Jim Wenger has decided it’s time to let somebody else count Independence Township’s money.
Treasurer since 1996, Wenger said he will not seek re-election this fall.
‘I am saddened because Jim’s been my buddy for the last three years,? said Clerk Shelagh Vanderveen. ‘I’m going to miss him because he’s right next door to me and he’s been a friend and a help to me.?
Wenger was born in Flint and moved to Independence Township in 1967, after marrying his wife, Sharon. That same year, he began teaching social studies and government at Clarkston High School.
‘Jim is one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever known because he’s extremely dedicated and passionate about his work,? said Trustee Larry Rosso, who taught at the high school with Wenger.
‘He is very people oriented. As a teacher, he took a lot of pride in his job and pride and satisfaction in the students he taught in school ? I regard him truly as a great friend, besides a working colleague both at the Clarkston Schools and the township. I’m glad we could be like partners all these many years, which I think in it self is unusual. It’s been a fantastic experience just to have known Jim and worked with him.?
In 1996, Wenger retired from teaching at Clarkston High School and ran for Independence Township treasurer later that fall. He has been treasurer for the past 12 years.
‘I think Jim has done an excellent job as treasurer. He’s really represented the community fantastically and he will be sorely missed by all,? said Supervisor Dave Wagner.
‘Jim has been a scholar treasurer. He has worked very, very hard to professionalize that office and I think the voters got an incredible bargain when they elected him. Truly he’s done terrific work for this township. I’ve been proud to serve with and wish him very, very well. I’m sad to see him go,? said Trustee Dan Travis.
‘He didn’t run for it (office) as a politician, he was always an educator and I think he brought that service strongly to the service he did for Independence Township. If anything, he overworked every subject and project to be sure everyone got a fair shake and that he was doing the absolutely the very best possible for everyone.?
Wenger is not only known as a teacher, treasurer, and friend, but also as a man who cares for others, said Deputy Treasurer Lill Jawlik.
‘He gives people the benefit of the doubt and if he can do something for them, he will, especially a resident,? Jawlik said. ‘If there’s anything he can do for them, he’s going to do it or he’ll find a way to do it. He will get on the phone and call the county, the state, whoever he’s got to, to help a resident. That’s the kind of guy he is.
‘He’s a very generous kind man, a family man and I like working for him. All the employees like him too, his door is always open. If they have a question or a concern, he’s always there to help them and that’s the truth.?
‘Jim Wenger is a man of character and not only has the township been lucky to put our trust in him as far as money, he’s an outstanding individual and somebody that I think very highly of. It will be a great loss to the township,? said Trustee Dan Kelly.
‘He’s not a guy who seeks out the spotlight, but he’s absolutely the kind of guy you can trust behind the scenes. And that’s real important to having real effective government. There’s never been a doubt in my mind that Jim didn’t vote the way he felt was best for the township without any personal motivation. That’s real important in public officials.?
The Wengers have two children and three grandchildren. The son Jason is married to Janette, with son Drew, 8 years-old and daughter Brynn, 5 years-old. Their other son Matt is married to Natalia, with 5-month-old Issabella.
Sharon recalls her husband made a deal 12 years ago with his senior government class to help keep them motivated.
‘If they didn’t go out as a lame duck, he wouldn’t go out as a lame duck either, but go full throttle,? she said. ‘He is not thinking of going out as treasurer as a lame duck either.?
Those interested in running for a seat on the township board can pick up an application at Independence Township Hall, 90 North Main Street, or call township offices at 248-625-5111. Seats up for election also include supervisor and clerk.