First and Last Name
Toni Downing
Campaign Email
tdowning909@comcast.net
Campaign Phone
219-688-9000
Candidate Bio Information
VP/Chief Financial Officer Allegius Federal Credit Union, 2023 - present; Chief Deputy Auditor, Porter County Government 2015 - 2022
One of the biggest challenges facing our community is the growing pressure on local government caused by recent changes in Indiana law. These changes make it harder for townships to operate efficiently while still delivering the services residents depend on.
I’ve worked in local government finance as Chief Deputy Auditor in Porter County, and I now serve as the VP/CFO of a financial institution. I plan to use that experience to strengthen budgeting, improve financial oversight, and make sure we’re using taxpayer dollars wisely.
If elected, my approach to addressing a projected funding gap starts with disciplined financial management.
First, I would take a close, line-by-line look at spending to identify efficiencies and eliminate unnecessary costs. That includes reducing reliance on outside consultants where we can bring that expertise in-house. Second, I would focus on long-term financial planning—making sure we’re not just balancing the current budget, but setting the township up for stability in the years ahead.
In addition to the roles mentioned above, I bring 25 years of experience in commercial real estate. I am a former Level 2 assessor certified by the State of Indiana, which gives me a strong understanding of property valuation and how assessment impacts local funding.
Through my work in the County Auditor’s office, I gained direct experience with TIF districts and abatements, including how they are structured and how they affect local taxing units over time. That perspective is especially important when evaluating long-term financial impacts on townships.
Combined, this experience allows me to make informed, fiscally responsible decisions that serve the community well.
As a candidate for Liberty Township Board, I offer a level of financial and property expertise specifically built for this role. I have the oversight experience needed to protect your tax dollars.
I have a deep understanding of TIFs and abatements—vital knowledge as we work to keep our township vibrant despite state-level efforts to undermine township governance.
I am committed to maintaining a strong local government and ensuring that essential duties, like our township assistance program, are administered effectively and without judgment.
I ask for your vote to allow me to use my professional experience to serve the residents of Liberty Township.
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First and Last Name
Deborah Lynn Harrison
Campaign Email
dlharrison.libertytownship@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
574-850-1870
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/share/18SwWCFbiG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Candidate Bio Information
My husband and I moved to Chesterton 10 years ago to be closer to my son and his family. I love being a grandparent. Concern for the future we are leaving our children drives much of what I do. Most of my professional career was devoted to working to make life better for children as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in South Bend. I graduated from IU South Bend with a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and have an EMBA/finance from Notre Dame. My experience and training prepared me to understand and interpret budgets and prioritize expenditures in the ways that will bring the most benefit to Liberty Township residents. Budgets are an expression of values.
The economy is putting increasing stress on people in our community. The Trustee’s office is often the last stop available for emergency assistance. The Township Board provides oversight of the Trustee’s administration of emergency aid and the prioritization of how funds are allocated in the budget. Taxpayers deserve transparency into this process. People in need of assistance deserve to be treated with respect and confidentiality. I will make balancing these sometimes competing needs a priority in my role as a Township Board Member so that we can help as many people as possible weather these challenging economic times.
There are many effective organizations in Porter County that provide help and assistance to residents in need. It is important for the Trustee’s office to have a good understanding of the resources available and to develop good relationships with these organizations so that assistance can be coordinated and the impact of each maximized. I will work to understand existing partnerships and look for opportunities to expand on the impact of these relationships as well as look for ways to develop new connections that can benefit our residents who need assistance.
There are additional budgetary priorities as well and good fiscal planning and oversight are essential. I have the training and skills required to fulfill this responsibility.
Professionally, I worked with at-risk families as Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs in South Bend and Bloomington for 17 years. I have a good understanding of financial management, budget analysis, building community partnerships and working with a board. After that experience, I spent 13 years helping to operate our family’s corrugated packaging company, focusing on HR, Finance and Marketing. I was on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity during those years. I have degrees in Labor and Industrial Relations from IUSB and an EMBA from Notre Dame. I have been a Chesterton resident for more than 10 years and am an active volunteer in our community.
I believe that being a good citizen, a good neighbor, a good parent and grandparent requires me to help where I can. I have the skills to be of assistance to my community as a member of our Township Board.
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