Biographical Information
Occupation/Current Position
Assistant Business Manager IBEW Local Union 153
Education
Bachelor's Labor Studies - IUSB, Masters Professional Studies (HRER) - Penn State University
Campaign Phone
5744857154
Candidate video
What experiences and skills qualify you to be on the county council? Please be specific.
I have regularly attended County Committee & Council meetings for last two years. For the past 4 years, I have served as a citizen member on the South Bend Public Works & Property Vacation Committee, and Mayor Mueller appointed me to the South Bend Area Plan Commission, which I have served for the past 3 years. From an educational perspective, I have a bachelor’s in labor studies from IUSB and a master’s in professional studies (Human Resources/ Employment Relations with a concentration in Labor and Labor Law) from Penn State University. As the Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local Union 153, I have developed personal and professional relationships with the elected officials in South Bend and many at the county level. I am also an honorably discharged veteran, having served 6 years in the U.S. Army and 20 years as a volunteer coach.
What are your top two priorities as county council member if elected? Why these?
The top two priorities I would address if elected to the county council would be supporting and promoting public safety initiatives and being a voice for the working class. Our St Joseph Sheriff’s Department is critically understaffed, needing approximately 50 new, experienced officers in the jail and another 20 for patrol. Addressing and incorporating much-needed mental health initiatives will ease the burden on the Sheriff’s Department and the community. Rebuilding the Health Department also has to be a priority; I believe that governments at every level have some responsibility to care for those who cannot care for themselves—as for protecting and being a voice for the working class, increasing affordable housing opportunities, protecting worker's rights, and promoting local workers and responsible bidding needs to be prioritized.
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?
The county's recent economic progress is highly encouraging and holds great promise for the future. However, it is essential to ensure that the development is governed responsibly, taking into account the welfare of the entire community. While I appreciate the concerns of some of the local residents, I believe that economic growth can be achieved without compromising the environment and by providing sustainable, high-paying jobs to our community's workforce. To this end, I recommend these specific measures: reinforcing our responsible bidder's ordinance to incorporate more robust apprenticeship language and addressing tax abatement administration and code enforcement governance.
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 fully support the creation of a new homeless intake center in St. Joseph County using the Housing First Model. By providing immediate access to food and shelter, individuals can begin to address the root causes of their situation and work towards self-sufficiency. This approach has a proven track record of success in helping people overcome addiction, secure employment and regain their dignity. The county should accept some responsibility with this formidable task, including finding a location, and work with the Mayor and the City of South Bend and other community organizations rather than being contrary and obstructive. Under certain circumstances, I would be in support of utilizing the Portage Manor location for the location of the new intake center.
Do you support the current model of electing a county council from 9 geographic districts or should the council be elected with 4 districts and 3 countywide as they are in 89 of 92 counties? If you advocate keeping districts, who should draw the district boundaries?
St. Joseph County should utilize the model that offers transparency, fairness, and accountability and best represents the county’s inhabitants without isolating any race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic class. I do not endorse a particular preference for either model as long as the constituents of St Joseph County are fairly and equally represented, and the model selected should be decided by the citizens, not by a select few. Regardless of which model the county elects to utilize, an independent party should conduct any future redistricting. Allowing an independent commission to redraw the jurisdictional lines would minimalize partisan influence and select district lines that reflect community interests based on consistent variables. Using an independent commission to select districts may also prevent more costly lawsuits and litigation.
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 closure of Portage Manor raises severe concerns about the County's negligence in maintaining the facility. At the same time, several solutions were presented to the County Council, which made no decision. For years, families and residents were repeatedly assured that the home would not close and that a new facility was being built. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased volunteerism, decreased availability of beds, and loss of revenue from the farmland lease. Despite public objection, the County Council voted 5-4 to close the facility. Residents were forced out in 45 days, the minimum time required by Indiana state law. Sadly, not all residents were placed in safe and appropriate housing, as promised by the County. The County's failure to meet its obligations has left concerns about the welfare of residents and their families
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?
If elected, I will commit to transparency by being as open and accessible as possible while performing the duties of a county councilor. Transparency is instrumental to building and establishing trust with the citizens of St. Joseph County while giving the constituents a greater sense of participation and engagement. My strategy to promote citizen engagement is to allow the public an opportunity to provide feedback during meetings and through online platforms, attend community events, and collaborate with other community leaders. Lastly, I will commit to following guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor by adhering to Open Meeting Laws, maintaining transparent responses to public requests, staying informed by keeping open lines of communication with the PA Counselor and staff, and ensure compliance with all laws and ordinances.
Spring 2024 Candidate Video: