The Ypsilanti Courier
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Devaney, Jackson win seats
By Kathleen Conat, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
A couple of closely contested races for positions on the Ypsilanti Public Schools Board of Education had candidates waiting until 95 percent of the vote was in before declaring victory.
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In the contest for the two available four-year terms on the board, incumbent Sarah Devaney forged far ahead early in the evening and, with one precinct yet to report, held a clear lead with 1,434 votes.
Following her was newcomer Edward Jackson with 906 votes. Incumbent Tom Reiber, who has served for 12 years on the board, garnered 841 votes. Eight write-in ballots were cast.
"I'm happy with the results," said Devaney, who was appointed to the board last year following the resignation of two trustees. "I'm excited to serve the community, students and staff of the Ypsilanti Public Schools.
"I believe the Ypsilanti district is on the cusp of excellence and the new board will help that become a reality."
Calls to Jackson's phone went unanswered Tuesday night.
In the two-person race of newcomers for a partial, one-year term, Kira Berman, with 1095 votes, won over Katherine Weathers, who garnered 861 votes. Three write-in ballots were cast in this race.
"I'm really excited to be able to serve the Ypsilanti Public Schools," Berman said. "I hope and believe this result will benefit all students. I look forward to collaborating with the board and the administration, as well as teachers, parents and all the resources surrounding Ypsilanti to make the schools better."
Proposal F, a renewal of 18 mills of a Headlee override that will tax only nonresidential property, passed 1102 to 970.
This was despite strong opposition by the leadership of the Huron Valley Central Labor Council. The council advised its members to oppose the millage after the district contracted with Wolgast Construction Company of Saginaw for the $49.1 million bond project passed last August. Wolgast is regarded as an anti-union company.
In addition, the proposal won passage in the face of strong opposition from absentee voters, who voted almost two to one against it.
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