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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Blades resigns, search begins for new supervisor

Announcement stuns trustees, colleagues

By Daniel Lai, Editor

PUBLISHED: March 13, 2008

In an abrupt end to a 12-year stint as Sharon Township's supervisor, Gary Blades resigned his position following the Township Board's March 6 meeting.

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Citing personal reasons in a letter presented to board members, Blades said he feels he is no longer able to commit to the time needed to effectively serve as township supervisor.

"I am resigning my elected position effective the last day of March because I am no longer able to make the commitment that is required of this office and believe that it is best to step aside and make room for a person that is able to make this commitment," Blades said. "I had previously indicated that I did not plan to run for office another term and this will allow the board to choose a supervisor of their choice, complete next year's budget, and set up the plan they wish to follow. This will also open the field for those who wish to run for this office to obtain petitions prior to the upcoming filing date."

Blades said he will continue with the March Board of Review and other supervisor responsibilities until the end of the month.

Township Clerk Teri Aiuto said the announcement came as a surprise for the entire board.

"We went through a three-and-a-half hour meeting and Gary gave no indication he planned on resigning at the end of it," she said. "It wasn't definitely anything any of us expected to hear."

Board trustee Tom Lavender said the board will begin taking the steps necessary to fill the vacancy left by Blades.

"It was an absolute surprise," he said. "We are going to have to solicit applicants for the position and go from there."

Lavender said over the years, he has worked closely with Blades on a number of projects for the township.

"He's done an excellent job for our residents," he said. "I'm not sure why he is stepping down now other than he is very busy and does not have the time commitment."

Lavender said Blade's resignation will not impact any immediate projects within the township.

"I think the board needs to get on this and start talking about what has to be done," he said. "Anything ongoing we'll just continue with until we select the next supervisor."

Trustee Bill Chizmar said the board has until March 19 to find a replacement for Blades.

"We already have a person of interest and we're trying to solicit a few more applicants," he said. "We should be fine."

Chizmar said he was also surprised when he heard the announcement.

"No one knew until he announced his resignation at the meeting," he said.

Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.