Dale Stuart wants to continue serving the residents of Independence Township. The Republican Supervisor announced April 19 that he will seek a fourth term in office.
‘The township has grown responsively, but it is at a critical point in its history,? Stuart said. ‘All of the easy parcels to develop are gone. Fiscal restraint is essential. It is more important than ever the township government rests in the hands of educated, experienced people who will make sure that this township remains the best place to live in Michigan.?
Stuart served as a township trustee from 1980 to 1988. He was also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Stuart was first elected Supervisor in 1992.
The filing deadline for Supervisor is May 11. At this point, Stuart and township trustee Dave Wagner are the only individuals to file for the position.
‘I think the timing is appropriate. With the deadline less than a month away and the primary about four months away I thought it was time to announce,? Stuart said. ‘I gave it serious thought. I enjoy the job but going through an election process is draining on yourself and your family.?
Stuart said he is proud of his time as supervisor, specifically Vision 2020, the Sashabaw Drainage Plan, the acquisition of the Sashabaw property, the Liberty Wetland Bank creation and development of various master plans.
‘When I was first elected supervisor, the general fund had an unreserved fund balance under $100,000. Within four years, due to the assistance of a capable staff, prudent township board members and careful spending, the unreserved fund balance exceeded $1 million. The fund balance remains strong today,? Stuart said.
In addition to controlling development, Stuart said a massive subdivision paving program is something he wants to bring to the township. He also wants to see improvements to gravel roads become reality.
‘I want to see things through. I have no misunderstanding that I am the only one who can see these items to fruition, but I have an ability to deal with these things and have developed basic understanding of the issues,? Stuart said.
At the time of Wagner’s announcement, he took issue with Stuart’s management style, including the trustees not getting information in a timely manner and the supervisor’s relationships with other local governments.
‘I try to get them the information as soon as possible but sometimes the stuff is just not ready,? Stuart said. ‘I know, I had the same complaints when I was a trustee. If the board doesn’t feel they know enough about the topic they can always table it to another time.?
Stuart is hoping for a positive campaign and has pledged that he will not go negative.
‘I will be telling people why I should be supervisor for four more years and not why other people shouldn’t be,? Stuart said.
Trustee Larry Rosso has also announced he will be seeking a third term. The retired government teacher has been an Independence Township trustee since 1996.
‘I really enjoy doing this. When I was a teacher I used words and now as a trustee I use actions. After teaching government for so many years I am putting it into practice,? Rosso said.
Rosso is excited about the many items the board has moved forward on during his tenure, including the Sashabaw Town Center project getting and the water renovation.
‘The biggest challenge we will have is to maintain ourselves fiscally and still give our residents the quality level of services they deserve,? Rosso said. ‘It will be a challenge.?