As the year winds down and the holiday season settles in, I’ve been spending more time reflecting and preparing than celebrating. Running for township trustee and being entrusted with the opportunity to serve has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to talk with me, challenge me, support me, and ultimately place their trust in me. That trust is something I don’t take lightly. The past few weeks have also been

Since the election, many residents have asked a simple and fair question: what have you been doing to get ready? I appreciate that question, because local government works best when preparation, transparency, and communication go hand in hand. I wanted to take a moment to share what the transition from trustee‑elect to trustee has looked like for me, and how I am approaching January 1 with both excitement and respect for the responsibility ahead. Learning First—Because This

November 5, 2025 — Russell Township I want to begin by sincerely thanking the residents of Russell Township for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve as your Trustee. Your confidence means a great deal, and I will continue to advocate for the same policies and principles that guided my campaign—transparency, fiscal responsibility, revitalizing blighted properties, and providing relief to seniors through the Homestead Credit. Yesterday was a long but fulfilling day. I ar

This campaign has been an incredible journey — challenging, humbling, and inspiring all at once. Over the past several months, I’ve learned firsthand just how hard it is to run for local office. It takes grit, long days, and a thick skin. I’ve received more support than I ever imagined — and, unfortunately, a few death threats that reminded me how divided the world can feel. But I’ve chosen to rise above it. My focus has always been on building something better, not tearing o

Saturday, November 1, 2025 🕊️ Thank you, Russell As we head into the final weekend before Election Day, I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read, share, and talk over these issues and posts the past two months. When I started this blog, I wanted a place to help our community stay informed about what’s happening in Russell and hear from me directly approaching Election Day, from local taxes and township decisions to eyesore properties, infrastructure, and senio

Every election season, it seems like a few self-appointed experts pop up in local comment threads armed with memes, partisan talking points, and a lot of misplaced confidence. I’ve read your comments about my proposal based on House Bill 96  and our proposed senior property-tax credit , and I get it — tax policy sounds like politics. But this isn’t about ideology. It’s about math, compassion, and fiscal responsibility. But hey I get it, you were told by someone that compassio

Last night, I repeated a line several times during conversations with voters from across Geauga County: “I firmly believe that if you worked hard and paid off your home, you should not be taxed out of it. I want our seniors who have built our community to be able to age in place, in their home.” That’s not just a talking point for me — it’s a value. I spoke with a senior couple who shared their growing frustration with rising property values, increasing assessments, and the n

During the October 16 Trustee meeting, there was some encouraging early discussion regarding senior tax relief under Ohio House Bill 96. Based on those conversations, it appears that my initial tax proposal estimates are in line with the township’s preliminary figures . That’s good news — it means the relief framework I outlined is both realistic and financially responsible and could provide up to an additional 2.5% in relief using the Homestead Credit for seniors who qualify

When your local government makes major public safety decisions, you should be able to trust that the process is careful , transparent , and fiscally responsible . But earlier this month, the Russell Township Board of Trustees pushed out a fire/EMS service quote to South Russell Village in just five days  — a process that should take four to eight weeks . That’s not responsiveness. That’s recklessness. And as someone running for trustee and former volunteer firefighter, I beli

When I moved to Russell, I was immediately struck by the area's natural beauty. Whether I’m walking the dog through our neighborhood, hiking the trails at Westwood Park, or simply driving through the township, I’m constantly reminded of how special this community is. But over time, I began to notice something troubling—several homes and properties scattered throughout the township that were clearly vacant and left to decay. One property in particular caught my attention: the

When I made the decision to run for Trustee, it wasn’t out of ambition for a title or a seat at the table. It was because I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the community my family and I call home. I bring a combination of professional qualifications, personal experience, and a deep sense of responsibility to help our township thrive. A Foundation of Listening and Leadership I hold both an MBA and a master’s degree in counseling. My professional work centers on l

Russell Township IT Issue Summary & Timeline ✍️ \ By Amy Heutmaker & John Ishee – Candidates for Russell Township Trustee Clarification on the IT Incident This was not  a hack. The issue was a preventable internal error that occurred during an upgrade of the Russell Police Department’s mobile computers. I want to thank Chief Tom Swainder for taking the time to explain the situation to me today. After speaking with him, I am confident in his account, as well as the Trustees’ e

Recently, one of our Heutmaker & Ishee campaign volunteers was asked by a kind gentleman if I’m going to change my mind about who I am. And let me tell you, the only thing I might change my mind about is what my costume will be for Halloween in two weeks. If you’ve got ideas—witch, astronaut, disco ball—drop them in the comments. I’m open to suggestions, but not about who I am.   Let me set the record straight: I’m in my fifties, living an amazing life here in Russell with my

As we head into the final weeks of this campaign, I want to speak openly and honestly with all of you. When a campaign runs out of ideas, there’s often one last tool it turns to: personal attacks and dirty tricks . This isn’t new. It’s the oldest play in the political playbook. When a person or a group doesn’t have real solutions, constructive ideas, or a vision to lead, they try to distract the community with rumors and personal smears. These tactics are meant to divide us,

Cleaning Up a Russell Eyesore and Putting It Back to Work In-N-Out Propane as it sits today at the corner of Chillicothe Road and Music Street One of the most visible eyesores in Russell Township is the old propane store at 15536 Chillicothe Road , right at the intersection of State Route 306 and Music Street . The lot is zoned commercial , which means it has the potential to generate meaningful property and sales tax revenue for our township. But right now, it sits empty and

Last night’s candidate forum was an important moment in this campaign. As someone with a background in comedy, standing in front of a...

Good evening, everyone. My name is Amy Heutmaker. Lately, it feels like we’re being pitted against each other — even in small towns like...

A Call for Change: Let’s Step Outside and Meet Each Other Again As I meet voters across our community during my campaign for local...

--- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Community Input Missing in Trustee Decisions on Fire Service Sharing Most residents who work during the day and...

This is my first time running for political office, and stepping forward in today’s climate has been an incredible leap of faith. With...