Primary 2026 candidate Q&A: Wea Township trustee
Incumbent Wea Township Trustee Jim Slaven is being challenged by Alan Williams in the Republican primary. Alfonso Salazar Jr. is on the ballot as the Democratic Party nominee.
Three candidates are on the May 5 primary ballot for Wea Township trustee.
Incumbent Jim Slaven is being challenged by Alan Williams in the Republican primary. Alfonso Salazar Jr. is on the ballot as the Democratic Party nominee.
Wea Township includes a southern portion of Lafayette, along with an area of unincorporated Tippecanoe County south of the city.
Township trustees have responsibilities for fire protection, emergency assistance and cemetery maintenance, 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?
Republicans
Jim Slaven: I am seeking to continue serving as trustee because I have dedicated the past seven years to strengthening our community, and I believe there is still important work ahead. During my time in office, Wea Township has experienced significant growth, and I have worked hard to ensure our services keep pace with that growth. Some of our key accomplishments include investing in new fire equipment, building two new playgrounds, improving the Rec Center and Rec Park, and restoring all 10 township cemeteries to places of dignity and respect. One of the most important transformations has been within our Fire Department, which has evolved from a fully volunteer force into a hybrid model with 11 full-time firefighters supported by dedicated volunteers. We have also established a training facility to prepare the next generation of firefighters. All of this has been achieved while consistently maintaining expenses below budget. I want to continue building on this progress to meet the growing needs of our residents.
I have spent my life helping people recover from unexpected challenges, and that commitment continues to drive me. While we have accomplished a great deal over the past two terms, rapid population growth means new demands are emerging. I plan to expand fire and emergency services by increasing paid staffing to ensure adequate coverage for both fire and medical calls, which now make up 69% of our responses. I also want to work with county officials to identify land for a community park, as this is something many residents have expressed interest in. Additionally, I will expand office staffing and hours to better serve residents who need assistance.
Alan Williams: Township trustees were created to provide a localized, grassroots form of leadership that can quickly respond to the needs of residents and manage the essential community services. I have been a lifelong resident of Wea Township, and I was raised to give back to the community when you are able. This township has given a great deal to me and my family, and I believe now is the right time for me to step forward and serve. I am running because I believe there is an opportunity to restore the original purpose of township government by ensuring it operates with transparency, accessibility, and accountability. My goal is to help bring that grassroots approach back to Wea Township and preserve it for the future.
Democrats
Alfonso Salazar Jr.: I want this position because it gives me the opportunity to continue serving others in a meaningful and impactful way. Throughout my career, I’ve committed to representing people through their toughest times. I am motivated by the chance to make a positive difference, improve communication, provide transparency and help move things forward in a way that benefits everyone in Wea Township.
I’m running for this position because I believe in stepping up when there is an opportunity to serve. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience helping others through their challenges and my involvement with the community of Greater Lafayette. I Feel a responsibility to use that experience to improve and support our township.
Name two of your top priorities for the position. And how will you handle them?
Republicans
Jim Slaven: 1. Township Consolidation. With new state laws requiring township consolidation, Wea Township will be working closely with neighboring townships. This transition will require thoughtful planning and coordination. I will collaborate with trustees, boards, and neighboring communities to ensure a smooth and efficient consolidation process while maintaining high-quality services.
2. Managing Rapid Growth and Infrastructure Needs: With the completion of a new water tower and sewage lift station, we anticipate a surge in housing development. This growth will significantly increase demand for township services. I will work closely with county commissioners and planning officials to ensure infrastructure — such as roads and essential services — is prepared to support this expansion.
Alan Williams: 1. Transparency and accessibility: My top priority is making township government open and accessible to the public. I plan to create a township website where residents can easily access financial information, expenditures, meeting schedules, recreation center use, and community updates. I will also work with the advisory board to include a public comment period on meeting agendas, so residents have an opportunity to speak before decisions are made. In addition, I support creating a process that allows residents to be placed on the agenda to address specific concerns. I want to eliminate the current model of taxpayers can be seen but not heard. Transparency also means responsiveness. Routine public records requests should be handled promptly, and residents should not have to wait extended periods for basic information.
