Dexter Township Board Picks Rotary President Steve Feinman to Fill Vacancy

After months of uncertainty, the Dexter Township Board of Trustees announced at its Oct. 18 meeting that resident Steve Feinman has been appointed to fill an empty seat on the board.

The seat was vacated in August when . Only residents of the township can serve on the Board of Trustees. Feinman, along with six other candidates, applied for the open position and was interviewed by the board Oct. 11.

Feinman, president of the , brings his knowledge of local government to the table. He previously served as director of public works for Cherry Hill Township in New Jersey and as an assistant project manager in Philadelphia.

"I am very excited to serve as township trustee," Feinman said. "It provides a greater opportunity to help manage the township's growth and issues that will develop from growth over time."

Feinman said one of his chief concerns will focus on township infrastructure, namely, roads and drainage.

"My belief is that many people don't understand that the township is not in the business of maintaining roads. Roads are a county issue, but there are some things we can do locally if the county can't address our problems," he said.

Feinman said he vows to listen to residents' concerns and will focus his efforts on managing the planned growth of the township based on the goals of the township's comprehensive plan.

"Anyone who has served in local government has an understanding that you have to balance the expectations and needs of the people with the fiscal and operational realities within the governing body's abilities," he said.

One of the biggest challenges he faces, however, will be catching up on the township's policies and ordinances quickly.

"I am reading up on the various zoning ordinances and trying to get an understanding of the township's needs," he said. "The demographics in the township have changed over the last 10 years, and as a result, you see different needs emerging."

Feinman will serve out Knight's term on the board through 2012 and may seek election for a full term in the future.

"You don't know if something is the right fit for you until you are able to get your feet wet," he said.

Service before self

Feinman moved to the township in 2008 and dived headfirst into community service. In addition to his role in Rotary Club, Feinman is the director of Michigan SCORE, a counseling service for small business startups.

"I like giving back," he said. "In my younger days, I didn't have much time to volunteer. After retiring, I was looking for something to do, and I wanted to put my knowledge and experiences to good use."

Feinman said working with SCORE is particularly important because of the organization's ability to promote economic growth in Michigan.

"Small businesses are the economic engines for gross domestic product in our country," he said. "If we can help small businesses succeed, it is good for the economy and good for society."

Since joining the Rotary Club, Feinman said he has participated in several projects benefiting Dexter Community Schools, Faith in Action and the greater Dexter community.

"We're fortunate that most of our members live in the community, so they have a vested interest in what goes on," he said.

Rotary members have been involved with a student exchange program; a global , which provides emergency homes made from crop fibers; community service and scholarship opportunities for students; and purchased a therapy dog for students.

"We're looking to provide as much support to the community as we can," Feinman said. "Rotarians believe in our ethos — service before self — and that shows in our work."

Feinman also was recently approached by the village to help compile a pictorial history of Dexter. With all his responsibilities, he acknowledges it can be difficult to carve out personal time for himself and his wife.

"I get a lot of support from my wife," he said. "I like being busy."