Joe Clemmons for Hobart Twp. Trustee

09/06/2026

🚨Endorsement🚨

A heartfelt thank you to Terry Butler, Former SCOH School Board Member, for his endorsement!

09/06/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR #6:
VETERANS, SENIORS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT

HONOR. CONNECT. SERVE.

Our veterans and seniors have spent their lives serving, building, and strengthening our community. They deserve more than a thank you, they deserve a Township that shows up for them.

As your Township Trustee, I will work to build stronger outreach, support, fellowship, and resources for our veterans and seniors.

VETS, SENIORS & FRIENDS SOCIALS

I want to bring people together at Rosser Hall for monthly gatherings welcoming veterans, active military personnel, first responders, seniors, and community members.

These gatherings will help:

• Reduce isolation
• Build fellowship
• Create meaningful connections
• Strengthen relationships throughout our community

VETERAN RESOURCE ASSISTANCE

We will work with Veteran Service Officers, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations to connect veterans with resources including:

• VA Benefits Assistance
• Mental Health Resources
• Employment Services
• Financial Planning
• Housing Assistance
• Senior Veteran Outreach

VETERANS & SENIORS ROUNDTABLE

I will establish a monthly Veterans & Seniors Advisory Committee made up of veterans, seniors, advocates, community leaders, and Township officials.

Their job is simple: make sure their voices are heard.

The Roundtable will help identify gaps in services, develop new initiatives, coordinate recognition events, and advise Township leadership on the issues affecting our veterans and seniors.

RECOGNIZING THOSE WHO SERVED

We will also pursue community partnerships for:

• An annual Veterans Appreciation Event
• Military Banner Program partnerships
• Veteran volunteer opportunities
• Mentoring opportunities connecting generations

This isn’t about checking a box.

It’s about building a Township where those who served our country and those who helped build our community know they haven’t been forgotten.

Honor their service. Listen to their voices. Support their needs. Build stronger community.

That’s the kind of Township government I will fight to build.

09/05/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR #5: ROSSER HALL BUSINESS HUB

GATHER. GROW. GIVE BACK.

Rosser Hall shouldn’t just be a building sitting on the books.

It should be an economic engine for Hobart Township.

My vision is to transform Rosser Hall into a state of the art conference, business, and event facility that generates revenue, and puts that revenue back into our community.

THE VIRTUOUS CYCLE

WEEKLY FARMERS MARKET

40% - Park Maintenance
60% - Food Pantry Produce Fund

WEEKDAY HALL RENTALS

30% - Technology & Cyber Security
70%- Township Food Pantry Protein Program

FRIDAY HALL RENTALS

50%- Hall Improvements
50%- Food Pantry Procurement

SATURDAY HALL RENTALS

50%- Park Infrastructure
50%- Emergency Assistance through TERT

SUNDAY HALL RENTALS

50%- Cemetery Maintenance
50%- Township Social Programs

THE BIG GOAL

100% of net conference suite profits will support Hobart Township Food Pantry operations.

But there’s another important benefit:

GENERATE REVENUE. FREE UP RESOURCES. STRENGTHEN POOR RELIEF.

When the Township generates new revenue to support facilities, parks, the cemetery, emergency response, social programs, and the Food Pantry, we can reduce the pressure on existing Township budget dollars.

That means more flexibility in the Township budget to strengthen the Poor Relief line item and help ensure resources are available for residents who truly need assistance.

We shouldn’t always be asking taxpayers for more. We should be looking for ways to make Township assets work harder for the people we serve.

EMERGENCY DUAL-USE

When disaster strikes, Rosser Hall won’t just be an event venue.

The conference suite will be designed to serve as the Township Emergency Response Team (TERT) Incident Command Center, providing a centralized location to coordinate emergency operations and community assistance.

That means one investment can serve our community every day, and become a critical emergency resource when we need it most.

THIS IS WHAT I MEAN BY:

GATHER. GROW. GIVE BACK.

Generate revenue.
Invest in our facilities.
Strengthen our parks and cemetery.
Support emergency response.
Expand social services.
Put more resources into our Food Pantry.
Create more flexibility for Poor Relief.

No gimmicks.
No waste.

A sustainable model where community activity creates community investment.

That’s the kind of strategic, long-term planning I will fight for as your next Hobart Township Trustee.

09/04/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR 4: ROSSER PARK &
OLD SETTLERS CEMETERY • PRESERVING OUR HISTORY

Rosser Park, Rosser Lake and Old Settlers Cemetery should be more than just a place we visit, they should be an investment in the future of our community.

