UPDATED: Murphy Re-Elected Brighton Township Supervisor; Doughty, Slaton Retain Trustee Seats

Tom Murphy was re-elected as Brighton Township Supervisor, defeating his independent challenger John Ewing, according to unofficial results from the Livingston County Clerk's Office.

Murphy received 6,373 votes, while Ewing received 2,245, with all nine precincts reporting.

Ewing's defeat comes in the wake of his somewhat controversial campaign, which alleged corruption and illegal activities within the current Township Board. The campaign specifically targeted Murphy, with mailings that stated, "We will stamp out Murphy corruption."

Murphy denied the allegations. In addition, Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte and Prosecutor David Morse told Patch that both the sheriff's department and prosecutor's office investigated Ewing's allegations, and it was determined that there were no criminal charges to be made.

In a letter sent to Patch and The Livingston Daily Press & Argus on Wednesday morning, Ewing said he wanted Murphy and the Township board to identify the statutory authority that give the board the right to charge a capital charge in sewer billings as well as a 6 percent finance charges for refinancing in 2005, and if the board cannot identify said authorities, then return the monies to township residents who are victims of illegal billing practices.

Ewing said that if his requests are ignored or disregarded, he will be going forward with recall papers for Murphy.

Brighton Township Trustees Cathy Doughty and Mike Slaton were also re-elected to the Township Board. Doughty had the most votes with 6,315, followed by Slaton with 6,050.

Trustees John Rogers and Jim Kovitz chose not to seek re-election this year, freeing their seats for newcomers.

Brighton Township voters favored Republican candidates over Independents. Patrick Michel and former Township Deputy Clerk Lucille Weaire will join Doughty and Slaton as Trustees with 5,961 votes and 5,666 votes, respectively. Katheryne Friske received 2,053 votes while Mike Palmer received 2,060.

Michel said his first step as a new board member is get a better, deeper understanding of the sewer system and Sunset Park as they are the two major issues that "seem to be open sores for the township right now."

Brighton Township Clerk Ann Bollin and Treasurer Lana Theis ran uncontested and will keep their respective offices.