Candidates Turn in Signatures for Nov. 8 Ballot

With the deadline to file petitions for Royal Oak City Commission and mayor just one week away, only three candidates have successfully submitted the necessary 500 valid signatures and been notified of their eligibility by the City Clerk.

The candidates are Mayor Jim Ellison, who is seeking re-election, and George Gomez and Kyle DuBuc, who are running for city commission. 

Ellison wrote on his Facebook page on July 15 that he had "500 validated signatures on file with the city clerk and is officially on the Nov. 8 ballot."

There are three open seats on the City Commission. Commissioner Michael Andrzejak announced he would not run again; Terry Drinkwine and Charles Semchena have not pulled petitions to run for re-election.

DuBuc, a member of the Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board, successfully submitted his signatures July 28, saying he sees the open commission seats as an opportunity to present fresh ideas.

“I love this city,” DuBuc said. “I live here with my wife and two young sons. I want Royal Oak to be a place where people come, and stay to raise a family.”

DuBuc noted the city attracts young people with its vibrant downtown, but says too often they leave after starting families.

Gomez did not respond to a request for comment.

A total of 11 candidates have pulled petitions for City Commission seats. In addition to Gomez and DuBuc, the other potential candidates are Calvin Kattola, Scott Warheit, Michael Fournier, Nick Britsky, Bill Shaw, Rick Karlowski, Richard Pawlowski, Peggy Goodwin and Stephen Miller.

Miller pulled petitions to run for mayor and commissioner.

If you want to run

To be a candidate for Royal Oak City Commission, the hopeful must be at least 25 years old, a registered voter of Royal Oak and a resident at least two years prior to the date of election.

The mayor is paid $40 per meeting, up to a maximum of $2,000 per year. Commissioners are paid $20 per meeting, up to a maximum of  $1,200 per year.

Candidates pay a $35 filing fee to the City Clerk.

Voter registration

Oct. 11 is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in Royal Oak's Nov. 8 general election. Residents can register to vote at the City Clerk's office or any Secretary of State office.