Recall Is Definitely Going Forward...

It took less than one week to obtain more than enough signatures to recall all three board members who voted to build a $150,000 building without any input from the taxpayers.  According to the Michigan Township Association Red Book, which is the lawyer's interpretation of township law, "Recall is initiated by a petition signed by registered and qualified electors within the township...The petition must be circulated by a qualified and registered elector who must attach a certificate of circulation to the petition. An official sought to be recalled continues to perform the duties of the office, until the result of the recall election is certified by the board of county canvassers in the county where the petition is filed...The election shall be held on the next regular election date that is not less than 70 days after the date the petition was filed."
The soonest recall may be voted on will be August, so this board still needs to hear from you concerning building a free-standing, pole-barn-construction, building adjacent to the current town hall. DO YOU THINK THIS BOARD SHOULD USE $150,000 OF TOWNSHIP MONIES TO BUILD THIS BUILDING?
Next Board meeting will be May 10th at the township hall at 7pm...hope to see you there!

Sad, but True...Recall is in the air

Recall is a tough and unfortunate process to let elected officials know they are NOT serving the public's good, or with the public's best interest at the forefront.  This should be a last resort at any governmental level.
Since the annual meeting for Elk Township, a recall petition has been approved by a board of three down at the county courthouse. This step may not stop a new free standing building being built, but it certainly will let the elected officials know that they have stepped over the line of public displeasure.
The wording on the petitions only vary according to the name on the particular petition, names include Linda VanDolsen, Supervisor; Marilyn VanVleet, Clerk; and Frances Arquette, Trustee:

“Has demonstrated a lack of financial accountability and judgment when she committed Elk Township to spend $150,000.00 of cash reserve for a new town hall.  She did not give due consideration to a less expensive proposal which would have extended the existing hall with new construction.  The less expensive proposal would have added needed space and restored the integrity of the old building at considerable savings.”

If you are interested in signing a petition, or would like to know more information about this step, you may call 266.8489