Penn Township Trustee | Proven Leadership. Trusted Results.

Public Safety

Built a Brand-New Fire Station

Doris led the development of Penn Township Fire Station 13, a modern four-bay facility designed to improve emergency response times and enhance safety for both residents and students.

Strategically located on McKinley Highway near the Penn-Harris-Madison school campus, the new station serves an area with more than 5,000 students daily and has significantly reduced response times for fire and EMS calls.

Through smart negotiation, Doris secured the leased land for just $12 per year, saving taxpayers more than $300,000 compared with standard acquisition costs—while keeping the total project on budget at approximately $4.1 million.

Installed a Safe Haven Baby Box

Doris championed the installation of a Safe Haven Baby Box at Station 13, providing a secure, temperature-controlled resource for mothers in crisis to safely and anonymously surrender newborns into care.

The initiative was funded primarily through grants, private donations and donated by local contractors.

Fiscal Responsibility

Saving Taxpayer Dollars

Fiscal discipline is a cornerstone of Doris Portolese’s leadership.

Since taking office, she has reduced the township’s budget six times, achieving major savings while maintaining essential services.

Her decision to outsource payroll alone saves approximately $30,000 each year, and she successfully recovered nearly $50,000 from the previous administration to restore misused township funds.

Employee & Operational Excellence

Supporting Township Employees

Doris understands that strong service begins with strong staff. She has implemented workplace improvements that boost morale, streamline workflows, and ensure employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

The modernized fire facilities and updated office systems have improved both efficiency and job satisfaction among township teams.

Modernizing Township Systems

She has pushed for upgrades in technology and recordkeeping, making government operations more transparent, efficient, and accessible to residents.

From digital filings to online communication tools, her approach ensures Penn Township keeps pace with modern standards while maintaining local, personal service.

Community Engagement

Doris prioritizes openness and accountability. Under her leadership, residents now enjoy clear access to township budgets, board meeting minutes, and public notices online—ensuring transparency and confidence in local government.

Beyond her office duties, Doris continues to be an active presence in the community. Whether volunteering at local events, supporting fellow Republicans, cooking for fundraisers, or assisting families in need, she leads by example—always showing up with heart and purpose.

Focused on the Future

Now seeking re-election, Doris Portolese is committed to continuing the progress she’s made:

• Further strengthening fire and emergency services.

• Expanding outreach for families, veterans, and seniors.

• Modernizing township systems for better resident service.

• Maintaining Penn Township’s strong financial foundation for years to come.

Her record speaks for itself—efficient, compassionate, transparent leadership that keeps Penn Township moving forward.