Filing deadline passes for mid-term primaries
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
As Democrats grab the state headlines and try to unseat incumbent Gov. Rick Snyder during a midterm election, there will be several local decisions needing to be made at the polls in 2014.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks on millage renewals for library and senior services in the county. It’s also an election year for members of the county board of commissioners.
Four of the five commissioners are running unopposed at this point. Chairman Carl Altman and vice chair Bob Schell all filed, along with Mike Darga and Stephen Lang. Only District 2 commissioner Kris Sorgenfrei has decided to not seek another term.
Filing for soon-to-be vacant seat were Rainy Lake resident Chuck Lewis and Rogers City businessman Lee Gapczynski.
Lewis filed Monday morning at the county clerk’s office, while Gapczynski got his paperwork in on the last day. The deadline to file for the August primary was Tuesday, which is three weeks sooner than it had been in previous elections. The same goes for partisan township office positions. Both are running as Republicans.
“I think I can do a good job,” said Lewis, who has been on the Case Township board of review for the last decade. “I think I can help the county, and help the townships.”
He retired from AT & T after 31 years where he worked as an engineer. He also has worked as a construction manager and a repair supervisor.
Gapczynski has been a local businessman for 29 years, 19 of them in Rogers City.
“I think I can bring something to the table,” said Gapczynski. “A new face.” He has been a member of the Rogers City Area Schools board of education for several years.
“ I think I can bring fiscal responsibility and some different ideas.”
The filing deadline for independent/nonpartisan candidates is July 17 and they would only appear on the November ballot.
Additionally, there are about a half a dozen vacancies that need to be filled at the township level, including Krakow Township treasurer, Ocqueoc Township trustee, Rogers Township supervisor and trustee, as well as Bearinger Township clerk.
Township terms are typically four years. Those appointed to fill vacancies created since the November 2012 election need to run this year.
The deadline for proposals is May 13. Since the first county board meeting of May is the day after, there are some proposals up for approval at this Friday’s meeting.
Precinct delegates have to run again this year and have to file with the county c
“They used to file with the local township clerk. Now they file with the county clerk, as of Jan. 1, 2014.” said Main. “The deadline for candidates is May 6. Precinct delegates will only appear on the August ballot only.
The village and school board election deadlines are in the summer with voters making decisions in November.
Speaking of elections, Onaway has another recall election May 6. The seats of commissioners Bernie Schmeltzer and Ron Horrocks are being challenged.
Brad Porter is trying to unseat Ron Horrocks, while Schmeltzer faces Roger Marsh and Richard Norman.
Onaway also has its regular election in the fall. Mayor Gary Wregglesworth, who survived a recall challenge last November, has his term coming to an end.