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Michigan Township Board (LaPorte Co) {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Township BoardThe trustee is assisted by a three-member Township Board whose members are also elected to four year terms. Duties of the board include adopting the annual budget, serving as a board of finance and approving township contracts. In January of each year, the trustee presents to the board an annual report showing the receipts, expenditures, investments and debts of the township. The approved report is then published in local papers for public inspection.A township trustee is an elected official in the local government of the state of Indiana. A township trustee administers a township, which in Indiana is the primary political subdivision of a county, and in common with most other state officials serves a term of four years.DutiesState law requires the township trustee to perform the following duties:Keeping a written record of official proceedings.Managing all township property interests.Keeping township records open for public inspection.Attending all meetings of the township legislative body.Receiving and paying out township funds.Examining and settling all accounts and demands chargeable against the township.Administering township assistance under IC 12-20 and IC 12-30-4.Performing the duties of Fence Viewer under IC 32–26.Providing and maintaining cemeteries under IC 23–14.Providing fire protection under IC 36–8, except in a township that is located in a county having a consolidated city that has consolidated the township's fire department under IC 36-3-1-6.1.Filing an annual personnel report under IC 5-11-13.Providing and maintain township parks and community centers under IC 36–10.Destroying detrimental plants, noxious weeds, and rank vegetation under IC 15-16-8.Providing insulin to the poor under IC 12-20-16.Performing other duties prescribed by statute.

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    Melody Farmer
    (Dem)

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    George Kazmierczak
    (Dem)

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    Agnes Meer
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Susan H. Webster
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

Why are you seeking elected office? What are your strengths and weaknesses as they apply to the skills needed to serve in this office

What are the most important duties of the Township Trustee Board member and how would you address accomplishing those duties?

How will you work with the Township Trustee to ensure transparency in accounting for the requests received for aid, dispersal of funds and records showing the basis for those decisions?

What government and private organizations would you advise the Trustee to work with to assist the poor? What, if anything, is needed to enhance this collaboration

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Occupation/Background RMA/Registered Medical Assistant
Campaign Email mellodeey@yahoo.com
I am running for re-election again because I believe the 50 something years of living here and the 30 years of being in the medical field has alot do with both. I use both status communication skills with people,and working with people from different backgrounds -and using it as a great problem solving ability. I enjoy being involved with people and trying my best to solve problems that I can. Being on the board helps me do that. I enjoy my community and I know there's alot more to be done. Our community needs a voice to represent,to stand for accountability and ready for dedication. I'm qualified for that position.
The most important duties of the Township Board Board Member is taking care of people who live here and being their voice at the table. Responsibility matters because I've lived here and raised my family here and seen first hand what happens when people feel unheard or overlooked. I want to continue to be the voice for the people and let them know that it is an non-discriminatory environment for everyone .Continue working with staff members,asking questions,learning more,getting more ideas,whatever it takes.
The way to work with the Township Trustee to ensure transparency is to make sure the guidelines for requesting assisting are clear,consistent and easy for residents to understand. Support accurate records keeping that shows not just decision made but the reason behind them. I also believe in regular reviews of process so we can fix anything that is not working. Keep my goal simple. Open communication. Organize records. System the public can clearly see and trust.
Churches ,soup kitchen, salvation Army Community programs and or anything or anyoneto support people that's in need
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I'm seeking a position to serve my community and to ensure that our public resources are managed properly. One of my strengths is maintaining the standard that my actions are in the best interest of our community.
In my view, as a Michigan Township Trustee Board member, it is important to oversee the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and ensure that assistance is delivered fairly to those in need. Board members must require accountability for all decisions made.
I would follow the laws of public records and transparency to ensure that requests for resources are reviewed, and aid disbursements are documented.
To enhance collaboration, I would suggest the trustee's office increase its communication with state and local agencies. I would encourage them to partner with local nonprofits and community public assistance agencies.
Occupation/Background Over the years I have worked in several business offices. The majority of my work was as a legal secretary. Currently I am the Department Head for the LaPorte County Pioneer Cemeteries.
Campaign Email sweb10368@gmail.com
Campaign phone 219-871-9983
I am seeking my fourth term on the Michigan Township Board. I have learned the budget and spending for this office and am familiar with every line of these items. With my leadership and knowledge, I hope to continue to serve as a Board Member. Experience does matter.
The three Board Members are the fiscal oversight for the Township Trustee and staff. It is our duty to make sure they are accountable and in accordance with the Indiana Code. The Township has two funds, the General Fund and the Township Assistance Fund. I have been the Board Secretary since 2015. I am also the Secretary for the Board's Finance Committee. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions. We must work with the Township Trustee to provide assistance to those in need who live in Michigan Township. We offer temporary assistance with utilities, rent or mortgage assistance, referral assistance and cemetery burial assistance. We must follow strict guidelines to provide assistance.
The Indiana Code provides assurance that we are transparent. The Trustee has strict guidelines to follow for aid requests, dispersal of funds and records and the Township Board reviews the documents. We must keep records of every request and how they ae handled. Our purpose is to help our most needy residents. Giving them a Hand Up rather than a Hand Out.
The Trustee and staff work with many not-for-profits and agencies and coordinate the information. As far as the Township Assistance, The Trustee and staff are aware of which agencies provide food thru pantries or actual meals for those in need, overnight shelters, gas cards, clothing, utility assistance, rental assistance, etc. There are computers for residents to use to apply for jobs. Funding for the Township comes from the Cities, County and Federal Governments.
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