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Page 46 2016 Voter Guide League of Women Voters Summarize your biography, including your education (degrees conferred, colleges and law school), career and employment experience, elected offices held, community service activity, organizational affiliations, and other pertinent information. MARY MARA I am a life-long member of the Pontiac/Waterford community. I grew up here. I am a grateful, lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church. I attended St. Benedict Elementary for 8 years and graduated from Pontiac Catholic High School in 1983. My son Dominic is a member of the class of 2017 at Waterford Kettering High School. My roots within the community are deep. I have devoted my entire legal career (25+ years) to matters involving law enforcement and public safety. As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County from 1991 to 2002, I devoted most of my time prosecuting crimes against children and vulnerable adults. I have spent the last 14 years in Federal Court litigating issues of constitutional law on a daily basis. I have spent my entire legal career working on behalf of the residents of Oakland County. As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 1991 to 2002, most of my ‘clients’ were crime victims and most of the victims I represented were children who had been terribly abused. I learned so much from these children about strength, perseverance, and courage. As a Litigator for Oakland County from 2002 to present, my client is the County of Oakland, its elected officials and employees. Here, I have devoted most of my time to defending Oakland County Sheriff Deputies in Federal Court while litigating issues of Constitutional law. I have an incredibly strong work ethic. As the ninth of ten children in my family, I started work at a very early age, sometimes working two or three jobs to put myself through MSU and later the Detroit College of Law graduating magna cum laude and 5th in my class. I have devoted my entire legal career (25+ years) to public service. My focus has been on all matters impacting public safety and constitutional law. I am honest, conscientious, and my record is beyond reproach. Although I definitely have the legal skills and experience to make a great District Court Judge, I also have the intangibles (a great work ethic, compassion, and common sense) needed to be a great Judge. District Judge – District 52-1 - One 6-year Term - Vote for up to ONE Includes the communities of Commerce Township, Highland Township, Lyon Township, Milford Township, Novi, Novi Township, South Lyon, Village of Milford, Village of Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom. GARY KLEIN I was raised in Grand Haven by a single mother and began working at the age of 11 to help contribute to the family’s finances. Ultimately, I put himself through undergraduate and law school working two (2) and sometimes three (3) jobs while attending school full time. As a 20 year staff lawyer, I have accumulated 25,000 hours of actual District Court experience. I am a licensed real estate salesperson and began a private law practice in 2003. I am married to Diana Klein (formerly D’Abate). We live in Milford with our two children Enzo (two) and Rocco our newborn. My wife is a real estate broker and we own The Northville Cigar Lounge DAVID LAW College: University of Notre Dame (1991), Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (concentration in finance). Law School: Detroit College of Law (1995). I currently serve as Presiding Judge of the 52-1 District Court (Novi, S. Lyon, Lyon Twp., Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce, Milford and Highland). Past experience: Assistant Michigan Attorney General (2009-2015), Commerce Township Trustee (2011-2015), State Representative representing Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake (2005-2008), Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor (1998-2004), Private Practice: Sills, Law, Essad, Fiedler, Charboneau (1995-1998). Memberships: Novi Rotary, Novi and Lakes Area Youth Assistance, Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, S/E Oakland Families Against Narcotics. Describe the general nature of your law practice or other legal work you have done, the typical clients you have represented, areas of specialty or concentration, and the geographic region of your practice. Aside from my duties as a district court staff lawyer, the nature of my law practice includes handling traffic, misdemeanor, felony, real estate and civil matters throughout the Michigan. Currently, I am Presiding Judge of the 52-1 District Court and it is an honor for me to hold this position. I truly believe that being a judge is the highest honor an attorney can attain and I take that appreciation to the courtroom every day. I have worked both in civil and criminal law in the past as a lawyer, mainly as a prosecutor for the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and as an Assistant Michigan Attorney General. I tried hundreds of cases as a lawyer prior to becoming a judge including prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases as an Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor and trying child abuse and neglect cases including sex abuse and death cases as an Assistant Michigan Attorney General. Why should voters elect (or re-elect) you to judicial office; what qualities (e.g. temperament, diligence, etc.) and experiences do you have that commend you to the judicial office you seek? District Judge – District 51 - Partial Tem Ending 1/1/2019 - Vote for up to ONE (Cont.) Includes Waterford. Voters should elect me to judicial office because of the strength of my character, I