Terry Gonser has retired from several previous careers. This month, at the age of 66, he embarks on a new one: Oakland Township Supervisor. “I certainly didn’t need it and it certainly doesn’t pay,” he said Tuesday night as he cruised to victory despite a last-minute write-in campaign by incumbent supervisor Joan Fogler. “I think the reason I did it is for the citizens. I have a daughter and a granddaughter who live in the township. And as I look across the country, I am very … [Read more...]
Lines greet some voters
November 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
A long line inched its way through Oakland Township Fire Station 2 this morning as voters waited patiently to cast their ballots. A voter exiting at 11:30 a.m. said it had taken her about an hour to vote. … [Read more...]
Yalamanchi seeks seat on OCC board
September 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
With one year remaining on his second term on Rochester Hills City Council, Ravi Yalamanchi is running for a seat on the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees. Under the city charter, Yalamanchi is term limited after two consecutive full terms. He is one of 13 candidates in the countywide race. If elected, his council and college terms would overlap by one year. “It really would not be an issue,” he said. A native of India, Yalamanchi, 55, moved to the US in 1983. He has a law … [Read more...]
Why do I Vote?
August 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Special Commentary by Dr. Eric B. Herfert, DC Why do I vote? This seems like a simple question, but the answer to the question is much deeper than most of us ever choose to think about. Do I cast my vote in elections "to win," when "winning" requires me to vote for individuals opposed to the Word of God and opposed to submission to Jesus Christ? Does how I vote require me to temporarily set aside the commands of God? Or do I vote to voice my "God quickened conscience" to a "fallen world" … [Read more...]
Primary election results
August 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Incumbents ousted in Oakland Township Voters in Oakland Township turned against incumbents on the township’s Board of Trustees in Tuesday’s election. Come fall, five of the seven members of the board will be newcomers. Only incumbent trustees Michael Bailey and Sharon McKay retained their seats. The new supervisor is Terry Gonser; the clerk is Karen Reilly; treasurer is Jeanne Langlois, and the two new trustees are Maureen Thalmann and Judy Keyes. All are Republicans; no Democratic … [Read more...]
Hills voters to decide new police funding strategy
July 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
At four paragraphs, Rochester Hills’ August 7 ballot proposal is lengthier than most. It’s also a bit more complex. Is it a tax increase, or isn’t it? If not now, is there the potential for a tax increase down the road? This year, more than ever, homework is required before entering the voting booth. The proposal is based on the recommendation of a citizen committee formed in 2007 to look for ways to address a structural deficit in police and road funding. Two dedicated police … [Read more...]
Letter to the Editor: Police Millage
July 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
On August 7, Rochester Hills voters will be asked to approve a millage to fully fund the cost of Police services for our City. The committee was formed in 2007 to analyze Police and Road Funding and propose short and long term strategies to City Council for review and deliberation. For the past four years, over 50 meetings, dozens of residents emails and facebook comments, several public hearings and town hall open discussions, the committee concluded with the current ballot question. Our … [Read more...]
New faces in Oakland Township election
July 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Four years ago, after a huge housing development called Harvest Corners was approved by the Oakland Township Board of Trustees, a slate of candidates opposed to the development stepped forward to run for office. This year, in the wake of a proposal for senior housing called Blossom Ridge, more new candidates have stepped forward. A posting on the Rochester Cider Mill’s Facebook page signed “Dr. Thomas Barkham and family” states that “A new group of interested township residents are … [Read more...]
