COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Republicans will be deciding contested races for Prosecutor, Sheriff and Treasurer in Tuesday’s Primary.
Terri Norris will face Zachary Stempien in the Prosecutors race. Norris is looking to get her old job back. Norris was elected prosecutor in 2008 but was unsuccessful in 2012 when she ran for Probate Judge.
Stempien is currently serving as the Chief Assistant Prosecutor. He became a candidate when current Prosecutor Val White changed her mind about seeking a full term.
Incumbent Sheriff John Pollack is being challenged by former Quincy Police Chief Johnny Lopez. Pollack defeated Lopez for the office in 2012 when Lopez ran as a Democrat. Pollack is looking for a third term as Sheriff.
With Ann Vrablic retiring as County Treasurer at the end of the year, Steve Rutz and Julie Waterbury are trying to be her successor. Jessica Drewek Miller is also on the ballot but she is ineligible for office because of a move to Saint Joseph County.
Running unopposed are Clerk Terry Kubasiak, Drain Commissioner Mike Hard, Register of Deeds Nancy Hutchins and Surveyor Ed Reed.
No Democrats filed for county offices in the August Primary.
There will be four contested races for township supervisors around Branch County on Tuesday.
Bethel Township Supervisor Lawrence Lamontagne is being challenged by Norbert Drust.
Meanwhile, Kurt Barve will face Gene Brand in Quincy Township, Sherwood Township Supervisor James Smith is being challenged by Aaron Robbins, while Union Township Supervisor Ralph Strong will face a challenge from Gary Chester.
There are no contested races in any of the townships for clerk or treasurer positions. Ovid Township does not have a candidate for Supervisor. There are also no clerk candidates on the ballot in Ovid and Quincy Townships.
