Meet Chesterfield Township Treasurer Candidate Linda Hartman

New Baltimore-Chesterfield Patch is profiling candidates for Chesterfield Township's elected positions. Learn about them here in a series of profiles every day this week.

Name: Linda Hartman

Position seeking: Treasurer (incumbent candidate)

What are your biggest accomplishments while serving on the board?

Keeping a balanced budget, with the fiscal challenges we faced with poor economy and reduced property, income tax collections, which are main sources of revenue for local government. We reduced costs without cutting services, and even increased efficiency. 

These results reflect the cumulative hard work and combined dedication of our township staff and board.

What would you like to see done during your term?

Continue to enhance the use of technology and promote economic development and land-use planning, among others, to keep our community vibrant.

What do you think the community’s biggest challenges are and how can the community overcome them?

We are challenged to find the resources to effectively plan for the future, protect existing programs and personnel.  It is a tough task, but I see the township continuing to be a viable and valuable; our township board has been efficient and effective in providing services for the community, while keeping within the constraints of our budget.

How would you propose making the police and fire funds financially stable? 

We have been wrestling with that question for a long time. All municipalities across the state and country are experiencing property tax shortfalls due to the crisis in the housing market. Ninety-one percent of all revenues that come to the police department are via the 5 mill special assessment and since revenues have fallen we as local elected officials, work hard to ensure that services are provided cost effectively at the highest quality possible. The department has worked diligently to keep their costs down, every area has been reduced.  We also work hard to implement new and innovative solutions to stretch each tax dollar we receive from residents. 

How would you make changes, if any, to community services?

We can and will continue to respond to help the community achieve quality of life that will serve our residents, attract new businesses, and realize the potential to be a quality community.

Describe yourself: 

Hardworking, honest conservative with proven leadership skills.

What are your hobbies/causes you're passionate about?

I am committed to our community and involved with Historical Society, Beautification, VFW, Clean Water – Blue Economy and Chambers of Commerce.

What’s one fact about you that would surprise people?

I have skydived 17 times.

Additional information:

I always felt honored to serve my community as an elected official and hope to continue to do so.

Check back with Patch for more candidate profiles throughout the week.