Occupation/Current Position
Finance Division Compliance Assistant/ Accounts Payable University of Notre Dame; Board of Directors, The Res
Education
San Diego City College
Campaign Phone
574-229-6051
I served four years on the Mishawaka Common Council, at-large, during
that time, I learned to not only listen to my constituents but to take an
active role in making their voices heard --- I posted a monthly criminal
activity report. I aided in the formation of the successful West End
Neighborhood Watch program, whose members demanded things be
done to alleviate the crime/drug issues which plagued their
neighborhood. In the 40 years of working in the private sector ---
publishing, horticulture, a two-year posting with the US State Dept. in
New Delhi, India (Embassy Security) and working for the University of
Notre Dame in the Finance Division ---and many years of volunteer
work, I’ve learned that discussions, facts, asking questions and making
the often time difficult decision takes a combination of what I have,
experience and compassion.
First, is to keep the county’s budget in check. Governments, local, or
otherwise, do not produce an income. The money spent on public safety,
salaries, roads, etc comes from us, the tax payer. It is vital to have
commissioners who will be able to rein in unnecessary spending in the
interest of the County and its citizens, while providing the necessary
funds to keep the County competitive and moving forward. My second
priority would be to work with other County offices on identifying and solving the problems that arise surrounding our water, soil and natural
resources of St. Joseph County. A large part of our county relies on the
preservation and conservation of parklands, farms, other natural open
spaces and wildlife. I will work on making sure these precious resources
are protected.
Questions asked of local elected officials when confronted with growth
versus maintaining a city or town’s character are: How will it effect us?
What are the positives/negatives? It is the duty of elected officials to
conduct an extensive vetting process of any commercial
developer/business. Do they have a ‘track record’?
The promise of “good paying” jobs isn’t the only factor that goes into approving commercial
businesses, especially in the smaller towns and
communities. Lucrative employment is a plus but are there discussions
on abatements? Will the business & residents work together to lessen the
environmental impact commercial development brings? Does the company
bring a positive presence to the community as a whole? These are the
questions that your local elected officials should be able to answer
before any decision is made.
At this point, I do not support a new low-barrier homeless in-take center
in St. Joseph County. I have read the various articles, watched the
expertly produced YouTube videos and have seen the crime stats from
the current M4N location (former Knights Inn). I believe before a new
location is built and before any funding from the County is given, the
organization running the M4N needs to make some hard choices as to
the ongoing substance abuse and criminal activity issues apparently
happening at the current location. I would like to take a look to see
how the monies from $2+ million grant (IN Dept Mental Health &
Addiction), the $4 million capital investment and $500K annual
operating costs from the City of South Bend (WSBT) will be used.
I do support the current model for electing county commissioners. By
using the ‘District Model’, it gives a more equitable voice to those who
live outside the two major metropolitan areas. To have a commissioner
who lives in your district, the people are more likely to be involved and
feel as though they have a voice in what is decided in their communities.
As to the every ten-year redistricting process, it should be a joint effort
between the Parties, their lawyers and if need be, the courts. It is an
important and painstaking process which needs to be initiated well in
advance of the redistricting deadline so that there is a well thought out
agreement between the parties. Each side will need to make concessions
and, in the, end, take responsibility for the final map.
The Portage Manor closure was, I am sure, a tough decision for all
involved – residents, families, employees and the County’s elected
officials. I wasn’t privy to the meetings and other discussions held
between County officials concerning the disrepair of the 100-year old
facility and how best to care for and relocate the residents. Is there
anything I would have done differently? I don’t know, I cannot make an
informed statement without first having all the facts.
In my four years as an at-large Mishawaka Councilwoman, I
consistently encouraged my constituents to be involved with their local
government ----to attend and voice their concerns at public meetings, ask
questions and demand answers of their representatives and other local
officials. Every Friday, prior to a Council meeting the following
Monday, I would post the upcoming meeting agenda so that my
constituents would know what their Council would be discussing and
voting on. To solicit feedback, you must first engage the people by
listening, not necessarily always agreeing, but showing respect and
giving those who wish, appropriate time to have their say. I commit to
follow what was laid out in the recently enacted (effective 7/1/2024) IN
HB 1338.
Bill Text: IN HB1338 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled | LegiScan
Candidate has not yet responded.
Occupation/Current Position
Saint Joseph County Commissioner 3rd District
Education
Mishawaka High School, Indiana Police Acadamy, Police Executive Leadership Acadamy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School
Campaign Phone
5742766993
Candidate video
With a rich background as a former Chief of Police, Mishawaka councilman, and local business owner, I offer proven, level-headed leadership to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. My lifelong commitment to our community drives my mission to enhance safety, support economic development, and improve infrastructure. My diverse experience—protecting our streets, advocating for our city’s growth, and navigating business challenges—equips me with a balanced perspective essential for fostering a thriving, secure St. Joseph County. Vote for dedicated service and vision.
If re-elected as St. Joseph County Commissioner, my top priorities are public safety and responsible economic development. Public safety is foundational; without it, communities cannot thrive. My experience as a former Chief of Police underscores my commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and secure. As a small business owner and former Mishawaka councilman, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities in our local economy. Supporting businesses, creating jobs, and fostering a vibrant economic environment not only improves our standard of living but also secures a prosperous future for St. Joseph County. These priorities reflect my dedication to a community where safety and prosperity go hand in hand.
