Plymouth Township Primary Race Heats Up
The serene community of Plymouth Township, located 30 miles west of Detroit, is experiencing an unusually tense primary season. The local Republican incumbent, Kurt Heise, and his contender, Charles Curmi, have been trading barbs on social media and through flyers, something residents say is a departure from the usually peaceful local elections.
Heise has been leading the township since 2016 after a successful career as a state lawmaker. He’s currently in the hot seat, with accusations of not staying true to traditional Republican principles and altering the township’s identity because of certain development policies. The community, characterized by a Republican majority amid a largely Democratic Wayne County, represents the widening chasm in the GOP.
The primary race has been colored by debates on various issues, including the future of a Meijer store and a proposed deal over the defunct Northville Downs racetrack. The energy surrounding this race is noticeably different to longtime residents and voters. The infusion of bitterness and vitriol in the campaign is seen as a stark contrast to earlier elections.
One resident, Howard Hamerink, aired his concerns during a recent board of trustees meeting. He said, “It is clear that we are not your grandfather’s Republican community. We’ve not had elections like this in the past.”. Every Republican incumbent is facing a challenger in this fierce primary race.
Antipathy and tension are not limited to the candidates. Locals have expressed feeling overwhelmed by relentless mailers and campaign propaganda. The use of local materials, like a mock newspaper called the Plymouth Township News, to disseminate anti-incumbent propaganda, has been a notable feature of this election season.
Local control over development and spending are key issues that play out in public meetings, with challengers frequently criticizing incumbent officials. A particularly contentious point is the proposed Meijer store, with one candidate, Janai Stepp, criticizing it as “unwanted” and “irresponsible”.
The ‘peaceful’ Plymouth Township, snuggled between Detroit and Ann Arbor, may not be the typical backdrop for political rage. But recent development decisions have sparked a flurry of backlash, driving candidates like Charles Curmi to challenge the incumbent’s leadership. According to his opponent, Curmi, Heise’s policies are changing the township’s character and brand by inviting big developments that elicit heavy traffic and potential crime, but don’t create sustainable employment.
The dispute over the construction of a new 159,000-square-foot Meijer store near Five Mile and Beck roads is a significant touchpoint. After the planning commission denied a special land request, the case was resolved through a lawsuit, leading to a consent agreement between the township, Meijer, and the developer Redico. This is seen by opponents as a major campaign issue.
Northville Downs, a former racetrack, is another contentious development. This deal fell through earlier this year, leading to a $10 million federal lawsuit against the township. This development, like others, adds to the pulsating inflammation of the primary.
Irons are still hot as the Plymouth Township gears up for the big vote. Despite the bitterness, Heise, the incumbent, defends his track record and says most residents don’t share the seemingly widespread rage. According to Heise, “The issues people care about are making sure that our police and fire are the best they can be.”
