News

Corunna residents choose three incumbents at polls

By CHRISTINA GUENTHNER, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 10:15 AM EST

CORUNNA - Citizens of Corunna had their say at the polls Tuesday, electing one fresh face, another who is familiar and three incumbents to the City Council.

Incumbent Chuck Kerridge, who ran unopposed, was re-elected to his second term as mayor with 244 votes.

Kerridge said he decided to run again because he loves the community.

“It's a great place to work and live,” he said. “I've enjoyed it a lot.”

First Ward incumbent Douglas Haskins, who received 115 votes, defeated Sam Burwell, with 63 votes, Gary Granger, 47 votes, and Wayne LeDuc, who had 55.

Haskins, 51, will serve a two-year term. He has served one two-year term already. He works at Owosso Community Airport and as a firefighter with the Corunna-Caledonia Fire Department. He is retired.

“There are some programs not finished that I am interested in seeing finished,” he said. “One of which is the Community Center. ... I really feel the community needs a place where they can get together. I want to make sure that gets finished.”

Another of Haskins' priorities is emergency services.

“One of my objectives is that we keep our taxes as low as possible and still provide emergency services,” he said.

For the four-year, 1st Ward Council seat Brad Reichert, with 193 votes, defeated Brian J. White, who got 80.

Reichert, 31, has a bachelor of science degree from Ferris State University and is the director of technology for the Birch Run Area Schools.

“I'm excited. I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Corunna.,” he said. “I'm up to the challenge.”

Reichert's goal is to provide residents with the best services possible while remaining fiscally responsible.

“The most important issue currently facing the council is how to deal with needed infrastructure upgrades - for example the Community Center and water/sewer system - while dealing with reductions in revenue,” he said. “If we work hard and are creative, we can keep the city moving forward with the limited funds currently available.”

In the 2nd Ward, Mike Sarrazin was elected to a four-year term.

Sarrazin, 49, formerly served as mayor of Corunna from 1993 to 1997.

With 133 votes, he defeated Jeff Hetfield, 51 votes, Jack Johnson, 50 votes, and Shane Perdue, 67 votes.

“It looks like the people were pretty decisive,” Sarrazin said. “I'm going to take that and serve the people well. I want to thank all of the people that voted for me and turn the people around that didn't.”

He said the issues he feels are most important are continuing to improve sewers throughout the city and balancing the budget.

“I'm going to make sure we control our spending,” he said. “No new taxes - that's for sure.”

Also running unopposed, incumbent Arnie Jessen was re-elected for a four-year term in the third ward with 220 votes. Jessen did not respond to requests for information.

- Contact Christina Guenthner at 725-5136 extension 222 or cguenthner@argus-press.com. Post comments about this story online at www.argus-press.com.

Comment on this Story

mike wrote on Nov 6, 2009 12:19 PM:

" i disagree corunna resident. most of the tax payers money is being wasted on the police depts. enough is enough but they are always crying for more. "

corunna voter wrote on Nov 6, 2009 7:57 AM:

" "so concerned" the casino building that is being redon is not costing us taxpayers anything! Its in part stimulous money, but also from donations as well. Its Haskins priority first to make sure all of our emergency services are in tact and no cuts. Our men and women in uniform for this city need our support as much as we need and depend on them! "

Nick wrote on Nov 5, 2009 4:28 PM:

" Wow, how much does a mayor make? And all I have to do is get 250 people in Corunna to vote for my ornry self.... how would you like me as your mayor folks? "

so concerned wrote on Nov 5, 2009 2:12 PM:

" I sure hope there is some "controlled" spending and an adjustment in priorities.
Infrastructure, sewers and budget need a close look at. The past administration seemed to be on a tax dollar spending spree with "pretty up" and not serious matters. All that makeup and a poor foundation. The ones in office and those hiding in the shadows for their personal glories. The people of this town would like to see the basics performed without the glamor and glitz. Pet projects just to get your pictures in the paper looks to be the narcissism way of thinking. Welcome to the new and the returning. "

corunna voter wrote on Nov 5, 2009 8:58 AM:

" I voted for Doug Haskins for the exact reasons he said...keep our taxes down and keep the emergency services top priority..plus the community center IS important to our little city and needs to get completed. Glad Doug won. He's my neighbor, great to my son and a great person in general. Congrats Doug! "

joe dirt wrote on Nov 4, 2009 4:02 PM:

" you gave it your shot bro!!!! "