East Michigan News

It has been a good run for George Green (R-Farwell), who has provided leadership to Isabella County for over two decades.

With a number of achievements to take pride in, Green has decided to not seek reelection for the District 1 seat. His decision also means there will be a new county chairman for the first time in a decade.

Green, who was elected in 1996 and took office in 1997, left a trail of accomplishments that includes the construction of the trial court building early in his tenure as commissioner. The bonds to pay for the building were retired last year, the Morning Sun reported.

During his 12 terms, Green also helped provide an expansion of services for senior citizens. He provided regular support for the commission on aging and credited the commission’s ability to work in a bipartisan manner.

“We never had what I call a hostile board,” he told the Morning News.

Another Republican, Terry Hutchinson from Beal City, is running for Green’s seat unopposed. He has previous experience serving on the Beal City School Board. During his time on the board, he gained experience as the chairman.

In another race Republicans will have their eye on, District 4 Commissioner Jim Horton will face Democrat challenger Jessica Lapp in a rematch of the 2018 election win, which Horton won by 58 votes, the Morning News reported.

Horton is in line to take Green’s spot as the chairman of the board should he win reelection. He currently serves as the board’s vice chairman. Republican Douglas Davis, Jr., is challenging incumbent Steve Swaney for the District 6 seat. Swaney is serving his first term. Republican Jerry Jaloszynski is facing a challenge from Democrat Matthew Clark in District 3. In District 2, Republican Frank Engler will be challenged by Democrat Jonnie Taton.

In other commission races, Democrat Jim Moreno will have a primary challenge from William Daily for District 5. Mt. Pleasant Democrat Tobin Hope is unopposed in District 7.