By: Andy Kozlowski | Madison - Park News | Published November 5, 2019

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HAZEL PARK — One incumbent on the Hazel Park City Council will be retaining his seat, while another incumbent will be losing her seat to a newcomer, according to unofficial results for the general election Nov. 5.

Andy LeCureaux, an incumbent, and Mike McFall, a newcomer, dominated the race, coming in first and second place, respectively, with LeCureaux taking 31.92% (788 votes) and McFall right behind him at 31.35% (774 votes) — a difference of just 14 votes.

Chuck Gladue, a challenger, garnered 18.39% (454 votes), while the unassigned write-ins accounted for 18.35% (453 votes). Bethany Holland, an incumbent, ran as a write-in candidate due to what she said was a technical issue. There were zero rejected write-in votes.

The Hazel Park City Council will now comprise LeCureaux and McFall alongside Amy Aubry and Alissa Sullivan. The mayor is Mike Webb. The seats won by LeCureaux and McFall are for four-year terms. Hazel Park moved to staggered election terms in recent years.

LeCureaux, 58, is the owner of Andrew’s Appliance Installation and has resided in Hazel Park since 1994. He wants to continue what he describes as the city’s “positive progress” with regard to new road construction, new businesses constructing new buildings and remodeling existing properties, and a renewed focus on arts and culture programming.

McFall, 45, is a development associate for a national nonprofit and has lived in Hazel Park for just over two years. He has been involved in promoting the Downtown Hazel Park initiative and plans to continue its development, while also working with business owners and residents to reduce blight, and helping to improve the city’s neighborhoods and green spaces.

“I’m really excited. A little worn out as well,” McFall said with a laugh last week. “I’m glad the campaign is over because it could be stressful, but I really did enjoy getting out and talking to neighbors across the city. That was my favorite part — knocking on doors, talking to everyone, learning what they want to see, the things they do and don’t like, and their hopes for the city.”

McFall said he observed a desire among residents to see more unity among volunteer groups that are well-meaning, but sometimes butt heads over differences of opinion. He said that city officials could do more to promote togetherness. McFall also noted that residents want to see the city’s strong momentum continue with regard to filling vacancies and opening new businesses, something McFall has already been promoting with his work on the downtown district.



“We need to make sure everyone knows the city is open for business, because it creates new job opportunities for residents and for entrepreneurs,” McFall said. “I’m really excited for the city. I really feel the city is heading in a great direction. I’m also very humbled that the people voted for me, especially since I’m not a longtime resident. I’m excited to get to work.”



LeCureaux noted that this will be his 10th term in office. He thanked everyone who helped his campaign.



“What to me was notable was the wide support across the entire city, from so many people I had never met before. That was heartwarming,” LeCureaux said. “It just felt amazing to see people I didn’t know coming to help support me.”

LeCureaux pointed out that both he and McFall were among the many volunteers on the recent playscape project at Scout-McPherson Park, which he feels helped introduce them to more residents.

The playscape was funded by a grant from the Sutar-Sutaruk-Meyer Foundation, and was built with sweat equity from residents and volunteers from the city, schools, churches and local businesses.



“Many people came out to that build and met neighbors they’d never met before, working side by side with them, building something that they’re all unified around,” LeCureaux said. “I think (the exposure) carried over into this campaign. People got to know (McFall and I) through that.”



LeCureaux said that improving the city’s infrastructure will be one priority.



“We will continue to focus on getting the roads done and improving walkability. The improved roads encourage people to invest in the buildings along them,” LeCureaux said. “We will also continue to oversee the smart, safe implementation of marijuana laws and business opportunities. And we will continue to support arts and culture programming, with more displays and more events. Those are very important, giving residents more things to do, from the Zombie Walk, to the Art Fair, to Artober, to Memorial Weekend.



“People love those,” he said. “It was so neat on Election Day to meet new residents who came out and said how much they love Hazel Park. They haven’t been here long, but they already love the place.”