Annette Johnson

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

I will provide workshops and community forums with information for residents. I will continue to update the Trustee’s Website with vital information about the Trustee’s Office and Pike Township Fire Department. I will continue to provide community meetings and continue to participate in HOA’s, Home Owners Association meetings where informative information is received and given out. I will continue to provide yearly: Festivals, community essential giveaways, food giveaways, Township Advisory Board meetings, Pike Township Fire Department open house and partnership with area businesses and organizations.

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

Top issues facing Pike residents are help with utility bills, housing expenses including rent, and mortgage payments. Other areas of concern for parents are help with food, school supplies and uniforms. As the Trustee, I work hard to help residents in need and have addressed it with partnering with local businesses and local nonprofits organizations and groups to come alongside and serve our community together.

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

Replacing the largest source of property tax cuts revenue is no easy task. It is rendered still more difficult by the necessity of replacing current revenue or some substantial percentage of them. I would also reach out to area businesses for donations and support for funding for residents in need. What might help is to eliminate any existing caps on local sales taxes, or authorize such taxes for the first time, as an alternative to local property taxes. My hope is to see local option sales taxes that can alleviate pressure on property taxes. These options can help with revenues that will be received for the budget to the Trustee’s office to help with helping those in need.

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

I do not believe township government should be consolidated. We are the closest entity to the people. The trustee’s office provides essential services and resources that can make a real difference in residents’ lives. We provide burial assistance and services that residents need in an emergency situation. As the trustee, my job is to provide emergency assistance to individuals and other critical forms of support. The trustee’s office is committed to helping local families access the help they need. The Trustee also provided fire protection and ambulance service for the areas of the township.

How would you improve residents’ access to township assistance?

As the Township Trustee’s Office is responsible for providing assistance to residents who meet eligibility requirements, my office will assist residents with where to get financial help and services in the Pike Township area. I will work with organizations and community service projects to help beyond what the Trustee’s Office can provide help with utility bills, housing expenses including rent and mortgage payments. I will work with the MSD of Pike Township Schools to provide relief for students in need along with other Government Agencies to provide workforce development programs and financial literacy workshops.