Heated Republican Clash in Plymouth Township
Out in Plymouth Township, the Republican race between current supervisor Kurt Heise and contender Charles Curmi is getting intense. The locals have been slapped with a flurry of feisty exchanges on all platforms from mailers to social media and texting. As the primary vote draws near, mud-slinging and accusations of who truly paints the Republican picture are flying left, right, and center.
The heart of the controversy? Some challenges over recent developments and a good bit of disagreement within the party. Yes, we’re talking about plans for a Meijer store and a failed bid to revive the Northville Downs racetrack. The election’s tense atmosphere does seem out of place for the typically quiet township, known for its strong GOP leanings amid Wayne County’s dominating Democratic presence.
However, the testy tone of this primary season has made some locals uncomfortable. Putting their concern into words, resident Howard Hamerink concluded that Plymouth Township is a far cry from the beloved conservative area that he’s known and voted in over the years.
Challenges for Incumbents Across the Board
But it’s not just the big boss job up for grabs; plenty of other positions are under fire in the GOP primary too. Sitting board members Jen Buckley, Audrey Monaghan, and John Stewart are all facing challengers and heated debates. The elected posts of Township Clerk and Treasurer are also up for contest.
The township isn’t a stranger to competitive Republican races. What’s new this time around, though, is the amount of anger and bitterness, according to long-serving official Bob Doroshewitz. The treasurer, who himself faces a challenger, reflected on the shocking change in tone:
“It’s disappointing to see how vicious it’s become. I mean, I’ve known many of these people for years.”
The Eye of the Storm – The Supervisor Race
Bearing the brunt of the election fury is current Township Supervisor Kurt Heise. Under fire for being a ‘RINO’ (Republican In Name Only) and for altering the township’s character with ‘wrong’ developments, he’s been hit with waves of criticism from a mysterious website.
But Heise, who ruled the roost since 2016 after a successful write-in campaign, stands by his investments. He cites over $538 million in fresh funding into the area under his leadership, with big projects such as an Amazon Fresh grocery store, a new Hospital medical center, and an Rivian facility to name a few.
His rival Charles Curmi, however, paints a far different picture. He believes that Heise’s plans, especially the Meijer store and race track proposals, threaten the harmonious, middle-class vibe he wants to uphold for Plymouth Township.
The campaign has been far from pleasant, with each side trading blows and hurling accusations. Nevertheless, the residents of Plymouth Township will have their say at the polls next week.