2. Responsible budgeting and spending: I will take a practical and disciplined approach to managing taxpayer dollars. That includes careful planning, clear priorities, and avoiding unnecessary or reactive spending decisions. My focus will be on using township funds responsibly and with long-term stability in mind. Every financial decision should reflect accountability to the residents who are funding those services.
Democrats
Alfonso Salazar Jr.: My top priorities are strengthening the Wea Fire Department ensuring that they have the resources and manpower to protect our community. In addition, I want to improve how township records are managed – making sure that they are accurate and up to date and handled with transparency so residents can make sure we are delivering the level of service that everyone deserves.
Township government continues to be targeted by proposed legislation for consolidation or even elimination. Do you agree with those efforts? Why or why not?
Republicans
Jim Slaven: Townships were originally designed when transportation was limited, serving residents within a six-mile radius. Today, with modern transportation and technology, those limitations no longer apply in the same way. While I strongly support local, grassroots government, I do believe consolidation is a practical step forward. It can help maximize resources, eliminate redundancies, and improve efficiency, ultimately benefiting taxpayers while maintaining essential services.
Alan Williams: I do not support eliminating township government. I still believe local government serves an important purpose because township officials are often the closest level of government to the people they serve. That local connection matters, especially when residents need assistance and expect someone to understand the needs of their community. That said, I do support thoughtful consolidation where it makes sense. Tippecanoe County has 13 townships, and when you look at the 2025 financial data, it is clear that some services could be delivered more efficiently through shared operations or regional approaches. Consolidation does not have to mean bigger, more distant government. It can mean reducing duplication, controlling administrative costs, and making better use of taxpayer dollars while still keeping local leadership in place. For example, based on the 2025 township cash and disbursement data, two townships reported no township assistance disbursements at all, and six more reported less than $2,800 in assistance for the entire year. That raises a fair question about whether every township needs to operate entirely on its own in the same way, or whether some services could be coordinated more effectively. Services such as fire protection, cemetery maintenance, recreation, and certain administrative functions may be areas where consolidation or shared services should be seriously considered. My view is simple: I do not believe in eliminating township government, but I do believe in responsible consolidation where it improves service, increases accountability, and respects taxpayers. We still need local officials who know their communities and are paying attention, but we also need to be honest when the current structure is inefficient or no longer makes sense.
Democrats
Alfonso Salazar Jr.: I do not agree with the efforts to consolidate or eliminate our township government. Township exists because it is the level of government closest to the people. That matters because it allows us to respond quickly and provide immediate assistance when we are faced with real challenges. Townships also bring specific knowledge that larger systems lack. As a trustee it is to understand those needs and to tailor support accordingly, rather than a one size fits all. I believe that our residents are better served by a system that is accessible, responsive, and grounded in our community.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponent and why those matter.
Republicans
Jim Slaven: Integrity, Experience, and Proven Results. The role of Trustee requires a deep understanding of both government operations and financial management. Over the past seven years, I have consistently kept township expenses below the state-approved budget while expanding and improving services. With consolidation on the horizon and continued population growth, experience matters more than ever. My hands-on knowledge of township operations and my proven ability to manage growth responsibly position me to successfully guide Wea Township through the challenges ahead.
Alan Williams: 1. Transparency! I believe residents are entitled to clear and easy access to information about their township government, including finances, decisions, and operations. My approach is to make information available proactively so residents do not have to request it. I also believe public meetings should be held consistently and structured in a way that allows residents to be informed and involved. 2. Public Engagement: I want to encourage residents to be involved, ask questions, and share input. Open communication leads to better decisions and a stronger community. While not everyone will always agree, respectful dialogue is an important part of local government. I will work to create an environment where residents feel comfortable participating and staying engaged.
