Candidate Q&A

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

If elected, my plan is to improve (read: begin) communication with the residents of Washington Township. Currently, the website is outdated and not user friendly, providing little to no information for the community, and there is no social media or other communication out of the office. I’d like to change that. Our community is lucky to have had a public servant at the helm who has been so committed, but after 16 straight years, it’s time for a fresh face and renewed energy.

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

Again, communication is lacking. There are so many resources that compliment the assistance that the Trustee’s office provides, but no means to get the information out to the public.

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

I support consolidation–it would be an honor to be a part of a thoughtful and responsible transition to less government in general, as long as the access to Assistance remains uninterrupted and the process is vetted by leadership who knows the landscape of the township. Maintaining local access to these resources is critical (folks should not have to travel far to apply for aid). If these things are ensured, I believe the process can be managed in a way that preserves more tax dollars for services, not government salaries.

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

I’ve looked at the budget, and have questions about several line items. After 16 straight years of the same person at the helm, a pair of fresh eyes brings an opportunity for common sense decisions.

How would you improve residents’ access to township assistance?

See my above plan for change: better communication, improved web engagement, social media. Basically, bringing the office to current day standards, rather than stuck in the same place it was when the current leadership took office, four election cycles ago.