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.
Township assistance should be administered according to state regulations that govern its use. I am a compassionate conservative and believe we need to provide a strong safety net that supports folks in times of need but is careful to exclude fraudulent usage.
Osolo Township faces the same challenge other state townships face: how to continue providing excellent service to constituents while the state decides how services will be provided in the future. Osolo also faces annexation issues as Elkhart City continues to take in more of the township property. This annexation results in fewer funds being available for Township use. The Township Board urged the combination of Osolo Fire and EMS corporations to lower contract costs for these services. While coordination within the single entity will take time, it will provide higher-quality, more efficient service for our residents. As Township Trustee, I will work to ensure these goals are achieved.
Surrounding area fire departments have mutual aid agreements with Osolo Township. These agreements ensure that if more help is needed than is immediately available from our contract partners, the other departments will respond and help in emergency situations. Osolo provides this in return when needed through it's contract with Osolo Fire and EMS.
As Township Trustee, I would be responsible for contracting with Osolo Fire and EMS, a private corporation, for the township's services. This is done annually and is normally completed prior to the end of the current contract. The contract is then presented to the Township Board for approval.
For the past 28 years, I have successfully operated a small business through good and bad times. For the past eight years, I have served on the Township Board and participated in budget approvals. Prior to that time, I served as auditor for Elkhart City for three years and on the Elkhart City Council for 6 years. I also served on the Elkhart Board of Works for 12 years and participated in the Elkhart Public Works budget process.
All of this experience qualifies me to be the Osolo Township Trustee.
As Auditor for Elkhart City, I developed a list of all properties and assets of the City. We found many properties that had been overlooked and uninsured. I have experience in this area that carries overto the Township needs. I will also call for an audit upon election to thoroughly understand the township's position.
The Trustee's office is open to the public four days a week. The Trustee attends all Township Board meetings. The Office has two employees who handle clerical and assistance needs, but the Trustee is present as well.
I will maintain a line for residents to call for special needs and help as well.
In Osolo Township, a Rainy Day Fund has been established that is for these kinds of circumstances. During my time on the Board, I have resisted using these funds except when needed for true "rainy days". As a Trustee, I will continue to do that and add to the fund when dollars are available.
