Marilyn A. Sowers is running for Wayne Township Board as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: History, BA Indiana University, MAT (Master of Arts for Teachers) Indiana University, MLS (Master of Library Science) Indiana University. My most employment recent was as the Media Supervisor for the Union County College Joint School District. I have successfully served school, university, and public libraries using both professional and interpersonal skills.
Reasons to run: Being a member of the Trustees would allow me participate in and support my immediate community. It would also allow me to be aware of needs within the community and to help alleviate apparent concerns.
Top priorities: 1. Be aware of township expenditures; 2. to be certain the township is attentive to the needs of the citizens/community; 3. To be available to constituents so they may communicate, to the board, issues which need attention.
Specific skills: In my library reference work I was required to listen to patrons requests for information so that they would be able to solve problems or resolve needs. Secondly, it was necessary to guide them to information they needed to solve the problem.
Should continue: Direct services to clients such as the Representative Payee Program, the Soap and Laundry Project and the Diaper Project
Needs to change: I do not believe any changes are needed.
Accept election results: Yes
Funding strategies: I would review the budget and reduce expenses that would be the least damaging to the community.
Engaging the public: I would encourage my constituents take an active part in volunteer projects, to get to know their neighbors and if they perceive a need bring it to the Trustee’s attention.
A version of this article will appear in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.