Voters reject marijuana facilities.

Voters reject marijuana facilities.

Recall attempt of Newfield Township officials fails.

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By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

HART — Voters said they do not want marijuana facilities in their communities when they cast votes in the Tuesday, May 3, election.

Shelby Township ballot casters rejected an ordinance with a 381-234 vote that would have allowed marijuana establishments in the township. In the Village of Pentwater, residents voted 333-138 to repeal a chapter of the ordinance code, prohibiting medical and recreational marijuana facilities.

In Newfield Township, voters were asked to recall four township board members due to a marijuana controversy. All board members retained their seats.

Newfield Supervisor Joan David, a Republican, defeated Nicholas Allen Maynard, who ran with no party affiliation, 437-186.

Clerk Nancy Conley, also a Republican, defeated Francine Grysen, who ran with no party affiliation, 458-165.

Trustees John Clark and Richard Roberson also overcame their challengers and retained their positions. Roberson, a Democrat, and Clark, a Republican, were challenged by David M. Herin and Scott Parks, who both ran with no party affiliation. Clark tallied 411 votes; Roberson gained 380; Herin totaled 203; and Parks, 179.

The petition language stated that David, Conley, Clark and Roberson voted to approve a resolution to increase the number of Class C marijuana grow permits from 20 to 50.

Voters in Claybanks, Grant, Greenwood and Otto townships rejected a Muskegon Intermediate School District special education millage with 199 “no” votes and 66 “yes” votes.

Weare Township voters rejected a Mason County Central school district bond proposal 13-0.

Election results were not reported on election night. The canvassed results were available following the Oceana County Board of Canvassers meeting Wednesday afternoon, May 4.

“Because this election is not associated with a state or federal election, the precincts are allowed to bring in the results the following morning prior to 11 a.m.,” explained Oceana County Clerk Amy Anderson previously. 

The Village of Pentwater election drew the highest voting percentage with 471 out of 866 registered voters casting ballots, which is 54 percent. In Newfield Township, 32 percent of its voting population came to the polls; Shelby Township drew 21 percent of its registered voters; and Weare had 12 percent. Only 9 percent of voters in Claybanks, Grant, Greenwood and Otto townships voted on the ISD special education millage proposal.

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