COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) -The two Fourth Ward members of the Coldwater City Council withstood challenges in Tuesday’s election but it looks like one of the races is heading for a recount.
Incumbent Randall Hazelbaker defeated businesswoman Alexia Rish 205-101, while Scott Houtz was barely elected to serve until 2019 as he defeated Dan Corwin by just three votes 143-140. Corwin indicated Tuesday night he will likely seek a recount because he feels not all of the votes were counted.
Hazelbaker was re-elected to another four years on the Council.
If Houtz’s victory stands up, he will serve out Heather Peet’s term. He was appointed to the City Council after Peet had to step down in July 2016 when she accepted a job in South Haven.
Rish also ran as a write in candidate against Coldwater Mayor Tom Kramer.
While Kramer collected 1,378 votes, the number of write in votes for Rish won’t be known until after Wednesday’s Branch County Board of Canvassers meeting.
Council members Travis Machan, Jim Knaack and Michael Beckwith, are running unopposed.
