Supervisor SpotLight

As Sterling Township Supervisor, I have a responsibility to support and represent everyone within Sterling Township as we move forward together. Let me start by saying, I was born and raised in Sterling, and I’ve been a respected citizen for many years. I’m one of 8 children with exemplary upbringing by my parents, Frank Harts Sr. and Bobbie Mae Harts, which allowed me to understand the needs of this great community from a firsthand view. I do have a heart for the Sterling Community, especially for those less fortunate. In the past, I have been a foster and adoptive parent for many children, and I’ve adopted 6 of my own, attended Northern IL University, served 4 years in the United States Air Force, produced a music CD album, written a book on the lives of my parents, and traveled throughout the country, but Sterling Illinois will always be my home. While I believe in creating opportunities which allow those in need to “Aim High” I’d like to be instrumental in giving them a hand up, and not just a hand out. While this takes more effort on the part of both the givers and receivers, I believe it builds a stronger community for the long term. The 3 main lawful requirements of a Township are: To maintain the roads and bridges outside of the City limits To provide general assistance to the indigent and poor To assess the real value of properties within the Township There are no better Staff than who we have in place right now to carry out these duties. My current goals include: Financial Stability and Accountability – To have procedures and controls in place for money handling complete with checks and balances, spending controls and monitoring, and accountability for staff, such as background checks and drug screening. We have made many other improvements within the Township to make sure we are lawfully sound. Community communication – Aside from the community’s welcomed involvement in the twice monthly Township board meetings, I will seek to engage the greater community through other modes. While every idea or suggestion cannot be implemented, serious consideration will be given to the voices of the people of Sterling Township. Youth Services – Positive support for the youth of our community. If we invest in our youth now, and encourage them, train them, and mentor them into being productive and participating members of society, perhaps they won’t repeat the errs of the ways of preceding adults in their lives. Townships have the latitude to create programs to better the lives of their citizens. I have a vision of helping adults who are currently unable to take care of their basic needs while simultaneously mentoring our youth so they can flourish and become contributing members of our Township. This will reduce the need for general assistance thereby streamlining our Township in the future and reducing taxes. In closing, I believe we are stronger when we work together. Community collaboration is imperative. When our Township facilitates ongoing collaboration between education, business, and organizations in our community, everybody wins. I have spent much of the five years of my employment with Sterling Township building relationships and collaborating within this community, and I plan to continue.

Theodore Harts Supervisor

815.716.8665 ext 203

supervisor@sterlingtownship.com