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7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
1/15
State Board of Education 8-Year Term Vote for TWO (2)Questions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the State Board o
Education and the reasonsthat you are running or
this ofce.
QUESTION 2
What are your views about
charter schools and cyber
schools and their role in
improving studentachievement and reducing the
education systems cost?
QUESTION 3
What are the most press
issues acing the State B
o Education and wha
actions would you takregarding them?
The State Board o Education has eight members
nd has leadership and general supervision respon-
ibility over all public education, including adult
education and instructional programs in state in-
titutions, except institutions o higher education
granting baccalaureate degrees. It shall serve as the
general planning and coordinating body or all pub-
c education, including higher education, and shall
dvise the legislature as to the nancial require-ments in connection therewith. It shall appoint a
uperintendent o Public Instruction who shall be
esponsible or the execution o its policies.
TODD A. COURSER,Republican
Did Not Respond in time or publication
MELANIE A. KURDYS,RepublicanCampaign Website:
www.melaniekurdys.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Education activist,
math tutor, mom
Education: University oMichigan 1977 B.S. Mathematics
As an active education volunteer and math tutor since
1992, I am rustrated and worried about declining
student achievement and unresponsiveness o the in-
stitutions to meet childrens needs. No one group is to
blame. Te system as a whole is not able to respond
to the individual nature o student learning. Even as a
trustee on the Portage Public School Board, I was not
satised with the level o change implemented to meet
the needs o all children. I believe circumstances arecritical and timing is right or a reorm minded board
to change the nature o the education system in Michi-
gan or each and every child
Research shows engaged parents and excellent teach-
ers are key to every single student learning. Choice o-
ers opportunities to create a system that meets unique
needs o each child. Parents must know their child is
learning and making sustained progress. I not, they
need alternatives. eachers must have the reedom to
teach proessionally, working in a supportive environ-
ment. No single alternative will be a silver bullet, but
a system o choices will meet many diering needs.Choice creates competition, which can help manage
cost. Michigan education is well unded but how we
spend must be reassessed.
Te implementation o Common Core S
Assessments is inappropriate use o time a
Tis must stop. Eorts must be redeploye
and inorm parents and support teachers in
to teach all children. eacher preparation a
proessional development must be a top p
eorts underway to implement teacher eva
tems must be directed to evidence based pr
improve student learning. Integration oprograms into K-12 must be monitored to
current successul models are not negativel
Te State Board must be accountable.
MICHELLE FECTEAU,DemocratCampaign Website:
Facebook:Michelle Fecteau
or State Board o Education
Occupation / Current
Position: Executive Director
o the WSU Chapter o the American Association
o University Proessors-AF
Education: Dual undergrad degree in Employment
Relations & Political Science, Tematic in Womens
Studies, Michigan State U 1983; Masters in Labor
& Industrial Relations, Michigan State U 1986
Ive been a community & labor activist or over 20
years. Ive worked as an educator at Wayne State and
as executive director o the organization representing
WSU aculty & academic sta. Im the mother o 7 &
wie o a public school special ed teacher. My experi-
ence as a parent provides a unique perspective on our
school system. I have 2 children by birth. My oldest has
autism. My husband & I have been oster parents to 9
children, 5 we adopted. All attended public schools &
aced a variety o challenges. I wi ll advocate or a strong
& responsibly unded system where parents & educa-
tors voices are respected.
I am very cautious about seeing them as a cure to the
ills o public education & I opposed removing the caps
on both. Ive not seen evidence that charters or cybers
are better than traditional area schools. Although a ew
charters have impressive graduation rates & college ac-
ceptance, but weak test scores. From personal experi-
ence Ive not ound any charters that would accept my
son with autism & Im concerned they may lter out
students with greater, & more expensive needs, leaving
traditional schools with an unair nancial burden. Cy-
ber schools are unproven.
It appears the governor would like to revise t
structuring o state education. I am concern
may lead to urther cuts in education und
outcomes are uncertain. I will work to ensu
with independent expertise are included in
tion o proposals and do whatever I can to
grass-root level organizations interested in e
well as those at the grass-root level potentia
LUPE RAMOS-MONTIGNY,Democrat
Did Not Respond in time or publication
CANDACE R. CAVENY,GreenCampaign Website: candace-
caveny.org---Youube, enter
Green Party o Michigan
Occupation / Current Position:
emi-retired physician/co-chair
Flint Area Greens
Education: Public schools; AB, Univ o Caliornia;
DO, Chicago College o Osteopathic Medicine;
Board certication, Phys Med & Rehab afer Resi-
dency completed at Wayne State Med School, Detroit
As a ormer certied elementary school teacher inChicago, my children attended public schools & I have
been interested in opportunities or education, both
within & outside schools. Our high school grads need
to know the employment stats or programs. A ew
yrs ago while walking on the streets o Atlanta GA as
a tourist, a young man approaching rom the opposite
direction called out to me, What does innovative
mean? So I called back, it means trying new ideas,
& we passed each other without stopping. Tis is an
example o what I term the University o the streets,
which is a orm o net-working.
Charter schools are Public Schools, unded by tax-payer dollars, plus any addtl grant monies that might
be awarded. Each school is chartered by a college with
a degree-granting education dept. In Lapeer, our Bd
o Educ has retained oversight & has NO hired an
outside or-prot company to administer the unds-
--admission is thru names drawn by lot. Lapeer has
opened its rst cyber-school now & will evaluate its
results; Cyber school may provide a benecial alterna-
tive to expelling students or inractions w/out turn-
ing them onto the streets (I am a ormer Juvenile Court
caseworker in Chicago .)
All teachers want to prevent students rom dwork WRONG & I see new opportunites
appropriate computer programs to make su
are practicing spelling, matching words to
CORRECLY. Carrolton Schools have wo
4-yr leasing program to put these programs
classrooms. Doing more with ewer tax dol
our schools to ofen share curriculum d
between school districts. Bldgs are being cl
ered or sale & we may need to have campu
classroom trailers o mixed grades. Anti-bu
grams are required by law, at last.
DWAIN REYNOLDS III,Green
Did Not Respond in time or publication
ANDY LeCUREAUX,Libertarian
Did Not Respond in time or publication
KAREN ADAMS,US Taxpayers
Did Not Respond in time or publication
GAIL M. GRAESER,US Taxpayers
Did Not Respond in time or publication
26 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
2/15
University of Michigan Board of Regents 8-Year Term Vote for TWO (2)Questions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the university board
and the reasons that you arerunning or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
Is a college degree still worth
the high price students and
their amilies pay? Can you
suggest ways to keep costs tostudents down?
QUESTION 3
What are the most pres
issues acing the univer
today and what actions w
you take regarding the
The Universi ty Board has eight members and
has general supervision o the university and the
control and direction o all expenditures rom
the institutions unds. The board shall elect a
university president who shall be the principal
executive ofcer.
DAN HORNING,RepublicanCampaign Website:
Horningorregent.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Regent Emeritus,
Te University o Michigan.
Managing Director,
Northwestern Mutual.
Education: Graduate, Te University o Michigan
I had the distinct honor to serve the citizens o Michi-
gan as a member o the Board o Regents rom 1995-
2002. I chose not to seek re-election (2002) to spend
time with my amily and ocus on my business. Afer
10 years, Ive watched tuition nearly double, university
salaries and benets continue to escalate and students
who cannot understand the oreign language their pro-
essor or teaching assistant is speaking. ENOUGH IS
ENOUGH! Im prepared to challenge the status quo!
YES, a college degree is well worth it! HOWEVER, its
critical that we nd ways to lower costs and not sim-
ply allow students to borrow more money! Its also
very important the University o Michigan continues
to promote more opportunities or in-state students.
We need our students to remain in Michigan afer
they graduate. Discounts should be available to those
students who complete their studies early, and also to
those who remain in Michigan afer graduation.
My campaign platorm has been based on t
mon goals. FIRS, to increase enrollme
Michigan high school students. Ive witnes
many out-o-state and international stu
are being granted admission to the UoM
wonderul and very qualied Michigan h
students are being lef behind. SECOND,
mand that the UoMs admissions policies b
academic merit and not on minority quotas
I will request an immediate 5 year reeze
housing rates and student ees. Its param
lower costs trump massive student loan deb
ROB STEELE,RepublicanCampaign Website:
www.drrobsteeleorregent.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Practicing
Cardiologist, ull time. Former
Clinical Asst Pro Univ O Mich Med School, 20 years
Education: Univ o Michigan AB, MD 1981(age 23).
