Voting Kicks Off in Wayne County: Local Races Heat Up
Welcome to Wayne County, where the excitement is palpable as voting gets underway! Residents are bustling to the polls, not only to cast their votes for the President but also for a whole slate of local positions that shape their communities. This election cycle is particularly interesting as four of the county’s top officials are up for reelection, making it an important day for many.
Facing Off Against New Challengers
First, let’s talk about the prosecutor, Kym Worthy, who has been making waves since she was first appointed back in 2004. Kym, a proud Democrat, doesn’t have a Republican challenger but will face Libertarian Kerry Morgan. Worthy has made headlines for her implementation of vital diversion programs and for advocating for crucial issues like gun safety.
“When children get ahold of weapons, they can kill themselves or other people,” she passionately stated. Worthy has been an advocate for testing thousands of unprocessed rape kits, leading to more than 250 convictions. She does excellent work, and it’s clear that the voters will have a thoughtful decision to make!
Clerk Cathy Garrett on the Ballot
Next up is Clerk Cathy Garrett. Like Worthy, Cathy faces no Republican opponent but is challenged by Libertarian Joseph LeBlanc, a former candidate for sheriff. As the county clerk, Garrett has worked to enhance access to voting and maintain election integrity, which is incredibly important now more than ever.
The Sheriff Races
And let’s not forget about our Sheriff, Raphael Washington! Washington, who was appointed in 2021, is running for a full term against perennial candidate T.P. Nykoriak. With pressing issues like hiring more deputies and concerning conditions in detention facilities in the spotlight, this race is particularly critical.
Local Commission Seats: A Democratic Stronghold
Wayne County also has all 15 Commission seats up for grabs, with nine incumbents running unopposed. Currently, the commission is strongly Democratic, holding a 14-1 majority. District 11 Commissioner Al Haidous is stepping aside, and in a twist of fate, Democrat Allen Wilson is poised to take his seat without any competition.
Meanwhile, District 9 Commissioner Terry Marecki, a Republican, is facing Democrat Carol Souchock in her reelection bid. Marecki, who has a long history in local politics, believes her success lies in being responsive to the community, focusing on infrastructure, and fostering a cooperative spirit among commissioners. “I don’t really notice a big difference from then to now,” she remarked, referring to the current divisive political climate.
Township Supervisor Elections
Bridge Bond Measure: A Community Decision
In a bold community-led initiative, voters in Grosse Ile Township will decide whether to approve a bond measure totaling over $59 million. This proposal seeks to purchase the privately-owned toll bridge connecting the island to the mainland. With concerns about the current maintenance of the older, free bridge, supporters argue that acquiring the toll bridge is essential for securing reliable access and services for the island community.
The Bottom Line
No matter who gets elected, it’s clear that Wayne County residents are gearing up for a day of civic engagement that will impact their community for years to come. Whether voting for a prosecutor or deciding on a bridge, every vote matters!
As the polls remain open, Wayne County is buzzing with anticipation and pride. Be sure to get your vote in—let your voice be heard today!
