Houghton County to have three elections in May

Residents of the City of Houghton, Village of Lake Linden, and Village of Calumet will all have a reason to go to the polls during May’s special election. Two of the races are related to municipal positions. Houghton needs to fill a vacant seat on its city council. There was an opportunity to name a replacement in November, but all applicants who were nominated for the position deadlocked at three votes apiece during a regular council meeting. The winner will remain on the governing body until November, when he or she will have to run again for a full term. The candidate slate includes Michael Salmi, Robyn Johnson, and Craig Waddell.

Calumet will be voting on whether the village council can appoint a treasurer, or if the slot must be filled at election time. If voters grant the council appointment power, the position would be available to someone who resides outside of the village limits.

Lake Linden residents will have the opportunity to renew a millage for police and fire operations. The 1.75 mill levy would be in place for five years, until 2026. The tax will raise an estimated $25,392 annually.