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Outgoing Lapeer officials honored; commissioners debate shifting city elections to even years
Summary
At their Nov. 3 meeting commissioners thanked outgoing Mayor Marquardt and Commissioner Swindell, urged residents to vote and discussed possibly moving city elections from odd to even years to boost turnout and save costs. Staff were asked to analyze overlaps and cost implications.
Commissioners used closing comments at the Nov. 3 Lapeer City Commission meeting to thank outgoing colleagues and to press residents to vote in the upcoming election.
Several speakers, including Commissioner Petrie and Commissioner Sarnell, offered thanks to Mayor Marquardt and Commissioner Swindell for years of service. Commissioner Sarnell urged registered voters who had not yet voted to "go tomorrow" and cited options for early voting.
In closing remarks, a commissioner raised the possibility of moving city elections from odd‑year cycles to even‑year cycles. The speaker noted such a shift would require overlapping terms if implemented soon — meaning some terms would be extended temporarily — and suggested staff (Ramona and the city manager) run cost‑savings estimates. The speaker argued even‑year elections generally produce higher turnout and greater demographic diversity among voters and candidates.
No formal motion was made during the meeting to change the election schedule. Commissioners asked staff to research the legal, administrative and fiscal implications of any calendar change and report back to the commission before any ordinance or charter change is proposed.
