In the previous post below I got exactly one volunteer, a board member. If we can’t form such an organization, we can’t improve in my view. We need three to incorporate at a non-profit. I make one. We need two more minimum on the way to 1% of voters being members or about 170.
In addition to this Citizens Board being advisory; it would be my intention that the Township Board ignores our advice only with great danger, as we will survey township voters to be sure our recommendations have support of a majority. Ignoring what voters want will then lead to replacement by recall or no re-election, depending on seriousness and urgency.
At the time I wrote this, I got this comment:
“Interesting concept. A much simpler approach would be to do what other Charter Townships do and have these Board positions be paid full-time positions. Up until 2000, the Township Supervisor, Clerk & Treasurer were full-time paid positions. Those people serving in these positions at that time wanted to retire, so they had the Board make them part-time positions with minimal pay. Of course our Township was quite smaller in population so this made sense.”
note – Population – Year 2020-20,067, Year 2000 – 13071
I think we should do both things. The Citizens Advisory Board is needed to perform a responsible effective watchdog role. This is necessary and to me is required in “self-government”.
Oakland Township Sentinel 