The Independence Township reform slate has lost a member, as Terri Nallamothu declined to file for trustee.
‘It’s just some family issues and family comes first, so this time I think I will drop out and who knows in four years, I might come around again,? said Nallamothu. ‘I’d love to do something. I just have a passion for it now.?
Nallamothu said she will be urging her neighbors to vote for the slate because she agrees with one of the slate’s main issues: professional manager for the township.
‘We all wish her and her family well and hope that in the future circumstances will allow her to get involved in township government,? said Neil Wallace in an e-mailed response. ‘She is an obviously bright, energetic person who cares for our community.?
Shelagh VanderVeen, Independence Township clerk, said she was disappointed.
‘I like Terri and was looking forward to working with her, but I understand if she has family issues,? said VanderVeen. ‘She has to take care of those first, that’s absolutely the most important thing.?
The slate will continue with six candidates, Wallace said.
‘That will be enough to accomplish our principle goal of bringing in to the township for the day-to-day operations someone who is educated, trained and experienced in municipal government with all the complexities of a modern multi-million dollar enterprise,? he said.
Wallace said they still have the ‘best candidates? for clerk, treasurer, and supervisor.
‘This is crucial because we will need them to agree, as they have pledged, to take the necessary cuts in pay and job duties to have the money available to pay the professional manager,? he said.