1. Why are you seeking elected office? What are your strengths and weaknesses as they apply to the skills needed to serve in this office?
Hamblen Township
Freida Milnes (R): I like to be active in the community. I live in Hamblen Township and have since about 1962. I have also served as a board member on the Hamblen Township Trustee Board for a number of years. I am presently the chairman of the board now. I serve as vice president of the Brown County Farm Bureau, and am a board member of the Purdue Extension Board. I am relatively well known in Brown County/Hamblen Township. I am interested in keeping the cemeteries groomed; the fire department at Cordry-Sweetwater financed; and help other various community organizations,such as Hickory Ridge Civic League and Community Center. Transportation for those who need it, etc.
Lanny Rossman (R): First of all, I believe that it is our civic duty to run for office. The second would be my involvement with the office that I am running for. The passion and understanding for that office and the strength to be able to help distributed equally. The budget is the most important task that the board has to perform, the funds to perform the duties of the trustee advisor.
Tina McCormack (R): N/A.
Jackson Township
Sandra D. Pool (R): I am seeking this position because I think it is important to be involved with what is going on in local government. I feel my strength is that I know this county and many of the local people who make Brown County their home. Another strength is I am not a politician, I just care about the county and its people.
Larry L. Gardner (R): N/A.
James Kakavecos (R): N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sally Sanders (R): I am retired and have the time and desire to serve the community where I live.
Ben Phillips (R): N/A.
Vicki Payne (R): N/A.
Washington Township
Kimberly Brock (R): I am running for township board because I am interested in the issues that effect our community. I have lived in this county many years and my family roots run deep. I believe this position is one where I can become involved in our local government and help ensure the best interests of our citizens are represented. My educational background is business and accounting. I would use my knowledge and skills to be an effective board member. I believe the township trustee and board members are servants of the community they are elected to serve. I want to do my part to serve the township in which I live to make it the best it can be for my neighbors and friends. We can work together to make it even better than it is.
Paul D. Hardin (D): I served for 20 years. Ex officer of Washington Township Board. I was appointed replacement for a deceased member.
Jim A. Rispoli (R): N/A.
Melissa B. Rittenhouse (D): In May 2021, I was honored to fill a vacancy on the Washington Township Advisory Board. I continue to be excited to serve in this role as I know the trustee’s office is vital to connecting citizens with public services and local politics. My path to this position began during my career in law enforcement. In every capacity in which I served, I witnessed how lack of community connections and meaningful “hands-up” left many in incredibly tough circumstances. I began building relationships with local agencies to provide resources to those who came into contact with law enforcement. I saw how the right connection could help someone regain their independence. I have continued the work of supporting connections in Brown County since 2016.
Mary Ann Soll (R): I believe that it is important to take an active part in government. Last election I served — for the first time ever — as a poll worker. This year I have decided to run for office. I am on two boards currently: Silver Linings Women’s Shelter and the Historical Brown County Playhouse boards. I regularly attend meetings and take an active part on committees. My strengths lie in my commitment and in my people skills. I served around the country as a Red Cross nurse manager for years and worked effectively in challenging situations. Weaknesses, sometimes too sensitive and strong minded.
2. What are the most important tasks as a member of the Township Advisory Board?
Hamblen Township
Milnes: To help the trustee and the other board members to decide which organizations to help fund; to watch over the finances of Hamblen Township, help the township to stay on budget.
Rossman: Adopting the annual budget, serving as a board of finance and approving township contracts. Each year the board approves the annual report that is presented to the state for review. The report will show the receipts, expenditures, investments and debts of the township.
McCormack: N/A.
Jackson Township
Pool: I think the most important task is that as a member of the advisory board we are accountable for how money is spent in our township.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: Overseeing budgets and township expenses so that our funds are put to the best use for the community.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Brock: A member of the board must attend meetings and represent the interests of the township. The board must keep a written record of all proceedings of the board meetings. The board adopts the annual budget and approves all contracts. They are the board of finance for the township. The board members review and approve the annual report of the trustee. I know there are many specific tasks that will be expected of me. I am ready to take on this position to work hard for this township. I am ready and excited to learn what I need to know to be an effective member of the board. I know I can bring many important and useful skills to this position.
