Primary 2026 candidate Q&A: Fairfield Township trustee
Two Democrats and one Republican are on the May 5 primary ballot for Fairfield Township trustee.
Three candidates are on the May 5 primary ballot for Fairfield Township trustee.
Ted Hardesty, a former West Lafayette City Council member, and Rocky Hession, former Fairfield Township Board member, are vying for the Democratic Party nomination. Ray Williams will be the Republican nominee.
Current Fairfield Township Trustee Monica Casanova is not running for re-election, as she runs as a Democrat for Tippecanoe County recorder.
Fairfield Township includes the roughly two-thirds of Lafayette, along with an area of unincorporated Tippecanoe County to the northeast of the city.
Township trustees have responsibilities for fire protection and emergency assistance, among other duties.
Here, candidates answer questions about their approach.
For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with information about where and when to vote, at the end of this article. Watch in the coming days for more candidate Q&As in other races on Tippecanoe County primary ballots.
Why do you want this job? Why are you running now for this position?
Democrats
Ted Hardesty: I want to serve my community in a way that makes a direct impact on the lives of those most in need. One of the most critical roles of a township trustee is overseeing township financial assistance programs. Growing up, my family relied heavily on similar assistance programs. I believe that I not only have the professional experience, but also the lived experience to efficiently and ethically execute the duties of this office.
Rocky Hession: I’ve been training for it for almost eight years. The Trustee is entrusted to allocate resources to those in need within the confines of state statutes. They are not to look at them as funds to be used as they want, or for their own gain. The upheaval that occurred while I was on the board demonstrated what kind of damage can be done by the person with the wrong objectives. I have appreciated being part of the rebuilding since that person resigned and want to continue the work that has been accomplished by Monica Casanova, the current Trustee.
Republicans
Ray Williams: I’m running for trustee because I’ve seen what happens when leadership fails — and the cost our community pays. I served during a time when corruption cast a shadow over Fairfield Township, and I won’t accept that as our standard. This campaign is about what comes next. For too long, we’ve settled for less. Families are still struggling, and our growth is outpacing our planning. This is my home — my neighbors, my family. I believe in this community. Now it’s time for leadership that serves, protects, and prepares us for the future. I’m ready to lead, but I believe real change takes all of us.
Name two of your top priorities for the position. And how will you handle them?
Democrats
Ted Hardesty: My first priority is ensuring our office continues to be a hub for information on community resources. In an ever-changing political and social service environment, it’s vital that the community has a place where they can go to get up-to-date information about services.
One of my other priorities is building and maintaining proper communication lines between other community partners. Given the coming budgetary effects of SB1, we all need to work together on ways to make our budgets more efficient, and help as many constituents as possible.
Rocky Hession: Fairfield Township is one of the many agencies in Tippecanoe County helping residents facing financial and even survival issues, and our impact is growing. Assistance (rent, shelter, food, utilities, pharmacy, burials) has increased from $159,000 in 2023 to $508,000 in 2025 – an over 200% increase. This reflects how serious economic changes are impacting area residents. However, legislation in the last couple years has reduced our ability to succeed in these areas. We need to decrease our internal expenses without reducing our ability to assist applicants. Legislation has targeted our Rainy Day funds for usage in area road and bridges. This has nothing to do with what we are here for. Rainy Day funds are a way on allocating funds for future needs (repairs, furnaces, water heaters, etc.) is meant to take funds that will help us function in the future.
Republicans
Ray Williams: My first priority is simple: get our budget under control; without raising taxes a single dime. We must prepare for the future while continuing to serve every Hoosier who is eligible for township assistance. No one will be left behind. At the same time, we will build a budget rooted in discipline, cutting waste, not what matters. That means reducing unnecessary expenses, restructuring where needed, and ensuring every dollar serves the residents of Fairfield Township effectively and efficiently. My second priority is just as critical: the future of township government. With growing discussions around consolidation, we cannot afford to sit back; we must lead. These decisions will shape our community for years to come, and we need a strong voice at the table. That means working with legislators, county commissioners, and township leaders across the state. I’ve already begun that work, building relationships both in Indianapolis and here at home. If we act early and make our voices heard, Fairfield Township will not be overlooked; it will be represented with strength and purpose.
Township government continues to be targeted by proposed legislation for consolidation or even elimination. Do you agree with those efforts? Why or why not?
Democrats
Ted Hardesty: While I understand the argument for the consolidation of extremely small townships, I believe it’s imperative that large, well-functioning township governments like Fairfield, Wabash and Wea stay intact. Eliminating township governments would not simply streamline bureaucracy; it would risk reducing access to critical services and weakening local responsiveness. Preserving these structures ensures that communities continue to receive timely support where it matters most.
