It could be a close call for the proposed annexation of Whitmore Lake Public Schools by Ann Arbor schools. Voters randomly polled in both communities by 89.1 WEMU had mixed thoughts on the issue.
Ann Arbor resident Susanna Hapgood voted for the plan. “Seems like a question of when rather than whether, and so it seems like a good outcome should come for those students in Whitmore Lake, and I hope that the absorption of Whitmore Lake will be passed,” Hapgood says.
Other Ann Arbor voters say they never saw the benefits for their district from adding Whitmore Lake schools.
Voters in Whitmore Lake also were split on the proposal. Paul Kijekopposes annexation. “Concerned about what the Ann Arbor school system would do. You know we have a nice system here. Granted it might be decreasing a little bit, but I haven’t seen really positive things from Ann Arbor as far as what their proposals will be,” Kijek says.
But Cecilia Infante decided to vote for annexation. She’s concerned that cuts that led to the closure of the middle school will continue and it’s inevitable that Whitmore Lake Schools will be dissolved.
Voters in Ann Arbor and Whitmore Lake must both pass the proposal for it to move forward.
So far voter turnout has been strong in Whitmore Lake. Despite the rain, poll-workers describe today’s steady stream of voters as more in line with a Presidential election than a mid-term. Ann Arbor Poll workers say turnout is higher than many elections, but not close to a Presidential election.
Polls are open in both communities until eight tonight.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.
