Denman defeats Barnes for Drain Commissioner

Tensions ran high Tuesday night as Americans anxiously awaited election results. In Gratiot County, the Republican incumbent drain commissioner, Brian Denman and Democratic opponent Bernard Barnes patiently awaited the results of their hard fought election.

The County Drain Commissioner is elected every four years. The drain commissioner’s department operates under Michigan Public Act No. 1956, with a budget appropriated by the Board of Commissioners from the general fund of the County.

The County Drain Commissioner is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and inspection of county drains and streams. The commissioner investigates complaints relative to established County Drains, determines and spreads drain assessments and secures right-of-way easements for County Drains. They also set a percentage and provide public review of affected landowners and units of government for drain assessments where proceedings require it.

The County Drain Commissioner inspects and approves construction and maintenance of County Drains. They represent county drainage districts in any court proceedings.

Responsibilities of the commissioner also include Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Applications and Permits. This position provides the Board of Public Works Information and controls Storm Water Plan Review Applications.

Denman, 47, of Alma beat Barnes, 34, resident of New Haven Township an owner of B.L. Construction with 54 percent of the vote.

The race proved to be close as the final numbers rolled in. Denman received 8,868 votes and Barnes received 7,616 votes.

Denman was not available for an interview and Barnes declined to comment.