http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/Polls, News, Updates, Opinion, CandidatesenFri, 07 Dec 2007 08:02:07 PSTMovable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/noPolls, News, Updates, Opinion, Candidatesdecision2007http://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/jXHwgNTwQWQ/flint_mayor_sets_campaign_fina.htmlBreaking NewsCity of FlintWalling, DayneWilliamson, Don20150759479131691059870mbach@flintjournal.com (Matt Bach | Flint Journal)Fri, 07 Dec 2007 08:02:07 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.543508 ]]>FLINT -- Mayor Don Williamson pumped a record-setting $460,000 of his own money into his successful re-election campaign, including $250,000 in the final days of the race. "We ran our campaign to win our election," Williamson said. Williamson far outpaced challenger Dayne Walling, who spent $280,000 -- including a $10,000 debt -- with the help of more than 1,000 people who contributed to his campaign....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/12/flint_mayor_sets_campaign_fina.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/XRVyjD3p0r0/dems_claim_voting_problems.htmlBreaking Newsmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:03:25 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.479378 ]]>The state Democratic Party highlighted Genesee County as one of four counties where voters reported election officials did not properly enforce the new voter identification requirement. Spokesman Jason Moon did not have details on Monday about where exactly the complaints originated but said voters were either told they could not vote unless they had ID or were not properly offered an affidavit in lieu of identification. "I have not heard a thing about it," County Clerk Michael J. Carr said. "If there is something that has happened in Genesee County, it could not have been major." Carr said he specifically followed up with local clerks after the election to ask about problems or complaints and none had any incidents to report. The state Democrats also said problems were reported in Wayne, Oakland and Ingham counties. There were city elections and several millages on the ballot for voters in some Genesee County communities on Tuesday....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/dems_claim_voting_problems.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/a2f7DBeNpK4/williamsons_razorthin_win_coul.htmlCity of FlintWilliamson, Donjmorrison@flintjournal.com (Julie Morrison | Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:19:00 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.479423 ]]>FLINT -- Get ready for Round Two at Flint City Hall. With Mayor Don Williamson elected to a second term and a divided City Council stacked against him, the city could be in store for more fighting as the two sides try to uppercut one another. Officially, City Council members say the are "optimistic" their tenacious relationship with Williamson can be improved in a second term. But they also note there's a pretty sizable chunk of the city that's not too enamored with his policies....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/williamsons_razorthin_win_coul.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/hZl5-WSQIJ8/walling_looks_to_future.htmlWalling, Daynemraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:58:59 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.479372 ]]>Whatever failed Flint mayoral candidate Dayne Walling does next, he plans to do it without leaving his hometown. Walling, a political newcomer, waged a fierce challenge against incumbent Mayor Don Williamson but lost by 581 votes. So, what's next? "Good question. ... My calendar is clear for the next couple of weeks," said Walling, who previously worked at the Genesee County Land Bank but not since before the August primary when he dedicated himself full-time to campaigning. Walling moved back to Flint to run for mayor. He said on Wednesday that he now will start looking into what he wants to do instead. And he pledged to continue to create ways for his supporters to remain involved in city government and working toward making Flint "a better place." "We'll be here with the family for a long time," said Walling, who is married with two sons....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/walling_looks_to_future.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/SvocutlP2EI/williamson_paves_road_to_succe.htmlBreaking NewsCity of FlintWilliamson, Don759620150759448599538mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 11:54:01 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.477748 ]]>The Flint Journal / Stuart BauerFlint Mayor Don Williamson) is cheered by supporters, including Darryl Buchanan (back) and attorney George Peck as he learned he won against Dayne Walling on Tuesday.Mayor Don Williamson nudged out challenger Dayne Walling in Flint's closest mayoral election in more than 30 years. Williamson banked support in both the black and white communities in winning 51.2 percent of the total -- just 581 votes more than Walling, a first-time candidate with a wide network of political allies. What's next for Williamson? "Straight ahead. The same thing I've been doing. No different whatsoever," said Williamson, who thanked a cheering crowd of 300 at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Purple Moon nightclub after the last results came in....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/williamson_paves_road_to_succe.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/ND-L8iRhugU/detailed_election_results.htmlBreaking Newsmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:57:34 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.477799 ]]>See a precinct and ward breakdown of unofficial election results in the Flint mayoral election here....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/detailed_election_results.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/U6AGR0g-IA0/how_did_williamson_do_it_as_an.htmlBreaking News759620150759448599538mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:40:23 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.477780 ]]>After four years in office, Mayor Don Williamson turned a neat political trick. He won re-election Tuesday as an outsider. Williamson unashamedly made enemies in the last four years and bickered with the City Council, and battled to victory -- again -- despite heavy opposition from many of the area's leading politicians. "He's a gruff guy and people like that. And he's still sort of an anti-insider," County Clerk Michael J. Carr said....