Beverly Johnson plans to say good-bye to Oxford Township government in December after 34 years of service.
‘You know when it’s time to go and I know that it’s my time to go now,? she said.
Johnson began working in the township office in January 1973 doing whatever needed to be done such as writing out all the property tax assessments by hand and addressing the envelopes to mail them.
‘I just did a little bit of everything,? she said.
In July 1974, Clerk Clara Sanderson appointed Johnson as deputy clerk, a position she’s held ever since.
‘She has been a most dedicated, honorable, moral, exceptional employee as well as a deputy,? Sanderson said. ‘Behind every good, responsible elected official is his or her deputy (who) should be recognized.?
Johnson decided to retire this year rather than face the numerous elections next year, which for a clerk’s office means long hours and lots of extra work. ‘I just don’t want that stress,? she said.
She also wants to spend more time with her two children (Roxann and Rodney) and grandchildren (Emily, Matthew, Jack and William).
‘I want to watch my grandkids play baseball, basketball and volleyball,? Johnson said.
Following her last day Dec. 12, Johnson and her whole family are taking a seven-day cruise together to Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman Island. Johnson said retiring now will allow her to ‘do the things I want to do while I’m healthy enough to do them.?
While she won’t miss the work-load, Johnson said she will miss all the people at the township office. ‘I’ve really enjoyed working here,? she said.
For Johnson, the best part has been working with Sanderson.
‘Clara and I are probably more like sisters than like employee and employer,? she said.
The clerk’s department is now facing a staffing shortage given the recent resignation of Lorie Exel, who was in charge of keeping the Qualified Voter File up-to-date and served as recording secretary at township board meetings. Exel took a job with Orion Twp.
With the January 15 presidential primary election approaching fast, Sanderson said she has ‘a lot to think about? staff-wise.
Sanderson said she plans to advertise for an administrative assistant to the clerk, a full-time position. As the election gets closer, she said she may need to seek additional temporary help. Hiring the right people is critical, according to the clerk.
‘Quite honestly, in all my years of service here, it has always been a benefit to me to have these wonderful employees. I think that’s probably why I’ve lasted so long,? she explained. ‘The people under me have always been so supportive. We’ve always worked so well together and really did produce a fine product in the clerk’s office.?
Because both the Republicans and Democrats have until November 11 to pull out of the January primary, Sanderson she ‘can’t get too far ahead? of herself because if the election is cancelled, any monies expended by the township on things like ballots and absentee voter applications will not be reimbursed and they can’t be reused.