Election Day 2009

KALAMAZOO --  Few issues have divided the minority community in Kalamazoo like the proposal to add gays to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance.

Pastor Joseph Anderson says it’s divided the clergy as well, but it’s clear to him where he must stand.  He says the Bible says homosexuality is wrong. But Local NAACP President, Dr. Charles Warfield says this ordinance isn’t about that, it’s about discrimination in the workplace and in housing.   The debate also took place at last night’s City Commission meeting where Mattie Jordan and Rev. Lindsey Bell took opposite sides.

They say they will all go back to working together on Wednesday, but for now they have agreed to disagree.

 Kalamazoo City Commissioners have voted unanimously twice to endorse equal housing and employment rights for gays and transgendered residents and last night they once again urge citizens to support it.

Mayor Bobby Hopewell says saying yes is what Kalamazoo is all about.
Vice Mayor Hannah McKinney says saying no could hurt the community.
Commissioner Dave Anderson, who chaired the committee that drafted the final version, says the ordinance provides exemptions for most of the groups that are in opposition to the ordinance.

The process for enacting this ordinance has been one of the most comprehensive and public in city history, and they say today’s vote will complete that process. 
The anti-discrimination ordinance has gotten most of the attention this election cycle, but there are other issues on the ballot today in Kalamazoo County. 

 Kalamazoo City Voters will also be deciding a critical funding request for the Metro Transit System.  Vice Mayor Hannah McKinney says a no vote would be devastating for the people who depend on the system.

Voters in Alamo Township will decide whether or not to boot Supervisor Bob Vlietstra out of office.  He claims it all began when they allowed a  gravel pit operator to build in the Township. The Ballot Language blames him for leaving township money deposited in an uninsured account. 

In Kalamazoo there are 17 candidates, including 6 incumbents running for 7 seats.  The top vote getter will become mayor.

In Portage, Mayor Peter Strazdas is unopposed. Three incumbents and a newcomer are running for 3 council seats and 4 candidates are running to fill out the term of Larry Deshazor, who is now a State House Rep.

There are 5 candidates for four seats on the Parchment City Commission, including 3 incumbents, a former commissioner who wants to return and a 20 year old, making his first run for public office.

It’s just a race for a vacant state senate seat, but it’s getting national attention because rightly or wrongly, it’s a being viewed as a referendum on the Obama Administration. Republican candidate Mike Nofs and Democratic candidate Marty Griffin are both running for the seat in the 19th district.