A caucus has been scheduled to find a replacement for the clerk-treasurer position in the Town of North Judson. The current clerk-treasurer, Alicia Collins, submitted her resignation to the North Judson Town Council yesterday at their first meeting in October.
During the clerk-treasurer’s report Collins stated she would be leaving the office in good standing, with the 2018 budget pending approval and all other records and filing up to date. Her final day will be October 20th and she said she will make her self available for training during the transition period.
Collins said that although she was very motivated to move North Judson in a positive direction when she began working there, she hasn’t seen the progress she was looking for in order to make it a better place to live. Negative moral and lack of accountability and teamwork are a few of the reasons she gave for deciding to resign. Though the decision to move on was not taken lightly she said it was more beneficial for her family and her overall life goals to do so.
Collins said she has found a position where she will be able to advance her career and remain in Starke County. She has been taking the Starke County Leadership Classes and provided a list of suggestions for the council to consider. She encouraged them to embrace a new way of leadership as opposed to the old way.
Many of the council members spoke up, expressing their appreciation for Collins and all she’s done for the council in her time there. Town Attorney Justin Schramm said that in his position, he works the most with clerk-treasurers. He stated he sincerely appreciated the great working relationship they shared and commented on all the pieces of litigation they’ve been able to settle over the last several months by working together. Council President Wendy Hoppe congratulated her, wishing her the best of luck with her future career and said she looks forward to working with her at one last meeting. Council member Jane-Ellen Felchuck thanked her for providing them with the list of leadership tips.
The caucus to find her replacement is scheduled for October 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Knox VFW. In order to be eligible for the position, individuals would need to submit a letter of interest to Kenny Wallace, the Starke County Democratic Chairperson, at least 72 hours prior to the caucus. Another requirement is that they voted Democrat in the last presidential primary. In order to reach Mr. Wallace by phone call (574) 772-4900 or send an email to local.starke@gmail.com
