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(Editor’s Note: Maura Sanders will be sworn in as our next Township Supervisor at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 20, as will the newly-elected trustees on the Township Board. Maura shares a few thoughts after this week’s election. Read on for her thoughts. -jb)
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Greetings, Peninsula Township,
I was able to take a day to reflect on our future as a Township post-election. Again, I thank everyone who was able to cast their vote. I am looking forward to the newly-elected Town Board being sworn into office on November 20, 2024 at 12 p.m. I am excited for those new to the Town Board to jump in feet first and get up to speed.
Katie Clark, Treasurer-Elect, will be stepping up to the plate after serving as our Deputy Treasurer under the soon-to-be-retired Marge Achorn. Katie could not have had a better mentor and teacher than Marge. We all owe Marge a debt of gratitude for her years of service to the Township!
Julie Alexander, Trustee-Elect, will be joining with experience coming from the Planning Commission. I can personally attest to Julie’s loyalty to the residents of the Township by her commitment in attending the WOMP trial in Kalamazoo, on top of all the Town Board meetings above and beyond her role as a Planning Commissioner. Her determination to listen, understand, question, and offer her soundly-educated perspective will be a welcome asset to the Board.
J.P. Milliken is a newcomer to Township government. J.P. is a well-respected medical doctor and will be able to bring an entirely new set of skills to the Board that will benefit the community. I reached out to J.P. this week to congratulate him. He is very excited and humbled for this new role. He welcomed my copy of the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) publication “Trustee’s Guide to Township Government.”
I am excited to continue working with our re-elected clerk, Becky Chown. The dedication and commitment of Becky and her staff is extraordinary. Most people will never understand the gargantuan effort that goes into holding an election. Becky’s leadership in her office is what allows Peninsula Township to meet all of the ever-expanding election protocols and voting security measures.
Dave Sanger, a man of profound integrity, will continue his service, as he was re-elected as a trustee. I have known Dave since 2013 through other community engagements. His character and standards are the highest, and we all benefit from his commitment to serve the Township.
Finally, Isaiah Wunch was elected to serve as a trustee. Isaiah and I ran for trustee positions in 2016, and we served in that capacity together before I stepped away. Isaiah was asked to step up and fill the position of supervisor when former supervisor Rob Manigold retired. Isaiah’s commitment to this Township is rooted in his family farm, as he’s a sixth-generation farmer. I am profoundly grateful that Isaiah decided to run for trustee and stay on the Board. His institutional, educational and practical knowledge are a benefit for the community as a whole.
And a heartfelt thank-you to Rudy Rudolph and Armen Shanafelt for their years and commitment serving as trustees on the Township Board. Their wisdom, experience and expertise have helped to shepherd the Township through some challenging times, and I am grateful for their service.
There is always an opportunity to serve the Township either as a volunteer, filling an open seat on a commission or committee when they become available, and just keeping an eye on what’s going on and offering your thoughts and suggestions. I will always make the time to speak with you.
For the many residents that I haven’t had a chance to meet, please don’t hesitate to say “hi” when we cross paths. I am often found walking the trails near the Lighthouse, grabbing oops-I-forgots at the Peninsula Market, or eating dinner at the Jolly Pumpkin or Peninsula Grill.
I look forward to the new Town Board getting sworn in on Nov. 20 and then getting our 2025 calendar done and published. We will close the year with the first Agricultural Advisory Committee meeting on December 16. We will kick off the new year with the Town Board Strategic Planning session.
These meetings are all open to the public, with minutes taken and published, and will be streamed on our YouTube Channel (recordings are kept for 30 days).
Warm wishes for a wonderful month of Thanksgiving.
-Maura Sanders, Peninsula Township Supervisor-Elect
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Thank you, Maura! I’m excited to welcome our new board of trustees and to see you stepping into this important role as supervisor. I’m optimistic these next four years will bring prosperity to our township. Here’s to fresh ideas, positive change, and a stronger, united community! Looking forward to great things ahead.