West Bloomfield Township officials in tough re-election fight

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) - In this relatively affluent suburb politics are anything but dull this election season as all seven township trustees are up for reelection.

West Bloomfield’s supervisor, Michele Economou Ureste, is among those trying to retain her position.

The board of trustees is often at odds – meetings are frequently contentious. In fact Ureste and another board member have taken the majority of the board to court, hoping to strengthen the supervisor’s authority. The suit has so far been unsuccessful.

Also during this election cycle West Bloomfield will be helping to choose someone to fill former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter’s seat. McCotter abruptly resigned in the wake of his reelection petition fiasco.

One-third of West Bloomfield will be choosing McCotter’s replacement.

The township clerk says there are names on the ballot, but there are also several write-in candidates.

“We’re preparing for the write-ins. We think that will be a big deal for six of our precincts that are impacted by former Congressman McCotter’s open seat,” said West Bloomfield Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy.

Critics have blasted McCotter for dropping out and forcing a special election, which could cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Residents in the township will also decide whether to approve a Parks and Recreation Millage. Officials want to restore funding for West Bloomfield’s parks back to 2008 levels. The township has lost 33% of its revenue thanks to the sagging economy.

Click here for a full rundown of West Bloomfield’s election information.