A new era began in Springfield Township last week as new officials were sworn into office and longtime Supervisor Collin Walls and Clerk Nancy Strole stepped into retirement.
‘I want to thank the entire community for the privilege and honor to serve,? said Walls as he wrapped his final board meeting Nov. 13. ‘Tonight is not the end. It’s the beginning of new enthusiasm, new dreams, and new excitement, and I challenge the community to support this new board.?
Recalling a number of specific individuals who frequented meetings in days gone by, Walls said he hoped the new board would attract a following in the community.
‘They were never reluctant to tell us what they thought, and 99 percent of the time? they hit the nail on the head,? he said. ‘So if you think residents who come to meetings don’t matter, you’re wrong.?
Walls also acknowledged service from Planning Commission, Board of Appeals, Parks Commission, and Library Board members, as well, and said he felt Springfield Township is a ‘very special place? for two reasons.
‘One,? he said, ‘the (natural) blessings God gave us. We still have them because what we do not have is good farmland. My grandfather apparently said he couldn’t raise hell with a stick of dynamite on most of the land around here.?
The township’s hilly, wooded areas, he pointed out, for the most part prevented the farming degradation prevalent in other areas.
‘The other reason it’s a special place is the people haven’t really changed,? he said. ‘The faces are different but the basic philosophy is the same’Springfield Township is a place with a proud past and a promising future.?
Retiring Clerk Nancy Strole also voiced gratitude and hope for the township’s future.
‘It’s been an honor to serve residents these last 20 years,? she said. ‘I know these are difficult economic times, and sometimes we’re focusing on the next five minutes or just tomorrow.?
But the economic situation was worse when she and her husband arrived from the east coast in the 80s, Strole noted, citing 13 percent mortgage interest rates.
‘Despite the ups and downs, (various township boards) never lost sight of the vision of what Springfield Township is, what it can be, and what makes it special,? she said. ‘I know there will be some difficult challenges for this board, but I know they won’t lose sight of the vision.?
Oakland Country Commissioner Bill Bullard was also on hand to present proclamations thanking Walls, Strole and Trustee Mark Cooper for their service.
The board’s veteran trustee, Denny Vallad, also spoke in praise of the retiring supervisor and clerk.
Reflecting on the years since he was first elected in 1988, Vallad cited numerous issues tackled by the board.
Camp Holly, incinerators and landfills, cluster developments, toxic waste sites, double-digit growth, native landscaping and resource protection were just the top of his list.
‘Through it all, Nancy and Collin were the pillars of support I relied on,? Vallad said. ‘Through it all, they helped me to a greater appreciation of the community we all call home.?
Like Walls, Vallad noted ‘the people? along the way who made a difference and served as an inspiration.?
‘What I will remember the most is the friendships we have enjoyed for all these years,? he said. ‘Our disagreements along the way have been few and always short-lived.?
Vallad said he was certain retirement would not mark the end of community involvement for Walls or Strole.
‘My only hope is that you can finally reduce the number of hours you work on our behalf,? he said. ‘After all these years, you have certainly earned that privilege.? And just so you know, like the Motel 6, I will always ‘leave the light on for you.? God Bless you both and God Bless our community.?