Why I'm Running as an Independent

One of the questions I've been asked most often since announcing my campaign is, "Why are you running as an independent?"

It's a fair question, and I think the answer deserves more than a one-sentence response.

When I first considered running for Springfield Township Trustee, my intention was to seek the Republican nomination. I believed that was the appropriate path, and I entered the process in good faith.

As many of you know, I was ultimately informed that I did not meet the qualifications established by the Allen County Republican Party to appear on the Republican primary ballot. While that was not the outcome I had anticipated, I respect the party's process and its right to determine who represents it.

That experience also gave me an opportunity to step back and ask myself a more important question.

What qualities truly matter in a Township Trustee?

The more I reflected on that question, the more I realized the answer had very little to do with party labels.

A Township Trustee should have integrity to make difficult decisions honestly and ethically.

A Township Trustee should practice transparency so residents understand how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are being spent.

A Township Trustee should demonstrate stewardship by treating every public dollar as a responsibility entrusted by the taxpayers.

Those are the principles that matter to me.

They are not exclusively Republican principles. They are not exclusively Democratic principles. They are not exclusively Independent principles.

They are principles of good government.

That realization ultimately made me comfortable running as an independent candidate. It allows me to focus entirely on serving Springfield Township without feeling obligated to represent a political organization or ideology. My responsibility is to the residents of this township and to the office itself.

My campaign is built around three commitments: Integrity. Transparency. Stewardship.

Those principles will guide every decision I make, every dollar I oversee, and every action I take if I have the privilege of serving as your Township Trustee.

I hope you'll judge me not by the political label beside my name, but by the character I demonstrate, the principles I uphold, and the work I do on behalf of Springfield Township.