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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Pontiac Library Board Member {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Vote for not more than 64 Year Term

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    Angela Allen
    (NON)

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    Tori Blander-Harris
    (NON)

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    Yvette Brinker Marion
    (NON)

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    Dorian Jay-Simone Burkett
    (NON)

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    Ashelin R. Currie
    (NON)

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    Carlton Jones
    (NON)

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    Taneitity A. Keels
    (NON)

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    LaDonna Kornegay-Bey
    (NON)

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    Rosie Lance-Richardson
    (NON)

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    Ravon Love
    (NON)

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    Holbert Maxey
    (NON)

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    Reeshemah Ross Howard (Write-in)
    (NON)

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    Russ W. Russell
    (NON)

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    Caroll Yvonne Turpin
    (NON)

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    DeSiree White
    (NON)

Biographical Information

1. Provide biographical information, and explain why you are running for Library Board and relevant qualities and skills you would bring to the position.

2. What are the top three (3) priority issues facing your library, and what actions would you, as a board member, take regarding each of them?

Campaign Phone 4128979110
Campaign Email angelaallenr@gmail.com
Address 208 Lasseigne St
Campaign Mailing Address 208 Lasseigne St.
Pontiac, MI 48341
I am Angela Allen, a small business owner, community advocate, and proud member of the Pontiac Library Board, where I currently serve as Secretary. I’m running for re-election because I believe our library is the heart of the community—a place for learning, connection, and opportunity. During my time on the board, I’ve worked to support youth and literacy programs, voter literacy, support micro and small businesses and ensure our library remains a welcoming space for everyone. I am currently the chair of capital improvements and have an active rfp for the renovations of our restrooms and floorings. I am committed to continuing that work and bringing strong, experienced leadership to the board. I’d be honored to earn your vote.
The top three issues facing our library are access, modernization, and community engagement. First, many residents face barriers to using the library—whether due to location, hours, or lack of digital access. I will support outreach efforts, expanded hours, and partnerships that bring services to the people. Second, we must modernize by investing in updated technology, digital literacy programs, and infrastructure that meets current needs. Third, we need stronger community engagement. I’ll advocate for inclusive programming, multilingual resources, and opportunities for residents—especially youth and seniors—to help shape our services. As a board member, I’m committed to keeping the library responsive, accessible, and welcoming for all.
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Campaign Mailing Address 36 N. Anderson Ave.
Pontiac, MI 48342
I am a life long resident born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan. I am a mother of 2 daughters. I have achieved a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration in Community Development. I have a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Health Administration both degrees obtained at Central Michigan University. I am running for the Pontiac Library Board to advocate for literacy, and to help find funding that is allocated appropriately to ensure that our library has the available resources for everyone within the community. I would like to contribute my time, accountability and dedication to support initiatives that expand library services. I have years of experience working with the public to access the best available resources suitable for their needs.
The top 3 priority issues that our library face in my opinion is insufficient funding, increased demand for social services and lack of innovation. First as a board member, I would look for government and federal funding opportunities for public libraries. I would work with the Friends of the Library to raise funds by fundraising, or by local donors. Secondly, I would work to bring resources that can help with housing, literacy, and workforce development. Lastly, I would work to ensure that the funding is used appropriately towards the various programs, and building operations.
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Campaign Phone 313-451-1715
Campaign Mailing Address 161 Whittemore Street
Pontiac, MI 48342
Born and raised in Pontiac, Ravon has proudly served her city with pride. Early on, she was Class President at Pontiac Northern High School and was honored as Pontiac’s “Leader in the Making” by The Oakland Press. Ravon served as a Youth Counselor for the U.S. Marine Corps and worked in workforce development through Michigan Works. Today, she is a behavioral-health professional supporting families facing grief, trauma, and addiction. She advocates for children on the autism spectrum and hosts weekly community events inspiring healing and creativity.

Ravon has helped businesses secure grants, build websites, and build brands. She served as board member and Community Market Manager for Pontiac’s Farmers Market, connecting residents with local food, vendors, and wellness resources. She creates and facilitates bilingual workshops helping Spanish-speaking residents access vital services and funding. Ravon is running because she believes in economic, educational, and cultural equity.
Outdated Infrastructure & Limited Innovation Spaces Many libraries still operate in outdated spaces. I would advocate for capital improvements to transform the library into an innovation hub—pursuing grants, partnerships, and creative funding to add tech labs, recording studios, and healing spaces that promote creativity and peace.

