The man who has replaced Jane Lano as Bertrand Township clerk says “a new day has dawned” in the township.

Don Vite, who ran unaffiliated, secured 411 votes to Lano’s 169 during Tuesday’s recall election in Berrien County.

“You have elected me because of my pledge to be a man of integrity, character, cooperation and hard work,” Vite said Wednesday morning via email. “That was my pledge to you then, and it is my pledge to you now.”

The 51-year-old Bertrand Township native said while he won’t post regular office hours at township hall, he will be available by cell phone and at his place of business, Vite Greenhouses, which is located about a mile south of township hall.

“I am anxious to get started, and I look forward to working with each member of the township board, and together leading this great township forward,” he said.

The recall election was spearheaded by Martin Couture in the fall of 2014.

Couture filed a recall petition stating that Lano notarized a civil rights complaint filed against the township board by an employee. The recall petition went on to say that Lano did not notify the board of the complaint until weeks later.

Lano defended her actions by claiming that she — acting as a notary — did not have a duty, obligation or responsibility to tell anyone on the board about the civil rights complaint.

Vite thanked Lano for her many years of service to the township. He also thanked his family and those that helped conduct a fair election.

“Thank you to all of my supporters for your vote, your encouragement, your willingness to post signs and help in so many different ways,” he said. “I appreciate it all more than I can express.”

Lano was appointed Bertrand Township clerk in June of 2008 and retained the seat through an election later that year. She was re-elected in 2012 to another four-year term.

Vite was the only person to run against her. He will fill out Lano’s term, which expires in November 2016.