After 36 years of service, Noblesville Township Trustee Billie Caldwell will retire, leaving her seat open in a two candidate race between her daughter-in-law, Teressa Caldwell, and Tom Kenley, younger brother of State Rep. Luke Kenley.
Each candidate is running for trustee to take the next step in their public service career.
“I have invested 11 years of commitment to the Noblesville Township Trustees Office and the people we serve. I would like to continue to build and improve upon the services we offer,” Caldwell said.
“After serving five years on the township board I see the need for new leadership and fresh ideas and would like to further serve the community,” Kenley said.
Kenley said his current leadership as township board president for the past four years combined with his many years experience as a local small business owner and later as a local realtor and commercial property manager are his qualifications.
Caldwell said through her daily operations in the trustee’s office she has built relationships with other social service agencies, churches and local businesses to grow community outreach programs.
“I have been educated on budget preparation, annual reports, fire safety, cemetery maintenance, weed control laws, and other township duties through my attendance at various township association conferences and seminars,” she said.
Caldwell said the No. 1 issue regarding the trustee position is providing the best services and assistance for those who need help and to continue to grow and improve the available township programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Kenley said finances are a major issue.
“The biggest single issue facing the office trustee is to formulate a solid plan for the retirement of $500,000 in newly acquired debt without reducing services to those in need in our community,” he said.
Kenley said his business and managerial experience distinguishes him from Caldwell. He has supervised more than 40 people for more than 20 years. Caldwell on the other hand said her hands-on experience in developing township programs and dealing with residents during times of stress and crisis makes her unique.
How would each candidate improve the trustee’s office?
“I would improve the trustee’s office by forging new and better relationships with local charitable organizations and other local governmental offices,” Kenley said.
“I would like to make the township assistance process more efficient,” Caldwell said. “I would also like to improve all aspects of communication involving the office. I would like to do this by using social media and our website to educate the public and enhance their understanding of our services and programs.”