Univ o Cincinnati Internal Medicine. Washington
University/Barnes Hospital Fellowship Cardiology. Board
Certied Int Med, Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology
Over a dozen UM degrees in amily including Grand-
mother 1924(Chair, Cont Ed or Women UM, National
Co-Chair rst UM Endowment Campaign 1964,and
Grandather 1925-UM Football 1920-24, Collegiate
AD Hall o Fame. Father/Grandather each spent 40
yrs in public education. Founding member o private
cardiology practice, grew to >300 employees, Chair o
Finance/Benets. Former Board Member o Club Wol-
verine and major Healthcare Non Prot. 4 o 6 Billion
in UM budget is Medical. I have > 25 yrs experience in
business operations, medical practice, medical educa-
tion and clinical research. 7/8 Regents have law degree
Higher Ed remains valuable, but the relative benet o
many college degrees has shrunken with escalating tu-
ition. For many degrees the investment is no longer au-
tomatically a good one. Te solution is not more loans,
debts and subsidies. Te student/amily need rm goals
when determining what type o higher ed is required-
where it will be obtained and nature o degree. Better
use o the physical plant-oer discounts or Summer
credits-students get degree earlier,start earning sooner
and university increases revenue and spreads xed
capital costs. Use endowment as the source o student
loans rather than ed $.
As a public Univ, UM must play a greater r
ing secure Michigans uture. Te >150 y
appropriation to UM served as the Vent
that allowed creation o the $7.8 Billion e
Te state needs a better return on investm
ed Michigan HS grads must be a priorit
residents, though we must continue to recr
best out o state students. Until the broken
is xed domestic students should have den
over oreign students. SEM degree gradu
be encouraged to stay in Michigan via tui
program unded by the endowment.
MARK BERNSTEIN,DemocratCampaign Website:
www.MGoBernstein.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Attorney
Education: University o
Michigan, B.A., University o Michigan, J.D.,
University o Michigan, M.B.A.
Mark Bernstein is a proud product o Michigans pub-
lic education system - rom kindergarten to earning
three degrees rom U-M. Bernstein is r unning to make
college aordable...o stop skyrocketing tuition and
control crushing student debt. He is uniquely qualied
to serve as a U-M Regent. At the White House, Mark
worked in the Clinton Administration - helping to pro-
mote an agenda that produced the largest economic
expansion o college opportunity since the GI Bill. In
business, Mark helps businesses drive innovation and
growth. In courtrooms and communities, he ghts to
make sure everyone gets a air shake.
Higher education has never been more important or
more EXPENSIVE. Skyrocketing tuition is pushing
college out o reach, while crushing student debt bur-
dens amilies and slows our economic recovery. Mak-
ing college aordable requires 1) Voting against tuition
increases, 2) Controlling costs (utilities, health care,
operating expenses, salaries, etc.), 3) Increased utiliza-
tion o aculty/acilities, 4) Adoption o digita l platorm
or revenue and cost eective delivery o content, 5) Is-
suance o Go Blue Bonds - low or no interest student
loans issued by U-M to students, 6) Fight to increase
higher education unding.
College OPENS many doors, but the door
are CLOSING or Michigans working am
rocketing tuition (up 121% since 1997) an
student debt (up 74% over past decade) are
two most pressing issues acing U-M (and
universities) today. Te path through excep
lic schools to extraordinary public univer
be protected or every Michigan amily.
DO BEER. o stop skyrocketing tuition
ght tuition increases. o control student
will promote Go Blue Bonds (U-M bon
brains at a very low (or zero) i nterest rate
SHAUNA RYDER DIGGS,Democrat
Did Not Respond in time or publication
JAMES LEWIS HUDLER,Libertarian
Did Not Respond in time or publication
GREGORY SCOTT STEMPFLE,
Libertarian
Did Not Respond in time or publication
Remember to vote on November 6.
Continues on
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
3/15
University of Michigan Board of Regents 8-Year Term Vote for TWO (2)
Questions (625 characters each):QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the university boardand the reasons that you are
running or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
Is a college degree still worth
the high price students and
their amilies pay? Can yousuggest ways to keep costs to
students down?
QUESTION 3
What are the most press
issues acing the univer
today and what actions wyou take regarding the
The Univers ity Board has eight members and
has general supervision o the university and the
control and direction o all expenditures rom
he institutions unds. The board shall elect a
university president who shall be the principal
executive ofcer.
JOE SANGER,US TaxpayersCampaign Website:
www.VoteJoeSanger.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Retired Certied
Public Accountant. For prior
work history see www.VoteJoeSanger.com.
Education: St. Marys School, Rockwood, MI
943-1951; Slocum ruax High S chool, renton, MI951-1955; BA (Economics) University o Michigan
une 1958; MBA (with high distinction) University o
Michigan 1966.
When I was a reshman at the University o Michigan
in 1955 the ull time (12-18 credit hours) resident un-
dergraduate tuition rate at the College o Literature,
Science and the Arts was $100 per semester. For the
rst semester o the 2012-2013 academic year the
comparable charge is $6400 per semester an increase
o 6300%. At the same time, the price index as mea-
sured by the Federal Reserve Bank o Minneapolis has
increased rom 26.8 to 232.4 an increase o 767% Over
the past 57 years, University o Michigan tuition has
increased by 8.21 times the rate o ination. A totallyunconscionable price increase.
1. Videotape and place on line all classes so that stu-
dents may save money by learning at home and report-
ing only twice a semester on campus or at testing sites
in major cities to take a mid-term and a nal exam. 2.
Operate the University ull time or 3 semesters each
year to reduce the time required to earn a bachelors
degree to 2 years and 8 months or those who wish to
expedite the learning process. 3. All required courses
should be available on-line or all students at all times
so that no student is required to attend an extra year
to complete required courses. 4. Encourage vigorousanti trust action.
1. Out o control costs (o cite just one ex
cording to Michigan Capitol Condential, t
sity pays up to $30,000 per year in energy
or its Presidents mansion). 2. Out o con
increases. We call or vigorous ederal an
tion against all o our major universities an
i necessary to roll back tuition to inatio
1955 levels. 3. Federal and state law should b
o the Financial Aid Form which permits U
to determine the maximum amount they
rom each student and parent. 4. See my weVoteJoeSanger.com
GERALD T. VAN SICKLE,US Taxpayers
Did Not Respond in time or publication
NIKKI MATTSON,
Natural Law
Did Not Respond in time or publication
ERIC BORREGARD,GreenCampaign Website:
https://www.acebook.com/
EBorregard
Occupation / CurrentPosition: President EB
Graphics LLC
Education: Broadcasting Major Madonna University
Associates Applied Science, OCC
Im small business owner and I have taught at the high
school level and seen rsthand the changes in our pub-
lic schools. I am also a student at Madonna University
so I know the plight young people ace today trapped
in our university system. I have a son who attended the
U o M so I know what its like or the parents and citi-
zens who are being ripped o by the school. Ive writ-
ten and lecturer on educational issues and debated on
the topic many times. As a television producer I have
produce a variety o public interest broadcasts. In 1998
l was the Reorm candidate or the State Board o Edu-
cation
Te degree is worth it but what the schools are charg-
ing or it is not. Im highly optimistic about the cost o
education dropping dramatically over the next decade.
Everything is going online. In 10 to 20 years expensive
inecient brick and mortar universities like the U o
M will be history, so take as many classes as you can
online. For the University o Michigan the choice is
clear, become a leading innovator in the global online
revolution or go the way o the dodo bird. Tey could
still catch up with the industry leaders like Phoenix
and Kaplan, but the train is pulling away rom the sta-
tion ast.
Te biggest issue is prosecuting waste,
abuse. Te Board o Regents spends pub
like the Pentagon. Te U o Ms assets tota
lion, including 7.8 billion in endowment a
billion in capital assets, 2.9 billion hospital &
Students tuition goes to a 1. 8 billion genera
und including 270 million in state aid, thou
cent are non-resident students. Tis is light y
than any other state university or even scho
has. By contrast Detroit Public Schools ass
billion 90 cents out o every state aid dollar
327 million debt.
