Biographical Information
Occupation/Current Position
Saint Joseph County Commissioner 3rd District
Education
Mishawaka High School, Indiana Police Acadamy, Police Executive Leadership Acadamy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School
Campaign Phone
5742766993
Candidate video
What experiences and skills qualify you to be a good commissioner? Please be specific.
With a rich background as a former Chief of Police, Mishawaka councilman, and local business owner, I offer proven, level-headed leadership to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. My lifelong commitment to our community drives my mission to enhance safety, support economic development, and improve infrastructure. My diverse experience—protecting our streets, advocating for our city’s growth, and navigating business challenges—equips me with a balanced perspective essential for fostering a thriving, secure St. Joseph County. Vote for dedicated service and vision.
What are your top two priorities as Commissioner if elected? Why these?
If re-elected as St. Joseph County Commissioner, my top priorities are public safety and responsible economic development. Public safety is foundational; without it, communities cannot thrive. My experience as a former Chief of Police underscores my commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and secure. As a small business owner and former Mishawaka councilman, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities in our local economy. Supporting businesses, creating jobs, and fostering a vibrant economic environment not only improves our standard of living but also secures a prosperous future for St. Joseph County. These priorities reflect my dedication to a community where safety and prosperity go hand in hand.
After the EV battery plant was announced last year, more companies showed interest in commercial development near New Carlisle. How should the county weigh potential job growth versus some residents’ concerns for preserving their small town and its rural character? What specific actions do you propose to promote and retain good jobs there and elsewhere in St. Joseph County?
Balancing job growth with preserving New Carlisle's character is key. The EV battery plant's announcement has drawn interest, highlighting the need for responsible development. As Commissioner, I'll ensure that economic growth respects our small-town essence and rural landscapes. Engaging with residents, leveraging zoning laws, and promoting green spaces are vital. This approach ensures job growth while preserving New Carlisle's charm and extends to fostering opportunities across St. Joseph County, promoting a future where economic development and community identity coexist harmoniously.
Do you support a new low-barrier homeless intake center in St. Joseph County? If not, why not? If so, what role, if any, should the county play in funding the new center and where should it be?
I do not support a new low-barrier homeless intake center in its proposed form for St. Joseph County. While addressing homelessness is critical, we must focus on solutions that offer comprehensive support—mental health services, job training, and housing assistance—rather than temporary fixes. A center without these services might not effectively address the root causes of homelessness. Instead, I advocate for a holistic approach, partnering with existing organizations to expand their services. The county should play a supportive role, using funds to enhance programs that have a proven track record of helping individuals achieve long-term stability. This strategy ensures that our response to homelessness is both compassionate and effective, leading to sustainable outcomes for our community.
Do you support the current model of electing county commissioners from geographic districts or should commissioners be elected countywide as they are in 89 of 92 counties? If you advocate keeping districts, who should draw the district boundaries?
I support the current model of electing St. Joseph County commissioners from geographic districts. This model ensures that each part of our county has a voice and representation tailored to its unique needs and concerns, fostering a more equitable and responsive governance. To maintain the integrity of this system, district boundaries should be drawn by an independent commission. This commission should be non-partisan and composed of citizens from diverse backgrounds, minimizing political bias and ensuring that districts are drawn fairly, reflecting our community's demographics and geography. Such an approach encourages transparency, fairness, and public trust in the electoral process, essential for democracy.
How well did the county do in evaluating and handling the closure of Portage Manor as the county home for people with disabilities and mental illness? Is there anything you would do differently today?
The handling of the Portage Manor closure highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. While efforts to find solutions for residents were made, the process underscored the need for a more proactive, transparent approach to significant transitions. If faced with this today, I would advocate for earlier- broader engagement with stakeholders to include residents, families, and disability advocates and to explore all options thoroughly and transparently. Investing in a comprehensive plan for alternative care facilities and support services from the outset would be key. Ensuring that transitions are managed with the utmost care, dignity, and respect for all affected individuals would be my priority, aiming for solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also enhance long-term support and care for our community's most vulnerable.
How committed are you to conducting the public’s business transparently so residents can offer meaningful feedback before decisions are made? How will you solicit resident feedback, and do you commit to follow guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records?
I am deeply committed to transparency in conducting the public's business, ensuring residents have ample opportunity to provide meaningful feedback before decisions are made. I have already addressed this issue with a language change that I proposed in February, and it was passed unanimously. We now allow input from the public BEFORE a vote is made on an issue. We additionally allow an unlimited number of people to speak on privilege of the floor at the end of the Commissioner meetings. I firmly commit to following guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records, ensuring our processes meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Open, honest communication is the hallmark of my tenure, ensuring decisions reflect the will and best interests of our community.
Spring 2024 Candidate Video: