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First and Last Name
James “Jim” Kocal
Campaign Email
Kocaljim@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
2198080884
Social Media and Website Links
Jim Kocal.com and James”Jim”forPortercountycommissioner
Candidate Bio Information
Married, Father, Grandfather, retired Senior Professional Healthcare Consultant, former High School Science teacher and Coach.
The 3 areas I intend to address are Transparency, accountability, and safety. I plan to bring a fresh perspective to the commissioners board, representing all of Porter County and not just the special interest groups. For too long we have had one party in control over where and who gets contracts and priority. I want to make sure that there is competitive bidding for all projects and that skilled labor is in the discussions. My focus is to keep Porter County workers at the forefront of our decision making. I will hold myself accountable for all my decisions I make and will share those decisions with my constituents. Lastly, making sure we have safe roads and bridges as well funded emergency services.
I have worked hard all my life and plan to bring that work ethic to the Commissioners position. Being retired after 33 years in the healthcare arena as well as a High School Science teacher and Coach, I will be able to devote 100% of my time and energy toward this position. With both my personal and professional experience, I have always operated with integrity and accountability. My experience working with budgets, contracts, short and long term goals, as well as team building can be valuable assets to the Commissioner’s position. I have been a leader all my life. Everything from Captain of my college football team to captain of my high school football/soccer team, to a leader as a coach and as a teacher and professional businessman.
First and foremost we need to uphold the basic necessities of the people of Porter County. Our goal should focus on providing safe and reliable roads and services, as well as well funded police, fire, and emergency responders. Secondly, we need to address any projects that need our immediate attention that are already in progress. Third, we also need to think outside the box as to other avenues to aid in our budget short fall, such as grants or volunteer services from community organizations. Lastly, we need to hold accountable any and all businesses that are getting tax breaks such as NIPSCO, and renegotiate with them, to take some pressure off of our constituents. We surely want to make the families in Porter County our top priority.
Candidate has not yet responded.
I am a lifelong resident of NW Indiana, born and raised in East Chicago. I have called Porter County my home for over 20 years. I come from a blue collar family where both my parents were union workers. I am a family man and have been married for 45 years. I have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. I know what it’s like to sit at that kitchen table and make tough decisions about expenses and future goals. Raising a family takes a lot of work and the government should be helping with reducing the burden any where it can. Providing good schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordable housing. Good jobs that provide a livable wage should be our focus. Access to services and amenities that allow our citizens to flourish.
First and Last Name
Kyle Nelson
Campaign Email
Info@kyle4poco.com
Social Media and Website Links
http://www.instagram.com/kyle4poco
Candidate Bio Information
As a life long resident of Northwest Indiana, he believes the local government is the best way to serve the Region’s needs. Kyle moved to Valparaiso with his wife, Rachel, 12 years ago, enjoying the combination of vibrant downtowns, nature’s beauty, and economic opportunity that Porter County provides. Currently a manager at Burn ‘Em Brewing, he previously worked in marketing and communications. Listening and serving people has always been the key to his work and he will bring his love of the Region and organizational talents to work for the community. Kyle has a deep commitment to Porter County, including volunteering at the Porter County Museum and working at Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commision.
Communication
Government works for the people. We believe that the County Commission should be more than just an easy job for political favorites. The general public deserves to know what their government is doing.
Education
As commissioner, Kyle will put together short and easy-to-understand videos for anyone who wants to learn what the Commissioners do on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. He will also work with the community to educate the Commissioners on what the people want to see from the Commission.
Community Support & Stewardship
The people of Porter County deserve a commissioner who has their interests at heart. Kyle understands the importance of local action over national grandstanding
As someone who has worked a variety of jobs, Kyle understands the experience of the everyday working citizen of Porter County. He brings organizational and educational knowledge to the position from his time as a manager, and has experience working with elected officials from his time at the regional planning commission.
By increasing transparency of the Commissioner's meetings, he would allow citizens to get more involved and have more of an impact on how the government spends their tax dollars. This will allow the government get more value from the money spent in ways that will affect people.
Kyle believes that communications are key to all elected positions. He would work to post videos and updates on social media while also going out into the community and holding Town Halls to hear from his constituents
The number one thing citizens can do to facilitate change is get out and vote. Registering new voters, educating them on key local issues, and getting people to the polls are key pillars for Kyle’s campaign. An informed and engaged community is a strong community.
