Democrats Hopeful In W.B. Races LESLEY PEARL S AFF WR ER They're very friendly and convenient for me. They're open Saturdays. . . 9 9 JOE MACHIORLAT11 Mr. Joe's Bar Southfield Franklin Bank continues to win friends, with features people tell us are important to them. Like caring financial professionals who take the time to understand your needs. Banking hours that work with your schedule. And commercial checking with the lowest fees in metropolitan Detroit. When you're a small business or practice, you appreciate the importance of personal service and attention to customer needs. So do we. Come in or call today to be a part of the good things happening at Franklin Bank. Franklin Bank N.A. Here to serve you. 358-5170 FDIC INSURED Southfield • Birmingham • Grosse Pointe Woods • C/) w LU Now Scheduling For Sprinkler Winterization 10 RICK WALD Call For Details 4895862 M array Sachs, a West Bloomfield resi- dent, does not feel well-informed on many of the issues and can- didates in the upcoming local elections. So he is not sure how he will vote. Yet he is certain about one thing. For the first time in the historically Republican township of West Bloom- field, he believes the Dem- ocratic candidates can do well. Nationally, Arkanasas Gov. Bill Clinton is leading the polls over President George Bush. If the polls hold true, Mr. Sachs believes West Bloomfield Democrats will "ride on the coattails of the Democratic national program." In the race for West Bloomfield Township trustee, this Democratic edge could boost possibilities for Jewish candidates Richard Barr, Al Holtz and Anthony Spokojny, who are Democrats. Mr. Barr believes electing Jewish candidates will give the Jewish community a voice in community issues. "This is an opportunity for Jews to elect strong repre- sentation," Mr. Barr said. "For a long time Jews felt they weren't getting a fair shake in West Bloomfield. Look at all the problems Shir Shalom, B'nai Moshe and the Lubavitch Center have had." All three organizations ran into difficulties getting the green light to begin groundbreaking. Like Mr. Barr, Mr. Holtz believes Jews need represen- tation on the board of trust- ees. His wife, Judy Holtz, who did not seek re-election, was the only Jewish trustee. "I was a student at Beth Yehudah, went to an Or- thodox rabbinical seminary, but now attend conservative Adat Shalom," Mr. Holtz said. "There is a large Jew- ish population in West Bloomfield. It needs to be represented by people who understand our needs — what is important to us." Mn. Holtz hopes additional Jewish members on the board of trustees will help educate non-Jewish board members of these needs. Republicans Michael Schwartz, Marc Shulmang- Ray Holland and Dennis Vatsis round out the race. Mr. Schwartz and Mr. Shulman are also Jewish. Although he focused more on environmental issues — discussing the importance wetlands and natural resources and the threat of, increased urbanization, can- didate Michael Schwartz agreed having Jews on the board of trustees would be beneficial. Mr. Spokojny is focusing on the threat of increased growth and its effects on the environment. Mr. Spokojn is especially interested in the protection of wetlands and woodlands. Marc Shulman is running' on the issues of develop- , ment, crime and the envi- ronment. Religion will not be at issue in other West Bloom- field races. Republican Jeddy Hood is challenging Democra,t Roberta Boyle for township supervisor. Sandra Draur was upset by Ms. Hood in the ') August primary. The environment is of con- cern to both Ms. Hood and Ms. Boyle. Ms. Boyle is em- phasizing the issues of taxe-=H 1 and senior citizens. Township Clerk Sharon Law, a Republican, is runn- ing unopposed for a four- year-term. Denise Hammond, a Republican and townshipii , treasurer, is also unoppos- ed. ❑ Chabad Sets Fall Events Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg of Bais Chabad Torah Center will deliver a lecture ors— "Family Relationships: Deal- ing With Relatives Who Can Be Difficult" 8:15 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Torah Center. The Torah Center will con- duct a weekday lunch and learn on Thursdays 12:30 p.mp at the offices of Arthur Liss, 1400 North Woodward, Bloomfield Hills, 647-9700. The lunch and learn will focus on the weekly Torah portion.