Commissioner

executive session rules and to be open, honest and forthright. It is my belief that other commissioners will follow.”

Hodges: While transparency in our township has improved recently, there is more work to be done. I’d ensure that committee vacancies and term expirations are announced and advertised, all interviews are public and all citizens are able to clearly hear and easily participate in all public meetings. I’d ensure that our website is more user-friendly and has better access to information. I will advocate for citizen surveys to hear what citizens feel is important, what is working well and what needs improvement. There is nothing more important than open, effective communication with residents to establish trust in our local government.

Osborne: Yes, and it’s led to 10 years with no financial audits completed until recently, a $9 million bank loan taken out with interest-only payments totaling $600,000 and no drawdown of principal in two years and COVID relief money being used to pay the rent on a building leased during a campus renovation. If elected, I’ll reopen the township to our residents, post all audits and auditor reports on the website, livestream all meetings and bring it in alignment with the expressed needs and desires of our community.

Schutter: No. I’d cross-train everyone in the township office on the Right To Know Law and better enable the public to get information from the township. If someone comes in and requests to look at something, the employee should pick up a right-to-know form and fill it out with them.

Q. How can commissioners improve how they conduct discussions involving differing views, especially when those differences result in failure to reach a majority consensus? Setton:

We are five commissioners on the board, each with our views and opinions. We care deeply about the issues brought before us. Because we care so deeply, it’s natural to get passionate. However, it is important for us to listen respectfully to each other’s opinions and to focus on finding common ground.

Johns: You have to respect different opinions in any governing body. Supervisors need to work more closely together, regardless of respective political parties

Kennedy: Commissioners must listen with respect to each other’s points of view. As elected officials, it is imperative to present facts versus fiction and personal opinions. Based on the facts, a decision must be made and voted upon. Over the past several years, commissioners have had their own agendas, sometimes with total disregard for two commissioners. This needs to change with the upcoming election.

Hodges: Commissioners are elected to represent citizens. They need to act lawfully in the best interest of the community they represent with grace, honesty, respect and integrity. Even when commissioners disagree with each other, it is possible to conduct a healthy, respectful debate and compromise amid differing opinions while upholding and prioritizing the health, well-being and safety of our community.

Osborne: Civil discourse can be achieved by demonstrating respect for each other and inviting differing views, not discouraging them. Healthy discussion often results in better solutions. Decisions incorporating the thoughts of everyone are often better received and stand the test of time.

Schutter: It’s OK for everyone to stand on their principles, but they must respect each other’s First Amendment right. Then, meetings won’t get contentious. Respect for the Constitution would eliminate the fighting and back-biting in government today. Respecting and listening to each other is key. Maybe the opposite view has points that may help lead to a majority consensus.