Mike Trout joked he was fairly confident’but not entirely sure’he wouldn’t have to wrestle the keys from retiring Collin Walls when he takes over as Springfield Township’s new supervisor.
Trout, along with other newly elected officials, will be sworn in at township offices Tuesday, Nov. 18.
‘I’m excited,? said Trout, who left a position at Bishop International Airport in Flint to run for supervisor. ‘The three months between the primary and now seem like forever.?
Over the last several weeks, Trout said he’s spent a significant amount of time with Walls to observe and learn his new role.
Walls will preside over his last meeting as supervisor Thurs., Nov. 13, and retire after 32 years of service.
‘I know Collin will be around to answer any questions that come up,? said Trout, noting budget issues, getting to know township personnel, and a Dixie Highway Corridor improvement plan are among his top priorities.
‘We’ve been taking a detailed look at concepts for the boulevard and pathways,? he said of the cooridor. ‘We’re moving along at a good rate, and I hope to have a plan in place by the beginning of the year.?
Trout said he also wants to look at ideas for improvement of downtown Davisburg, senior citizen facilities, alternative energy, and options for police and fire departments.
Newly elected Trustee Judy Hensler’who garnered the most votes in Tuesday’s election’said she was also excited to take her seat on the board.
‘I’m very pleased that many people have confidence in me,? she said. ‘I appreciate all the support from the people of Springfield Township and I’m anxious to get started.?
Hensler said she is especially interested in addressing the traffic issues at Davisburg Road and Dixie Highway.
‘I don’t have the solution,? she said. ‘But I’m definitely interested in looking into the problem and finding out how it could be made better.?
In addition, Hensler said she’d like to see the revitalization of downtown Davisburg.
‘I think it’s very important to have a central gathering area,? she explained. ‘I do think the township will have to step in and help, but there seems to be a lot of community support behind the idea, and the time is right for change.?
Hensler, along with Clerk-elect Laura Moreau, will also be sworn into office Nov. 18. Moreau did not return a call seeking comment.
In Springfield, a total of 8,005 people voted, for a turnout of 77.56 percent. Of these 8,005 voters 1,771, or approximately 22 percent, voted absentee.
Incumbent trustees Denny Vallad, Dave Hopper and Roger Lamont were reelected to new terms on the board; trustee Marc Cooper gave up his seat in an unsuccessful bid for the clerk’s position.
Vote results were: Mike Trout 5,886 votes; Laura Moreau 5,693; Incumbent treasurer Jamie Dubre 5,601; Judy Hensler 4,976; Dave Hopper 4,824; Roger Lamont 4,641; and Denny Vallad 4,651.