Rochester Hills Voters to Decide Full Ballot Nov. 3

One of the most hotly contested local elections in Oakland County Tuesday is the showdown for mayor of affluent Rochester Hills, a nonpartisan, full-time job that will pay $114,000 in 2016.

Mayor Bryan Barnett, 40, is running as a write-in candidate to keep his job, but faces two challengers — former City Councilman Ravi Yalamanchi, 58, and auto engineer Jim Stevens, 52.

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Supporters of both Barnett and Yalamanchi have passionately argued for each candidate in letters to the editor on Rochester-Rochester Hills Patch. Much of the discussion has centered around oil drilling rights and whether Barnett, who has served 10 years — two elected terms and an appointment to fill an unexpired term — should run.

Rochester Hills has term limits, but the city charter says the “limitation shall not prohibit election and serving as mayor as a write-in candidate at any time.“

In separate legal opinions requested by City Clerk Tina Barton, both City Attorney john Staran and adjunct law professor and constitutional attorney John Pirich, a partner in the Honigman Miller law firm, said Barnett is within his rights.

Rochester Hills voters will also elect several members to the City Council.

Running for two four-year at-large terms on the City Council are:

• Dale A. Hetrick
• Bill Soule
• Mark Tisdel

Running for a four-year 2nd District term:

• Adam Kochenderfer

Running for a four year 3rd District term:

• Susan Bowyer 2
• Julie L. Granthen

Running for two six-year terms on the Library Board are:

• Gregg A. Christenson
• Ryan John Deel

Additionally, voters will decide if the city should continue its levy of 0.0891 mills ($0.0891 per $1,000), reduced by the Headlee Amendment from the original 0.09 mills), and also levy a new additional 0.0109 mills ($0.0109 per $1,000) for a total of 0.1 mills ($.10 per $1,000) to provide funds to the Older Persons Commission.

The money, to be levied over 11 years beginning in fiscal year, would be used to maintain or increase handicapped and senior transportation services.

Also on the ballot is the Rochester-Avon Recreation Authority millage renewal. Currently, the city of Rochester Hills levies 0.1948 mill ($0.1948 per $1,000 of taxable value) to fund sports, special events, camps, special needs services and performing arts programs for youth and adults.

Rochester City Council

The city of Rochester is electing new members of its city council as well. The top three vote getters will be elected to four-year terms, and the fourth-highest vote getter will be elected to a two-year term. The candidates are:

• J. Michael Bantjes
• Ben Giovanelli
• Jeremiah Z. Glembocki
• Ann Peterson
• Bob Ray
• Kim Russell
• Steve Sage

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place here.