Romulus mayor seeks recount in election defeat

By SAID DEEP
Detroit Journal Staff Writer

Romulus Mayor Beverly McAnally has petitioned the Wayne County Elections Commission for a recount of her 20-vote defeat by ex-mayor William Oakley.

McAnally said she believes that Environmental Disposal Systems waged a "smear" campaign against her during the campaign. She has been an outspoken critic of the company's efforts to open the first commercial hazardous deep injection well in Michigan.

"I'm asking for a re-count because I've had a number of people report things that were irregular," said the 68-year-old mayor, who will remain in office until the recount is completed. "I've had an election inspector tell me some things. I am asking the FBI to come in, too."

McAnally said supporters of her opponent counted absentee ballots without supervision in one of the city's 18 precincts. She also said 70 to 100 supposedly smudged ballots were discarded.

During the election, anonymous fliers featured a caricature of the mayor, drawn with a huge nose and captioned "Pinochanally?? She just will not tell the truth!" The fliers claimed McAnally had invited EDS into town and helped it in every way possible, although she has been a vocal critic of the company.

Company officials denied any involvement in the Nov. 7 mayoral election.

"We were kind of sitting on the sidelines (in the election)," said vice president Austin Marshall. "There was talk around town we were (involved) ... but it was not in our best interest."

Marshall said that last-minute literature apparently was authored by "long-time Romulus residents" who supported Oakley.

Oakley said that although he believes the well doesn't belong in Romulus, the city "may very well have to work out a compromise."

"I don't think we can afford to fight in court if it's a losing fight," Oakley said. "Money won't decide it."

Oakley is angered about the recount request.

"It's a bad deal because now we have a lame duck government," said Oakley, 65, who served as Romulus mayor for six years before McAnally defeated him in 1983.

Oakley went into Wayne County Circuit Court last week, seeking to be allowed to take office Nov. 13 as scheduled. But Judge Michael Talbot rejected his request, pointing out that the Romulus City Charter bars a candidate from assuming office when election results are challenged.

The Wayne County Election Commission has not yet scheduled a date for the recount.

See related story: EDS seeks court OK for first injection well in state

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