By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

            A Bronson councilwoman who is often late to council meetings due to conflicts with her duties at a local public school was called out at the most recent board meeting for missing the Nov. 28 meeting entirely.

            Elijah Williams, who frequently calls out the council for what he sees as its shortcomings, said he campaigned for Councilwoman Sherrie Schuler when she ran for office and likes Schuler “very much,” but he questioned her frequent tardiness to town council meetings.

            “I got a problem with being late at every meeting. You don’t see a problem with that mayor?” Williams said.

            Deputy Clerk Wendy Maragh said Schuler was asked to be present at a school basketball game on Nov. 28 when one of the Bronson coaches had an emergency. That’s why she missed the council meeting.

            “The other coach had a family emergency. She had every intention of being here tonight,” Maragh said.

            Schuler is a teacher and also serves as the basketball athletic director.

            She is often late to town council meetings due to conflicts with school activities.

            Mayor Robert Partin said sometimes things come into play that results in Schuler being late to meetings, but he understood the point Williams was making.

            “We need her here. We need her opinion. We need her vote. I agree on what you’re saying. Circumstances do come into play sometimes, but I appreciate your point,” Partin said.

            The council tabled action on a letter from Schuler asking the town to donate money to assist in paying for t-shirts and food for a hospitality room at an upcoming holiday basketball tournament scheduled for April 27-29. In her letter, she said the school is trying to raise $2,000. The t-shirts would bear the name of all the sponsors as well as the name of the tournament. Every player and coach will receive one.

            Councilman Jason Hunt said he didn’t have a problem making a donation to the school, but if the council chose to make the gift of $150, it would be obligated to do the same for all the other sports at the school including baseball, football, volleyball, and track.

            Partin tabled the request. He asked town administrators to call Schuler for additional information. Some members of the council weren’t sure if she was asking for a $150 donation for the holiday tournament or an additional $150 for an athletic banner at the school.

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Town of Bronson Regular Meeting November 28, 2022; Posted December 3, 2022