A resounding loss for Ellen Ritchie. Robert Mettler narrowly defeated Mike Orsini
to replace her on the Council.
Note: Articles relating to the recall can be located in the left hand margin under "Recall Ritchie Archive"
The Celebration
During the election the Ritchie camp made many claims about the motivation of those participating in the recall. First it was Chip trying to get elected. Then it was the Republicans and finally it was a group of politically ambitious people. IF the later were true you'd expect that while one side would be celebrating (in this case the Republicans), the other side would be bitter (Democrats). The actual events seem to tell a different story.
After the results votes were counted Dr. Mike Orsini was so disappointed (sarcasm) he went to O'Conners and celebrated with Bob Mettler the defeat of Ellen Ritchie and the victory for the township. The room was filled with Ds, Is, Rs, smiles and no frowns. Mettler and Orsini had nothing but kind words to say about each other. Below is a photo of about 1/3 of the group that attended. The picture shows yours truly, Phil Kramer (D 3rd Ward Chair) in front.
From left to right Russ Warner (D 4th Ward Chair), Ray Kulberda (R Committee Treasurer), Dr. Mike Orsini (D candidate), Joe Daneilsen (D Treasurer), Bob LaCorte (R Municipal Chair), Anthony Mazzola (R Council Candidate) and Doris Bennett (R Council Candidate). Every one of whom participated in collecting signatures. Sorry but it doesn't seem to me like the response of people who's main goal was to grab power for themselves.
Then it was the Republicans and finally it was a group of politically ambitious people. IF the later were true you'd expect that while one side would be celebrating (in this case the Republicans), the other side would be bitter (Democrats). The actual events seem to tell a different story.
From left to right Russ Warner (D 4th Ward Chair), Ray Kulberda (R Committee Treasurer), Dr. Mike Orsini (D candidate), Joe Daneilsen (D Treasurer), Bob LaCorte (R Municipal Chair), Anthony Mazzola (R Council Candidate) and Doris Bennett (R Council Candidate). Every one of whom participated in collecting signatures. Sorry but it doesn't seem to me like the response of people who's main goal was to grab power for themselves.