By Jim Bloch
Voters will decide a number of races in the cities and townships that comprise St. Clair County on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They will also weigh-in on proposals specific to their local jurisdictions. To see the non-contested races and the details of the various proposals in your area, refer to your local ballot.
Key city races:
City of St. Clair
All of the seats are up for grabs on the St. Clair City Council, but the only race with more competitors than seats is in the Third Ward, where four candidates are competing for two slots: Incumbents Erin Gottler and Jon Watt are facing challengers Bill Klieman and William Westrick II.
Port Huron
In the race for mayor, longtime mayor and former city clerk Pauline Repp is running for reelection against longtime city council member Anita Ashford.
Three of the six city council seats are up for grabs. Nine candidates are competing for the three slots: Incumbents Sherry Archibald, Teri Lamb and Bob Mosurak, and challengers Richard Carwile, Brian Farquhar, Jason Helig, John M. Middeton and Barbara Payton.
Anita Ashford is running against Pauline Repp for mayor of Port Huron
Algonac
Eight candidates are competing for four seats on the city council: Michael Bembas, Wendy Meldrum, Jake Skarbek, Terry Isaacs Stoneburner, Cathy Harris, Raymond J. Martin, Annie Ponesssa and Christina Halkias-Robb.
Marine City
Michael R. Hilferink and Jennifer Vandenbossche are squaring off in the race for mayor.
Memphis
Kurt D. Marter and Tammy J Wehrum are running for mayor.
Six people are vying for three seats on the city council: Ken Dunbar, Rodona M. Harper, Christopher Manczuk, Sr.; Kenneth Reilly, Jason Sopha and Lawrence Wilson.
Key township races:
St. Clair Township
Five candidates are running for four seats on the board of trustees: Jared F. Shirkey, Democrat; and Republicans Ryan D. Barck, Mike Boulier, William J Karas and Evan Donald Rood.
Port Huron Township
Five candidates are running for four seats on the township board: Stephen F. Riehl, Democrat; and Republicans Donald B Dudas, Dawn M. Fulk, Patrick Pringle and John L. Reno Jr.
Kenockee Township
Ron Medere is facing Tod Molesworth in the race for supervisor. For clerk, Jennifer Francek is competing against write-in challenger Gerry Hawks.
Ira Township
In the race for supervisor, James J. Endres Jr running against write-in candidate Isaac Joseph.
Fort Gratiot Township
Six candidates are running for four trustee seats: Adam J. Armbruster, Scott J. Bradley, Linda R. Bruckner and Robert C. Crawford are on the ballot; the write-in candidates are Jeffrey Kendrick and Trevor Defrain.
East China Township
In the race for treasurer Nicole Hart, a Democrat, is facing Gisela Horn, Republican.
Cottrellville Township
In the race for Cottrellville Supervisor, Greg Abbey is facing write-in candidate Mary Agnes Simons.
Four candidates are vying for two trustee seats: Tom Kaufman, Lisa MacKenzie, Kris Rients and write-in contestant Eugene John Moore, Jr.
Columbus Township
In position of supervisor is being contested by Brad Smith and write-in candidate Bruce Christy. Michael P. Haught, Stan Dudek Jr. and Jared Greenia are vying for two trustee seats.
Clay Township
In the race for supervisor Paul Cassidy is facing write-in candidate Artie Bryson. For township clerk, Tanya Hogan is running against write-in candidate Cindy Valentine. For treasurer Jerry Galka is facing write-in candidate Kristi Hiltunen.
Seven people are running for four seats on the township board: David Mark Sluka, a Democrat; Republicans Mark Borchardt, Maureen Boury, Brian Campbell and Jon DeBoyer; and write-in candidate Chris O’Regan.
China Township
Six people are competing for four seats on the board of trustees: Barbara Golan, Democrat, and Republicans Ronald R. Beier; Lauren Martin; Edward Neiman; Dan Turke and write-in candidate Catherine King.
Casco Township
In the race for supervisor, Joe Stevens is facing write-in candidate Donna Nepper.
Local school district elections:
East China School District
Four candidates are competing for three six-year terms on the school board: Jessica Becker, Karen Cedar, Lindsay Chopp and Holly Tatman.
Marysville Public Schools
Five candidates are running for the three open four-year seats on the board: Amanda Kettlewell Busch, Jen Settel, Kirk M. Smith, Catherine Vermeersch and Nicole M. Winston.
Port Huron Area Schools
Three people are vying for two six-year seats: Gary M. Lokers Jr,. Laurie L. Oldford and Matt Ruiz.
Proposals
There are a number of proposals in a variety of communities. Read your ballot carefully!
Almont Community Schools
Sinking Fund Millage Proposal.
China Township
New Millage for Road and Ditch Improvement and Maintenance.
East China Schools
Sinking Fund Millage Proposal.
Kenockee Township
Amendment to Opt Into Production and/or Sale of Marihuana in the Township.
Marine City
There are five proposals on the ballot in Marine City:
- Proposed Amendment to Sec 3.3 to the Charter of the City of Marine City Relating to the Compensation of City Commission Members and the City Mayor
- Proposed Amendment to Sec 3.11 to the Charter of the City of Marine City
- Proposed Amendment to Add Sec. 3.20 to the Charter of the City of Marine City
- Proposed Amendment to Sec. 5.4 to the Charter of the City of Marine City
- Proposed Amendment to Chapter 13 to the Charter of the City of Marine City.
Memphis Community Schools
Bond Proposal.
Lynn Township
Renewal of Road Millage.
Marysville Public Schools
School Improvement Bond Proposition.
City of Yale
There are three proposals before voters:
- Continuation of Millage Increase for Law Enforcement Purposes
- Proposal for Renewal of Millage for Street Improvements
- Proposal for Renewal of Millage for Sidewalk Improvements.
Have a safe and secure Election Day.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
