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Coolspring 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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    Kenneth (Ken) Havlin
    (Rep)

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    R. Craig Hinchman
    (Rep)

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    Monica Prosser
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Devin Walton
    (Rep)

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

List two items or issues affecting your constituents and state your proposal to address each of them.

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Occupation/Background I have been a Real Estate Appraiser, Broker and Auctioneer. I managed the Michigan City License Branch for eight years. I was the La Porte County Auditor for four years. I was on the La Porte County Home board for about six years and the La Porte County Park Department for about five years. Currently I'm on the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation Board.
Campaign Email craig.hinchman@gmail.com
Campaign phone 2198980628
My mother was a wife/homemaker there for she never made that much money and received minimal social security. Several times she received help from the Trustees office. This is a chance for me to help other people that need help. I plan to work for the people of Coolspring Township. I will use common sense and work with the Trustee. After the election I will vote for what is right for the people of Coolspring Township and not for any political party.
To work with the Trustee and see that the rules are followed and all the money is accounted for. I will take attend any courses the State of Indiana offers to better understand our duties. And read any material that will give me a better understanding of the duties of a board member.

Attend all board meeting, and review the monthly income and expensive statements. If anything looks out of line I'll ask questions. Plus I'm sure the State audits the books yearly.
All the organizations that have money to help the poor. As a new board member I do not know all that are available.
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Occupation/Background I’m not a politician. I’m a mobile diesel technician. I go out in the weather nobody wants to be in. I work on the side of the road, in the heat, the cold, the rain, and the snow. When something breaks down, my job is to show up, figure out the problem, and get it fixed. That work has taught me something simple: when people are counting on you, excuses don’t get the job done. That’s the same work ethic I bring to my race for Coolspring Township Board. Show up. Listen. Solve problems. Get the job done.
Campaign Email Devin.walton2026@outlook.com
Web Site http://www.facebook.com/share/18A2SjngyP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/share/18A2SjngyP/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Campaign phone 765-605-0880
I’m running because I want to give working families a stronger voice in local government and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.

My strengths are my work ethic, problem solving skills, and ability to listen and work with people. My weakness is that I don’t have years of experience in township government, but I’m willing to learn, ask questions, and do the work to make informed decisions.
The most important duties are overseeing township finances, reviewing and approving the budget, and making sure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. The board also reviews the trustee’s annual report and advises the trustee on township matters.

I would accomplish those duties by asking questions, doing my homework before every vote, listening to residents, and making decisions based on what is best for the township. I also believe in being transparent so taxpayers understand where their money is going.
I would work with the Trustee to make sure there are clear records showing how assistance requests are handled and how taxpayer dollars are spent. I believe in asking questions, reviewing the numbers, and making sure decisions are properly documented while still protecting the privacy of residents seeking assistance.
I would encourage the Trustee to work closely with local food pantries, churches, nonprofits, utility-assistance programs, housing organizations, and agencies like REAL Services. LaPorte County’s own resource materials already point residents toward local organizations for food, housing, utility, and other assistance.
Affordability: Families are feeling the pressure from rising costs, especially housing, utilities, and everyday necessities. I would focus on responsible spending, keeping township taxes as low as possible, and making sure residents who truly need assistance can access the programs available to them. Indiana law specifically requires township-assistance standards to be reviewed as the cost of basic necessities changes.

Data Centers: Data centers raise concerns about utilities, infrastructure, and their impact on the community. Even when those decisions fall outside the Township Board’s authority, I will listen to residents, ask questions, and carry their concerns to the officials and agencies responsible for making those decisions.
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