From Trustee‑Elect to Trustee: Preparing to Serve Russell Township

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 Role Deserves It

One thing became clear very quickly after the election: there is no shortcut to doing this job well. Being “ready” doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means understanding how much there is to learn and committing to that learning for as long as I serve.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve met with all of the township department heads, including our police and fire chiefs, as well as our fiscal officer, Karen Walder. These conversations have been invaluable. They’ve helped me understand how our township fun

ctions day‑to‑day, where things are working well, and where challenges require thoughtful attention.

Digging Into the Numbers

I’ve also spent significant time reviewing the township budget—and I’ll be honest: it has been eye‑opening. Local budgets don’t always get the attention they deserve, but they tell an important story about priorities, constraints, and trade‑offs.

I strongly encourage residents to take a look at the budget online. Transparency matters, and informed residents make for a stronger community. Understanding how our township is funded and where dollars go is essential to having productive conversations about what we can realistically change and improve.

Preparing to Stay Accessible

Accessibility and listening were central to why I ran, and they remain central to how I plan to serve. Once I am officially in office, I will be scheduling listening sessions so residents have opportunities to share concerns, ideas, and questions.

As the weather improves, I also plan to resume scheduled Saturdays at the Recycling Center. These informal, face‑to‑face conversations are one of the best ways to stay connected and grounded in what residents are experiencing.

Researching the Issues That Matter

Beyond meetings and budget review, I’ve been spending time researching zoning and infrastructure questions—particularly around concerns related to the propane tank business at State Route 306 and Music Street. My goal is to understand what tools the township does and does not have, and what responsible options might exist within those boundaries.

I will also be attending the Ohio Township Association conference early next year to continue building knowledge, connections, and best practices that can be applied here at home.

Priorities for the First 30–90 Days

As January 1 approaches, my focus is on entering the role with clarity rather than rushing to make promises. In the first few months, my priorities remain consistent with what I spoke about during the campaign:

• Working to address blighted and vacant properties

• Exploring whether a senior tax rebate program could be coordinated with the county

At the same time, I am being careful not to over‑promise—especially given the uncertainty surrounding property taxes in Ohio, including a proposed ballot initiative next November that would abolish property taxes statewide. Responsible governance means acknowledging uncertainty rather than ignoring it.

Respecting the Process—and the Community

I approach this transition with deep respect for the role, the process, and the community. That means learning while acting, listening before deciding, collaborating rather than grandstanding, and keeping long‑term impacts in mind rather than chasing quick wins.

My guiding values are straightforward: transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, respect for process, and building community trust. If residents read this and come away thinking, she’s taking this seriously and doing the work, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Russell Township. January 1 is just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing this work—together.