Surprise Announcement in West Bloomfield: Supervisor Steve Kaplan to Depart After Just Days in Office!
Big news from West Bloomfield! After receiving a whopping 97% of votes during his re-election, Township Supervisor Steve Kaplan made headlines not just for his victory, but for his unexpected announcement just two days after being sworn in for a third term. It seems the township’s favorite came back with a bang only to drop a bombshell!
Kaplan Takes a New Job, Leaving Town Hall Behind
Last week, Kaplan was celebrated on the local cable channel, Civic Center TV, as he marked his return to the office. However, in a twist that caught many by surprise, he soon shared that he’d be transitioning to an assistant prosecutor’s position within the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. The news was officially confirmed by a spokeswoman for County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, leaving many residents and fellow politicians scratching their heads.
Criticism and Support: The Mixed Reactions
While Kaplan’s announcement was met with some hearty congratulations, critics quickly sprang into action. Past political opponents voiced their discontent, questioning why he ran for office in the first place if he had plans to leave. Former township treasurer Denise Hammond expressed her shock, saying, “If you know you’re going to do this, why do you get sworn in? You were lying to the public!”
On the other hand, some know Kaplan well enough to appreciate his decision. Robert Brooks, a member of the township’s Parks and Recreation Commission, voiced a different opinion: “He really enjoyed what he was doing in the prosecutor’s office in the past, and his heart was still there.” With Kaplan being regarded as one of metro Detroit’s star assistant prosecuting attorneys, perhaps this new chapter aligns perfectly with his passion for criminal justice.
A Transition Period and Future Leadership
As the township gears up for changes, the next board meeting on December 2 will likely introduce Kaplan’s resignation, starting a countdown for the board to appoint a successor. This new supervisor will serve until the mid-term election in 2026. In Michigan, the role of a township supervisor is comparable to a full-time city mayor, overseeing various departments and chairing board meetings—quite the responsibility!
Jim Allen, a member of the clerk’s staff, mentioned that there’s still uncertainty regarding the exact timing of Kaplan’s last day, but it seems December 4 could be the date to watch. With his departure, the township board faces the task of selecting a new leader while also dealing with the implications of a sudden change in command.
Kaplan’s Impact in West Bloomfield
For over 25 years, Kaplan has been an integral part of the township’s political landscape. During his time as supervisor, he helped restore harmony among the board members, a refreshing change after a period of conflict and lawsuits. With his proven track record and experience, his influence will undoubtedly be felt, especially in the search for his successor.
It will be interesting to see how the board navigates this transition as West Bloomfield continues to evolve. After all, Kaplan’s exit places him among company with other recent shifts in leadership across Oakland County, including new supervisors in Bloomfield Township and Independence Township.
What Lies Ahead for Kaplan?
As of now, Kaplan is set to begin his new role on December 2, ready to tackle the warrant and screening unit duties. However, the details of his salary are yet unknown, leaving many curious about the financial aspects of this career shift.
This unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder that in politics, things can change rapidly, and sometimes surprise announcements are just around the corner. Stay tuned to see how the township handles this transition and who will step into Kaplan’s shoes in West Bloomfield!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
