Counties, cities, villages, and townships
throughout the state of Michigan held elections this Tuesday, resulting in the
biannual showing of “I Voted” stickers on nearly everyone in the Capitol
community.
Duggan
Elected Detroit Mayor
Former Detroit Medical Center CEO Mike Duggan
defeated Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon to become the mayor-elect of the
City of Detroit. Duggan, also a former Wayne County Prosecutor and once top
lieutenant in the late Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara’s administration, is
the first Caucasian to win the mayoral election in Detroit since 1969, and did
so with 55 percent of the vote.
Phelps
Wins Special in 49th House District
As expected, Phil Phelps easily won the special
election to replace now State Senator Jim Ananich in the 49th House
District. Representative-elect Phelps (D-Flint) defeated Republican Don
Pfeiffer with 62 percent of the vote.
Community
Merger Fails
A successful merger of communities has not
happened in Michigan since 2000, and didn’t happen again this year as Douglas
and Saugatuck both rejected the effort Tuesday. Officials in the two Allegan
County communities were seeking the merger to save an estimated $500,000 per
year; however, both communities were required to approve the move in order for
it to take place. It failed in both.
Former
Legislators in Local Races
Former State Representatives George
Cushingberry, Jr. and Gabe Leland both won seats on the Detroit City Council
and former Senator Jim Berryman won his bid to be mayor in Adrian Tuesday.
Former Representative Marty Griffin was not as fortunate as he unexpectedly
loss his re-election bid to be City of Jackson mayor to newcomer Jason Smith.