Trask Unsure About Recount in One Vote Loss to Jim Irving in 5th Ward

Sheriff Deputy vs. Auburn Police Hiring Said Factor in Mayor's Upset

November 4, 2009
By: Dave Rogers

New Bay City Commissioners elected Tuesday night were:

Dennis Banaszak, who beat incumbent Wendy Legner 155 to 89 in the 3rd Ward,

Jim Irving, apparent winner 305-304 over Megan Trask in the 5th Ward,

Douglas Sommer with a 140-107 margin over Marlene Goupil in the 7th Ward, with write-in Steve Soriteu getting 67 votes, and

Larry Elliott 275 to 126 over incumbent Kellie Snyder in the 9th Ward.

Ms. Trask said she was unsure whether to ask for a recount but some observers indicated they felt another look at the results was inevitable give the fact that more than 600 votes were cast in that ward.

Commission President Chris Shannon, who was unopposed, got 130 votes to 10 write-ins for other candidates in the 1st Ward.

A total of 1,722 ballots were cast in the city general election, with turnout of about 13 percent, reported the office of Dana Muscott, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk.

In Auburn, Eric E. Larsen defeated incumbent Mayor John McNally 276-226 in what reportedly was voter reaction to a contract signed by the city for services of a deputy from the Bay County Sheriff's Department. Some voters want the city to rehire another member of the Auburn Police Department, replacing the chief who retired. The department currently has one patrolman.

Elected to the Auburn City Commission were incumbent Ann Machelski, 345 votes, Amy Rezmer, 329, and Matthew Hardy, 291, over incumbent Richard Fletcher with 269.

Voters are targeting for recall two other incumbent commissioners, Bill Reder and B.J. Raab, over the deputy issue. Supporters of the sheriff's deputy hiring said the plan was saving money and gaining patrol hours over the cost of another city police officer.

Garfield Township voters approved renewal of a one-mill tax for four years for fire department operations and maintenance. The issue was passed 223-40. Also, a four year, .50-mill tax for new fire equipment was adopted 209-55.

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