Campaign Phone
614-204-2285
Occupation
Retired Educator
Education
B.S.Ed Ohio University, 1992 & M.A.Ed. The Ohio State University, 2002
Qualifications for Office
Township Resident for 13 years, Minor in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Adult Workforce Development and Education. I have been very active in my community as well as public school education and support through offices held in PTA's and Non-Profit Boards. Founder and President of Creative Options Advocacy Council, a non-profit for adults with developmental disabilities.
Continued economic development within the Township is key to keeping housing affordable and taxes low for our residents. Through work with the Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ) to recruit new businesses, Clinton Township could utilize tax revenue from these businesses instead of relying on levies and tax increases on residents. Investing more of these JEDZ funds would allow assistance with code enforcement and help to keep our neighborhoods and thoroughfares safe and clean for our community.
As a resident of the Township for over 13 years, I’ve always been very pleased with the services of the road crews, police and fire, but was unaware of the many other services the Township provides until I took the time to research. This time to research is not an option for many people, so increased communication to our residents, including on social media, is key. At the Township, there is an excellent communications administrator who is already financed, so this would not be an additional cost. I would work with her, as well as the residents, to let them know about available opportunities, such as monthly free healthcare clinics, produce markets, children’s activities and resources for assistance that are crucial to our community.
I would work to support the Township Administrator in identifying priority areas of redevelopment and securing funding to make improvements in the township possible. More innovative and coordinated urban planning—such as expanded sidewalks, increased street lights and road repair—are essential in bringing new residents in as well as continuing to provide the safe, affordable housing that we need. There are connections that can assist, such as Connect Housing Block company, a company located in Clinton Township that can help meet the demand for high-quality, energy-efficient housing while also providing jobs for the nearby community. As trustee, I will strive to build relationships with businesses that will give back to Clinton Township.
I am an approachable person by nature, and I’ve also been a public school educator for students with special needs for 33 years, so I have gained significant experience not only with talking with students and families but also in listening to their concerns and finding solutions. I will hold at least two listening and feedback events per year outside of regular Board meetings to hear directly from my neighbors what our community is doing well and where we might need to improve. I would also encourage the inclusion of more surveys with the current Clinton Township newsletter that is distributed twice a year. This would be an ongoing and measurable way to engage with the almost 5,000 residents who live in Clinton Township.
As a retired teacher, the eldest of six children and now a mom of three, I’ve navigated my fair share of resolving disagreements, especially by finding solutions that employ both creativity and compromise. As a trustee, I would keep these skills at the center of any conversation or disagreement. I would aim to always remember—and remind others—that we all seek the same goal, even if, in the short term, we disagree on the best way to get there. I would also strive to celebrate the township’s successes—such as the awards and recognition our departments and first responders have received—as this can help build trust among the trustees, the administration and the public.
Campaign Phone
6147535045
Occupation
Retired from State of Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Education
High School Graduate, Trade Degree in Computer Programming and Data Processing
Qualifications for Office
29 years of government experience, long-time volunteer with Clinton Township, problem solver, 51 year career that included preparing and working with budgets
Our township has many individuals who are economically disadvantaged. As a volunteer with the Clinton Township Community Health Action Team, we provide many resources including free produce marts and a monthly free clinic as well as other programs. Until recently we had a part-time social worker, but that position has been eliminated. If elected, I would work to return that position, hopefully as a full-time position.
Crime is another area that needs to be addressed. Our current Police Department has not passed a levy in almost 10 years. If elected, I would work with the department and residents to see how we can find additional resources to support the department.
Economic Development, crime, sustainability. I would work with Township Management and other Trustees to increase resources through continued partnerships and grant opportunities.
Our township is scattered throughout Franklin County and not contiguous. The township currently has a 10-year plan for infrastructure. I have been reviewing this plan and would work with staff to determine if adjustments are needed. I need to learn more about the opportunities in our Township.
While meeting with residents, I am asking for their feedback on areas they would like to see improvement. I believe trustees should look at big-pictures and include residents and staff in discussions. I believe trustees should do their research and make decisions based on what is best for the township as a whole, even if it doesn't assist you personally.
Communication and trust is very important. Being truthful and really listening and having honest discussions with explanations on why something may or may not be possible can help with understanding and the possibility to find solutions.
Occupation
Licensed Social Worker
Education
BSSW, The Ohio State University 2008
Qualifications for Office
Clinton Township resident since April 2019. Appointed to fill an unexpired term in April 2020. Elected in November 2021.
One of the most significant challenges facing the community I serve is a lack of access to quality healthcare. Currently, I co-chair the Clinton Township Community Health Action Team (CHAT) with the Clinton township Fire Chief. We work with Franklin County Public Health as well as other local stakeholders to provide a wide range of resources to our community by offering a multitude of free community events. One of our newest offerings is a Free Health Clinic that is held once a month with the help of The Ohio State University; medical staff can meet with community members at no-cost to discuss health issues/concerns.
My primary priorities for my term in office should align with the needs of my community, core values and mission of the community, and accountability of my position and its responsibilities. It is important as a Clinton Township Trustee to be visible and accessible to my community as well as display follow through on what I say I will do. This is not just my community, but rather OUR community. I will continue to support our public safety (Police and Fire/EMS) and work to bridge the gap.
As Central Ohio continues to experience a large population growth, I propose that Clinton Township would work with Township Leadership and local stakeholders to meet with current owners of apartment buildings as well as landlords to see how the Township could support them. This could ideally lead to additional housing options and employment opportunities.
I would encourage all residents and stakeholders to attend the Clinton Township Board Meetings as well as join a Township Committee or Workgroup within the Township to ensure their voices are heard and represented in decision-making. I would also encourage the community to ask questions by emailing, calling, and attend meetings to ask questions.
My approach to building consensus and resolving disagreements among different community stakeholder groups would be to build off of the strengths of each group as well as highlight those strengths. I would encourage community stakeholder groups to always keep the community in the forefront of their decision making as these decisions must be made with the community’s best interest at heart – always.
