Via the News-Herald
If re-elected,
Shelton would propose hiring a part-time township administrator. She said an administrator would help the trustees follow state Sunshine Laws, provide all trustees with the same information and be available to answer resident questions. She would propose paying for the role by reverting to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for legal issues.
She also intends to increase outreach to seniors in the community, including new senior-oriented events and a “neighbors helping neighbors” program for seniors.
Shelton would also like to make more improvements to Leroy Park, including the fencing, bleachers and playground equipment. She said improvements would also be needed to use the old school building for soccer fields. She would seek grant funding for the work.
Should you be re-elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:
I would like to propose the hiring of a part-time Administrator. Trustees are to conduct the township’s business with complete transparency and over the past four years that has proven to be a challenge.There are Sunshine Laws that must be adhered to when conducting township business and an Administrator would facilitate this as well as make the meetings more efficient, informative, and would ensure that all trustees are being given the same information in which to make decisions, as well as being available to the public for general questions. Trustees are not to speak about items that require a vote outside of a public meeting. Two trustees engaged in conversation about public business creates a quorum and should be avoided to ensure integrity and transparency of the board. A newly hired part-time administrator would assist with this and could also address the Human Resource needs of our administration. To offset the cost of this position I propose we revert back to using the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office to address any legal issues when they arise. There is no cost involved with using their services and this would make available the funds being used for our current legal expenditures.
Community involvement has been a priority of mine with the introduction of Outdoor Movie Night and working with our Leroy Recreation Board to present holiday events along with the summer concerts. A second item for which I would like to implement change would be our outreach to the seniors in our community. My interactions with my father as well as my involvement with other seniors I encounter as a nurse have opened my eyes to the needs of an underserved population. Monthly dinners/bingo/ craft night are just a few ideas I would like to promote. In addition, I would also like to coordinate a “Neighbors helping Neighbors”program. This would involve identifying those seniors in our community that are vulnerable, isolated, and /or are in need of assistance. I have seen first hand the out pouring of support and assistance that this community offers our fellow citizens when the opportunity arises.
In addition to the new park path and paved parking lot, which were made possible with CBDG funds I secured on behalf of Leroy Township , I”d like to make further improvements to our Leroy Park. Our community youth sports involvement is growing and the need to maintain/improve the park grounds for community use is also increasing. Our Leroy Park is in need of fencing, bleachers, new concrete under pavilion, concession building repairs and playground equipment. In order to use the old school property for soccer fields we need a gravel parking lot, shed, and mulch for playground. Dollars required to make these improvements would need to come from grant dollars as to not burden our budget. I successfully applied/utilized the grant dollars we have received for parks over the past twelve years and I’d like to pursue additional grants to make these much needed improvements.
Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?:
For the past twelve years it has been my pleasure to serve my community as one of three township trustees. I have taken the responsibility given to me by my constituents very seriously. To better serve Leroy Township I have made it a point to expand my knowledge of township government and graduated from the Ohio Township Leadership Academy (the only trustee on the board that holds this distinction).
I routinely attend the Lake County Township Association meetings to remain in communication with the other Lake County TownshipTrustees and other community leaders as we seek solutions for the challenges facing the township form of government as a whole and what we can do to strengthen our voice here in Lake County. I was the only Leroy Township Trustee to speak at the Lake County Commissioner’s meeting to show support and advocate for funding to reopen the Ford Rd. bridge project as well as the Paine Rd. project. During my tenure, parks and zoning have been the areas designated for my oversight. I have written and secured several grants that have allowed us to refurbish the South Leroy Meeting House and add a handicap accessible park path with parking lot to our Leroy Township Park. (Securing Approx. $350,000 in improvements). During the past twelve years of overseeing the Leroy Township Zoning Board I was instrumental in working with our Leroy Township Zoning Board and the Lake County Planning Commission to complete two successful comprehensive plans. The first plan instituted a 3 acre minimum lot size which I feel continues to be instrumental in preserving Leroy Township’s unique rural atmosphere. This will continue to be my focus moving forward if given the opportunity. I ask for your vote this November.
Original link News-Herald