The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Board appoints Jones township supervisor
Local resident fills vacancy left by former director's resignation
By Daniel Lai, Editor
PUBLISHED: April 17, 2008
After weeks of interviews and deliberations, the Sharon Township Board of Trustees appointed resident Richard Jones as interim township supervisor at its April 10 meeting.
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Jones, 61, a former project manager for TYCO/ADT National Accounts, will fill the vacancy left by former township supervisor Gary Blades who resigned abruptly March 6.
"Rich has all the time to devote to the position and we have all the faith and confidence in his ability to lead our township," trustee Bill Chizmar said. "It's going to take him some time to get acclimated to the job, but we expect that."
Jones said he is excited to serve as supervisor and has already begun working with township officials on issues the board is expected to vote on in the coming months.
"I've been here for eight years and I feel I have a pretty good grasp on what is going on," Jones said. "Hopefully this will be a good opportunity for me and where my life is at right now."
Jones said he feels a township supervisor should keep an open dialogue with residents and be knowledgeable on state laws that impact township government.
"I liken it to keeping a pulse on the township and keeping abreast of any and all new changes in legislation that affects our quality of life in our beautiful rural setting," he said. "It's a big job, and I am quickly learning what an awesome responsibility the board has entrusted me with. As interim supervisor I will continue to work diligently on their behalf by learning something new every day.
"It's what I call 'continuing education.' I plan on being available to township board members and property owners at a scheduled day and time. In my opinion the supervisor position is not a political one rather it is a job with duties and responsibilities like any other line of work. I look forward to fulfilling the expectations of all who are putting their trust in me."
Jones said after his office hours are determined, the schedule will be published and made available to the public.
Chizmar said there are several pending issues Jones will have to educate himself on so the board can move forward with township plans.
"We're going to have to make a decision pretty soon with the land we purchased north of the hall," he said. "So he'll have to make some decisions on that but we will give him all the help he needs."
Chizmar said time commitment was the board's deciding factor in appointing Jones rather than fellow applicant Roger Kappler to the position.
"Roger is a very knowledgeable guy and offered to take over the position, but Rich had more time to commit," he said. "Being a township supervisor is a very time consuming obligation."
Blades, who had previously served as township supervisor for 12 years, gave no reason for resigning other than personal reasons.
"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 in a March 6 letter to the board. "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."
Jones will serve the remainder of Blades' term and said he plans to run for township supervisor in the November election.
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