My vision is to make Rosser Park a destination for families, Senior Citizens, veterans, scouts, outdoor recreation, and community events, while creating responsible ways to generate revenue and maintain the property.

ROSSER PARK FARMERS MARKET

Establish a weekly seasonal Farmers Market, with vendor fees directed toward our community:
60% — Food Bank Produce Fund
40% — Park Maintenance

SHORELINE STABILIZATION

Work with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on erosion control and environmental stewardship to protect Rosser Lake for future generations.

SCOUT & OUTDOOR PARTNERSHIP

Develop primitive campsites at the northeast corner of the lake for scouting programs, outdoor education, conservation projects, and community service.

PLAYGROUND MODERNIZATION & SAFETY

Invest in ADA-accessible playground equipment, improved safety surfacing, shaded seating, upgraded/add lighting, and routine inspections, making Rosser Park a premier family destination.

OLD SETLERS CEMETERY PRESERVATION

Our veterans & former residents deserve our respect, not just in words, but through action.

We will work toward:
• Restoring damaged and deteriorating headstones.
• Straightening and resetting displaced headstones.
• Maintaining landscaping and the cemetery grounds.
• Creating an inventory and condition assessment.
• Building partnerships with veterans organizations, preservation groups, volunteers,state agencies and the Hobart Historical Society.

This is about more than a park and a cemetery.
It’s about creating opportunities, protecting our resources, supporting our families, and honoring those who came before us.

Rosser Park can be more than open space. It can become an asset for Hobart Township, a place that brings our community together, creates opportunities, supports our families, and preserves our history.

Together, we can make it happen!

09/03/2026

Stop by Rosser Hall tomorrow and pick up some fresh vegetables for you and your family!

09/03/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR 3: PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE, COMPLIANCE & TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION

Building a Safer, Smarter & More Accountable Hobart Township.

A strong Township starts with a professional workforce, responsible policies, modern technology, and a commitment to protecting taxpayer and resident information.

Under Strategic Pillar 3, my plan focuses on making Hobart Township safer, more efficient, more accountable, and better prepared for the future.

MANDATED ANNUAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING

I will continue to implement Vector Solutions Training & Workforce Management to automate and track required annual training for Township employees.

Training will include but is not limited to:
• Sexual Harassment Prevention
• Workplace Violence Awareness
• Human Resources Compliance
• OSHA Safety Training
• CPR
• First Aid
• Ethics & Public Accountability
• Cybersecurity Awareness

Digital employee training transcripts will help keep the Township audit-ready and strengthen compliance, liability protection, and accountability.

CROSS-TRAINING & OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY

Township employees should be prepared to step in and help wherever they are needed.

I will support cross-training in:
• Township office operations
• Customer service
• Records management
• Township services
• Emergency response procedures

Cross-training strengthens teamwork, improves efficiency, preserves institutional knowledge, and helps ensure residents receive timely and professional service, even during staffing shortages or emergencies.

SPECIALIZED SAFETY CERTIFICATION

Our parks and playgrounds must remain safe for the families who use them.
I will require Park Maintenance employees to maintain Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) credentials while continuing annual workplace safety training.

STRENGTHENING TOWNSHIP CYBERSECURITY

Technology is essential to modern Township government, but protecting that technology is just as important.

The Township should:
• Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Maintain advanced endpoint and email security
• Keep computers updated with security patches
• Conduct regular cybersecurity assessments
• Maintain secure cloud and off-site backups
• Protect resident, employee, and financial information

SECURE SOFTWARE & DIGITAL RECORDS

Township-owned computers and devices should use approved and secure software and applications.

I will support Township-wide policies for:
• Restricting unauthorized software installations
• Standardized document storage
• Centralized digital file management
• Secure access controls
• Records retention and version control
• Appropriate permissions and encryption

ANNUAL CYBERSECURITY TRAINING

Every Township employee should understand their role in protecting Township information.

Annual training will address:
• Phishing awareness
• Password security
• Multi-Factor Authentication
• Email and internet safety
• Protection of confidential resident information
• Indiana Public Records requirements
• Records retention
• Safe use of Township computers and mobile devices

Periodic phishing simulations and refresher training will help keep cybersecurity awareness high.

DIGITIZING TOWNSHIP OPERATIONS

Government should be easier to navigate for residents.
Whenever practical, I will support moving Township forms, applications, permits, records, and internal workflows to secure digital platforms.

This includes:
• Electronic document management
• Online applications and forms
• Digital records retention
• Electronic approvals
• Workflow automation
• Secure cloud storage and backup
• Reduced reliance on paper filing

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RESIDENTS?

