With the Nov. 5 General Election on the horizon, here’s a look at some basic voter and candidate information for Mecosta County and Village commissioner, safety, and information representative races:
VOTER INFO:
Election Date: November 5, 2024
Election Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Voting Place: Organized by Township (see your township guide in ‘Local Election Hub’)
More Information: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Home/Index
Mecosta County Prosecuting Attorney (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Jonathan Peterson, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
Mecosta County Sheriff (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Brian Miller, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: Mecosta County Sheriff (4 years), City of Big Rapids Public Safety (25 years), Police Chief for Village of Barryton, Mecosta County/Ferris State/Big Rapids DPS Honor Guard
- Inspiration: Make a difference
- Focus: Keep the community involved and the county safe
- Quote: "When my time on earth is done, I want to be remembered not as Sheriff Miller, Detective Sergeant Miller, Officer Brian or Coach Miller, but just as Brian, a person who tried to live my life as the best reflection of our Lord and savior as I can. I am the best candidate for the job. I have not completed everything I set out to do when I took office. I still have passion for this office, and working for the people of Mecosta County. When the day comes I don't have this passion, I will step away. This day has not come yet."
Mecosta County Clerk (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Marcee Purcell, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
Mecosta County Treasurer (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Sherry Earnest, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: County Treasurer (12 years)
- Inspiration: Making a difference for the community
- Focus: Preventing lost bills and payments
- Quote: "We love this community and really can't imagine living anywhere else. I have been truly Blessed and will continue to serve the people of Mecosta County to the best of my abilities."
Mecosta County Register of Deeds (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Karen Hahn, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: County Register of Deeds (14 years)
- Inspiration: Endorsement from former position holder
- Focus: Maintain accurate, digital records for the county regarding safety and commerce
- Quote: "I love this community and thoroughly enjoy helping people with their real estate questions. If you have been to the Register of Deeds office in the last 20 years or so, I probably was the person that helped you at the counter. I appreciate this community for trusting me with their precious records."
Mecosta County Road Commissioner (6 Year Term) – One Seat Available
Mecosta County Drain Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Karla Miller, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
1st District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Jeff Jackson, REP, Big Rapids
2nd District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
3rd District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Chris Zimmerman, REP, Canadian Lakes
- Experience: Insurance agent (34 years), author (6 books), Precinct delegate, Vice Chairman, Mecosta County GOP
- Inspiration: Replace the Commissioner who "doesn’t listen to the will of the people", not support Gotion
- Focus: Provide beneficial insight as an outsider and a businessman with a keen eye for contracts, negotiation, and value
- Quote: "Mark Twain said it best, 'Diapers and politicians need to be changed from time to time….and for the same reasons.' I hope to be one of 7 new commissioners after Tuesday’s election."
4th District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Gary Lambrix, REP, Morley
- Experience: Deerfield TWP Trustee (20 years), small business owner (25 years), Mecosta County Parks and Planning/Zoning Board member
- Inspiration: Make a difference, bring harmony and transparency to the county residential community?
- Focus: Maintain conservative values, work for the community residents
- Quote: "To the county residents of District 4, part of Aetna, Deerfield, Hinton and Millbrook, I will work for you."
5th District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Tom O’Neil, REP, Stanwood (INCUMBENT)
6th District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Chris Jane, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
7th District County Commissioner (4 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Bill Routley, REP, Big Rapids (INCUMBENT)
- Experience: County Comissioner (21), Stanwood Village President (6 years), Area Agency on Aging (15 years), mutiple city boards, lifetime resident of Big Rapids
- Inspiration: To make a difference for the county and county people
- Focus: Stabalize transparent cross-communication with county departments
- Quote: "I am open minded and passionate to bring good well paying jobs to our area. I believe in helping people that need a second chance. A vote for me a a vote for a secure future for Mecosta County."
- Dave Hamelund, NPA, Big Rapids
Village of Barryton
President (2 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- James Soriano, NP, Barryton
Trustee (4 Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Kathryn Kerr, NP, Barryton
- No candidate listed for partial term to 11/20/26
Village of Mecosta
President (2 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Ann Marie Wrobbel, NP, Mecosta
Trustee (4 Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Colleen Beemer, NP, Mecosta
- Kim Werenette, NP, Mecosta
- No candidate listed for partial term to 11/20/26
Village of Morley
President (2 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Austin Korpal, NP, Morley
- Henry Peterson, NP, Morley
Trustee (4 Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Chris Blondia, NP, Morley
- Ashlee Feliciano, NP, Morley
- Serine Peterson, NP, Morley
- Steven Weed, NP, Morley (Partial Term to 11/20/26)
Village of Stanwood
President (2 Year Term) – One Seat Available
- Cody Stilson, NP, Stanwood
Trustee (4 Year Term) – Two Seats Available
- Marvin Bell, NP, Stanwood
- Josh Whitman, NP, Stanwood