Balancing job growth with preserving New Carlisle's character is key. The EV battery plant's announcement has drawn interest, highlighting the need for responsible development. As Commissioner, I'll ensure that economic growth respects our small-town essence and rural landscapes. Engaging with residents, leveraging zoning laws, and promoting green spaces are vital. This approach ensures job growth while preserving New Carlisle's charm and extends to fostering opportunities across St. Joseph County, promoting a future where economic development and community identity coexist harmoniously.
I do not support a new low-barrier homeless intake center in its proposed form for St. Joseph County. While addressing homelessness is critical, we must focus on solutions that offer comprehensive support—mental health services, job training, and housing assistance—rather than temporary fixes. A center without these services might not effectively address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, I advocate for a holistic approach, partnering with existing organizations to expand their services. The county should play a supportive role, using funds to enhance programs that have a proven track record of helping individuals achieve long-term stability. This strategy ensures that our response to homelessness is both compassionate and effective, leading to sustainable outcomes for our community.
I support the current model of electing St. Joseph County commissioners from geographic districts. This model ensures that each part of our county has a voice and representation tailored to its unique needs and concerns, fostering a more equitable and responsive governance. To maintain the integrity of this system, district boundaries should be drawn by an independent commission. This commission should be non-partisan and composed of citizens from diverse backgrounds, minimizing political bias and ensuring that districts are drawn fairly, reflecting our community's demographics and geography. Such an approach encourages transparency, fairness, and public trust in the electoral process, essential for democracy.
The handling of the Portage Manor closure highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. While efforts to find solutions for residents were made, the process underscored the need for a more proactive, transparent approach to significant transitions. If faced with this today, I would advocate for earlier- broader engagement with stakeholders to include residents, families, and disability advocates and to explore all options thoroughly and transparently. Investing in a comprehensive plan for alternative care facilities and support services from the outset would be key. Ensuring that transitions are managed with the utmost care, dignity, and respect for all affected individuals would be my priority, aiming for solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also enhance long-term support and care for our community's most vulnerable.
I am deeply committed to transparency in conducting the public's business, ensuring residents have ample opportunity to provide meaningful feedback before decisions are made. I have already addressed this issue with a language change that I proposed in February, and it was passed unanimously. We now allow input from the public BEFORE a vote is made on an issue. We additionally allow an unlimited number of people to speak on privilege of the floor at the end of the Commissioner meetings. I firmly commit to following guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records, ensuring our processes meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Open, honest communication is the hallmark of my tenure, ensuring decisions reflect the will and best interests of our community.
Occupation/Current Position
Electrical Contractor/ CEO..... Firefighter
Education
High School Graduate, Electrical Trade School
Campaign Phone
574-876-8831
Candidate video
My original background was in farming, where I learned that success comes from hard honest work.
I know the importance of customer service. I started McCormick Electrical Services in 1999 which serves homeowners in a 5-county area including St Joe County
I have had the honor of being a Firefighter of Liberty Township for the past 35 years. I know what it means to put others first at a moment's notice.
I hold my faith in God and give thanks to the Lord each day. I am a member of The Vineyard Church in Mishawaka
My passion for serving the taxpayers of this county as a commissioner goes back to as early as 1993 when I worked a short time for our County Highway Department.
You are asking for two but my focus will be and needs to be on three at all times... I call it my 3-Win Philosophy.
1st the Taxpayers must win while we would all love to see lower taxes the better answer is maybe the county needs to provide better more efficient services for the tax dollar it is receiving.
2nd the Employees of the County must win. Yes, the County has decent wages and benefits but it is not just about wages and benefits it's about empowering and retaining the talent we already have so we can train and teach the next generation of employees versus losing seasoned employees to the private sector and spending money on continually training new people
3rd the County must win. The county has to stay financially solvent and continually look at ways to be the most efficient for the Taxpayers and the Employees of St Joe County.
We need to sit down and talk and make sure while bringing good jobs into the County we are not over looking the our small towns and the people in them... I'll go back to it has to be a 3 Win for all involved... The Citizens, the Business's and the County
I do not support a low barrier homeless center. In your own home you have rules and guidelines for your family members you support. The center should be no different especially when it will be funded by hard working taxpayers that have to live within rules and guidelines them selves. My concern is also the location. We cannot allow any facility to inhibit the residents that already occupy a neighborhood. In regard to funding if the City wants to fund this project it should be on the City and this should not be brought on to the county taxpayers.
I agree with having geographic districts. The district in the count need to be made up of a mixture of the population to which it represents including urban and rural. I am for revaluation of District lines every so many years as population shifts to ensure proper representation of the population. I feel this should should be evaluated by a bipartisan committee then voted on by the Commissioners
I feel the issues surrounding Portage Manor should have been dealt with continually over the past 20 years verse it getting dumped on in complete dismay and leaving the Commissioner's no real choice for the benefit of the residents and the taxpayer's to have to close the building. My heart goes out to the resident and families but after touring the building I would not have left on of my loved one to live in that facility.
I am for complete transparency. My slogan for my campaign is "Wanting what's best for you" So what that means is we have to communicate. I want you to talk to me and I want to talk to you. I am asking for the voters to hold me accountable for my actions. In all honesty I would like to learn more about "Indiana's Public Access Counselor"
