Pilchowski, Kiley content; take years of experience with them

Nearly a half-century of experience will be leaving Highland Township this year as Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski and Treasurer Judy Kiley retire from their posts.

Pilchowski, who has been with the township for 25 years and supervisor since 2002, said she leaves the position proud of the work she and the Board of Trustees have accomplished.

“We approach things like a team and respect each other’s opinions,” Pilchowski said.

Kiley, who has been with the township for 16 years, including 13 of those years as treasurer, also said she’s comfortable leaving the job with the township in a strong financial situation, particularly in recent years when revenues and home values have gone down.

“I think we’ve done a very solid job by making tough decisions,” Kiley said.

Township officials have been criticized by some 2012 candidates for township posts who claim the township hasn’t done enough to promote a business-friendly atmosphere.

“I knew that when I decided I wasn’t going to run, that people would assess what I did,” Pilchowski said. “I can walk away from this office and know that I’m going to continue to live in the community and hold my head up because I always did what I think was best for the community.”

While both Pilchowski and Kiley said they recognize businesses don’t always get the answers or actions they want, they do their best to work with the business community while still adhering to the law.

“I have no apologies,” Pilchowski said. “Businesses that went out of business didn’t go out of business because of Highland Township. “It’s not the government’s job to bring in business, but it’s important that the township is there to work with businesses to help them locate in the community.”

She said she wishes the new township board success in serving the people of Highland.

“Those that live and work and own businesses, those are the ones we are here for. They’ve always been my No. 1 customer.”