Elect
John D. McGehee, Trustee
Democratic General Election
November 4, 2008
I am running because a group of residents encouraged me to do so.
It is about doing what is right and modeling best practice, “Getting Involved.”
If you ask others about John McGehee this is what they will tell you………
- John McGehee is a hard worker who is passionate about meeting the needs of others.
- John McGehee has the courage to make the hard decisions for the right reasons.
- John McGehee can be trusted to treat others with respect.
- John McGehee stands for teamwork, education, learning and service.
These attributes have served me well for the past 30 years. They will continue to do so if you elect me trustee for Augusta Township.
My campaign is based on the skills, knowledge, dedication and experience I can bring to the Augusta Township Board. If you agree, I would appreciate your support on August 5, 2008
I would first like to thank Trustee Manty and Trustee Kidder for their years of service and dedication to the residents of Augusta Township.
I hope they will remain active and continue to be a valuable resource for township officials
Vision
As I meet and talk with concerned involved citizens I recognize that Augusta Township has a highly skilled and knowledgeable citizenry. However, there are some very strong personalities with opposing opinions on what needs to be done and how to do it. I believe I have the ability to find the common ground. Working together using the experience and knowledge of township officials and with input from involved citizens, Augusta Township government can be fiscally responsible, provide residents with quality services, and manage future development while retaining the history and rural character we have all come to love.
I have always prided myself on being able to assist others in building collaborative relationships, identifying common ground on pertinent issues, focusing on the tasks at hand and getting all the arrows pointing in the same direction. The following bullet points explain my approach:
- Common Vision – First priority is to serve the residents of Augusta Township. That vision must be the first consideration in every thing we do and decision we make.
- Transparency – Decisions are based on information not personality. My vote is based on the merit of a proposal and if it serves the vision.
- Accountability – We are obligated to keep residents informed of what the plan is, what we are doing and whether it is being done. We need to define our roles and responsibilities and focus on getting the job done.
I have served the Augusta Township community for 30 years as an educational public servant dedicated to the children of Lincoln Schools. I have lived in the northwest corner of the township for 22 years, since 1985. I have been married to Sharon for 29 years and I have two sons, Shaun 23 and Jason 21, both are graduates of Lincoln Schools. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in vocal music education k-12, a Masters Degree in secondary teaching both from Eastern Michigan University. I have certification in Technology Management from the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO). I was in the classroom for 18 years having now spent the last 13 years as Director of Technology for the district. I have reinvented myself several times during my educational career. I saw the need for change, educated myself and met the challenges head on. I can do the same for the township. As trustee I will dedicate myself to listening to residents, providing quality customer service and communicate timely accurate information to all township residents.
Communication
Effective, timely and accurate two-way communication is a key component required to have a responsive Augusta Township government.
Community input: To successfully serve a community you must know and understand your community. My first order of business would be to conduct a comprehensive needs survey of township residents. The survey results will help us understand what is important to township residents, guide township projects/decisions and provide feedback to the board on whether the community is happy with our performance. The survey would be given annually to ensure that the voice of the township residents is heard and respected.
Informed Citizenry: It is critical that township residents are kept informed with up to date information. Traditionally residents are kept informed through newsletters, newspaper articles, web pages and people communications. I will implement the use of email distribution lists as a means to send information to you directly. The goal is to move to an electronic communication system that will avoid the costs associated with postage and printing of newsletters. I will also work to expand our cable presence and continue to improve our ability to communicate more effectively with township residents.
Future Growth
Township leadership must use the master plan to guide decisions related to future development within the township. I will work to ensure that township officials follow the master plan and are environmentally responsible in all decisions. We must keep one eye on the past (our rural character) and one eye on the future. Township governments are at a disadvantage when it comes to working with developers. We must be careful to review all proposals thoroughly and be mindful that decisions made today will greatly impact the township long after our tenure is over.
Township Budget
I have had 12 years of experience working with non-profit budgets. I will use my budgetary knowledge to ensure that township government spends its money wisely and responsibly. Using my experience and knowledge in reducing energy consumption I will work hard to conserve resources and reduce government expenditures through conservation and education.
Township Recycling
I am passionate about protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources. I will work hard to expand township recycling initiatives. It is imperative that we work to protect the future of our community so our families have a clean and healthy environment to live in.
Passions
I am dedicated to providing township residents' quality services especially our children and senior citizens. I believe that I have a moral obligation to plan for our future and be respectful and supportive of those citizens who have served the community before me.
What can you do to make Augusta Township a government we can all be proud of?
Communicate with township officials, participate in surveys, speak your mind, treat each other with respect, and get involved.
