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Potterville Elects 3 to Replace Recalled Council

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Posted: 11:38 PM Jan 15, 2008
Last Updated: 11:38 PM Jan 15, 2008
Reporter: Beth Shayne

21 comments

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Joe French, Briant Titus, and R. Howard Metzmaker get 3 open seats on Potterville's city council Tuesday night. French and Titus won 247 and 208 votes, respectively. Metzmaker won as a write in candidate.

The seats were opened in November when 3 councilmembers were recalled.

William Lemanski, Julia Bowerman, and Howard Meisener were also running.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Tim Location: Potterville on Feb 27, 2008 at 06:37 PM
The proplem will subside when all the prior problems are gone from potterville from the maintenance man to the city attorney, little advice CLEAN HOUSE

Posted by: Randy Location: Potterville on Feb 4, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Yes Frances I do attend the meetings, he is testifying because he saw a crime, which means he is a honorable person not like you. Frances and Delores you are just bitter because you lost face it.

Posted by: justice Location: usa on Feb 3, 2008 at 09:37 PM
To frances and delores: It seems that the two of you are taking this personal. Is that maybe because delores' real name is will? I remember at a council meeting you used that term "good ole boys". swallow up, and take it like a man. the citizens spoke up and chose not to have 2 particular people elected. give the taxpayers some credit, you two act as if the community is ignorant. maybe thats what you want, is for the citizens to not pay attention, so the corruption could continue? Also, the new mayor is testifying on behalf of the city. He has, and continues to speak of illegal activities that the old council,police chief,city attorney and manager try to sweep under the rug. He has been ostricized,and discriminated against for telling the truth and what he had witnessed. shame on the old council members for thinking they'd get off on governmental immunity and their strength is in their numbers. justice will prevail! all those interested in the real truth go to eaton cty court

Posted by: Frances Location: Potterville on Feb 3, 2008 at 01:24 AM
Randy, Interesting that you are trying to call out Delores but do you attend Council meetings? Just because three members of Council are in court doesn't mean that you can assume guilt or innocence. They are obviously there trying to defend the City that they care about instead of the current mayor now who is prepared to testify against the City. I wouldn't throw stones at a glass house Randy...

Posted by: Randy Location: potterville on Feb 2, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Delores, Instead of hiding behind these computer walls why dont you come to a meeting and tell your concerns to the council, its easy to hide but to come out in public and speak your peace. By the way 3 members of your prior potterville government are in trial right now, explain that in your comments, that will be made public next week

Posted by: Delores Location: Dimondale on Jan 30, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Jimmy-your ignorance is part of the problem. First of all, nobody is under "federal" investigation. The "Michigan State Police" looked into allegations of fraud against the CITY MANAGER only and found them not to be true. None of the council members were investigated for fraud nor were there any allegations of fraud against them. There's a lot of hypocrisy in the town of Potterville. The same people who pointed fingers at the former council were the best of friends with Karen Grosnickle, who plead "no contest" to the allegations of fraud against her as former treasurer and repaid over $20,000 to the city. Her husband was the former mayor. You're right Jimmy-the worst part is the lack of coverage on these issues, such as the ones with Karen Grosnickle. People in Potterville are afraid of change, and elected the "good old boys" group back into office, hence Ken Fry helping them get elected. It will take time before Potterville allows "outsiders" to have a voice in that community.

Posted by: Jimmy Baldwin Location: E.L on Jan 29, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Jeeze people let the new council have a shot. They cannot do any worse than the corruption that they followed and I give them props for trying to help in the community. By the way aren't several of the old council members currently under federal investigation as well as the former city manager? The worst part of this entire process is the lack of coverage by the local press, a small town with corruption everywhere, the community bonding together to fight , you would think the press would eat that up. By the way Ken Fry is a former council member and a former mayor. I think age is the reason he did not run for council.

