Brandon Twp.- The township board unanimously approved the appointment of Cheryl Gault as a trustee during their Feb. 1 meeting.
‘I appreciate the opportunity afforded by this appointment to contribute to our community,? said Gault, a resident of the township since 1987. ‘I would like to thank the board for this vote of confidence in my qualifications and especially my commitment to help Brandon Township weather these difficult economic times. We have many challenges and difficult decisions ahead.?
Gault was one of 10 candidates to apply for the trustee seat left vacant by the death of Charlene Carlson in December.
The appointment will expire Nov. 20. On Nov. 2, voters will elect a trustee to fill the remaining two years of Carlson’s term.
Boardmembers rated applicants in several areas including general qualifications, education, availability, volunteer/community service experience, ability based on experience, board meeting attendance, knowledge of trustee responsibilities, municipal government and current issues, strengths, attitude/compatibility and overall impression. They agreed to nominate the highest scoring candidate. Overall, Gault scored 575, with the next closest competitor, Dana DePalma, scoring 506 and Clifford Holmyard scoring 502.
‘We had a lot of good candidates to choose from,? said Supervisor Kathy Thurman. ‘Cheryl rated the highest on our scale, and so she got the nomination… I’m sure she’ll do a great job for the township. I’m eager to begin working with her.? Gault is vice-president of commercial lending at the Bank of Auburn Hills. Her community service includes founding in 2007 the township group ‘Defend ng Our Natural Treasures?; serving as auditor for the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy in 2006-2007; co-founding and serving as treasurer of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance from 2004 to the present; founding and serving on the Brandon Preservation Committee since 2004 and being a founding board member in 1995 of Habitat for Humanity of North Oakland County, which she served on until 2002. In her application, Gault cited the budget, adequate sheriff and fire department coverage, and crafting of ordinances to support the new master plan as her top three issues in the township.