Chamber head wins Romeo presidency in three-way race

Kelley Stephens took the top job in Romeo on Tuesday after winning a three-way race for village president.

The 4-year term was decided by a narrow margin between the chamber executive and two sitting village officials. Stephens received 595 votes, accounting for 37.7% of the total. Village Council Trustee Justin Parker came second with 536 votes, or 34%. Village Clerk Jamie Lucero finished third with 439 votes, representing 27.8% of the count. Eight additional votes were cast as write-ins.

Stephens has served as executive director of the Northern Macomb Regional Chamber of Commerce for 17 years. She moved to the village from Shelby Township in 1980 and has worked for the chamber for a total of 23 years. Her platform included increasing interaction with Macomb County, attracting businesses to the Powell Road corridor, maintaining the downtown district, and launching a regular newsletter. She also serves on the Downtown Development Authority.

The presidency became a full-time position eight years ago. Incumbent Meagan Poznanski ran for the clerk seat but lost to challenger Lisa Hall. Hall received 977 votes against Poznanski's 500. Hall has worked for multiple municipalities, including Washington Township, and holds a master's degree in public administration.

Treasurer Caroline Miller won her race without opposition. Incumbent Trustees Zach Fowler, Matt Edwards, and Shelley Rosso retained their seats against challengers Leo Hudson and Charles Bennett. Sharon Smith defeated appointed Trustee Zachary Throne for a two-year partial term. Throne was appointed in April.

In Lenox Township, voters expanded the board from five to seven members. Two Republican trustees, Thomas Clifford and Ron Zemens, defeated two Democratic challengers. Clifford, 71, received 2,538 votes. Zemens, 72, received 2,398 votes. Democratic candidate Ed Pate, 66, received 1,985 votes. Cory Ferriby, 38, received 1,956 votes. Both new trustees stated they oppose a proposed data center in the township's southeastern corner.