So here we go again.
The contentious 4-3 split on reappointing veteran Planning Commission Chairman Bob Wagner reappeared Thursday night at the Dorr Township Board meeting.
Wagner has served on the Planning Commission since 1968 and has been chairman since 1975. His reappointment echoed the vote taken in a special meeting three years previous, with the same opposing votes cast by Trustees John Tuinstra and Terri Rios and Clerk Debbie Sewers. Voting affirmatively were Supervisor Jeff Miling, Treasurer Jim Martin and Trustees Dan Weber and Josh Otto.
The issue was even more controversial in 2017 because Otto was absent in the first vote that summer, causing a 3-3 deadlock. A special meeting had to be called for all present in order to break the tie.
Once again, Tuinstra led the charge against Wagner with the argument for term limits.
“If a person is in a job for too long they have too much influence,” Tuinstra contended.
Trustee Dan Weber accused Tuinstra for an approach of “do as I say, not as I do” because Tuinstra now is seeking his third four-year term on the board, more years than term limit rules for holding state offices.
This reporter pointed out that state legislators are limited to three, two-year terms and state senators, the governor, attorney general and secretary of state two four-year terms, but was gaveled down for being out of order. Furthermore, Miling noted state guidelines don’t apply to township offices.
Martin asserted that Wagner is a highly respected an experienced public servant who even has conducted seminars on planning for other officials in Allegan County.
Tuinstra said Wagner could step down and stay on as a volunteer consultant and offer opinions on township planning matters.
Rios acknowledged Wagner’s expertise, but he “should impart his knowledge better (to commission members). I don’t feel like I’ve learned a ton of a lot (in three years as board representative on the commission).”
Miling said, “I can’t see taking him (Wagner) off the commission just because he’s been on it for a long time.”
Planning Commission Vice Chairman Robert M. Traxler has opined on Townbroadcast.com that Tuinstra and Rios have been trying to remove himself, Wagner and Larry Dolegowski in order to eliminate political enemies rather than apply the principles of term limits.
Also during the evening, the board approved the reappointment of Planning Commission Secretary Rich Osbun, though he has moved to Byron Center. Miling said Osbun will resign as soon as a replacement can be found.
