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What was expected to be an unopposed re-election bid for Houghton County Sheriff Brian McLean in November has turned into a three-man race.
McLean defeated challenger Steve Laux in the recent Republican primary.
A write-in candidate in the Democratic primary, Ann Newcombe, will not be on the November ballot. She fell just short of the number of confirmed votes needed to qualify.
There are, however, two independents who have filed. According to a preliminary list released by the Houghton County Clerk’s office yesterday, Joshua Saaranen of South Range and Roger Sullivan of Hancock will be on the ballot for sheriff.
The slates for nonpartisan races in local cities and villages have also been confirmed.
In Hancock…
• Incumbent Ron Blau will be unopposed in Ward One;
• Richard Freeman, Jr. will run unopposed to replace Dan Sequin in Ward Two;
• Kurt Rickard will challenge incumbent John Slivon in Ward Three;
• Incumbent John Haeussler will face challengers James De Clerck, Margo Pizzi and Robert Stites for one available at-large seat.
In Houghton, three city council terms are available. Incumbents Philip Foltz and John Sullivan are running, along with newcomers Virginia Cole, Brian Irizarry and Joan Suits. Rachel Lankton is retiring after 16 years on the council.
Most village elections in Houghton County are uncontested. One exception is in Lake Linden, where John Codere, Allan Hoffman, Donald Moyle and Jason Reese are fighting for three village council seats.
