MORRISVILLE - Type Michael Schlink's name in the search bar of Morrisville's website and more than 40 documents turn up, most from council meeting minutes in which Schlink has spoken out on everything from taxes to parks and downtown plans.

His name now appears in another entry: the Morrisville Town Council members' page.

Schlink, the perennial critic and town booster, took his oath of office Tuesday, nearly two months after election day. It was a moment delayed by a recount, state appeal and allegations of ballot mishandling.

Schlink unseated 12-year incumbent Linda Lyons by three votes. Ironically, it's the same number of votes Lyons won by in 1999 when she herself unseated a longtime incumbent.

Schlink made a name for himself as a member of Morrisville Action, a political action group that successfully fought a 19 percent tax hike in 2004.

"Out of the blue it was 19 percent. How can you do that? Can you justify it?" Schlink said. "So we had 150 people show up, got a little bit of publicity (and) they backed down. They could never justify the 19 percent."

Inevitable run

Given Schlink's outspoken demeanor and constant vigilance for government activities, first in Cary and later in Morrisville, his run for office was inevitable.

His run was postponed by one thing: His children.

"It goes back to that question: Do you want to help raise your family, be there for your family?" Schlink said.

Before he decided to campaign, Schlink got his children's permission.

He traces his desire for public service to his parents, who instilled a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

At Western Illinois University, he studied political science and criminal justice. During a police internship in his hometown, Schlink said, he would sit in council meetings.

After he graduated, he joined the U.S. Army, where he met his wife. After 10 years and two children, Schlink left the military to put down roots and raise his family. He opened a Chem-Dry carpet-cleaning franchise in Cary.

"No I didn't know anything about carpet cleaning business," Schlink said. "It's a risk. Everything's going to be a risk. I guess that's maybe why I jumped out of airplanes at Fort Bragg."

Tactful limits

But Schlink's questioning isn't always easy to handle, and can be time-consuming.

In 2006, Morrisville Town Manger John Whitson allowed staff to tactfully end calls with Schlink if their duties were being hampered.

Schlink didn't take offense.

"I've been blunt in the past. I don't want to waste your time. I just want to get to the facts," Schlink said.

Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht remembers Schlink as "outspoken" from his many visits before the Cary Town Council.

"He was very involved," Weinbrecht said. "He was an ally of mine. We had the same concerns about the way we were growing at the time."

Schlink recognizes he can sometimes be a lightning rod.

"Maybe I'm a rule breaker. Maybe that's why they don't like me. I'm nonconforming," he said.

"I'm not doing it to delay people. I'm trying to empower the people."