ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The most contentious race in the August 4th election along the Lakeshore is apparently still on.
On Tuesday, Allegan attorney Mike Villar made a formal petition with the Allegan County Clerk’s office, requesting a recount of the 17,711 votes cast in the County Prosecutor Republican primary. He lost to incumbent Myrene Koch by 17 votes, with the margin apparently coming from Fillmore Township, whose votes were not publicly disclosed until more than 12 hours after the close of the polls at 8 PM. Villar had led by 16 votes before then, but the 33-vote margin by Koch in that township proved to be decisive.
Although the County Board of Canvassers certified the results this week, the election is not considered official until after the state Board of Canvassers gives its approval later this month. This will also hold up any recount until after that endorsement comes from Lansing.
Koch had defeated Villar two years ago by nearly 800 votes to complete the term of retired Prosecutor Fred Anderson. During this campaign, Villar filed complaints with the state Judicial Tenure Commission against Koch and Circuit Court Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker over “improper communications,” while Koch filed a complaint with the state Elections Bureau over alleged campaign finance violations by Villar.
With no other candidates on the November 4th ballot, the winner of the GOP primary should move on to assume a full four-year term as prosecutor.
This recount has no bearing on a separate ballot issue involving four precincts in Holland that had two Allegan County proposals omitted, necessitating a special canvass.
