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Seven students receive TOI scholarships
Seven high school graduates received TOI scholarships this year of $14,000. There were 119 applications.
The program has awarded $218,000 to 131 students since its inception. Established in 1982, the TOI Scholarship Fund is supported by donations from TOI divisions (Supervisors, Clerks, Highway Commissioners, Trustees, Assessors and Tax Collectors.)
To be eligible for a Township Officials of Illinois Scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must be a graduating Illinois high school senior with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Illinois.
- Must have a history of extracurricular activities that demonstrates a willingness to accept leadership responsibilities (student government, club officer, etc.) or a commitment to civic responsibility, social consciousness and a willingness to serve the community (community service projects, volunteer activities with local service agencies or charitable institutions, etc.)
- Must submit a 500-word essay on The Role of Township Government in Today’s Society and in the Future that will include an interview with a township official.
- Must submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, local officials or business people.
- Must submit an official high school transcript.
- Must submit a cover letter and completed application form.
- Must plan to enroll at an Illinois school as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Next year’s program will get underway Jan. 1, 2011 when the application will be in Township Perspective and on our Web site, www.toi.org.
 Logan Karcher is the recipient of the $2,000 Carolyn Langan Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Presenting him with a plaque is Pendleton Township (Jefferson Co.) Clerk Treasa Brookman, a director of the Township Officials of Illinois.
Logan Karcher of Dahlgren Township, Hamilton Co., is the son of Scott and Lorrie Karcher. A 2010 graduate of Hamilton County Senior High School, Logan plans to attend Rend Lake College and major in biology, with emphasis on wildlife and conservation management. He plans to then transfer to Murray State University, with a career goal of being a conservation officer. His high school memberships/activities include FFA Club, Ecology Club, Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club, Auto Club, football and trap shooting teams, student leader of freshman/sophomore class, student senator of junior class and vice president of Student Council senior year. He is also involved with Catholic Youth Ministry, 4-H, is a graduate of Missouri Auctioneer School, owner/operator of a registered black angus cattle farm and farmhand for Lasater Farms. Here is his essay:
According to history records, the first township government was established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1636 and is the oldest existing unit of government continuing to serve on the North American continent. Township government continues to withstand today’s society of everything being disposable or absorbed into a higher form of governmental fiduciary. Today, 85 of Illinois 102 counties operate under the township form of government and the 1,432 townships serve more than 8 million citizens.
By law, Illinois townships are charged with three basic functions: 1) general assistance for the indigent; 2) the assessment of real property for the basis of local taxation; and 3) maintenance of all roads and bridges outside federal, state, and other local jurisdiction.
Having been raised in a small rural area, I have seen first hand the importance of our township government and have also attended meetings on behalf of my Civics class. Like any governmental organization, they are charged with many hats to wear, some more obvious than others but all equally important. I believe that in most circumstances, township officials are easily approachable and eagerly willing to work to uphold their township responsibilities and support the citizens located within it. Officials are your neighbors, individuals you attend church with, see in the grocery store – they are the people you can seek out for assistance.
Roads and bridges are often the only aspect individuals think townships are responsible for maintaining. These always seem to be the topics of discussion when referring to local townships and local officials are often subjected to scrutiny over ‘whose road is repaired first’. However, it’s not that simple; townships are also affected by the economic hardships with funding to support roads and bridges maintenance. With over 71,000 miles of roads in Illinois to maintain on limited funding, township officials not only have to be frugal, they have to be proactive and open minded in looking for alternative sources of funding such as grants, imposing tax levies or working with county leaders to create new enterprise zones for new businesses. They also have to be educated and unbiased when assessing the real value of property with current market rates in the township. Both of these two responsibilities are not easy, but necessary in maintaining a township people want to live in. They must thrive to survive.
So many families are struggling financially, a little extra helping hand or a sign of compassion is a much needed service to support the families within the communities. Food banks are low with supplies across the state as the demand continues to escalate. Townships provide food, shelter and emergency relief for needy people until they are able to support themselves. These are critical to the longevity of small rural communities.
What’s in store for the future of local townships in Illinois – they must continue to work together with their communities - hand-in-hand, supporting each other with respect and a command goal - like they are family. Work to understand the needs, provide the best possible solutions, and continue to seek knowledge for long term existence in local government.
