KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Vice Chair Tracy Hall has announced that she is no longer running for the District 60 House seat and her campaign has ended.
Hall has chosen instead to seek reelection to her position on the county board.
“I do not think this announcement is the time and place, I was hoping to do this next week,” Hall said. “I will not be running for the 60th district, and I will be seeking my seat for reelection.”
Hall made the announcement during a County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, January 21. The announcement came during a discussion among commissioners about funding that would be used for training at regional, state and/or local conferences.
The concern surrounding the funding was in regards to about $30,000 for use in attending training, such as the upcoming 2020 Michigan Counties Annual Conference (MAC) in Kalamazoo.
The concern was initially raised by Commissioner Zac Bauer, who said that the money should not be used by those planning to leave their position on the board.
“You are taking money from the county, investing it in your own training, and you’re [leaving],” Bauer said. “I think this is an opportunity for us to say that the resources we are putting in this budget belong in the prosecutor’s office and the sheriff’s office, where we’re addressing the issues of life, quality of life, and law enforcement.”
Commissioner Stephanie Moore said that the money should be available to commissioners who would want to use it.
“Each of us should be afforded the opportunity to attend training if they’d like to so that it could help them be able to fulfill the duties of their role as a county commissioner, regardless if that role is gonna end at some point or not,” Moore said. “You still have to, within faith, do what you have signed up to do.”
Moore argued that the money could be used elsewhere if a commissioner chose not to use it.
“Even though we can choose if we’re gonna participate or not, I honestly think it would be more equitable if everyone had the opportunity to participate, regardless if they took advantage of that,” Moore said. “If they don’t take advantage of that, it could be passed on somewhere along the line, but I think if we’re gonna be fairer to folks, that should be possible.”
Hall made the announcement due to concerns of her possibility of leaving for a higher office position. Board Chair Julie Rogers and Commissioner Moore will remain in the race for the District 60 seat, which is currently held by State Rep. Jon Hoadley.
“I wish Commissioners Moore and Rogers best of luck, and I love you both,” Hall said.
