Some officials from townships around Berrien County have written to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners in support of Jason Latham, the road department director now on leave. During Thursday’s commission meeting, a letter from Lincoln Township Supervisor Dick Stauffer was read by staff.
“I have had no calls, zero, regarding snow removal this year, and when I have had a situation involving the BCRD, the response has been prompt, fair, and professional,” it read. “I would judge the BCRD to be well-managed from my supervisor perspective.”
Latham also had a letter of support from Benton Township Treasurer Debbie Boothby and Hagar Township Supervisor Izzy Dimaggio, who wrote that Latham has brought a professionalism to the department that had been lacking. Referring to a recent administration committee meeting where Latham was asked questions about road plowing techniques, Dimaggio warned commissioners they are slipping into micromanagement.
“This is precisely was led to the problems that cause the dissolving of the former road commission board,” the letter said.
A letter signed by staff members of the Berrien County Road Department said Latham is a good manager who has brought quick improvements through his use of asset management and other strategies. Commissioners could not comment on the reason for Latham being on leave.
