FeedsBridgman wins post
Five years ago, Plymouth Township Clerk Marilyn Massengill selected Joe Bridgman as her deputy.
On Tuesday, Republicans in Plymouth Township chose Bridgman to be her replacement.
After gathering more than 52 percent of the vote against challenger Mary-Ann Prchlik, Bridgman is the only candidate whose name will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot for Plymouth Township Clerk. Bridgman collected 1,920 votes while Prchlik collected 1,170 votes or 48 percent.
“So now the hard work starts,” said Bridgman who, along with Massengill, must prepare for the General Election as both election officials expect a high turnout.
As for the primary election, Bridgman was too busy dealing with a defective voting device to be concerned with his race. A card placed in vote tabulation machine malfunctioned, which delayed municipal election officials’ efforts to calculate votes. Massengill did not announce the results of the election until 11 p.m. Tuesday.
In addition to equipment failures, Massengill said a significant number of ballots cast were spoiled due to residents crossing party lines and voting for candidates from both parties.
Massengill said the ballot printed by the county and approved by election officials in Lansing is the cause for the confusion.
In what some call an upset, former Plymouth Township Police Chief Carl Berry lost his bid to become a township trustee to political newcomer Michael J Kelly and the three incumbent candidates on the seven member board.
Incumbent Trustee Steve Mann received 2,815 votes followed by Bob Doroshewitz with 2,512, Kay Arnold with 2,324 and Kelly with 2,133 votes. Berry received 1,879 votes. The nominated trustees currently face no other candidates in the November election.
Township Treasurer Ron Edwards, who ran unopposed in the primary election, will be challenged by Independent Richard Sharland in the General Election.
