White Lake - Highland 2012 Election Guide

As we look ahead to November’s elections, White Lake Patch is devoted to bring you the information you need about every race in town. Here are five that locals are already talking about:

• White Lake Township will be running in his first election to retain his position. Baroni was appointed supervisor following months of debate in the wake of Sen. Mike Kowall leaving the position for the State Senate. Baroni faces challenges from Matt Sprader (R) and Mike Smith (D).
• In Highland Township, it's an open field for township supervisor. Current Supervisor Tricia Pilchowski announced earlier this year that she would not be seeking reelection. Pilchowski has been an integral part of the township for more than 20 years. There are seven candidates running in the August Primary including Donna Gundle-Krieg (R), Rick Hamill (R), Catherine Kristian (R), Lynn O'Brien (R), Arthur Van Brook (R), Doug Bourgeois (D) and Steven K. Velasco (D).
• Millage renewals and increases will be the story of the election. In White Lake, a total of Several residents have expressed their dismay with the proposal, but township officials argue the requests are needed to maintain the current level of services for both the police and fire department.
• Speaking of millages, in Highland Township voters will be asked to approve a .75 mill increase for police services. The township contracts their police force through the Oakland County Sheriff's Department. If the millage passes, resident who own a home with a taxable value of $100,000 can expect to pay an additional $75 a year.
• In both Highland and White Lake, could see a high turnover on their . In Highland a total of 10 candidates are vying for just four seats on the board. The candidates include Mary Pat Chynoweth (R), Russ Tierney (R), Charles Dittmar (R), Jim Gorman (R), Brenda Granroth (R), Brian Howe (R), Bob Husic (R), Joe Jozwiak (R), Beth Lewis (R)and Raymond P. Polidori (R). In White Lake there are also 10 candidates vying for four seats. The White Lake candidates are Todd T. Birkle (R), Carol J. Burkard (R), Mark S. DeGroff (R), Randy J. Hebert (R), Rik Kowall (R), David Lewsley (R), Patti Page (R), Michael C. Powell (R), Scott Ruggles (R) and Andrea C. Voorheis (R).