But then she was elected to the township board and would go on to serve on the Planning Commission, Housing Commission and other groups.

In her resignation letter, recalled how bad the year 2004 was for her on a personal and professional level, from the death of both of her parents to being laid office from her job. They also receive a retirement contribution equal to 17% of their salary, health care, dental, optical and life insurance benefits. Trustees in Clinton Township earn about $14,000 a year for their part-time position. In 2020, she was re-elected by a little less than 300 votes, edging out Republican Mike Aiello for the fourth and final trustee seat. West is serving her fifth, four-year term on the board. “I do not know how she could say that with a straight face,” he said.

The township supervisor said West was angry at him for revealing she was moving out of the community and was “pretending” to rent a room from a friend. “She erroneously claims the board has become combative and mean spirited as opposed to the past, but she is mistaken as I see board members not afraid to speak up and debate which is what a good progressive board strive for,” Cannon said.

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