Two Vying For Plain Township Trustee
By Phoebe Banks
InkFreeNews
PLAIN TOWNSHIP — Two Republicans are seeking the nomination of Plain Township Trustee — Craig Charlton and Tyler Huffer. Huffer is the incumbent.
Huffer was born and raised in Kosciusko County. He is a native of Warsaw and resides in the Chapman Lake area. He currently serves as the Plain Township Trustee and was elected in 2018. He was elected in a Republican caucus to the Plain Township board in 2016 and also served as a Republican precinct committeeman for several years. He has been a board member of the Chapman Lake Conservation Association for more than eight years and is a member of the National Rifle Association.
Charlton is a lifetime year-round resident of Plain Township. He has served on the Plain Township Board for 32 years, and has been on the Plain Township Volunteer Fire Department for 37 years. “I’m a professional who has been working in the orthopedic industry for 34 years. I have proven my dedication to Plain Township, with the knowledge and the organization skills to make a difference,” he said.
What are your qualifications for the office?
Charlton: My qualifications for the office of Plain Township Trustee are established by serving 32 years on the Plain Township Board, working with four different township trustees over those years. This experience has shown me what works and what clearly doesn’t work.
Huffer: While serving as Plain Township Trustee, we have accomplished many things. We have upgraded and improved equipment and tools for the Plain Township Fire Department. As a licensed paramedic myself, I fully believe supporting our first responders is a priority. We’ve also upgraded radio communications systems, allowing firefighters to better communicate with each other and other departments. While serving as trustee, I have made it a key point to improve communication with the fire department administration by having regular meetings with department officers.
What issues, if any, do you see within the office that you would have solutions for?
Charlton: Current issues with the Plain Township Trustee’s office start with time and effort to correct the accounting issues that currently exist. Be available to help those seeking township assistance. Post and maintain regular office hours through the week. To help those not comfortable or proficient with today’s technology.
Huffer: Keeping public safety a priority. We, through teamwork with Leesburg, worked to add a tornado siren, which will be installed this spring. This siren will provide advance warning to areas of the township, which previously had no warning devices. We’re also working to upgrade and install sirens throughout the township.
In addition to public safety, trustees have a crucial role in serving township residents in need of assistance. I have built relationships with other community leaders and nonprofits, adding to the resources we have for those seeking relief and support, without adding to township expenses. These and other resources help those seeking short-term assistance to realize long-term success.
What changes, if any, would you like to make and how would these changes be made ?
Charlton: Changes would start with becoming part of the team. I’d engage and become part of the Kosciusko County Trustee Association. I’d communicate with skilled individuals with years of experience dealing with township business, increasing the time in the office. I’d improve language and technology barriers for those needing township assistance.
Huffer: During my time as trustee, we have made many improvements to area cemeteries, mainly Leesburg and Oswego cemeteries. Improvements have included asphalted drives in the cemeteries and the addition of sidewalks, providing a safer place for those walking in and traveling around the cemetery. In Leesburg, we have added a new section, GPS and digitally marked for improved tracking and record keeping. This section will add 200 spaces for future use. I’m also quite proud of the restoration work we’ve done. Two years ago we began restoring the damaged, aging headstones and monuments, many of them from founding members of our community (1800 to 1900s). Restoration work has included cleaning monuments, straightening those that were leaning and repairing many that were broken.
We’ve done a lot of work to improve safety, assistance and accessibility in the township. I’m glad to report it has been while maintaining a low tax rate, in comparison to other townships in our area, and while maintaining a balanced budget. I hope to be elected this year so that we can keep our township moving in the proper direction, for the betterment of the residents and taxpayers.