ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Monday morning, the winners of the May 7 recall election in Delta County took their oaths of office.
Challengers Kelli Van Ginhoven, Myra Croasdell, and Matt Jensen defeated incumbents David Moyle, Bob Barron, and Robert Petersen for their seats on the County Board of Commissioners. They were scheduled to be sworn in last week, but the Delta County Board of Canvassers initially failed to certify the election results.
The canvassers met for a final vote on Friday, where they voted in favor of certification. Canvasser Bonnie Hakkola abstained from voting on the motion to certify but did sign the certification paperwork, saying she was “being coerced” into signing.
The new commissioners say they are thankful for the community’s support and that they look forward to working together with the sitting commissioners.
“It wasn’t only the people who voted for me; it was the people who signed the recall petitions, our Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership group for their continued support, and then getting this vote out,” Van Ginhoven said. “I’m so proud of us. I think with these five commissioners, we’re going to want to bring the calmness back, the steadiness back, and get back to just the work of the people.”
“It was a long time getting here, so it feels nice to finally be here and be able to get to work,” said Jensen. “Thank you for everybody that turned out and supported us… Even those that either didn’t vote or didn’t vote for me, I’m going to be having a town hall for District 5 coming up here real soon. I want to hear from you.”
Van Ginhoven, Jensen, and Croasdell will attend their first County Board meeting as commissioners on Tuesday, May 21, at 5:15 p.m. Click here for more information on Friday’s Board of Canvassers meeting.
