Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
7654097045
Education
Bachelors Degree from Purdue University
Experience in Leadership and Management
10 years as a teacher, 4 years in Foodservice Management, 2 years as Co-Founder/COO of an EdTech Startup, 2 years at the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette, 2 years at MatchBOX Co-Working Studio, 1 year on the West Lafayette Board of Public Works and Safety.
What are your budget priorities for the next county budget?
My priorities for the next county budget are four-fold: First, immediately direct more funds towards integrating mental health professionals and practice into our criminal justice/corrections facilities. Second, appropriating more funds towards incentivizing green energy policies, including but not limited to financing the construction of solar panels on facilities under county control. Third, using county funds to create financial incentives for builders and developers to design housing in a way that is attainable for all, especially workforce housing. Finally, I will work to create long-term strategic budget plans so that we are prepared for any financials changes in the future.
What actions can the Council take to prepare for the current rapid economic development while keeping the county financially sound?
As mentioned before, one important action is the development of a strategic budget plan. This allows us, like any sound business or municipality, to forecast potential changes in the economy, incoming revenue, and outgoing expenses, with corresponding plans of action. Second, we need to maximize the amount of financial decisions that rely on municipal rules and regulations. Finally, we need to allocate adequate funds towards not just housing, but *good* housing that attracts new members of the community who wish to stay long-term, giving back to the community both financially and non-financially with a long-term vested interest in our well-being.
The state reduced the property tax assessments on apartments. What can Tippecanoe County do in response to these reductions in property tax funds?
Fortunately, the City Governments and County Commissioners are already working with the Department of Local Government Finance in an effort to modify the rules to help us better adjust to changes in property tax funds. However, this is not enough. The County needs to also address the underlying risk involved in being beholden to the volatility of the State Government. While it is wonderful that we make use of funds to incentivize economic development, we cannot do it in a way that is susceptible to being taken away from us in a statewide change in property tax assessments. It's important that we prioritize local economic policies that bring businesses here, create jobs, and generate non-property-based tax revenue for our economy.
What ideas do you have to respond to housing availability and affordability challenges in Tippecanoe County?
There are a number of things the County can do to address our ever-growing housing issue. One example of what the County can do is buying basis points off a loan of a developer in exchange for an agreement to implement workforce housing policies. Another example is using some of the County-owned land as an in-kind donation, again in exchange for the developer building with certain housing regulations or income assistance policies in mind. Finally, although the County Council cannot directly shape City Council/Government policy, I believe that we all have to work together, which means fostering a dialogue with Municipal Councils, Development Commissions, the Area Planning Commission, the Zoning Board, and more.