With so many ways to say good-bye, sometimes finding the right one is the hardest part.
At the Nov. 16 regular meeting of the Independence Township Board, township trustees said good-bye to two respected public servants in the best way they new how – by resolution.
Trustee Dan Travis presented the following resolution in honor of former township supervisor Dale Stuart:
Whereas, be it resolved that the Independence Township Board by this action does recognize the more than 20 years of exceptional service that Dale A. Stuart has given to this community; and
Whereas, he has demonstrated strong and fair leadership in all areas of township government; and
Whereas, by his initiative he has helped manage the growth of our township; and
Whereas, he has served as a Township Trustee for eight years from 1980-1988; and he has served as Township Supervisor since 1992 to present; and
Whereas, he has involved many citizens in this area to share in community service; and
Whereas, he has been committed to delivering the best municipal services to residents in a cost effective manner; and
Whereas, he has been successful in securing the cooperation of MDOT and partial funding of the pedestrian and bicycle/safety path over I-75 on the M-15 bridge; and
Whereas, he led the ballot initiative and effort to preserve the open space and revitalize the Liberty Golf course properties; and
Whereas, his initiatives have been innovative on a state wide basis establishing a storm water retention program for the Sashabaw corridor; and
Whereas, resulted in forming the 2020 strategic plan; and
Whereas, he has worked to update and revise our current master plan while being in support of the Design Overlay District; and
Whereas, he has led efforts to prudently fund the growth of the library’s collection; and
Whereas, Dale A. Stuart has demonstrated his personal ethics by placing his faith and family first, his country and community second, and his love of golf and the Michigan marching band in perspective; and
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Township Board has the distinct honor to present this proclamation with thanks for his service to the Charter Township of Independence.
Trustee Larry Rosso gave an emotional reading of the following resolution for former township clerk Joan McCrary:
Whereas, Joan E. McCrary has served with distinction and honor as the Clerk of the Charter Township of Independence for 15 years; and
Whereas, Joan McCrary has demonstrated outstanding leadership in her service to the Michigan Association of Clerks and served as its President in 1999 as well as a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks; and
Whereas, Joan McCrary has been actively involved in a variety of leadership activities with the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) and its regional affiliates; and
Whereas, Joan McCrary is acknowledged as the Independence Township ‘Ambassador? for her continuous service to numerous civic and community organizations and has given of herself toward many charitable causes; and
Whereas, Joan McCrary has always recognized the supportive relationship within her family and the sustaining value of her religious faith;
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of Independence commends Joan McCrary for her 18 years of service as Independence Township Clerk.
In addition to the proclamations, Stuart and McCrary received gifts in recognition for their years of service. Stuart received a small golden gavel, representing the many years of meetings he has attended and led. McCrary was presented a small golden gavel, symbolizing the years of record keeping she has done.
Both officials spoke during the presentation on how they will miss their duties in the township, but how they are also ready to face the new paths of their lives.