Dear Editor:
I am excited to announce that I am running as a write-in for Clerk for Lima Township.
While I was hesitant to continue as clerk, my reluctance was largely due to difficulty in balancing my time needed at work with the time I want to give to my family. Before making the decision to run, I had several talks with the incoming supervisor and my deputy clerk. I am confident that I have their support to balance my home requirements and still function effectively as your clerk.
I was appointed as Clerk in January of this year. I spent my first 9 months running elections and bringing the accounting records up to date, which are the primary responsibilities of a Township Clerk. I’m happy to say that I successfully conducted two elections and I feel confident with the team of election workers I have assembled as we prepare for the November General election. Additionally, the Township recently completed our fiscal year audit with a positive outcome.
One of my main objectives has been election security. I moved the clerk’s office from the large open office area to an office with a door and installed a deadbolt to assure that the absentee ballots and all the election materials are stored securely. I also installed a new, more robust, absentee drop box outside the office, which was available from the state at no cost to the township. A video camera system was also installed to monitor the drop box.
I had been attending the township meetings for a year before I was appointed. I noticed that the board agreed that several changes needed to be made, but no one followed through to get stuff done. I took the lead to complete office improvements including hiring a new IT support service, acquiring updated computers, and contracting for a new website design. While awaiting the launch of the new website (coming soon!), I made several incremental improvements to the site. The Township had purchased the service of Documents-on-Demand in 2023, but that had not been made available to residents. I linked it to the website and now 15 years of board meeting minutes are readily available and searchable. I also loaded 2 years of Planning Commission meetings (with more to come) and the Township Ordinances. Most recently, I brought the ability to take credit card and electronic payments to the township, which will be available for tax payments in winter.
There are still many projects I would like to tackle if I am elected to continue as clerk. First, our township needs written policies so there is an understanding from all on the board, as well as an understanding from the public, of expectations of the positions. Second, I would like the board to get input from the residents and create a long-term capital spending plan.
Many residents lament that there has been discussion for 20 years on the Town Hall and yet nothing has been done. Indeed, even general upkeep has been lacking. I hope that our next board will conduct a survey to determine the needs of the community and turn the results into a well thought out plan, with phases to implement over time. I don’t have the answer to what should be tackled first as I think the decision on how to spend the tax dollars needs to be determined with input from the taxpayers, but I do know we currently have a surplus of money with no firm plan on how it should be spent.
Whatever the board decides, I want the rationale for the decision to be documented and explainable, whether it is based on a true township need or a strong resident desire.
In the past 9 months, I have demonstrated that I can effectively fulfill the role of Clerk. Please consider writing my name on your November ballot for Lima Township Clerk.
Ann Kwaske
Lima Township