By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

Last month, Jennifer Speagle resigned her post as Clarkston city clerk to take on a new role as deputy supervisor in Independence Township.
She will start working with Jose Aliaga, running unopposed as township supervisor, on Nov. 21.
“Not only is Jennifer a native of Independence Township, was a resident for 30 years, but she enters into this position with knowledge and connections in elections, water/sewer, building, assessing and treasury departments,” said Aliaga. “Jennifer’s hard work ethic, knowledge and general love for this community will not only be a positive addition, but will be instrumental in helping me bridge the gap between our office and the community.”
Speagle started as an ordinance officer and office help back in Oct. 2017 before being appointed clerk in July 2019. As clerk, her primary duties included “running elections and everything involved with elections,” with voter registration, absentee ballots, and pre- and post-election validations and certifications at the top of her list.
“As well as being the clerk and running elections, I also manage the office and am a backup to City Manager Jonathan Smith,” explained Speagle. “The knowledge and contacts I have gained in all aspects while working for the city and the leadership role I provide in the office has prepared me for the deputy supervisor position with Independence Township.”
Speagle said her upcoming new job is a good fit for all parties.
With the township, she will be assisting Aliaga in directing and coordinating the activities of the office as well as taking on any other duties that are assigned.
“A mutual acquaintance thought that Jose might be looking for a deputy supervisor once he took office and felt I would be a good candidate,” Speagle said. “Jose and I met and interviewed each other. I was very impressed by Jose‘s vision for the future of Independence Township and his dedication to the community.
“I will miss working with the great office team that Jonathan Smith has built and I will miss the daily interactions and relationships I have built with the residents and business owners.”
“While we hate to see Jenn leave, we are very happy for her and the opportunities the new job will offer her,” added Smith in his weekly email communication to Clarkston residents and business associates. “We will definitely miss Jenn.”
In leaving the village office, Speagle has advice for the next clerk.
“Forming a bond with the residents and business owners and knowing the history of the city of Clarkston will not only make the job easier but also more rewarding,” Speagle said. “The next clerk will enjoy working with the great staff.”
Interested job seekers can view the full detailed clerk job posting online at villageofclarkston.org.