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Experience and Integrity
ue Community Leadership
Although a quarterly newsletter has potential value to our residents, the current economic situation has put this on the back burner for now.
Part of this goal was completed with the publication of the updated Land Use Plan in 2008.
For several years, Jim led his church Youth Group in a trash pickup of all 21 miles of township roads.
Fall 2010 he led his fraternity in trash pickup of 4 miles on Airport Highway.
He also led the administrative proceedings against Seaway Quarry to ensure that the reclamation was safe to the environment.
Copies were given to all officials and employees. As training becomes available, we will participate.
This requires participation by our residents to be successful. Special meetings are being planned for the Sheriff to speak to our residents as we put this in place.
Our historical marker is in place, the twin chimneys have been repaired, and Jim is working toward renovation of the building.
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Plan for Swanton Township Government
Jim and Cindy Irmen created Swanton Township’s first website, http://swantontwp.org which they maintained until Jim took office in 2006. This was the first step toward better communication between residents and township government. In addition, he instituted the practice of digitally recording trustee meetings and making them available to residents on the township website. Jim has regularly used software to scan trustee minutes to make them searchable on the township website. This small action saves residents a very large amount of time when trying to find information on a particular trustee meeting, as now they are able to search by keyword.
2. Formulate a Long Range Plan With public input and collaboration with other township officials and employees, Jim will work to create the first Swanton Township Long Range Plan.
The township form of government is the least expensive form of government. The cost of local government can be kept low by using the economic and human resources of Township Government efficiently. Jim will review every expenditure of public funds to assure fiscal responsibility.
We must take a proactive approach to the organizational and operational day-to-day challenges within the township. In consultation with the other trustees, Jim will establish fair rules for the conduct of township meetings, and promote advanced planning of meetings by publishing meaningful agendas for all public meetings. He will work with the other trustees to assure pre-meeting dissemination of all correspondence, documents and other materials necessary for review and consideration in the conduct of township business.
It is absolutely essential in maintaining the public trust that we create a new environment in township government conducive to working together to achieve common objectives. Jim will work hard to forge consensus among all public officials. This is essential for residents to be confident that township business is being conducted in accordance with the merits of specific proposals as opposed to decisions based on unspoken personal disputes or feelings.
Jim is a good steward of the natural resources within the Oak Openings Region. He will maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Metroparks and the State of Ohio with regard to preservation and optimal use of Oak Openings Preserve and the Maumee State Forest that occupy approximately one half of the land area in Swanton Township. Jim will also work with the State of Ohio to expand the Adopt-A-Roadway Program in Swanton Township.
Ohio Law requires that each township official and employee be provided a copy of the Ohio Ethics law upon their election or appointment. Jim will not only make sure that everyone receives a copy of the Ohio Ethics law, he will also make ethics education and training available to all officials and employees and conduct regular discussion of ethics issues in public meetings. 8. Enhance Public Safety by Expanding the Block Watch Program Block Watch is a community crime prevention program. The program encourages citizens to work together to prevent crime in communities and neighborhoods. Jim will work with the Lucas County Sheriff to revitalize and expand the Block Watch Program in Swanton Township. 9. Renovation of Township Hall The Swanton Township Hall is a grand old structure that is in need of attention. After a thorough cleaning and appropriate archiving of historic records, Jim will take the initiative to begin renovation of the Township Hall so that it can become a local gathering place and a source of community pride.
Recently enacted legislation levels the playing field among municipalities with regard to the power and authority to regulate adult entertainment businesses. Jim obtained model ordinances from the American Family Association and other townships and worked with the Zoning Commission to craft a zoning resolution that imposes the strictest possible regulation of the adult entertainment industry in Swanton Township. He then shared his work with neighboring townships to help them do the same. As an attorney with more than 29 years of experience, Jim is well equipped and better able to stay current with developments in federal and state law affecting Swanton Township. He will utilize his experience and his strong work ethic to diligently and enthusiastically serve the citizens of Swanton Township.
James H. Irmen - 12775 Shaffer Rd - Swanton, OH 43558 Copyright © 2005-2011 All rights reserved.Paid for by Irmen4Trustee Campaign - C.
Irmen, Treasurer
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