Residents begin collecting signatures for recall of Eagle Township supervisor

CLINTON COUNTY, Mich. (WILX) - Residents of Eagle Township in Clinton County are pushing for the removal of their township supervisor, Patti Schafer, after she signed a non-disclosure agreement for a potential factory to be built in the area.

The Clinton County Election Commission approved the petition to recall Eagle Township Supervisor Patti Schafer.

Background: Eagle Township residents call for recall and pause on development plans

The petition approved on Thursday cites “potential large-scale development of land in Eagle Township” and “the limited information available to Eagle Township residents affected by the potential development.”

The commission was comprised of Lisa Sullivan, probate judge, Steven Wiswasser, treasurer, and Debra Sutherland, county clerk.

Organizers can begin collecting petition signatures.

Residents said they want to remove Eagle Township Supervisor Patti Schafer after she signed a non-disclosure agreement for a potential factory to come to the area.

“It has limited her ability to communicate anything surrounding that topic with us residents,” said Troy Stroud.

Stroud was among a group of three Eagle township residents who filed a petition for the recall of the Eagle Township Supervisor.

Clinton County approved the petition as factual, in a three-zero vote.

“So I think it went really well,” Stroud said. “We can start getting signatures, we have 120 days.”

Schafer’s attorney said she will appeal the recall decision and cited “misleading wording.” The attorney’s statement to News 10 can be read below:

Dennis Strahle, Eagle Township Trustee, said Schafer requested their approval after bringing the non-disclosure agreement to the board’s attention.

In response to Strahle’s claim, Schafer’s lawyer sent News 10 the following statement:

“A lot has come to light since that point in time. I think some of the board regrets having voted for it, and I think some like Patti are fine that they voted for it,” Stroud said. “But we feel having representation that doesn’t have an NDA signed is very important.”

In order for the recall to be put on a ballot, organizers need signatures from a quarter of the residents who voted in the last governor’s election.

Meanwhile, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) also signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

According to LEAP CEO Bob Trezise, these agreements are usually required by most manufacturers and are critical for the initial stages of large developments. He said they are extremely common and are a way for developers to be transparent with local governments and collaborate. Trezise also said these agreements prevent insider trading and competition and keep residents from being alarmed during the very premature stages, while manufacturers are still in the consideration phase.

Prior coverage:

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