Ortonville- Village residents turned out in record numbers to vote Tuesday and made their wishes known: They are ready for change.
Out of four incumbents, only one, Council Trustee Mary Kassuba, was re-elected. Sue Bess, village council president for the past 18 years and on the council for 20 years, lost her bid for another 2-year term to challenger Ken Quisenberry? in a landslide. Bess garnered only 46 votes, 15.03 percent, in comparison to Quisenberry’s 260 votes, or 84.97 percent.
‘I’m glad that that many people cared enough about the village to come out and vote, and the new people that have been elected are all very good people, and I wish them well,? Bess said. ‘I guess life goes on… I am thankful for the privilege of serving the village. No one loves it more than I do.?
She suggested that part of the reason she was not re-elected was turn-out from residents of the newer Crescent Hills and Pinestead subdivisions, where, she believes, most of the people are not interested in sewers, which she is a proponent of.
Bess, who had never previously been challenged in an election, turned in her resignation Wednesday morning, 12 days shy of finishing her term.
‘I feel it’s the best thing for the village so Ken can get in there and get to things that need to be done,? Bess said. ‘This will allow him the freedom to do what he wants to do.?
Quisenberry will be sworn-in just prior to the next council meeting, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24. Sworn-in along with him, and serving 4-year council trustee terms, will be high vote-getters Kassuba (190 votes, 23.93 percent), Dan Eschmann (226 votes, 28.46 percent), and Aileen Champion (158 votes, 19.90 percent). Melanie Nivelt (164 votes, 55.78 percent) will also be sworn in, for a 2-year partial term.
Incumbent Larry Hayden lost to Nivelt with 130 votes, or 44.22 percent. For the four-year term, Michael Via (125 votes, 15.74 percent), and incumbent Marcy Hanes (95 votes, 11.96 percent) were defeated.
‘I am very encouraged by the election and the election results overall,? said Quisenberry. ‘I think the results show important changes are needed in the community and will be coming as a result.?
Quisenberry said budget items will be scrutinized more than in the past and there will be a major shift in spending policy.
‘I’m very excited and ready to get to work and make some decisions and see some changes,? said Nivelt. ‘Certainly, we need to work on the sidewalk issues and make decisions before the snow flies.?
She noted some unresolved issues from the previous council have been on the table for a long time, some there for months, such as the Skate Park; while others have been there for years, like sewers.
‘Let’s get to work so people can see we’re really serious about it,? she said. ‘I want to see what the old council pulled together regarding sewers and see if the residents are for it. We need input from the residents immediately.?
Kassuba is looking forward to working with the new councilmembers.
‘I think everyone will work together positively and a lot of issues will be cleared up,? said Kassuba, who has served on the council for 17 years. ‘I want to see communication between the board and the entire village staff on a better level and am sure that will take place.?