 Jared Dykstra is the recipient of the $2,000 Delbert W. Miller Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Presenting him with a plaque is George Grosso, Limestone Township Clerk and president of the Clerk’s Division of the Township Officials of Illinois.
Jared Dykstra of Limestone Township, Kankakee Co., is the son of Mark and Kimberly Dykstra. A 2010 graduate of Herscher High School, Jared plans to attend the University of Illinois and major in mathematics education. His high school memberships/activities include Students Against Destructive Decisions (treasurer and Operation Teen Safe Driving Committee member), Students for Environmental Awareness, National Honor Society, Show Choir Combo Band, Marching Band/Concert Band, and Publications. He has also been involved with the Easter Seals telethon, tutoring, the FoodShare program and works part-time at Walgreen’s. Here is Jared’s essay:
Since before the formation of the United States of America, townships have existed, and they are currently the oldest form of American government with over 16,000 townships in the United States and 1,432 in Illinois. When considering why townships continue to be such a vital role in local government, one must look to the “by the people, for the people” attitude. Without the intimate relationship between townships and their people, a township would be no different than any other facet of government.
In order to create this grassroots atmosphere, townships take a nonpartisan approach, allowing township officials and citizens to decide on issues that will benefit everyone rather than just those with a particular view. For example, Limestone Township had the opportunity to acquire two local cemeteries risking neglect as their owners grew older. Through the Annual Town Meeting, Limestone voters were allowed to address their concerns and reach an agreement. Of course, not all township responsibilities require much discussion. Paying electricity bills for street lines and devising cost effective tornado siren systems serve as just two instances in which a township provides services for the community.
“I have lived in Limestone all of my life, and I stayed in the area because it’s a nice area to raise my four children,” said Rich Berns, Limestone Township Trustee and a Kankakee County police officer. “The main reason I am still a trustee is because I want to keep Limestone as it has always been.” Mr. Berns shows just one case of the lifelong dedication displayed throughout townships in Illinois and the rest of the United States. Going into more detail, Mr. Berns explained the unique nonpartisan characteristic of townships that is rare in government today. Rather than voting on issues simply because they follow the values of Democrats or Republicans, township officials choose to vote based on their conscience and what they think will benefit everyone involved the most.
As more rural areas develop into future villages, and more villages become future cities, the role of townships is an ever-changing one. Appointed by township citizens, the Road Commissioner makes decisions about which roads within his or her township must be repaired or expanded. The Road Commissioner’s decisions are an integral part of expansion for townships. With these expansions, the Township Assessor must also adapt. As a township becomes more populous, the value of more pieces of property must be calculated, and an assessor’s job becomes increasingly demanding.
With the longest history in United States government, townships still provide a grassroots approach to serving their communities. If not for the commitment exhibited by township officials on a daily basis, many small, yet crucial tasks would go unaccomplished, creating one giant mess. For this reason, townships offer a key element required for healthy community growth in Illinois and throughout the United States of America. As Limestone Township Trustee Rich Berns stated, “We do everything that we do for everybody. It’s kind of like politics without the politics.” With attitudes like this building the foundation of a township, communities cannot afford to develop without a township government.
CRAIG JONES is the recipient of the $2,000 TOI Memorial Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Presenting him with a plaque is former TOI President Robert Porter, and Cedar Township Supervisor William Lomax.
Craig Jones of Cedar Township (Knox County) is the son of Steven and Vicky Jones. A 2010 graduate of Abingdon High School, Craig plans to attend Bradley University to study bio-medical engineering. His high school memberships/activities include National Merit Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, Presidential Volunteer Service Award winner, Bradley Honor Band and Choir, and Millikin Honor Choir, Key Club, Scholastic Bowl, Drama Club, and Physics/Chemistry Bowl Team. Craig has been a scriptures teacher at Community Bible Church, scribe/reporter for Abingdon Kiwanis Club, and provides special music for area churches. He has also tutored music for middle school students and been an academic tutor for his peers. He works part-time for Simpson Law Office, National Railroad Hall of Fame and Moon of Home Publishing. Here is his essay:
To answer the question, “What is the role of township government in today’s society,” I first had to research the topic. As an 18 year old, we are taught in school about the state legislature and federal government, but the township role is quickly passed over in our studies.
