Election 2026: Franklin Township Trustee Candidate Connie C. Ray

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Franklin Township Trustee candidate Connie C. Ray (R). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you well educated as you make your way to the ballot box.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

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Connie C. Ray

For readers who may not be familiar with the position, how would you describe the primary responsibilities of a Township Trustee ?

A trustee should be readily available to assist an individual or family with food, shelter and utilities and be able to help someone in becoming a self-sustaining productive partner in their community.  Possibly referring them to job or educational opportunities they may need, as long as they are within their township.

Can you tell us about your background and any experience that has prepared you to serve as Township Trustee?

I am co-founder of the “Outside The Walls” community service program.  We developed this nonprofit to help the residents of Washington county who sometimes were not able to receive help from other sources. We have spent much time and  effort in counseling others in financial management. I have always had a servant's heart and a desire to help others. I have also been a business owner for 50 years, with experience in caring for others. I was responsible for eight employees, so I do know what it means to budget and be accountable for how we use our finances. 

What motivated you to run for Township Trustee? 

Being a part of Outside the Walls has afforded me the opportunity to work with many needs in my community. I feel it would  be a continuation and expansion of what I already do. As I have talked with people in the community, I find that many people  don't know who their Trustee is or what they can do. I want to change that situation and make myself known and available to the residents of Franklin township.   

How do you balance helping residents in need while also being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars?

As co-founder and acting President of Outside the Walls, we have operated solely on donations for this organization for more than 15 years. I have had to be sure we can stretch every dollar and maintain a healthy balance at all times, so we do not run out of funds for meeting the needs of the applicants.  I do not waste on any service or products that are not absolutely necessary for a project or a need... not allowing costly overhead or overspending... there also needs to be a thorough investigation into the needs of the person asking for assistance. Some needs are very obvious, while others may take some time looking deeper into the spending habits or the situation one is living in.

How would you approach transparency and accountability in the management of township funds and services?

Well for one thing, it is a matter of public knowledge as to where we spend those funds and taxpayer dollars. But I believe in holding myself accountable to those I work with and to those we serve. I believe in being readily available for questioning or to answer truthfully for why we do things the way we do it.  I answer to a Higher Power than just the public and county officials, and that is most important to me.

How do you plan to work with the Township Board, county officials, and community organizations to best serve residents?

If I have learned nothing more in my 72 years of living, I've learned that we always have more to learn. I want to be in cooperation with those who have been in this position much longer and have experienced what works and what doesn't.  I do believe fresh eyes on any situation helps us to get a better perspective on whatever the agenda may be. I've always taught the ones who have been in my influence through work or volunteering, in order to be a good leader you must first be a good follower. I feel I have been on both ends of that journey and fully expect to cooperate with those in authority and respectfully agree or disagree.  

What qualities or experiences do you believe may set you apart from any opponent(s) in this race?

I have worked extensively with most of the agencies in Washington County through OTW, and I have been in the ministry of helping others for more than 50 years.  My father was a Pastor and we ran a meal program and Dare To Care there more than 40 years ago. I have always worked with the less fortunate since I left school and throughout my working career.  I worked in the jails and prison  systems in Louisville and Kentuckiana, and helped inmates get established once released.  My heart and hands have served many people through the years and it's why I desire to continue my service to others by working as Trustee, here in Washington County.

Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with township residents and Washington County voters?

Throughout my years of community service my heart and my compassion has always been to see our neighbors and community live productive and flourishing lives, not just surviving or living paycheck to paycheck,  but to thrive and move up higher with their careers and education if they desire. Our motto at OTW is "giving a hand up, not a hand out".  I don't want to merely meet your need for the moment, but let's get everyone in our community moving onward and upward with their lives.  Please vote for Connie C. Ray for a Change and a Fresh Start.