7/1/14 - Candidates in controversial races and others running unopposed in the August 5th primary election will be featured during a meet and greet tonight in Highland Township. No formal presentations will be made by participating candidates during tonightâs event hosted by the Highland Adult Activity Center. Instead, each will have a table set up so voters can have personal conversations with those running. Although considered non-partisan, one of the races generating interest among voters is the controversial 52-1 District Court bench race. The three candidates include incumbent Judge Brian McKenzie. Oakland County Circuit Judge Colleen OâBrien ruled in February that McKenzie had violated the law on at least eight occasions with his sentences and ordered him to turn over for review all domestic violence cases he had dismissed since 2003. The other candidates are attorney Travis Reeds who is McKenzieâs former law clerk and Scott Powers, the son of 52-1 Judge Dennis Powers. The top-two finishers will move on to the November general election. The other participating candidates are running for the 44th District State Representative, 14th District State Senate seats and Oakland County Board of Commissioners. A representative from the Oakland County Sheriffâs Office will be available to discuss two police millage proposals on the ballot while a Huron Valley Schools representative will be on hand to talk about a building sinking fund millage request. Those planning to attend are encouraged to put together a list of questions to ask candidates this evening. The meet and greet event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Highland Adult Activity Center on North John Street. (JM)
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