Posted by: Charles Location: Boonton NJ on Jan 22, 2008 at 06:56 AM
May God watch over Potterville as there is a need for smart action and less talk .Hope they get it right now as there is a lot of hard work moveing foward now

Posted by: Louise Location: Potterville on Jan 18, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I have watched these city elections and heard what people had to say. I think it is time to put this behind everyone and move on. I just hope the new council can please the almighty Mr. Fry because if not the city will waste more money in recalls and mudsling.

Posted by: Bruce Location: Bath on Jan 17, 2008 at 09:36 PM
My ears are buzzing right about now. Why all this petty sniping? Not one meeting of the new council has taken place and some people have already passed judgement. Some of these posts read as if ones ignorance is being exceeded only by their arrogance. I mean, next election cycle, lets see if YOU want to be one of the few willing to endure the mudslinging in these public forums.

Posted by: Mike Location: Potterville on Jan 17, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I've lived in this town for over 15 years with my wife and kids and I think there's a lot of finger pointing going on in Potterville. I voted for Kathy Stimer in November, but now I wonder if that was the right thing to do. Kathy - how can you start out by making a positive difference when you're blaming things on the other council and saying that you will follow the "LAWS," as if they didn't. That doesn't sound very positive to me. Everyone knows the previous council didn't do anything wrong...they got in the middle of a lawsuit between the previous city manager and some employees. That can easily happen with this council...you can't control everything that happens down at city hall. Council members don't do the books. Remember that the recall barely passed...it was fairly close and not unanimous. It would do you well to try and stand on your own two feet instead of blaming the other council. The State Police found no wrong doing done, so its just a he said, she said situation now.

Posted by: Briant Location: Potterville on Jan 17, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Mr Fry did ask me to run, I was voted in by the citizens of Potterville. I paid for my own signs with my money. Mr fry won't be telling me how to do my job. I went into this knowing people would disagree, but thats whats great about living in this country that people can speak how they feel. Potterville has made a collective voice and made themselves heard. I will try and do my best for the citizens of Potterville. You are right I haven't attended any meetings or city clean up, but I can tell you this I will work hard for this city and fellow citizens. I refuse to be anybodys puppet if Mr Fry doesn't agree with me he is welcome to talk to me at the council. He also told me if I didnt do my job he would have me recalled to. Thanks Potterville for letting me have a chance to be heard.

Posted by: Briant on Jan 17, 2008 at 08:18 AM
Delores Yes or Now, speak for yourself

Posted by: Gracie Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 08:47 PM
I have a question. What's happening to our beloved Potterville???? First the recall, then the fuss over the new seats. I noticed that Mr. Fry's name comes up a lot. We'll why doesn't he run for council since he's commiting this big stink? By the way where is Mr. Fry? He hasn't been on the news lately. I also noticed his name wasn't on the ballot. He hasn't shown up to any meetings either. If he truely cares about the city he should run. Instead it seems as though he truly is a "puppetmaster" telling others to run for him. I think the new council can think for themselves. If Mr. Fry really wants to change the town, say what you want to do for yourself, don't have others speak for you. LONG LIVE POTTERVILLE!!!!!

Posted by: Kathy Stimer Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 08:24 PM
#1- I know nothing about who asked Titus to run. #2 -I ran on my own. I purchased signs and did mailings with my own money. Ken may have choosen to back me and campaign for me, but I did not ask him to and he did NOT ask me to run. I am a big girl and I made the decisions on my own. I intend to make my own decisions as a Council member. I am sure I will not make Mr Fry happy with some of my decisions. I even asked Mr Fry to leave me alone and let me do my own campaigning. I am sorry that you as a Dimondale resident feels the way you do, but the residents of this town elected me, and I will gain their trust and respect. I will do the right thing and the LAWS will be followed with myself on the Council!

