Work to lower taxes. Spend wisely. Work to improve workforce.Continue to improve Job Creation

Continue working with the City- Chamber of Commerce and the State - Improving workforce

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I've spent years working with companies in many positions bringing bringing businesses to this Community. In a level playing field we might not have to. In my time on the Council we pulled Abatements on Companies. There are rules to follow but all benefits must be looked at.

I first ran for office in 2020 and my priority was to listen to constituents, community leaders and stakeholders in Vigo County. It is still an important part of what I do. One should not wait for people to reach out, but rather by being an active member in the community I find opportunities to learn from others. Often people want to see continued efforts in improving our quality of life. That can include recreation, economic opportunities, improving the health and safety of people in our neighborhoods, and providing resources for those in need. The main role of a Council member is to create and approve budgets and in prioritizing how funding is spent we are in a sense creating a plan of our county priorities. Using our revenue wisely we will make a large impact for the people of Vigo County. Learning so much about about the needs, desires and goals of constituents has strengthened my desire to further advocate, budget and ask the questions as your voice on the County Council.

In hearing the words healthy economy constituents may have a variety of thoughts on what that means for them personally and how the Council can support that idea. We should seek jobs that provide a living wage, affordable housing, and resources for childcare and educational opportunities that support workers and families. Council members can and must have a role in working with area partners to attract new business, advocate for and provide funding for community resources, and encourage the use of local labor and businesses when we do see expansion. Seeing business growth is a big part of having a healthy economy and we as a Council must study, plan and prioritize what will draw employees and employers to a community. Partnerships with new and existing businesses, schools, and community organizations must continue as we work to keep moving forward to improve quality of life, create a healthy economy and provide opportunities for the people of Vigo County.

In my years of service since being elected in 2020 it could be said that I have not faced conflicts of interest. People who know me and who have worked with me have most likely seen that I am quite a rule follower. If I would ever be in doubt I would make sure to consult and seek the expertise of our Council attorney. My roles as an educator, parent, leader in our local and state teachers union, engaged community member, Vigo county resident and member of the County Council have allowed me to look at priorities and budgets through a variety of lenses. I believe this is an asset to my service to our community and the Council, but be confident that if I ever see a potential conflict I will make sure to look into the proper ethical and legal response for my role.

In the last 4 years I have learned much about economic development. I have said publicly and in many conversations that it would serve the Council and Vigo residents to have criteria or a rubric for us to use in evaluating or questioning businesses who are requesting an abatement. An abatement is a partnership in a sense between a community and a business. By both the county and the business understanding how they can best work together for their surrounding community, home of future employees, and potential for growth it creates better collaboration. During my time on the Council we have been very fortunate in attracting new businesses to Vigo County while also seeing expansion of some who were already established. Continued work with Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation and community stakeholders is critical for the future. I will continue asking questions of future businesses and pushing for the Council to adopt a standardized criteria in evaluating abatements.

The County has developed some substantial cash surpluses in it's various funds. The general fund ended 2023 with an over $31 million cash balance. I would like for the Council and Commissioner, together, to develop a long range plan for the use of cash that has accumulated. At present, county government does not plan much beyond the one year budget cycle.

Long range financial planning by the Council and Commissioners would go a long way towards promoting a healthy economy in Vigo County. We should carefully consider what we will need over the next three to five years to maintain and improve our roads and bridges, parks and recreational facilities, buildings and health of county citizens.

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Abatements are useful tools to attract new businesses and to encourage existing business to expand. The Council has made the granting of abatements almost automatic. Abatements have gone to some businesses that are very beneficial to the community others that are not so beneficial.

I would like to see some standards set to determine the amount of abatement provided, based on the benefits that will be provided to the County, by the location or expansion of a business in the County. Abatement agreements should include provisions to require reductions of an abatement if a business fails to provide the promised benefits.

Transparency would be a top priority. I think we can use social media to help the public be more informed about subjects that are being voted on.

As a local business owner, it's my opinion that we must make responsible decisions when spending the tax payers' money. I would make decisions as if I were making them for a business that I owned. This would help minimize waste in spending.

While I don't see it as a conflict, I do believe that it needs to be disclosed that I am the CEO of Top Guns. From time to time, agencies from all around (including our local agencies) will use our facility for training and or for purchasing ammo. This will likely not change unless there is a law that prohibits it. The rates are the same for all agencies and we do our best to be competitive with any price across the nation. I might also add that we also donate lots of time and resources to local agencies.

I believe that this is a subject that has to be looked at on an individual basis. If a business is bringing enough to the table in the way of jobs and a tax base, I feel that it should be considered. Having said that, I have never been such a recipient in my businesses as I don't bring enough to the table as a smaller business. This is the way it should be. I do believe our community can offer other incentives to small businesses to help local businesses prosper.

First it is duty of the Council to see that the taxpayers receive a quality product for their tax dollars. And that the county employees have the necessary funding to provide a quality product. Second, every taxpayer should have their voice heard. I will make myself available to listen.

We need to make an effort to get everyone from the county council, county commissioners and other county and city officials working together in the same direction toward the same goals. This effort should also include input from the community members.

I am currently serving on the Riley Fire District Board. If elected, I will resign this position.

Subsidies, abatements and other enticements are highly necessary in recruiting companies in locating in Vigo County. When a company receives these, they must also agree to invest equally in our community by hiring local contractors and using local labor as well as agreeing to pay a living wage. A plan to verify compliance should also be mutually part of the agreement.

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I have stated as current President of The County Council the budget should be our number one priority. Another top priority is resolving the federal lawsuit involving over-crowding of the jail. Lastly to work cohesively with city and county government to standardize tax abatements.

To continue to create a joint city/county tax abatement schedule that insures the local workforce, keeping our tax dollars in Vigo County.

None, I am retired and own a small farm. I don’t conduct any business relationships with the country that would be a conflict.

The council has addressed this as a concern and are currently working with both city and county legal council to draft a joint tax abatement schedule. I believe in attracting and growing our economy and tax abatements are a necessary tool.

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