BY MATT MACKINDER
Clarkston News Editor

Back in the November 24, 2021 edition of The Clarkston News, longtime Independence Township resident and planning commission member Sam Moraco said in a letter to the editor (“Push back, now get pushed out?”) that he was being removed from the planning commission by new Township Supervisor Gerald Fisher during a face-to-face meeting.
“It appears that my pushing back against how lenient and loose they (the Township Board of Trustees) have become with the requirements for good quality developments will cost me,” Moraco said. “It has become very obvious that the approvals really benefit the developer much more than in the past. Attracting new tax base far outweighs the impact on the residents.”
Fisher responded, saying that, “The truth is that I like Mr. Moraco, and told him so. Mr. Moraco is smart, and sincerely holds views that he believes to be in the best interests of the township, and I told him this as well when we met. I respect many of Mr. Moraco’s ideas about the township, and also told him this.”

Fisher, who was appointed in October to his position, taking over for the retired Pat Kittle, said that Independence Township is a “wonderful place, with outstanding people.”
“I’ve been lucky to call the township my home for some 40 years,” said Fisher. “The Township Board appointed me to make the decisions given to a township supervisor by law, including nominations to the planning commission. I’m sure the board appointed me based on my experience and track record. I did a lot of homework on the planning commission nominations and determined in my best judgment what would be best for the township.
“At the same time, recognizing Mr. Moraco’s fine qualities, I offered him a position on another important committee that will assist in making policy decisions. I’m sorry that he refused this offer.”
Neither Fisher nor Moraco would say what position Moraco was offered.
“We really needed change, and we got the same thing in the interim supervisor,” Moraco said. “He hasn’t been in office long enough to even see a planning commission meeting, but apparently knows how terrible of a job I have done for 20 years to make this bold move. All the reasons why people distrust the government is on display daily in our township.
“I didn’t feel it would be right to just be erased by these elected officials and not fight back and inform the people who love this town. We want to live here long after they’re gone. And the damage they are doing will be evident much longer than that. I feel sorry for the people whose quality of life has been diminished by these poor planning decisions, but I’m pretty sure the board hasn’t given any thought to that. If I’m erased from my formal position, I will still do my best to notify the public what is about to happen to them, and, hopefully, before it does.”

PHOTO: Judge Kelley Kostin congratulates Independence Township Supervisor Gerald Fisher after his official swearing-in ceremony at Township Hall last Wednesday, December 1. Photo provided by Terri Nallamothu