Democrats
Alfonso Salazar Jr.: Two things that separate me from my opponent are real-life experience and understanding. While I don’t know who I will be facing in November, I do know what I bring to the table.
First, I’ve worked as a blue collar worker in factories up until I had the privilege to work serving our community of Lafayette. I know what it’s like to be hurt and unable to work for nearly six months. That kind of situation changes your perspective. It gives you a deeper understanding of what working people go through when they are dealing with an illness, an injury, a layoff, or unexpected hardship.
Second, My experience has allowed me to build relationships with community leaders and agencies that provide critical services and assistance. Those connections will be an asst in the role of Wea Township Trustee, helping ensure residents receive the support they need quickly and effectively.
Candidate bios
Jim Slaven
Party: Republican
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired after 29 years as a Community Specialist with State Farm Insurance, working closely with municipalities, schools, fire departments, and nonprofits. In my eighth year as Wea Township Trustee
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Indiana State University
Community boards or other community leadership and services: 8 years on TSC School Board, past board president. Member of the Indiana Township Association Legislative Committee. Junior Achievement Senior Council member (10 years). President of Homestead Resources (a local nonprofit focused on home retention) (26 years). Lead “Evil on Erie” Haunted Attraction fundraiser for Homestead Resources (17 years). Baseball, softball, and football coach. Past president of Southwestern Summer Rec. Boy Scout leader. 4-H Leader. Founding member of Terre Haute Arson Task Force. Founding member and past president of Communities In Schools Indiana (14 Years).
Immediate family: Four generations of my family reside in Wea Township. I was born here and have lived here most of my life. My wife Shelly is a first-grade teacher at Glen Acres Elementary. We have six children and four grandchildren. Four of our children are educators in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties, one works for SIA, and another is a financial advisor in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Your campaign site online: www.electjimslaven.com
Alan Williams
Party: Republican
Age: 51
Occupation: General contractor and business owner for 28 years; TSC outside sub bus driver; Imperial Travel Bus Driver.
Educational Background: McCutcheon High School, Class of 1992; United States Army
Past Elected Positions: None
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Past President, Wea Summer Rec. Past President, McCutcheon Youth Baseball League. Past Football Representative, McCutcheon Booster Club. Former Youth Baseball Coach, Wea Summer Rec & McCutcheon Youth Baseball League. Current JV Baseball Coach, McCutcheon High School.
Immediate family: Staci Williams, spouse of 30 years; Jayden Williams (spouse Kyleigh, Granddaughter, Reverie), Peyton Williams (fiancée Abigail), Jackson Williams (fiancée Jordan).
Campaign website: Facebook, Alan Williams for Wea Township Trustee
Alfonso Salazar Jr.
Party: Democratic
Age: 59
Occupation: Labor Liaison, Senior Engagement Associate at United Way of Greater Lafayette
Educational background: Most currently attending Ivy Tech Community College for a technical certificate in HVAC
Past elected positions, if any: None in public office. However I have been elected in several leadership roles by my peers.
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Dedicated union leader and community advocate with extensive service through UAW Local 531. Held several roles starting from Night Committeeman to President. As President, provided leadership during contract negotiations and worked to strengthen labor-management relations. Represented members working out of two plants working at TRW, Now ZF (formally known as Ross Gear & Tool Company. Currently serving in a labor liaison capacity, with several labor unions in our community, supporting community-based initiatives and partnerships. Actively involved in volunteer efforts, including organizing and supporting recognition programs, and service projects such as the upcoming “Stamp out Hunger” food drive with Food Finders Food Bank and the Nation Association of Letter Carriers of Branch #466.
Immediate family: Married since Sept. 1, 1990, to my wonderful wife, Carmen. Proud father of two sons: Eric who will graduate in May, and Zackary, who is currently attending Ivy Tech Community College completing his general education coursework.
Your campaign site online: Facebook
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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