Schulze
Estes
SIDNEY — Two candidates are vying for the position of Franklin Township trustee during the Nov. 7 election.
Incumbent Roger Schulze, 64, of Sidney, and Joseph Estes, 55, of Sidney, are seeking election to the office.
Schulze has been a Franklin Township trustee for 20 years and is self-employed as a farmer and at his own trucking business. He and his wife, Pam, have two children and five grandchildren.
Estes has a construction management background and is a construction consultant. He and his wife have two children and three grandchildren.
Why are you running for office?
Schulze: “I enjoy working with the constituents of Franklin Township, as well as the Shelby County officials, to ensure we have a safe, clean and well run community.”
Estes: “After moving into the community four years ago and being welcomed by everyone, I feel compelled to become involved as much as I can.”
What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected?
Estes: “I would like to develop more transparent and open sense of local government.”
Schulze: “I will ensure township roads are maintained and safe, especially during the winter months, and Pearl Cemetery is clean and well-kept. In addition, I will work to keep the residents of Franklin Township informed of changes and any other trustee related happenings within the community.”
What do you feel needs to be done to make your township be more successful?
Schulze: “We need to keep the people who reside within the township involved, both when there are challenges and when all is well.”
Estes: “I would like to see more community involvement. I feel the trustees need to be more open and available to talk to the public when they have questions or concerns.”
If elected, how will you open the lines of communication between yourself and the people you represent?
Estes: “I would like to see more people not only attend the monthly meetings but feel free to speak with me anytime they have a question.”
Schulze: “I will invite and encourage residents to attend township meetings regularly, not just when we are facing challenges.”
What challenges do you feel your township faces today and in the future?
Schulze: “We, the trustees, have worked hard to build a trusted relationship and support within the growing township. As Franklin Township continues to grow, it will be vitally important to make sure we know and include those who are moving into the community, so we can maintain trust, open communication and a well run township.”
Additional comments?
Estes: “It would be great to have the community come together more to keep this a safe and fun place to raise a family. This world is changing so fast with new ideas and changes and sometimes change is good.”