Hardin: Working with the trustee and advising when necessary.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: As a member of the advisory board, I will work to support the trustee’s agenda and ensure adherence to the IN Accounting and Uniform Compliance Guidelines Manual. With respect to these guidelines and the needs of the local citizenry, I will review the agenda with the trustee and board for sustainability of services, adequacy of funding, integrity, and mindful use of resources. I will stay apprised of pertinent legislative updates and understand how it affects Washington Township. I understand that ultimately all actions of the trustee and board belong to the public. Therefore, I will ensure there is adequate record keeping and transparency. I will work to understand how services, need and allocation of resources is assessed.
Soll: Working effectively with the trustee would be an important task. Another task would be dealing compassionately with confidential issues regarding clients. A third task would be prioritizing needs as they arise.
3. What are the respective roles of the trustee and the township advisory board? How should the relationship work?
Hamblen Township
Milnes: The trustee oversees and takes care of the day to day needs of our township. The board meets with the trustee to watch over the budget and decides which organizations to help and support Hamblen Township.
Rossman: Our roles as advisors are to coordinate with all the advisors and help the trustee in his/her duties. Their relationship should be one of their responsibilities to work together to be fair and non partial when disturbing the funds.
McCormack: N/A.
Jackson Township
Pool: The advisory board trust the trustee to make sound decisions and we are there to back the trustee. We, the board, are here to work with the trustee and help in anyway possible.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: The trustee keeps the books and records and the board members oversee.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Brock: The trustee is elected to manage and administer the financial needs of the township. The trustee determines the needs of people requesting financial assistance in the township for emergency needs. They are responsible for the expenditures of the funds in the township budget and the specific needs of the township. These may include fire protection and cemetery upkeep, as well as emergency assistance. The township advisory board has the responsibility of adopting the annual budget and serving as a board of finance for the township. The trustee consults with the board concerning expenditures and debts of the township, and other matters of importance. They work together to provide the services needed in the township.
Hardin: Trustee calls the meetings. Advisory board and trustee examine and approves or disapproves contracts, budget, etc.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: The role of the trustee includes managing all township property and funds, maintaining cemeteries, providing fire protection, administering township assistance to residents and providing transparent records of all such transactions. The role of the advisory board is to advise the township trustee concerning matters pertaining to the civil township and review the annual report. The board and trustee can also be tasked with making appropriations and establishing tax rates and levies. The board must also keep adequate records. The relationship between trustee and board should be maintained in a way to further achieving goals, making connections and caring for the township property and citizenry.
Soll: From what I understand, the trustee and the advisory board need to have a very good working relationship in order to solve challenges as they arise. I do have years of experience as a board member plus years of being a director of nursing and running a 99 bed nursing facility. My people skills — with my interaction with so many different personalities — have allowed me to be a good communicator and good support in getting the work done.
4. How do you understand your fiduciary responsibilities as a member of the Township Advisory Board?
Hamblen Township
Milnes: To help oversee expenses, the budget and decide what to help fund, and to make sure those organizations we give funds to have insurance and papers in order.
Rossman: It is through our experiences that we provide the most accurate and correct advice to the trustee and financial advice based on our goals. Being able to provide leadership in order to reach the goals of the township and provide for the welfare of the township.
Jackson Township
Pool: We are guardians of monies set aside to assist people in our community. This money is not to be used lightly, but when needed.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: N/A.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Brock: My fiduciary responsibilities as a member of the board are the duty of care in the tasks that will be asked of me, loyalty to the township and the people who elected me, and obedience to the law. It is my duty to work with the trustee and the other members of the board to act in the best interest of the township. I will not use my position for my own personal gain. I will listen and learn what I need to know to represent the citizens of this community and always act accordingly to ensure their best interests are served. I do not take this election lightly. I want to help make this place we call home the best that it can be for everyone that chooses to live here.
Hardin: The Township has guidelines for our trustee to follow. The township board advises and votes on budgets and contracts.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: The township advisory board serves to ensure the budget outlined by the trustee is reviewed and properly funded. As the chief financial officer of the township, the trustee pays and records all claims for the township expenses and salaries and is responsible to keep accurate records and follow all the financial guidelines set out in Indiana Code.
Soll: I believe that I would have a roll in seeing that any monies spent through the trustee office would be reviewed carefully and spent appropriately. I have my own business and stay within my budget and would also feel responsible to do the same on the advisory board.
