Kankakee Times

Manteno “No Gotion” activists are celebrating victories over pro-Gotion township officials being recalled in Michigan.

“Congratulations to our friends in Green Township, Michigan and the entire county of Mecosta who were successful in recalling every official who voted to allow Gotion into their County,” Amanda Piker, who founded the No Gotion Illijnois Facebook page, told Kankakee Times.

“I am so proud of their hardwork, determination, and perseverance in this battle. We would not be where we are today without their support. The People spoke tonight. They do not support Gotion being in their County. Take notice Manteno and Kankakee County, the People do not support this. Strength in numbers!”

The residents of Green Township in Mecosta County, Michigan expressed their discontent with township officials, stating they weren't listening when it came to a planned Gotion plant in their community of over 3,000 people. Lori Brock from Green Township started the recall petition.

“We’re moving forward with lawsuits against Gotion. We prepared ourselves a long time ago for a couple-year battle with them, and so we’re ready for it,” Brock told WOOD-TV.

Brock also noted that a new board is ready to replace the current one. 

“The new board is ready and waiting to go into effect. They want to clean up the township and actually, you know, do some positive things for the community. Be accountable, be transparent. We need that, we really do. These people that are set up are amazing people, each one of them cares, each one of them is invested in this community, and I think they’re going to do a phenomenal job,” Brock told WOOD-TV.

In Manteno similar efforts are underway with locals feeling unheard by Manteno Mayor Tim Nugent and the Manteno Village Board.

“We’ve been trying to ask our board questions and the mayor and they just sit back and they’re quiet,” Manteno resident Ryan McHeffey said of the lack of transparency over the project from Nugent and the Village Board.

“They don’t say a word. And it’s like a joke to them. They were smirking during the meeting yesterday and it’s just sad because it’s happening everywhere, not just here.”

McHeffey has moved his family into town and is now running for trustee, leading efforts against incumbent officeholders who support a proposed lithium ion car battery plant tied to the Chinese Communist Party.

There's also been action on a legal front where local residents have hired Robby Dube, an attorney based out of Minneapolis, to represent them against both the Village of Manteno and Gotion.