Huber Ridge Area

Interested and qualified candidates for the position of trustee should apply via the Blendon Township website, www.blendontwp.org.  Submissions must be received at the township office no later than the close of business April 17, 2009.

Qualified candidates must be at least 18, a resident of Blendon Township, and a registered voter.  Past community involvement, management,and leadership experience will be considered, according to their post.

Please keep in mind that if you are chosen as Bill Bates' replacement and you wish to keep the position, you will have to run for re-election this November.

The application form, in addition to providing basic information about you, has seven questions for you to answer.  Even if you are not interested in the position yourself, take time to look at the questions.  I would love to know the answers to these questions from our current board as well as the future board member, especially numbers 4 and 5.

As residents, let us pay attention to our local goverment.  We need to support them, hold them accountable, and be actively involved in our community.  I trust that our leaders will carefully consider their choice for Bill Bates' replacement.  I also trust that only those with integrity will apply and ultimately be considered.  Much more is needed for the position, but integrity is high on my list.

Pam Clegg

Sorry to post again, but just want to add one more note - I hope no "politicians" apply and get the job.  Webster's - "a person primarily interested in political offices from selfish or other narrow usu. short-run interests."

Please, no "politicians" apply.  Our township does not need you.

Pam Clegg

Best wishes Bill Bates in the next chapter of life, thank you for your 27 years of service to the township and residents.

Bill's early retirement brings around a process of appointment for his replacement. this appointment is for the remainder of his term which expires dec 31 2009. The residents of Blendon Township will choose 2 trustee's this November 3rd, Stewart Flaherty will be up for re-election and the seat Bill retired from will be up for election. The 2 trustee's currently have a choice of whom to fill Bill's position now until the voters make a choice in November.

I believe Stewart Flaherty and Jerry Ward are taking this responsibility serious. They have opened an application process with a ending date and have a application on the Blendon Township website that must be filled out for any one interested in fulfilling the remainder of Bill's term. After reviewing the applications the trustee's have to agree on one candidate to fulfill the vacated seat until dec 31st. if an agreement between our trustee's is not reached then the process will proceed to the Franklin county probate judge to decide.

Unfortunately this process opens the doors for any one who meets the requirement outlined on the Blendon Township website and the Franklin County Board of Elections, including those who have interests to supplement their income and benefits with this position or to use this position to spring board their political career. meaning have ulterior motives other than the Township and the residents best interests at heart. I am confident with the refined process Mr. Flaherty and Mr. Ward have taken to best make this decision, they can agree on one candidate best suited for this job. in the end though the residents of Blendon Township will make the final choice in November.

In our democracy we do have a voice in our local government, you can make yours known now and on November 3rd.

Again Thank You Bill for your service.