Michigan State University Board of Trustees 8-Year Term Vote for TWOMELANIE FOSTER,RepublicanCampaign Website:
www.osterormsu.com
Occupation / Current
osition: President o
einhold Landscape-20 years.
urrently manage a personal real estate portolio.
ducation: Michigan State University,
.S. Ornamental Horticulture
It has been my privilege to serve on the MSU Board
o rustees or the past 7 years. I am the current Vice
Chair o the Board and I also serve on the MSU Foun-
dation Board. For 20 years I owned and operated a
commercial landscape rm with oces in 4 states,
and have experience in budgeting, stang and project
management. My business background and experience
in public higher education have enabled me to provide
sound scal oversight, and serve as a leader and v ision-
ary. I am committed to maintaining the ounding land
grant values o MSU as the University grows to meet all
o todays academic and research needs
College graduates typically make more in lietime
wages than non-graduates, which points to higher ed-
ucation being a sound investment. Fewer than hal o
MSUs students graduate with debt, which is 17% less
than the national average. MSU is ranked by U.S. News
and World Report as one o the top 50 b est value public
universities in the nation. As state unding has dimin-
ished by over 27% over the last decade, it is dicult
to maintain academic quality without raising tuition.
o balance increases I advocate or reducing admin-
istrative costs and requiring employee concessions so
students dont bear the burden alone.
Michigan tax dollars support MSU, and e
numbers must overwhelmingly avor Mic
dents. Over 80% o MSUs undergraduate st
rom Michigan, but there is pressure rom th
istration to raise out o state and oreign e
numbers to generate higher revenue. Higher
costs need to be reigned in across the board
to rise at a rate higher than the CPI. Since t
o the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, I hav
the will o the voters in not using armitav
admissions policies, and insist that MSU ad
Michigan Constitution.
Continued from pg. 27
28 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
4/15
Michigan State University Board of Trustees 8-Year Term Vote for TWQuestions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the university board and
the reasons that you arerunning or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
Is a college degree still worth
the high price students and
their amilies pay? Can you
suggest ways to keep costs tostudents down?
QUESTION 3
What are the most pres
issues acing the univer
today and what actions w
you take regarding the
JEFF SAKWA,RepublicanCampaign Website:
http://www.JeSakwa.com
Occupation / Current
Position: President o Noble
Realty Inc. I specialize in bro-
kerage, development, consulting and home building.
Education: Graduate o Michigan State University
with a degree in accounting
Afer graduating MSU, I built a real estate company,
lead an anti-bullying eort, and volunteer at my chil-
drens school. Im running or MSU rustee so I can
help ensure that the university prepares our students to
excel in a rapidly changing world. I have grown com-
panies, managed construction projects and balanced
budgets. I know how important it is to invest or the
uture, stay competitive, and be accountable to cus-
tomers. With tuition increasing, MSU must continue
to grow and improve while also living within its means
so education can remain aordable.
Yes, depending on the quality o education and the
students educational goals. Statistics show that college
degrees lower unemployment rates and increase me-
dian earnings. Online learning can expanded to save
on campus and commuter costs. Lectures and course
content can be housed online or ree, and sel-study
programs can be implemented. Community colleges,
too, are a great and aordable rst step toward our uni-
versities. Michigan State should enact sensible reorms
in how it administers its budget in order to keep costs
down, including privatizing services.
Besides cost, preparing students to compete
challenging economy is a top issue. I wou
ensure that our curriculum is world class
ine our course oerings and proessors, u
bottom-up review to lay a benchmark or ou
and invite leaders rom academia, govern
the private sector to oer their insights. I
seek partnerships with businesses so studen
quality experience in the proessional world
in the classroom. Finally, I would measure
so we know whether we have made progr
proving outcomes or our students.
JOEL FERGUSON,DemocratCampaign Website:
n/a
Occupation / Current Position: Developer
Education: BA in Elementary Education rom
Michigan State University
I eel my 24 years o service on MSU Board o rustees,
elected the last 6 years as Chair by my ellow rustees,
has given me the opportunity to directly impact the d i-
rection o MSU. My experience and decisions are cali-
brated in such a way that combines my own personal
background o public service along with my business
experience and credentials have increased both the
prole and the stature o MSU nationally and across
the world as a top-tier research university. I am dedi-
cated leader and advocate or MSU and Higher Educa-
tion, I eel my accomplishments reect my success as a
member o the B oard o rustees at MSU.
A college education is one o the best values in a per-
sons lie. I know this because I mysel worked my way
through MSU by working midnights at Oldsmobile, so
I truly understand why students are concerned with
the costs o a college. Tis is my most important con-
cern as a trustee. Te ability to demonstrate an edu-
cated mind with reasoning skills, the ability to problem
solve and manage ones abilities eectively are critical
or success. I will continue to work with both State and
Federal governments to ensure air and equal unding
at MSU to provide equal access or all students rom all
incomes and backgrounds.
Our most pressing issue is to ensure mana
ition rates through air and equal State a
unding levels to allow or every student th
ed and applying to MSU be able attend.
tinue to ght or more State monies, as Mich
48th out o 50 or per student unding. As
role as trustees is to continue to manage
tional responsibilities and costs in such a w
balanced, air and equitable. Tis includes
current expenditures and increasing our MS
ment und. I will continue to work hard
reputation as a world class university.
BRIAN MOSALLAM,DemocratCampaign Website:votemosallam.com
Occupation / Current Position: Financial Advisor
Education: B.A. Engineering Arts
I am an MSU graduate, I was Cum Laude with a B.A
in Engineering Arts and a three-year letter winner and
Co-Captain o the 1996 MSU ootball team. I am in my
16th year as a Financial Advisor or AXA-Advisors outo roy. I am one o the top producers in the country
as well as a 2008 inductee into the AXA Hall o Fame.
I am concerned that higher education is b ecoming out
o reach or middle class amilies due to high cost o
tuition. We need to control costs and make sure that
MSU is maximizing its ability to turn research dollars
and the classroom experience into jobs and busines-
sess throughout Michigan.
I will use my experience as a nancial advisor to thor-
oughly review the MSU budget. As a rustee, I will be
personally involved in raising money or the Univer-
sity, especially to assist in scholarship unds. Long termthe cost o a college degree is worth the cost, but it is
putting our working amilies in a very dicult nan-
cial situation.
Te two most pressing issues are the spiral
tuition and the need or more job creation.
be able to control rising costs at the unive
also making tuition aordable or Michiganamilies. We also need to make sure that MS
mizing its ability to create jobs and busin
benet every region o the state. Te researc
the university in the elds like physics and
should be used as a job creation engine or
state.
MICHAEL H. MILLER,Libertarian
Did Not Respond in time or publication
BILL MOHR II,US Taxpayers
Did Not Respond in time or publication
STEPHEN J. YOUNG,US TaxpayersOccupation / Current
Position: Facilities Manager
Education: Military and
commercial Electronics
echnician, Nuclear Power
echnician, Senior Reactor Operator USNRC.
Ordained preacher.
Military and commercial instructor in the nuclear, re-
rigeration and electrical elds.
No, most degrees are over priced and students are un-
der educated. Cut salaries o collage sta. Cut sports
programs and stick to education.
Socialism / humanism being taught as the
ciety and seems to be included in every d
gram. Cut unds on worthless programs.
LLOYD CLARKE,
Green
Did Not Respond in time or publication
The Universi ty Board has eight members and
has general supervision o the university and the
control and direction o all expenditures rom
the institutions unds. The board shall elect a
university president who shall be the principal
executive ofcer.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
5/15
Wayne State University Board of Governors 8-Year Term Vote for TWOQuestions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the university board and
the reasons that you arerunning or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
Is a college degree still worth
the high price students and
their amilies pay? Can you
suggest ways to keep costs tostudents down?
QUESTION 3
What are the most pres
issues acing the univer
today and what actions w
you take regarding the
The Universi ty Board has eight members and
has general supervision o the university and the
control and direction o all expenditures rom
the institutions unds. The board shall elect a
university president who shall be the principal
executive ofcer.
MICHAEL BUSULTO,RepublicanOccupation / Current
Position: Clinical Associate
Proessor, Wayne State Uni-
versity School o Medicine
Education: B.S. University o
Michigan - 1976 M.D. Wayne
State University School o Medicine - 1981
I have been on the clinical aculty at the WSU School
o Medicine since 1988 and I work with WSU students
on a daily basis and understand their problems. I have
been actively involved in governmental aairs at the
school or several years. I am running or this oce
because o my loyalty to the school, but, more impor-
tantly, I have 6 children and I want to contribute to
improving higher education in the Detroit community
or their sake and the sa ke o their generation.
I saw a recent news story that ollowed the nancial
security o a student who graduated with a B.S. rom
Harvard vs. a high school graduate who works or the
Caliornia prison system. Extrapolating through re-
tirement, the prison guard was more successul than
the Harvard graduate when analyzing or nancial se-
curity. Tis warrants an evaluation o return on invest-
ment in a college degree. o keep costs down I believe
that institutions o higher learning must re-evaluate
costs on a line by line basis, consider more on-line in-
struction and re-evaluate the tenure system and associ-
ated cost to benet ratios.
