Nov. 8, 2016 Presidential Election: What's on the Royal Oak Ballot?

ROYAL OAK, MI – As is typical in presidential election years, contests at the top of the ballot grab all the headlines; this year even more than usual. But voters in Royal Oak have a few things at the bottom of the ballot; it's these smaller races that often go unheralded, but really have more to do with our day-to-day lives than who sits in the White House. Here are some things to prepare for on next week's ballot:

1. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Supervisor. Donna Squalls, Democratic incumbent, running unopposed for a four-year term.

2. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Clerk. Democratic incumbent Gwendolyn Turner running unopposed for four-year term.

3. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Treasurer. Vote for one, four-year term:

• Cynthia, Phillips, Democrat
• Kimberly Bradley Reaves, incumbent, no party affiliation

4. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Trustee. Vote for four (all registered as Democrats, all running for first four-year term):

• Karen D. Ballard
• Jollie Dixon
• Richard D. Miles
• Kim S. Tillery

5. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Park Commissioner. Vote for 7, four-year terms:

• Mishelle Y. Kennedy
• Rodney Landrum
• D. Mike Ramey
• Armond Respress
• Cassandra Respress
• Shanna Elaine Pitts Cook (write-in)
• Helen M. Rollins (write-in)
• Faye Snider-Gibson (write-in)

6. Charter Township of Royal Oak, Library Board. Vote for Six, four-year term.

• Juanita Ademodi
• Danita Darden
• Ionia A. Jackson
• Bernice Lindsey
• Regina Ross
• Kymtara Stewart

7. Royal Oak Schools, Board Member, vote for 2, four-year terms.

• Gary W. Briggs (incumbent)
• Maryanne VanHaitsma

Also, these three measures:

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

A Proposal Authorizing the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) to Levy an Assessment
The proposal would authorize the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) to levy within Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties a property tax assessment:
- at a rate of 1.2 mills ($1.20 per $1,000 of taxable value);
- for 20 years beginning in 2016 and ending in 2035;
- that may not be increased, renewed, or used for other purposes without direct voter approval; and
- to be used upon the affirmative vote of an RTA board member from each RTA member jurisdiction for the purpose of construction and operation of a
public transportation system connecting Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, including rapid transit bus routes across county lines,
specialized service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, commuter rail, airport express service, and other public transportation purposes
permitted by law, consistent with RTA bylaws and subject to the limitations of the Regional Transit Authority Act.

If this new additional assessment is approved and levied, revenue will be disbursed to the RTA. It is estimated that $160,907,285 will be collected in the first year.
Should this assessment be approved?

CHARTER PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL A
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 8, SECTION 11 OF THE ROYAL OAK CITY CHARTER TO ALLOW FOR A POLICE, FIRE AND EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICE MILLAGE RENEWAL.
The proposed amendment to Chapter 8, Section 11 of the Royal Oak City Charter, if approved, would allow the City to renew the millage levy for a period not to
exceed five (5) years of up to 3.975 mills, to defray the costs for police, fire and emergency medical services starting December 1, 2017.
The levy renewal, if approved, would defray the general expenses and liabilities of the City for police, fire and emergency medical services only and will allow
Royal Oak to maintain core services and staffing levels.
Shall the proposal be adopted?

ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS
COUNTY OF OAKLAND
STATE OF MICHIGAN
OPERATING MILLAGE RESTORATION PROPOSAL
This authorization will (i) restore the authority of Royal Oak Schools to levy 18.00 mills previously authorized and levied for general operating purposes on nonhomestead
taxable property (comprised primarily of business, commercial, and rental property) which has been reduced by 0.1566 mill by application of the
Headlee Amendment, and (ii) increase the prior authority by 0.6434 mill in the event of future Headlee rollbacks of the same amount. This authority, combined
with other unexpired authorizations, would allow the School District to receive revenues at the full foundation allowance permitted by the State.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable non-homestead property in Royal Oak Schools, County of Oakland, State of
Michigan, be increased by 0.8 mill ($0.80 on each $1,000 of taxable value) for five (5) years, the years 2016 to 2020, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses? This millage would raise an estimated $132,312.04 for the school district in the first year that it is levied.

If you are in the Royal Oak area, you can find your polling place here.On Tuesday, Nov. 8, polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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