Meet the Hinckley Township Trustee candidates

Editor’s note: In November, Hinckley voters will select one township trustee. There are two candidates running for the position. The Hinckley Record sent both candidates a questionnaire. Each candidate was limited to 250 words. Here are their unedited answers:

1. What are your qualifications for this position?

Augustine: As Trustee appointed in 2017, I spearheaded initiatives to renegotiate the township trash contract, obtain a donation of Automated External Defibrillators for Hinckley Police and Fire, updated and secure township computer systems, install new signage for Hinckley administration and police buildings, reduced liability by creating park regulations, signage and rental forms, identified routes for water and coordinate with scouts to clear Brongers Park walking trails.  I already understand the position and the protocol. Furthermore, I have a decade-long foundation of service, commitment and cooperation, using my expertise of non profits, volunteering at Hinckley Elementary. I served as PTO President, PTO Vice President, and received the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award. I bring professional skills of thirteen years as an Executive Director for a non-profit organization, coordinating national and international projects: fiscal responsibility, contract negotiations, creative management, grant writing capabilities, and constructive communications.

Lutzko: I have served as a Trustee almost two years now. As I promised when elected, I have focused on providing quality services to Hinckley residents, and on exercising reasoned judgment when spending taxpayer dollars.  I have developed strong working relationships with my fellow Board Members, our Fiscal Officer, and our Department Chiefs and Managers. During the last two years, our team has accomplished many things, including: implementing 24-hour/7-day-a-week staffing for fire and emergency services; increasing the number of patrol officers on duty; improving police and fire radio communications; purchasing a new ambulance; fixing Town Hall drainage issues; updating zoning provisions; and repairing Township roads. For twenty-plus years, I have worked as an attorney for the federal government and in private practice. I have a long track record of acting with integrity in positions of responsibility. I have exercised critical thinking and made reasoned decisions on a daily basis; worked on law-enforcement investigations; evaluated complex information, including financial records; provided legal advice; negotiated case resolutions; and asked hard questions when needed. I have strong interpersonal and communication skills, and have demonstrated my ability to handle sensitive issues diplomatically.  I have the tools to understand, follow, and enforce Hinckley’s policies and procedures, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are wisely spent.

2. What is the most pressing issue facing Hinckley Township?

Augustine: The most pressing issues concerning Hinckley residents include; over development, lack of agricultural freedom, roads in desperate need of improvement, and a strong opposition to a single trash hauler. For me, the largest issue is lack of communication between citizens and elected officials. I would work to increase communication and allow for citizens to be heard prior to voting at meetings.

Lutzko: Although we have completed approximately $1.6M in road projects over the last two years, road repairs continue to be one of Hinckley’s most pressing issues.

3. What do you expect to focus on this term?

Augustine: I am prepared to be the accessible, approachable, full-time leader Hinckley needs and deserves. I took pride in being at town hall four days a week as trustee, and established the Hinckley Township Facebook page to further communications. My focus is on full-time, responsive leadership.

Lutzko: I intend to continue prioritizing such repairs and looking for fiscally responsible ways to pay for them.