To the editor:

You may have heard that certain elected state officials wish to eliminate Township Trustees and also our right to elect a county Treasurer, Recorder and Auditor.

In high school government class at South Hamilton (a public school), I learned that the United States of America is a Representative Republic, which means we elect representatives to serve our wishes at the federal, state, county, city and township levels.

It is a system that has served us better than any other in the world. Now comes elected state level officials. For years I’ve heard word of closed door meetings in Des Moines where they wish to regionalize our local services.

Well now, they are coming out of the closet to do just that — a move that will promote partisan cronyism. “Vote for me and I’ll see that your son-in-law gets a cushy job at the county. Oh yes, donations are legal and encouraged.”

For less than a total of $150 annually, three Township Trustees and a Township Clerk see that proper fire protection is provided.

They also provide perpetual care for their neighbors who have passed away while maintaining detailed records of cemeteries.

Imagine finding a state or regional office available on weekends to help find a final resting place for a loved one.

I demand the right to oversee local services and you should too

I submit these as my personal views on my personal email. These views may not reflect the feelings of other Hamilton County officials.

Rick Young

Jewell