Greg Smith is running for St. Joseph Township Trustee.
Biographical information
My name is Greg Smith, I am a current St. Joseph Township Trustee seeking reelection. I am a lifelong resident of the St. Joseph area. I have been married for 32 years to my wife, Stacy, and we were blessed to raise our four daughters in this community. I operate a small family farm and most of our fields are within the township boundaries.
I am a lifelong public servant. I spent 15 years on the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District as a volunteer firefighter and I served 26 and a half years with the Urbana Fire Department and retired as a Battalion Chief in 2024. I currently serve as a trustee for both the St. Joseph and Saline Drainage districts. I enjoy being active in the community and I spent several summers coaching recreational softball and soccer teams while our kids were younger. I am active member of the St. Joseph-Ogden FFA Alumni and I am also a bus driver for SJO extra curricular events.
How would you describe what the township board does to people who don’t know?
In general, the township is responsible for oversight of infrastructure outside of the village limits but within the St. Joseph township. This includes roads, bridges and drainage. We also help with certain aspects of library maintenance. As an example, the township recently provided some monetary assistance for a new roof on the Library building. The board meets regularly to discuss any current issues and approve expenditures, working within an established budget.
What motivated you to run for the township board?
I’m not interested in politics and this position isn’t a stepping stone towards bigger things for me. I simply want to do my part and give back. St. Joseph is a great place to live and I strongly believe it is important to be a steward for the resources we have been provided. My skill set and service mindset make me a natural fit for this position. I am familiar with the area and accessible if something needs addressed on short notice.
What are you goals for the township?
My main goal is to keep our township running smoothly by providing excellent services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I also want to prioritize saving and preparing for major projects that may come our way in the future. I’m open to listening to the ideas and concerns of our residents and believe transparency is important.
What are the most pressing issues facing the township?
In my opinion, the most pressing issue is the state trying to eliminate township government. This is a concern because of the uncertainty of where these responsibilities would fall. I believe it is too big of a job for each county to maintain all of the infrastructure and townships would likely suffer. St. Joseph township has been so well run and we have very few issues or complaints brought forward. That being said, there are always some issues at the forefront, including taxes and budgets.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I am fiscally responsible and I am committed to making sure our township and community thrives. I am trustworthy and hardworking and I strive to do what is right even when it is unpopular.
How will you make sure you work for the public and are accessible to your constituents?
I keep an eye on the township as I travel the area. If I see something that needs addressed I will take care of it. I often clean up roadsides and I have addressed broken signs and other issues that I’ve noticed. I welcome conversation and I am accessible by phone and in person.
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