Washington Township race highlights township elections
By Nate Smith, Washington Times-Herald, Ind. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The headline race in the townships is for Washington Township Trustee between
The contest between Cornelius and Guy is the most widely-contested township race in recent memory. Guy, the incumbent, defeated Cornelius during a special caucus of Republican Precinct Committeemen following the death of
Although Showalter had a legacy of supporting residents and the
Starting with this year's budget, Guy reversed her father's course and signed a
"I enjoy my work," Guy said. "I believe in my office. I think it's very worthwhile and I think I will do well for the community."
Cornelius, a longtime community volunteer, said the library saga was the main reason she is running for the office. She recalled a story where a young family was trying to check out books and videos and could not because of where they lived.
"I bought my card that day and went over to the trustee's office several times and never could make contact."
Besides the library controversy, this trustee race is also about experience versus a different perspective. Cornelius said she believes in being involved in the community and feels being the trustee is a good place to be that.
"I've always been a person of service," Cornelius said. "I have the time and I have the ability."
Guy said her experience in running a government office with
"I have the experience and knowledge and I really think I could do a good job," Guy said. "I'm anxious to do things my way more."
Cornelius has charged that Guy and the Showalter family have been in office too long. During the campaign, she created a local radio ad stating an imbalance in salaries versus what is available for poor relief. Also, Cornelius said if elected, she would not hire family members as staff or have family on contracts. Guy's husband Tim is contracted to mow township cemeteries.
In discussing the ad, Guy said in 2014, she cut her budget by
"Most non-profits run about 20 percent," Guy said. "In smaller townships, it is
In terms of mowing, most of the contract is for costs associated with cemetery upkeep. This is the last year her husband plans to mow the cemeteries and is thinking about contracting the service out.
Cornelius feels mowing should be up for competitive bidding. She also would like to see more programs either offered or promoted that would "help people to become independent."
"I just think education is the basis, a springboard for anything you would want to do," Cornelius said.
Although there has been discussion in the state Legislature of eliminating township government, both candidates felt it is necessary to help local residents. They also believe the township fire departments need all the help locally that can be provided.
"I know my clients. I know their families," Guy said.
"I just care about people. I always have," Cornelius said. "Some people just have the heart of a servant and I always do."
Longtime trustee
Burch actually helped Shafer last year with some accounting work when his clerk took another job. Among many positions, Burch is currently the executive director of the
"I am seeking the office of the Madison Township Trustee for various reasons, one of which is an opportunity to serve my local township where I have spent most of my life," Burch said.
Burch said he has knowledge of working with public funds while in banking and finance. He also has served as the Dean of the
"
Miller is a retired after working 30 years at NSWC Crane. During her time at the base, she worked in finance and knows how to run a budget.
"With my experience and also being retired, I think I would have a lot of time to devote to it," Miller said.
Miller is also active in the
"To keep our insurance rates down, we should support our fire department as best as we can," Miller said.
Miller also promises to be accessible to residents if elected.
"I live here in town. I have the experience to do the job," she said.
Township Boards
Usually a rarity in primary elections,
Incumbents
Unopposed
The following candidates are unopposed in the local Republican primary:
Because it there is no Democrat Central Committee currently in
Unopposed candidates on the local Democrat ballot are:
Voters in northern
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