FeedsBoard says ‘farewell’
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Outgoing members of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees-Supervisor Cindy King, Clerk Joannie Payne, Trustee Walter Rochowiak and Trustee Lianne Clair-hosted a reception to thank the community for their many years of service.It was a bittersweet celebration for members of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees recently.
The four departing board members—Supervisor Cindy King, Clerk Joannie Payne and Trustees Walter Rochowiak and Lianne Clair—who have spent countless hours together, hosted a reception to thank the community for their many years of service to Van Buren Township. It was a celebration of residents, commissioners and dignitaries who helped commemorate the years, according to King.
“I have enjoyed my 16 years on township board,” she said. “It has been challenging, demanding, involving many hours away from home, but very rewarding.
“It has been rewarding to see residents enjoy the fruits of our collective labor when they are recreating at a township park, knowing they live in a clean and safe community,” she added. “As a lifelong resident and someone who has spent 26 years at township hall, beginning as a co-op student in 1978 when I was 17 years old, I have gotten to know many people who call Van Buren home, indeed township hall has been my home away from home.
“Not to sound trite, but our residents are our greatest asset,” King added. “I believe in the system that elects people to serve our residents and I respect the desire of the majority who voted for change. I hope they will benefit from the changes they sought with seating four new board members.”
Walter Rochowiak, a trustee for 20 years, said he was very taken by the graciousness of supporters to show-up to say farewell.
“These years have been the greatest part of my life to be able to serve for 20 years,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed them tremendously and if I had to do it again, I would do it tomorrow.”
Lianne Clair said it was an emotional time—probably the least for her because of her shorter term as a board trustee—but she was saddened because she just barley got her feet wet in the trustee position.
“It was a wonderful learning experience,” Clair said. “I was able to draw upon the background of the governmental team and, I, too, had a different experience to bring to the table, which together made us stronger.
King said her greatest contribution was the time and effort expended as township supervisor. She has done her best to listen, communicate, manage tax dollars, deliver cost-effective service and develop a team of professionals, she said.
“I will miss serving on the board, but I’m looking forward to new opportunities,” she said. “I expect my days will be less demanding and stressful and that I will have more time to pursue leisure activities and time to spend with family and friends. I suspect I will be stopped less while grocery shopping and eating in local eateries, as people will be asking the new board members questions about activity in the township.
“As for my future, I see bright days ahead and I’m optimistic life will continue to be rewarding,” she added.
Rochowiak said it’s going to take some adjustment not to be at the township hall all the time making decisions, but things will work out just fine, he said.
“Thank-you, community, for the years,” said Rochowiak.
Treasurer Sharry Budd will continue on the board, but not without wishing past members the ‘best of luck.’
“They’ll be missed,” she said. “You don’t work with people for so many years, share as much time as you do and not have it be hard to say goodbye. You share as much time with them as you do your own family.
However, Budd was elected to do her job and move forward, she said.
“It’s going to be different because we don’t know each other, but we will work the same way again because we’re all there for one purpose,” said Budd.
Trustee Jeff Jahr said the past board brought a diversity of background and interests and, they all respected each other’s opinions.
“Cindy brought a degree of professionalism to the job, not only to employees and directors, but the township has been recognized regionally as she was quite a leader,” he said. “The other leaving board members know how much they’ll be missed, too.”
“I’m certainly committed to working with the new board,” he added. “Anyone who runs for that position is dedicated to the good of the community.”
