Councilman Walsh Lone Candidate For June Primary

Former Mayor and current Councilman Robert Walsh was the only candidate to file a petition to run in the June 4 primary for the November elections. 

Walsh, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated when current Mayor Bill Gotto was elected in November, will run to fill the seat for the remainder of Gotto's unexpired term. 

Before the November elections Walsh opted not to seek another term as mayor. In three months since his appointment to the council he said it has been a good experience. "I enjoy serving the people of Howell Township," he said. "It's a pleasure. It hasn't been a job."

Councilman Walsh also said when he was appointed he committed to run again for the remainder of the term. "I knew it would be for at least two years and then we'll see what the future holds," he said. 

Since moving from the center of the dais to the end Walsh said he has enjoyed being a member of the governing body. "The decision making process has been pretty smooth overall," he said. "At the same time the Mayor has been handling a little bit more of the day-to-day aggravation."

In recent years Walsh said he believes the township "has made some great progress," and looks to continue that into the future. "I think everyone's proud of the new municipal complex we have. I think everyone realized that the tax rate has stayed stable because of the decisions we've made in the past and we're just going to keep moving forward and position Howell for the next 15 to 20 years."

Independent candidates have until June 4 to file petitions to have their names listed on the November ballot.