Novi Residents Make Their Voices Heard in the November Election
NOVI — The thrill of democracy was alive and well on November 5 as residents of our charming city hit the polls. It wasn’t just about the top ticket choosing a president; voters also cast their ballots for county commissioners, state representatives, and school board members. With a mix of excitement and a dash of surprises, this election was sure to shake things up!
Incumbents Face Off Against Fresh Faces
One of the biggest upsets of the night came in District 14, where County Commissioner Ajay Raman faced a nail-biting battle against Republican challenger Robert Smiley. In a race that ended with just a mere 200 votes separating them, Smiley clinched victory with 16,419 votes against Raman’s 16,219. “It was kind of a gut punch for me,” Raman admitted, clearly feeling the weight of the loss. But, true to his character, he expressed trust in the voting process and emphasized that even a small difference can feel monumental.
On a high note, Commissioner Gwen Markham, also a Democrat, soared to victory in District 15 with a resounding 58% of the votes, defeating Republican Daniel Lawless by a significant margin.
State and Local Changes
Novi’s own State Rep Kelly Breen successfully held onto her seat, gaining 55.5% of the votes. With tasks like improving school safety and tackling human trafficking on her agenda, she’s hopeful about making a positive impact in Lansing.
Meanwhile, the Novi Community School District Board of Education saw some fresh perspectives come in. Longtime incumbent Tom Smith lost his position to newcomer Jamie VanderMass Kliebert, who earned about 34% of the vote compared to Smith’s 31%. Kliebert, excited for the new role, noted the ups and downs of campaigning during a presidential year, suggesting that party loyalty might have played a role in the election dynamics. “I’m really excited to have a seat at the table and get to work,” she proclaimed eagerly.
Smith, reflecting on the results, expressed no hard feelings. “I’m proud of the campaign I ran,” he said, revealing plans to focus his energy on his nonprofit organization aimed at mental health for students.
School Boards Shape the Future
Novi residents also made key decisions regarding education beyond their own district. The Northville Public Schools Board saw new members including Lisa McIntyre and Ron Frazier, while in the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Marc A. Siegler and Susie Crafton were selected by voters. Each of these choices indicates a community dedicated to shaping the future of education in the area.
A Closer Look at the Bigger Picture
The election wasn’t limited to local offices; bigger battles were happening statewide, too. In the race for U.S. House District 6, incumbent Democrat Debbie Dingell successfully resecured her seat, while in District 11, Haley Stevens followed suit. Both candidates secured over 58% of the vote in their respective races, reflecting robust support from their constituencies.
And in a closely monitored U.S. Senate contest, Elissa Slotkin won against Republican Mike Rogers by a tight margin of only about 17,000 votes, affirming how crucial every ballot truly is.
Final Thoughts
The November 5 election has showcased the diverse opinions and desires of residents in Novi. With new faces in key positions, there’s hope for positive change ahead! As the dust settles from this election cycle, it’s clear that the spirit of community engagement and involvement is very much alive in Novi. Here’s to the future and the challenges that lie ahead!
