The Associated Press
NAME: James Arnoldi
AGE: 35 (Born May 1975)
RESIDENCE: Willis
PARTY: Nominated by the Green Party of Michigan and the Socialist Party of Michigan
EDUCATION: Washtenaw Community College student.
POLITICAL CAREER: State secretary, Socialist Party of Michigan.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: N/A
PERSONAL: Single.
ONLINE: http://arnoldi2010. spmichigan.org
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE:
My campaign aims to support the long-term goal of democratizing Wayne State University's workplace through social ownership and worker control. I will support efforts by the existing unions covering Wayne State employees and efforts by nonunion employees to organize with the eventual goal of 100 percent unionization of all university employees, regardless of full-time status or position.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I believe in the importance of a representative democracy and was disappointed to find that not one of the current members of the Wayne State Board of Governors is a student. Students need a voice on the board of governors and I plan to change this!
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
In these troubling economic times, the availability of affordable higher education has become more important than ever. Michigan universities are struggling more than ever to meet this demand. I will make it my top priority to stop funding cuts to Michigan schools by bringing attention to our state and our nation's misplaced budget priorities, which consistently underfund our schools. I will work to keep a high-quality education affordable, beginning by reversing the recent 4.4 percent tuition increase and parking increase that was approved by the Wayne State Board of Governors with only one dissenting vote.
----------
NAME: Edward Bruley
AGE: 59 (Born March 1951)
RESIDENCE: Macomb County's Clinton Township
PARTY: Democratic
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in philosophy, Grand Valley State University, 1975; master's degree in political science, University of Windsor, 2006.
POLITICAL CAREER: Macomb County Board of Commissioners, 2007-2010; Co-chair, Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Committee, 2009-2010.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: University lecturer, seminar leader, consultant, 2002-2007; part of former U.S. Rep. David Bonior's management team, 1977-2001.
PERSONAL: Single.
ONLINE: http://www.edbruley.com
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE:
Providing a higher education that is affordable and second-to-none, and increasing graduation rates of all who enroll. In the midst of these tough times, employers say that future job expansions will be in areas that require highly skilled workers. That means that education is the surest course to economic security, both for individuals and for our community. If we are going to attract new, well-paying jobs to our community, we need to boost our educational opportunities today.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I seek to serve on Wayne State's Board of Governors because I believe it plays a special role in the success of metro Detroit, making it possible for thousands of graduates to emerge as the leaders in our region by making a higher education possible for everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
I believe as a Wayne State board member I would play a role in building public support for increasing the state contribution to fund specific programs to finance universities. I also see the need for a new spirit and reality of cooperation from all the state's colleges and universities. We need to end duplicative efforts and decide on best practices that reduce costs but not creativity and learning. We must have goals that enhance the whole state, not individual institutions.
----------
NAME: Doug Dern
AGE: 50 (Born Oct. 2, 1961)
RESIDENCE: Oakland County's Highland Township
PARTY: Natural Law
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, Oklahoma University, 1999; law degree, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 2001.
POLITICAL CAREER: Natural Law Party state chairman. Ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate, 2002 and 2008.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Attorney at Doug Dern & Associates.
PERSONAL: Single.
ONLINE: http://law4less.org
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE:
I would work to find ways to lower tuition and balance the budget, building a better system and increasing the university's strengths.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I believe the current system could use improvement. I believe Wayne State has the potential to become an even greater university than it is now. I can help build strong leaders and programs out of the university.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
I plan to bring some fresh ideas that will increase revenue and get rid of outdated ideas that are bogging down the current system. My strategies will create a stronger university and continue to build partnerships that will create a buzz at Wayne State that will cause the deletions of many of the current problems.
----------
NAME: Diane Dunaskiss
AGE: 58 (Born 1-25-52)
RESIDENCE: Lake Orion
PARTY: Republican
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in science, elementary education, Wayne State University, 1974; master's degree in learning disabilities and reading, Oakland University, 1984.
POLITICAL CAREER: Wayne State University Board of Governors, 1995-present.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Principal, Pine Tree Elementary School, Lake Orion Community Schools, 2000-present; special-education teacher in Lake Orion schools, 1982-2000. first-grade teacher, 1980-82.
PERSONAL: Married to Mat; three children.
ONLINE: N/A
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE: N/A
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN: N/A
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN: N/A
----------
NAME: Margaret Guttshall
AGE: 60 (Born 3-11-50)
RESIDENCE: Detroit
PARTY: Green
EDUCATION: Attended University of Chicago. Bachelor's degree in American history, Roosevelt University, 1992; master's degree, library and information science, Wayne State University, 2003.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Political activist; academic law librarian.
PERSONAL: Partner; one daughter.
ONLINE: http://www.margaretguttshall.com
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE:
Money and the attitude of young people and workers on how to get the money are the most important issue in this race. The billionaires do not want to give money for public education. Young people, students, workers and oppressed people think this can be changed simply by electing different people to public office. This is not true. Mass movements are the only things that change things -- the American Revolution, the Civil War, the labor movement, the civil rights movement, the anti-Vietnam War movement. The Board of Governors needs to build the movement for "Money for jobs and education, not for war!" We need mass meetings, demonstrations, strikes and independent working class and popular election campaigns.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I chose to run for Wayne State University Board of Governors because it is an opportunity to talk to many people about this issue. When I win, the opportunity will be expanded.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
We need to bring all U.S. troops home now and have the federal government spend the tax money that it is now spending on killing our neighbors in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere on public education, on making it free and accessible.
