Thank you, Dan Swallow

The following was submitted by The View staff reporter Jerry LaVaute:

You may have heard that VBT Planning and Economic Development Director Dan Swallow has resigned from his post, effective Jan. 7.

Dan will become the director of Community and Economic Development for the city of Monroe. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Dan for his help in my reporting assignment the last several years, and to say that I'm gonna miss him.

Dan started in 2002 as the township's Environmental Director. Along the way, he was recognized for his ability not only to do a superlative job on his current assignment, but also for an ability and willingness to take on new assignments, as he became Deputy Planning and Economic Development Director, reporting to Bryce Kelley.

When Dan became Kelley's deputy, he retained his previous job as Environmental Director. This represented an efficiency for the township, but more importantly began to illustrate to me Swallow's capacity for hard work, all the while raising a young family, and attending college to earn an advanced degree.

After Bryce Kelley resigned in 2008, the township decided to elevate Dan to the post of director. It was a superb choice - a bit of valuable continuity amidst much change - and Dan made the transition look seamless.

Dan wasn't replaced as deputy director when he was promoted - he retained that responsibility. And he retained as well as his original assignment as Environmental Director.

When I think of working with Dan, and watching him work now for years with other officials and residents in township board meetings, I think of several characteristics: professional, helpful, accessible, knowledgeable, and great with residents.

He's not the slightest bit defensive if challenged, but understanding and eager to help. I used to marvel at this ability as I watched him in township board meetings.

Monroe's gain is our loss. Best of luck to you, Dan, and thanks.