Candidate Guide - Franklin Township Trustee - Charlene Newman

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Not provided.

Current employment: Deardoff Senior Center, Executive Director

Office Sought: Franklin Township Trustee

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

I feel I am best suited for this position because I am passionate about Franklin Township's future. Having been appointed to this position in February 2025, I have the confidence and trust of the people in Franklin Township that I can do this job and do it well. I advocate for our senior citizens and have our community's best interest at heart. I make informed decisions based on the correct choice for our township, even if it's not the most popular choice. I know the workings of this branch of government and I am familiar with the budget as well as the needs and wants of the township.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

Protecting our property, managing economic development and serving the community by supporting public safety and public spaces.

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

I will advocate for responsible growth; only growing and allowing what we, as a township can afford and maintain. I will do my personal best to protect Franklin Township from any further annexation into neighboring communities, preserving our green spaces and avoiding any more dense-housing. I will prioritize our residents' needs of public safety including our fire departments.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: She is an appointed incumbent.

I am considering myself a "Challenger" as I was appointed to my current seat recently. I feel change needs to be made as far as protecting our budget. Franklin Township has a smaller budget than most neighboring communities and we need to protect our assets and income so that we can continue to maintain our streets and parks to our standards of excellence along with drawing people into our community.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

As the Executive Director of a non-profit, I have the background in working with a limited budget while keeping up the expectations of the community we serve. Our budget has remained the same for many years and with the price of services and goods going up, I have had to make decisions to keep our budget in tact. I have the skills to communicate with all people, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Property Taxes are a necessity for mental health, senior services, civil services (police, sheriff and fire), libraries and our children's education. Without property taxes, villages and townships can't exist as this is their sole source of funding. I worry that most people aren't aware of what property taxes fund and supply to our communities in whole.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I do not have a working relationship at this time with any of our representatives or senator. I have met Rep. Teska and the Hon. Lipps but haven't had the chance to talk in depth with either.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

I was part of the Franklin Township Comprehensive Planning Committee. I attend different events in our community as well as plan fairs and presentations for the entertainment and education of community members. I was raised in a "volunteering" family, in the mind of help where help is needed.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates? (Not required)

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

I need the residents of Franklin Township to know that I do not consider myself a politician. I am not using this office as a stepping stone or to get my foot in the door of politics. I was asked to fill this seat by the Township and being a community minded person, I am committed to making a difference.