Lois Bahle Wins District 3 County Commissioner Seat In Recall Election

Voters in Leelanau County’s District 3 decided in a special election Tuesday that current county commissioner William Bunek will be recalled and replaced by challenger Lois Bahle.

Leelanau County Clerk Michelle Crocker says the board of canvassers will certify the results Wednesday, May 4 at 1:30 pm “and as soon as that is complete the election will be affirmed.”

After being sworn into office as District 3’s representative, Bahle will serve out the remainder of Bunek’s term, which expires on January 1, 2023.

The unofficial results reported this evening, May 3: 786 votes for Bahle and 643 for Bunek.

Bahle and Bunek tied 234 to 234 in Bingham Township; Bahle won in Suttons Bay Township, 552 to 409.

Bunek also served as Leelanau County Commission’s board chair. The seven-member board of commissioners, which is now made up of a Democrat majority, will elect a new chair.