Voters decide races in Milan, Flat Rock, Exeter, Summerfield
It was a vote of confidence and one of re-election for incumbent Milan Mayor Ed Kolar.
On Tuesday night, voters in the City of Milan overwhelmingly agreed to give Kolar a second term as mayor. He defeated challenger Danette Talbot 1,082-205. That was an even greater margin than his first run for mayor in 2021 when he won the vote 840-265.
The former city councilman was invigorated by Tuesday's result.
"Last night was a great night for the city of Milan," said Kolar the morning after the election. "Voters came out and overwhelmingly validated the work the city council and myself have been working on the last two years. Milan is in a great financial position. We are ready to attack our existing infrastructure and grow our small community both on the residential and commercial sides — 2024 will be an exciting year."
Three candidates also won their races for a seat on the city council. The six-person race was led by incumbent Mary C. Kerkes, who garnered 871 votes. That was a significant increase from the 640 votes she received in 2021.
"We had a field of amazing candidates and I knew whatever happened tonight Milan would be in good hands," said Kerkes. "I am honored and humbled by the results and will continue working closely with Mayor Ed Kolar for the city of Milan."
Joining Kerkes on the council are newcomers David Snyder (852 votes) and Matthew Stafford (589) votes.
"Tonight's victory was a clear message from the people of Milan that they want more positive change in the community and that they want a cross-section of community leaders to work together to make Milan an even better place for all of us to live," said Snyder. "We have a lot of work ahead."
Stafford won by a narrow victory, picking up just 14 more votes than Matthew J. Tomecek with 575. Laura Russeau (349 votes) and Cliff Franklin (345 votes) rounded out the field.
"I am a bit overwhelmed right now but I am excited to see what the next four years have in store for myself and the City of Milan," Stafford said. "I am honored that I have so many people that believe in me and I will do my best to not let them down. I just want to do whatever I can to help out our city and support our excellent city staff in the performance of their duties."
Milan voters also elected Laurence Biederman, Vicki A. Zilke and Robert Chidester to seats on the Library Board.
In Exeter Township, Lon Jacobs successfully unseated incumbent Supervisor Bob Queen in a recall election. Jacobs won by more than a two-thirds margin, with 659 votes; Queen received 282 votes.
"Thank you to all the people of Exeter Township, my friends, my family, my wife and kids," said Jacobs. "I've lived in Exeter half my adult life and I always say you can't very well complain if you're not willing to throw your hat in the ring and see if you can get something done."
Four members of the Exeter Township board faced a recall election last year following accusations from Queen and others that they attempted to circumvent the will of the voters. Only one member was removed from their seat during that recall, while Queen faced accusations of impropriety that ultimately triggered Tuesday's recall.
"The public has spoken on that issue with a clear and precise voice," Jacobs said. "I think the board will be able to unite and get down to business now without so much drama and issues. ... We'll get back to the problems and issues of the township."
In Flat Rock, Steven Beller won a hotly contested race for mayor against Jesse Cowell 846-803. Beller is a current city council member who was running for his first term as mayor.
Incumbent Flat Rock city council members Ricky L. Tefend and Kenneth Wrobel earned another term and will be joined by newcomer Albert E. Frond. All three ran unopposed.
Also earning another term was incumbent Mayor James W. Holeman, who ran unopposed in his successful bid for re-election in the city of Petersburg. He will be joined by three new faces on the city council. Laura Antoszewski (113 votes), Rita Rousseau (111 votes), and Ronald Stumpmier (87 votes) picked up the three council seats.
Voters in Petersburg also passed a charter amendment 92-53 that authorizes the city council to levy an additional annual millage upon all taxable property for a period of five years for police protection.
A bond proposal for Airport Community Schools was rejected, with 1,928 voting no against 1,670 for yes. The school district was looking to borrow up to $30,075,000 for an addition, remodeling, and refurbishing of the middle school building.
Bedford Public School passed both millage renewal proposals that were on the ballot. The first passed by a vote of 4,174-1,112 with the second passing 3,803-1,467. Both millages were set to expire in 2023 but were extended another 10 years to fund the operation and maintenance of the school system.
Voters in the Ida School District also passed a building and site sinking fund tax levy proposal 1,215-860. The proposal would increase the tax limitation for eight years to establish a fund for construction or repair of school buildings and the improvement and development of other sites.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Voters decide races in Milan, Flat Rock, Exeter, Summerfield
