For Dave Wagner, Independence Township supervisor, 2007 was an excellent year.
‘We had some budget concerns that the board addressed to me and I was confident that we would have a good year. It appears right now that it was another banner year for the township,? he said. ‘Of course, our audit won’t be completed until sometime in May of ?08, so I don’t have any exact figures, but through watching all of our expenses, I would hope to see some sort of surplus, not like in ?06, but still some surplus once again.?
A couple 2007 highlights: building department took on more responsibility regarding plan review and wetlands, and administration and fire department negotiated a labor contract in about one week, which can be considered ‘record time.?
‘It was hard work with the fire department and myself to come to the agreement that we reached and I really appreciate their dedication and their help,? said Wagner.
The McLaren healthcare village project was the biggest accomplishment of the year, he said.
‘It will take some time to truly understand the benefits we will be receiving from that entire project because it is a real plus for the community,? he said. ‘They hope to be in the medical facility by spring of 2009, which will bring 300-400 jobs.?
The township also built a new Senior Center without having to go to tax payers for a millage increase.
‘I think that’s one of the things I am probably proudest of because of the unsafe conditions they have been in for years. Finally, we have them in a safe, comfortable, facility that’s accessible,? said Wagner. ‘When the economy turns around, possibly residents of the township will consider a community center, but for right now, the way people are hurting in the township, it’s of course completely out of the question.?
As Wagner looks ahead at 2008, there are still a lot of things he wants to accomplish, which is why he is running for re-election in November.
‘I’m very proud of my staff and the hard work they’ve put in over these years to help keep out budget in control and save money,? he said.
This year will be hard because taxable values are dropping in the township, which means less revenue will be generated in the township. The township has to keep an eye on spending money ‘wisely,? noted Wagner.
‘I am hoping with ?08, the commercial development that’s coming to the township will be beneficial to our existing businesses to help sustain them through these difficult times,? he said. ‘The small businesses are what make this township what it is and their pockets are only so deep.?
The township is making plans to improve Dixie Highway as well, Wagner said.
‘There are some buildings over there that have been vacant for some time. I’ve been talking to my planner and others to see what we could possibly do to stimulate something on Dixie Highway to make sure the efforts we’ve put into that road over the years are not wasted,? he said.
Wagner also plans to keep a good relationship with neighboring municipalities and the school district. The relationship must be a ‘continuous effort and not taken for granted,? he said.
‘I think that’s what happens, you work so good together, and then you forget to talk to one another. The next thing you know, there’s difficulties that pop up,? he said. ‘I am very proud of my working relationship with the surrounding communities and the schools.?
Wagner also wants to keep good relationships with the fire and police departments.
‘Fire Chief Steve Ronk, of course I am somewhat biased, I believe he is by far the best fire chief that you could ever have. We should be thrilled to have that type of person in this township,? he said. ‘Lt. Dale LaBair (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office) is another one who calls me, talks to me, and keeps me informed on all issues. They know they can call me anytime of night and keep me up to date in situations that may come up.?
Two or three times a week, Wagner rides with the sheriff’s department to get an understanding of what is going on in the community and whether there should be increased patrols, and listen to residents about the fire or the police departments, he said.
‘The professionalism from both the police and fire departments is unbelievable,? said Wagner. ‘We have two individuals who know what leadership is all about.?