Noted Key to Success: BUILD RELATIONSHIPS!  Whether those relationships are with: other local office holders, county-wide agencies, local service providers, township board members, legislators, other community leaders or all of the above – BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS in their communities seems to be the common theme that trustees point to when asked “how” they are achieving success.

Read the ITA’s newly produced guide to learn more! (Click Here)


ITA Annual Awards Winners Recognized for Exceptional Service

STEPHEN R. BUSCHMANN RECEIVES ITA’s LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

As Indianapolis’ northside Sheraton Hotel played host to this year’s Indiana Township Association’s annual Educational Conference held earlier late last month, this year’s dinner was especially poignant.   Steve Buschmann was only the second recipient of the “ITA Jean Paul Lushin Lifetime Achievement Award” since its creation in 2013 when it was awarded to the trustee for which it is named.

Steve Buschmann has served the ITA for more than 30 years as its legal counsel while also rendering his services to townships across the State of Indiana.  During those 30 years, Steve also served as the ITA lobbyist and consultant.

After reading the 2013 resolution, adopted by the ITA Convention establishing the award, The ITA Executive Director announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the recipient of this award, possesses the qualities and achievements set forth as a pre-requisite.  When his name is mentioned across the state of Indiana – people hear and see “Township Government”.  He has faithfully served this association and its members for more than 30 years.  His vast experience has helped so many trustees in their pursuit of excellent public service and therefore, his guidance has directly impacted Hoosiers in all corners of the State.  On behalf of the ITA Board of Directors, I am proud to present The Jean Paul Lushin Lifetime Achievement Award to Stephen R. Buschmann”.

In an emotion charged atmosphere brimming with applauding Indiana township trustees and invited guests rising to their feet, an astonished and humbled Buschmann took to the podium. He graciously thanked all for what he declared, “an incredible journey”.

The night before the annual Awards Banquet, Steve was presented the “Circle of Corydon” by Senator Andy Zay during a reception in Steve’s honor.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Jean Paul Lushin served as the Center Township Trustee in Kokomo, Indiana for more than 30 years.  After his announcement of retirement, the Convention of the Indiana Township Association adopted the following resolution:

“WHEREAS, according to the bylaws of this Association, “We pledge ourselves to a more effective and efficient form of township government securing for those township officers and office holders full recognition and enjoyment of their rights to administer their responsibility they hold”; and

WHEREAS, according to the bylaws of this Association, “We pledge to secure the tools necessary for them to fulfill their obligations as public servants; and to strengthen and extend our form of township government in such a way as to provide to the citizens services to which they are entitled”; and

WHEREAS, the Association wishes to acknowledge those who have sustained an extraordinary level of accomplishment, demonstrated a willingness to teach and be taught, proven the ability to lead and be led, achieved successes beyond those specifically necessitated by the laws by which they are governed; and

WHEREAS, Jean Paul Lushin has met such prerequisites for acknowledgement by this Association;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that should the Board of Directors deem that a person possesses these qualities and over their lifetime have a proven litany of achievements, it shall, with careful consideration and an exercise of moderation; bestow upon such an individual an award, rightfully named the “Jean Paul Lushin Lifetime Achievement Award”.

2019 TRUSTEE OF THE YEAR

Trustee Lydia Wales, of Franklin Township, Johnson County, was named the “Trustee of the Year” by the Indiana Township Association during its annual conference on Tuesday, September 23rd .

The selection committee determined that Trustee Wales more than met the criteria of a trustee who successfully fulfills, not only the duties of office, but demonstrates the willingness and ability to move significantly beyond those duties to the benefit of their community.

Her nomination was comprised of many letters from leaders in the community of Franklin including State Senator Greg Walker, Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess, Mayor Steve Barnett, the President of the Franklin Township Board J. Barnett, and many more.

Several letters of nomination noted Lydia’s accomplishments over the past 4 ½ years, as well as her recent undertakings.  One of her projects early in her first term of office was to double the township office hours at no additional cost to the taxpayers.  She did this by making her schedule full time and altering the work schedules of staff to become a full-time office.

Some of the list accomplishments that were noted in the nominations were: the modernization of the office while making it more efficient, making the office accessible 24 hours per day- 7 days a week, and changing the usage structure of the township’s transitional housing by adding intensive case management services to create a self-sustaining lifestyle.  This led to a significant decrease in recidivism amongst clients as they learn and obtain skills necessary for them to truly become self-sufficient.

One letter noted, “These positive efforts of her leadership are only possible due to her passion to help others, to serve her community and to be a positive role model to all she assists”.

Another nomination letter stated, “Lydia’s passion for leading, learning, and challenging new paradigms within the Franklin community has produced a robust network of opportunities for her clients…Lydia is an influential advocate for the people in Franklin, Indiana”.

And lastly, another nominator wrote, “Many people will do their day to day required tasks, but Lydia doesn’t stop when she is out of the office.  She continues to work diligently making Franklin and Johnson County a safe and healthier place to live”.

“During her years of service, Lydia has shown the essence of an outstanding trustee who has moved beyond the ordinary to the exceptional,” said Debbie Driskell, Executive Director for the Indiana Township Association.  “Her peers are proud to honor her and to recognize her for her many successful endeavors to benefit the citizens of Franklin Township”.

2019 TOWNSHIP BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR

From the Center Township Board of Clinton County, was nominated Board President, Jada Ray.  The ITA Awards Committee selected Jada based upon the nomination letter sent from Trustee Kevin Evans.

His letter stated, “…Jada cares about our community, the citizens we serve, and specifically our youth.  Jada served alongside me in overseeing our “Aspire at the Y” youth development program and our new teen facility called The Club…Both of these programs highlight two important areas for our township.  The first is education and the second is healthy living”.

Kevin went on the write, “Our township is very lucky to have Jada Ray”.

2019 TOWNSHIP EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Andrew “Drew” Durham was named the 2019 “Employee of the Year”.  Drew is the Comptroller at the Center Township Trustee’s office in Kokomo.

The nomination letter included “Drew is constantly searching for new ideas and ways to improve efficiency in our office.  He does not just settle for things because “we’ve always done it this way”; instead, he constantly reviews procedures to assure that our team completes tasks in the most effective manner”.

The letter continued “Outside of the office, Drew volunteers his time coaching youth football and with the Goodfellow’s Christmas Charity, as well as completed the Leadership Kokomo Program.  He is serving as the coach for the Kokomo High School Varsity football team.    While being an active community volunteer, comptroller, coach, father and husband, Drew still found time to attain his MBA, all while going above and beyond at work!”

“I am extremely proud along with the entire Trustee’s Office of Center Howard County to acknowledge Andrew Durham as the ITA Employee of the Year,” said Center Township Trustee Robert Lee.  “There is no more deserving individual as he shares his expertise new and gained to help all who call upon him.  His commitment and dedication to clients, fellow employees and this trustee exemplifies his desire to go above and beyond, Congratulations Drew”.