At the township meeting on the 10th of July 2023, two elected trustees for Dalton Township resigned effective August 7th. At the township board meeting on August 14th the board will appoint two people to fill the open positions through the current term ending in November of 2024. The following information is from the Michigan Townships Association about the positions:
What are the qualifications to run for township office?
To qualify for either township supervisor, treasurer, clerk or trustee, a person must be a township elector, but property ownership is not required. An elector is defined as someone 18 years of age, who is a U.S. citizen and has lived at least 30 days in the township for which they will serve.
How does an elected official qualify for office?
To qualify, a successful candidate must file any necessary bond and take an oath of office before the township clerk, deputy clerk or other officer qualified to administer the oath, such as the county clerk or deputy county clerk, notary public, judge or justice with jurisdiction, or the state representative or senator.
Statutory Duties for Elected Township Office Positions
Township legislators, required to vote on all issues
Responsible for township’s fiduciary health
Other duties as assigned by board
Demonstrate knowledge about township law (general law or charter) government responsibilities, functions and powers
Identify the major functions of each branch of government—local, state and federal—along with their relationship to one another
Communicate and listen effectively
Utilize consensus-building techniques and motivate others to achieve desired outcomes
Manage adversity and hostility
Demonstrate ethical behavior
Possess vision, especially relative to the township’s needs or potential, and utilize public relations skills to positively represent the township
Understand the roles and responsibilities of other elected and appointed offices
Demonstrate knowledge of the various committees, boards and commissions serving the township, including their roles and responsibilities
Understand how township policies and procedures are set
Be aware of what constitutes lawful township expenditures
Utilize strategic planning to attain objectives
Demonstrate knowledge of how ordinances are lawfully adopted and legally enforced
Two laws to reference for township resignations and appointments:
MCL 41.56: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cag2ghjkae3chhwt1w12vyum))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-41-56
MCL 168.70: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(cag2ghjkae3chhwt1w12vyum))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-168-370
If you get a letter to me by the 9th of August I will include it in the board meeting packet which is publicly posted online. You can make the case why you're a good fit for the position. Email me at supervisor@daltontownship.org
Jeff Martin
Dalton Township Supervisor