Former Shelby Police Chief Enters Supervisor's Race

Before a crowd of about 50 supporters, former Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Leman filed paperwork Friday at the township clerk's office in his first formal move to run for supervisor in the November general elections.

Leman handed in the required 100 signatures just before 1 p.m. in order to be added to the August primary ballot. The filing deadline for anyone seeking a spot on the Board of Trustees is May 15.

"I'm convinced I can provide the leadership required to guide the township during these very difficult times," said Leman.

After 10 years as police chief, Leman was placed on administrative leave Sept. 21, 2011, a day after the board voted against renewing his contract.

Leman filed a in December 2011 alleging his contract was not renewed in retaliation for forwarding investigations against Supervisor Rick Stathakis and Treasurer Paul Viar to county officials.

Last October, Leman put together an exploratory committee made up of residents and concerned buisness owners and has held dozens of focus groups to find out what the township needs going forward. 

As a Republican candidate, Leman said the main focus of his campaign is to bring honesty, integrity and transparency back to local government.

Leman accused the current administration of manipulating the police and fire funds to balance the township's budgets.

"The current supervisor and administration tout a balanced budget. However, they neglect to mention they accomplished this by raiding the surplus funds of the fire and police department, which effectively is a shell game," he said.

Leman added that over the course of his tenure, the police fund accumulated a $16 million surplus.

"I was able to accomplish this through sound business management principles without any cuts to services or police layoffs," he said.

Leman has hired John Johnson of Warren as his campaign manager.

"In future days, I and my campaign team, will lay out a vision for the future of this township. I look forward to seving all the residents of this township. It's a great township and I'm excited," he said.

A fundraiser for Leman's campaign will be Feb. 23 at from 5:30 to 8 p.m.