For the first time in 12 years, Orion voters will not see the name Dywasuk on a township ballot.
Supervisor Jerry Dywasuk, who succeeded his wife Collette, will not seek a third term later this year.
‘I think it’s the best job I’ve ever had,? Dywasuk said. ‘I’ve accomplished everything I wanted to and I think it’s time to turn it over to someone else.?
‘I’d gladly stay another four years, but I feel I owe it to my family and friends to take a break,? he added.
Dywasuk said the township has been fiscally responsible the past seven and a half years.
‘Every year we’ve added money into our fund balance,? he said, noting the audit presentation at last week’s board meeting showed more of the same.
‘We’re not hiding anything,? he added. ‘We’ve had a presentation like that every year. Financially, we’re in great shape.?
Dywasuk thanked former assistants Elizabeth Balch and Jill Verros, along with current administrative assistant Julianne Savard for all of their help over the years, in addition to the township’s department heads.
‘We’ve got eight department heads and seven of them I inherited when I started,? he explained. ‘The other, Lisa Sokol, came on when we took over the senior center.?
Of the things that occurred under his watch, Dywasuk said the rise of the senior center, which the township took over in 2001, and a parks and recreation budget that has more than doubled are two that stand out.
‘I’ve worked with the department heads to make sure we’re doing everything correctly,? he said. ‘If communities are not making accurate assessments, they’re going to get themselves into trouble.?
In addition to serving in the Navy, Dywasuk spent 12 years on the township’s planning commission. He said he hopes Orion will continue to abide by its master plan.
‘I hope we can get the amphitheatre and skate park projects completed,? he said of his final duties as supervisor. ‘I hope we can make progress on the public safety complex and water storage facility. We need to build equity in our community and I’d like to see these projects through.?
Dywasuk said he is also proud of the township’s relationship with General Motors, noting that there were rumors the automaker was considering leaving Orion early in his tenure.
‘I’ve always done what I think is in the best interests of the township,? he said. ‘I have no regrets. You can’t run this township by yourself. I always tried to be a team player.?