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Two of the five candidates for the three Tippecanoe Township Board seats responded to questions posed to them for the November election.
Democrat James D. “Jim” MacDonald and Republican Edwin D. “Ed” Clayton provided their answers to the three questions.
Voicemails were left and not returned by Democrat Julio Reyes Jr. and Republican Mark S. Lawson. Republican James M. “Jim” Rhodes was sent the questions but did not respond with answers by the noon Wednesday, Oct. 21 deadline.
The candidates were asked to answer three questions, in 250 words or less. Below are MacDonald’s (who did not provide a headshot) and Clayton’s responses, in alphabetical order by last name:
1. Why are you running for the Tippecanoe Township Board?
Clayton: I have been a resident in Tippecanoe Township all my life. I decided eight years ago it was my time to get involved. My top concern is to make sure we maintain the quality emergency services that we have built over the years. This year we celebrated 50 years of EMS service. It is my goal that we keep it going another 50 years. We are very fortunate to have EMS services in our township.
It has always my goal to look after what is best for the people of Tippecanoe Township.
MacDonald: Being a retired pastor, I have a calling to love and serve my neighbors, especially those in need. Being on the township trustee board I could have a direct impact on serving our community and being an advocate for our neighbors in need.
2. What qualifications and/or experiences do you have that make you the best choice to serve in the elected position?
Clayton: Being a business person of Tippecanoe Township, I feel I have the best interest of what the people of the township need. I am always available if you have question or concerns in the township.
I have worked hard and long to understand the budget on what we need and where the funding comes from. I am always willing to talk and explain how it all works. It is very important for everyone to know how the funding works.
MacDonald: I have years of experience in working with finance committees and boards of trustees in churches. I also served on boards of The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA. In all these experiences with nonprofits, I worked together with a team to manage limited resources (money) to provide the most good for the communities we served.
Also, as a school bus driver for North Webster Elementary School, I know the area well.
3. What do you believe will be the biggest hurdle facing the Tippecanoe Township Board in the next five years and why?
Clayton: The biggest hurdle is what the state is doing with funding and making sure we can maintain service. We right now have our hands tied until the state government makes their ruling on where the funds are coming from.
We will have to look in the near future about funding for the fire territory. The cost are going through the roof. Alls cost for anything emergency have been rising 10 to 15% a year, it is getting harder to maintain the budget with the rising costs.
We are looking at merging with Turkey Creek Township to look to our future. This is one way to ensure we continue for many years to come. Right now we are just looking but there will be a time in the next few years this will have to be done to keep what we have.
MacDonald: I can’t predict the future, but I am aware of trends that are concerning. Our state legislature has enacted laws and on occasions taken funds that were originally intended to support local communities. They then divert these funds from their stated purpose of being used for local projects into the state’s general fund. This may look good in creating a state budget surplus, but it isn’t good for local communities.
I would encourage the trustee board and the community to be vigilant and advocate against this trend. That may be our greatest hurdle.
