Ferndale Election Guide 2012

As we look ahead to November’s elections, Ferndale Patch is devoted to bringing you the information you need about every race in town. Here's our start on the candidates and issues we'll be covering as the Aug. 7 primary draws near. Bookmark this page for updates.

U.S. Senate race

For the Michigan U.S. Senate race, Republicans will choose a candidate – Clark Durant, Gary Glenn, Randy Hekman or Pete Hoekstra – to run against the Democratic candidate, incumbent U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who is running unopposed in the Aug. 7 primary.

U.S. Congress race

In the newly drawn , Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Sandy Levin is running unopposed in the Aug. 7 primary, while Gregory Dildilian and Don Volaric vie for the Republican nomination.

Oakland County Commission

Ferndale resident and Democrat Craig Covey, a current Oakland County Commissioner, will run for another two-year term on the commission. Also running are Republican Steven Zimberg of Huntington Woods and Democrat Helaine Zack of Huntington Woods.

Oakland County proposals

There are two countywide proposal on the ballot in August:

1. The Oakland County Art Institute Authority Millage would "allow for continuing support of art institute services for the students, residents visitors of Oakland County," according to the Oakland County website. The Detroit Institute of Arts is seeking a 10-year, 0.2 mill regional levy to help fund operations. An Arts Institute Authority was established to monitor use of the Oakland County funds. The tax is similar in concept to a 0.1-mill levy voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties approved in 2008 for the Detroit Zoo, The Detroit News reports. It would cost the owner of a $200,000 home about $20 per year and is expected to raise $23 million: $11 million from Oakland; $9 million from Wayne and $3 million from Macomb counties.
2. The Oakland County public transportation millage renewal would "allow continued support to the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) for a public transportation system serving the elderly, disabled, and general public of Oakland County," according to the Oakland County website. It is estimated that .59 mills would raise approximately $16 million when levied in 2012.

Oakland County Executive

L. Brooks Patterson: Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson is seeking . The 73-year-old Republican will face .

Local proposals

• Hazel Park school millage: There are no Ferndale-specific issues in the Aug. 7 primary, but the Hazel Park School District – which includes Ferndale residents in Precinct 6 and Precinct 7 – has two millage proposals up for consideration: an $8 million bond for athletic, technology and building upgrades and and a $1.5 million emergency repair fund. According to the district, the total of 3.1 mills would cost the average ($27,302) Ferndale taxpayer $84.64 a year, $1.63 a week, or 23 cents a day.
• School board: On Nov. 6, residents will vote on Ferndale Board of Education candidates. . Candidates still have time to file with the county.

Dates to remember

• July 9: last day to register to vote on Aug. 7 ballot
• Aug. 7: primary races and ballot issues
• Oct. 9: last day to register to vote on Nov. 6 ballot
• Nov. 6: general election

Voter registration information

Visit the City of Ferndale website or Michigan Secretary of State website for more information.