am the most qualified person for the job, I possess the right temperament, I have no agenda and I will decide matters impartially based solely on the facts and law. I would also like voters to know that I will respect everyone involved in the judicial process—parties to the dispute, their attorneys, witnesses, jurors, court staff and members of the public. I will treat everyone with dignity. I will be polite and courteous and will permit all parties to take the time necessary to articulate their position. Finally, I will check my ego at the door. I have served as a judge since February 2015. My experience as an attorney and record as a judge clearly set me apart from my opponent. Compare our experience levels. I was elevated by my fellow judges to Presiding Judge of our court because of my temperament, hard work and leadership. I run an efficient courtroom and treat people with respect. My fellow judges Robert Bondy and Travis Reeds have endorsed me in addition to the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), Police Officers Labor Council, Oakland County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Oakland County Sheriff Command Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson among other associations and local elected officials. Complete list at JudgeDavidLaw.com District Judge – District 52-2 - One 6-year Term - Vote for up to ONE Includes Cities of Clarkston & Oakland Co. portion of Fenton, Townships of Brandon, Groveland, Holly, Independence, Rose, Springfield & White Lake, Villages of Holly & Ortonville. Unopposed on the ballot: KELLEY KOSTIN District Judge – District 52-3 - One 6-year Term - Vote for up to ONE Includes Cities of Auburn Hills, Lake Angelus, Rochester & Rochester Hills, Townships of Addison, Oakland, Orion & Oxford, Villages of Lake Orion, Leonard & Oxford. Unopposed on the ballot: NANCY TOLWIN CARNIAK District Judge – District 52-4 - One 6-year Term - Vote for up to ONE Includes Cities of Clawson & Troy. Unopposed on the ballot: KIRSTEN NIELSEN HARTIG
League of Women Voters 2016 Voter Guide Page 47 Oakland Community College – 6 Year Term – Vote for no more than THREE Please provide biographical information and explain why you are running for Oakland Community College Trustee and relevant qualities and skills you would bring to the position. EVAN AGNELLO 4251 Carson Dr., Troy, MI 48098 I have been a resident of Oakland County my whole life. I am currently living, working, and starting a family in Troy, Michigan and have a passion for improving higher education. I hold an undergraduate degree in Information Systems and a Master’s of Science degree in Management Information Systems. Both are from Central Michigan University with courses completed at community colleges. I understand the hardships that students face today with rising tuition and shrinking budgets. More than ever, students need to look for quality education within the community rather than running up student loan debts at larger universities. Using technology, I believe we can provide students additional access to resources at a lower cost. Additionally, students often obtain degrees that provide them with few job opportunities. I want to end this for all graduating students at OCC. My passion is to create a community college that works for the community. SUSAN E. ANDERSON 32380 Campbell Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071 I am a graduate from Walsh College with a Master of Science Degree in Accounting and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. My affiliations include the National Society of Tax Professionals and Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. I am also an Enrolled Agent with the Internal Revenue Service. My accounting firm SE Anderson & Associates, LLC provides tax and financial accounting services to wide range of clients in a variety of industries. I have extensive background in computerized accounting practices, in depth experience with creating and maintaining budgets for multiple non-profit and profit entities, strategic management sessions, audit pre-planning and implementation, employment hiring and testing. KATHLEEN ANNA BERTOLINI 7238 N. Village Dr., Clarkston, MI 48346 I have been an educator in Oakland County Public Schools for 24 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Additionally, I have two Master’s degrees, one in Reading and Language Arts and the second in Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction. These qualities give me an understanding of where Oakland Community College students are coming from and what skills they have when they arrive. I have used technology to deliver learning opportunities and knowledge to my students on a daily basis in my own classroom. I understand how curriculum evolves and how instruction is developed, created and delivered. These understandings are the hallmarks of any teaching institution and thus, valuable to the Board of Trustees at OCC. Educators should be part of the process at Oakland Community College . That’s why I believe I am the right candidate for OCC Trustee! JESSICA GINGELL 5040 Rockaway Ln., Clarkston, MI 48348 I have had 5 years experience as Michigan Senate legislative staff and currently sit on three nonprofit boards in Oakland County. I have an undergraduate degree in Political Science and graduate degree in Public Administration. I’m interested and passionate about the education of our youth. I have volunteered on several campaigns for State Senate, State House, and US Congress. I am a full time Realtor who negotiates on behalf of my clients daily and believe this to be a benefit to this position. I know the importance of maintaining excellent schools and community colleges in Oakland