Steve Ward

NORTH WEBSTER — Steve Ward has officially declared his candidacy for Tippecanoe Township Trustee.

“I have been honored to serve on the township board for four years and as your trustee for the past eight years. I am grateful for the experience that it has afforded me. I also have a business degree and 35 years of experience running a small business in the town of North Webster. Both of these have been extremely beneficial in helping me to provide the best service I can to our community,” said Ward.

Community service has always been a part of Ward’s life. “My father, a retired superintendent from Fairfield Community Schools, always instilled family values in me and my siblings growing up. It is because of this attitude toward service and family commitment that I have 35 years of involvement in the North Webster Lions Club.” Ward served on the Mermaid Festival Parade committee for 30 years, was announcer for the Mermaid parade and the first cutie parade announcer and the emcee for the queen and cutie pageants. The Lions Club honored Ward with the Lion of the Year Award twice and was named Person of the Year by the chamber of commerce. He also implemented Thanksgiving dinners for needy families in the community.

During Ward’s tenure as trustee, he is proud of the fact the township is now debt free and has the means to remain that way. “I can tell you our township has a strong financial position. I was pleased to hire the first full-time fire chief and a full-time firefighter. The addition of these two professionals, and equipment such as two new fire engines and a new set of jaws for newer cars, aided in lowering our Insurance Services Office rating.” This provided dramatic insurance savings to the township. Ward stated partnering with the town of North Webster, the township has been able to install new tornado sirens offering better safety and security to those at the many church camps. The township saw a large cemetery clean up last fall and another one is planned for this spring. “With the implementation of new rules and guidelines, we are able to make it fair for all mowing companies to compete for the work.”

Ward’s extensive business background allows him to be well equipped to deal with all aspects of the township. “I am able to be an unbiased person in township affairs and can make sure that the people are being properly cared for. I plan to continue to put forth my best effort for our people and ensure that our community continues to thrive,” he stated.

“After listening to the input of the people, we implemented a merger to better serve our community. By utilizing the cross trained fire and EMS department personnel, we are now able to have more staff to better serve the people of the township. It is my goal to continue to keep our EMS local so that our community receives prompt and excellent care. I will endeavor to keep our taxes low.

“I am looking forward to being able to serve our community, with my wife Sue at my side. She, too, is committed to the prosperity of our township. We are both proud to call Tippecanoe Township our home.”