McDowell elected mayor of Adrian; DuMars a winner

11/9/2005
BY GEORGE J. TANBER
BLADE STAFF WRITER

City Commissioner Gary McDowell bested an 82-year-old political novice to win the Adrian mayor's race that highlighted yesterday's election in Lenawee County.

The 63-year-old Mr. McDowell's victory over John Abraham, an Adrian businessman and son of a former Lenawee County commissioner, moves him into a seat that formerly was occupied by five-term incumbent Samuel Rye.

During his campaign, Mr. McDowell had said he wanted to bring more stability to city government, which suffered through a year during which the police chief resigned under pressure and the city manager came under fire.

Also in Adrian, Commissioner Greg DuMars was re-elected to a four-year term on the city board of commissioners, but Commissioner Chuck Chase lost his bid for re-election.

Also elected to four-year terms on the board were Harry Steele, an insurance company executive, and Kirk Valentine, a builder. Michael Osborne, Jr., a county sheriff's deputy, was elected to a two-year term.

Meanwhile, Adrian voters renewed a 1-mill, 10-year operating levy for public improvements.

In Morenci, Mayor Russell Sutherland bested newcomer Jeffrey Lantz, while incumbent Keith Pennington and two newcomers, Jason Bryant and Tracy Schell, were elected to the City Council.

In Hudson, pro-tem Mayor Joel Haynes and James Steele were elected to City Council.

Also in Hudson, voters turned down a request by Hudson school officials for a 2-mill, five-year sinking fund levy for school renovations.

In Tecumseh, incumbents Laurence VanAlstine, Troy Wright, and Patricia Housekeeper were returned to City Council.

Voters in the Addison school district approved renewal of a 17.8-mill, six-year levy, on non-homestead property, but turned down the renewal of another 3.9-mill, six-year operating levy.