Dear Clear Creek citizens: My name is Rachael Himsel, and I’ve lived and worked in Bloomington since 2003. Through my work with local nonprofits, I have seen firsthand the heart and soul of our community, and that heart and soul is there regardless of how anyone votes. It is a time for all of our town to come together, because then we can do great things. I know that there are so many real concerns and stumbling blocks in the way - and I want to hear about them.

Please EMAIL ME anytime with any questions or comments, or just to say hi!

And if you want to know more about me, please keep reading! :)

Thank you,

Rachael

What motivated you to run for this office?

I’ve always been motivated to help others, and running for Clear Creek township board is a way to help others on a large scale. As a board member, I’d be able to help create a supportive, sustainable and equitable community for my friends and neighbors,  with care given to under-served and at-risk communities. I’m motivated to run so I can make sure our local students and schools are supported, and will always be a voice for our youth and education. My passion for a better environment also motivates me to run. I’ll fight for the health of Hoosiers, and work to hold businesses and organizations accountable for harmful environmental practices while encouraging the environmentally-friendly options when it comes to township business. 

I will work to ensure any and all treatment and care of our communal spaces is done in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.

I am also motivated to give back to my community because I had to receive township assistance myself for the first time during the pandemic. I understand firsthand what an overwhelming experience it can be to admit you need help, and then seek available resources and fill out all the paperwork. Luckily, I was able to save my house, thanks to township assistance. I was able to get back on track financially, and I know I can help others who may find themselves in a similar situation. No one should feel depressed or anxious or embarrassed to receive help, because most of us in working class America are living paycheck-to-paycheck. I will work hard to make any citizen interactions with the Clear Creek board a dignified and supportive experience. 

My past experience in nonprofit management in the Bloomington area also motivates me to run for office. As president of the Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington board of directors, I saw a need for artists to have a place to connect and sell their work. In 2019, I negotiated a lease with Simon Malls that allowed us to open a new community arts center in College Mall. Today, the arts center is thriving, and welcoming new and upcoming artists. Revenue has increased exponentially for this nonprofit, and I am very proud of my work during my time on the board, and believe that experience will help me engage as a board member for Clear Creek.

In working with people with disabilities, I saw such disparities in resources and access to so many events; we know that people with disabilities are at greater risk of abuse / neglect, and so as a board member, I will take great care to ensure the rights of all citizens, especially our most vulnerable. I will also ensure that folks in our LGBTQ+ community have equal rights and access to services. 

My understanding of the nonprofit world in Bloomington and my years of volunteer and work experience will make me a great board member who is knowledgeable of local resources. I am motivated to share my lessons, connections, and ideas for networking and collaboration if I am elected to the Clear Creek township board.

What is the scope of the responsibilities of this office?

The township board supports citizens in times of need by providing necessary services and assistance. As a board member, I will help the trustee and fellow board members deliver vital services, including crisis and emergency assistance, food services, and utility assistance.

Beyond mandated responsibilities, I believe our board should create and maintain clear, honest and direct communication with citizens in the most effective way possible, using the latest technology. We can and do more to make citizens aware of assistance programs, such as via opt-in email newsletters and text messages. We could also create a greater sense of community by hosting more public events and maintaining a presence at fairs and festivals within the township. 

What are your priorities for helping township residents in the face of diminishing revenue from the federal and state governments?

Too often, people don’t know how to access resources; I’ll work hard to make sure I’m aware of local resources that nonprofits and other institutions offer, to help township residents face diminishing revenue from federal and state governments. 

It’s not enough to be aware of public resources; our elected officials and community leaders must communicate these resources in a clear and compassionate way to citizens. I suggest creating a monthly Clear Creek township e-newsletter. 

I’ll work hard to understand the current financial needs of our township, and research ways we could save money. I’d also work to educate small business owners and entrepreneurs about both government and NGO support.

 I believe we must focus not only on the emergency financial assistance, but also on policies that will ensure Clear Creek residents don’t get to the point of needing emergency funds. 

How can the township assist residents coping with natural disasters such as the recent tornadoes and floods?

This is where clear and compassionate communication is absolutely necessary, and why disaster preparation is so important. In order to cope well with natural disasters, we must have a plan in place. 

Thanks to scientific advancement, we can now predict dangerous weather with fairly accurate consistency; when we know weather patterns are in place, it’s vital to communicate with citizens before the storms hit to prevent loss of life and mitigate personal losses. 

In the aftermath of a storm, people are often in shock and need community support. As a board member, I’d work hard to ensure affected citizens are aware of emergency assistance funds, as well as resources from local organizations. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to clean up after tornadoes before, so I’m aware of them as a resource. With an active text network, e-newsletter and strong social media presence, the Clear Creek township board could communicate well with residents. Once citizens are aware of resources, I’d work hard with our board and trustee to process applications as quickly as possible. We need to move quickly and efficiently to meet resident needs. I promise to show up for Clear Creek, especially in times of need. 

With a long history in communications and education, I am confident I will be able to help spread the word to citizens about resources available year-round, but especially after damaging natural disasters. I will use my past experience in creating newsletters and setting up new programs for folks to stay connected. I also believe I have the positive attitude and optimism necessary to be a good leader who Clear Creek can trust, even when the going gets tough.