The first thing was to determine who my township officers are. I live in Cedar Township which is one of 21 townships in Knox County. I interviewed William H. Lomax (“Bill”) who is the supervisor for my township. He was very accessible and had a great deal of information to share. The first thing I learned was township government is the oldest form of government in the United States. Bill explained that as the country developed, cities and towns assumed many government functions; today, townships still provide many vital services such as voter registration, property assessment, road maintenance, and programs for seniors and youth.
The one I am most directly affected by on a daily basis is road maintenance. This winter has been quite difficult for traveling and it is the township road commissioners who are responsible for maintaining as much as 53 percent of the state’s total road miles and nearly half of all bridges. Living in a rural community, it is vital to have roads plowed in a timely fashion. Neither the state, county or municipal road systems could assume responsibility of townships’ thousands of miles of roads and bridges without increasing their own tax rates or abandoning some of them. With today’s economy, local citizens could not take the added burden of additional taxes.
Bill also told me that the State of Illinois requires that townships with populations of over 1,000 have their own assessor. Smaller townships are required to join together to form multi-township assessment districts to elect or hire an assessor. Because in small rural areas, the number of parcels in these townships is small, full-time assessors were not feasible or cost effective. To become an assessor, you have to be elected and meet certification standards. This has caused some townships to have no one run for election. I see this as a growing problem in the future. As more people leave the rural areas to move to where full-time jobs are, the ability to find qualified candidates to run for assessors will continue to be a problem.
In Knox County we are lucky that former Supervisor of Assessments Joyce Skinner helped to establish two multi-township assessment districts covering all of Knox County, with the exception of the City of Galesburg. This reduced the need of eight assessors to three, saving the township a great deal of money.
Since I just recently turned 18, I will soon be registering as a voter. This is a new honor that I do not take lightly and is supervised by local township government. Overseeing the registration of voters takes high integrity. It is only when the election process runs as our founding fathers intended, that the will of the people is served.
After college, I will have to consider stepping into a leadership role in my township. It is a good way to serve one’s local community and help take ownership of the problems affecting everyone therein. As federal government seems to grow daily, I see the local township government stepping in to implement the new rules and regulations of those in Washington. It will be the local trustees who have direct contact with the citizens and who will have to help petition our legislature when guidelines need interpretation or revision. While no one can predict the rule of townships in the future, I have learned a great deal from researching the role townships play and how it has a direct impact on my daily life.
ERICK BUTT is the recipient of the $2,000 Troy A. Kost Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Erick was presented with a plaque May 17 at the Capital Township meeting. From left are Erick’s parents David and Deborah Butt; Capital Township Trustee Rich Berning; Erick; Capital Township Trustee Candice Trees and TOI Executive Director Bryan Smith.
Erick Butt of Capital Township (Sangamon County) is the son of David and Deborah Butt. A 2010 graduate of Springfield High School, Erick plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan University and major in biology (pre-med). His high school memberships/activities include National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, State Journal-Register Student of the Month, Soccer, Swimming, Newspaper, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE), National Honor Society, Superintendent’s Roundtable, Spanish Club and High Pride. He has been a certified soccer referee since 2006 for the U.S. Soccer Federation, and is on the Springfield Fire Soccer team. Erick also does weekly janitorial work for offices, and is a platelet and whole blood donor. Here is his essay:
On March 12, 2006, a pair of tornadoes struck Springfield causing great damage and capturing all the news headlines. Less reported that evening was a third tornado in Sangamon County that struck east of Springfield in Clear Lake Township. This was followed 2 weeks later by another night of tornadoes.
When a disaster occurs, its impact is just as intense outside of the big city’s limits. Who helps the people out here when they don’t have city services? It is their township government. A township road commissioner looks after his roads and the people who live along these roads. Your other elected township officials, the supervisor and trustees, along with the road commissioner are the closest level of government to the residents of a township.
The road commissioner has control of the township’s trucks and other heavy equipment. When things are done right, he is part of a team with the township supervisor at the top. Delivery of services during times of need to township residents is the role of township government now and in the future. It does not have to be during an emergency, but this is when their activities stand out best to an outside observer like me.
