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Board Member, Hobart Township {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

A Township Board Member in Lake County, Indiana, serves as part of the township’s fiscal and oversight body. Board members review and approve the township budget, oversee expenditures, and ensure public funds are used responsibly. They work with the township trustee to promote transparency, accountability, and sound financial management while representing the interests of local residents and supporting essential township services.

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    Dianna Brooks
    (Dem)

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    Michael E (Mike) Ellis
    (Dem)

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    Jake B. Giles
    (Dem)

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    Terry L. McNary
    (Dem)

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    Crystal Pedroza
    (Dem)

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    Susan (Sue) Pelfrey
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

If you are elected, what are the three key priorities you intend to address?

Please explain the qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate for the office you are pursuing.

What strategies would you implement to enhance service quality and accuracy considering imminent budget reductions?

A significant number of residents are unaware of the valuable assistance programs provided by the township trustee office. If elected, what strategies would you implement to enhance communication between the township trustee office and the public?

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email crystalpedroza04@gmail.com
If I am elected to serve, my priorities would be pretty simple: keep things clear, organized, and easy for people to navigate. First, I’d want to make everyday processes more transparent so residents don’t feel confused or left in the dark. Second, I’d focus on keeping things running smoothly and responsibly making sure information is accurate, procedures are consistent, and resources are handled with care. And finally, I’d put a lot of energy into making interactions with local government feel respectful and supportive, because people deserve to feel heard and treated with dignity when they need help.
I’m a strong fit for this role because I have years of hands on experience in legal and municipal work, including drafting court documents, organizing complex files, and helping people navigate confusing processes. I’m detail oriented, steady under pressure, and committed to clear communication. My background in both law and local government has taught me how to keep systems organized, support the public with respect, and handle responsibilities with professionalism and care.
Even with budget reductions, I believe service quality and accuracy can be protected by tightening internal processes rather than cutting support to residents. My approach would focus on simplifying procedures, improving documentation, and reducing duplication so staff can work more efficiently. I would also prioritize clear communication, both internally and with the public, so expectations, timelines, and responsibilities are easy to understand. Finally, I’d look for low cost improvements, like better workflow organization and consistent checklists, to help maintain accuracy and keep services running smoothly even with fewer resources.
Even with tight budgets, I think communication can still improve by keeping things simple and human. I’d focus on explaining programs in plain language, sharing information in places people already visit, and keeping the website and social media updated with clear, friendly posts. I’d also make sure staff give consistent answers so residents feel supported and never have to guess where to turn for help.
email rpelfrey@frontier.com
Years in an elected position 8
1. All employees attending training classes to learn their responsibilites and follow changes in laws. 2. Follow the guide line for SEA 270. 3. Find a way to increase our assessed valuation.
I have attended every board meeting and Township Schooling in Indianapolis the last 8 years. I have 35 yrs. experience in Accounting, Management, and Budgeting. I am consistently in contact with our legislators.
We are down to bare bones on our staff. We do more with less. We will be adhering to Senate Bill 270 and follow the law.

The township has a website and facebook page to inform the public. The 3 municipalities that are in our Township also inform their utilities customers about our assistance programs. With the rising costs of energy prices, word of mouth about our services are increasing the number of clients we are seeing.