Community Corner

Recall Initiative Targets Chesterfield Township Supervisor Lovelock Who's 'Surprised' by Effort

A recall effort is underway against Chesterfield Township Supervisor Michael Lovelock who says he's surprised by the initiative and undeterred in his ongoing work in the township. 

Resident of nine years and auto parts salesman, Gary Feld, is spearheading the campaign to remove Lovelock, who was re-elected in November, from the top-elected seat. Feld is friends with Trustee David Joseph who has disagreed with Lovelock on issues, including police finances and proposed layoffs. Feld is trying to collect more than 3,000 signatures to get the issue on the November ballot, he said.

"The main reason for the recall is Supervisor Lovelock's blatant disregard of public trust and his lack of honesty. His scare tactics of the police layoffs and sudden 180 degree turn is just mind-boggling. His blow off of the police work group's efforts absolutely angered me. Then during all this, the sale of the 'scrap' DPW vehicles happens," Feld said.

In response to the vehicle controversy, Lovelock said "that was inspected by the Macomb County Sheriff's Department." He noted the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office concurred with the Sheriff's Office finding of no wrongdoing, adding he would not comment further on the subject. 

Feld said, "My other issue with Lovelock is his lack of vision for the township. He's reactive not proactive. We need to prepare this township for the years ahead instead of just thinking another millage will solve our problems."

He said there are no candidates in mind during this infancy stage of the initiative.

Supervisor cites accomplishments 

Lovelock said he was surprised to hear of the recall effort and that he plans to continue his work in the township for years to come. 

"I am not going to stop what I am doing for the community because I love this community." 

He cited his accomplishments as the half-million-dollar Webber Splash Park, made possible through a township donation by the Webber Family Foundation, $400,000 worth of play equipment in various parks and the return of Summer Salute, a free family-friendly annual event

He also said under his watch $1 million was placed into the township retirement system that was "underfunded by my predecessor." 

Police finances factor in recall effort 

Feld said the ongoing controversy about police funding played a role in Feld's attempt to remove Lovelock from office. 

"When the police layoff rumors started, I got interested. Having a properly staffed police department is very important to me and my family's safety. I started going to meetings to hear what my elected officials had to say about it," he said. "Needless to say I wasn't happy with the direction supervisor Lovelock was trying to cram down our throats. After the vote where the work group's plan was turned down, that was my breaking point."

He said he has received support from others in the community after proposing to have someone new in office. 

Lovelock said, "If you don't have money, the only way you can do it is lay people off. It's simple mathematics." 

The township ultimately opted not to lay off police employees in 2013 and plans to explore department funding at a July public hearing

The recall effort has also taken to Facebook and Twitter.  


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