Three Weeks In: What I’ve Learned So Far as a Township Trustee

Tomorrow marks three weeks since my term began as a Russell Township Trustee.

That feels both very short and… not short at all.

If you’re imagining ribbon cuttings, dramatic votes, or sweeping changes in that time, I’ll gently disappoint you. The first three weeks haven’t been flashy. They’ve been quiet, deliberate, and full of reading. Lots and lots of reading.

And honestly? That’s exactly how I hoped they would start.

What the Job Actually Looks Like (So Far)

A big part of the early work has been listening and learning:

• Reading financial reports and past meeting minutes

• Getting oriented to how departments operate day to day

• Understanding what decisions are governed by state law versus local discretion

• Asking questions, sometimes very basic ones, before offering opinions

Much of this work happens outside the meeting room. It’s emails, documents, conversations, and follow-ups. It’s not glamorous, but it’s how you build the context needed to make good decisions later.

The Biggest Surprise

What surprised me most is how interconnected everything is.

A conversation about technology touches cybersecurity requirements. A discussion about staffing intersects with long-term budget planning. A single invoice can raise questions about process, communication, and risk management all at once.

Very few decisions stand alone. Most are part of a longer story and understanding that story matters.

Stability Matters More Than Speed

One thing I’m intentionally not doing right now is rushing change.

That’s not hesitation, it’s respect for the institution and the people who keep it running. The township provides essential services, and stability is not optional. Before proposing adjustments, I want to understand what’s working well, what’s constrained by law or funding, and where thoughtful improvements might actually make a difference.

Doing nothing for the sake of appearances is bad. Doing something too fast can be worse.

Watching the Dollars (Because Everyone Else Is)

I know residents care deeply about how township funds are managed, and they should.

In these first weeks, I’ve been closely reviewing financial reports, asking clarifying questions, and focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term optics. Fiscal responsibility isn’t a one-time vote, it’s a pattern of attention.

You don’t have to be loud to be careful. You just have to show up prepared.

What Comes Next

In the coming weeks, my focus will stay on:

• Continuing to build working relationships with staff and fellow trustees

• Preparing for upcoming budget and planning discussions

• Reviewing policies and processes with an eye toward clarity and transparency

No big announcements yet. Just steady work, done in the open, with documentation that reflects the seriousness of the role.

Final Thought

Local government doesn’t run on speeches. It runs on process, patience, and people doing their homework.

Three weeks in, I feel grounded, focused, and grateful for the responsibility I’ve been given. My goal is simple: to approach this role in a way that earns trust over time, by being prepared, asking good questions, and making decisions I’d be comfortable explaining to any resident who asks.

That’s the work. And I’m just getting started.