Royal Oak City Commission
There are three open seats and four candidates running. The one candidate, Diane Hargan who opposed the Human Rights Ordinance, publically speaking out against it in Commission meetings and online, lost her bid.
Two pro-equality candidates: Jeremy Mahrle and Sharlan Douglas won their bid and so did incumbent David Poulton who had voted against the Human Rights Ordinance because he believed that the public should vote on it.
Ferndale Re-elects Dave Coulter By Wide Margin
Ferndale was facing an interesting Mayoral election, with four candidates running including two gay men who have already served as Mayor and County Commissioner. Current Mayor Dave Coulter has prevailed over former Mayor Craig Covey by a 15 point margin. Having two gay men running against each other brought national attention to the small suburban community, though in reality the issues facing the city have little to do with equality and diversity since it is already a very welcoming place.
"I've tried to be a mayor that brings people together on sensible solutions to keep us moving forward, and I'd like to think that's what voters responded to. I certainly don't do any of this alone, and I'm forever grateful for everyone, supporters of mine or not, that are passionate about our city and willing to work together to make it even greater," said Coulter.
Ferndale also elected openly gay candidate Greg Pawlica to the city council.
Marijuana was also on the ballot and Proposal A won by a 2-1 margin receiving 70% of the vote.
Pontiac City Council And School Board
Mike McGuinness is the controversial former Chair of the Oakland County Democrats who pled no contest to a series of felonies tied to registering fake Tea Party Candidates in 2010. McGuinness lost his bid for a seat on city council. McGuinness was up against incumbent Kermit Williams who was unopposed when he claimed his first term in the 7th District of Pontiac in 2009.His husband, Ronnie Karpinski, was running for the Pontiac Library Board. He came in seventh in a field of nine. The top six vote getters won seats on the board.
Kalamazoo City Commission
Tracy Hall, a candidate for the City Commission in Kalamazoo narrowly missed being elected. The top seven vote getters in a field of 15 were elected and Hall came in eighth. From her Facebook Page: "We fell a little short, but there's no shame. I am so proud of the campaign we ran. Even more proud of my amazing campaign team. I am humbled by all of your words of support and dedication to our campaign. We have an amazing city, with so many wonderful leaders, both in elected office and in the community. Thank you and congratulations to Commissioners Don Cooney and Stephanie Commish Moore. And congratulations to all of the commissioners elected tonight. I know Kalamazoo is good hands with Mayor Bobby Hopewell and the other wonderful people elected tonight. And to my amazing friends, thank you for all of your support, advice, and words of encouragement. I love you and I love where I live!"
If elected she would have been the first out lesbian to do so.
Holland City Council
City Council Candidate Donald Martin lost his bid for a seat. From his Facebook Page: "I'm sorry to report that we did not win the election. I am not sorry to report that our campaign caught the attention of people across the city, state, and country (!!!). I am, in fact, thrilled to report that we brought issues of homelessness, income inequality, development, and social justice to Holland residents. 1500 people voted for the message that our campaign carried to every corner of Holland. We can be proud of that. We can be proud of ourselves. We can be proud of Holland."
