The financial powers of a county are placed with the county council, which serves as a check on the board of commissioners and board of finance. For election purposes, each county is divided into four districts, with one council member elected from each district and three members elected at large resulting in a seven-member council each elected for four-year staggered terms. Powers and duties are numerous including the following:· Approving and fixing annual operating budgets of all county departments· Authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notes· Authorizing the expenditure of public funds for specific purposes· Establishing salaries and other compensation· Fiscal affairs· Fixing tax rates and levies· Setting priorities for the allocation of public fundsTerm: 4 years
Education
Bachelors of Arts from DePauw University (Communications/Economics) & Masters of Science from Purdue University (Educational Administration)
Experience in Leadership and Management
20 years as a Teacher, Coach and Administrator in the Lafayette School Corporation, Tippecanoe County Council for the past 7 years, serve on the following boards: Greater Lafayette Police Foundation, CityBus, Tippecanoe County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Cary Home Advisory Board, Tippecanoe Count Local Environmental Financing Board, I am an Eagle Scout and also serve as a member of the Eagle Scout Review Committee. I have also been a youth basketball, baseball, soccer and golf coach.
My budget priorities are to continue to lower our expenses through collaborative work with the department heads and other elected officials. At the beginning of the year I stated my goal was to figure out a way to provide a 5% raise for all county employees. This will be very difficult to achieve but we are working diligently to try and meet this goal. Secondly, I will continue to look for ways to build a juvenile detention facility. The need is there as we allocated $1 million in 2025 to house juveniles throughout the state. Last, as our population continues to grow we must fund additional public safety positions to keep up with the growth.
We need to ensure the infrastructure is place to support the growth. This includes roads, walking paths, parks and utilities (Tippecanoe County Government does not provide utilities but we can work with our local partner agencies in their areas of expertise) along with providing adequate personnel to keep up with the growth. We need to ensure zoning and future planning is worked out well in advance for consistent, stable growth in our townships with public input to help guide future plans. While the council does not handle policy decisions (that is a Commissioner role) we do need to fiscally support policies and planning. This is achieved by continuing to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
There have been several subdivisions recently approved for development and this will help with housing availability in the county. However, this does not help with the affordability question of housing. I often hear how difficult it is to live, work and play in Tippecanoe County do the high costs of owning or renting a residence. One potential option is to work with our townships who provide housing and/or utility assistance for those individuals who qualify by providing an additional allocation shall it be needed. This would allow the townships to continue to provide the services they currently provide while potentially reaching more people until they are able to support themselves without assistance.
Campaign Phone
765-426-9145
Education
Assoc degree Business Management
Experience in Leadership and Management
Small business owner, President Lafayette Professional Firefighters Local 472
As a 27-year firefighter for the City of Lafayette, I am concerned about the future of public safety. With the passage of SEA1 last year, counties are still assessing how property tax reform will impact budgets over the next few years. Given the strain on police fire, and EMS budgets, it is crucial we exercise fiscal responsibility with LIT funds and taxes.
So as a county council member, I would make my top budget priority to hold those departments accountable for the funds collected, assuring the tax burden passed on to our citizens is being utilized to sustain the current and future needs of the community.
Given the escalating costs and budgetary constraints affecting communities statewide, it is crucial that we assess our strengths and needs. Collaborate with stakeholders to establish attainable objectives and attract high caliber businesses that provide well- paying jobs. By doing this we can create a stable tax base to address those financial obligations.
I have served in a township trustee office doing poor relief housing inspections. It is crucial to hold landlords accountable for providing quality, affordable housing. That inspection assured that the system is not abused and those in need have access to these services, especially in the light of property tax relief discussions. It is essential that any savings are passed on to residents and not absorbed by the property owners. Ultimately, lower rents or property improvement reinvestment are vital for providing quality, affordable housing in our community. Restricting investment REITs from purchasing single-family housing may also be a consideration that needs addressed to be sure our citizens have access to home ownership.
