Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Incumbent Wayne Township Trustee Jeanie Stackhouse, Republican, is seeking to hold off Libertarian Alexandra “Alex” Vergiels in the November general election.
Both were asked to answer three questions, in 250 words or less. Below are their responses.
1. Why are you running for trustee?
Stackhouse: I enjoy helping the less fortunate of Wayne Township and those who are in need due to unexpectedly losing a job or having other unexpected emergencies where they are in need of help to pay rent or utilities.
Vergiels: I’m running for Wayne Township trustee because local government should work for the people — not operate above them or make access complicated. As a Libertarian, I believe government must be limited, transparent and accountable to taxpayers.
Right now, accessing township assistance is too often an uphill battle. When neighbors face hardship, they shouldn't be expected to do legal research on state laws or travel down to the courthouse just to figure out basic guidelines. Telling someone in crisis to wade through red tape or take time off work to visit the trustee office during standard business hours just to pick up an application isn't helpful service — it's an unnecessary obstacle.
Someone struggling financially shouldn't have to go on a scavenger hunt just to find answers. We should implement smart solutions like similarly sized townships such as Center Township in Hancock County have done.
If elected, I will modernize the trustee’s office to deliver efficient, dignified support by:
• Offering evening hours: Opening at least one evening a week so working residents don't lose wages to get help.
• Digital applications: Moving past outdated paper processes so initial intake forms can be completed online.
• Clear guidance: Putting straightforward, step-by-step information directly on a centralized website in one easy-to-find place.
Wayne Township residents deserve responsive leadership and practical solutions. No more runarounds — just a local government that truly serves its community.
2. What qualifications and/or experiences do you have that make you the best choice to serve in the elected position?
Stackhouse: I have been the Wayne Township trustee for eight years and prior to that I worked as an investigative clerk for the previous trustee for six years.
I feel I am well qualified and knowledgeable as to what trustees can and cannot do. When I was first elected trustee, I presented to the board a contract where we would allocate money to Fellowship Missions on a yearly basis to help with emergency homelessness for residents of Wayne Township. In 2024 we presented a contract to Combined Community Services to allocate money to them for their food pantry on a yearly basis.
Vergiels: I’m running for Wayne Township trustee because I believe local government should work for the people it serves. I’m not a career politician — I’m a neighbor running to deliver leadership built on accountability, transparency and common sense.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and bring professional experience in technical problem-solving, data analysis, investigating discrepancies and coordinating across departments to align operational plans with financial forecasts. These real-world skills translate directly to the trustee’s core duties, from maintaining accurate financial records and managing public resources to optimizing administrative processes.
My professional background has taught me to look beyond surface-level issues, identify root causes and implement practical solutions. As trustee, I will apply that analytical approach to township operations — reducing unnecessary red tape, modernizing outdated paper processes, and making services genuinely accessible while protecting taxpayer dollars.
As secretary of the Kosciusko County Libertarian Party, I am committed to limited government, fiscal responsibility and open records. Residents have a fundamental right to understand how their public funds are spent and how their government serves them.
I bring an analytical mindset, operational experience and a genuine desire to serve. My goal is to ensure the Wayne Township trustee’s office is efficient, modern, and accountable to the people paying for it.
3. What do you believe is the most important duty of the trustee and why?
Stackhouse: Helping the less fortunate and needy. I know sometimes it is difficult for some individuals and families to make ends meet and I am happy that we are able to help them. As well as providing monies to the Winona Lake and Warsaw Parks Departments to assist them in projects that the people of Wayne Township can take advantage of.
Vergiels: I believe the trustee’s most important duty is to serve as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars while ensuring essential emergency assistance reaches residents in need. Fulfilling this responsibility requires balancing strict fiscal accountability with genuine compassion: Funds must be managed efficiently, transparently and in accordance with clear guidelines.
By law, township government exists to handle specific core functions — primarily administering emergency township assistance, funding reliable fire protection and EMS, and maintaining township cemeteries. As a Libertarian, I believe government is most effective when it stays focused on these essential responsibilities rather than expanding unnecessarily.
Wayne Township ended 2025 with over $600,000 in unused township assistance funds while dispensing very little aid to residents facing crisis. Holding over half a million dollars in taxpayer money while making assistance so bureaucratic that few can access it is neither fiscal stewardship nor good public service.
When a family hits an unexpected emergency, local government shouldn't trap them in red tape. The trustee must make the assistance process transparent, accessible, and responsive so residents understand how to apply, can easily find necessary information and receive timely support when they need it most.
Wayne Township deserves a trustee who maintains full financial transparency, protects taxpayer dollars and ensures local assistance works efficiently for our community.
