Franklin, Union, Needham Township Board Member - Needham Twp
An Indiana Township Board serves as the legislative and fiscal oversight body for the township. Board members review and approve the township budget, set tax rates, and provide oversight of the township trustee’s financial decisions. Board members serve four-year terms.
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Tara Payne
(Rep)
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Jud Vaught
(Dem)
What qualifications, experience, and skills have prepared you to serve on the Township Board?
How would you review the township budget and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars?
How would you work collaboratively with the Trustee while providing effective oversight?
My personal and professional experience has prepared me to serve the F.U.N. Township Board with compassion, integrity, and accountability. I have served on the Township Board for more than eight years, first with Needham Township and now F.U.N. Township. I hold a Social Work degree from IU, where I developed a strong foundation in advocacy, communication, and serving others. As Chief of Staff for the City of Franklin, I work with elected officials, community partners, and residents to solve problems and address concerns. I believe my experience in township and municipal government, combined with my lifelong commitment to advocacy, allows me to make thoughtful decisions, responsibly steward taxpayer dollars, and serve our community well.
As Chief of Staff for the City of Franklin, I have firsthand experience with municipal budgeting and understand the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars. I bring that same accountability to the Township Board. I believe responsible budgeting means understanding where every dollar goes, reviewing revenues and expenses, examining spending trends, and ensuring funds are used efficiently. I am willing to ask difficult questions and challenge unnecessary spending while working collaboratively to find efficiencies. Taxpayer dollars should be managed with transparency, care, and accountability while ensuring essential township services remain properly funded.
Effective local government requires communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving residents. I view the relationship between the Trustee and Board as a partnership, while recognizing the Board’s responsibility to provide oversight. As Chief of Staff for the City of Franklin, I have learned how to collaborate with people who may have different perspectives, ask difficult questions, and maintain productive relationships. As a Board member, I communicate openly, come prepared, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions based on facts. I support the Trustee when appropriate while being willing to raise concerns when necessary. Good oversight means accountability, transparency, and working together for our community.
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