Plymouth Township Goes Through a Turbulent Primary Election
In Plymouth Township, Michigan, a stormy Republican primary race is unfolding. The incumbent township supervisor and his rival are trying to establish who’s the true conservative, with the campaign riddled with accusations and barbs.
As the upcoming vote approaches, residents are deluged with attack ads against both candidates — incumbent Kurt Heise and challenger Charles Curmi — through social media, mail, and text.
These incidents are not just isolated to Plymouth, a Republican stronghold in the primarily Democratic Wayne County. They mirror the churn within the GOP, coupled with brewing anger over issues like the proposed Meijer store and the ex-Northville Downs racetrack’s future.
Plymouth voters will be heading to the polls next week. In this race, nearly all GOP township incumbents have a challenger. The top four Republican contenders will square off against Democrats in November 5 general election.
Longtime Plymouth Township officials face their own battles. This includes the township’s treasurer and clerk. The elections’ tone, enveloped in animosity, has taken many by surprise.
Several contenders use public meetings to criticize the incumbents’ records. Arguments over transparency in local government and concerns of increased taxes add fuel to the fiery exchanges.
The Township Supervisor Race
Plymouth Township seems an unlikely place for political battles. Located between Detroit and Ann Arbor, it’s valued for its serene location, parks, and education. However, recent developments spearheaded by the incumbent Heise have incited a challenge by Curmi.
Heise, during his tenure as supervisor, claims to have attracted over $538 million in new investments. This includes a medical center, updated resorts, and even an upcoming Amazon Fresh store.
But challenger Curmi perceives these developments as threats. He argues that they could alter the community’s middle-class character due to potential high traffic and crime from these projects.
A case in point is the upcoming Meijer store. Despite a lawsuit and a contested consent agreement with developers, the store will go ahead — a move opponents strongly decry.
The Northville Downs Controversy
Another contentious issue is the failed attempt to relocate the former Northville Downs racetrack to the township. A disagreement over incorporating a community benefits agreement brought negotiations to an abrupt end. A subsequent $10 million lawsuit filed by the Downs’ owners brought the issue to the limelight.
Many hold the botched Downs deal accountable for the primary’s tense tone. Both candidates use websites to launch attacks, making it one of the campaign’s major themes. The supervisor race thus continues to intensify as election day nears.
Despite the clash and challenges in the primary race, both sides firmly believe in their cause. With raging disagreements over developments and allegations flying, the upcoming vote will put the residents’ preferences to the ultimate test.
