Support for Amanda Nimke for Sylvan Township Clerk

With the election coming up, I offer these comments for your consideration in support of Amanda Nimke for Sylvan Township Clerk.

> Sylvan Township has had its share of development-related issues over the last couple of years. When our previous supervisor resigned, Amanda Nimke was appointed as our Township Clerk. She has done an outstanding job for our township. Ms. Nimke has shown time and again that she understands that Board members represent township residents and cares about developing our township in an appropriate manner.

> Historically, Sylvan Township has struggled to achieve harmonious development for various reasons. Multiple lawsuits against the township, poorly managed development and rezoning requests, and the water and sewer debacle are evidence of this. During my close involvement in recent inappropriate development requests, I’ve witnessed conflicts of interest that were not handled according to normal standards. I’ve read in the public minutes of inappropriate solicitation of development by someone employed by the township. And, I’ve seen the Planning Commission and Board waste huge amounts of time and resources considering proposals clearly in contradiction with the Master Plan, such as an industrial tow yard in the middle of an Agricultural/Low-Density Residential area. With this pattern of behavior, it is clear that Sylvan Township needs leaders who prioritize the interests of residents and not hidden or self-serving agendas. We need officials who will speak up and stand firm to protect our communities. For this election cycle, I would encourage a vote for Ms. Nimke to assure that resident voices are heard, and to help our community develop appropriately. In fairness and for future consideration, there are others on the Board and Planning Commission (PC) who I've also witnessed acting with the best interests of township residents in mind. They are Kurt Koseck (Board), Tom Bareis (PC), and Leah Herrick (PC) to name a few. Courtney Heller is new to the PC, but has also asked appropriate questions and expressed her care about doing what's right for residents over developers. When their terms are up and it is time for re-election or appointment, please vote and support these caretakers of our township.

Renee Townsend

Sylvan Township