Rocky Hession: I never agreed with eliminating the election of the positions. That would have created the largest increase in bureaucracy since President Bush created the Department of Homeland Security. I do agree with the consolidation of townships, but not their elimination. Reasons: 1. When the townships were created, real horsepower was our transportation; and 2. The reduction of Trustee and board salaries, some of which only have $35,000-$40,000 annual budget, and using it for better fire protection and infrastructure. That’s not elimination, it’s reorganization.
Republicans
Ray Williams: I do believe we need to seriously consider the consolidation of the township government. The reality is, townships today are not operating under the same conditions they were when they were first established. Costs have changed, needs have changed; and our approach must change with them. In many rural communities, maintaining essential services like fire departments is becoming increasingly difficult. Volunteer departments are harder to sustain than ever before, and we’ve already seen the shift toward paid departments, like in Wabash Township. At the same time, there are communities where the demand for township assistance is simply not as high. That’s where thoughtful consolidation makes sense. But let me be clear; this isn’t about eliminating local government or losing community identity. Townships should remain local and responsive. They just don’t need to remain exactly the size they are today to do that effectively. What matters is finding the right balance; protecting the local connection people rely on while ensuring services are sustainable, efficient, and built for the future. That’s why it’s so important to have a trustee who can do more than manage day-to-day operations. We need leadership that can clearly and forcefully advocate for our community at the tables where these decisions will be made — whether it’s consolidation, expansion, or even the future existence of a township. These decisions are coming. And Fairfield Township deserves a voice that is prepared, informed, and ready to fight for what’s best for our residents.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponent and why those matter.
Democrats
Ted Hardesty: Much of what separates me from my opponent lies in my professional background. While on the West Lafayette City Council, I authored and passed a critical ordinance devoted to tenant rights. I understand what it takes to work through difficult issues, and develop solutions for the community. I currently work in the mental health crisis field, where I’ve gained insights on where some of the cracks in our local services are located.
Rocky Hession: Experience and ability to work with others. Four years serving on the board, and three years working in the township; developing the budgets, paying the bills and learning what does and does not work. Using legislation that helped us, working with people in both parties, and getting something done that no one thought was possible. While my opponent was on the West Lafayette City Council, but he was there for 18 months.
Republicans
Ray Williams: I am currently unopposed in the Republican primary, which means this race will ultimately come down to a clear choice in the general election. There are real differences between myself and my Democratic opponent; especially when it comes to how we manage your tax dollars. I believe in reducing costs wherever possible and only increasing spending when it is absolutely critical to serving the people of Fairfield Township. Every dollar should have a purpose, and every expense should be justified. I also believe in holding the line on taxes; or lowering them whenever we can. At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, township government should not make it harder for retirees to stay in their homes or for young families working toward homeownership to achieve that goal. This is about more than politics; it’s about protecting opportunity, stability, and the ability for people to build and maintain a life right here in our community.
Candidate bios
Ted Hardesty
Party: Democrat
Age: 26
Occupation: Mental Health Crisis Professional
Educational background: Degrees in Brain and Behavioral Science (BS) and Political Science (BA), both from Purdue ‘23
Past elected positions, if any: West Lafayette City Council District 3, from June 2022 to May 2023.
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Previously served two terms in Americorp.
Immediate family: Mother: Karen Hardesty. Father: Charles Hardesty, Brother: Matthew Hardesty
Your campaign site online: www.tedhardesty4fairfield.com
Rocky Hession
Party: Democrat
Age:65
Occupation: Income Tax Preparer – H&R Block; Deli Clerk – Fresh Thyme; Bookkeeper/Designee – Fairfield Township.
Educational background: High School – Central Catholic; College - Degree in Computer Programming with a Certificate in Bookkeeping. Certified as a Registered Tax Return Preparer by the IRS in 2012.
