Ron Haun
Brookfield Trustee Ron Haun resigned this evening with an effective date of Nov. 15.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the citizens of Brookfield Township for allowing me the honor to serve you since 2008,” he said at the trustees’ monthly meeting.
Haun, 63, said he has worked with many good people over his tenure.
“Together, we’ve made a lot of constructive changes to move the township forward in a positive direction,” he said.
While he mentioned some of those constructive changes – fiscal responsibility, the adoption of the Exterior Property Maintenance Code – Haun spent more time on what he believes the trustees should do to facilitate more constructive change.
Haun has long noted the township’s falling population and encouraged the present trustees to pursue outside funding for major projects that could spur new development and improve the quality of life in the township, such as cleaning up the former radar base along Route 7 and extending utilities to it, making it attractive for redevelopment; undertaking a project to alleviate flooding in the Valley View neighborhood; replacing the pavilions and building trails and a pond in Brookfield Township Community Park, and building a community center in the park to replace the township social hall, which would be converted into storage for road department equipment.
“My hope for the future of the township is that the trustees will continue to pursue outside funding sources that allow for the beautification of our community and create more opportunities for our residents and youth,” he said.
Haun, who sold his home in Masury earlier this year and has been splitting his time between Brookfield and Florida, previously had announced his intention to resign effective Dec. 31.
“When you hear Ron, one word comes to mind – passion,” said Trustee Mark Ferrara. “No one has more passion than what he does. Fifteen years is a long time for a trustee. I thank you for your time.”
Trustee Dan Suttles called Haun a good trustee and “a good steward of your community.”
“Ron Haun’s given a lot to this community,” Suttles said, noting Haun’s involvement in what is now Brookfield Youth Baseball and Softball before he was elected trustee. “Him and I have disagreed during our terms on a few items, but one thing I will say, and I said it about my fellow Trustee Gary Lees, is he has his heart in this community. He’s served us well.”
Ferrara and Suttles will have 30 days from the effective date of Haun’s resignation to appoint a new trustee, who would serve until the end of 2023. The trustees will accept letters of interest from potential candidates until Nov. 25, Suttles said. Letters can be dropped off at the administration building, 6844 Strimbu Drive, during business hours, or with Suttles or Ferrara.
Candidates to replace Haun must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Brookfield of Township and registered to vote, with residency and voter registration having occurred as least 30 days prior, Suttles said.
