New Saugatuck Township board brought on board

Clerk Jane Wright, right, swears in new Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

The new Saugatuck Township board was sworn in Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Only one incumbent — Supervisor Bill Wester — ran for re-election. The remaining four members did not run again.





New Clerk Brad Rudich was first to become official, sworn in by Clerk Jane Wright. Rudich then read the oath to the other members:

• Wester, a Republican, who remains supervisor. He defeated Democratic challenger Jon Helmrich 872-830 in the Nov. 6 election.

• Lori Babinski, Republican, new treasurer.

• Republicans Roy McIlwaine and Jonathan Phillips, new trustees. McIlwaine received 875 votes and Phillips with 809 defeated Democrats Laurie D. Goshorn and Virginia McGinn received 779 and 689 votes respectively.

• Pat Knikelbine, former treasurer, was sworn in a deputy treasurer.

• Aaron Sheridan was sworn in as deputy clerk.

The new board’s first meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the township hall, 3461 Blue Star Highway.

Saugatuck Township Supervisor Bill Wester, left, takes the oath of office from Clerk Brad Rudich on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich, right, administers the oath of office to new Trustee Jonathan Phillips on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.

Roy McIlwaine, new Saugatuck Township trustee, takes his oath of office from Clerk Brad Rudich at Saugatuck Township Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Saugatuck Township Clerk Brad Rudich swears in Treasurer Lori Babinski on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the township hall.