Voters Say 'Yes' to Hospital Proposal, 1006 to 132
Recount Sought for Mackinac Island Race; All School, Twp. Millages Pass
By Karen Gould
A solid victory was clinched by the Mackinac Straits Hospital Authority in the May 6 election, with 1,006 voters approving transfer to a private corporation. Voter approval now clears the way for a new hospital to be built in St. Ignace. Voters opposing the move numbered 132.

"It really shows the region wants a health care facility," said hospital CEO Rod Nelson. "It just validates the whole process."

The issue drew 27.3% of eligible voters in the city of St. Ignace, St. Ignace Township, Brevort Township, and Moran Township, which comprise the Authority and which were the only units to vote on the issue.

Mr. Nelson said the hospital and its attorneys are reviewing contracts and completing paperwork. URS Corporation of Grand Rapids is designing the facility, and Skanska USA Building of Southfield will build it.

Construction could get underway by late summer.

A ground-breaking ceremony is planned for Wednesday, May 28, at 2 p.m. at the new hospital site on North State Street. Politicians expected to attend are Senator Debbie Stabenow, Congressman Bart Stupak, State Representative Gary McDowell, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Chairman Aaron Payment, USDA Rural Development Director Gene De- Rossett, and Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski.

Anptjer ground-breaking ceremony was held in November 2006.

Recount Set

for Mackinac Island Race

A two-vote difference for a seat on the Mackinac Island City Council has resulted in a vote recount. Anneke Myers, who received 185 votes, is seeking the recount and hoping to earn one of two available council positions. Incumbents Jason St. Onge earned 187 votes and Armin Porter garnered 210 votes.

The recount will be held in St. Ignace May 22, at 10 a.m. in the court room on the third floor of the courthouse.

Also on the Island, incumbent Larry Rickley and newcomer Kelly Bean beat out Jennifer Daniels and Katrina Platzke for two seats on the school board. Ms. Bean, who is city mayor Margaret Doud's assistant, will take the seat now held by Trish Martin, who did not seek another term.

Running unopposed in the election were Mayor Doud, Clerk Karen Lennard, Treasurer Richard Linn, Assessor Robert Benser, and Supervisor Ron Dufina.

Other Election Results

Mike Grogan will retain his seat on the St. Ignace Area Schools board of education, beating challenger Sue St. Onge for the fouryear term.

St. Ignace Township voters renewed a recreational millage and a road millage. The four-year 0.5 mills to develop recreation will raise about $13,000 annually. Renewed for five-years, the 2.0 mills for road work will generate about $54,000 annually.

At Les Cheneaux, two school board seats for Les Cheneaux Community Schools will be filled by Marcia Perkins and incumbent Kathy Ter Haar. Races were uncontested.

Voters also approved two school millage proposals. An 18 mill renewal to pay for operational expenses passed. The funds will be used for salaries, transportation, books, utilities, and other operations. A second proposal will generate about $470,000 for the first year. The 0.5 mill, five-year assessment will be used for facilities and technology purchases, including computers.

Incumbents Tracy Germain and Kevin Dennis will keep their seats on the Engadine Consolidated Schools board, finishing ahead of challenger Nora Edgar. Jim Ramelis, who was appointed to fill the vacated seat of Lester Livermore, ran unopposed and will complete the term, which expires June 30, 2009.

In Pickford, incumbents Stanley Kennedy and Jenalee Gough ran uncontested for their seats on the board at Pickford Public Schools.

Voters also approved a school operating millage renewal of 18 mills, which will be levied against non-homestead property.

May 6, 2008 Election Results

Uncertified

Bolded type indicates winner, except in uncontested races

Hopsital Authority Proposition			Yes 1,006 No 132
Brevort Township	108	32
Moran Township	274	20
St. Ignace Township	112	33
City of St. Ignace	512	47

St. Ignace School Board (1 seat)	Sue St. Onge	Mike Grogan
Brevort Township	13	122
St. Ignace Township	44	89
City of St. Ignace	159	363
Total	216	574

Mackinac Island
Uncontested
Mayor Margret Doud 267
Clerk Karen Lennard 295
Treasurer Rick Linn 303
Assessor Robert Benser 241
Supervisor Ron Dufina 207

City Council (2 seats)
Anneka Myers	185
Jason St. Onge	187
Armin Porter	210
Myers and St. Onge ballots
will be recounted.

School Board (2 seats)
Kelly Bean	153
Jennifer Daniels	43
Katrina Platzke	65
Larry Rickley	265

St. Ignace Township Porposal 1
(Road Millage Renewal)
Yes 113
No 32

St. Ignace Township Porposal 2
(Recreational Millage Renewal)
Yes 81
No 60

Les Cheneaux School Proposal 1
(Operating Millage Renewal)	Yes	No
Clark Township	294	74
Marquette Township	19	1
Total	307	75

Les Cheneaux School Proposal 2
(Bonding)	Yes	No
Clark Township	262	103
Marquette Township	16	4
Total	278	107

Les Cheneaux School Board (2 seats)	Marcia Perkins	Kathy Ter Haar
Clark Township	270	309
Marquette Township	15	15
Total	285	324

Pickford Public School Board (2 seats)	Jenalee Gough	Stanley Kennedy
Marquette Township	41	39

Pickford Public School Proposal	Yes	No
Marquette Township	31	9

Engadine School Board	Nora	Tracy	Kevin	Jim
(2 seats)	Edgar	Germain	Dennis	Ramelis *
Garfied 1	20	65	70	63
Garfield 2	16	74	68	73
Hendricks Township	3	9	6	7
Hudson Township	3	18	16	10
Newton Township	18	24	33	36
Portage Township	1	3	1	3
Total	61	193	194	192
* Uncontested partial term