----------
NAME: Danialle Karmanos
AGE: 37 (Born 5-10-73)
RESIDENCE: Orchard Lake
PARTY: Republican
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in journalism, Wayne State University, 1995.
POLITICAL CAREER: Ran unsuccessfully for Wayne State University Board of Governors, 2008.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Founder and executive director, Danialle Karmanos' Work It Out, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching at-risk children how to make good choices about nutrition and exercise; founder, Kids and Cancer; former executive video producer.
PERSONAL: Married to Peter; two children.
ONLINE: http://www .daniallekarmanos.com
YOUR TOP ISSUES IN THE RACE:
Ensuring that WSU gets its fair share when it comes to state appropriations; taking a hard line on spending decisions, and making sure that money spent on the university is spent wisely, while enhancing the educational experience of WSU students; ensuring accountability from teachers and administrators; using the top-rated health care resources of Wayne State to improve the health of Michigan families and improve the learning environment for students; ensuring that opportunities exist for students of all races and background to not only attend, but to succeed and excel at Wayne State.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
As a graduate of Wayne State, I want to see the university grow and thrive. I will be a voice for conservative principles, and will stay focused on pursuing my top issues throughout my tenure on the board.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
Improving relationships with leadership in Lansing to highlight benefits of Wayne State and seek parity in funding with other state universities; increasing involvement from alumni; increasing community awareness of what Wayne State has to offer and could offer with more investment from corporate interests.
----------
NAME: William A. Mohr II
AGE: 51 (Born May 1969)
RESIDENCE: Grand Rapids
PARTY: U.S. Taxpayers
EDUCATION: Byron Center High School, 1977.
POLITICAL CAREER: N/A
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: N/A
PERSONAL: Married; 10 children and stepchildren.
ONLINE: N/A
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE: N/A
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN: N/A
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN: N/A
----------
NAME: Brenda Moon
AGE: 62 (Born 7-15-48)
RESIDENCE: Southfield
PARTY: Democratic
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, Wayne State University, 2005; graduate certificate, organization development, American University, 2007.
POLITICAL CAREER: Has not previously run for political office.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Senior field representative, AFL-CIO; assistant director of the AFL-CIO's education department; instructor, National Labor College.
PERSONAL: Single; one daughter.
ONLINE: http://www.brendamoon4wsuboardofgovernors. com
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE: I believe Wayne State University is one of the most valuable resources for economic development and jobs in our state. It provides excellent education for both young people starting on a career path and older workers who need to upgrade their skills or want to pursue a new career. In addition, the research going on has the potential to directly convert into products, services and jobs. As a Wayne State governor, I want to make sure the university is a driver for that economic development as well as continuing to provide an excellent education.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I am a graduate of Wayne State University as were my mother and my father. My mother was an educator and believed that every young person should be able to reach their full potential. My father believed that some adults realize their educational goals later in life and should be afforded that opportunity. Wayne State is the place both aspirations can come true. After working on issue and candidate campaigns for many years, I decided it was time to step forward to help ensure Wayne State University remains accessible to working families at all stages of life.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
We must deliver all public services, including higher education, in the most effective and efficient way possible. We must be held accountable to the taxpayers for how we spend money and everyone has a part to play. The university must examine our budget and eliminate waste and inefficiencies, and think creatively about how we provide educational opportunities to our students. We must hold tuition increases as a last resort. The state legislature must come to terms with the structural budget deficit we face. We need an educational funding system that provides adequate, stable and fair funding.
----------
NAME: Greg Stempfle
AGE: 33 (Born 12-19-76)
RESIDENCE: Ferndale
PARTY: Libertarian
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in biology, Wayne State University, 2000; clinical laboratory sciences degree, Wayne State University, 2008.
POLITICAL CAREER: Ran unsuccessfully for the 15th District congressional seat in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Medical technologist; research assistant, University of Michigan Pediatric Infectious Disease unit; research assistant, Henry Ford Hospital HIV lab, 2000-2002.
PERSONAL: Married to Shelly.
ONLINE: http://www.lpwm. org/GregoryStempfle
YOUR TOP ISSUE IN THIS RACE:
The top issue facing students and the university is to control the cost of tuition. I would like to better focus university resources and streamline bureaucracy.
WHY YOU CHOSE TO RUN:
I have been a student and employee at Wayne State and earned a pair of degrees from the university. I also spend a great deal of time in the downtown Detroit area.
STRATEGIES YOU SUPPORT FOR LONG-TERM EDUCATION FUNDING AND ACCESSIBILITY IN MICHIGAN:
The best way to maintain accessibility for students is to control costs. The university cannot continue to raise tuition and spend more every year during this economic recession.
Published: Tue, Oct 5, 2010
