Fiona Kelliher Detroit Free Press Published 9:00 AM EDT Oct 15, 2018 Have a problem at the polls on Nov. 6? We want to hear about it. This year, the Detroit Free Press is part of the Electionland project, a collaboration of newsrooms around the country tracking voting problems on Election Day. With your help, we’ll report out Michiganders’ experiences with long lines, misinformation, voter ID issues, cybersecurity issues and anything other problems that make voting difficult. For example, during the August primary election, ballot shortages were reported in several parts of Oakland County due to an unexpected large turnout at the polls. It's against the law to deny a registered voter the right to vote as long as they're in line by 8 p.m., when polls close, and clerks eventually provided more ballots in the necessary precincts. We want to hear about these problems. More: Michigan election results could be hacked, experts say How to report voting problems in … [Read more...] about Michigan Election 2018: How to report voting problems
Elections
Election 2018: South St. Paul city council candidates
CITY COUNCIL B. E. “Bernie” Beermann Age: 79 What qualifies you to hold this position? My life experiences include: almost 30 years of operating Beermann Services, a trash and recycling business that in its final years had 75 employees and 12,000 customers; 8 years on the Inver Grove Heights City Council, which is great training for a wide range of activities; and, finally, I’m a graduate of South St. Paul High School in 1956. What would your top priorities be if elected? A very primary concern is keeping the City of South St. Paul safe. The investment in police and fire is about $7 million, almost 40 percent of our budget. I believe in this. Another priority is to acquire aging properties so that building sites can become available for new homes and businesses. What do you think is the primary role of government? Government exists at many levels: Fed, state, county, city, school board, and don’t forget the Met Council. The city primarily deals … [Read more...] about Election 2018: South St. Paul city council candidates
Elections 2018: Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school board candidates
SCHOOL BOARD Abigail Alt Age: 48 What qualifies you to hold this position? A stay-at-home mother of two students in ISD191, I have the time and passion to serve our students. My five years of service have been informed by conversations with our community, professional development with MSBA, and leadership roles including chair. I have a bachelor’s degree, as well as professional experience in the market research industry. What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities are: creating a balanced budget with community input; improving student outcomes by continuing to provide support and training to staff, and deepening partnerships with our business community; and embracing a positive district-wide culture, sharing existing opportunities in ISD191 to stem the tide of declining enrollment. What do you think is the primary role of government? Government serves the collective good, providing services which individuals could not easily provide for … [Read more...] about Elections 2018: Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school board candidates
Elections 2018: Burnsville city council candidates
CITY COUNCIL Jim Bradrick Age: 52 What qualifies you to hold this position? Five years on the city Planning Commission. I am on the board of directors for the Fire Muster and the Community Foundation. I am on the leadership team with the Mobil Volunteer Network. My time on the Planning Commission along with my volunteer work gives me a unique understanding of the community and a clear vision on how to get things done. What would your top priorities be if elected? Appropriately closing the Freeway landfill. This will protect our water supply while maintaining land owner rights. I will focus on zoning changes that will spur redevelopment in a fully development. Continue to support our spending on street replacement. Finally, I will fully support our first responders. What do you think is the primary role of government? Government should be handled at the lowest level economically feasible. Specifically, at the city level we should be responsible for a clean, safe and a … [Read more...] about Elections 2018: Burnsville city council candidates
Elections 2018: Farmington Area school board candidates
FARMINGTON SCHOOL BOARD Steven Corraro Age: 50 What qualifies you to hold this position? I have a strong public and private business sector background with experience making financial decisions and measuring performance. I have been employed at Thomson Reuters for over 10 years. I have served on the ISD 192 School Board for the last 4 years in several roles; vice-chair, secretary, superintendent evaluation and numerous committees. What would your top priorities be if elected? My top priorities are to ensure that the school district continues to be financially responsible while meeting the priorities of the district’s strategic plan. I will review long term planning around budgetary methods to ensure maximum utility of taxpayers’ dollars as well as building and maintaining relationships with the community. What do you think is the primary role of government? A good government serves the needs of the electorate. The school board’s primary goals are … [Read more...] about Elections 2018: Farmington Area school board candidates