Rising tuition costs and the ailure to retain o
est students in the state are major issues toda
that there needs to be a stronger cooperatio
the business community in the state and co
grams that prepare or the proessions an
careers. I more internships and externshi
developed in the business community or ou
businesses might be willing to aid in coverin
tuition in return or loyalty and retention.
SANDRA HUGHES OBRIEN,
DemocratCampaign Website:
www.acebook.com/
obrien4wsugovernors
Occupation / Current
Position: Mrs. OBrien is the
principal owner o the OBrien Law Oce, PLLC,
ocated in Northville, Michigan
Education: J.D. (Juris Doctorate) Detroit College o
Law at Michigan State University (August, 1998); B.S.(Bachelor o Science) Grand Valley State University
(April, 1990)
As the product o public education rom kindergarten
to college, I am keenly aware o the opportunities that
a public education opens or all people, regardless o
who you are and where you come rom. As an attorney,
I advocate or the public on a daily basis. Tose advo-
cacy skills will assist me on the Board o Governors as I
advocate or aordable tuition, college accessibility and
improvement o retention and graduation rates.
Yes. Nothing opens the door o opportunity like a col-
lege education. Most amilies realize this; however, our
State legislators have shifed their priorities away rom
public education and along with that shif goes proper
unding or our public education institutions rom
K-12 to higher public education. Michigan spends
more State budget dollars on corrections and medicaid
than public education and our students suer as a re-
sult. Increased state aid along with University Admin-
istrators commitment to run as eciently as possible,
will go a long way in reducing the high price students
and their amilies pay.
Increased opportunity and access; aordab
With State unding or higher public educa
decline, our public universities have becom
dependent upon student tuition. Tese cuts
or students. In act, Michigan students ca
heavier load than other states. Students su
goes up in order to ll the gap in univers
and theyre orced to take on increasing d
crease their time to complete their degrees
work their way through school. I would a
State adoption o a revenue system that i
stable and air.
SATISH B. JASTI,
Republican
Did Not Respond in time or publicaton
KIM TRENT,DemocratCampaign Website:
http://www.trent4wsu.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Student
Recruitment Manager or
Michigan Future Inc.
Education: Wayne State University: Bachelors o
Arts (Journalism and Aricana Studies), Masters o
Arts (Communications). University o Cape own
(South Arica): Post Graduate Diploma, AricanStudies.
I am running or the Wayne State University Board o
Governors because I am passionate about the need to
prepare Michiganders to compete in the knowledge-
based economy. In my current proessional lie, I work
closely with college preparatory high schools and my
career has included stints as an aide to high-ranking
Michigan elected ocials and as a political reporter
or a major newspaper. Tose roles have exposed me
to opportunities to closely monitor and analyze higher
education policies in Michigan and understand the po-
litical climate in Michigan that has led to the disinvest-
ment that has stymied schools like WSU.
Tere is little doubt that a college degree is one o the
best investments a student and government can make.
A recent Georgetown University and Lumina Foun-
dation study ound that even in the worst days o the
recent recession, the economy added 200,000 jobs or
workers with a bachelors degree. College degree hold-
ers earn an average o $1.3 million more over a lietime
than those without a degree. As a member o the WSU
Board, I will work with the administration to keep the
schools budget lean and nimble. I will also use the bully
pulpit to push state leaders to invest more in WSU to
help keep tuition costs in check
I am very concerned about Wayne State
student retention and graduation rates. I
cate or expansion o the universitys partn
high-quality community colleges to provid
oundation or students who enter college
or the academic rigor o a our-year institu
WSUs absymal six-year graduation rate
black students, I also support the developm
demic support systems or students o colo
concerned about tuition aordability and w
more state investment in the university.
ROBERT GALE,US TaxpayersOccupation / Current
Position: Sel Employed Businessman
Education: I attended MCCU and MSU.
I attended MCCU and MSU. Sel employed business-
man. Business and management backround. I am run-
ning or the WSU board to make a dierence. I am a
taxpayer and not a politician like my opponents the
Democrats, Republicans and Green party candidates.
Te price o a college degree is spiraling out o control.
I support lowering costs to students by eliminating all
contributions to politicians with university, taxpayer or
student money! As your WSU Governor I will get more
support rom business and labor.
Tere are to many special interest groups pr
own issues. I will support reviewing all d
and programs and taking appropriate action
30 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
6/15
Wayne State University Board of Governors 8-Year Term Vote for TWOQuestions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background,
experience and qualications
or the university board and
the reasons that you arerunning or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
Is a college degree still worth
the high price students and
their amilies pay? Can you
suggest ways to keep costs tostudents down?
QUESTION 3
What are the most press
issues acing the univer
today and what actions w
you take regarding the
The Universi ty Board has eight members and
has general supervision o the university and the
control and direction o all expenditures rom
he institutions unds. The board shall elect a
university president who shall be the principal
executive ofcer.
MARC J. SOSNOWSKI,US TaxpayersCampaign Website:
www.acebook.com/marc.
osnowski.committee
Occupation / Current
Position: Sel-employed in
guest service operation o a corporate housing
program; and also rep in Youngevity.
Education: MBA, 2009, Cornerstone University,
Summa cum Laude. Baccalaureate, 1978,
UM-Dearborn, Environmental Studies. Diploma,1974, Detroit Catholic Central High School.
From a 30-year business background, I bring cost-
benet concepts to planning o University programs.
Change and growth do not necessarily mean just
adding to what we already have. From a 30-year ex-
perience in bio-ethics, I bring values that transcend
cost-benet analysis. Cruelty can never be accepted
in research animals, nor can mutilation be accepted in
medical studies or medical practice, in our University.
From a 30-year experience as a taxpayer, I have a say,
along with the 7 million other adults in Michigan, in
the operation o the University, according to the State
Constitution.
Education is priceless. Paying or education, though,
has become a pain. o reverse the trend o ever-in-
creasing tuition rates, consider supply and demand.
Decrease the demand or revenue-spending programs,
with the supply o sources or revenue remaining the
same, and the price will go down, as represented as
tuition. Tis is particularly true in the Restricted Bud-
getary items o government grants. Te supporting evi-
dence is that tuition has not decreased as government
grants have increased. Could it be that accountability
is missing?
Te rising cost o tuition needs to be addre
cally not sentimentally, so some things will
lined or privatized to be accountable in
Quality o research needs to b e preerred ov
o research, with proessors seeking recog
advancement, so that unnecessary progra
avoided, such as inhumane treatment o res
mals. Most importantly, the WSU Mission
is just plain wrong, to create knowledge.
knowledge, and truth, are sel-evident as in
ration o Independence. ruth is not created
MARGARET GUTTSHALL,GreenCampaign Website:
www.margaretguttshall.org
Occupation / Current
Position: Retired law
ibrarian / Writer
Education: University o Chicago, Roosevelt
University, Wayne State University: Masters in
Library Science
When I rst worked at WSU Law School opening and
sorting mail, I imagined WSU as part o a system o
public education ree to everyone rom kindergarten
through a Ph.D. When I came back to WSU, working
on a Masters in Library Science and as a reerence as-
sistant, I imagined even more. Te U.S. government
stops bombing our neighbors and spends our tax
money on things people need in the U.S. and every-
where. I like what I imagine to come true. Tis is a big
struggle. I would like WSU to be one o the centers o
this struggle. Tis is why I am running or the Board.
Studying is a wonderul thing to do. College degrees
are an indication o what you have studied. We need
to spend our tax money on a ree public education sys-
tem, instead o on personnel, planes, ries and bombs
to kill our neighbors. We can oer the world so much
-- water, ood, sanitation acilities, housing, healthcare,
education, transportation, science, engineering, art,
music, dancing. Tink about what we can oer instead
o bombs!
Students debts and money are the most p
sues. I would like to pass legislation to orgiv
debts. We also need money to pay people w
tuition, or new buildings and equipment.
the people and education, not the billionair
and war!
LATHAM REDDING,Green
Did Not Respond in time or publicaton
Writein Candidates
To writein the name of a person not on the ballot and have yourvote count:I you want to write in the name o someone who is not on the ballot, you may do so in the space
provided. Write-in votes will be counted only i that person has led a declaration o intent to be awrite-in candidate as required by law.
I there is a race in which a candidate whose name is printed on the ocial ballot or the electiondies or is otherwise disqualied on or afer the Wednesday immediately beore the election, no delaration o intent is necessary. In such a case, the board o election inspectors will count all write-i
votes or the write-in candidates or the oce sought by the deceased or disqual ied candidate.
