ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Ishpeming has elected a new mayor. Brett Argall defeated former mayor Jason Chapman by a 2-to-1 margin. Argall has been a member of the city council since 2022 and is currently the manager of Country Village. Ace Hardware. Initially, he knows the job is not without its challenges, but believes future development is key to moving Ishpeming forward.
“We want Ishpeming to be a destination for people to live, people to invest in, and someone that you can go home to,” said Argall.
One key to success will be forming and fostering relationships with representatives in Lansing, as well as Washington.
“So I plan on reaching out to all the representatives, whether it’s Anna Aho Rink and Dave Prestin, and then going down the line to reach out, introduce ourselves, and build the relationship, because that’s in the end what local governments are built on: their relationships,” said Argall.
And of course, connecting with Ishpeming residents is also a priority.
Servant leadership is all about connecting with your community. It’s not about trying to capture everyone’s vote. It’s because every person, every vote, is not just a vote. It’s a person,” said Argall.
The citizens of Ishpeming also approved a tax increase to keep the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library operating. Library. Director Jesse Shirtz is very grateful for the community’s support of the 150-year-old institution. Voters approved a first-ever 6-year millage at 2.5 Mills for library operations and capital expenditures.
“We are very lucky to be a part of this community. We have always been fully supported by the citizens of this community,” said Shitz.
Ishpeming voters also filled several city commission seats, as well as passing several ballot measures dealing with city council elections. Residency requirements for the city manager and how competitive bids are made.
In other election news, the Gwinn Area Community Schools again failed to pass a tax increase for improvements to the schools…this time, losing by only 14 votes.
