Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Centre Township Board Member

The Township Board is the legislative/oversight body for the township. Board members review and approve the township’s annual budget, authorize major expenditures, and provide financial oversight of township operations. The Board works alongside the Township Trustee to ensure township funds are spent appropriately and in accordance with local needs.

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Christopher Bowman
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Gail Figg
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Marka Johnson
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Thomas Lindenman
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Doloris Shosker
    (Dem)

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?

{_btnLabelFor(compare1, _isInSelection(compare1))}
{_btnLabelFor(compare2, _isInSelection(compare2))}
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Email tjlboilers@aol.com
I have been chairman of the Centre Twp board since I first took office on January 1, 1995. As the years have gone by the issues have become more complicated and I think my experience is essential.
The Trustee must develop standards for the distribution of township assistance consistent with state guidelines. These standards are subject to board approval.
The biggest issue facing our township presently is budgeting for fire and EMS services subject to the state’s mandate to reduce property taxes which is the primary source of funding. Of particular concern is the potential loss of the county’s contract with South Bend for paramedic services. To address this, we are looking at alternatives for health insurance and other alternatives for paramedic services should the county ultimately terminate the contract with South Bend.
My years of experience developing budgets for Centre Township and the Southwest Central Fire Territory have become my strengths in addition to my education in Engineering and Business Administration
It has been my practice as Board Chairman to hold monthly public meeting to review budget performance and operational issues. These meetings typically have been held on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are advertised on the station marquee.
Board members must never forget that they are taxpayers too and must be judicious with their budgeting while working closely with the Trustee and the fire department personnel. They have to determine what would be nice to have versus what needs to be had.
With regard to transparency with the public and their involvement with township business, I think we are the only township board that holds monthly public meetings. The meeting notices are posted on the marquee along Kern Rd. Constituents that have concerns will seek us out. Most people don’t want to be bothered and therefor don’t show up.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Powered by League of Women Voters Education Fund