Posted by: Mitch Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I just read the comments that were posted, and a few caught my eye. I remember receiving a postcard that said Mr. Fry was endorcing 3 canidates. I specificaly remberer Mr. French's name being on that postcard. I also remember Mr. Titus saying he was a Marine Vet. I greatly appreciate that, but what does that have to do with the changes you're going to make? What's up with the last council not thinking about the citizens? I saw a few of the recalled canidates cleaning the park, and weeding the " Welcome to Potterville" sign. As a matter of fact the Lemanski's are involved in the DDA, helped with the last 2 holiday parades, and the tornado clean up along with the Bowerman's. Mr Lemanski was at almost all the council meetings also. So dont accuse them of not doing anything for the community. Where were you new members? I realize we're having financial difficulties but I thought the last council did a good job handling it. I just hope the new council will be as active in the community.

Posted by: Delores Location: Dimondale on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:38 PM
#1-Are you agreeing with me Kathy that Mr Titus ran because Ken Fry asked him to? I don't see you denying this. #2-Mr Titus - I see you admit that you were asked to run...by who? Ken Fry perhaps? 3#-I admire you Mr Titus for being a Marine and am proud you served our country, but I see that you didn't say you went to meetings. How can you change the town if you haven't gone to meetings and know what's going on? Did you attend meetings recently, yes or now? Also, who has told you what's wrong with the city...Mr Fry maybe? #4-Kathy-that's fine that you don't think you're a Ken Fry puppet, but people in the town see you as puppets whether you like it or not. I never saw you have a problem with Mr Fry when he helped you get elected and campaigned for you? I see you only state that Ken Fry didn't have anything to do with French running. So maybe he's the only one who didn't run under Ken Fry's ticket-is that what you mean? Also Briant oviously doesnt know how to spell...

Posted by: Jack Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I find it funny that Mr. Titus is trying to diminish the fact that Mr. Fry had nothing to do with him running. When he came to my door to get a signature to be on the ballot I asked him why he was running and he said b/c Mr. Fry wanted him too!! Wow he's not even on Council and is already lying to the public! Secondly, I don't understand what living in the City for 15 years has to do with anything. Is Titus involved with any organizations in the City? Does he go to downtown clean ups and such?? IF he does I sure don't see him down there as I frequent these types of events. Lastly, I will keep the City in my prayers as soon the puppets will have to pay the puppetmaster--Mr. Fry. The founding fathers of this country must be rolling over in their graves to see what is happening in Potterville. All seven elected officials all ran under Mr. Fry's ticket. It's a shame we won't have any free thinkers on that Council.

Posted by: Kathy Stimer Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 05:12 PM
I want it to be known that I am not a Ken Fry puppet. I ran for City Council because I personally believed my tax dollars were not being spent right. The past City Council treated "the citizens" poorly and that needed to change! Also, Mr French had NOTHING to do with Ken Fry. He ran on his own after attending a council meeting and seeing for himself what was happening in our City. I am 100% dedicated to the City of Potterville and the citizens of this town. I am going to win the trust and respect back from the citizens in this town, and hope that all citizens will attend our meetings and see the change. We will make a positive difference! God Bless Potterville!

Posted by: Briant Titus Location: Potterville on Jan 16, 2008 at 03:26 PM
# 1 I have lived in potterville for 15 years, I was voted in by the people of Potterville not Mr fry, also delores oviously doesnt know whats going on with the city. Before you critize me look at the facts, I am a Marine veteran I care about my city, i was asked to run and i did

Posted by: Delores Location: Dimondale on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:41 AM
So now Potterville has all of the 7 candidates that Ken Fry wanted. Aren't councils supposed to be people of different thoughts, instead of a "good old boy" group? This will be interesting to see if they truly become Ken Fry's puppets or not. My sister lives in Potterville and she said that the three who were elected didn't even attend many meetings. Mr Titus hasn't been to a meeting and Mr French went to only one meeting. Is this dedication? How can you bring about change when you don't even know what you need to change? It's just more political rhetoric! Be careful what you ask for Potterville, you just might get it...

