A message from Mark Legvold

Friends, 

Wednesday, March 18th, I swore in my replacement as clerk.  Thyra Nelson is so well-equipped to do the work of clerk and will administer the business of the township with professionalism, efficiency and a new level of competencies.  Please support her in the work.  I also swore in Tony Rowan to his supervisor position.  I'm so glad we have his even temperament and leadership serving our township again in that role.

As I walked out to the Township mailbox for the last time, I reflected on my tenure as clerk and the things that I learned and the improvements I attempted in both business practices and in emotional management in the frame of "Responsible" governance.

Public packets getting put on the website prior to meetings was a key initiative.  This takes time and energy to accomplish and wasn't met with joy at first, but now I believe most folks really appreciate the view and ability to gain access to the same documents as the board.  The first priority of anyone serving in any office is to keep the public's trust, and if you're not purposefully building trust, it erodes like the banks of an unvegetated creek.  This was a good first-step to building trust and I hope it will be continued and built upon.

Finance and budget teamwork was another key part of the work I felt moved trust forward.  Working with the treasurer cooperatively to build a group to analyze, forecast, and communicate about the past, present, and future state of the township's funds was such a positive experience.  As Wayne Peterson and Thyra continue this work this coming year, I urge new folks to get engaged.  Speaking of our treasurer - I was very thankful for his experience and the way we worked together throughout the year.  While not always agreeing on everything, he was a good partner in keeping the public's trust and helping me learn the complex CTAS program. This teamwork showed in the annual meeting, where the finances were able to be communicated openly in order for all of us to make an educated decision on our tax levy.

We all owe a big thanks to Kathy Edwards for stepping in as the deputy clerk.  Her work helping manage all the aspects of CTAS and many of the administrative tasks was invaluable, and I'm glad she's going to help Thyra get up to speed in the program.  Thanks Kathy!

The officers past and present in our township were all immensely helpful.  We all know that emotions can be carried over years in a small township - many for good reason - but we were all able to put them aside to get the work of the people done, even when it was hard.  Relationships matter in how the work is done and I believe that by the end of the year we had all come to a relationship of trust and understanding, which allowed any disagreement on decisions to be moved through with less negative emotion.  I hope this trend continues and that we're all able to find grace with the people in our community!

I want to say thank you to each of you.  Public service is a gift of trust given by many to a few.  I appreciate the gift you entrusted me with this past year.

~Mark