Atlas Twp.- As one deputy township clerk says good-bye, another prepares to take the reins.
Carol Behm has served as Atlas Township deputy clerk for seven years, alongside Clerk Tere Onica.
‘She came on board when I took over as clerk,? says Onica, recalling times the two adjusted to their mutual new positions in the township.
Behm said she’s enjoyed her time in Atlas.
‘It’s a neat little community’very friendly and accepting. I’m sorry to be leaving, but it’s closer to family and grandchildren,? said Behm, who will be moving to Missouri.
But now, as Behm prepares to move from Michigan, Onica has been charged with finding someone new to tackle the job.
After interviewing eight candidates by phone and the final four in-person, it became clear to Onica that resident Faith Woolley was that person.
Woolley has more than 13 years office experience as well as election experience to offer, in addition to having her bachelor of arts degree from Spring Arbor University.
To ease the transition, Woolley has been spending time learning the ropes of her new job before officially taking over for Behm on June 18. She said she is looking forward to becoming more involved with the township.
‘Even though I’ve been here (as a resident for) ten years, I look forward to meeting new people and serving the community. I look forward to meeting them as they come into the community,? said Woolley.
‘Faith worked with us through the May 2007 election and I was very impressed,? said Onica. ‘She’s picked up on all of the job responsibilities fairly easily.?
However, her confidence in Woolley’s abilities does not mean Behm’s absence will not be felt by Onica and others.
‘Carol will be missed,? said Onica. ‘Carol will definitely be missed. She did an excellent job.?
Behm, who also works at St. Mark Catholic Church, said it will be the people she worked with and the community she works for she will miss most.
‘You get to know the community,? said Behm.
‘She’s just done a fantastic job in the seven years she’s been here.? said Onica.
That, she added, deserves recognition.