No contested Wixom council races this year

An article by Leslie Shepard    No Comments

Following the recent candidate filing deadline, there will be two uncontested races in Wixom during the city’s Nov. 8 City Council election.

The candidate filing deadline for the election was 4 p.m. on May 10.

Unless a write-in candidate steps up to the plate, voters can bank on the trio of candidates who tossed in their names for three city council seats.

Mayor Kevin Hinkley is running unopposed for another term as mayor.

Terms for Hinkley and council members Richard Ziegler, John Lee and Lori Rich are scheduled to expire in November.

Lee has opted not to seek re-election.

“It’s been 30 years between planning, the ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) and council so I think it’s time,” Lee said. “I’m retired now and want do more traveling.”

“It breaks my heart John isn’t running again,” Rich said. “He is incredibly valuable to City Council.”

According to Wixom’s City Charter, council members serve four-year terms, while the city’s mayor serves two-year terms. The city’s voters directly elect the mayor in a separate race.

In order for a primary election to be held, more than six candidates must petition to run for office. More than two mayoral candidates would have to file candidacy paperwork to require a primary election. No such primary elections will be needed this year.

Hinkley was first elected mayor in 2007 after serving two terms on the City Council.

“I feel we’re half way through what I want to get accomplished in revitalizing the city by bringing in new business and retaining business,” Hinkley said. “Another big reason is that we’re not at homeplate yet with the revitalization of the Ford property — we’re close, but you don’t change the players at this stage.”

If elected this will be Hinkley’s third term as mayor. He owns an industrial supply company.

Ziegler was first elected to the council in 1999. If elected, this will be his fourth term on council.

“As trite as it sounds, I enjoy serving the public and haven’t tired of it, so I’d like to do it again,” Ziegler said. “If the public will elect me, I’ll continue to serve.”

For 15 years, Ziegler has worked for the Michigan Employment Relations Commission as a labor mediator.

First elected in 2003, Rich is employed by Tata Technologies in Novi and wears many hats, as she does in the community. If elected, she will serve a third term on council.

“I still have things to accomplish and it’s still a good fit for me personally,” she said. “Also, citizens continue to compliment me on what I bring to the table so after some thought, I’ve decided I can continue to do this.”