Leighton Clerk Mary Lou Nieuwenhuis is retiring

Leighton Township Clerk Mary Lou Niewenhuis has decided to retire from her position after serving for 36 years.

She and Supervisor Steve Deer were conspicuous by their absence from Leighton Township’s August primary ballot. Nieuwenhuis, who has been clerk since 1984, had hinted that she believes her work is finished with the completion of construction of the new township hall. Deer was appointed supervisor in 2012 and was elected to a full four-year term in 2016.

Nieuwenhuis was asked a number of questions about her stepping down, but she declines to comment further.

Steve Wolbrink and former Supervisor Spencer Moore both filed for the right to succeed Deer as Republicans in the Aug. 4 primary election. Rachel Fennema is the only clerk candidate. Incumbents running without opposition are Treasurer Jacie Bultsma and Trustees Brian Bonnema and John Hooker.

All Leighton officials are Republicans.

Others who filed candidacies for the August primary:

• Dorr Township — Incumbent Jeff Miling vs. Trustee Terri Rios for supervisor. Myrna Marr, treasurer, and incumbents John Tuinstra and Dan Weber and Chandler Stanton and Pat Champion, trustees.

All are Republicans.

• Hopkins Township — The only contest here is once again Treasurer Sandra Morris vs. Kathy Laseur. Incumbents Supervisor Mark Evans, Clerk Eric Alberda and Trustees Chuck Wamhoff and Bob Modreske.

All are Republicans.

• Watson Township — Republican incumbent Kevin Travis vs. Democrat Helen Goyings and Democratic Treasurer Sue Jones vs. Republican Stephanie Caulder, both contests in the Nov. 3 general election. Republican Trustees Michelle Harris and Jack Carl Wood vs. Democrat Candy Adrianson (former supervisor) in Nov. 3 election.
• Wayland Township — All incumbent Republicans running unopposed, Supervisor Roger VanVolkingburg, Clerk Ann McInerny, Treasurer Susan Kamyszek and Trustees Matt Miner and Jim Stein.
• Martin Township — All incumbent Republicans running unopposed, Supervisor Glenn Leep, Clerk Rachelle Smit, Treasurer Sue Tiemeyer and Trustees Jack Sipple and John Schippers.
• Monterey Township — All Republicans running unopposed, Supervisor Henry Reinart, Clerk Megan Frank, Treasurer Julie DeHaan and Trustees Jerry Williams.

Though the deadline for filing for state offices is Friday, May 8, incumbent State Rep. Mary Whiteford will face a primary opponent with Nevin Cooper-Keel, former Monterey Township Supervisor. She will take on Democrat Erik Almquist in the November general.

Meanwhile former State Rep. candidate Mark Ludwig, a Democrat from Fennville will challenge Republican incumbent Denise Medemar for Allegan County Drain Commissioner.

All seven seats on the County Board of Commissioners will feature Republican incumbents unopposed.