By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

Voters in the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools community hit the polls to show their support for two veteran trustees May 6, both of whom prevailed in retaining their seats on the district’s Board of Education.

As of the Feb. 13 deadline, only David Fowler and Charles Eslinger had submitted packets for L’Anse Creuse’s election, and both men were incumbent candidates. As a result, the L’Anse Creuse community wasn’t expecting to see any new faces among its board members.

Fowler and Eslinger, both Harrison Township residents, ran for their own seats, each carrying four-year terms.

According to the Web site of Macomb County Clerk Carmella Sabaugh, a total of 8,054 people cast votes for the L’Anse Creuse Board of Education election May 6. Each of the 42 precincts within the district’s community, which is spread throughout Harrison, Macomb, Clinton and Chesterfield townships and St. Clair Shores, submitted results.

Fowler took 3,743 of the two candidates’ ballots, which equates to 51.5 percent; and Eslinger took 3,522, or about 48.5 percent.

Eslinger, who was appointed to the board just last November to fill a vacant position left by the late Edward March, is honored to remain in his seat although not surprised, as only he and Fowler ran for the two that were up for election this year.

“I look forward to working with the board for the next four years,” he said. “They’re going to be really challenging years with the way the budgets are going …  but maybe all that will change with a new (U.S.) president.”

This will be Eslinger’s first elected position, and he’s thankful for those that went out and voted for him May 6.

Dave Fowler will now enter his second term serving the L’Anse Creuse Board
of Education.

“I would like to thank everybody in the community for their continued
support,” he said. “My goal would be to continue to do the best job I can to
help L’Anse Creuse remain one of the best districts in Michigan.”

As far as both of L’Anse Creuse’s incumbent candidates taking the majority of votes, the district is pleased with the results, said Michelle Irwin, director for community relations and programs at L’Anse Creuse.

“All of our elections have run pretty smoothly,” she said. “We’ve never had to challenge anything.”

Irwin said the district’s administration will have the two veterans sign the appropriate paperwork prior to a formal congratulatory announcement at the next L’Anse Creuse Board of Education meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. on May19.

You can reach Staff Writer Erin McClary at emcclary@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1118.