Interest in local politics is great as born out by the number of candidates seeking public office this election cycle.
There are six primary races for Republican candidates and other county/ township offices. In District 1, former township trustee and former county administrator Deb Allen will face Tim McCalley for the GOP spot on the November General Election ballot. The winner will face former commissioner Rick Robbins who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the post, representing Elmwood Township and a portion of the City of Traverse City.
Former county commissioner Mark Walter is a Republican candidate for District 2, representing Bingham Township and the southernmost portion of Suttons Bay. Also appearing on the Primary ballot, seeking the Republican nomination, is Forrest Welch. The winner will go on to meet Democrat Scott Perry in the November election.
In District 3, there’s been a change. Current commissioner Doug Rexroat had filed for the Republican nomination before the April 23 deadline, but has since withdrawn.
This sets up a repeat of the May 2022 election in which former board Chairman Will Bunek was recalled. The seat was filled by Democrat Lois Bahle for the remainder of Bunek’s unexpired term.
With Rexroat’s withdrawl, Bunek and Bahle will run unopposed for their party’s nomination with the General Election in November determining the winner.
In District 7, which includes Kasson and Solon Township, incumbent commissioner Melinda C. Lautner has two Republican opponents. Steve Yoder announced his candidacy in January. Also seeking the GOP nod is Amedee A. DeCruydt of Maple City. The winner will face Democrat Tim Dowd, who is unopposed for the nomination.
All but one county elected official currently seated is running without opposition.
Incumbent Register of Deeds Jennifer L. Grant, a Republican, is been challenged by Renee Wyler of Lake Leelanau.
There are three contested races at the township level.
In Kasson Township, Supervisor Greg Julian will face Ryan “Buzzy” Noonan. Both are Republicans.
In nearby Solon Township incumbent Jim Lautner will face former Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Chief Christopher M. Comeaux.
The position of Leelanau Township treasurer, served by longtime treasurer Denise Dunn, is opening up due to her retirement. Her deputy, Jolisa Ugalde, is seeking the Democratic nomination for the treasurer’s post. Linda Szarkowski is also running as a Dem.
There are no primary races for District 4, 5 and 6 commissioner seats.
Current board Chairman Ty Wessell of Northport is unopposed for the Dem nomination. He will face James White of Suttons Bay on Nov. 5.
District 4 features a battle for the right to represent Leland and Centerville Township.
In a repeat of the November 2022 election, incumbent commissioner Kama Ross will face Republican challenger, Alan C. Campbell.
Ross edged Campbell by 38 to win the seat.
And in District 6, incumbent Democrat Gwenne Allgaier will appear on the ballot with Mark Roberts of Empire, a Republican.
