Tuesday’s primary election has left some loose ends, and on another front, area school districts plagued with uncertainty, are seeing a shortage of candidates for board of education.
Perhaps the greatest uncertainty with election results are the results of the Wayland Union non-Homestead millage request and the close race for county prosecting attorney.
Townbroadcast erroneously reported the non-Homestead millage was defeated by just 46 votes, 2,103 to 2,057, but overlooked tallies from Barry and Kent counties. When the smoke cleared, the unofficial tally was 2,338 for and 2,328 against, a 10-vote victory margin. The Allegan County Board of Canvassers is examining the results to certify.
Incumbent Prosecutor Myrene Koch was leading challenger Michael Villar by just 17 votes, 8,864 to 8,847. The Board of Canvassers is reviewing this count and there may be a challenge ahead.
Unreported by Townbroadcast Wednesday, the Hopkins Township request for one mill for four years in additional road support lost 347 to 291. However, the Hopkins road improvement millage passed 332 to 297. It’s a two-mill levy for four years, 2021 through 2024, believed to be able to raise $180,000 in each year.
The biggest casualty for the upcoming school elections is that maybe only one incumbent at Hopkins is seeking re-election, with no challengers, Ben Brenner and Jay Gibson have decided against seeking another four-year term and rumor has it that Jon Myers has been persuaded to return for another term. That would mean there would be two open slots on the board for the Nov. 3 general election.
In Wayland, incumbents Cinnamon Mellema, Dan Cassini and Theresa Dobry are seeking another four-year term, but veteran Gary Wood has decided to retire, Challengers are Jason Shane and Rebecca Hohnke.
Martin will have a three-for-three contest, including newcomer Austin Marsman and incumbents Rosemary Andrews and Art Shook. Nate Jager is stepping down.
