Township Clerk Jill Bastian announced Tuesday night that she will not be seeking re-election for that position later this year.
Bastian made the announcement during board comments during a regular meeting, thanking her family, friends and the community for granting her the privilege to serve over the years.
‘This job demands a lot of time, patience, hard work and dedication, but it’s the greatest job in the world because it lets me help people,? she said. ‘I am truly grateful for all the support I have received over the years and for the wonderful staff in the clerk’s office and at the township which allowed me to do the job so well.?
Bastian said she has been involved in community service for 30 years, a journey that started with a reading committee in the school district and continued with petitioning the township board for safety paths.
‘In the years since, I have spent time either as a volunteer in the schools, at church, at the township, at the library or, more recently, for the last 11 years, as an elected official,? she noted.
Bastian plans on holding an open house at township hall on Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, for ‘anyone interested in running for local elected office to learn about the various job responsibilities, especially that of township clerk, and the process for filing as a candidate.?
Bastian made the announcement in February, in part, because it brings many important milestones in her life, including her five-year anniversary of being cancer free this week.
She and husband, Doug, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary later this year.