As a steward of the taxpayer's money, I am running for Wayne Township trustee. I have eight years of experience working as an investigative clerk in the township office. I have seen the needs of our community and I have a vision for how to responsibly and conservatively help the people of our community.
The main issue in our community is the homeless population. According to the law, a township of our size can help along with other organizations up to a certain amount of money. There are laws that trustees must abide. This is both for the protection of the taxpayer as well as the protection of the citizens requiring services. If the money runs out, it is still the responsibility of the trustee to fund for assistance.
The township does have a cushion in our account. This should be looked at as being good stewards of the public's money that was entrusted to the current trustee and the Advisory Board. Without this money in the account, where would we be if one major employer closed its' doors?
The money in the separate funds are, by law, to be used for the purpose of that specific fund. The township fund (Fund 840) can only be used for the purposes of township assistance. It cannot be used for business growth or any other reason. The cemetery fund (2120) also can only be used for the maintenance and so on.
The current trustee is open for audit by the State Board of Accounts and has never had issues with any audits. They follow the law as to how they can spend township money. I will continue to do this as trustee.
It is true that there is some flexibility in the position of trustee. However, when it comes to spending the taxpayers’ money, I promise to spend it wisely and in the best interest of the taxpayers while striving to help the citizens of our community that need help. I promise to also follow the laws in place when planning the budget and spending monies.
Part of the job of trustee is building relationships with other partnerships in the community and to assist people in making those essential connections. I have relationships in place to assist with those connections.
For the record, Bruce Woodward has never approached me or asked me about my vision for the position of trustee. If he had, he would know that I am the best choice for Wayne Township. I have the experience and training needed to successfully transition into the position of trustee. I plan to protect the taxpayers’ money as well as helping those individuals and families needing assistance all while keeping the tax levies low.
The current advisory board lowered the tax levies by 30 percent for 2019. The next trustee must be prepared to work within the budget that is approved for next year. With less funding, a conservative approach must be taken.
Vote for me Nov. 6 and I promise to be a good steward of your money while helping the people in the community who need it the most.