County. My husband Mike and I are raising our five children in Oakland County and I would like to help guide Oakland Community College into the future for our children. PAM JACKSON 5736 Lancaster Ln., Commerce, MI 48382 I have been employed at OCC for over 30 years as a Mathematics, Construction and Concrete Construction Management Professor (currently retired). Working with local industries and the community, I was instrumental in creating programs in the construction field, a Russian Language program, and many online courses. I bring to the Board of Trustees the ability to be a creative problem solver, a great team player, and the ability to promote OCC in the community. With a background in construction, I was involved in over $30M of renovations at OCC. The students I’ve had over the years know that I stayed well beyond my office hours to work with them for their success. I ask for your vote so that I may continue my dedicated life-long work with the college and community to further Oakland Community College’s success in the community, the county, the state, and most importantly, for the students. THOMAS W. KELLY 25139 E. Roycourt, Huntington Woods, MI 48070 What are the top 3 Priority Issues that Oakland Community College should address and what actions would you take regarding each of them if elected to office? 1. We need to continue to encourage our students to pursue opportunities within the workforce. Oakland Community College has a vision to make students workforce ready. I want to take that one step further and ensure our curriculum provides the highest opportunity for students right here in Oakland County. 2. Similar to most colleges and universities, I believe OCC will continue to face a shrinking budget. I will review internal processes and identify inefficiencies. Improvements will not only save tax payer dollars, but will also improve student and faculty morale. 3. Oakland Community College needs to cater to businesses within the community. I would consider hosting courses onsite at the employer’s campus. This would not only be of value to the student, but also strengthen our community businesses by giving them another reason to keep their operations here in Oakland County. College readiness College readiness means student can enter a college classroom, without remediation, and successfully complete entry-level college requirements. OCC needs to work closely with our K-12 educational system to better prepare our students in Oakland County for college. Employment Readiness Currently, only 71% of OCC students find gainful employment. OCC needs to assess its degree and certification programs to insure we are offering programs that meet the needs of our businesses in the region, particularly Oakland County. Financial Accountability Although OCC is one of the lowest cost institutions in the State of Michigan, we have to recognize that the taxpayers of Oakland County subsidize the organization with a millage. In addition, the college is currently operating at a deficit, thereby eroding its reserves. I believe OCC should operate with a balance budget, by increasing its revenue through increased enrollment as well as reducing costs. Relevance- OCC needs to provide the necessary training to help prepare workers for the jobs that are being cultivated by County Executive Patterson and his team with his Emerging Sectors Program, Medical Main Street and Automation Alley. Priority- OCC is a smart and logical choice for learning! It allows students to gain knowledge and training to become contributing members of the work force or begin learning paths to 4 year institutions without the incredible cost. OCC needs to be a top choice for students and not a default choice for students. Futuristic- The OCC collaborative needs to have vision to predict future needs of the employers in the county and then develop the proper programming to create the tailor-made workforce. The curriculum and instruction delivered by OCC must be world class to continue to make Oakland County a place to work, live, play AND learn! Union Negotiations – I feel it’s important to drive accountability and efficiency into each union contract in order to maximize taxpayer dollars for quality education at an affordable price. Curriculum Alignment – I believe course offerings must align with current and future industry needs ( i.e. increasing classes in skilled trades) in order to support the growth of Oakland County businesses. Class Availability – I believe courses need to be convenient for students. We need to ensure classes are offered when students are able to attend them (i.e. nights and weekends for students who work full time). • Utilize tax payers’ dollars wisely and establish sensible long-term planning purchases like the $2.5M spent for a now unused property in Southfield should have happened with a clear mission. An existing building at Orchard now sits empty in need of renovation. • Keep tuition affordable and OCC’s overhead down tuition increases could be nominal if the college manages its finances correctly. Recently the college spent $500,000 for a report that found OCC’s expenses were disproportionately top-heavy and administrative salaries were still increasing. Additional cost-saving measures need further research and implementation. • Identify and implement courses and programs that meet the needs of the community and industries. OCC cut over 50 programs since 2012 along with cutting a significant number of online courses resulting in significant loss of revenue per semester. I want to be on the Board of Trustees to make sure we keep the “Community” in Oakland Community College. DID NOT RESPOND IN TIME FOR INCLUSION
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