Nov 17, 2018 1 min read

The North Franklin Township manager has turned in her resignation after a long career in public service.

Martha Ward notified township supervisors Tuesday she will leave office Dec. 31 to spend more time with her family and volunteering at her church.

“It has been a pleasure to serve the township of my birth and its residents for many years,” Ward stated in her letter of resignation.

She said she began her career in 1971 as a township wage tax collector and also worked at the county courthouse. She served one term as township supervisor, losing re-election in 2017 to Bob Sabot.

She was appointed township manager in July, agreeing to serve in the position for a short time.

“My entire lifetime has been spent in this fine community with its hard-working people and its friendly, caring, helpful neighbors,” she said.

Sabot said he asked Ward to stay until the end of the year to help guide the supervisors through budgetary issues stemming from a number of issues.

He said Ward is valuable to the township.