Past elected positions, if any: Fairfield Township Board Secretary – 2019-2022
Community boards or other community leadership and service: School board Chairperson for six years for a local parochial school. Main local organizer for an annual jail visitation group called Christmas Behind Bars. Deliver food and materials to all inmates in the Tippecanoe County Jail. have over 10 years
Immediate family: Marilynn Hession – spouse; daughter living in Virginia
Ray Williams
Party: Republican
Age: 28
Occupation: Government and Corporate Safety
Educational background: Bachelor of Arts, Bethel University, Indiana
Past elected positions, if any: Precinct committeemen, Vice Pricinct Committeeman
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Volunteer with Civil Air Patrol, Board of Elections and Voter Registration Co Coordinator
Immediate family: Mother, Fanesta Williams; sister, Lorrayya Williams; and father, Ray Williams
Your campaign site online: Ray4Lafayette.com
ABOUT THE MAY 5 PRIMARY
Early voting ahead of the May 5 primary election runs April 7 to May 4 with contested races on Tippecanoe County ballots for U.S. House, several Indiana General Assembly seats, Tippecanoe County commissioner and Tippecanoe County Council seats, township position and state convention delegates. Voters may choose a Republican or Democratic ballot, but not both, when checking in at the voting site.
Voter registration/ballots
To check your voter registration and to see candidates who will be on your R or D ballot, go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
Early voting sites
In Tippecanoe County, registered voters may cast their ballot at any vote center.
April 7 to May 4: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St. in Lafayette. Weekday hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 7-10, April 13-17, April 20-24, April 27-May 1. Other hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 25 and May 2; and 8 a.m.-noon May 4.
April 18: McAllister Recreation Center, 2351 N. 20th St., Lafayette. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 21: Córdova Recreation Center, 355 N. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
April 23: First United Methodist Church, 1700 Mitch Daniels Blvd., West Lafayette. Hours: Noon-5 p.m.
April 25: West Point Fire Station, 4949 Indiana 25 S., West Point; Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 Oxford St., Otterbein; and Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 28-May 1: Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South, Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; and John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette. Hours: Noon- 6 p.m.
May 2: Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South, Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; and John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette. Hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Election Day vote centers
Voting on Tuesday, May 5, will be 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may choose any of these sites.
Lafayette
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road
Lafayette Community Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St
The Grove Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St.
Tippecanoe County Historical Association History Center, 522 Columbia St.
Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South
Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South
Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave.
West Lafayette
Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.
Córdova Recreation Center, 355 N. Martin Jischke Drive
Connection Point Church, 2541 Cumberland Ave.
John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road
Outside Lafayette/West Lafayette
Shadeland Town Hall, 2485 Indiana 25 West, Shadeland
Tippecanoe Township Volunteer Fire Station No. 2, 448 W. County Road 650 North, West Lafayette
Dayton Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton
Battle Ground Fire Station, 112 North St., Battle Ground
On the ballot
Here are candidates who will be on Tippecanoe County ballots in the May 5 primary. (* = incumbent)
Tippecanoe County
Commissioner, District 1: Julie Roush and James Waters, R; Andrea Burniske, Travis Dowell, Justin Kendall and AR Lane, D
County Council, District 1: Ben Murray*, D; Trent Richter, R
County Council, District 2: Jody Hamilton* and Jonathan Chapin, R
County Council, District 3: Lynn Beck, R
County Council, District 4: Lisa Dullum*, D
County Clerk: Abby Myers and Carrie Sanders, R; Karan Benner, D
Assessor: Anthony Hustedt-Mai, R; Kaitlyn Butler, D
Auditor: Jennifer Weston*, R; Eric Grossman, D
Recorder: Kristy Martin*, R; Monica Casanova, D
Prosecutor: Jason Biss, R
Judge, Superior Court 1: Kevin McDaniel*, R
Judge, Superior Court 2: Sarah Wyatt, R
Judge, Superior Court 4: Matt Sandy*, R
Judge, Superior Court 5: Kristen McVey*, R
Judge, Superior Court 7: Dan Moore*, R
Indiana General Assembly
House District 13: Matt Commons*, R; Brenna Geswein and Ed Moyer Jr., D
House District 26: Chris Campbell*, D; Magdalaine Davis, R
House District 27: Sheila Klinker*, D; Tracy Brown and Oscar Alvarez, R
House District 38: Heath VanNatter* and Mark Hufford, R; and Nate Stout, D
House District 41: Mark Genda*, R; Jackson Hayes, D
Senate District 22: Ron Alting* and Richard Bagsby, R; Natasha Baker and Marlena Edmondson, D
Senate District 23: Spencer Deery* and Paula Copenhaver, R; David Sanders, D
Congress
U.S. House, District 4: Jim Baird*, Craig Haggard and John Piper, R; Drew Cox, Roger Day, Darin Griesey, Thomas Hall Jr., Joe Mackey, Jayden McCash, Paul McPherson and John Whetstone, D.
For a look at all candidates on Tippecanoe County primary ballots, including those for township trustee, township boards and state delegates, here are links to Democratic candidates and Republican candidates.
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