Live: Republican Debate at Oakland University

Starting at 7 p.m., join the conversation before, during and after the GOP candidates for president square off on the OU campus.

All eyes will be on Michigan – and Oakland University in Rochester in particular – today as eight candidates for the Republican party nomination for president of the United States talk about jobs, the economy and other issues. Outside, demonstrators will be having their say about the state of the country. Join the Michigan Patch team as we report from inside and outside OU's O'Rena, the site of the debate. Ask questions, talk about the issues, tell us what's going on where you are, share photos and video. > Complete coverage of the GOP debate

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Letter to the Editor

Non-Homestead Millage Must be Renewed to Retain 'Best Public Schools'

A Northville Patch reader stresses to fellow voters that the millage renewal means "no new taxes."

On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, Northville Public Schools voters will be asked to renew a previously approved 20.91 mills Non-Homestead Millage that comprises approximately $8 million of the school district’s annual operating budget.  What is this exactly? It is a RENEWAL (no new taxes) on businesses, rental properties, vacation homes and any other properties in the Northville School District which are not primary residences. Last renewed in 2003, the millage would be renewed for a 10 year period, beginning in July 2012. But you ask - didn’t we just approve a Capital Improvement (Sinking Fund) Millage on May 3, 2011? Yes, we did. But a Sinking Fund is limited in how it can be used. It is restricted to: 1) high priority facility repairs directed …

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Herb Helzer

2:01 pm on Friday, October 28, 2011

Losing $8 million per year would force NPS to make cuts even more drastic than what we've already seen in 2011. Don't let that happen; renew the Millage on 8 November!   more ›

Northville School Board Candidate: Scott Craig

Craig is one of two candidates running unopposed for two seats.

On the Nov. 8 election ballot, voters in the Northville Public Schools district will see two names vying for seats on the school board. They will run unopposed. They seek to fill seats that will be vacated by Marilyn Price and Libby Smith. Northville Patch compiled profiles based on information provided by each of the two candidates. See the profile on candidate Anita Bartschat in our previous story. Education background Graduated from Wayne State University, where he received his master's degree in history. He also taught in the Czech Republic as a Fulbright Scholar. Professional background Craig has been an educator for 25 years. He teaches history and government at Seaholm High School in Birmingham. Craig was also formerly a social …

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Herb Helzer

1:55 pm on Friday, October 28, 2011

Northville Public Schools are very fortunate to have two such well-qualified, thoughtful candidates as Anita Bartschat and Scott Craig. And while you're voting for them, be sure you also vote to RENEW the millage -- or else all their qualifications and thoughtfulness will go to waste, as NPS would enter 2012 facing deep, painful spending cuts that will make 2011 look like a mere warmup.   more ›

Northville School Board to Ask Voters to Renew Millage

The renewal would secure $8 million for Northville Public Schools.

On the November ballot, Northville’s school board will ask voters to approve a renewal of a non-homestead millage, which would tax second homes and businesses. The millage renewal, if not passed by voters, would cost the district approximately $8 million from its general fund, Michael Zopf, assistant superintendent for finance and operations said at a previous board meeting. The district’s current operating millage expires in 2012. Zopf made it clear to the board and those in attendance that it is not a new tax but a renewal of an existing millage. Here's more details about the millage, according to a district press release: "Last renewed in 2003, the non-homestead millage renewal has no tax impact on Northville homeowners of primary …

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