Metro Detroit Voters Head To The Polls
DETROIT (WWJ) - Voters across Metro Detroit will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide on a variety of political races and ballot proposals.
[To see what your ballot looks like and where to vote click HERE].
Voters in the city of Detroit will elect a new mayor, deciding between former Detroit Medical Center chief Mike Duggan, and current Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. [More HERE].
Another mayoral race to watch: In Taylor, incumbent Mayor Jeff Lamarand is facing a challenge from City Councilman Rick Sollars.
Tax questions to pay for police and fire services, road improvements and other services are on ballots across Wayne County.
Lincoln Park voters will decide a millage renewal that would raise money for police and fire operations as well as road repairs.
Voters in the city of Wayne will decide a proposal that would allow the city to maintain its police and fire services.
Woodhaven voters will cast ballots on a tax hike question that bring in money for street improvements.
Grosse Ile Township voters will decide four questions including one small tax increase proposal to maintain the recreation department.
There are a couple of major school proposals as well. Dearborn Public Schools is asking voters to approve a $76 million bond proposal to upgrade schools.
Meantime, Henry Ford Community College is asking voters to approve three millage proposals. If they don't pass, administrators have said program cuts are possible.
[Read more about the Wayne County proposals and check candidates HERE].
Legalizing marijuana, a human rights ordinance and several school proposals are on ballots across Oakland County.
In Ferndale, voters will decide whether to decriminalize the "use, possession or transfer of less than an ounce of marijuana" on private property for those over the age of 21.
WWJ's Jon Hewett spoke Monday with Andrew Cissell, of the pro-pot Safer Michigan Coalition, which got the issue on the ballot.
"I think it's silly that we waste all of our money, taxpayer money, putting people through court; putting people in jail," said Cissell, "when we could tax it and, instead of spending money as citizens and taxpayers, we could actually make money."
Ferndale's police chief has been an outspoken critic of that proposal.
In Royal Oak, voters will cast ballots on three questions, including Proposal A, which would, in part, amend a city ordinance to prohibit discrimination based upon race, color, religion and sexual orientation.
Several Oakland County school districts are asking for tax increases to pay for major projects.
Farmington voters will decide two bond proposals that were rejected in August. The first proposal for $154.6 million would go for safety and security measures in schools, along with classroom upgrades. The second proposals would be used for arts, athletics and technology improvements.
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is seeking approval for $67.5 million in bonds to pay for security, technology and transportation improvements.
The Troy school district wants voters to approve a $125 million bond issue for classroom upgrades as well as security and technology improvements.
One of the more interesting city council races is in Troy where former Mayor Janice Daniels — who was recalled a year ago— is running for one of three seats.
In Pontiac, incumbent mayor Leon Jukowski faces a challenge from Deirdre Waterman and write-in candidate Donald Watkins.
[Get more Oakland County election information HERE].
In Macomb County, there are a number of elections and ballot proposals to decide.
Sterling Heights voters will be electing city council members and deciding a tax proposal that would allow the city to pay for police officers and firefighters along with road improvements.
Clinton Township voters will cast ballots on tax proposals to support the police and fire departments.
Eastpointe voters will elect a mayor and decide three ballot questions. One would move the city's pension funds to the statewide Municipal Employees' Retirement System. The other two proposals would allow the city to raise taxes to pay down the city's deficit.
New Baltimore voters will decide a tax proposal to help fund road repairs.
Richmond Schools are asking voters to approve a question that would raise money for an addition at the high school and buy new school buses.
[Get more information on Macomb County elections HERE].
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for the latest election day news.
