Delta Co. Recall Election forum highlights differing paths for community

ESCANABA, Mich. (WJMN) — The six candidates running for three seats on Delta County’s Board of Commissioners gave their pitches to voters Tuesday night at a forum hosted by a local chapter of the League of Women Voters in Escanaba.

Over the course of about 90 minutes, the incumbents and their challengers responded one-by-one to questions about their future vision for the county, their assessment of its greatest weaknesses, and the county’s role in improving them.

The moderator also asked the candidates about their assessments of controversial issues that arose since the recall was filed, including issues with the management of the local airport and whether the commission should approve funding for organizations that have policies concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

You can find the full forum on the City of Escanaba’s YouTube page.

The recall election began taking shape back in February of last year when commissioners David Moyle, Bob Petersen and Bob Barron voted to fire then-Administrator Emily DeSalvo, who had served the county for about three years.

Before the vote to terminate her employment, DeSalvo had spoken at a Feb. 7 commission meeting, accusing the three of acting in their own best interest, and not the people of the county.

The commissioners have since denied the accusations, and justified the firing as something any business owner would do with an insubordinate employee.

You can learn more about the development of the recall effort in our previous reporting:

Effort to recall Delta Co. commissioners gains momentum

Challenger steps up to face Moyle in Delta Co. recall vote

Moyle pushes challenge as recall election filing deadline approaches

Keep an eye on Local 3 on-air and online as our coverage of the recall election continues.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJMN - UPMatters.com.