VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am here to be a voice for the taxpayers of Vigo County. I will be a conservative steward of your money, guided by proven facts & the common-sense instincts of someone who has lived this life. My roots are here: I am a lifelong resident, a humble blue-collar worker, & a small business owner. I watched my father, a coal miner, lose his job while my mother put herself through nurse practitioner school to provide. My father vowed then to never be in that position again; my parents worked, saved, & eventually built their own businesses over the years. I followed that same path. After a decade in automotive transmission repair, I faced my own job loss in the early 2000s. I started over in my home garage, building my business from the ground up until I officially opened Dusty’s Transmission & Auto Repair in 2010, then DT Oil Service & Race Fuel in 2018. That history is why I value a dollar & why I will treat your tax dollars with the same discipline & work ethic my parents instilled in me.

I believe in an 'even playing field.' While I support using tax abatements to attract large industries that diversify our tax base, we cannot forget the small businesses that are already here. My philosophy is to use these tools to build the infrastructure—like better roads and utilities—that helps all businesses grow, not just the ones getting a specific check.I view Public-Private Partnerships as a way to share risk. If the private sector is willing to put their skin in the game, the county should be a partner in removing hurdles. But as someone who built a business from a garage, I will always stick to the facts and my gut: we only spend money when the math adds up for the people of Vigo County.

While I support improving our schools, I oppose the Eastside high school option & believe the School Board must remain the primary decision-makers, prioritizing public feedback above all else. Although I had concerns regarding the oversight committee’s creation, the responsibility now rests with the School Board to lead these projects with genuine transparency—a word used frequently in our county, but often missing in practice. On the County Council, I would advocate for a future conservative, targeted contribution to support school improvements without overextending the hardworking taxpayers who foot the bill; however, I cannot support the currently proposed excessive costs.

Vigo County’s growth depends on a strong foundation. To attract new businesses and families, we must prioritize:

Safety & Cleanliness: Enforcing laws against littering and irresponsible pet breeding & abandonment to clean up our neighborhoods.

Infrastructure: Maintaining the high-traffic corridors our workers rely on every day.

New Housing: Expanding the supply of quality, affordable homes by supporting initiatives like Homes for the Future that revitalize our neighborhoods.

Future Investment: Supporting our schools and tackling crime to prove we are a safe, smart place to call home.

When our roads are safe and our streets are clean, we eliminate the barriers keeping businesses from moving here

Economic Revitalization & Job Growth: Vigo County needs a strategy to rebuild its economy, attract mid-sized manufacturing, logistics, tech employers, and support small business growth. Partnerships with ISU, Rose, St. Mary's, and Ivy Tech can retain graduates. Fiscal Discipline & Accountability: Residents deserve confidence that tax dollars are spent effectively. Prioritizing essential services, avoiding unnecessary taxes, and providing transparent reporting builds trust, and ensures measurable results. Workforce Development: Expanding vocational training, apprenticeships, and career programs through Ivy Tech and local employers aligns skills with in-demand jobs in healthcare, trades, and advanced manufacturing. Infrastructure, Public Health & Safety: Reliable roads, modern water and sewer systems, broadband access, addiction treatment, mental health care, and well-equipped emergency services strengthen communities and support growth.

My philosophy is that business incentives should be used carefully and only when they provide a clear public benefit. Tools like tax increment financing, abatements, and public-private partnerships can support growth, but they are investments of taxpayer dollars, not giveaways.

Incentives should be tied to measurable outcomes such as job creation, wages, or redevelopment, and include safeguards like benchmarks and clawbacks if commitments aren’t met. Transparency is critical so residents know what the county is receiving in return.

Overusing incentives can shift costs to residents and create unfair competition. The focus should remain on core fundamentals, strong infrastructure, workforce development, and a stable business environment. Supporting local businesses alongside new growth to ensure sustainable benefits for the entire community.

I believe the county plays an important and supportive role in the success of our local schools.

The Vigo County School Corporation is independent with elected leadership, and responsibility for operations and long-term planning should remain with the school board. However, when major capital projects involve significant taxpayer investment, accountability and financial responsibility are essential.

I support the oversight board, its role is clear, transparent, and focused on fiscal responsibility. The board helps ensure projects are realistic, well managed, and aligned with what the community can afford, without interfering in education policy.

I am open to responsible use of county tax dollars for school facilities, particularly for safety and long-term needs, when supported by clear planning and public input. Strong schools are one of the best investments a community can make.

My vision for Vigo County is a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming community where families, businesses, and visitors can thrive. I believe we can strengthen economic opportunity, invest in quality education, and maintain strong infrastructure to ensure a high quality of life for all.

I see a local economy where small businesses grow alongside new industries, creating jobs that retain young talent, and attract new residents. Downtown Terre Haute and our neighborhoods can become hubs of commerce and culture, while rural areas stay connected through reliable services.

Education must remain a priority, with schools and institutions like Indiana State University, Ivy Tech, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College partnering with employers to prepare students for the workforce.

By prioritizing public safety, health services, and smart long-term planning, we can build a stronger, more connected Vigo County for generations to come.