Less than 24 hours after the Webster Township Board appointed George Goodman as its new supervisor, longtime Treasurer John Scharf submitted his resignation, bringing to a close a decade on the township board.
Scharf’s resignation letter, dated July 15, states that he will step down effective Nov. 30, 2026, allowing time for an orderly transition. The resignation still must be accepted by the township board.
“It has been an honor to serve on this Board these past ten years,” Scharf wrote. “I am truly grateful that our community elected me to represent them three times.
“Unfortunately, all good things come to an end.
“Please accept this letter of resignation from the office of Treasurer. In order to allow for an orderly transition, I hereby resign effective November 30, 2026.”
Scharf currently serves as Webster Township treasurer and previously served as a township trustee after first being elected to the board in 2016.
Resignation Follows Supervisor Vote
The resignation comes one day after the township board selected George Goodman to fill the supervisor vacancy created by Mike DeAngelo’s resignation.
Scharf was one of three applicants for the position, along with Goodman and Peter Stevens. After a nomination process, only Goodman and Scharf advanced to the final vote. The board voted 4-2 against appointing Scharf before approving Goodman on a 5-1 vote.
During the discussion, several trustees said keeping Scharf in the treasurer’s office was an important consideration because of his expertise and the disruption that filling another elected position could create.
Trustee Shelly Vrsek said, “I also think that losing John in the treasurer’s role would be another disruption in the township office that would be hard for us to fill.”
Scharf urged the board not to let that influence its decision, telling trustees he had spent months preparing Deputy Treasurer Amanda Weiss to take over if needed.
“One of the things that I learned in my career was the importance of succession planning,” Scharf said. “I have trained Amanda Weiss as my deputy treasurer. She is fully 100% capable of doing the job of treasurer, and she is willing and able to be the treasurer.”
Clarifying His Remarks
One of the meeting’s most memorable moments came when Scharf interrupted the discussion after trustees cited the value of retaining him as treasurer.
“You’ll be making a mistake if you think I’ll stay as treasurer. It shouldn’t be part of the consideration,” Scharf told the board.
Responding afterward to a request from The Sun Times News to explain the comment, Scharf said it was never intended as a threat.
“In consultation with wise people in our community, I searched for advice on how to convey to my fellow board members that my being Treasurer should not be part of their consideration when selecting the Supervisor. Our conclusion was that there was no way to relay that information without it sounding like a threat. In no way was it a threat. It was simply a statement of fact. Making threats is not my nature.”
Scharf also revealed that his decision had already been made before the July 14 meeting.
“Prior to the meeting last night, I had made my decisions about my next steps, regardless of the outcome. As you can see from the attached document, I have submitted my resignation.
“It is up to the board as to when, and if, they accept the resignation.
“I will continue to serve as the Treasurer for the DAFD and the President of the Dexter Senior Center. However, my main objective going forward is the pursuit of happiness.”
Praise from Fellow Trustees
Although trustees differed on who should become supervisor, several praised Scharf’s service and expertise during the discussion.
Trustee Jeff Harms called Scharf’s knowledge of township government unmatched.
“John, your professional knowledge, I think it’s hands down the deepest that we have here,” Harms said.
Trustee Brant Savander echoed that assessment, saying Scharf’s knowledge of township government was unmatched, even as he ultimately supported Goodman because he believed the township’s current circumstances called for a leader with a stronger background in communication and conflict resolution.
If accepted, Scharf’s resignation will end 10 years of service on the Webster Township Board, while he continues in his roles as treasurer for the Dexter Area Fire Department and president of the Dexter Senior Center.
Featured photo: John Scharf, pictured before the Webster Township Board’s July 14 meeting, announced his resignation as township treasurer the following day after the board selected George Goodman as the township’s new supervisor. Scharf’s resignation is effective Nov. 30, pending acceptance by the township board. Photo by Doug Marrin
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