Steve Talley

Candidate Q&A

How do you plan to reach out to constituents about what their needs are?

I have been fortunate to have served as Lawrence Township Trustee for 11 years and the issues have always been what services the Trustee provides, and how can residents access the Trustee’s office for those services. I think nearly all the trustees across the state have a website, but I am happy to say we have a website and a strong social media presence. Further, I believe we are the only trustee office in Indiana where our residents can (a) complete the application through our website and by email without a visit to our office and (b) access free rides to the food pantries located in Lawrence Township, because in Lawrence Township we found that transportation is often a barrier in the delivery of services. In addition, I attend/set up a resource table at approximately 30-35 faith-based, community and government as well as school sponsored events each year.

What is the top issue your township is facing and how would you address it as trustee?

Housing prices and transportation are huge issues in Lawrence Township. That is why I (a) went to our Advisory Board last year and asked for an increase in the amount of rent assistance allowed by our Township Assistance Guidelines, and (b) funded free rides to the food pantries located in Lawrence Township. Residents in need of emergency assistance can complete the application through our website and by email without a visit to our office, or if they prefer to come in, our doors are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays where they can apply using one of our public computers and speak with our staff. Lawrence Township is experiencing a very high Eviction rate. I worked with Small Claim Court Kimberly Bacon and the City of Indianapolis to enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ICA) that resulted in enough money to fund an Eviction Diversion Program. This program will be able to level the playing field for renters who are facing eviction with on-site Attorneys, Legal Navigators and Volunteer Coordinators at no cost to the clients.

Considering the expected declines in revenue because of property tax cuts, how would you manage your office’s budget?

Prior to my election as Trustee, I was a member of the Indianapolis City County Council for 13 years and served as Council President in 2005. I chaired a special Tax Increment Financing Study Commission. I also worked for the city of Indianapolis in the department of Public Safety as a budget analyst. It was through those experiences our office was able to anticipate and prepare for the possible decrease in revenues, which is why our office will be able to move forward with no reductions in staff or services.

Should township government be consolidated, or should specific services be consolidated, to better manage resources and save taxpayer money?

I have not studied those issues across the state, but I don’t believe it would be in the best interest of Marion County residents.

How would you improve residents’ access to township assistance?

As I said earlier in this survey, I attend approximately 30-35 public events each year and after talking about the resources the trustee’s office offers, I always ask the visitors to our table “what can we do to better service you and your neighbors” we note those suggestions and give them very serious consideration.