Greene Wins Money Race; Lee Endorsed by Correction Deputies in Election Homestretch
MIDLAND, Mich. — In the homestretch of the 2020 G.O.P. primary election for Midland County Sheriff, the remaining candidates have filed their final campaign finance reports before the Aug. 4 election.
Overall, Myron Greene, a road patrol deputy with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, raised the most money during the primary cycle. Mr. Greene’s final tally was $46,651. Laura Lee, an administrative professional at the Midland County Law Enforcement Center, raised the most money during the latest filing period, which stretched all the way back to January. Ms. Lee’s campaign raised $19,590.99 for the period, bringing her cumulative total for the election to $43,145.99, just slightly behind Mr. Greene.
Art Beagle, a former corrections officer, spent just over $4,000 in his bid to become the Republican nominee for Sheriff. Mr. Beagle’s campaign is self-funded and is refusing direct contributions. He is directing potential donors to contribute to Midland’s Open Door, a homeless shelter and food kitchen.
Among the prominent donors to the Sheriff candidates in the latest reporting period include Dow CEO Jim Fitterling, who donated $1,000 to Mr. Greene’s campaign. (In contrast, Dow President Howard Ungerleider donated $1,000 to Ms. Lee’s campaign last year, and co-hosted Ms. Lee’s initial candidacy announcement.) Local landlord and real estate investor Tom McCann donated $500 to Mr. Greene’s campaign (Mr. McCann has endorsed Ms. Lee in a letter to the editor in the Daily News).
Three Rivers Corp. President (and the former Midland city manager) Jon Lynch donated $250 to Mr. Greene. Midland County Commissioner Jim Geisler (District 5) donated $250 to Ms. Lee’s campaign. Former Dow CEO Frank Popoff donated $500 to Ms. Lee.
The Midland Correction Deputies Association has endorsed Ms. Lee.
“We believe Laura Lee with her diversified skill set and education would make a great Sheriff for Midland County. We feel that she is the most well-rounded candidate to lead all divisions of the office, into the future and will continue to evolve in her role as a modern day sheriff,” Bryan Kryzanowicz, president of the association, said in announcing the endorsement.
“I am humbled and honored that the MCDA has endorsed my candidacy. I have worked hard during this campaign to outline a positive approach to the evolution of the modern day sheriff and I am pleased that they understand this role and how we can work together as a team,” Ms. Lee said in a news release on the endorsement provided to the City Paper.
Michael Westendorf is the chairman and executive editor of Chemical City Paper. As Executive Editor, he leads the City Paper’s news coverage and editorial team.
It’s difficult when you know all 3 candidates, and they are good people. It became a matter of ‘Good-Better-Best’ for me. For several reasons, I’ll be voting for Laura Lee. Beyond education, and various experiences, it’s that her temperament is perfectly suited to the role. She will be the quiet, steady, bedrock solid, foundation of the Midland County Sheriff’s office.