Voters will choose who will serve them at the township level, among other local offices, come Tuesday in the general election. In Leelanau County, there are many candidates in each township vying for a spot on their respective boards, whether it be for an unopposed or contested seat. A recap of who is running for these seats are listed below: In Leland Township, one of the most competitive township races in the county, Democrat incumbent Susan Och is being challenged by Republican trustee Clint Mitchell for the supervisor position. Och served as Leland Township trustee from 2008 to 2012 and in the supervisor role from 2016 to present. She’s also served on the parks and recreation board, the library board, and the zoning board of appeals. Mitchell has been a township trustee and planning commissioner for the last four years.
In addition to those running for supervisor, four candidates are seeking two available trustee seats on the Leland Township board. Incumbent Mariann Kirch, a Republican, is seeking reelection to the board. The ballot also includes Democrat candidates Kathryn Dawkins and Brian Fenlon, as well as Republican Steve Scales.
Down the road in Centerville Township, there are four candidates competing for two trustee seats available on the board.
Republicans’ Jolyn Arens and Kerry O’Non, as well as democrats’ Rolf von Walthausen and Paul Winston, are hoping to fill those trustee seats. Incumbent Ronald Schaub, a Republican, is running unopposed for township supervisor.
In Empire Township, Republican incumbent Carl Noonan will be challenged by democrat David Hendricks for the supervisor role.
Henricks was traveling in remote Alaska and didn’t have an opportunity to respond to an Enterprise questionnaire.
Four candidates are also looking to fill two available seats on the Empire Township Board, including incumbents Micah Deegan and Casey Noonan, both Republicans, Democrat Kathy Wiejaczka, and independent Chris Wright.
Cleveland Township has one contested race for the role of treasurer. Republican Molly Peplinski will compete for the treasurer position against Democratic incumbent Angie Diotte, while Republican incumbent Tim Stein is running unopposed for supervisor.
There’s a three way race for two available trustee seats on the Kasson Township board. Republican incumbents Kenneth (Tad) Carter and Roger Noonan are seeking reelection to four-year seats as is former zoning administrator and Democrat Michael Scott Lanham. Republican incumbent supervisor Greg Julian is running unopposed.
