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Vigo County Commissioner, 3rd District

The three commissioners are the custodians of the home rule powers of the county. Counties have 3 commissioners, one from each district in the county. Within the scope of home rule, commissioners may adopt and vest themselves with additional regulatory powers. Specifically, all commissioners have authority to pass ordinances in the following broad areas:· Controlling, maintaining, and supervising county property including courthouses, jails, and public offices.· Supervising construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and to provide for traffic control.· Developing economic development programs to attract and retain jobs in the county.· The grant vacation pay, sick leave, paid holidays and other similar benefits to county employees.· To administer elections in conjunction with the county election board.Term: 4 years on a staggered basisSalary: $78,216 per year

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  • Candidate picture

    Tony Kassissieh
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Mike Morris
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What would be your priorities if elected?

What steps would you take to support a healthy economy in Vigo County?

Do you have any conflicts of interest that would be connected to carrying out your duties?

What are your views about subsidizing the business sector using tax abatements, direct subsidies, tax exemptions, TIF districts, etc.? How would you determine when and when not to support such subsidies?

Campaign (Public) Email Address kassissieh4vigocommissioner@gmail.com
Campaign Phone 8122088201
Education Indiana State University, Bachelor of Arts, Radio, TV, Film
Occupational history and current position WTHI-TV, Chief Videographer
Business Attraction and Retention: Actively work to attract new businesses to Vigo County by highlighting its advantages such as its central location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment.

Workforce Development: Invest in workforce training programs and partnerships with local educational institutions to ensure that residents have the skills necessary to fill job openings in growing industries.

Education and Youth Empowerment: Provide opportunities for mentorship, leadership development, and civic engagement. It means investing in programs that support our young people whether through internships, job training, or extracurricular activities. I would like to propose creating youth advisory boards or councils comprised of young people from diverse backgrounds who can provide valuable input on issues affecting youth, offer perspectives on policy decisions, and serve as advocates for youth-focused initiatives.
Step 1-Long-term Planning: Develop a comprehensive economic development strategy with input from stakeholders across the community. Set clear goals, benchmarks, and timelines for implementation, and regularly monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. By attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and investing in infrastructure, we can create jobs and opportunities for everyone. Step 2-Streamline Regulations: Review and streamline regulations to make it easier for businesses to operate and grow in Vigo County. Simplify permitting processes, reduce bureaucracy, and eliminate unnecessary barriers to business development. Step 3-Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between the public sector, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources and expertise in economic development efforts. Collaborate on initiatives such as business incubators, industry clusters, and workforce training programs.
no.
I believe it's essential to strike a balance between supporting economic growth and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I would approach each proposal for subsidies with careful consideration and scrutiny. First, I would evaluate the potential benefits of the subsidy to the community. Will it lead to job creation? Will it stimulate additional economic activity? These are critical questions that must be answered before committing taxpayer funds. Secondly, I would assess the cost-effectiveness of the subsidy. Will the benefits outweigh the costs? Is there a clear return on investment for the county and its residents? I would carefully analyze the projected economic impact and weigh it against the financial implications for the county budget. Ultimately, my decision to support or oppose a subsidy would be guided by a thorough evaluation of these factors, along with input from stakeholders, community members, and economic experts.
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