Despite an uncommon number of contested races on this year’s Three Rivers city ballot, there will be no new faces on the city commission in 2024. According to unofficial results, with 100 percent of precincts reporting, every Three Rivers city commissioner in a contested race defeated their respective challenger.
Mayor Tom Lowry defeated challenger Vernis Mims Jr. 479 to 428; At-Large Commissioner Torrey Brown defeated Jason Reeves 508 to 325; and First District Commissioner Pat Dane narrowly defeated challenger John Kish 455 to 416.
Third District Commissioner Chris Abel, who ran unopposed, garnered 717 votes. Of the 4,960 registered voters in the City of Three Rivers, 920 cast ballots, for a turnout rate of 18.55 percent.
Lowry, a longtime incumbent who most years runs unchallenged, thanked those whose vote enabled him to retain what he considers “an honored seat” in a tight race against newcomer Mims.
“I thank all the voters who voted today. And I thank those who chose me. I consider the mayorship an honored seat, I have always taken those responsibilities seriously, and I will continue to do so as long as I am allowed.”
Tom Lowry
Brown, who was running for reelection for the first time since winning as a write-in candidate in 2021 when he defeated fellow write-in candidate and now fellow At-Large Commissioner Lucas Allen, thanked his supporters for their continued trust.
“I would like to thank everyone for trusting me to represent you again. I will not stop working to help improve our city.”
Torrey Brown
Dane, who faced the stiffest test among the aforementioned commissioners in claiming the thinest margin of victory at just 39 votes, said she hopes to validate voters’ faith in her as first district commissioner.
“Thanks to everyone who voted for me. I hope to live up to your faith in me.”
Pat Dane
Local proposals
Bronson Community Schools — Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal
Yes: 525
No: 194
Burr Oak Community Schools — Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal
Yes: 127
No: 35
Constantine Township — Fire Protection and Ambulance Services Special Assessment District
Yes: 124
No: 97
Constantine Township — Road Improvement Millage
Yes: 154
No: 188
Alek Haak-Frost is executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.
