Kalamazoo Township trustee resigns, but will still be on ballot

— One of Kalamazoo Township's trustees is resigning, though her name will still appear on Nov. 5 ballots.

Clara Robinson will be taking on a full-time position with the township as an executive coordinator, which is why she's stepping down from the board.

"This experience has been both rewarding and challenging," Robinson said. "I am 100% grateful for the opportunity that I was gifted to serve the community in this capacity."

In her new role, Robinson will work with new Superintendent Tracie Moored to prepare meeting materials, communicate with residents and assist with accounting and budget planning.

Her understanding of the township's structure, relationship with residents and 12 years in local government make her a good fit for the role, Supervisor Don Martin said.

"She's got institutional knowledge, both internal and community wide, and that is going to serve the township immensely," Moored said.

Due to a conflict of interest, Robinson had to give up her seat on the township board to join the administrative staff, she said.

There are four Democrats — including Robinson — and four Republicans on the ballot, running for four trustee positions.

VOTER GUIDE: Kalamazoo Township candidates focus on families, community's future

"I don't like losing the voice on the board, but I do think that I still have a voice at Kalamazoo Township and can still make a difference," Robinson said.

Robinson was first elected to the board in 2020. Out of six candidates for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 6 primary, Robinson secured 21.4% of the votes, the second-highest vote-getter after incumbent trustee Ashley Glass.

It's too late for the incumbent to take herself off of the Nov. 5 ballot.

"I didn't want people to, dare I say, waste their vote on me," Robinson said. "I wanted people to be informed. I wanted to be very transparent as to what I was doing and why I was doing it."

If elected, Township Attorney Roxanne Seeber said Robinson can choose not to take the oath of office, leaving a vacancy to be filled by the new board.

Beyond filling the spot within 45 days, there are no requirements for the board's selection, Seeber said.

"There's only two meetings left with this current board," Moored said. "So for them to move forward and appoint someone, I think that would be short-sighted."

The board stands to change significantly after Nov. 5. Voters already picked a new supervisor, newcomer David Combs, to take over for Don Martin, in the August primary election.

With Robinson's resignation, at least four of the current board members will not be returning. Incumbent candidates, as well as Clerk Lisa Mackie, face challengers.

Though she won't be endorsing any other candidates for the role, Robinson said she hopes voters will inform themselves and vote for the people to best represent them.

The addition of a township superintendent this summer, plus the institutional knowledge Robinson brings to her role, will aid in a smooth transition, Martin said.

" daily newsletter.