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Union Township Board Member (St. Joseph)

A Township Board Member serves on the Township Advisory Board. They are elected to help oversee township finances, review and approve the budget, and monitor how funds are spent. Board members also work to ensure township services meet the needs of the community.

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    Alex Jimenez
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Russell King
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Harold Saunders
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Ryan Schafer
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    George Shafer
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Why did you decide to run for this position as a township board member?

The township trustee is entrusted with distribution of poor relief. What assistance and advice will you provide to help the trustee carry out this responsibility?

What is the biggest issue or challenge facing your township right now, and how will you go about trying to resolve or address it?

What skills do you offer as a board member? Will you bring strengths in accounting, record keeping, public relations, or something else? What role do you see yourself playing on the board?

As an elected official, how will you make yourself accessible to township residents? How can constituents contact you about matters of concern, and what steps will you take to proactively solicit resident feedback?

Township advisory boards have recently played a role in approving fire territory mergers aimed at improving service but raising concerns about costs. What role should the advisory board play in balancing service improvements with potential tax increases?

Township advisory boards are responsible for approving budgets and holding public meetings, yet public engagement often varies widely depending on the issue. What steps would you take to improve transparency and encourage more consistent community participation in township decision-making?

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Occupation/Current Position Propane Distribution
Education Ivy Tech
Campaign Email riddlesme@yahoo.com
I feel the need to contribute to the community by becoming a township board member. As a lifelong resident of union township there is a lot of pride in the local fire territory that needs maintained and sustained, I have an interest in that. I also feel an importance in returning a local ambulance service.
An inner belief I hold is everyone matters and I’m excited to aid in the matters of the poor however possible.
There’s a substantial issue facing union township in accommodations for our responders as their facility wasn’t originally built for this purpose. We must also work to maintain proper insurance and benefits to be competitive in retaining these skilled men and women.
As a previous trucking business owner and small farmer having knowledge of a budget as well as maintaining governmental guidelines will help in a board member’s labor. I’ve also not been a responder or previous board member, this may produce an outside looking in approach to small possibly overseen opportunities.
Consistent attendance at meetings will play a role for constituents to voice and discuss concerns in township issues that will arise.
Currently Union Township board seat holders face budgetary challenges in its fast growing environment and have done well to keep taxes at a low rate, however possible mergers with outer townships won’t be an impossibility for the forthcoming future.
Anyone interested in township issues are always encouraged to attend meetings that are currently advertised as well as available online.
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