Board Recognizes 18-Year Service of ‘Humble Giant’, Trustee Ernie Hornung

Sitting in his last board meeting as an elected official Monday, Trustee Ernest O. Hornung was the recipient of both thanks and praise from his colleagues in Clinton Township.

Appointed to fill a vacancy on the board of trustees in January 1994, Hornung has served the township for 18 years as a trustee.

“It’s been a great honor to serve with Mr. Hornung,” said township attorney Jack Dolan. “He’s a brilliant legal mind. His insight and analysis on legal issues has been of great help to myself and I know to Mr. (Charles) Towner also. He’s also provided a great deal of levity … It’s been a great pleasure serving with you.”

Losing in the Democratic primary Aug. 7, Hornung was not eligible to run for re-election Nov. 6 and will be succeeded by Democrat Paul Gieleghem at noon Nov. 20.

All other board members, with the exception of Clerk George Fitzgerald, who was were re-elected to their current postitions.

“Every elected body has their force that when that person speaks there is quality in what they are saying and meaning in what they say,” said Treasurer William Sowerby. “They don’t always speak up at every meeting, but you know when something needs to be said it is heard loud and clear and that was the force Mr. Hornung lead all these years on this board.”

In addition to his duties as trustee, Hornung has served as an alternate on the Grosse Pointes-Clinton Refuse Authority, the Election Commission, the Planning Commission, Refuse Committee, Sanitary Sewer Sub Committee and is an Ex-Officio member of the Historical Commission.

Prior to his appointment and subsequent election as a township trustee, Hornung served as Vice Chairman of the Clinton Township Zoning Board of Appeals and as Treasurer of the Clinton Township Building Authority.

“It’s been a real privilege to serve as a township trustee for these 18 years and I want you to know that I did my best to tailor my decisions in a reasonable and responsible manner,” Hornung said. “I want to thank all the citizens who have supported me throughout the years and also the department heads and all the employees of the township.”

While Trustee Jenifer “Joie” West echoed her colleagues’ praise of Hornung’s excellence in law and township affairs, her send-off message took a more personal line.

“We’ve heard tonight about how you’re an excellent attorney and an excellent board member but I think more than anything you are without a doubt a humble giant with a big huge heart,” West said. “It’s been an honor.”

The terms of newly elected trustee Gielegham and clerk Meltzer will begin at noon Tuesday, Nov. 20, when the terms of their predecessors expire.