I have decided to interview officials from Clear Lake Township because they have had the bull’s eye on their back for several disasters in the last 4 years. Tornadoes on March 12 and 26, 2006, required a large amount of debris clean up to help the residents. The township rented large dumpsters that could be used for disposal of household goods. People with the really tore up houses dragged debris to the end of their driveways and township crews hauled it to the county dump. The county highway department was doing much the same, but seldom left the marked county roads. The road commissioner’s crews were on any road or lane that may have had damage.
It’s good that Clear Lake Township was experienced at cleaning up fallen trees, because on December 1, 2006, a major ice storm struck central Illinois. The cities of Springfield and Decatur got most of the coverage for this disaster because they each have a TV news station, but ground zero for the heaviest icing was the area between these cities, including Clear Lake Township. It’s one thing to clear debris on a spring day. It’s another thing to tackle it in slippery winter weather, but once again this township was there for residents in need.
On June 8, 2008, yet another disaster affected Clear Lake Township. The Sangamon River went 4 feet above flood stage with its ninth highest crest in over 100 years. The Sangamon River winds its way through Clear Lake Township leaving the township government with yet another crisis to tackle. When a river is out of its banks, usually the first to notice its effects is the township road commissioner. He will post signs about rising water and its impact on drivers. Its next impact may be on homeowners and if sandbags must be filled, it is the township that calls on its heavy equipment. All of this happened that June in Clear Lake Township.
Township government will remain important well into the future. Disasters will never stop occurring and communities will always need the many services provided by their township government during these hard times, along with duties the township provides during calmer periods. Township government provides the closest level of elected officials to residents who choose to not live in a city. It is the role of township government now, and will always be to serve them when they are in need.
GARRETT RUSSELL is the recipient of the $2,000 Barbara Behm Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Present for his plaque presentation are (seated, left to right): Denning Township Supervisor Nancy Bundy; Larry Jamrozek, Trustee; George Morris, Trustee. Standing, L-R: Charles Prusaczyk, Clerk; TOI Associate Director Jerry B. Crabtree; Garrett; Dave Willmore, Highway Commissioner; Robert Shelby, Trustee and Gene Claridy, Trustee.
Garrett Russell of Denning Township (Franklin County) is the son of Kevin and Michelle Russell. A 2010 graduate of Frankfort Community High School in West Frankfort, Garrett plans to attend John A. Logan College. His high school memberships/activities include Senior Class vice president, Student Council, French Club president, Scholar Bowl, Youth & Government, Drama Club, National Honor Society and yearbook staff. He has worked as a lifeguard. His essay follows:
Question: How do you balance the needs of the people in a township while receiving minimal state and local funding due to a state deficit close to 12 billion dollars and one of the worst economic hardships in history? Answer: Very carefully. That’s how John H. Gardner Jr. has been managing the Frankfort Township since taking the position last year. I recently had the pleasure to sit down with him and administrative caseworker Holly Hopkins, and ask them a few questions about township government. It proved to be very insightful seeing as I had no prior knowledge about townships or how they functioned.
Since their inception in Illinois in 1848, townships have been called the closest form of government to the people. The fact that there are over 1,400 different townships in 85 counties in the state solidifies that statement. Under the Township Act of 1874, they operate under three major principles; provide aid to the less fortunate, maintain roads and bridges, and assess property value for the purpose of taxation. In addition to these three statutes, townships may provide a variety of other services or projects. Frankfort Township offers services to the elderly with a local Wit & Wisdom, and takes care of several cemeteries within the boundaries of the township. Mr. Gardner informed me that Frankfort Township was established in 1884 and their mission has remained the same over 200 years, to help and assist those in the community.
The first step to helping the community is preparing a budget for the fiscal year and planning accordingly. Mr. Gardner informed me that the fiscal year starts April 1, and the board of trustees will soon approve the budget for the next year. Last year, Frankfort Township received approximately $300,000 from the state and local government, and that is usually enough to fund the services and programs provided by the township. However, more funding would never be renounced. The township currently assists seven people with the Earnfare program, but would immensely appreciate the ability to assist more, but nearly double that amount are on a waiting-list and since Earnfare is a state-funded program, that might be unlikely in the near future. General Assistance, on the other hand, can be levied for in the form of property taxes. Once again, the balancing act comes into play. If property taxes are raised, voters get angry and if they aren’t raised, there is no new revenue to fund new projects or expand existing ones.