Expert: Big 3 Failure Would Be Disaster

Posted By: craig: If anyone in power was really concerned with helping people of lesser means we would be talking about bring jobs back to the USA where we can prosper and be proud of hard work again. how about a bailout for the countless unemployed AMERICANS, or parents on the brink of disaster that will last a lifetime.
Posted By: craig: government should help automakers at this point, however to say they (auto makers) are not responsible for the recession is absurd. how many more jobs can they push overseas before there will be no one left to purchase their products anyhow?
Posted By: Buzz: Why should the Big 3 be bailed out? GM wants to sell off our discontinue the Saturn, which is affordable but has made no mention of discontinuing the Corvette and other less affordable models. If GM wants help have them pick one particular model in each of its lines, i.e. the Lacrosse for Buick, Impala for Chevrolet and the Aura for Saturn. GM is about as impervious as the out-going President is - they just don't get it! I read and sympathize with the line workers who say they can't even afford to buy a new car from the company that they work for - that's pretty sad and certainly doesn't promote company solidarity. Like I've said before, make the Big 3 sell what's sitting at all the dealerships even if they have to take a loss before making another automobile. Why keep making what nobody wants at prices nobody wants to pay?
Posted By: Beth: The Big 3 failure would be a major disaster - I agree. However, I don't feel that the government or tax payers should bail them out until they have made the same kinds of concessions that citizens, small business, and union members have already made. Begin by severely downsizing the execs and their benefits i.e. luxuries. Times are tough and they should share in the "recession life style" is part of the reason for decreased car sales. I need a newer car badly, but it's not on my shopping list any time soon. They are flying and driving nice cars. Get real! The union members have suffered considerable cuts already including loss of workers, benefits and wages. Make equal cuts in management, wages, and benefits, then look at union members' additional concessions, and financial aide from the government.
Posted By: jon: like i said we the workers will and are getting hurt.they gain we lose
Posted By: ME: Thank you UAW, if the union would not have barganed until the big 3 couldn't afford it any more we would all be able to afford nice cars. I was in the union before and it definently isnt all peaches and cream. Sure they will fight to get you more but look what it has done.. Workers recieved more then the company could afford and now more may lose everything. Thanks again UAW. It is flat out B.S. that the government will bail out huge corporations but only give the autos a loan. Its all for the politicians gain, main street America has been hurting alot longer then wall street, but wall street affected the politicians pocket so they did something about it. Mr & Mrs politician help us out, cut your pay & benefits.......quit cutting ours.
Posted By: LegallyRad: To Explain: If the banks were not bailed out, that would have affected the big 3, and every other business that deals with the banks (show me one that doesn't). This has nothing to do with Bush. Big 3 are very poorly run, and concede too much to organized labor. The bail out will first be essentially worthless since it will amount to a drop in a bucket, and the companies just blow cash. They need to fail to preserve our American capitalistic economy. Chances are only one or two of them will go out of business, but if they properly restructure then they could be saved... restructuring means cutting labor costs and consolidating products. If you want to blame something, it's mostly due to the mortgage crisis which began with Carter and Clinton who refused to allow banks to ensure that people could actually pay for their loans because they felt it might be discrimination. Look where that policy got us. Bush just happens to be in office when their poorly built floor calapsed.
Posted By: Michele: I cannot believe that they are not going to bail out the Big 3.Ford is not even sure it is going to need the money. And why do the banks get bailouts with no questions asked but they make the Big 3 jump through hoops of fire and all they want to do is borrow the money...... Reid is an idiot, and doesn't have a clue of how manufacturing works and what the ramifications down the road will be. Including restraurant, stores, and other service industries closing and going out of business due to lack of business. Let's keep America working!
Posted By: : George Bush did not run our country in the ditch. He crash it stright into the wall at 100/mph.
Posted By: pat: this is one more reason we need to thank George Bush for running our country into the ditch!

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