Three seek prosecutor position

By JIM ANDERSON

News Editor

IRON MOUNTAIN — Three candidates are seeking the office of prosecuting attorney in Dickinson County.

Meeting Tuesday’s filing deadline for the Aug. 5 primary were:

— Daniel F. Anderson, Democrat, an Iron Mountain attorney.

— Stephanie Brule, Democrat, an assistant prosecutor in Dickinson County since 1999.

— Julie A. LaCost, Republican, an Iron Mountain attorney.

The incumbent prosecutor, Christopher Ninomiya, is a candidate for the 95-B District Court judgeship. Ninomiya is the only registered candidate for the six-year judge’s seat, which is being vacated by retiring Judge Michael Kusz.

The prosecutor’s election is so far the only Dickinson County race being contested. Brule and Anderson will compete in the Aug. 5 primary for the right to square off against LaCost in the Nov. 4 general election. The term is for four years.

Scott A. Celello, the current undersheriff, is the only candidate for the sheriff’s office being vacated by retiring Sheriff Donald Charlevoix. Celello has filed as a Democrat and the term is for four years.

Also running without opposition for county offices are incumbents Margie Tarsi, treasurer; Dolly Cook, clerk-register of deeds; and Todd Jastremski, mine inspector. All are Democrats and all terms are for four years.

County commissioners seeking re-election without opposition for two-year terms are:

— Joseph Stevens, Kingsford, District 1, Republican.

— Ann Martin, Iron Mountain, District 2, Republican.

— Frank Smith, Breitung Township, District 3, Republican.

— Henry Wedner, Breitung Township, District 4, Republican.

— John Degenaer Jr., Norway, District 5, Democrat.

In the 41st Circuit Court, incumbent Judge Richard J. Celello is unopposed for a six-year term. The deadline for candidates without political party affiliation to file qualifying petitions for the November general election is July 17.

No candidates, including incumbent Richard Rahoi, have filed for the position of county drain commissioner. Most of the duties of that office have been taken over by the Dickinson County Construction Code Commission.

Jim Anderson’s e-mail address is janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.