In the blink of an eye, a local municipality is once again looking for a replacement supervisor.
During its regular meeting Monday, The Niles Charter Township Board of Trustees accepted a letter of resignation from Township Supervisor Jim Curran.
After being sworn in on Oct. 17, Curran – who also sits on the Berrien County Board of Commissioners –submitted his letter of resignation to the township on Oct. 21. According to Niles Charter Township Treasurer Jim Ringler, lawyers advised Curran that serving as supervisor would not create a conflict of interest, as long as the township does not have any contracts with the county.
“Unfortunately, we contract with the county for police service,” said Ringler, adding the township has contracts with the county for information systems, tax systems and more. “It’s not something that you can just say, ‘well, I’ll just excuse myself from the [board] vote.’ You can’t do that. He’s required to vote.”
Ringler said lawyers advised Curran either resign from the township or the county position. Ultimately, Ringler said, Curran decided to stay with the county, where he serves on multiple committees.
“It’s disappointing,” Ringler said. “I think he would have done a very good job. His heart’s in it … he’s a good person and he understands community government.”
Prior to joining Berrien County, Curran served as a Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant assigned to fire investigations. He also has served on the Brandywine School Board, where he had held various offices including president.
Curran was appointed to the township position after the resignation of James Stover due to health reasons. Now, the township has 45 days to select another new supervisor.