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/how_did_williamson_do_it_as_an.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/SXdNKX1Qgb4/for_all_the_latest_on_the_elec.htmlmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:59:48 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.476589 ]]>Check out The Flint Journal's Web site for breaking news -- blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow -- to see results as they come in and the first reports on what candidates have to say. Check back here at Decision2007 -- blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007 -- for complete reports on the race....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/for_all_the_latest_on_the_elec.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/fSr82XS30e8/how_to_find.htmlmwhiteside1@gmail.com (Mary Ann Chick Whiteside)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:31:19 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.297517 ]]> Dayne Walling July profile October profile Hear him Q&A Endorsements Financial data News Contact info Don Williamson July profile October profile Hear him Q&A Endorsements Financial data News Contact info For the first time since the end of the state financial takeover in Flint, voters will have the opportunity to choose who will serve as their mayor. Mayor Don Williamson and challenger Dayne Walling are battling it out for the city's top job. Find out about the candidates, follow the latest developments from the campaign trail and give your opinion on the race here....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/how_to_find.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/N7OEmS0iwj0/election_going_smoothly.htmlBreaking NewsCity of Flintmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:32:22 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.476675 ]]>Polls showed steady voter traffic in Flint today and there were no reports of any major problems with about an hour to go until polls close. Both Mayor Don Willliamson and challenger Dayne Walling had volunteers stationed at the polls to pass out literature supporting their candidate throughout the day, although Williamson's presence seemed stronger especially on Flint's north side. The competing groups remained cordial, sometimes huddled together along buildings trying to protect themselves from today's cold temperatures and high winds. This election is the first in which voters had to show identification at the polls, but that did not seem to cause any problems. "Everything's gone pretty smoothly even with the new rules," City Clerk Inez Brown said. "The voters exercised their constitutional rights in a very good way."...http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/election_going_smoothly.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/zr2lBcgXxmw/pranksters_send_election_day_m.htmlBreaking NewsCity of FlintWalling, DayneWilliamson, Donmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:39:08 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.476574 ]]>Someone left a not-so-subtle election day message at the Flint Police Department this morning. Apparently predicting a Dayne Walling victory -- before the first vote was counted -- moving boxes were stacked outside the offices of acting police Chief Gary Hagler and members of Mayor Don Williamson's prized Citizen Services Bureau....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/pranksters_send_election_day_m.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/DhB1zfN9ZIA/election_day_so_far_turnout_lo.htmlBreaking NewsCity of Flintmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:51:51 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.476249 ]]>Snow showers and chilly winds this morning didn't keep area voters from swarming to the polls to vote for mayors, other elected officials and tax questions. Voter numbers were not available as of noon, but the scene at the polls indicated interest in today's "off year" election -- which includes the heated Flint mayoral race between Mayor Don Williamson and challenger Dayne Walling. "It's busy," Flint City Clerk Inez Brown said this afternoon. "It's still a little early. ... I think in light of the weather, it's a pretty good turnout." Voters today will also decide the fate of mayoral leadership in Burton, Davison, Flushing and Grand Blanc; and other elected positions and property tax issues in Burton, Clio, Flushing and Thetford Township. Polls are open until 8 p.m....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/election_day_so_far_turnout_lo.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/1GzslipXv14/time_to_vote.htmlCalendarmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Tue, 06 Nov 2007 04:15:11 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.473326 ]]>Today's the day to decide who should lead your city. Polls are open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. today for residents to vote for either Mayor Don Williamson or challenger Dayne Walling. (Find out where you vote here.) New this election: Voters will be asked to show identification -- a driver's license works -- at the polls. Don't worry, though, voters without ID can instead sign an affidavit swearing to their identity and their vote will still count. Then, tell us how it went: E-mail Reporter Marjory Raymer at mraymer@flintjournal.com with any interesting happenings or even a photograph from the polls. Please include your name and phone number. Want to see results as they come in? Check out News Now, The Flint Journal's Web site for breaking news, at blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/newsnow. Residents in Flint, Burton, Grand Blanc, Fenton, Davison, Clio, Mt. Morris and Lapeer also will vote on their city's leadership. There also are a few pocketbook issues with millage elections in Flushing, Mt. Morris, Thetford Township and LakeVille....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/time_to_vote.