Dave Herlein has been a Michigander his whole life, but came to Spring Arbor in 1976 as a student at Spring Arbor University. He has been a part of the Spring Arbor community ever since.  His vocational background has been in sales and distribution of electrical materials and supplies. He has owned and operated his own business for many years.

Dave was appointed to the Board in 2011, and then was elected in 2012. In addition to his Board duties, Dave serves on the Township’s planning commission, zoning board of appeals, and the long-range planning committee.

The supervisor’s term of office is four (4) years, and runs concurrent with the United States President.

The supervisor has several duties which are required by Michigan law.
1.     Is a member of the Township board and presides at all meetings of the Board unless there is a conflict of interest issue.
2.    Is the chief assessing officer of the Township.  (if supervisor is not State certified the Board will employ a certified assessor)
3.    Appoints members to the planning commission with Board approval.
4.    Is a member of the Township election commission.
5.    Acts as secretary to the Board of Review
6.    Is the Township’s agent for transacting all legal business.
7.    Is the chief administrative officer for the development of the budget.

In addition to the legal requirements, the Spring Arbor Township supervisor has the following responsibilities giving general oversight to:
1.    The police and fire departments
2.    The municipal potable and waste water systems
3.    The maintenance of buildings and grounds
4.    The building and zoning activity and ordinance enforcement

Spring Arbor Township has been extremely fortunate to attract qualified persons for the supervisor’s position.  Since the mid-70s the character of the Township has evolved from primarily rural in nature to having areas of urban development.  Under the direction of our supervisors this character migration has been orderly with the addition of quality residential developments, the advent and growth of potable and waste water systems, expansion of educational and commercial opportunities, development of park and recreational facilities, and fostering premier fire and police departments.  These gentlemen truly had a “servants” heart, and commitment to excellence and public service,  and a vision for developing Spring Arbor Township into a great place to live, work, and own a business.

Byron “Fritz” Gallagher served as supervisor from mid-1975 until mid-1991; a Sixteen (16) year commitment to public service.  Fritz previously was a manufacturing executive with Hancock Industries of Jackson; a division of ITT.  Prior to his retirement from Hancock he was honored by ITT for excellent performance based on the entire ITT organization.

Merlin “Mike” Goldsmith followed Mr. Gallagher for the next seven (7) years.  Mike was retired from Aeroquip Corporation where he had been controller for many years with both domestic and international responsibility.  Additionally Mike had experience in real estate and residential building construction.

Willard “Will” DeGraaf accepted the mantle and served for eight (8) years.  Will was a sales executive for Consumers Energy and Michigan Consolidated Gas prior to his retirement.  He also had served on the Township’s planning commission for many years.

Marston Fortress followed Mr. DeGraaf for the next nine (9) years. Marston was previously in financial and general management in the automotive industry. Prior to his appointment as supervisor, he served on the Township’s planning commission.

These gentlemen brought a wealth of experience to the supervisor’s position, and played key roles in the growth of the Township.  Although the Township board requested that they be available 30 hours per week, each viewed their responsibly as “full-time”.