Letter to the Editor: Vote United Shields Party

As the retiring Shields Township Assessor I would like to offer an enthusiastic endorsement for Gale Strenger Wayne and the entire Unified Shields Party. This endorsement puts me in good company with many other Lake County leaders from both sides of the aisle who have chosen to support the Unified Team. I suspect, like myself, these men and women see the Unified Team as the best choice for the job and appreciate the fact-based and civil approach to the election that the Unified Shields Party  has adopted. Would it be so for all those involved with the April 9th Elections. 

I have had the privilege to work with Gale at Shields Township for the past 3 1/2 years. In that time Gale has brought a new level of professionalism to the Supervisor's Office, adopting improved business practices while consistently remaining under budget. Through Gale's talent for outreach she has developed a team approach to the General Assistance program, integrating services from other agencies to better help township welfare clients. With her leadership the Phoenix Rising Foundation (501C3), once all but defunct, is now a viable resource for non-tax-dollar efforts such as the Mobile Food Pantry. Gale's energy and enthusiasm for the job make endorsing her a "no brainer." 

When Gale asked for my endorsement I agreed with one condition, that she and her team run a fair and honest campaign. Gale agreed, sharing a conviction that voters are sorely tired of political "sleight-of-hand" so common in today's races. Under much pressure to respond in kind to a rash of half-truths and outright falsehoods, Gale has remained true to the principles that initially gained her so many endorsements. She and her Team are running a campaign of which we all can be proud. Through her actions Gale is showing the voters integrity and professionalism in action. Gale and her Team are the leaders we need at Shields Township. 

Please vote for Gale Strenger Wayne and the entire Unified Shields Party on April 9th. 

Respectfully submitted,

Theresia "T" Yakes, Shields Township Assessor