Warren voters decide candidates for mayoral election
Warren, Michigan – On Tuesday, voters in Michigan’s third largest city participated in the primary election to determine the two finalists who will run in the November general election for the position of mayor. The current mayor, Jim Fouts, is unable to seek reelection due to term limits imposed by the city’s voters. The decision to implement term limits for the mayor was supported by both a state Court of Appeals panel and the Michigan Supreme Court.
Six candidates were vying to replace Fouts in the primary election. These candidates include City Council President Patrick Green, Warren Human Resources Department Director George Dimas, state Representative Lori Stone, Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard, former City Council member Scott Cameron Stevens, and resident Alfonso King.
The polls officially closed at 8 p.m. However, as of 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the Macomb County clerk’s office has not yet reported any results from the primary in Warren.
The two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the primary election will advance to the November general election, where they will compete to replace Mayor Fouts. Fouts has been mayor since 2007 and was a longtime City Council member. He endorsed George Dimas as his successor, while simultaneously challenging the city’s term limits ordinance.
Notable voices from the community expressed their opinions on the candidates and the need for change in the city. Nancy Forsythe, who voted for City Council President Patrick Green, expressed her desire to distance the city from anything associated with Fouts. She stated, “My biggest issue is getting anybody who is associated with Fouts out of here.” Forsythe further highlighted the need to address the ongoing lawsuits and drama surrounding Fouts’ administration.
On the other hand, Katrina Ciluffo voted for George Dimas but emphasized the need to move forward from the current situation. Ciluffo expressed that she wants to ensure the city is headed in the right direction and hoped the next administration could focus on making progress, instead of being consumed by infighting.
Voters like Gwen Thomas were eager to cast their votes for a new mayor, citing the need for change and catching up with other municipalities in southeast Michigan.
The primary election took place amidst legal proceedings involving Mayor Fouts. Fouts filed a federal lawsuit, contending that his civil rights were violated when he was restricted from running for a fifth term as mayor. He and his attorney requested the decertification of the primary election and the scheduling of a special election that would include Fouts’ name on the ballot in addition to the six primary candidates. The City Council responded by filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, labeling it as a “frivolous” attempt to disrupt the election.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, voters turned out to make their voices heard. Voter turnout started off slow but picked up as the day progressed. Elizabeth McIntyre, an enthusiastic voter, expressed her desire to prevent the wrong person from becoming mayor. She specifically voted for Patrick Green due to his support for unions, as her husband is a union member.
As the primary election concluded, Warren now eagerly awaits the announcement of the two candidates who will compete in the November general election to succeed Mayor Fouts. The community is hopeful that the future mayor will bring about positive change and move the city forward.