Why This Recall Matters to Oshtemo Residents — and Their Wallets

Recalls do not happen because of one vote.

They happen when residents see the same patterns repeat — year after year — and feel there is no meaningful course correction.

That is where many Oshtemo residents find themselves today.

For multiple terms, the current Township Board members have overseen budgets, compensation decisions, and spending priorities while taxes and costs borne by residents have steadily increased. At the same time, residents and local businesses face rising insurance premiums, higher living costs, and limited relief.

Concerns about spending, rising taxes, and Township decision-making have been building for years. Those concerns reached a breaking point for many residents after a series of actions and developments, including the Township Board’s approval of the 2026 Employee Benefit Package on November 10, 2025, following other compensation-related decisions.

For many people, it is not just one issue — it is everything happening at once, with little sense that resident concerns are being meaningfully addressed.

At the same time, residents have raised concerns about:

• Rising tax bills that continue to strain household budgets

• Highly contentious sewer hookup fees and bills

• Vague ordinance guidelines and enforcement practices that, according to residents, have resulted in high fees and liens

• Rapid growth of high-density housing, which residents say is contributing to increased township costs, traffic congestion, and infrastructure strain

• Property assessments and classifications that residents believe may be inaccurate or inappropriate

• Ongoing questions and frustration regarding transparency related to the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near residential neighborhoods

• A growing sense among residents that their concerns are not being adequately addressed by the leadership elected to represent them

• Continued transparency concerns based on residents’ experiences with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and responses

The vote approving the 2026 Employee Benefit Package on November 10, 2025 became a tipping point for many — not because it was hidden or unlawful, but because it followed a familiar pattern and came after other compensation-related increases.

A Pattern Built Over Time

This recall is not about a single meeting or a single decision.

In relatively close succession, the Township Board:

• Approved movement to 100% of the established pay scale resulting in nearly $400K in unbudgeted expense

• Approved the 2026 Employee Benefit Package

• Approved an additional raise on top of the others

  
  

These decisions did not occur in a vacuum, they all were met with negative public comment that went unanswered. The motions were made and voted in after years of rising tax bills and growing budget commitments that residents ultimately fund.

For most private-sector workers, rising healthcare costs mean higher premiums, higher deductibles, or reduced employer contributions. In contrast, the 2026 benefit package largely absorbs rising costs at the Township level. While legal and common in government, the result is that increasing costs are spread across taxpayers rather than felt directly by employees.

Many residents believe this difference — repeated over multiple terms — has contributed to the financial pressure they now feel.

Why Long Tenure Matters

Serving multiple terms can bring experience and institutional knowledge. But long tenure also means long-term responsibility for outcomes.

Over several terms, residents have watched spending grow while taxes continue to rise. When the same approaches persist without meaningful restraint, residents are justified in asking whether leadership priorities still reflect community expectations.

This recall reflects the view that patterns established over many years will likely continue unless voters intervene.

What a Recall Actually Does

A recall election does not automatically change policy.

It does not guarantee different outcomes.

What it does do is shorten the current term and return decision-making power to voters sooner.

By cutting the term short, a recall can — in theory — interrupt the continuation of existing spending priorities and give residents an earlier opportunity to influence the Township’s direction. For many residents, that opportunity matters before additional long-term financial commitments are made.

The recall is not about punishment. It is about resetting accountability.

This Is About Stewardship, Not Accusations

This recall is not about Township employees, and it is not about personal character.

It is about governance choices, fiscal stewardship, and whether long-standing leadership has become too comfortable relying on rising taxes to fund growing commitments.

Reasonable people can disagree on policy. But when concerns persist for years without meaningful change, residents are entitled to use the tools available to them.

Why Sign the Petition?

Signing the petition:

• Does not remove anyone from office

• Does not accuse anyone of wrongdoing

• Does not mandate specific cuts or changes

It simply allows voters to decide — sooner rather than later — whether current leadership and spending priorities should continue.

For many residents, signing is about sending a clear message: taxpayers deserve restraint, transparency, and accountability — especially after years of rising costs.

Recall Petition – Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this recall happening now?

Across the township, many residents say they are fed up. They are asking for greater accountability, clearer communication, and leadership that is more responsive to the people who live here.

This recall reflects that widespread frustration and a desire for new leadership and a reset in priorities.

Was this Recall Petition Approved?

Yes. This petition was approved in a Clarity & Factual Hearing by the The Kalamazoo County Election Commission on December 4, 2025. Oshtemo Township Board members did not file an appeal.

Is this recall about one vote?

No.

The recall references a specific vote because it is recent and verifiable, but it reflects broader concerns about repeated financial decisions over multiple terms.

Are Township employees being blamed?

No.

Township employees operate under policies approved by the Board. This recall concerns Board-level decisions and priorities, not employee conduct or performance.

Is this recall about term limits?

No.

This recall does not propose term limits or charter changes. However, many residents believe that long tenure combined with repeat actions is relevant context when evaluating leadership.

What is the Recall Petition Language?

Because (Cheri Bell / Dusty Farmer / Zak Ford / Neil Sikora / Kristin Cole) voted in favor of a Motion to Approve the Oshtemo Charter Township 2026 Employee Benefit Package by the Township Board of the Township at a meeting held on the 10th day of November 2025 titled:

"2026 Employee Benefit Package," a " Motion by Ford, second by Sikora to approve the 2026 employee benefits package”

Does signing the petition mean I support cutting services or pay?

No.

Signing the petition simply supports placing the recall question on the ballot. It does not commit anyone to a specific policy outcome.

What does a recall election actually change?

A recall election shortens the current term and allows voters to decide sooner whether current leadership should continue.

While it does not guarantee different policies, many residents believe it can with new leadership — interrupt ongoing spending patterns and restore accountability before additional long-term commitments are made.

Will this recall cost the Township money?

The recall would appear on the regular May election ballot, so any additional cost is expected to be minimal.

Is this recall political or personal?

No.

Supporters come from a range of political views. The recall focuses on financial stewardship and accountability, not party affiliation or personal characteristics.

Why not wait for the next election?

Recalls exist for situations where residents believe earlier voter input is appropriate for ending terms early, especially when financial decisions have ongoing impacts.

What happens if I sign the petition?

Signing the petition does not remove anyone from office. It simply allows voters to decide the question through an election on the May ballot.

Do I have to agree with everything to sign?

No.

Many residents sign because they would like to see change in patterns — even if they don’t agree on every detail.

Who can sign the petition?

Only registered voters within the Oshtemo Township may sign. Petition circulators can help confirm eligibility.

What is the goal of this recall?

The goal is to give residents an opportunity to evaluate financial stewardship, priorities, and accountability after years of rising costs and repeated spending decisions.

How else can I help?

The easiest way to help is by spreading the word about the Oshtemo Recall - in person, at work, church, at clubs and especially on your social media channels. Then complete our website contact form - we can use help with volunteers and fundraising.