Trustee Melissa McLaughlin is the newest official, having been appointed to the job in 1992. She's seeking a third term in November. Only Dearborn and Livonia have greater economic punch. Township resident Sunday Spence said the leadership formula seems to work. Other than the terrible roads, things are fine.
Few communities can brag of long-term collective leadership.
What's more, even fewer municipalities have held onto their department heads and upper management like Canton has. For example, the township's police chief, municipal services and administrative directors have about 50 combined years with the township. Other Metro Detroit communities have longer serving mayors, including Dearborn and Huntington Woods. Voters are more willingly to re-elect leaders who work together towards community goals, he said. Yack said respect for other views had been key to township harmony.