Nearing the end to her first four-year term, Independence Township Clerk Shelagh VanderVeen is ready for more.
‘A benchmark of our democracy is a fair election process,? said VanderVeen, announcing her bid for re-election in November.
‘During the past four years there have been numerous legislative changes to our elections, both from the federal and state governments.?
VanderVeen credits her staff and volunteers for working with her to provide a smooth and efficient transition to the new procedures.
‘A lot of people don’t understand how difficult this job is, there is kind of a steep learning curve,? said VanderVeen.
‘They’ve got a lot of things to learn, how government works, and how elections work.?
She said her previous career as a lawyer also helped her in her job.
‘I definately think my legal background has come in handy (for) understanding laws and ordinance requirements and my statutory duties,? she said. ‘I’ve also tried to keep up with classes that are offered through the Michigan Township Association.?
When asked what accomplishment she is most proud of, she said one of the first things she tackled was recoding of the ordinances.
‘They had not been thoroughly reviewed for obsolete and inconsistent language in many years,? she said.
‘They have now been examined, corrected and are available on the township website.?
VanderVeen also instituted a ‘Casual Day? program which allows employees to wear leisure attire to work on Fridays.
In return for this privilege, they are encouraged to put a $1 contribution into the ‘jean jars.?
‘Over a three year period, employees have contributed more than $2,000 to the Casual Day Fund, money which has been distributed to local charities to help the needy,? said VanderVeen.
While she is proud of her accomplishments to date, she believes much is left to be done.
‘Independence Township has remained fiscally solvent during these difficult economic times. We need to be vigilant in our efforts to keep the budget balanced,? she said.
‘We also need to serve our current and future residents and businesses by providing a balanced approach to quality development and preservation of open space.?