New paths, new faces.
On Tuesday area voters went to the polls and unseated incumbents on the school board and in the Goodrich Village Council. Atlas Township voters also OK’d recreational pathways by a vote of 1,664 yes to 1,502 no.
The 1/8 mill or $6 per year for a $100,000 home will generate about $33,292 per year to fund the pathways in the township.
‘I’m excited and happy about the results,? said Shirley Kautman-Jones, Atlas Township supervisor. ‘By the end of February most of the tax money will be collected and available. The next step will be to start work on the most effective plan (for the pathway). The pathway committee will have to be aggressive to seek funding for this project’it’s a good start but a small amount of money. I’m thrilled the community supported the pathway project, I see it bringing great things to the community and establishing a great asset.?
The ‘Walk, Bike, Run Atlas Township? committee formed about a year ago has gathered 358 signed petitions from residents in support of recreational paths in the township. The committee reports trails are necessary to provide a sense of community, increase property values, offer a safe location for outdoor activities, attract young families to the community, and improve the health of residents. Much of the funding for the project will come from established grant sources such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. However, matching dollars are often needed’which will be funded by the pathway millage.
In the Village of Goodrich incumbent Mark Baldwin was the top vote-getter with 348, followed by challengers Jacob Vick, 339 votes and Tim Brannan with 324 votes. Diane Koss Fredericks tallied 283 votes while incumbent Richard Saroli received 276 votes.
Three seats were open for the Goodrich School District and incumbent Daniel Keller retained his seat with 1,676 votes, followed by newcomers Jennifer Riggs 1,668 votes and Jeff Brown 1,324 votes. Incumbent ‘Chip? Howard Schultz snagged 1,323 votes.
Goodrich resident and 1992 GHS graduate Jennifer Manley received 11,591 votes defeating Matthew D. Karr who had 9,552 votes for the 67th-2nd Division Genesee District Court seat.
‘I am excited and thankful to say that I have been elected as the next 67th District Court Judge,? said Manley.
‘I am honored to continue in the legacy of Judge John Conover, who has been one of our county’s premiere judges for so many years. I have so many people to thank who were instrumental in our victory. First and foremost thank you to my husband Frank and my entire family who supported and encouraged me from the beginning, and who had an unwavering belief that we would achieve our goal. Also, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude for all of you who volunteered your time knocking on doors, making phone calls, standing outside polling locations in near freezing temperatures, and encouraged your friends and family to get out and vote.?
The 67-2 incorporates Burton, Davison, Goodrich and Otisville and Atlas, Davison, Forest and Richfield townships. Manley previously served 12 years as assistant Genesee County prosecutor and currently works in a private practice.
Voters in the Brandon School District had two candidates on the ballot for three available seats. Robert Eisiminger and Diane Salter were elected. Likewise, the Village of Ortonville had three trustee seats available, but only two candidates will appeared on the ballot? Coleen Skornicka and Liz Waters. Wayne Wills will appear on the ballot uncontested for the position of village council president.