Clear Creek Township Trustee
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Susan Luther
(Dem)
1. What is the scope of the responsibilities of this office?
2. What motivated you to run for this office?
3. What are your priorities for helping township residents in the face of diminishing revenue from the federal and state governments?
4. How can the township assist residents coping with natural disasters such as the recent tornadoes and floods?
Education
BA Purdue University; JD Indiana School of Law
Occupation
Retired federal government attorney
This office's main duty is to provide emergency financial assistance to Clear Creek Township residents, anything from rent and utilities to food, clothing, and medical necessities. The office administers the Township's accounts, prepares an annual budget, and files required state reports. The office oversees the Township's cemeteries and settles fenceline disputes. The Trustee supervises employees and manages the office's operations. The office may also serve as representative payee for those incapable of managing their own Social Security benefits. New responsibilities include ensuring the Township's smooth merger into a higher performing Township, per recently enacted State Law, and clear communication to residents about the transition.
After living in Bloomington for a long time, I moved to Clear Creek Township about 6 years ago. I became curious as to what services Township Trustees provided to residents and looked at Clear Creek Township's website. I found the website unhelpful and unclear and started researching more. Because I experienced food insecurity in my college years, I am well aware of the seriousness of emergencies and necessity for immediacy. I believe the Township can do more to explain its services and reach out to residents in need. I believe I have a unique skill set based on my training in the prevention of fraud waste and abuse that will enable me to update the office, eliminate inefficiencies, and provide assistance to more residents in need.
FIrst of all, the website needs overhauled to clearly explain requirements for assistance and how to apply. The application process needs to be examined to ensure those without computers and/or transportation to the office are not inadvertently excluded or discouraged from applying. Coordination with local not-for-profit agencies is essential to ensure continued assistance after the emergency that prompted contact has been addressed. Determining the correct number of Township employees for the assistance provided and addressing inefficiencies can lower operating costs.
After a natural disaster, the Township can quickly update its website to address the disaster and inform residents regarding local resources, as well as reach out to residents via social media and the local press. Walking or driving the affected areas to personally reach out to those impacted will help determine needs and assist the Trustee in partnering with local agencies that can provide longer-term assistance. Trustees can coordinate "clean-up days" for the public to help.
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