Lack of Awareness & Access to Resources There’s often a gap between available resources and public awareness. I’d support outreach efforts like pop-up events, school visits, and partnerships with local organizations to bring the library into the community and ensure residents know how to access what’s offered.

Youth Engagement & Programming To reach youth, we must meet them where they are. I’d support programs like video game creation, spoken word nights, mentorship circles, and fashion labs—offering youth practical skills, creative outlets, and a strong sense of belonging.
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Campaign Phone 248-322-9255
Campaign Web Site http://www.writeinrae.org
Campaign Email writeinrae@gmail.com
Address 1138 Oak Valley Drive
Campaign Mailing Address 1138 Oak Valley Dr.
Pontiac, MI 48341
I'm running to make a difference in the lives of Pontiac residents, especially our youth through library resources and services.

I have been a Pontiac resident for nearly 25 years.

I was appointed to the Pontiac Public Library Board in May 2023.

I was instrumental in securing Reading Corner and Target Grants for the Youth Room.

Previously, I initiated youth story time sessions led by community youth. I also sponsored story times as a volunteer providing free books, crafts, and snacks for participants.

My past board experience includes Suppliers Partnership for the Environment as Treasurer and Member at Large plus being the Global Preparatory Academy Secretary.

My degrees are Bachelor of Science from University of Michigan in Chemical Engineering and Master of Business Administration with Finance Concentration.

My skills include effective communications, problem solving, project management, learning agility, strategic planning, securing sponsorships, and simplifying complexity.
Priority 1: Enhancing Youth Engagement - I will encourage emphasis on reading and showcase different career paths with hands-on activities. An example of this is the upcoming Sneaker Ball at the Pontiac Public Library with instructors creatively providing information on design careers with some sponsorships for participant prizes. I will also aid in investigating additional options for purchasing books.

Priority 2: Focusing on Building Safety - Bringing a property manager onboard to lead all aspects of facilities management. I will develop a request for quotation and provide potential options for selecting a facilities manager to lead preventative maintenance, routine building maintenance, building code audit preparations, and building infrastructure projects in addition to as needed tasks.

Priority 3: Improving Technology for All - Offering innovative training and more updated equipment for all use and learn. I support securing state-of-the-art computer equipment and training.
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Campaign Phone 2485682628
Campaign Email carollyturpin@gmail.com
Address 44 Vinewood Ct
Leadership qualifications: A Social Worker (Outreach) Locally/Pontiac School Board Trustee/various Leadership positions. County/Oakland County School Board Legislative Committee. Presidental Award/Michigan Association of School Boards. Nationally/CUBE (Council of Urban School Boards) -voted by peers across the United States. Accent Pontiac/V.P. (Afterschool Music Program}

Visionary Work: A.S.A.P! (Adopt a School for Academic Proficiency). GEMSS (First School Board Fundraiser-raising approximately $40,000 in the first year supporting Students, Staff and Families. Strive to Drive-Attendance initiative for Students.

Why I am running: Strong Libraries Build Strong Communities! Together, we can grow programs for all, provide Lifelong learning opportunities, expand access to technology, provide resources, digital classes, and welcoming spaces for gathering and sharing wisdom.

Together, we can build a modern, inclusive, resource-rich library that reflects the best of who we are.

1. Threat of losing federal funding for MeL and MeLCat,

2. Michigan ranks 46th in the U.S. in staffing Schools Libraries. Michigan ranks 43rd in the nation in 4th grade reading achievement. Studies show that Students who attend schools with certified School Libraries have higher reading and writing scores, better ACT scores and better Graduation rates.

3. Libraries are facing challenges with aging infrastructure, etc. Capital improvements to Library facilities will bringing the building up to the latest technical standards, creating more space, and preserving the cultural heritage and historical data of the Library,

Advocacy: Legislation to increase State Aid and Federal Aid. Promote local funding for our Library. Public Libraries and School Libraries Partnerships, Promote the Library as a vital resource in our Community. Community Partnerships. Listening Sessions with the Community to share the Sucesses and Challenges we are facing at our Library.

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