Photo by Jeremy Carroll Candidates for Royal Oak City Commission Andrew Androff and Pat Capello share a laugh while waiting for voters to come to the polls Nov. 3 at Jane Addams Elementary School.

By Jeremy Carroll
C & G Staff Writer

ROYAL OAK/CLAWSON — It was the two ballot proposals that brought Joe Abramson out to the polls Nov. 3 to vote at Royal Oak High School.

He said he voted for the proposal that would put a moratorium on the transfer of liquor licenses into the city for a period of two years. The measure has been the most controversial item this election season in either Royal Oak or Clawson.

“We have enough bars in Royal Oak,” the resident said after voting around noon. “The city is already known as the bar capital of Michigan, and that’s OK. But if we have more, we’ll have to hire more police officers or have them use more overtime, and that will raise our taxes.”

Abramson said he also voted against a proposal put forth by the city to allow them to only publish a summary of ordinance changes in a local newspaper and put the full information on the city’s Web site.

While various candidates stood at polling locations, there were very few residents to greet. Poll workers in both Royal Oak and Clawson said turnout was low at midday.

“The absentee voters will make all the difference,” said City Commission candidate Pat Capello outside of Jane Addams Elementary School. “It would be nice if everybody came out just because a big voter turnout helps us gauge a level of interest in what’s going on in the city.”

Capello is running against Andrew Androff, Dave Poulton and Jim Rasor for three four-year seats on the commission.

Androff had been at the same location as Capello all morning, and said the turnout was very low.

“It’s been a steady flow, but it’s been a slow steady flow,” he said.

Royal Oak Neighborhood Schools candidate Arthur Makarewicz was at the Salter Community Center attempting to talk to voters. He is running against Carrie Breer and Jeff Brinker for two four-year seats.

“I just want to greet as many people as I can,” he said. “The weather is a little better than past elections. I would like to see a higher turnout.”

There are contested races in Clawson for mayor and council, along with one ballot question.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1110.