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| Newly-elected Sumpter Township Treasurer Bart Patterson is officially sworn into office by Township Clerk Esther Hurst. |
Patterson took the opportunity to thank those who voted for him Nov. 8 and said he welcomed the opportunity to meet so many residents at the fire station and the community center during the day. He said he was looking forward to his first official township board meeting which took place last Tuesday.
“I'm reminded of the importance of not only the week-to-week affairs in the business management of Sumpter Township, but also the responsibility of planning for the future, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you as treasurer and I do not take the responsibility lightly,” he said in a prepared statement.
“I'd like to encourage everyone to get involved in the community they live in. Most of the time we are content with just focusing on ourselves, our family, and our jobs, and forgetting about the responsibility to serve others, myself included. And even though those things are the most important in our lives, we shouldn't forget the need to serve each other. There are many, many things that every community could use help with, and the first step is just saying 'What can I do to help?' he continued.
Patterson, a Republican, was the choice of 1,712 or 65 percent of voters over his opponent, Sheena Barns who received 35 percent or 923 votes in the election.
“My pledge is to work hard for the citizens of Sumpter Township, to be honest and as forthright as possible,” he added.
Patterson concluded by urging residents to contact him or the treasurer's office at township hall with any concerns or requests for information or help.
