A challenger for township clerk has risen. Joseph Lawrence, Independence Township planning commissioner, is taking on incumbent Shelagh VanderVeen for the Republican nomination.
‘The reason I am running for clerk is because I really have a deep profound interest in this community,? said Lawrence.
He and his family moved to Independence Township in 1991 from Saginaw because of his job.
‘We looked at a lot of communities including Birmingham, Rochester Hills, just very crowded areas,? he said. ‘We didn’t like the congestion, the small lot sizes.?
In 1998, his job took him and his family to Europe.
‘When it came time to return to this area in 2001, there was no discussion among our family, there was no question,? said Lawrence. ‘We wanted to move back to Independence Township because we really enjoy this area, the lifestyle, all the things that makes Independence Township a very special place to live.?
His longtime business background, and experience in journalism and corporate communications makes him qualified for clerk, he said.
‘One of the duties of the clerk’s office is communications, speaking with the citizens about important topics of its elections, the budget,? he said. ‘All the various aspects of the clerk’s office require somebody with a good business background and an excellent communications background.?
Lawrence first became interested in running for clerk when he heard discussions about making clerk, treasurer, and supervisor part-time position. One of his major concerns is bringing in a professional manager from outside the area, who has to get to know the community and learn how things work around here.
‘Many cases, a lot of these professional managers are gone in three to four years because they’re seeking the next bigger position in other communities,? said Lawrence. ‘This cannot possibly be a part-time job. This is not a small community or northern village where you can have a part-time clerk, treasurer and supervisor.?
If township residents want a professional manager, then the issue should be put to a referendum, he said.
‘Let’s have a popular vote on it,? he said. ‘You can’t administratively change a form of government that’s worked here for decades.?
Growth of the community puts more responsibility upon the clerk’s office and staff concerning management, communications, finance, and elections, he said.
‘Those are four very important services, said Lawrence. ‘For our tax dollars, township residents should expect nothing less than full-time service, full-time responsibility from their elected township clerk. It’s that simple.?
He said township government can’t stop the township’s growth, but can decide how it’s approached. On the township Planning Commission, Lawrence paid close attention to land use, he said.
‘We need to ensure that Independence Township is a community of choice for people to live, work and play in,? he said.
In past years, he and fellow planners worked on the Master Plan, updated it and are now ready for a public hearing.
‘It’s a very sound document that shows a very responsible way we are going to grow this community,? said Lawrence. ‘I would encourage township citizens to go on the township’s website, take a look at it. We are currently taking and have received a lot of comments already from citizens, which shows the people are interested.?
In addition, Lawrence plans to work to improve citizen access and communications through ‘useful and user-friendly technologies,? such as interactive internet and cable TV coverage of township meetings and services. He also wants to work with the Clarkston Community Schools to consolidate school-district and township elections.
‘The current election schedule is confusing and wasteful,? he said. ‘We can save thousands of taxpayer dollars simply by combining our township and school elections.?
He also feels there needs to be ‘more cooperation? on the township board and says he sees ‘divisiveness? among board members.
‘I don’t see a lot of communication going on outside of the official meetings. If I am elected that’s going to change,? said Lawrence. ‘Between the treasurer, clerk, and supervisor, there needs to be constant dialogue going on.?
If elected, he also plans to get involved with the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.
‘I’ve been on the website acquainting myself with the various programs that are on there to find out the latest in municipal administration, so I’m already working on learning, educating myself about the position,” he said.
Lawrence was born in Pittsburgh. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University, and an associate’s degree in journalism / communications from Allegheny Community College.
He owns Public Relations Solutions and is a member of Michigan Association of Planning, North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, and Independence Township Friends of the Library.
Lawrence has been married to his wife, Pam, for 18 years. Their daughter Carrie, 30, of Chapel Hill, NC, is a member of the Clarkston High School class of 1996, and a Western Michigan University graduate. Their son Mark, 16, is a sophomore at Clarkston High School.
‘This is not a one issue campaign,? said Lawrence. ‘It’s about part-time government. It’s about what is the smart way to grow this community and what’s the best way to deliver services??
Registration deadline for voters is July 7 for the Aug, 5 primary, and Oct. 6 for the Nov. 4 general election.