Ridgeway Township clerk appointment delayed after extended public debate

The Osage County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday declined to appoint a recommended clerk for Ridgeway Township and instead set the item for its next regularly scheduled meeting after an extended public comment period.

Why it matters: The county commission is the appointing authority for township vacancies when local boards cannot reach a conclusive recommendation. Local residents, elected township officials and the commission debated the candidate’s record; the dispute produced petitions and conflicting statements from township residents and current officials.

What happened: Ridgeway Township Trustee (speaker identified in the record as the trustee present) told the commission he recommended Michael Lawler for the clerk position, saying Lawler had “done an absolutely amazing job” leading the township and producing documents such as a road standards manual and meeting minutes. The trustee told the board Lawler’s work had improved efficiency and road maintenance.

Several residents and former township board members spoke against the appointment during public comment, criticizing Lawler’s management style and accusing him of driving longtime volunteers and officials off the board. Claude Stauber called Lawler a “control freak” and outlined a long list of complaints; Daryl Kenny, a former township board member, said he had collected signatures opposed to the appointment and urged more time for consideration.

Commissioners said the matter appeared contentious and agreed to postpone any appointment to allow additional local process. Commissioner discussion repeatedly noted the fairness question of appointing someone who lost a recent primary; one commissioner said he would prefer the township board to form a recommendation by vote and present that recommendation to the county.

The commission agreed to place the item on the Feb. 11 agenda to allow time for additional input from the township and for the new township treasurer to obtain records and review the transition.

Direct quotes (from transcript): "I am here today, as the Ridgeway Township Trustee. And I am here to recommend Mike Lawler as our new Ridgeway Township Clerk," said the trustee who introduced the recommendation.

"I was on the board for 12 years. I have never seen the turmoil," said Daryl Kenny, a resident and former trustee, describing tensions in recent township meetings.

What the commission decided: No appointment was made. The board directed staff to add the appointment request to the Feb. 11 agenda to allow more time for local review and to encourage the township to submit a formal majority recommendation if possible.

Next steps: Commissioners asked the township to return a clear recommendation if the township board can reach one; otherwise the county commission will consider appointment at the Feb. 11 meeting.