Candidate Q&A

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

I believe you have to be present in the community to truly understand what people need. I plan to meet residents where they are through neighborhood meetings, community events, partnerships with HOAs and local organizations, social media, and regular opportunities for residents to speak directly with the Trustee’s Office.

During this campaign, I have made it a priority to get out into Franklin Township, talk with residents, visit community organizations, and create events that address real needs. That same accessibility will continue if I am elected. I want residents to know who their trustee is, what the office does, and how to reach us when they need help. Community is the Key, and that starts with listening.

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

One of the biggest issues I see in Franklin Township is connecting residents in need with assistance before they reach a crisis. Food insecurity, housing instability, unemployment and other financial challenges can affect families who may not know where to turn for help.

As Trustee, I would focus on making township assistance more visible and accessible while building stronger partnerships with organizations already serving Franklin Township. We do not have to duplicate good work that is already happening in our community. We should connect residents to it, support it and identify where gaps still exist. I also want the Trustee’s Office to be proactive about sharing information and resources instead of waiting until someone is already in crisis to find us.

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

I am open to collaboration and consolidation of specific services when it can clearly save taxpayer dollars without reducing accessibility or the quality of services residents receive. However, I do not believe consolidation should happen simply for the sake of consolidation.

Township government is closest to the people it serves, and that local connection has value. Before eliminating or consolidating a service, I would want to see the data: What will taxpayers actually save? Will residents still have convenient access to assistance? Will services improve or decline? I support shared services, partnerships and eliminating unnecessary duplication when they produce measurable benefits, but residents should remain at the center of those decisions.

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

Declining revenue means the Trustee’s Office will have to be even more intentional with taxpayer dollars. My approach would begin with a thorough review of spending, contracts, staffing, programs and available reserves to determine what is essential, what is producing results and where efficiencies can be found.

Essential township responsibilities and direct assistance to residents should remain the priority. I would also look for opportunities to share resources and partner with nonprofits, businesses, schools and other government agencies rather than using township dollars to duplicate services that already exist.

Most importantly, residents deserve transparency. I want taxpayers to be able to understand where their money is going, why it is being spent and what results they are receiving from that investment.

How would you improve residents’ access to township assistance?

The first step is making sure residents know assistance exists and understand how to access it. Township assistance should not be something people only learn about through word of mouth or after they have reached a crisis.

I would strengthen outreach through social media, neighborhood organizations, schools, churches, community events and partnerships with local service providers. I would also review the application process from the resident’s perspective to identify unnecessary barriers and make information about eligibility, required documents and available assistance easier to understand.

Accessibility also means treating people with dignity. Someone asking for help may already be experiencing one of the hardest moments of their life. They should be able to reach their Trustee’s Office, understand the process and receive clear information about what help is available—even when the township itself cannot provide the service they need.