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/YehNiIuE3yE/share_your_thoughts_1.htmlOpinionmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:44:04 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.417280 ]]>Want a soap box? Here it is. This corner of Decision 2007 -- The Flint Journal's Web site dedicated to coverage of the race between Mayor Don Williamson and challenger Dayne Walling -- is just for you. We call it "Share your thoughts." Tell us (and the rest of the world) what you think of the candidates, the politicking, The Flint Journal's articles or anything else on your mind. Click on the link to the left part of the screen below "Latest Headlines" and "The candidates" to read others' opinions and give your two cents....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/share_your_thoughts_1.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/OSoQrjLUeYw/turnout_could_near_30_percent.htmlBreaking Newsmraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 05 Nov 2007 13:23:18 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.473843 ]]>County Clerk Michael J. Carr predicts turnout in Flint will be 28 percent to 30 percent. The weather probably won't help much: It's supposed to be cold, rainy, snowy and windy. The high is expected to be about 39 degrees. Still, for a local election, Carr expects a decent showing. Turnout hit an all-time low in the last mayoral election with 26.6 percent of registered voters going to the polls. "I think there has been enough discussion and interest that those people who are interested at all in government will turn out," Carr said. Voters will decide who will be the next mayor. Mayor Don Williamson and challenger Dayne Walling are vying for the job....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/turnout_could_near_30_percent.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/mPLB5erWUx4/rep_conyers_hands_walling_last.htmlEndorsementsWalling, Dayne2015075944859953126312459mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:28:20 PDTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.473784 ]]>Last, but not least, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, is handing Flint mayoral challenger Dayne Walling his endorsement. Conyers said his endorsement -- in a fax to Walling's campaign at 2:20 p.m. Monday -- is "without reservation." Conyers joins a long list of elected officials backing Walling including U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee, D-Flint. There's an interesting twist to this endorsement: It comes after Conyers' wife, Monica Conyers, mayor pro-tem in Detroit, came to Flint on Friday and called Mayor Don Williamson "a pretty good guy." She called a press conference to say the state Democratic Party -- which is airing anti-Williamson ads -- should stay out of the race. A Williamson campaign aide, Sam Riddle, also serves as Monica Conyers' chief of staff. John Conyers is the nation's longest-serving black congressman and serves as chairman of the powerful House Judiciary Committee....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/rep_conyers_hands_walling_last.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/5fr9Eq1NoVg/absentee_voting_way_up.htmlBreaking NewsCity of Flint20150759448599mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 05 Nov 2007 10:25:13 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.473296 ]]>About 3,400 people already have voted in the Flint mayoral race, City Clerk Inez M. Brown said today. It represents at least a 15 percent increase over the 2003 mayoral election and the pace matches the last presidential vote. Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday. The race pits Mayor Don Williamson against challenger Dayne Walling. Turnout in 2003, when Williamson won election to his first term, was 26.6 percent, with more than 23,500 voting -- 2,870 of them by absentee ballot, Brown said....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/absentee_voting_way_up.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/dbuFYNNWxmU/walling_williamson_meet_again.htmlBreaking NewsWalling, DayneWilliamson, Don75962015075944859953847687mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:25:53 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.472433 ]]>The Flint Journal/Katie RauschFlint Mayor Don Williamson and wife, Patsy Lou (center), visist with church-goers at Ebenezer Ministries.Mayor Don Williamson and challenger Dayne Walling faced off again today, with both making simultaneous visits to two area churches. Flanked by their entourages, the two Flint mayoral candidates appeared at Antioch Baptist Church and New Jerusalem Full Gospel Church. They were simply introduced at New Jerusalem, but at Antioch both men took the microphone for short campaign speeches. "People have died for us blacks to be able to vote, and so all I ask is for you all to get out there and vote on Tuesday," the Rev. Lewis Randolph told the congregation at Antioch after Walling and Williamson spoke.The Flint Journal/Katie RauschFlint mayoral challenger Dayne Walling and wife, Carrie (center), greet members of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday. "To see both of them in here at the same time, and for them to come here and sit in the Lord's house with us, says a lot about these men." Besides last week's televised debate, today was the only time the two have publicly faced off....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/walling_williamson_meet_again.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/JvIsJlmJCJ4/can_we_change_the_world.htmlVideomraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:30:14 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.474212 ]]>Images dealing with the Flint election and world politics set to music....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/can_we_change_the_world.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/decision2007/~3/4DBz-DchAwM/ehren_on_the_side_of_caution.htmlCity of FlintEndorsementsWalling, DayneWilliamson, Don2015075944859952755mraymer@flintjournal.com (The Flint Journal)Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:15:13 PSTtag:blog.mlive.com,2007:/flintjournal/decision2007//1326.471010 ]]>Flint City Councilman Ehren Gonzales stands alone. In the middle. Often considered an ally of Mayor Don Williamson, Gonzales is the only sitting member of the Flint City Council to endorse no one in Tuesday's mayoral election....http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/decision2007/2007/11/ehren_on_the_side_of_caution.htmlnonadult