Candidate for Washtenaw County 11th District commission seat criminally charged in April hit-and-run
The Republican candidate for the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners seat in the 11th District has been charged in an April hit-and-run that injured a pedestrian in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County court records show.
Joseph Andrew Baublis, 50, who is running uncontested in the Aug. 3 primary, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury.
Baublis is accused of hitting a 17-year-old Ann Arbor boy with his vehicle at the intersection of Packard Road and East Stadium Boulevard at about 5 p.m. April 19.
The teen was taken by ambulance to the University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor police spokeswoman Lt. Renee Bush said. Bush said she didn't have details on his injuries.
Baublis, who learned Friday from AnnArbor.com that a warrant was issued for his arrest, declined to comment on the allegation. He remains interested in the county board seat, he said.
Bill Bigler, the treasurer for Baublis’ campaign, did not return a call seeking comment Friday.
Police are releasing few details about the accident. Officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian and obtained license plate information on the car from a witness, Bush said. While officers were searching for the car, Baublis approached an officer, police said.
It's unclear why Baublis left the scene, Bush said.
County election records show Baublis filed to run May 11, more than three weeks after the accident.
Baublis grew up in Ann Arbor and has lived in the city his entire life, according to a website advertising his handyman business. He spent many years rebuilding and remodeling older homes and is a ballroom dance instructor, the website says.
Mark Boonstra, chairman of the Washtenaw County Republican Party, did not return a phone call seeking comment Friday.
Four candidates are competing in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary for the seat. For the past 10 years, the seat has been held by Democrat Jeff Irwin, who is running for the 53rd District state House seat.
It's unclear when Baublis will be arraigned on the felony charge. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 or e-mail at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
joe baublis
Sun, Oct 17, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.
On October 12,2010 the 15th District Court dismissed the claim for restitution upon finding -essentially- that Mr. Baublis did not hit the man. Because Mr. Baublis did NOT hit the man, Mr. Baublis was not liable for damages. This might lead some to wonder who hit whom? However, that question was not an issue for the court to determine. One possibility is that the man ran wildly through traffic and ran into the side of Mr. Baublis' car. The dent on the SIDE of the car would support this theory. But of course, if one is a professional reporter seeking to sell a sensational story, or a police officer seeking advancement, or a political insider with an agenda, or a prosecutor throwing his own People into the sausage grinder, then dispository facts are ignored. For those people who are interested in "facts", it might also be worth noting that the court did NOT determine that Mr. Baublis fled the scene. What this means is that Mr. Baublis did not "hit" and did not "run". Now, let us turn our collective attention back to the issue confronting the People. Each level of government has failed - regardless of political party. Government fails because it seeks to control the People's freedom. If you want more failure then you vote for more government. On the other hand, if you want success then you must vote to free the people and that means less government. A vote for Mr. Baublis is best.
Darlene
Mon, Jun 21, 2010 : 6:37 p.m.
Very few people talked about the young man that was hit by the car. He was seriously injured. It wouldn't be so political if it was your son,brother or nephew! Get real people He HIT a KID!
a2grateful
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 5:06 a.m.
Hope the young man that was hit is recovering and quickly regains health.... Very sad story : (
IMISSA2
Sun, Jun 20, 2010 : 4:33 a.m.
The obama kool aid drinkers will be all over this one
scooter dog
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 2:55 p.m.
So what! How about that drain commissioner who drove drunk and wrecked a county vehicle,is she still employed there.? The county doesent care,why should anyone else
Me Next
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 10:25 a.m.
I happen to believe the Party sides are the same coin. That Party baiters are blindly following the blind. If this article is true, then from reasons written to expel congressmen he has disqualified himself for life from holding We Trust Positions. Not even a Public Dog Catcher job. No more propaganda dirty politics theyre all alike What a mess. If a lawful citizen cant behave & respect us all & is convicted, then Constitutionally they can never apply for a Public Trust Position. The least of Civil Society can mess things up just as much or perhaps less than this INSIDE Ruling Class. Remove all unlawful perks, unlawful legal stealing taxes, prostituting Our Positions. End it all. If its not written in US Const., Various States Const., Local Charters then FORGET IT its left to We & We can read, think, live without Political Royals. We elect servants to written Law we end with crooks this is a good place to put air brakes on. Written duty, only written duty, & nothing but written duty or get out Dont even apply if you have been convicted or show Actions of violating general public trust. & not duty, authority, power THEY gave themselves by Fiat Rule. Write in Yellow Dog let your voice be heard. Don't tell me there are NOT law-abiding citizens, enough to fill every Public Trust Positions. "We..." are the final say in Policing volunteer servants.
marylea
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 10:14 a.m.
Two things: 1) Just to make your article a little more informative, please describe the location of the 11th district for readers. (I will look it up for my own edification.) 2) Can others offer any info on how to have Mr. Baublis removed from the Republican primary ticket? Is it possible or since this is still only a charge and not a conviction yet, is his candidacy still legitimate.
Ricebrnr
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 8:06 a.m.
What does party affiliation or not have to do with it? He filed 3 weeks after hitting and running? I sure hope somebody follows up and makes sure he's booted off the ticket. Talk about falling into the negative politician stereotype!
tdw
Sat, Jun 19, 2010 : 7:34 a.m.
Hmmm...what are the chances the Repub.haters comming out?