I was elected to the Vernon Township Council in 2016, when Mr. (Harry) Shortway was elected mayor.
During this time, decisions were made with little regard for the taxpayers. Personal agendas took priority over doing the important work to reduce taxes and improve our town. There was no coordinated working relationship with the council and committees, resulting in reckless spending, pet projects and no development for our town center.
Little is known about the other mayoral candidate, Mr. (Anthony) Rossi, because he never served in government, attended any meetings or volunteered on any boards.
We need a mayor who will put the town and the taxpayer first. Sally Rinker has a proven record of public service whether in or out of office. She served briefly as both a council member and mayor in our old form of government in 2010-11, giving her no more authority than any other council member.
I served with her in the Vernon Taxpayers Association. As president of the VTA, she led the fight for transparent and fiscally responsible government. She attended council meetings while not in office to hold elected officials accountable.
She fought for the Veterans of Foreign Wars when they asked her for help with their sewer fees. She served as an EMT and served on every board in our town as a volunteer. She brings 35+ years of successful business experience in construction and development and a proven record of commitment to the table.
Vote Sally Rinker - the only sensible choice for Vernon mayor.
Sandra Ooms
Vernon
Editor’s note: Ooms is a former Township Council member.