1. Why are you seeking this elected office? What sets you apart from other candidates?
Hamblen Township
Freida Milnes (R): I like to be active in the community and help our Township. I have served a number of years on Hamblen Township Board and have training needed.
Lanny Rossman (R): N/A.
Tina McCormack (R): N/A.
Jackson Township
Sandra D. Pool (R): N/A.
Larry L. Gardner (R): N/A.
James Kakavecos (R): N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sally Sanders (R): N/A.
Ben Phillips (R): N/A.
Vicki Payne (R): N/A.
Washington Township
Paul D. Hardin (D): I’m seeking to be a board member to be of help to my Township. 20 years experience as a Trustee (the head of the board).
Jim A. Rispoli (R): N/A.
Melissa B. Rittenhouse (D): I am seeking your vote to continue my role as a Washington Township Advisory Board Member because it has been an honor to work at this important level of our government. As a former first-responder, I deeply value the role the Trustee’s office plays in providing for our safety through its support of the volunteer fire department. As a caring neighbor, I am glad to know when one of us falls upon hardship, the Trustee’s office can provide a hand-up financially so we can survive our next step. I am proud to be a part of these services and so much more.
Mary Ann Soll (R): In our community, I have been someone who people call on for assistance in finding ways to meet needs. I am seeking this office as a way to further assist people in our community. I believe that it is important to step up and run for office and am doing so.
2. Briefly describe the responsibilities of the Township Board and what specific training or experience you have to carry out those responsibilities.
Hamblen Township
Milnes: Responsibilities are to meet with the Township Trustee and other board members to help decide how and where we can help our Township and its citizens.
Rossman: N/A.
McCormack: N/A.
Jackson Township
Pool: N/A.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: N/A.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Hardin: The board advises the Trustee in making decisions. I held these board meetings for 20 years as a former Trustee.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: Responsibilities of the Township Board include advising the Trustee on matters of the Township, reviewing the yearly budget proposed by the Trustee, and ensuring taxes collected from the Township citizenry are fair and used responsibly. During my year serving in this role, I have learned much through self-study of resources, including the Indiana Township Manual and the Indiana Township Association. Most importantly, I continue to ask many questions during Advisory Board meetings and directly to the Trustee. I work closely with my neighbors in the township through my career and volunteer service, allowing me to speak directly with those supporting and served by the Washington Township Trustee.
Soll: The township board gives input, works with, and oversees the work of the Trustee. At this time, I am serving on three boards and have had years of experience working on boards. On two of the boards, I work with the homeless and understand the financial challenges they have. I can further assist others in the same area if I am elected to the trustee advisory board.
3. What are the respective roles of the Trustee and the Township Advisory Board and how should the relationship work?
Hamblen Township
Milnes: Trustee carries out the decisions of the Board which includes 3 board members and the Trustee. The Board decides who, what, where in the Township needs help.
Rossman: N/A.
McCormack: N/A.
Jackson Township
Pool: N/A.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: N/A.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Hardin: Trustee decides, the board then votes on the Trustee’s decision.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: As the level of government closest to its citizenry, the Washington Township Trustee supports essential services, including providing the volunteer fire department with equipment and training, aiding residents directly in times of hardship, maintaining community cemeteries, and receiving/dispersing township funds. The Advisory Board carefully reviews all budgets, collaborates with the Trustee on appropriations and emergency needs, and maintains records of transactions. The Trustee and the Board should maintain a relationship of respect and openness. I feel it is vital for all members to be able to advocate for the Township’s needs, ask questions for clarification, and come to a resolution with the residents in mind.
Soll: The Trustee has an important job in our township with helping those who are having difficulty in obtaining certain basic necessities Ex. Rent, Utilities, Burial. The Trustee is to be fiscally responsible and accountable to the public. The township advisory board is responsible for working with the Trustee, attending the board meetings and overseeing his work. The relationship should be one of respect and open communication.
4. What are the fiscal challenges of your township that you hope to address by serving on the Township Advisory Board?
Hamblen Township
Milnes: Care of cemeteries; help with charitable organizations which help Township citizens.
Rossman: N/A.
McCormack: N/A.
Jackson Township
Pool: N/A.
Gardner: N/A.
Kakavecos: N/A.
Van Buren Township
Sanders: N/A.
Phillips: N/A.
Payne: N/A.
Washington Township
Hardin: Keeping watch on the Budget, Township Assistance and Fire Department activities.
Rispoli: N/A.
Rittenhouse: Fiscally, the current Washington Township Trustee has maintained an adequate balance without maxing out taxes – meaning he has kept the tax rate low for the residents while ensuring services are provided. In the next term, I will continue to advocate that any surplus funding be utilized for the good of the Township – including helping outfit the fire department for their safety as they perform their incredibly important role in our community.
Soll: One of the fiscal challenges in our township is the need for assistance with utilities and/or rent. The Trustee office is a “last resort” for people experiencing financial difficulties. I am running for this office to work with the Trustee and others on the board, to attempt to determine their need and, if appropriate, offer emergency financial assistance through the board recommendation.
ABOUT THE OFFICE
Citizens of each township elect three members to the township board for four year terms. Board members must be residents and qualified voters of the township. The township board has responsibilities within the township similar to those exercised by the county council, including adopting the annual township budget; approve township contracts, including contracts with nonprofit corporations to provide health and community services; serves as township board of finance; and fix tax rates for various funds, imposing property tax levies, subject to review by the county board of tax adjustment and the state board of tax commissioners. Township trustees must attend all meetings of the township board. The board must keep a record of its proceedings which remains in the custody of the chairman of the board
SOURCE: The League of Women Voters of Brown County
