Investing in the People and Systems That Keep Russell Township Safe

One of my core beliefs as a Russell Township Trustee is simple: our most important resource in local government are the people who serve our residents.

Every day, township employees operate the equipment, maintain the infrastructure, and manage the systems that keep Russell Township running safely and effectively. From winter road operations to long-term maintenance planning, the work they perform directly impacts the safety and quality of life of our community.

Because of that, my governing philosophy is straightforward: we must invest in the people and systems that keep our residents safe.

Recently, the Board of Trustees approved a compensation adjustment for the leadership of our Road Department. The purpose of this adjustment was to better align the role's responsibilities with both the department's internal structure and compensation levels in comparable communities.

In public service, salaries are public information and widely known among staff. For any organization to function well, leadership roles must be aligned appropriately with the responsibilities they carry and the teams they supervise. Establishing that alignment supports clear leadership authority, operational stability, and a professional working environment.

Local government employment today is not the same as it was in the 1970s or 1980s. At that time, many communities had long lists of qualified applicants waiting for municipal jobs. That is simply not the reality today. Skilled public works professionals, CDL operators, and experienced municipal managers are in demand, and communities that want stable operations must recognize the current labor market.

In Russell Township, our Road Department has successfully managed a difficult winter season while maintaining reliable service for residents. The township continues to have salt available, while some surrounding communities have faced shortages or have had to source material from much farther away at significantly higher cost. Maintaining that level of preparedness requires planning, operational discipline, and strong leadership.

Equally important has been the continued focus on building a stronger safety culture within the department. Providing appropriate protective equipment, improving workplace practices, and reinforcing professional standards helps ensure that employees can perform demanding work safely while maintaining strong morale across the team.

Some residents have noted that this compensation adjustment occurred before the employee’s first anniversary with the township. That observation is accurate. In this case, the Board determined that the adjustment was warranted based on the department's demonstrated performance and achieved operational level. The vote approving the adjustment was unanimous, and that decision is in the official meeting minutes from the Trustee Board meeting on February 19, 2026, and is part of the public record.

In local government, decisions are sometimes discussed in terms of “optics.” While transparency and accountability are essential, my focus as a trustee is always on outcomes for our residents and the long-term stability of township operations. When a department is performing well, employees are working safely, and residents are receiving reliable services, I believe it is responsible governance to recognize that performance and support the leadership that helps make it possible.

My approach to governance is not reactive. I believe in addressing issues proactively to maintain stability within our departments and continuity in the services our residents depend upon.

For Russell Township, that means supporting leadership that keeps operations running safely, investing in the employees who serve our residents, and recognizing the realities of today’s labor market.

Local government succeeds when it values professionalism, stability, and the people responsible for delivering essential services. Russell Township residents deserve nothing less.

Amy Heutmaker, MBA, MS

(Pronounced: HOOT-maker)

Russell Township Trustee

“Lead with Kindness, Then Be Curious,

Not Judgmental”