The Martin Township Board Wednesday night welcomed new Clerk Rachelle Smit, who officially start full-time duties on Jan. 1
Smit will have to hit the ground running in preparation for a March 8 presidential primary that also will include the general election for 80th District State Representative and perhaps a proposed local road millage.
She succeeds 13-year veteran Carrie Coburn, who will continue on the job until Dec. 31 when she leaves to take a full-time position in the payroll department for Allegan County Mental Health. The position pays a little more than $24,000 per year..
The Township Board is asking Smit to serve as an assistant to the deputy clerk until Jan. 1 at a rate of $12 per hour because the Nov. 3 special election offered her excellent trial run experience. The March 8 election will be more challenging because the ballot may include the township asking for a four-mill levy for local roads, 3.996 of which will be a renewal.
Also on the ballot will be the contest between Republican Mary Whiteford and Democrat David Gernant to fill the seat vacated by Cindy Gamrat, who was expelled from the State Legislature Sept. 11.
Smit will serve at least until November 2016 and is eligible to seek election to the post in the August 2016 primary.
PHOTO: Rachelle Smit