It's about better service.

It means:
✅ Faster access to Township services
✅ Better protection of taxpayer and resident information
✅ Stronger cybersecurity
✅ More efficient government operations
✅ Reduced administrative costs
✅ Better disaster recovery
✅ Improved transparency and accountability
✅ Employees who are trained, prepared, and professional

This is about building a Township government that is prepared for today, and ready for tomorrow.

09/02/2026

Did you KNOW, you CAN Split Your Vote This Fall! 🗳️

A quick reminder for Hobart Township voters: 📣You do not have to vote for every candidate from the same political
party.📣

When you vote in the November election, you can choose the individual candidate you want in each race, regardless of party!

For example, you can vote:
Republican for one office..
Democrat for another..
Independent for another!

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!!
If you want to split your vote, simply skip the straight-ticket option and go down the ballot one race at a time, choosing the candidate YOU believe is best for each position.

Don't feel pressured to vote for a party from top to bottom. Get to know the candidates. Look at their experience, their record, and what they stand for. Then make your OWN choice.

Vote informed.
Vote your conscience.
Vote for the candidate, not just the party!

Early Voting Update: all early voting locations will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observance of the federal holiday. Updated flyer to share here.

09/02/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR #2: TOWNSHIP EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (TERT)

When disaster strikes, our community needs more than a response, we need a plan.

As your next Hobart Township Trustee, I will work to establish a Township Emergency Response Team (TERT) a multi-jurisdictional partnership bringing together:

* Hobart Township
* City of Hobart
* City of Lake Station
* Town of New Chicago

WHAT WILL TERT DO?

PROVIDE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

Following an emergency, TERT members will be on-site to help displaced residents begin the township assistance process, understand their options, and know what steps to take next.

COORDINATE RESOURCES

We will work with organizations such as the American Red Cross, regional food banks, emergency shelters, and other community partners to connect residents with food assistance, temporary housing, lodging, and other critical resources.

HELP RESIDENTS RECOVER

Our responsibility doesn’t end when the immediate emergency is over. TERT will help our neighbors navigate the road to recovery and connect them with the resources they need to rebuild.

A person’s life can be turned upside down in a matter of minutes.

Hobart Township should be ready.

This is about building stronger partnerships, improving communication, coordinating resources, and making sure our residents aren’t left trying to figure everything out on their own when they need help the most.

FOR THE PEOPLE

09/01/2026

STRATEGIC PILLAR 1: FOOD PANTRY EXPANSION & SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT

Our Food Pantry needs more than good intentions. It needs a plan for sustainable funding, a permanent home, and expanded services.

Here’s what I will work to put into action:

ESTABLISH SUSTAINABLE FUNDING

Create a dedicated funding mechanism that allocates a fixed percentage of revenue from Rosser Hall and township park events directly to the Hobart Township Food Pantry’s food procurement budget.

ESTABLISH A FOOD PANTRY HEADQUARTERS

Designate the Hobart Township Community Center at 3107 E. 35th Avenue as the central location for the Hobart Township Food Pantry and related community assistance services.

EXPAND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Use the Community Center as the primary location for:
• Food distribution and emergency food assistance
• Nutrition assistance and education
• Volunteer coordination and training
• Community resource referrals
• Partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, and food assistance organizations

EXPAND FOOD PANTRY OPERATIONS

Increase the frequency and capacity of food distributions and establish a Mobile Pantry Program to bring food and essential resources directly to homebound residents and those facing transportation or accessibility barriers.

WHY THIS MATTERS

A permanent, accessible Food Pantry headquarters combined with sustainable funding and expanded services means better planning, better access, stronger partnerships, and more consistent assistance for the people who need it.

This is about taking ideas and turning them into action.

A Food Pantry built for today, and prepared to serve our community tomorrow.

FOR THE PEOPLE.

08/31/2026

Over the next several days, I’ll be sharing my Hobart Township Strategic Plan, a vision for how we can honor our past, serve our present, and protect our future.

This plan is built around 6 Strategic Pillars, each focused on making Hobart Township more responsive, accessible, prepared, and connected to the people we serve.

6 PILLARS. ONE VISION.

Over the coming days, I’ll break down each pillar and explain the goals, programs, and initiatives I believe can make a real difference for our residents.

These ideas are built on experience, community service, fiscal responsibility, and listening to the people of Hobart Township.

This isn’t just about the next election.

It’s about having a clear plan for the next four years, and building a stronger Hobart Township for generations to come.

Follow along over the next several days as I unveil all 6 pillars.

For The People.