BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Cari Neubeck is the new clerk for Independence Township.
And she could not be more excited.
“It is all very surreal,” Neubeck said. “My journey has culminated back to where I began my municipal tenure in a place I’m proud to call home.”
After being appointed to her position earlier this month, Neubeck, formerly the deputy clerk in Oakland Township, was sworn in at the Board of Trustees meeting on June 18. She’ll now undergo training with retiring clerk Barb Pallotta before taking over July 28.
Neubeck began her municipal government tenure at Independence Township in June 1992 as its election administrator and was then appointed deputy clerk in May 1999 and served through Nov. 2004. She ventured to Macomb County after that, serving as election coordinator for nine and a half years in Shelby Township before going to Oakland Township for the past four and a half years.
Neubeck’s family was present at the June 18 meeting, something she said was “heartwarming” and that she “felt very blessed.”
Now, she is looking forward to working with Pallotta and serving the rest of her term, which expires on Nov. 20, 2020.
“Barb has paved the way for a smooth transition with a lengthy training period, an opportunity rarely offered,” Neubeck said. “She is a wealth of knowledge, and I am eagerly anticipating the time we will get to share.”
In her new role, there may be challenges for Neubeck, but perhaps nothing new for her.
“I don’t foresee many challenges in my new role, outside of running for office next year,” Neubeck said. “There will inevitably be new procedures, policies, and office dynamics to learn but the general aspect of the job is the same.”
Also at the June 18 meeting, Paul Brown was officially appointed a trustee, while Rachel Loughrin took the oath as treasurer. One trustee spot remains vacant.