The Township operates under a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor is elected for a four year term without limitation as to the number of terms. In November 1988, the voters approved a referendum which returned the Township to the partisan system of government. As a result, Township elections, which had been held in May, are now held in November.
The Mayor is the chief executive and administrative officer in the Township and, as such, is responsible for administering local laws and policy development. The specific powers of the Mayor include various appointments, preparation of the Township's budget, and approval or veto (which may be overridden by a 2/3 vote of the Township Council) of the ordinances adopted by the Township Council. The Mayor appoints, with the advice and consent of the Township Council, the Business Administrator, the Township Attorney, and the Directors of the Departments of Public Safety, Engineering and Public Works.