Janet Jackson & Gabi Grossbard were the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 8, 2023 primary election for Southfield City Clerk. Jackson took the lead with 66% trailed by Grossbard at 14.5%.
Both candidates will now advance to the general election in November, where they will compete for the city clerk seat.
“I am grateful to the voters for trusting me to advance to the November ballot,” Grossbard told Michigan Chronicle. “Congratulations to Janet Jackson, I look forward to an informative and clean campaign as we make our cases to the voters to earn their vote to be the next Southfield city clerk. I would like to thank all the candidates for stepping up and qualifying for the ballot.”
Four contenders, Jackson, Grossbard, Jay Reid, and Barbara Seldon all campaigned for the crucial administrative role to succeed Clerk Sherikia Hawkins, who stepped down in October following a no-contest plea to election-related accusations made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office in 2019.
Jackson, 62, has served as an Oakland County commissioner for 14 years and is employed in AT&T’s administrative division. Having lived in Southfield for 35 years, Jackson is committed to guaranteeing elections that are fair, comprehensive, and precise.
“I’m so grateful for the voters and the city of Southfield for their support,” Jackson shared with Michigan Chronicle. “I look forward to the November election and to becoming the next City Clerk. I am dedicated to providing the level of service our residents deserve and looking forward to the general election and continuing earning the residents’ trust.”
In addition, Oakland County residents voted on proposals focusing on school requests for bonds and millages.
According to Oakland County’s website, the proposals are as follows:
Berkley School District Proposal: $88 Million Investment
Berkley School District has put forth a proposal to borrow up to $88 million through general obligation unlimited tax bonds. The plan includes the construction and refurbishing of various facilities such as an indoor practice/robotics team building, school building additions, and technology installations.
The expected millage rate for 2024 is 3.05 mills, which translates to $3.05 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation, a net increase of 2.25 mills from the prior year. The bonds may last up to twenty-five years, with an estimated average annual millage of 3.61 mills. Berkley School District’s current outstanding bond amount is $45,575,000.
RESULTS:
With 100% of precincts reporting, Berkley school district residents voted in favor of the proposal, 69%-31%.
Clawson Public Schools Proposal: $25.5 Million for Site Development
Clawson Public Schools seeks approval to borrow up to $25.5 million for projects including the improvement of sites, demolition of buildings, construction, and remodeling of the Central Campus facility and Early Childhood Center.
The bonds may be outstanding for thirty years, with an estimated millage of 0 mills in the first year and an average annual millage of 2.56 mills. The district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program, with an estimated total principal amount of $2,100,825 and interest of $2,310,457. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $59,255,000.
RESULTS:
The proposal was approved, with 58.4% of residents voting yes and 41.6% of residents voting no.
Novi Community School District Proposals: Operating and Recreation Millage
Two proposals have been set forth by Novi Community School District. The first will increase the total limitation on taxes for operating purposes, allowing the district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The proposed increase is 19 mills for most properties and 5.49 mills for specific property types for 11 years, estimated to collect approximately $18,735,442 in 2024.
RESULTS:
The proposal passed, with 58.4% of residents voting yes and 41.6% voting no, with all precincts reporting.
The second proposal aims to renew the public recreation millage at 0.9365 mill for 10 years, with an estimated revenue of approximately $2,638,033 in 2024. This would continue to fund the operation of a system of public recreation and playgrounds.
RESULTS:
The millage passed, with 66% of residents voting yes and 34% voting no, with all precincts reporting.
About Post Author