To declare yourself as a writein candidate:You must le a declaration o intent to be a write-in candidate with the ling ocial or the oceyou seek on or beore 4 p.m. on the second Friday immediately beore the election (or the November 6 general election, that would be Friday, October 26).
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
7/15
Michigan Supreme Court Justice - 8-year term Vote for up to TWO (2)Questions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background, ex-
perience and qualications or
the Michigan Supreme Court
and the reasons that you are
running or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
What are your views regarding
the ndings o the bipartisan
Michigan Judicial Selection
Task Force which recommend-
ed ull disclosure o campaign
unding, nominations to Su-
preme Court by nonpartisan
primary, and an advisory
commission or gubernatorial
appointments?
QUESTION 3
What is your vision or t
uture o our judicial syst
What changes would you
vocate and why?
DOUG DERNOccupation / Current
Position: Attorney
Education:
BA Oaklahoma University. JD Tomas Cooley
My background is in General practice and Bankruptcy
law.As bankruptcy law touches every area o law and
increases qualication beyond a normal background.
I am running or the Supreme Court because I have
no loyality except to justice. I am not a an o specialinterests or PACs and I accept no unds rom either.
I am aligned with justice. I have seen so many ruling
coming out o the Court that I think were policitally or
religously driving. I think a justice needs to look at the
past the present and uture and listen to the acts with
no political agenda. It makes it tough when Judges are
elected.
It think it is a step in the right direction. I mean ull
disclosures helps keep special interests rom inuenc-
ing or legal system. Tat is a dicult task.
My vision is to maintain the current justice
the Constitution o thie State. Michigan i
State and my mission is to protect what we
I think there has been a drindling o our
in recent years and I have seen some decithink are geared to supress certain classes. A
a job to protect the basic rights o all. I t
times certain justices spend to much time o
and orget what it like in the real world. I w
the resh blood with new ideas to get the cu
system back in line.
Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot
The Michigan Supreme Court is the states highest
court and makes the nal determination and inter-
pretation o Michigans laws. It supervises all other
state courts.
CONNIE MARIE KELLEYCampaign Website:
www.conniekelleyorjustice.
com
Occupation / Current
Position: I am a judge in the
Family division o t he Wayne
County Circuit Court.
Education: I received a BA rom University o
Michigan, and my juris doctorate rom Wayne
State University Law School.
As a Wayne County Circuit Court judge, I preside over
amily cases, including divorce, custody, child support,
and parenting time issues. I was instrumental in the
creation o a domestic violence prevention court as
well as a mentoring program or at-risk high school
girls. Beore I was elected to serve as a judge, I was a
lawyer or 27 years, practicing in courts throughout the
state o Michigan. I am seeking a seat on the Michigan
Supreme Court to bring my 31 years o experience as alawyer and a judge, protecting amilies and children, to
the highest court in Michigan.
I applaud the eorts o this great bipartisan group to
nd solutions to the problems in the current system
o electing the members o the Supreme Court. I en-
thusiastically support reorm measures which require
ull disclosure o all campaign donations so the voting
public is aware o each candidates nancial supporters.
I also support eorts to make the selection o Supreme
Court Justices less partisan, which would increase the
publics condence that the decisions made by theCourt are based on the law and not on any political
point o view.
I would like to see a Court that issues opini
based on the law, and not repeatedly makin
along party lines, or based upon the money
ence o powerul special interest groups. I
the Court to have the condence o the pub
be above the politics o the day. Tis requ
who are principled, respectul, thoughtul,
to hear both sides o every case, and who
the legal precedents which have been well over the years.
STEPHEN MARKMANCampaign Website:
www.MarkmanForJustice.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Justice, Michigan
Supreme Court
Education: BA, Duke
University, 1971; JD, Univer-
sity o Cincinnati Law School, 1974
I have served on the Court since 1999. Beore that, I
served in private practice in Detroit; as the ederal pros-
ecutor in Michigan; and as Assistant Attorney General
in the Justice Dept. I was bipartisanly conrmed by the
Senate or the latter two positions. I have been part o
a Court that has: (1) strengthened the criminal justice
system within our state; (2) reduced levels o litigation
by rendering the law more clear and predictable; and
(3) restored traditional notions o personal responsibil-
ity to our civil justice system. I would like to continue
this work on behal o a air and responsible judiciary.
I agree with some proposals o the ask Force and dis-
agree with others. I agree that ull disclosure should
be required or all contributions and outside expendi-
tures. I also agree that there should be public debate
concerning what I see as the greatest current threat to
the integrity o the Court, the perception by members
o the public that ever-more costly campaigns are im-
pacting judicial decisions. I do not agree with propos-
als that would skew the selection process in avor o
lawyer control and inuence, or that would make it
more dicult or candidates lacking avored surnames
rom competing or the Court.
My vision is that o a Court in which ev
decision is the product o the equal rule
describes a Court in which there are no thu
scales o justice, no politics by another n
courtroom, no partisan decisionmaking, a
cial constituencies. Tis also describes a Cou
decisions are made according to the law, an
basis o the personal inclinations or sympat
and dislikes o the judge. Our great constitu
tage is the rule o law, in which all stand e
that law, and not the rule o individual judg
BRIDGET MARYMcCORMACKCampaign Website:
www.mccormackforjustice.com
Occupation / Current
Position: Proessor and Asso-
ciate Dean o Clinical Aairs,
University o Michigan
Education: Undergraduate in political science and
philosophy at rinity College, graduating in 1988
with highest honors. JD rom New York University
School o Law.
I am the oldest o three children. My dad, a Marine
Corp veteran, ran a small business. My mom was a so-
cial worker. My younger siblings are actors.I attended
rinity College in Hartord, C, and NYU Law School.
Upon graduating law school, I worked as a Legal Aid
lawyer in NYC. I taught at Yale or two years beore
I came to Michigan in 1998 and joined the aculty o
the UoM Law School. I am now the Associate Dean
or Clinical Aairs. I am committed to making sure
Michigans judiciary protects us all with integrity, and
to improving our judiciary so that it can be a positive
example or others in the country.
I wholeheartedly support these reorms and am grate-
ul or the taskorces work. Judicial campaigns in
Michigan are some o the most expensive in the nation,
and 2012 will likely break previous campaign spending
records.Tat coupled with partisanship in the process
is devastating to public condence in the entire system.
Reorms in each o these areas will serve the public. I
am committed to working to enact these reorms no
matter the outcome o this election. Justice Marilyn
Kelly has has endorsed me as the candidate she would
like to see replace her and I intend to support her con-
tinuing reorm eorts.
Our judiciary has to work or all citizens. P
undermines the public condence in our
that condence level is at an all time low.
supposed to be the branch o governmen
ing right is more important than being po
people need to see the Supreme Court op
way to restore condence in its actions. A
essor I teach students about this importa
court plays in a constitutional democrac
lawyer practicing in our state and ederal
supervising students in court as they learn
how politics undermines this goal.
32 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
8/15
Michigan Supreme Court Justice - 8-year term Vote for up to TWO (2)Questions (625 characters each):
QUESTION 1
Describe your background, ex-
perience and qualications or
the Michigan Supreme Court
and the reasons that you are
running or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
What are your views regarding
the ndings o the bipartisan
Michigan Judicial Selection
Task Force which recommend-
ed ull disclosure o campaign
unding, nominations to Su-
preme Court by nonpartisan
primary, and an advisory
commission or gubernatorial
appointments?
QUESTION 3
What is your vision or
uture o our judicial sys
What changes would yo
dvocate and why?
KERRY MORGANCampaign Website:
ttp://www.martindale.com/
Kerry-Lee-Morgan/2161158-
awyer.htm
Occupation / Current
osition: Kerry Lee Morgan
O Counsel to the law
rm o Pentiuk, Couvreur, & Kobiljak, P.C.
ducation: B.A., Michigan State University, 1977;
D., Detroit College o Law, 1980; M.A., Regent
University, 1985.
Te Supreme Court needs Justices who will apply the
law as written, not as it ought to be written in the mind
o the Judge. My background in the law or over thirty
years has taught me the importance o this purpose.
My experience in the practice o law beore judges hastaught me that judges are reluctant to simply apply the
law as written. I can bring a balanced respect or the
written law and the Constitution in particular, to the
bench so that Justice may be done.
Te ask Forces recommendations are a sham. Te
Democrat and Republican parties have joined orces in
an eort to orce primaries upon the voter. Tis elimi-
nates competition rom Libertarian and other Party
candidates in the General election. Te ask Forcecomplains that too much money is spent but ails to
note that primaries will increase expenditures. Repub-
lican and Democrat nominated Justices currently ac-
count or 99 percent o those expenditure. Te people
o this State deserve better than the snake oil o such
bipartisan manipulation designed to increase major
party control o the Supreme Court.
