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May 11, 2010

Commissioner Friend withdraws from race

BY BRIAN McGILLIVARY bmcgillivary@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — Mother's Day helped pull away a Grand Traverse County board candidate, temporarily leaving East Bay Township residents without an incumbent just hours before today's candidate filing deadline.

County Commissioner Beth Friend, a mother of two elementary school-aged children, withdrew from the county board race Monday morning.

"After I filed a week ago it just didn't feel right for me and Mother's Day cinched it," Friend said. "I just decided I need to spend more time and attention at home."

The former township trustee said she will fulfill the remainder of her first two-year term on the county board that expires Dec. 31.

Friend was one of three new commissioners elected in 2008 who often found themselves in the minority on issues such as eliminating free health insurance for commissioners or electing road commissioners.

"It's a tremendous loss for the county," said Commissioner Christine Maxbauer, who often voted with Friend.

The filing deadline for candidates with political party affiliation is today at 4 p.m. The seat was wide open until township resident Robert Hentschel filed as a Republican just before the county clerk's office closed Monday. The District 3 seat represents most of East Bay Township.

Friend, a Republican, said she has no regrets about her late decision to pull out.

"I would hope that someone considering the office wouldn't let my name on the ballot sway their decision to run or not," Friend said.

Her decision left local party leaders scrambling Monday.

"Holy cow, I guess the Republican Party needs to do some quick moving," said Commissioner Larry Inman, a Republican. "I'll start dialing tonight and see who I can get to file."

Inman said though surprised, he understands Friend's reasoning.

"This job can take a lot of time away from your family," he said.

The Democrats didn't have a confirmed candidate for the seat, said Commissioner Ross Richardson, the lone Democrat on the county board.

"There's a couple people talking about it, and obviously this changes the situation," he said.

Candidates who run without party affiliation have until July 15 to file without party affiliation to run for a seat on the county board.

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