HERE COMES THE JUDGE

Bloomfield Township trustee candidate Don Valente is running because he really, really, really doesn’t like current township supervisor Leo Savoie – which he makes clear at just about every single board meeting, where he rants about what he considers Savoie’s poor leadership. Same with his primary campaign mailers. But seems he went a little overboard – when he allegedly stole 50 to 60 campaign signs for not only Savoie – who lost in the primary, by the way – but also township treasurer Brian Kepes, trustee Neal Barnett, Republican clerk candidate Tom Smyly, and a couple of others. Township police caught him on surveillance cameras doing the deed, and the signs were seen by officers in plain view leaning against the outside of Valente’s garage. Oakland County Sheriff’s office turned over their findings to the county prosecutor’s office, which issued a warrant for his arrest, as the crime is a misdemeanor, punishable by 93 days in jail and/or $500, or three times the value of the property stolen, whichever is greater. Word is Valente initially refused to turn himself in, repeatedly calling 48th District Court screaming. Assume wiser heads prevailed, as Valente is scheduled to appear at the 48th on Friday, September 11, along with his attorney.