Looking to the future, I think township governments could play a big part in our lives. This will begin with better educating the next generation of voters on the functions of townships. I think townships should also receive increased funds from the state and local governments. If people know what services are being provided for them, they may be less likely to complain about the minute increase in their property taxes. If voters disagree, they can speak their opinion at the annual township meeting in April, another thing very few voters are probably aware of. In my township, there used to be a recycling program, but because of limited funds, it was cut. It would be great if it could be revitalized because the closest recycling facility is 30 minutes away. Another idea for the Frankfort Township would be some kind of program for the youth; senior citizen services are provided, but it seems that the children are often overlooked. I think a YMCA, or something similar would be a terrific idea.
In conclusion, I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn about township government during my interview. I feel, in some way, like I now have a duty to help and support my township in whatever ways possible. Townships were founded on the principle to serve the people in a community, and that is why they have stood the test of time in these last 200 years. And because they are conducted by the people who live in the areas they serve, townships will always be the closest form of government to the people.
JESSICA YOUNG is the recipient of the $2,000 Robert L. “Bob” Turner Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois. Presenting Jessica with a plaque are Newman Township Supervisor Jim Sanstrom (left) and Jim Young, TOI Director, multi-township assessor for Murdock/Newman Townships in Douglas County, and Jessica’s grandfather.
Jessica Young of Newman Township (Douglas County) is the daughter of James and Lesa Young. A 2010 graduate of Shiloh High School, Jessica plans to attend the University of Illinois and major in pre-pharmacy. Her high school memberships/activities include Student Council, FFA, CAMA (Coalition Against Methamphetamine Abuse), Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading, SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), Ecology Club and Class Secretary. Jessica has worked for Millennium Agriculture, LLC and Young Farms, Inc. as mower and groundskeeper, and baby sits. She has also worked as an election judge in Douglas County. Here is her essay:
When beginning the process of completing this application, I thought to myself, "I’m just a kid...what do I know about township government and why should I really care?" I had a basic understanding of government from attending Illini Girls State last summer, but still did not know much about our township government. As a result of my research and interviews however, I have learned a great deal.
The role of township government and how it affects us as local citizens runs deeper than most people realize. We all use something that is related to, regulated by, or furnished by township government every day. The local roads we drive on are maintained by one branch of township government, that being the road commissioner. This is probably the most widely recognized area of the local government, especially in rural areas, and in my township it also requires the largest budget.
A second position, and responsibility of township government is the tax assessor. In the case of our township, (Newman), we happen to share the assessor position with a neighboring township. The assessor's role includes locating new construction to be added to the tax roles, as well as helping to determine values of existing property. All of this needs to be done, so property can be accurately taxed, and dollars then returned to the local bodies of government.
One other function of township government is providing general assistance. This involves several areas including providing emergency assistance to those in need, providing medical services to those who cannot afford to pay, and many other ways of assisting local residents who may have special needs. Many people do not realize a township government is involved in this type of assistance, and I think this might be the most important function.
As I spoke with Jim Sanstrom, the Township Supervisor of Newman Township, I asked what he felt was the most important aspect of township government. He quickly responded, "It is the local unit and most responsive." As our discussion continued, and he explained the various roles that township government plays in our community, I completely agree. I was not aware of some of the services being provided until my interview with Mr. Sanstrom, and now feel as if my community could not do without those services.
I additionally questioned Mr. Sanstrom on what he felt was the most positive aspects of township government. Keeping our community a good place to live by assisting in cleaning up deteriorating properties and working on environmental issues is certainly one positive aspect. Our township officials are very focused on these types of issues, as this is not just their job, but where they live as well. However, helping people with general assistance who don’t have resources is the most positive aspect according to Mr. Sanstrom, and also is very rewarding to him. In an interview with our township assessor, he summed up it very well with the following quote, "Our township government may not be perfect, but it is the best we have."
