Independent Editor,
The makeup of the Woodhull Township Board changed on May 16, 2016 as a result of the abrupt resignations of the Supervisor and Clerk. Pam Slee and Carole Maize both resigned because of growing tensions between board members and a culture of hostility – cultivated by ex-supervisor Slee’s bias in contracting services and routine denial of resources to the very subdivisions responsible for building a large surplus. The contentious process of developing a road paving policy resulted in both the Supervisor and Clerk quitting during the busiest time of year for the Board and its residents.
The newly appointed officers – Diana Hasse as Supervisor and Paula Starr as Clerk – are working aggressively to bring unity to the Township residents and professionalism to the Board. These appointments were made in the midst of critical activities of the Township. The special assessment districts and road paving agreements had to be completed quickly to assure timely completion and the August primary election requires much preparation. To their credit, the Board has been able to move forward on these projects and others.
The 80/20 Subdivision Road Paving Payment policy, which was the impetus of the controversy is being implemented. With this policy, the Township pays 80% of the cost of paving the subdivision roads if the residents fulfill the requirements of a special assessment district for the remaining 20 percent. As the Township has pivoted to more concentrated population in subdivisions, and the tax revenue has increased accordingly, a transition to a fair approach to payment of needed infrastructure has been adopted.
In the two months since the new Board began working together, Trustees Brehm, and Dodge have been supportive in introducing the new officers to Township activities and working partners. They represent the Township Board on the Planning Committee and Fire Board, respectively. Trustee Dodge invited the Supervisor to attend the LSW Fire Authority Board meeting and introduced her to the public safety arm of the Township. His institutional knowledge provides the continuity that will be an asset to the Board going forward.
Treasurer Jim Cribbs has been invaluable in keeping the day-to-day operations going and initiating Supervisor Hasse and Clerk Starr to the operational workings of the Township. His knowledge of the financial affairs, road paving requirements, tax base, historical Board actions, and policy/procedures of the Township will be critical in laying the groundwork for a more accountable Board.
Clerk Starr has been dedicated to fulfilling the record-keeping requirements of the Township, as well as getting quickly qualified as the election officer of the Township. With the August primary so near, she has shown great leadership in assuring that the Township provides its residents with a seamless transition for election day. Her personal integrity is evident in her pursuit of a professional process.
Supervisor Hasse has provided leadership in determining the legality of past and future activities by the Board and its officers. The retention of a prominent law firm, the review of technology security, and the on-going attempt to retrieve Township assets from the ex-Supervisor are evidence of this. She has attended meetings of the Planning Commission, the Fire Authority and the Park Commission to familiarize herself about the vital role that supporting organizations play. She will be working with these groups and others in preparing future accountability and financial commitments.
This Board is committed to being fiscally responsible with the funds that have accumulated, providing a voice to all residents about Township activities, and reviewing the policies and assessments of the Township for necessity and fairness.
Diana Hasse, Woodhull Township