West Bloomfield Township Welcomes New Supervisor After Quick Transition
In a surprising turn of events for residents of West Bloomfield, the Township Board has appointed a new supervisor just days after the former one stepped down. The announcement came during a special meeting held on December 9, where Trustee Jonathan Warshay took the oath of office, stepping into the shoes of recently resigned supervisor Steven Kaplan.
Farewell to Steven Kaplan
Kaplan, who had served as the township supervisor since 2016, officially resigned after accepting a position as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. His resignation took effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 5. During his tenure, Kaplan had worked tirelessly for the community, and his unexpected departure left township officials with the task of quickly filling his role.
A Quick Appointment
The December 9 special meeting was called to address Kaplan’s resignation and to appoint a new supervisor. Township Treasurer Teri Weingarden quickly made a motion to nominate Warshay for the position. Although Trustee Jim Manna proposed another candidate, a vote ultimately solidified Warshay’s position with a 5-1 result in favor.
During the voice vote, Weingarden, Clerk Debbie Binder, Vincent Kirkwood, Diane Rosenfeld Swimmer, and Warshay himself cast their votes in support, while Manna stood as the sole dissenting voice.
Setting the Stage for Future Elections
With Warshay’s ascension to the role of supervisor, a vacancy has been created on the township board, a matter that will be discussed during the next board meeting scheduled for January 13. Both Warshay and the appointee for his former trustee position will need to run in the general election in 2026 if they wish to continue in their roles.
A Bit of Discontent
During the board meeting, Manna expressed some reservations about Warshay’s qualifications. “I just don’t think you’re qualified to lead a township of 68,000 residents,” he commented, stating that he felt Warshay’s background in IT and technology might not effectively translate to running a township.
However, Warshay firmly stood his ground in response, highlighting his experience and the skills he believes make him an ideal candidate. “I practiced as an attorney for several years, run IT projects for manufacturing companies, and have a finance background,” he asserted confidently, assuring the board and attendees of his capability to lead the township effectively.
The Importance of Timely Leadership
The swift decision to appoint a new supervisor was also reflected upon by Binder, who noted that without an appointment, the township would have faced the need for a special election, resulting in unnecessary costs. She emphasized the need for decisive leadership to maintain the township’s AAA credit rating and overall stability.
Voices from the Community
The meeting not only consisted of board discussions but also public comments, where many residents voiced their support for Warshay. Some pointed to past experiences working alongside him and expressed appreciation for his approachability and dedication to the community’s needs.
One resident stated, “He’s proven to be engaged, open-minded and approachable.” Another mentioned Warshay’s integrity, saying, “I’ve known him to be honest and capable of handling problems.” These endorsements showcased a community ready for change, despite the quick nature of the transition.
A Reflective Moment for Kaplan
Despite not being present at the meeting, Kaplan’s contributions during his tenure were recognized, with Warshay conveying gratitude for the groundwork Kaplan laid in West Bloomfield. “I’ll work with our department heads and staff to provide the highest level of service,” Warshay committed to the residents.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the township is poised for a new chapter under Warshay’s leadership. As the community gears up for future elections and discussions about filling vacated positions, residents remain hopeful for a smooth transition and continued progress.
