Gratitude, Community, and a Hectic 36 Hours

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 arrived at the polls at 6:30 a.m. and stayed until 7:30 p.m., spending most of the day at the West Geauga Library, where I spoke with voters, answered questions, and listened. My running mate, John Ishee, covered the Town Hall and Community Center, engaging with voters there throughout the day.

After 13 hours of standing, walking, and conversations, I stopped for Thai food for my wife and me. She was also working hard—serving as a poll worker in Burton—so both of us had earned a quiet evening. After dinner and a shower, I sat down with my laptop, refreshing the Geauga County Board of Elections page while answering calls and texts from family, friends, and supporters, excitedly watching the results come in.

At 9:50 p.m., I texted Trustee Chris Hare to congratulate him on his overall victory and to express my enthusiasm for working with him. Chris has proven himself to be an excellent trustee—someone eager to learn and careful with taxpayer funds—and I know I can learn a lot from him.

Before finally calling it a night, I sent a few more messages and responded to media inquiries from our local papers. This morning, I stopped by the Township Offices to introduce myself and had my first “zoning lesson.” We discussed several vacant properties in need of attention and future steps for responsible redevelopment. I also had a great conversation with Chief Swainder, thanking him for his time, and explaining how the Police Department operates.

It’s been a hectic 36 hours, but also one filled with gratitude, optimism, and a sense of purpose. I did manage to get some sleep and even run a few errands with my wife today—something I haven’t been able to say in months!

Serving Russell Township is an honor, and I’m excited to get to work on behalf of all of you.

— Amy Heutmaker, Russell Township Trustee-Elect