Te uture o the judicial system is or the
decide, but that uture must recover a soli
ment to the rule o law, not the law o judg
gan Lawyers must also be reed rom the
State Bar o Michigan, by elimination o itsory membership requirements. Te Supre
should be leading this ght. Instead, it side
Bar in compelling lawyers to pay money to
the propagation o ideas with which they d
well as denying lawyers the reedom to volu
their dues to other legal organizations wh
they would avor.
Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot
The Michigan Supreme Court is the states highest
court and makes the nal determination and inter-
pretation o Michigans laws. It supervises all other
state courts.
COLLEEN OBRIENampaign Website:
ww.colleenobrien.org
ccupation / Current
osition: Circuit Court
udge, Oakland County
ducation: University o
Michigan, 1978; Detroit Col-
ge o Law, 1981
My background includes 14 years as Oakland County
Circuit Court Judge, 17 years in private practice & sev-
eral years teaching law. I have held leadership positions
in judicial groups, lawyers associations & community
organizations. However, it is my experience as a judge
in one o Michigans busiest trial courts that has best
prepared me or service on the Michigan Supreme
Court. I have seen rsthand the impact that the Courthas on the lives o each litigant that comes into my
court. I pledge, that i elected, I will apply the law with
an even-hand to every party, regardless o my personal
views or preerences.
Michigan already requires public disclosure o all cam-
paign contributions to judicial candidates. Te stated
motivation or a nonpartisan primary was to remove
money rom the process. I believe it would have the
opposite eect: there would be no limit on the number
o people running, it will attract those with the most
money & most amous names, and it would result in two
statewide elections, rather than one. We must be care-ul not to take Michigans electorate out o the process
o determining who judges are by giving this important
responsibility to an unaccountable commission.
o meet the needs o our citizens in the ace
ing resources, our judicial system must bec
ecient through the use o better techno
improved resource allocation. We must ens
to the courts or all o our residents, inclu
gent litigants, regardless o where they live
a critical nding o the Governors Indigen
Commission on which I served. I would alsoproblem-solving courts including those de
substance abuse, domestic violence, mental h
BOB RODDISCampaign Website:
ttp://roddisorjustice.com/
Occupation / Current
osition: Attorney
ducation: Ferndale High
chool 1969; M.S.U. - B.A. in
olitical Science 1974; Detroit
College o Law - J.D. 1980; Wayne State University
chool o Law - LLM 1984
I am a lielong resident o metropolitan Detroit and an
attorney since 1980. I am a strong advocate o the Aus-
trian School o Economics as exemplied by the Nobel
Prize winner in economics Friedrich Hayek and by
Congressman Ron Paul, who has been an inspiration
to me. I believe that individuals have a constitutional
and natural right to personal liberty and nancial lib-
erty. I am running or justice o the Supreme Court
because our government is out o control in both our
personal and economic lives and must be reigned i n by
judges who understand the limitations placed on gov-
ernment by the Constitution.
While I have no objection to disclosure o campaign
unding, I rigorously object to the other recommen-
dations o this task orce. Tese ltering procedures
would ensure that no judicial opponents o the sur-
veillance/welare state will ever reach the Michigan
Supreme Court. With these lters in place, only rub-
ber-stamped advocates o our present unconstitutional
living constitution who have supported the judicial
evisceration o the constitution guaranteed protections
o private property, reedom o contract, sound money
and limited government will ever nd a seat on the
court.
My vision or the uture is that judges mi
stand and enorce the written Constitution
one example, the Constitution clearly states
shall make any Ting but gold and s
a ender in Payment o Debts. I this pro
been properly enorced, there would hav
unconstitutional creation o the Federal R
Great Depression, no recent housing bubb
unconstitutional bailout o Fannie, Freddie
Further, the limited powers granted to the
ernment do not include control o the enti
industry with legislation such as Obamacare
on November 6.Bring a friend!
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
9/15
Michigan Supreme Court Justice - PARTIALterm to 1/1/15 Vote for ONE (
Questions (625 characters each):QUESTION 1
Describe your background, ex-
perience and qualications orthe Michigan Supreme Court
and the reasons that you are
running or this ofce.
QUESTION 2
What are your views regarding
the ndings o the bipartisanMichigan Judicial Selection
Task Force which recommend-
ed ull disclosure o campaign
unding, nominations to Su-
preme Court by nonpartisan
primary, and an advisory
commission or gubernatorial
appointments?
QUESTION 3
What is your vision or
uture o our judicial sysWhat changes would y
advocate and why?
MINDY BARRYCampaign Website:
https://www.acebook.com/
MindyBarryorMichiganSu-premeCourt
Occupation / Current
Position: Visiting Assistant
Proessor, University o
Detroit, Mercy School o Law. Attorney.
Education: Georgetown University, J.D., 20 03;
Georgetown Journal o Law & Public Policy; Senior
Writing Fellow; Legal Research & Writing Fellow.
Colgate University, B.A. International Relations,
991
Former Chie Counsel, U.S. House o Representatives
Judiciary Committee; Counsel, U.S. House o Repre-
sentatives Subcommittee or the Constitution; MI Su-
preme Court Law Clerk. I b elieve there should be more
than two parties: more candidates create more discus-
sion, which educates the electorate which, in turn, con-
strains politicization o the judiciary. In my career, I
have learned the wisdom o the law, the diculty o
judicial restraint, & the b eauty o our government &
hope to apply my background & education to advance
these values or the people o the State o Michigan.
I have a unique view: I grew up in a state in which
judges are appointed. My dad & his colleagues were
competitively selected, &, while not awless, having
proessional associations screen candidates is eec-
tive in minimizing incapable, but charismatic, judges
dierently than political nominations &/or elections.
I also investigated misconduct by ederal judges who,
obviously, are appointed. So I am aware o the tempta-
tion to inuence outcomes even by judges who need
not worry about undraising or campaigning. I support
improvements through public disclosure & account-
ability o campaign (mis)representations.
I would like to see the ethics and proess
dards o the judiciary heightened. Te leg
the judiciary and, thus, societys willingne
ply with its outcomes depends equally on
lectual competency and honestly o its jud
are the gatekeepers or the system and, ther
be its standard-barer. I would like the elect
to cause more questioning about proession
ity so the people o the State become more
literate and expect the same competency r
as we expect surgeons or auto workers to h
respective elds.
Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot
The Michigan Supreme Court is the states highest
court and makes the nal determination and inter-
pretation o Michigans laws. It supervises all other
state courts.
SHELIA JOHNSONCampaign Website:
www.JudgeSheliaJohnson.com
Occupation / Current
osition: Judge o the 46th
District Court
ducation: Kingswood
chool Cranbrook
secondary education); Dartmouth College,
A.B. with distinction; University o Michigan L aw
chool, J.D.; ormer judicial Law Clerk U.S. District
Court, W.D. Michigan.
Prior to being elected to the 46th District Court in
2002, I was an associate at a major law rm in the com-
mercial litigation practice group and in private prac-
tice or approximately 18 years, representing average
people, protecting their rights in both criminal and
civil litigation, ofen woking pro bono to ensure citi-zens had access to justice. I am seeking oce to bring
a resh, diverse, common sense, judicially independent
perspective and practical experience to the Court. I in-
tend to applying the law as written, bringing balance,
airness and integrity and restoring condence to the
legal process.
Tere should be reorm in the way that judges are se-
lected. Te current system allows unrestricted unding
rom unknown sources in judicial races, which aects
the integrity o the judicial process. Te nomination
o justices to the non-partisan ballot through the po-
litical party process leaves the appearance that justicesare beholden to special interests and serves to erode
the public trust and condence in the judicial system.
Nominations should be non-partisan. Te people
should elect judges, but with screening to educate the
electorate and also or gubernatorial appointments to
preclude pure partisan avorism.
I envision a system where everyone, no m
background or resources, has equal access
I would advocate or changes in the cour
counsel system, to ensure indigent perons
and eective representation; changes in
rules to ensure that pro se litigants have aderstanding o procedure and thus equal ac
system; accessible online education in cou
unrepresented persons navigate thru the sys
language resources to ensure that oreign lan
gants understand the process thereby resulti
air and just results.
