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HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Recall petitions against Hamlin Township Treasurer Susan Ptaszenski and Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski have been declared sufficient, and recall elections for both officials are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Mason County Clerk Cheryl Kelly issued official calls for the elections last week after the recall petitions met the requirements to proceed to the ballot. According to the official calls, the purpose of each election is the recall and filling of the remainder of the official’s term.
The elections are the latest development in recall efforts initiated earlier this year by Hamlin Township resident Greg Collins.
Collins originally filed recall petitions against Ptaszenski and Gurzynski in March. The Mason County Election Commission rejected both applications following March 31 clarity hearings. The commission unanimously rejected the Ptaszenski petition, while the Gurzynski petition was rejected 2-1. Commissioners determined the language did not meet requirements under Michigan election law.
Collins subsequently filed new recall petition language against both officials in May. The revised petition against Ptaszenski cited a November 2025 audit by Lake Michigan CPA and alleged a discrepancy between the township treasurer’s bank register and bank reconciliation for a general fund account in February 2025. The revised petition against Gurzynski alleged she disclosed deliberations from a closed session involving township attorney Jacob Witte and a consent judgment concerning Six and Stones LLC.
The petitions ultimately advanced through the recall process and sufficient signatures were submitted to trigger the November elections.
The election for Ptaszenski was officially called Aug. 12. Candidates interested in running for Hamlin Township treasurer have until Friday, Aug. 21, to file. The deadline is 4 p.m. for candidates with no party affiliation and 5 p.m. for candidates with a party affiliation. The deadline to withdraw is 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24.
The election for Gurzynski was officially called Aug. 13. Candidates interested in running for Hamlin Township trustee have until Monday, Aug. 24, to file. The deadline is 4 p.m. for candidates with no party affiliation and 5 p.m. for candidates with a party affiliation. The deadline to withdraw is 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Both recall elections will be held at the Hamlin Township polling location in Ludington.
Under Michigan’s recall process, the Nov. 3 elections are not simply yes-or-no votes on removing the officials. Candidates may file to run for the offices, and the elections will determine who serves the remainder of each term. Ptaszenski and Gurzynski may continue performing their duties until the results of the recall elections are certified.
Filing forms are available at the Mason County Clerk’s Office, 304 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
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