As a candidate for Vernon Township Council, I believe that trust in government starts with accountability, accessibility, and transparency. Our residents deserve leaders who are responsive, decision-making processes that are clear, and policies that put the needs of our community first.
My Plan for an Open & Accountable Vernon
1. Defining the Chain of Command & Leadership Accountability
Clear leadership means better government. I will ensure every level of township leadership is held responsible for its decisions, from the Council to department heads.
✅ Clarify Roles & Responsibilities
- Ensure the Township Council has strong oversight on all township decisions, not just financial ones.
- Establish clear expectations for the Mayor and Business Administrator, ensuring they communicate openly with the Council and the public.
- Hold department heads accountable for efficiency, transparency, and service quality in their respective areas.
✅ Performance & Ethics Standards for Township Leadership
- Implement performance reviews for township officials to ensure they are meeting their responsibilities.
- Enforce strict ethics policies to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure decisions are made in the public’s best interest.
- Create a whistleblower protection policy for employees and residents to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
✅ Increase Resident Engagement in Township Decisions
- Develop advisory boards and community councils for key township functions, allowing residents a direct say in local policies.
- Require public input periods before major policy changes to ensure residents are heard.
2. Accessibility: Making Government Work for the People
Government should be easier to navigate, quicker to respond, and more inclusive for all residents of Vernon Township.
✅ Improve Access to Public Information
- Create an easy-to-navigate Vernon Township website with clear information on township meetings, policies, and services.
- Require public notices to be posted online, in newspapers, and on social media to ensure every resident has access to township updates.
- Publish "plain language" summaries of important policy changes so everyone can understand how decisions affect them.
✅ Make Township Leadership More Responsive to Residents
- Establish a 24/7 Resident Inquiry System where people can submit concerns or requests and track responses from township officials.
- Implement mandatory response timelines for all resident inquiries, ensuring issues are addressed in a timely manner.
- Hold quarterly town hall meetings to discuss major projects and concerns with Vernon residents.
✅ Expand Accessibility for All Residents
- Ensure all public meetings are recorded and live-streamed so residents can participate remotely.
- Make sure township offices and events are ADA-compliant and accessible to seniors and residents with disabilities.
- Provide bilingual resources and translation services for non-English-speaking residents.
3. Accountability in Township Services & Operations
Every department in Vernon Township—from public works to emergency services—should be held accountable for performance, efficiency, and responsiveness.
✅ Hold Township Departments to High Standards
- Implement performance tracking for all township services, including response times for public works, emergency services, and permitting.
- Conduct annual audits of all departments to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds and resources.
- Establish a public complaint and review process for township services to ensure issues are properly addressed.
✅ Make Emergency & Public Safety Services More Transparent
- Require regular public safety updates on police, fire, and EMS operations to keep residents informed.
- Support community policing initiatives to improve relationships between law enforcement and residents.
- Improve emergency response times and coordination through better resource allocation and technology.
✅ Improve Township Infrastructure & Services
- Ensure road repair and maintenance schedules are transparent and based on need, not politics.
- Develop a five-year infrastructure plan to ensure sustainable investment in roads, bridges, and public facilities.
- Modernize permitting and licensing by bringing more services online to make it easier for residents and businesses.
4. Fiscal Responsibility & Smart Spending
Vernon Township must manage taxpayer money wisely while still funding essential services and community projects.
✅ Zero-Based Budgeting & Justification of Expenses
- Require detailed justifications for all spending to eliminate waste and inefficiencies.
- Implement quarterly financial reports available to the public so residents can see how their tax dollars are spent.
- Ensure vendor contracts are negotiated transparently to prevent unnecessary spending.
✅ Prioritize Community Investments
- Focus funding on road repairs, emergency services, and parks & recreation instead of unnecessary pet projects.
- Establish a community grants program to support local initiatives and small businesses.
- Work with state and federal programs to secure more funding for local infrastructure projects without increasing taxes.
✅ Cut Unnecessary Costs Without Cutting Services
- Conduct efficiency audits to find cost-saving opportunities in every department.
- Explore shared services agreements with neighboring municipalities to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality services.
- Improve procurement processes to ensure Vernon gets the best value for taxpayer dollars.
5. Strengthening Public Trust & Transparency
Restoring faith in local government starts with clear communication, ethical leadership, and open decision-making.
✅ Require Public Input Before Major Policy Changes
- Hold community forums before approving major development projects, tax increases, or zoning changes.
- Ensure residents have access to all meeting agendas and minutes well in advance.
✅ Make Government Data Readily Available
- Create an Open Data Portal where residents can easily access financial reports, township contracts, and department performance metrics.
- Require real-time budget tracking so residents can see how their tax dollars are being spent.
✅ Hold Leaders Accountable for Their Actions
- Enforce strict conflict-of-interest policies to ensure council members work for the people, not for personal gain.
- Implement annual ethics training for all township officials to promote transparency and accountability.
- Establish recall procedures for elected officials who fail to uphold their duties to the residents of Vernon Township.
My Commitment to Vernon Township
This is our township. It belongs to our residents. If elected to Vernon Township Council, I will fight for:
✅ Government that listens to its people
✅ Public services that are efficient and responsive
✅ Transparent budgeting and fiscal responsibility
✅ Strong oversight and ethical leadership
✅ A township that works for everyone—not just a select few
It’s time to make Vernon Township’s government more accountable, accessible, and transparent. Let’s build a better future together.
