Abbi Kaszubowski

ALPENA – On Monday, Alpena Township Treasurer Laura Ellery-Somers announced her retirement effective May 31, to spend time with her family. Which leaves the question, who will fill her current role?

In Michigan, township board vacancies are governed primarily by the Michigan Election Law (MCL 168.370, 168.370a), requiring the remaining board members to appoint a qualified person to fill the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Somer’s term, had she remained in her current role as treasurer, would have been up in November of 2028. At that point, she would have been up for re-election.

Whoever is appointed as the new township treasurer will not face an election until the end of Somer’s remaining term.

If the position is not filled prior to Somers final day in office, someone will be appointed to fill the role temporarily. Alpena Township Supervisor Abbi Kaszubowski said.

“If the position isn’t filled, the deputy treasurer would assume the treasurer’s duties,” Kaszubowski explained.

According to the statutes, the board will have 45 days to fill the vacancy, otherwise a special election would be called by the county clerk to elect a replacement.

Township attorney Tim Gulden discussed the process for filling Somer’s position during the most recent board meeting.

“The timing of your announcement is helpful because the period of time between May 31, and the November election is short enough that the new appointee would fill the remainder of Somers term in office,” Gulden said.

Meaning no special election would be required to take place unless the board cannot find someone to fill the position. A special election would be costly for the township.

If the announcement from Somers had come two months ago, then the person the board appointed as the new treasurer would have to participate in the August primary and the November election.

In order to train the new appointee, state law allows the board to appoint someone 30 days prior to Somers’ last day in office, to begin training in preparation of taking over the position.

Kaszubowski expects the position to be filled before Somers’ last day in office.

“By then, we will have appointed a new treasurer, who will be working diligently to maintain the office of Treasurer of the Charter Township of Alpena,” Kaszubowski said.

If you are interested in becoming the next Treasurer for the township you must be a registered voter residing in Alpena Township.

To apply, go to: https://www.alpenatownship.com/careers or send a resume and letter of interest to: kaszubowski@alpenatownship.com.

Josh Jambor can be reached at jjambor@thealpenanews.com.