A committee is being formed in Lincoln Township to study whether the structure of local government should be changed.
Speaking to colleagues this week, Lincoln Township Trustee Marc Florian said as the community grows, it could be worthwhile to have a hired township manager, rather than an elected supervisor.
“There are multiple reasons for considering something like that, not the least of which is continuity,” Florian said. “A supervisor is up for election every four years, so there’s a potential you’re going lose that person every four years.”
Florian said this same question was last considered in 1993. With so much happening in the township these days, he says it may be better to adopt the model used in communities like St. Joseph Township.
“We’ve been blessed to have a great supervisor for a long period of time, a clerk that’s been around for an equally long period of time — almost — and that’s not going to always be the case. And then what do you do? You’ve got a learning curve at the front end, and then by the time the person gets acclimated to their position, they’re up for re-election again.”
Lincoln Township Supervisor Dick Stauffer isn’t seeking reelection as supervisor this year. Instead, he’s running for trustee. Also, Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter is running for Berrien County Clerk and could therefore be leaving the township position. Florian says that’s a lot of institutional knowledge to be lost.
A committee consisting of trustees and local business leaders will be formed to consider possible changes.
