On elections, and solving a plate mystery

After last Tuesday's St. Johns city election, no one should ever say an individual's vote doesn’t matter.

One vote - one little piece of paper - separated the three top candidates in the race for two seats on the St. Johns City Commission. As far as anyone can remember, the city has never had a closer election - although researching that assumption would be an interesting project.

Congratulations and best wishes are certainly in order for the two victors who will occupy city seats for the next four years, Mark Bates and Heather Hanover. Both are newcomers to the political process, bringing fresh ideas and a willingness to learn that hopefully will benefit all residents of the St. Johns community.

It would be remiss not to offer words of appreciation to Bob Wood, who served the city well during his many  years as a commissioner.

But, it's the other contender - the guy who was just one vote shy - who claimed the spotlight in this particular election. Ron Huard gave us all a lesson in class and dignity in the days following his slim defeat at the polls.

While many political types might have cried out for a recount, bashing the system and cursing their bad luck, Ron took the high road.

He made it clear that he believed workers at polling precincts had done their jobs correctly - why go through the motion of a recount - and, went on to praise the two individuals who he said had earned the seats fair and square.

We always thought you were a pretty special guy, Ron - now, we know that's true.

* * * * * * *

An interesting side note to the election is the question of what would have happened if there had been a tie. Like many people, I assumed a run-off election would have been held at a future date.

Not true.

The winner would have been decided by the luck of the draw - cutting cards or some such thing.

Now, that would have been a wild finish.

* * * * * * *

Earlier this fall, we printed a letter from a lady in Lakeview who was trying to find information on an antique plate which she believed had come from a business in St. Johns. The rose-embossed plate was imprinted with the words, "Made especially for Noble Burnett - dry goods, cloaks, rugs, suits, skirts - St. Johns, Michigan."

Thanks to the research efforts of Myrna Van Epps, a volunteer at the Clinton County Archives, we've been able to solve the plate mystery.

Myrna sent us a photo copy of the obituary for Noble Burnett that was printed in the Nov. 29, 1928 issue of the Clinton County Republican News.

Born in 1864 at Rochester Colony, Burnett was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Burnett, one of the earliest settlers in the area and prominent figures in the Methodist church. He went to work with John Hicks at the famous Hicks store in downtown St. Johns, before opening his own dry goods business. Burnett moved to Ann Arbor in 1913. He died at age 64.