Sound Off: Do You Feel Excluded from Township Government?

says a large majority of residents are “apathetic to township government due to the belief that there is a lack of inclusiveness to (the point of) exclusion from any commentary or feedback from the board.”

In addressing the board of trustees Aug. 22, Christ, who lost to Treasurer Karen Goodhue in the Aug. 7 primary, said he was concerned by the primary's low voter turnout and the fact that “less than 4,000 votes selected the leaders of this township for the next four years.”

Christ attributed this low turnout to a feeling of exclusion among township residents.

“When a resident gets up to speak they feel either ignored, ridiculed or just plain shut down,” Christ said. “I would ask that this board begin to consider a few changes that will bring more residents into township governance.”

Among these changes was a suggestion to allow residents to speak on agenda items as they are called, as opposed to the current practice of allowing only two public comment sessions – one for agenda items and one for non-agenda issues.

“By letting residents address agenda items as the items are called they are able to respond,” Christ said. “Look at the best practices of Shelby Township. There is dialogue between the township and its residents.”

Christ also noted the “best practices of Clinton Township,” in which all items addressed at the meeting are made available to the public prior to the meeting. (Copies of agendas with short item descriptions are available on the township's website prior to each meeting. However, additions and deletions to the agenda are made at the start of each meeting.)

“Ensure that all agenda items are published in advance of the meeting. Let residents know what you’re going to decide for us so if we have a comment you will hear it.”

Only 22.3 percent of Macomb Township voters participated in the primary, with almost half the votes cast in the form of absentee ballots. There are typically less than a dozen residents at any township meeting.

Vote in the poll or tell us in the comments how you feel about your relationship with Macomb Township's government leaders.