In my interview with Jim Sanstrom, I mentioned that I had served as an election judge for the past two elections, and would someday like to be involved in our township government. My chance came sooner than I expected. He asked if I would be the moderator for our town meeting next month. Surprised, but grateful, I accepted.
As I look to the future regarding township government, obviously tight budget concerns make it difficult to say what township government will look like in the coming years. Indiana is considering moving away from the concept of township government, giving more control to the counties and state. The county I live in, Douglas County, is actually moving in an opposite direction, as the townships have taken on the responsibilities of the county roads within the township. This, I feel, is the most efficient way, and keeps the concept of "local and most responsive", in place.
I believe the future for township government in Illinois is bright. I think the services provided, and willingness of our officials in providing them, is something we simply cannot afford to lose. Programs such as the "Partnering for Education in Illinois Townships" show the dedication our officials have to improving their ability to serve. Township government does today, and will continue to in the future, play a vital role in our society.
MOLLY ETLING is the recipient of the $2,000 William Z. Ahrends Scholarship from Township Officials of Illinois.
Molly Etling of Freeburg Township (St. Clair County) is the daughter of Jimmy and Patricia Etling. A 2010 graduate of Freeburg High School, Molly plans to attend the University of Illinois, majoring in Biology (pre-med) with a career goal of becoming a pediatrician. Her high school memberships/activities include National Honor Society, Science Club, Scholar Bowl Team, Senior Olympiad, Student Council, Spanish Club, WYSE Team, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cross Country, Volleyball, Band and Math Team. She is a certified lifeguard and sits for children and pets. Molly is an Illinois State Scholar, American Legion Illini Girls State delegate, Rotary Student of Month, and has received the DAR Good Citizen Award. She is a volunteer for Cahokia Mounds Museum and World Heritage Site, Family Hospice-Heartlinks, Art on the Square and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. This is her essay:
Township government plays a considerable role in today’s society. It is responsible for handling many services that are the foundation of the city or village in which it resides. Township governments have served rural and urban residents of many areas throughout the United States.
By law, townships provide three services to the inhabitants and community: a general assistance program to qualifying residents, property assessment, and maintenance of township roads and bridges. General assistance provides aid to the impoverished. Accurate property assessments supply income through tax levies for all local governments. The better the skill of the township assessor, the more reasonable the taxes paid by property owners. Township road district commissioners are directly responsible for maintaining over half of a state’s total road miles and bridges. Roads and bridges allow access for police, fire services, school buses, and rural postal service. Even in urban areas, township highway commissioners are important because there are more roads and bridges to maintain. Township roads may not be as heavily traveled as roads under the state and interstate systems, but they are a link that must be preserved and kept open despite weather conditions. The state, county, or municipal road systems cannot take over the duty of townships’ roads without increasing their own tax rates or deserting some of them.
Besides these services, many townships offer an assortment of social services to enhance the quality of life for township residents. Services include senior citizen and youth programs, transportation, and cemetery maintenance.
Another unique feature of township government is the annual town meeting that all townships hold each April. Interested citizens can have a direct voice in how their government is run. There is no other form of government which annually places specific voting powers in the hands of the people. Township government is truly democracy in action.
To learn more about the functions of township government, I interviewed Mr. Charles Hill of Freeburg, Illinois. Mr. Hill is a second generation township supervisor. He is in his fifth year and second term in this elected position. When asked about the role of a township supervisor, he replied that he is basically the CEO of the township. He stated that this position makes all the decisions regarding the operation of the township along with the board of trustees. He is responsible for the dispersement of general assistance funds, and is the treasurer of the road district. As treasurer, he signs all checks for general road maintenance. When I asked him why township government is important to the future, he replied, “Township government is the grassroots of politics and any form of government. It is the lowest level of government people can be connected to. We work with people with any issues they have. This keeps townships running smoothly and well-prepared for the future.”
Township governments were created to follow the will and voice of the people and act upon their needs and wants in society. Township government today exceeds this criteria more successfully than any other form of local government. Without township government, roads and bridges would be in disrepair, the needs and wants of community members would not be met, and the voices of the people would not be heard. Without a township government, the future of society would be in question.
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