BRIAN ZAHRACampaign Website:
www.zahraorjustice.com
Occupation / Current
osition: Justice o the
upreme Court
ducation: University o
Detroit Law School, Juris
Doctor, 1987 : Wayne State University, Bachelor o
General Studies, 1984
I have been privileged to serve the people o Michigan
or 18 years; 4 years as a circuit judge; 12 years as Judge
o the Court o Appeals; and 2 years as Justice o the
Supreme Court. Troughout this time, I have been an
advocate or the rule o law. Rule o law means that a
persons case should rise or a ll exclusively on the legal
merits o the claim and not on a judges subjective view
o which party is more sympathetic or deserving. Tis
is the only way to ensure equal justice under law to allwho use the courts. Tis is also the best way to ensure
an objective and balanced approach to the interpreta-
tion o laws.
I preer an appointment system only i the Governor
has unettered discretion to appoint. When the people
elect a governor, they will have to be cognizant o the
types o judges the governor will appoint. I disavor an
appointment system that uses an advisory commission
to limit the Governors discretion. Backroom politics
will control the commission and ultimately control
who becomes a judge. I we have elections, I avor
eliminating party nominations or Supreme Court. Idisavor requiring a primary in judicial elections be-
cause they require additional undraising. Judicial un-
draising should be kept to a minimum.
Te judicial system is technologically o
party should be able to e-le their pleading
electronic access to public records. Tese
are mainly due to the way we und our Co
government pays or the Courts support. T
a vast dierence in unding. Larger counti
ecient e-ling system that saves money or
and makes money or the court. Smaller co
the resources to have vendors provide theservices. Within 5 years we need to creat
state e-ling system that will make the judi
more ecient and user riendly.
Vote on Tuesday, November 6Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
34 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
10/15
Court of AppealsNo candidate or Court o Appeals has opposition on the ballot.
Thereore, questionnaires were not sent to candidates or the Court o Appeals.
Court of Appeals Districts by County1st District 3rd District 4th DistrictBranch Allegan Kent Alcona Delta Keweenaw OgemaHillsdale Barry Mason Alger Dickinson Lake OntonagKalamazoo Berrien Montcalm Alpena Emmet Lapeer OsceolaLenawee Cass Muskegon Antrim Gladwin Leelanau Oscoda
Monroe Calhoun Newaygo Arenac Gogebic Livingston OtsegoSt. Joseph Eaton Oceana Baraga Grand raverse Luce Presque Wayne Ionia Ottawa Bay Gratiot Mackinac Roscomm
Jackson Van Buren Benzie Houghton Manistee Saginaw2nd District Washtenaw Charlevoix Huron Marquette SanilacGenesee Cheboyan Ingham Mecosta SchoolcrMacomb Chippewa Iosco Menominee ShiawassOakland Clare Iron Midland St. Clair
Clinton Isabella Missaukee uscolaCraword Kalkaska Montmorency Wexord
1st District Judge of Court of AppealsIncumbent 6-year term
Vote for up to TWO (2)
KIRSEN FRANK KELLYMICHAEL RIORDAN
2nd District Judge of Court of AppealsIncumbent 6-year term
Vote for up to THREE (3)
ELIZABEH L. GLEICHERKAHLEEN JANSENDEBORAH A. SERVIO
3rd District Judge of Court of AppealsIncumbent 6-year term
Vote for up to THREE (3)JANE M. BECKERINGBILL MURPHYDOUGLAS B. SHAPIRO
3rd District Judge of Court of AppealIncumbent Partial term ending 1/1/2015
Vote for ONE (1)
MARK . BOONSRA
4th District Judge of Court of AppealsIncumbent 6-year term
Vote for up to TWO (2)
SEPHEN LEOPOLD BORRELLOPEER D. OCONNELL
4th District Judge of Court of AppealsIncumbent Partial term ending 1/1/2015
Vote for ONE (1)
AMY RONAYNE KRAUSE
VOING FOR JUDICIAL CANDIDAESJudges are dierent rom other elected ocials; their role is to upholdthe law, not represent voters. Tis dierence can make it challengingto make decisions in a judicial election. o help you make an inormeddecision consider:
What should you expect rom judicial candidates? Campaign conduct consistent with judicial rules and ethics Impartiality Commitment to the law, rather than public opinion
What should you look or in a judge? Experience demonstrated exposure to legal issues, and substantial
& diverse experience with the justice system Integrity- high moral character, honesty, industry and diligence Proessional Competence intellect, knowledge o the law, writing
& analytical ability, judgment, and courtroom & trial experience Judicial emperament unbiased, courteous, open-minded,
understanding, air and committed to the rule o law Service demonstrated commitment to justice or all.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
11/15
Statewide Proposals
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE with PRO and CON STATEMENTS
DISCLAIMER:Te Pro and Con statements or the six statewide ballot proposals refect the views o their major proponents and opponents as expressed on their websites and other supporting documreerenced. Te inclusion o the views o the various groups is solely in the interest o public service. Te League o Women Voters takes no responsibility or the views or acts o the gr
Ocial Ballot Language - PROPOSAL 12-1
A REFERENDUM ON PUBLIC AC 4 OF 2011 HE EMERGENCY MANAGER LAW
Public Act 4 o 2011 would:
Establish criteria to assess the nancial condition of local government units, in-
cluding school districts.
Authorize Governor to appoint an emergency manager (EM) upon state ndingo a nancial emergency, and allow the EM to act in place o local governmentocials.
Require EM to develop nancial and operating plans, which may include modi-
cation or termination o contracts, reorganization o government, and determi-nation o expenditures, services, and use o assets until the emergency is resolved.
Alternatively, authorize state-appointed review team to enter into a local govern-ment approved consent decree.
Should this law be approved? YES NO
YESPA 4 o 2011 was passed by the majority o the Michigan Legislature and signed byGovernor Snyder in order to update the ormer emergency nance manager law, PA 72o 1990. Per the Michigan Constitution, local governments are creations o and subor-dinate to the state and thus, the state can pass laws governing their operations.
Under PA 4, emergency managers gained new power to deal with nancial emergen-cies including having authority previously vested in local elected ocials and to reject,modiy and terminate contracts and collective bargaining agreements. Supporters citethe need or emergency managers to have more powers than under the old law in orderto deal with the current nancial crisis that impacts local cities and school districts.
Te Governor is responsible or appointing an emergency manager afer declaring a -nancial emergency. A consent agreement is another option. Emergency manager mustsubmit action plan to State reasurer and hold a public meeting on it.
Emergency managers are seen as a needed alternative to ling or bankruptcy in orderto protect the credit o the state.
YES vote puts the Emergency Manager Law, PA 4 o 2011, into eect.Note: Website not available at this time.
NOStand Up or Democracy and others oppose PA 4 o 2011 and see it as a power grab bythe Governor and Michigan Legislature. Opponents recognize the need to have inter-ventions available when there is a nancial crisis, but they argue that locally elected o-
cials should still have power and previously agreed upon contracts should be enorced.Some believe PA 4 may be unconstitutional, particularly regarding abrogation o con-tracts and voter disenranchisement o the local community. Opponents argue thatthe broad powers given the Emergency Manager such as eliminating the role o locallyelected ocials, altering contracts, ring employees, suspending collective bargainingagreements, outsourcing, merging cities or school districts, and selling assets go too ar.
Many believe PA 72 o 1990, the Emergency Financial Manager law which PA 4 re-placed, is adequate or dealing with nancial crisis and blame reductions in state rev-enue sharing or causing the crisis. Because o the reerendum, Flint, Benton Harbor,Ecorse, Pontiac, Detroit Public Schools and Highland Park Schools, are being operatedunder PA 72 o 1990.
NO vote repeals the Emergency Manager Law, PA 4 o 2011.
For more inormation go to http://standup4democracy.com
Ocial Ballot Language - PROPOSAL 12-2
A PROPOSAL O AMEND HE SAE CONSIUIONREGARDING COLLECIVE BARGAINING
Tis proposal would:
Grant public and private employees the constitutional right to organize an
gain collectively through labor unions.
Invalidate existing or future state or local laws that limit the ability tunions and bargain collectively, and to negotiate and enorce collective baring agreements, including employees nancial support o their labor un
Laws may be enacted to prohibit public employees rom striking.
Override state laws that regulate hours and conditions of employment extent that those laws confict with collective bargaining agreements.
Dene employer as a person or entity employing one or more employee
Should this proposal be approved? YES NO
YESProtect Our Jobs asserts:
Proposal establishes peoples rights to organize, join or assist unions and to bcollectively with public or private employers regarding wages, hours and other emment conditions.
It prohibits employers rom retaliating against employees or exercising those rprohibits state and local governments rom interering with those rights, and progovernment rom blocking agreements respecting employees nancial support tounion. It grants State Civil Service employees collective bargaining rights while arizing the State to restrict or prohibit public employee strikes. It protects currenestablishing minimum wages, hours and working conditions.
