seems a little more at ease discussing issues, Holloway-Irwin has much more municipal government experience as the former clerk for Wolverine Lake. Yes, there’s a big difference in the size of Waterford and Wolverine Lake, and township clerks have duties that village clerk’s don’t have, but the experience factor gives Holloway-Irwin the slight edge.

Trustee

Republican

Incumbents ANTHONY BARTOLOTTA and DAVID J. “DOC” MALONEY deserve to be advanced to the general election contest, along with KAREN JOLIAT and KYLE McGRATH. Although Bartolotta is still new to the township board, he’s come a long way since initially being appointed to fill a vacancy a couple of years ago. Maloney has multiple terms under his belt and has always been an impressive board member. Newcomers Joliat, president of the Oakland County Children’s Village Foundation and a former advertising and pharmaceutical executive, and McGrath, a former a policy advisor in the Michigan House of Representatives Majority Policy Office, are able to represent GOP voters well in the general election.

Democrat

Again, we’re recommending incumbents DAVID KRAMER and BETTE O’SHEA to move into the November race, along with GARRY NIELSEN and RICHARD B. MOODY. Kramer as been a valuable addition to the board these last four years, while O’Shea has been a fixture at the board table since 1996. Nielsen has sought elected office in the past, has consistently espoused a traditional Democratic platform, and is determined to make a difference. Moody brings experience as an elected councilman and mayor in Oklahoma, in addition to a background as a firefighter and paramedic.

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Democrat

Four years ago, the current township supervisor pleaded her case that civility needed to be restored to the township Board of Trustees following an embarrassing and contentious reign by the previous chief executive and board. She argued that the buck stops with the supervisor, and she was right. Fast forward to 2012, and the same divisive politicking remains alive and well in West Bloomfield, marring virtually any semblance of hope that the community can move forward in a constructive and productive manner with her at the helm. The buck still stops with the supervisor, and we’re hoping Democratic challenger JONATHAN WARSHAY can help restore a modicum of civility and cooperation to the board following what sadly has been another four years of bickering and petty politics. Warshay — an attorney who previously served on the Ferndale City Council — comes with experience, knowledge of the issues at play and a stated desire to bring an end to the triteness plaguing the township government. The winner of this race will face competition from former supervisor David Flaisher, who is running as an independent in the general election.

Clerk

Democrat

Incumbent CATHY SHAUGHNESSY is asking township voters for another four-year term, and she has earned it. Shaughnessy, long active in township issues, has done a good job during her first term. She comes to the table now with four years of experience — many of them under unwarranted fire from her political adversaries — and we see no reason why she doesn’t deserve another term. Apparently, neither does her challenger, who didn’t offer up a single reason for a need for a change.

Treasurer

Democrat

Trustee GENE FARBER is challenging incumbent Treasurer Teri Weingarden in the primary election, and he put forward a compelling enough case for township voters to back him next week. Farber, an attorney who was first elected to the township board in 2008, argues that West Bloomfield should be getting more bang for its buck — literally — when it comes to investments, a duty of the township treasurer. We can’t quibble with that notion, particularly when West Bloomfield, like all other communities in Michigan, has had to whittle its budget back to cope with decreased property tax revenues.

Trustee

Democrat

With eight Democratic candidates for trustee to choose from, township voters would be best served by incumbents LARRY BROWN, STEVEN KAPLAN, HOWARD ROSENBERG and newcomer JEREMY KAPLAN, who is of no relation to Steven. Brown and Rosenberg have been good stewards of the community and, although we view Steven Kaplan as a catalyst for some of the tension on the township board, frankly, none of the other candidates put up a decent argument for a change. Jeremy Kaplan would provide a fresh and youthful voice to the board.

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP

Supervisor

Republican

White Lake voters are faced with two choices in the Aug. 7 Republican primary election for township supervisor: GREG BARONI, who currently holds that job after being appointed in 2011, and a township business owner who made no specific case for replacing him. Baroni is the sure-fire best bet to represent the Republican Party during the general election against the Democratic candidate. Baroni has been effective in trimming township spending by advocating more shared services agreements like the one he helped broker with Waterford Township for information technology services. There’s no reason why White Lake Republicans should shift gears.

Clerk

Republican

Facing a challenger who provided few substantive answers to our questions and another who didn’t answer our questions at all, Clerk TERRY LILLEY, a fixture in township government for years, deserves another four-year term. Lilley would bring back to the Clerk’s Office decades of experience serving the township and a breadth of knowledge and insight into the issues the community has and will face in the years to come.

Treasurer

Republican

Although we have often been on opposite sides of a variety of arguments with Treasurer FORREST JAY BRENDEL, we have no reason to argue for his ouster. Despite being a lightning rod for criticism in some corners of the township over the years, he’s been at the helm of the Treasurer’s Office for the nearly two years since former treasurer Beverly Spoor retired in the middle of her term, and we know of no reason why he shouldn’t continue in the position.

Trustee

Republican

A field of 10 Republicans are vying for four spots on the township Board of Trustees, and the four incumbents — TODD T. BIRKLE, CAROL J. BURKARD, DAVID LEWSLEY and MICHAEL C. POWELL — have all made effective cases for their re-election. Among the notable challengers are Rik Kowall and Andrea Voorheis, a former township trustee. However, Birkle, Burkard, Lewsley and Powell have served the township well during their time on the board and they have earned re-election.

DIA BALLOT PROPOSAL

We have been skeptical of proposals to levy property taxes to support the arts before, but the Detroit Institute of Arts has made a compelling case for Oakland County voters to vote YES on a 10-year, 0.2-mill proposal to support the 127-year-old cultural gem.

The DIA, which had received state funding in the tens of millions of dollars until the Legislature axed that to zero, is hoping for voter approval of the millage in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties to generate roughly $23 million for the museum annually, with $10 million of that coming out of Oakland. That $23 million would be used to give the museum most of its operational funds for the life of the millage while it works to triple the size of its $100 million endowment.

That’s a lofty and aggressive goal, but an admirable one. If the DIA is able to get its endowment to that level, it expects that it wouldn’t have to come back to the voters in 10 years for a renewal of the millage, meaning that DIA officials fully intend for the levy to be a temporary means of support for what is undoubtedly a cultural icon in the region.

In addition to giving free general admission during the duration of the collection to residents of the counties that approve the millage, the DIA is also offering other carrots — including added educational and outreach programs. Those should be enough to sway skeptics.

But even more than that, the DIA is absolutely a jewel for the entire region. It’s among the best art museums in the country, and as a metropolitan region, it would be a tragedy if residents had to travel to the likes of Cleveland or Chicago to experience and enjoy the some of the finest art the world has to offer. That’s a likely scenario without passage of the millage.

In addition, the DIA is a major selling point for businesses looking to invest in the region — something not lost on Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who deserves praise for coming out with full-throated support of the proposal.

Oakland County residents would be sadly misguided in casting a “no” vote.

SMART MILLAGE PROPOSAL

West Bloomfield and Walled Lake voters are again being asked to approve a two-year, 0.59-mill levy for Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) services. If you’re in favor of keeping those services, a YES vote is the way to go.

Communities that vote to “opt in” to the SMART system by placing the millage question on the ballot will receive bus service if a majority of voters in all communities voting on the proposal endorse the collection, which is expected to generate about $16 million annually.

SMART provides a valuable service to people of all stripes. The millage request does not represent a tax increase for West Bloomfield or Walled Lake property owners, since the tax is already being levied.