Search for ‘Republican’ township clerk continues
Democrats need not apply.
Apparently political affiliation is a deciding qualification to fill the vacant position of clerk in Plymouth Township. An application for the position is currently posted on the township website following a deadlocked 3-3 vote of trustees for two candidates last week.
Township Supervisor Chuck Curmi was candid in his required qualifications for the position noting at the end of the meeting last week that he intends to appoint a Republican to the job.
"Jerry Vorva was a Republican and I want to see a Republican in that office because the voters voted for somebody who's a Republican,” he said. “I know Democrats feel they should have a shot at it, but you'll get that shot in (the 2028 election)."
Current board trustees, Jen Buckley and Sandy Groth, both Republicans, each expressed an interest in the post which pays $120,000, plus benefits annually. The elected office was left vacant with the resignation of Jerry Vorva in February. Trustees delayed accepting Vorva’s resignation
until the state mandated April 21 deadline for a special election to fill the job had elapsed. Had the board accepted Vorva’s February resignation prior to April 21, state law requires a special election to complete the term. Following that deadline, state law allows the board members to appoint a successor to the position. In his letter of resignation, Vorva said his last day on the job would be March 13, but his resignation has not yet been formally accepted by the board members. As of last week, Vorva was still receiving his full salary while touring Europe.
The continued employment of current Deputy Clerk Paula Jefferson was a deciding factor in at least one vote on the replacement clerk candidates last week. Trustee Mark Clinton said Groth’s failure to assure the board of Jefferson’s continued employment was a deciding factor for him. Buckley told the board members she would keep the current deputy clerk in her position.
Groth, who has administered elections in Plymouth, Plymouth Township and Livonia during her 25-year municipal career, said choosing a candidate for the position should be based on experience. Buckley, who has no clerk’s office experience, told her fellow trustees she has a valuable “working relationship” with current clerk’s staff.
Groth was the choice of Curmi and Trustee John Stewart while Buckley received votes from Clinton and Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz. Each candidate voted for themselves.
The job was posted on the township website April 23 but does not include any designation of political affiliation. Responsibilities of the clerk’s office include the management and oversight of all elections and all official records, including township finances. The Plymouth Township clerk’s office is also a U.S. Passport facility and handles any Freedom of Information Act requests. Today, April 30, was the deadline for applications. The new clerk will be responsible for managing the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general elections in the community.
The board will revisit the appointment at a special meeting set for 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, May 5, at Township Hall.
