I’ve lived in Fairfield Township for many years, and care about making local government work well for the people who live here. Over a decade working at Purdue taught me to listen carefully, communicate clearly with people of different backgrounds or levels of familiarity, and make thoughtful decisions within real-world constraints like budgets. More recently, I started a Little Free Pantry to help meet needs in my neighborhood. One of the joys of being its steward has been seeing both the difference a little help can make and the generosity of neighbors who want to help. I would bring that same practical, community-minded approach to the Board, with a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and compassion.
Government should be useful, understandable, and responsive to the people it serves. An ongoing challenge is making sure people can find and use the resources available to them. I would like the township to be more connected to local organizations and serve as a clearer source of information about assistance, services, and community events. From my own years as a renter, I know how important reliable information about tenants' rights and available support can be. I also want the Board to build partnerships around problems requiring cooperation across organizations, such as improving bus stops with benches and shelters. I want township government to bring people and organizations together and make it easier for neighbors to help neighbors.
I believe township assistance should be accessible and administered with dignity. The Trustee handles individual assistance decisions, while the Board adopts the standards that guide eligibility and shares responsibility for township budgets and appropriations. As a Board member, I would take that oversight role seriously, looking closely at whether those standards reflect the real cost of basic needs, especially housing and utilities. Do our application requirements create unnecessary barriers? Do residents know where to turn for help? I would also ask how well our relief programs are working and use that information to support thoughtful, responsible decisions about township resources.
Education
Masters Degree, Library Science, IUPUI FundRaising Diploma
Experience in Leadership and Management
40 years
I have over 40 years of working on Boards and for Boards. I care deeply about the issues of food security, affordable housing and living wages. I can assist in building consensus. I am a proponent of compassion and good governance.
Township government is in flux right now as townships assess the impact of state legislation for reorganization. Fairfield township is healthy administratively and fiscally so should move through the political climate well. I have been involved in many transitions so that should be helpful during these times of change.
I will support innovative and collaborative ventures identified by the trustee and bring new ideas to the Board table for consideration. I am impressed by the many actions to bring agencies to the table by the current trustee and I look forward to expanding those offerings with a new trustee.
Campaign Phone
7654133040
Education
MS
Experience in Leadership and Management
I operate two small businesses. Prior to retirement I managed a national database of invasive agricultural pests. I am completing my first term on Fairfield Township Board with three years as secretary and one year as president.
I've managed budgets and investments, both are critical to the work of the township board. In my first term on the board I urged the board to move funds to higher interest bearing accounts which provide significant benefit to our bottom line. I am data focused and motivated to seek the greatest benefit for every tax dollar spent.
Historic Greenbush Cemetery is cared for by Fairfield Township as is required by state law. The cemetery was designed in the 1800's as a garden cemetery. In recent decades the tree canopy in the cemetery has degraded. My background in plant sciences prepares me to work with local partners to plant and care for native trees to revitalize the cemetery's garden features.
The state is throttling property tax revenue to local government units. Fairfield Township will need to be more efficient to maintain our level of service and justify ongoing taxpayer support. I will pursue opportunities to reduce administrative overhead while maximizing benefits to our community.
Fairfield Township is home to the highest density of SNAP eligible households in Tippecanoe County. We have prioritized providing assistance as our constituents have faced the economic burden of food, housing and utility price increases. I have and will continue to advocate at the statehouse for lower utility costs. I will promote partnerships with local agencies to provide cost effective assistance to the greatest number of households.
Campaign Phone
7656376031
I bring public-service experience, community involvement, and a strong work ethic to this office. My work with the City of Lafayette Street Department gave me firsthand experience with municipal operations and the practical responsibilities of local government. As a small-business owner, I understand budgeting, accountability, and responsible decision-making. I have also been active in campaigns, where I have gained experience listening to residents and learning how government works. If elected, I would bring preparation, reliability, fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to serving the people of Fairfield Township.
One important challenge facing township government is simply making sure residents understand what their township is and how it serves them. While talking with people in Fairfield Township, I have met residents who did not even realize they lived in the township. Local government works best when people know who represents them, what services are available, and how their tax dollars are being used. I would work to make township government more accessible by improving communication with residents, and making information about meetings, budgets, and services easier to find.
I would work to make township relief more effective by building stronger connections with community-based organizations so residents seeking assistance can be matched with additional resources that may be available to them. Township government should not have to address every need alone when there are already resources throughout the community that can help. I would also support making the relief process clear, respectful, and easy to understand, while ensuring township resources are managed responsibly and directed toward residents who genuinely need assistance.
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