It’s not quite a full slate, but a group calling themselves Citizens for a Progressive Springfield has recruited three candidates for the township board.
They came together to file their nominating petitions last week amid a small group of family and friends, announcing their intention to challenge incumbents.
Bill Sahutske, an engineer with Ford Motor Company, will run for supervisor. James Ashley, involved in the fitness industry, filed for treasurer and Marc Cooper, a commercial printer, will vie for a trustee seat.
The group’s joint statement said, ‘We want to help lead our community in the most effective manner and tackle every problem that arises.?
Diane Wozniak, one of the organizers of the political action committee, said it was a true grass-roots effort.
‘I started asking people, ‘Who do you know??? she said. Sahutske is a neighbor who she did not know well at first, but she has known Ashley through years of joint work with the township parks commission. Cooper does printing for her business.
‘All of us are best served by being united,? she said.
‘After attending a few township meetings, I was not impressed by the way meetings were handled,? Sahutske said. ‘I know I can do a better job of listening to the people.?
‘A progressive no-nonsense board is needed as our community expands,? Ashley said. ‘The taxpayers deserve to have their money spent wisely, and as a fiscal conservative I will fight to make sure that happens.?
‘I feel we need to move to be a more progressive community that works more effectively to meet the needs of the people,? Cooper said.
Beyond general statements, Wozniak said there will be specific proposals from the slate for improvements in police and fire service and response from township officials to citizen complaints.
‘None our services have been compromised, but the community is growing and the need is growing,? she said. ‘We could always use another deputy.?
The committee originally had two other candidates lined up, but one took a job outside the area and another discovered too many job travel requirements.
During the campaign, Wozniak said the group will have the help of an unnamed attorney and political consultant.
The slate will go up against incumbents, all but one of whom have indicated an intent to run again. Supervisor Collin Walls previously made his formal announcement, and incumbent Clerk Nancy Strole officially launched her campaign last week.
‘I’m proud of my record of accomplishments on behalf of our township and residents,? Strole said, running for her fourth four-year term as clerk. ‘If we’re going to address challenges that lie ahead, we’ll continue to need leaders with a proven track record of performance and success.?
May 11 is the deadline to file nominating petitions for all township offices.