Township government is one of the oldest and - some would say - most outdated forms of government.

But township government is the form of government closest to the people. And while I strongly believe in massive township reform, I also maintain that township government should work as efficiently and effectively as possible for as long as it remains in existence.

Presently, Center Township government is not working as well as it can and should.

Here’s why.

After nearly three decades in office, the current trustee is out of touch, inaccessible, and completely devoid of new energy, fresh ideas, and the inspired leadership that our community deserves.

But don’t just take my word for it. Ask anyone who, in recent years, has needed help, guidance, and assistance from the Center Township trustee – who only works Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 11:30 am despite a large government salary.



Often it takes weeks to get an appointment or even receive a response by phone or email.

Is this conservative, efficient government?

Today, we have the same problem in Valparaiso that we have in Washington: career politicians who have grown far too comfortable with their jobs to bring the same passion and accountability that private sector jobs require.

If elected, I will provide the change to Center Township government that it deserves and demands. My plan involves reducing the size of local government through coordinated programs with local businesses and non-profit organizations to help out-of-work residents get back to work. I will slash the bloated government payroll – including the Trustee’s salary – in my first budget. And I will eliminate the heavily criticized inaccessibility of the current seven-term incumbent Trustee by mandating a 40-hour workweek for myself – not other township government employees.

Isn’t it about time that taxpayers actually get more for less?

There are only a few basic responsibilities of a township trustee. The most important is providing emergency income assistance and counsel to individuals or families in need.


 

The most effective township trustees are those who bring energy and compassion to their service and work diligently with elected township boards to manage the finances of a township.

In Center Township, there are presently three elected board members, all of whom are Republican and unopposed in the 2010 General Election.