06/06/2025
Hello, Rose township. This is your supervisor Brad Stilwell. It's currently 12:45 AM and no I haven't wound down yet, not even close. You might be asking, Brad. Why are you still awake? Well, let me tell you. Tonight we held a planning commission meeting regarding a proposal of re-zoning of 62 acres off of Hickory Ridge road, but that's not why I'm lying awake. What's keeping me up? Is something much more powerful than zoning Codes and land use maps. It's you the people of rose township. The township chairs were packed. Residents stood in the back, filled the halls and even listened from their lounge chairs in the parking lot. -That's right, Some brought their own outdoor setups just to be part of the meeting. It felt like a township tailgate minus the burgers. We had 2 applicants, their lawyer, 5 board members and over a 100 residents. The conversation was passionate, Yes, but more importantly, it was civil as each expert lawyer and applicant spoke to the people of Rose. The crowd listening, and then one by one they Rose up to speak their minds. Even in disagreement there was respect, even in strong opposition there was strength and character. In a time when a nation headlines can make it feel like civil discourse is a thing of the past. Rose township, reminded me and maybe reminded each other. That democracy is alive and well right here at home. Passionate, informed and respectful. I'm proud to serve as your supervisor but tonight more than anything. I am proud to simply be your neighbor. So no I may not sleep much tonight, but after what I witnessed, I'll rest just fine. Thank you, Rose, Brad Stillwell, supervisor of Rose Township.