By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Recall petitions have been filed against two Hamlin Township officials, Treasurer Susan Ptaszenski and Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski.
The petition language, written verbatim, against Ptaszenski states: “Susan Ptaszenski in April 30, 2022 thur March 31, 2025. She provided false + financial report to the board MCL 750.489.”
The petition language, written verbatim, against Gurzynski states: “Johnaine Gurzynski. Participated in a closed session with the Attorney called by the Board On January 7, 2026 On January 15 2026. Trustee Johnaine disclosed deliberation from the closed session, Meeting. With out the Board approval. Violation MCL 15.263.”
Though the State of Michigan uses the term “recall,” the process is calling for a special election and allows for the accused official to seek election during the special election. Before the special election takes place, however, a petition must be filed meeting the minimum required amount of signatures by registered voters in that jurisdiction. The matter is then brought before the county election commission which will determine if the petition language
All elective officers in Michigan, except judicial officers, are subject to recall by the voters of their districts. An officer who is being recalled may continue to perform the duties of his or her office until the result of the recall election is certified, according to the Michigan Election Officials’ Manual, published in July 2021.
The county election commission consists of the chief judge, county clerk, and county treasurer.
The function of the county election commission, during the review, is to determine whether each reason for the recall stated in the petition is factual and of sufficient clarity to enable the officer whose recall is sought and the electors to identify the course of conduct that is the basis for the recall. The officer whose recall is sought and the sponsors of the petition may appear at the meeting and present arguments on the clarity and factual nature of the petition language. The Michigan Election Law states that each reason for the recall shall be based upon the officer’s conduct during his or her current term in office. The commission does not have a the authority to rule on whether the petition includes good reasons for recall, as only the clarity and the factual nature of the recall language is subject to the commission’s review. If any reason the recall is not factual or of sufficient clarity, the entire recall petition shall be rejected.
The commission’s ruling may be appealed, either by the officer whose recall is sought or by the sponsors of the recall petition. This would take place in 51st Circuit Court. An appeal must be filed within 10 days of the commission’s determination.
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