LaPorte County Council At Large Choose 3
DUTIES OF THE COUNTY COUNCILThe council has the ultimate decision making power regarding fiscal affairs. The council has authority to view or review fiscal matters, determine proper policy, and set priorities for the allocation and expenditure of county funds.The General Assembly determines the powers of the county council in this area. Typically these powers include:Approving and fixing annual operating budgets of all county government offices and agencies Establishing salaries, wages, per diems, and other compensation for all county officials and employeesFixing tax rates and establishing levies on all county property for the purpose of raising funds to meet budget requirements in conducting county business, as well as authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notesAppropriating public funds, i.e., authorizing the expenditure of county money by particular officials or departments for specific purposesAuthorizing certain purchases or sales of county owned landUnder IC 36-2-3-6, the county council may employ legal and administrative personnel necessary to perform its duties. (Generally see IC 36-2-3 for duties of the County Council).
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
Timothycavinder@msn.com
Web Site
http://www.cavinderforcouncil.com
Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556591437446
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
I believe the most important quality I bring to this office is my ability to listen to people and see all sides of an issue. I was born here, my family has lived in LaPorte County since 1827. I care about what happens here and I care about the people who call LaPorte County home, I do have two undergraduate degrees from IU and a master's in information technology from Valparaiso University where I currently teach.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
I believe in responsible progress that takes into account the needs and wishes of all our residents. I support fiscal accountability and transparency in local matters. I believe in hands on training and education for our citizens in order that they will be able to get good paying jobs. We need to make certain we have the infrastructure necessary to bring in businesses to our area.
I would like to see the KIP area come to life which I believe will be a boost to our local economy.
I am not a big fan of Solar Farms in LaPorte county because I think our farmlands are very important and we need to protect them as once developed they never come back.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Absolutely! If given the opportunity by the voters my number one priority would be to certain the needs of our county are fulfilled.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign Email
scott.ford@att.net
Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556401893119
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
I have 30 years of business leadership experience. I served on La Porte County Council from 2008-2012. I've also had the pleasure of serving on the Center Township Board for 12 years. I have the ability to hit the ground running because of my experience.
I currently work for Ivy Tech Community College as a Logistics Instructor. I have a BS Degree from Ball State University.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
I'm a pro-growth supporter of development in La Porte County. Without industrial development and growth taxes go up. Our budget in La Porte County is very tight we don't have any additional funds available.
In 2008 I supported the development of the Intermodal site in LaPorte County very few public officials took this position. I took this position because I was looking out into the future for opportunities for our young people.
Solar farms are going to be built because clean energy is the future. I believe that it's important that people are fairly compensated for their land and that local Unions and their membership are employed to build and operate these facilities.
My motto has been "Without good local jobs nothing else matters".
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
I have good relationships with national, state and local officials. A honest and straight forward approach is what is called for. Tell the taxpayers the truth because it will come out. We may disagree but I will do it respectfully.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Differences of opinion are expected. I respect people and won't act in manner that would cause embarrassment to the taxpayers of LaPorte County. I don't care what party comes up with the answers to the problems or what person gets the credit. I've always collaborated in my public positions or private business endeavors. Ask anyone who has ever served with me about my approach.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Facebook Page
http://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61557360687955&name=xhp_nt__fblite__profile__tab_bar&profile_tab_item_selected=about
Campaign phone
574-323-3506
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Brett Kessler graduated from Purdue University School of Agriculture with a degree in Animal Science Agribusiness. He currently works in agriculture, raising beef cattle and sheep, as well as driving for his father's trucking company. Brett was a 2018 graduate of the Leadership LaPorte County program, has been a 20+ year member and past president of PCARET (Purdue Council on Agriculture, Research, Extension, and Teaching), and serves as a board member of the LaPorte County Agricultural Association. Brett also volunteers his time with the NP FFA and LaPorte County 4-Hers. His experience in both agriculture and small businesses helps him understand the diverse interests and needs of our community. Brett has been married to Heather for 23 years, and has 3 sons- Blake, Brady, and Brock.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
The key to encouraging economic development in LaPorte County is creating opportunities for growth without destroying the parts of LaPorte County that make us special. The natural beauty and rolling farmland are as much a resource for our community as infrastructure and industrial development. I stand with the right of my fellow farmers to decide what happens on their land, but encourage everyone to consider the long term consequences. Pristine farmland is a finite resource and once it is developed it is gone for good. Future development should focus on revitalizing developed areas rather than building more roads and pouring concrete over farmland.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Having a good working relationship with state and local officials is vital, and through PCARET and my work with the LaPorte County Agricultural Association I have had the chance to meet with state, local, and federal office holders. To maintain those relationships it is important for all of us to set aside egos and focus on the job at hand. Today's political world is unfortunately pretty divided and good ideas can get lost in the shuffle. I believe that good ideas can come from all sides and it is a public servants job to get past the politics and work with the people in our community.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest challenges facing politics in America today. Politicians all have one common goal and that is to serve our community. Doing that requires not only an open mind but a willingness to reach out to all of the stakeholders that will be affected by the decisions government officials make. If you know me, then you know I am never afraid to speak my mind about what I believe is best, but I am also willing to listen to others thoughts and to try new things if I believe they will help our community preserve our heritage and grow our opportunities.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
What experiences, education, and personal characteristics qualify you to serve as a member of this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How will you support and encourage economic growth and development in LaPorte County? Are there any project you would like to see developed or squashed? Please include your thoughts on Solar Farms in LaPorte county, and infrastructure conditions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
What if any changes could be made to improve the county’s working relationship with state and local government?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Will you be willing to collaborate and set aside your differences with other elected officials to put the needs of LaPorte County ahead of your self-interests?
Candidate has not yet responded.