Thomas DeCastra for the Future of the Township. A vote for Thomas for Trustee means:
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Community Development
I’ll make sure Brunswick Hills grows and develops for the future while still honoring its agricultural roots.
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Government Transparency
I’ll work to make sure the board is accessible, communicative and transparent for all township residents.
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Strong Leadership
I’ll represent our township at the county level and foster collaborative relationships with our neighboring communities.
Community Development
I’ll make sure Brunswick Hills grows and develops for the future while still honoring its agricultural roots.
Brunswick Hills Township has a strong agricultural history and as the community transitions from farmland to residential and commercial, it’s important to maintain that history while allowing community growth. Finding balance comes with challenges but with proper planning, establishing relationships and garnering support from the county, this balance can be achieved.
Residential growth is important to invite people to our community.
Encouraging commercial growth and supporting local businesses means more jobs and and money staying in the township.
However, this doesn’t mean disregarding the agricultural roots and losing Township greenspaces. It means strategically allowing growth while maintaining rural aspects. Personally, I want to see the community take advantage of the excellent greenspaces we already have (Princess Ledges & Plum Creek) in addition to the conservation areas within our subdivisions. I’m a big proponent of caring for these spaces and sharing it with the wonderful wildlife that call it home like deer, owls, foxes and groundhogs, just to name a few. I want to ensure we preserve these spaces so every resident gets the opportunity to enjoy them, whether in their backyard or just a short drive away.
As a trustee, I’ll work find the right balance between growth, developments, and respect to our agricultural roots.
I’ll work to find the balance through:
Building relationships and connections with developers and the county to maintain greenspaces through proper zoning.
Supporting businesses to help them grow and provide jobs within Brunswick Hills Township.
Creating a greenway for residents to enjoy the natural greenspaces in their own backyards.
Government Transparency
I’ll work to make sure the board is accessible, communicative and transparent for all township residents.
Always curious to know what’s happening with the Township government and what the Trustees are thinking? Me too!
That is why my first task as Trustee will be to revamp the website to provide more information for residents. From up-to-date meeting schedules, clearer access to meeting minutes, simpler sign up for email updates and publishing the department’s monthly reports. Personally, I will also share meeting dates to my Facebook page as well as the two community Facebook groups You know you’re from Brunswick if… and Brunswick Hills Community Informational Group.
I will also strive to bring the right level of transparency and openness for all residents of the Township. I want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions, not only at the public comment section of a hearing, but before any big decision is made.
I am grateful that Brunswick Area Television (BAT) live streams and records each Trustee meeting, but that’s only the start. So much more can be shared with the public and in a timely manner to allow residents the opportunity to attend meetings and partake in proper discourse and community engagement.
It’s your township! You should be aware and have the chance to weigh in on crucial decisions.
I’ll create better communication and transparency by:
Opening as much trustee business to public hearing and comment.
Utilizing varying communication methods to update residents on Brunswick Hills Township business.
Updating Brunswick Hills Township website to be user friendly and informative with relevant information.
Strong Leadership
I’ll represent our Township at the county level and foster collaborative relationships with our neighboring communities.
Being a Trustee means not only working for the Township residents and supporting the police, fire/EMS and service departments, it also means representation outside of the township. Trustees are the voice for the township at county-level meetings and activities with other communities.
Fostering a collaborative relationship with the City of Brunswick is imperative for long term growth. Opening a channel of communication, making it easier for the City and Township to work together. Allowing us to be at the table for important conversations that can positively impact Township growth and stop city annexing in order to maintain the Township boundaries. A positive relationship with the city will ultimately save the Township money, reallocating tax dollars to invest in our community.
Brunswick Hills Township is 1 of 17 townships, 6 villages, and 3 cities vying for County funds and resources. We rely on the County for many services including water, sewer and road maintenance. Operating within a silo, without relationships with County leaders, is a detriment to the Township. For example, there are grant funding opportunities that could greatly support the township but with a breakdown in communication, we are often unaware of these opportunities and miss the chance to apply. That shouldn’t be the case. As a Brunswick Hills Township Trustee, I will make these connections in order to bring external resources into the community.
I’ll provide strong leadership for the Township by:
Fostering a collaborative relationship with the City of Brunswick.
Engaging and building relationships with County leaders.
Bringing external resources to the Township.