News Summary
Superior Township, located in Washtenaw County, Michigan, has announced a hiring freeze to address budget deficits. The township board voted 5-1 for the moratorium, effective until May. Meanwhile, a leadership transition is on the horizon as the township clerk, Lynette Findley, will not seek re-election. Three candidates have emerged for the upcoming election on August 6, 2022. These developments underscore significant changes in township governance amidst fiscal challenges.
Superior Township Faces Hiring Freeze Amid Budget Woes
In a surprising turn of events for the residents of Superior Township, a small community nestled just north of Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan, the township board has decided to implement a hiring moratorium. This decision comes as the township grapples with some serious deficit spending concerns, which have been keeping local officials on their toes. The board officially voted on January 21, 2022, to pause hiring activities until May of this year, prohibiting the filling of any vacant positions or the creation of new ones that would require board approval.
The Vote is In
The controversial voting resulted in a 5-1 decision, with Trustee Dana Green opposing the moratorium and Trustee Ken Schwartz absent during the proceedings. This move is aimed at stabilizing the township’s finances and signals a cautious approach to managing funds amidst growing economic pressures.
A Transition in Leadership
- Landis Smith, currently serving as the Deputy Clerk
- Paula Jefferson, a former Deputy Clerk
- Angela Robinson, who faced technical difficulties and could not attend a recent candidate forum
Election Coming Up
Mark your calendars, folks! The clerk election is set to take place during the Democratic primary on August 6, 2022. Candidates were recently given the opportunity to present their platforms during a virtual forum organized by the League of Women Voters of Washtenaw County and the Ypsilanti District Library. During the forum, discussions swirled around practical experience with budgets, strategies for improving voter access, and tackling housing issues.
Who’s Who in the Race
Landis Smith brings a master’s degree in public administration along with valuable experience in budget-setting, while Paula Jefferson has dealt with smaller budgets and participated on the Superior Township Parks Commission. Both candidates agree on improving communication with residents regarding voter information. Jefferson wants to kick things up a notch with monthly newsletters, while Smith aims to leverage technology for better outreach.
Addressing Housing and Community Issues
Housing disparities in the township were a hot topic, with Jefferson highlighting that some areas lack diversity and crucial access to grocery stores. On the flipside, Smith proposed relocating township meetings further south to ensure underrepresented communities have a voice. When the conversation turned to affordable housing, both candidates expressed a shared understanding of the importance of adjusting zoning ordinances to facilitate lower-cost multi-family living options.
Compensation for Leaders and Upcoming Elections
In addition to the clerk election, the township is also gearing up for elections for treasurer, four trustee seats, and various positions on the Parks Commission. The candidates have discussed the sensitive topic of compensation for elected officials, showing support for a committee that could help determine fair salaries, especially considering the past raises for township leaders in December 2023.
All Eyes on the Forum
If you missed the forum, don’t fret! A recording of the discussions is now available online for the public to view. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to familiarize themselves with the candidates and their priorities ahead of the upcoming election.
As Superior Township takes these significant steps, the community’s future is undeniably at a crucial juncture. It promises to be an intriguing few months ahead as residents keep a close watch on the developments both in governance and budget management.
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Additional Resources
- Hiring Must Freeze to Rein In Deficit – MLive
- Wikipedia: Budget Deficit
- Clerk Candidates Talk Housing and Budgets – MLive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
- 6 Vying for 3 Ann Arbor School Board Seats – MLive
