The Montcalm County Election Commission appointed Sheila Smith as the temporary clerk and Nancy Snyder as the temporary treasurer for the Belvidere Township Board on October 20, 2023. This decision aims to restore a quorum to the board following a series of resignations that have plagued the township’s leadership.
The Election Commission, which includes Montcalm County Clerk Kristen Millard, Treasurer JoAnne Vukin, and Probate Court Judge Charles Simon III, convened at the request of Trustee Wayne Watts, one of only two remaining officials on the board. The commission’s unanimous vote of 3-0 reflects the urgency to stabilize the township’s governance.
Belvidere Township has experienced significant turnover in its leadership over the past three years, with four supervisors, seven clerks, two treasurers, and four trustees departing during that time. In the last month alone, three officials have resigned: Tim Anstett as clerk after just six weeks, Leigh Murray as supervisor, and Yolanda Lane as treasurer.
Watts highlighted the necessity of the Election Commission’s involvement to restore effective governance. Millard noted that this type of emergency appointment is unprecedented in her nearly 30 years as county clerk.
Smith, who previously served as the clerk for nearly three decades before resigning in early 2023, has been active as the early voting chairperson for Montcalm County. Her attempt to regain the clerk position after Anstett’s resignation failed in a board vote last November. Snyder, a former treasurer and deputy treasurer with nine years of experience, has also played a crucial role in supporting elections within the township and county.
After the appointments, Judge Simon humorously congratulated Smith and Snyder on their new roles. Millard then administered the oaths of office to the two women, marking a significant step toward restoring stability in the township’s administration.
The Belvidere Township Board is scheduled to meet on October 24, 2023. The appointments of Smith and Snyder are currently temporary, leaving the door open for the board to decide on further appointments, especially as the supervisor position remains vacant.
Following the meeting, Smith expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We’re not going to dwell on the past, we’re going to focus on the future.” Snyder echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of moving forward.
This development signifies a crucial moment for Belvidere Township as it seeks to recover from a tumultuous period and re-establish effective leadership.