Te proposal doesnt add any rights workers dont already have. It doesnt orce pto join unions. It doesnt require anyone to pay dues. It simply prevents those whoto eliminate workers rights rom being able to do it. Corporate special interesspend millions to mislead voters about the proposal so they can pass Right to legislation prohibiting agreements between unions and employers on membershdues payment.
Collective bargaining gives workers a voice at work and a seat at the table with mament, protecting Michigans amilies and allowing workers to negotiate air wagbenets.
For more information go to http://protectourjobs.com
NOProtecting Michigan axpayers asserts:
Tis proposal enshrines the agenda o Washington D.C. union bosses in Mich
Constitution, resulting in higher taxes, a undamental lack o airness and eweIt would take away local control and eliminate the ability o our elected represento make decisions that move Michigan orward.
Government workers would receive higher pensions and better benets even dtough economic times, causing lawmakers to roll back recent tax cuts that are uMichigans turnaround.
Nearly 80 laws would be overturned, jeopardizing the states progress so ar. Ouity to remove bad teachers would be gutted, shortchanging our childrens educatwould be dicult to pass laws to urther improve education, protect public saetstrengthen our economy.
Just as no one should be orbidden rom joining a union, workers should not be to join a union or pay dues to a political organization they dont support. Its a sinterest power play. Dont let them hijack our constitution.
For more information go to http://protectingmichigantaxpayers
36 H LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
12/15
Statewide Proposals
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE with PRO and CON STATEMENTS
DISCLAIMER:Te Pro and Con statements or the six statewide ballot proposals refect the views o their major proponents and opponents as expressed on their websites and other supporting documreerenced. Te inclusion o the views o the various groups is solely in the interest o public service. Te League o Women Voters takes no responsibility or the views or acts o the gr
Ocial Ballot Language - PROPOSAL 12-3
A PROPOSAL O AMEND HE SAE CONSIUIONO ESABLISH A SANDARD FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
Tis proposal would:
Require electric utilities to provide at least 25% of their annual retail sales ofelectricity rom renewable energy sources, which are wind, solar, biomass, and
hydropower, by 2025.
Limit to not more than 1% per year electric utility rate increases charged to con-sumers only to achieve compliance with the renewable energy standard.
Allow annual extensions of the deadline to meet the 25% standard in order toprevent rate increases over the 1% limit.
Require the legislature to enact additional laws to encourage the use of Michiganmade equipment and employment o Michigan residents.
Should this proposal be approved? YES NO
YESUtilities are on track to meet the old standard o 10% renewables by 2015. Tats no lon-ger good enough as over 30 other states, including the Midwestern states o Ohio, Illi-nois, Iowa and Minnesota have passed new standards o 25% renewables by 2025. Tesestates have not seen signicantly higher energy rates and this proposal limits increasesto no more than $1.25 a month. Tis is a small cost or Michigan energy, Michigan jobsand cleaner air and water.
Tis proposal would help us build a clean energy industry by oering stability andcommitment to renewable energy growth. Te growth will create thousands o jobs or
Michigan workers and attract $10 billion in new investments in our state.
Using more wind and solar energy will reduce pollution and give Michigan cleaner andhealthier air and water, protect the Great Lakes, reduce asthma and lung disease, andultimately save lives.
Te Michigan constitution has granted two mechanisms to create law, our legislatureand by popular vote. Our present legislative impasse necessitates going to the people toensure we dont all behind.
For more inormation, go to www.MiEnergyMiJobs.com .
NOA ballot proposal to require 25% o all energy to be produced rom the sun or windby 2025 sidesteps our Legislature and the proper way to make laws. It allows millionso dollars worth o wind turbines and solar generation all over Michigans landscape,without any proo that such a tremendous investment can be utilized or will even be
needed afer its installation.
Current law requires 10% renewables by 2015. Tat is a more reasonable, aordable andattainable approach than cluttering the Constitution. Te marketplace is the most e-ective way to develop Michigans renewable energy industry and the legislative processis the most ecient way to set standards. Te current law, which was passed afer twoyears o thoughtul debate and with bipartisan support in 2008, should be ully imple-mented and its benets ully analyzed and evaluated beore any changes are discussed.
Te Michigan Jobs and Energy Coalition, which includes Michigans major utilities,electrical cooperatives, major business organizations, industrial customers and eco-nomic development interests and which helped pass the 2008 renewable energy law,opposes this amendment which decreases exibility. A special interest group should notbe allowed to amend our Constitution.
For more inormation, go to www.careormich.com
Ocial Ballot Language - PROPOSAL 12-4A PROPOSAL O AMEND HE SAE CONSIUIONO ESABLISH HE MICHIGAN QUALIY HOME CARECOUNCIL AND PROVIDE COLLECIVE BARGAINING
FOR IN-HOME CARE WORKERSTis proposal would:
Allow in-home care workers to bargain collectively with the Michigan QHome Care Council (MQHCC). Continue the current exclusive represent
o in-home care workers until modied in accordance with labor laws.
Require MQHCC to provide training for in-home care workers, create a re
o workers who pass background checks, and provide nancial services ttients to manage the cost o in-home care.
Preserve patients rights to hire in-home care workers who are not referred
the MQHCC registry who are bargaining unit members.
Authorize the MQHCC to set minimum compensation standards and term
conditions o employment.
Should this proposal be approved? YES NO
YESCitizens or Aordable Quality Home Care, a bipartisan coalition o senior advodisability rights groups, veterans, clergy, law enorcement ocials and commleaders, supports the Keep Home Care Sae proposal to establish Michigan QHome Care Council (MQHCC).
An eleven-member council appointed by the Governor will establish a registry toeligible recipients obtain Home Help services. Te registry will pre-screen wodo background checks and provide critical job training so workers can better cathose needing assistance. Te home care workers will have collective bargaining rbut are not State employees. Medicaid pays workers, but patients are responsib
hiring and ring the home care workers.
MQHCC enables seniors and people with disabilities to choose sae, quality ctheir own homes as an alternative to expensive institutional care. According tAnderson Economic Group report, Michigan saves $47,000 annually or each pusing home services rather than being in a nursing acility. A similar Michigan QCommunity Care Council (MQC3) established in 2004 was eliminated by the Gnor and Michigan Legislature in 2012. By monitoring unemployment claims by seproviders, MQC3 saved the state $1,100,000 in unemployment benets over our
For more inormation go to www.keephomecaresae.org
NOTis proposal would amend the Michigan Constitution to allow the unionizatihome-based caregivers as state employees. I passed the Constitutional amendwould override Public Act 76 o 2012. PA 76 amended the Public Employees RelAct (PERA) to exclude in the denition o public employees persons who re
a government subsidy in their private employment and prohibit the recognitionbargaining unit o individuals who are not public employees.
Elected ocials passed PA 76 to eliminate the Michigan Quality CommunityCouncil and stop collecting dues or the Service Employees International Uniobehal o home care workers. Citizens Protecting Michigans Constitution (Copposes Proposal 4 arguing that home care workers are not employed by the staby their clients, and, thereore, should not have collective bargaining rights andunion dues.
CPMC states that the ederal Home Help Program is already in existence to alloniors and disabled people to receive care at home instead o at a nursing acility. seniors in the program use amily members to provide the services. CPMC arguethis proposal would hijack the Michigan Constitution to allow unionization o caers as state employees.
For more inormation go to www.handsofourconstitution.co
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOERS OF MICHIGAN2012 NONPARTISAN VOTER GUIDE H
7/31/2019 League of Women Voters - Voter Guide - Statewide Races
13/15
Statewide Proposals
OFFICIAL BALLOT LANGUAGE with PRO and CON STATEMENTS
DISCLAIMER:Te Pro and Con statements or the six statewide ballot proposals refect the views o their major proponents and opponents as expressed on their websites and other supporting documreerenced. Te inclusion o the views o the various groups is solely in the interest o public service. Te League o Women Voters takes no responsibility or the views or acts o the gr
Ocial Ballot Language - PROPOSAL 12-5
A PROPOSAL O AMEND HE SAE CONSIUIONO LIMI HE ENACMEN OF NEW AXES BY SAE
GOVERNMEN
Tis proposal would:
Require a 2/3 majority vote o the State House and the State Senate, or a statewidevote o the people at a November election, in order or the State o Michigan toimpose new or additional taxes on taxpayers or expand the base o taxation or
increasing the rate o taxation.
Tis section shall in no way be construed to limit or modiy tax