Surprise Announcement: West Bloomfield Supervisor Steve Kaplan Resigns Just Days After Re-election

Surprise Announcement in West Bloomfield: Supervisor Steve Kaplan to Depart After Just Days in Office!

Big news from West Bloomfield! After receiving a whopping 97% of votes during his re-election, Township Supervisor Steve Kaplan made headlines not just for his victory, but for his unexpected announcement just two days after being sworn in for a third term. It seems the township’s favorite came back with a bang only to drop a bombshell!

Kaplan Takes a New Job, Leaving Town Hall Behind

Last week, Kaplan was celebrated on the local cable channel, Civic Center TV, as he marked his return to the office. However, in a twist that caught many by surprise, he soon shared that he’d be transitioning to an assistant prosecutor’s position within the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. The news was officially confirmed by a spokeswoman for County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, leaving many residents and fellow politicians scratching their heads.

Criticism and Support: The Mixed Reactions

While Kaplan’s announcement was met with some hearty congratulations, critics quickly sprang into action. Past political opponents voiced their discontent, questioning why he ran for office in the first place if he had plans to leave. Former township treasurer Denise Hammond expressed her shock, saying, “If you know you’re going to do this, why do you get sworn in? You were lying to the public!”

On the other hand, some know Kaplan well enough to appreciate his decision. Robert Brooks, a member of the township’s Parks and Recreation Commission, voiced a different opinion: “He really enjoyed what he was doing in the prosecutor’s office in the past, and his heart was still there.” With Kaplan being regarded as one of metro Detroit’s star assistant prosecuting attorneys, perhaps this new chapter aligns perfectly with his passion for criminal justice.

A Transition Period and Future Leadership

As the township gears up for changes, the next board meeting on December 2 will likely introduce Kaplan’s resignation, starting a countdown for the board to appoint a successor. This new supervisor will serve until the mid-term election in 2026. In Michigan, the role of a township supervisor is comparable to a full-time city mayor, overseeing various departments and chairing board meetings—quite the responsibility!

Jim Allen, a member of the clerk’s staff, mentioned that there’s still uncertainty regarding the exact timing of Kaplan’s last day, but it seems December 4 could be the date to watch. With his departure, the township board faces the task of selecting a new leader while also dealing with the implications of a sudden change in command.

Kaplan’s Impact in West Bloomfield

For over 25 years, Kaplan has been an integral part of the township’s political landscape. During his time as supervisor, he helped restore harmony among the board members, a refreshing change after a period of conflict and lawsuits. With his proven track record and experience, his influence will undoubtedly be felt, especially in the search for his successor.

It will be interesting to see how the board navigates this transition as West Bloomfield continues to evolve. After all, Kaplan’s exit places him among company with other recent shifts in leadership across Oakland County, including new supervisors in Bloomfield Township and Independence Township.

What Lies Ahead for Kaplan?

As of now, Kaplan is set to begin his new role on December 2, ready to tackle the warrant and screening unit duties. However, the details of his salary are yet unknown, leaving many curious about the financial aspects of this career shift.

This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder that in politics, things can change rapidly, and sometimes surprise announcements are just around the corner. Stay tuned to see how the township handles this transition and who will step into Kaplan’s shoes in West Bloomfield!