By Susan Bromley

Staff Writer

Ortonville-After years of zero turnover, a third employee at the village offices announced she was leaving this week.

Molly LaLone officially declared her resignation on Tuesday after more than eight years as village DDA executive director and Main Street manager. Her last day of work in the village was to be May 27. She is taking on the same roles in Lake Orion and said she informed the executive committee of the Ortonville DDA Board of Directors on May 12.

“I didn’t want to make a public announcement until receiving approval by the (Lake Orion) village council,” said LaLone. “I am very passionate about downtown management and there were opportunities in Lake Orion that I wanted to pursue— better benefits and a shorter commute, along with a bigger opportunity.”

In her formal resignation letter, LaLone thanked Ortonville for the past eight-and-a-half years she has served as DDA executive director here and the chance to “learn on the job.”

“You gave me the chance to meet and love your whole community,” she wrote.

“We have made a difference together. And along the way, I discovered my professional passion for downtown management. This is priceless and it wouldn’t have happened without you!”

The Downtown Development Authority, the objective of which is to promote economic growth and development, operates under Michigan Public Act 197. Comprised of a board of directors, the executive director and volunteers, the DDA’s mission is to help current and potential business owners within the DDA zone.

LaLone also operates as the manager of the village’s Main Street Oakland County program, which has similar objectives, with a focus on historic preservation.

One of LaLone’s biggest projects while in Ortonville was the attempt to bring sewers to the village, which failed in an overwhelming vote in November 2015.

“It was a huge challenge and life lesson to go through the process of trying to get sewers,” she said. “I’m sorry we didn’t get sewers, but it was a vote of the people and I respect the opinion of the community.”

She is proud of success in other areas.

“So many little things happened, but if I took a snapshot from when I first got here to now, the changes are subtle, but there is a difference,” said LaLone. “The sidewalks are safe, Crossman Park is more usable, both the Old Town Hall and the Old Mill have been beautifully maintained. DDA was part of the changes that happened and I am grateful to be part of all the changes that went on. I will miss everybody here.”

The DDA Board will act as interim director and the personnel committee will post the position, LaLone added, and then conduct interviews. A new director must be approved by both the DDA Board and village council.

The village council recently hired Mike Lee as the new village manager, replacing John Lyons who retired. Village Clerk Julie Hanna also had her last day this week as she has accepted a position with Oakland Schools.