By Elizabeth Lowe
Staff writer

Goodrich – Residents voted 191-177 Tuesday to leave the village charter unchanged, rejecting changes by nearly a 52-percent margin.
Of 1,112 registered voters, 368 turned out for the Aug. 2 election. The 33-percent turnout was less than two-thirds of previous dissolution-related elections this year.
February’s election–in which the entire village council was recalled– prompted a 52-percent turnout. Sending the proposed charter for state approval was the last act of the former council.
In the 57-percent turnout May election, the council was replaced with pro-village candidates.
‘I think it would have been good to approve (charter revision). We’d have guidelines if we did decide to dissolve,? said resident Joan Stephens, who’s lived in the village most of her life.
Stephens isn’t entirely disappointed about the outcome, as she feels the new village council has kept campaign promises to lower taxes, and wants the village ‘left just like it is.?
Resident Dan Compeau, who has lived in the village three years after moving from Atlas Township, says he’s glad the charter amendment was defeated.
‘From my understanding of it, that would have involved the township in having some decision-making in the dissolution of the village,? said Compeau.
‘I don’t think township residents should have a say if we try to dissolve Goodrich.?