First and Last Name
Andy Bozak
Campaign Address and Email
www.vote4bozak.com
Campaign Phone
219-508-7152
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/bozak4council
My wife and I are proud to be raising our 4 children in the Duneland School district.
With my current tenure on the Porter County Council, previous service on the Burns Harbor Town Council, and a decade-long role as Director of Operations at Reliable Transportation, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My dedication to transparency, accessibility, and community service defines my approach as a representative. I am committed to serving our county with honesty and diligence.
For a detailed list of the boards and committees I've served on, please visit: https://www.portercountyrepublicans.com/meet-andy-bozak-candidate-for-county-council.html
If re-elected, my top priorities are fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement. I'll ensure transparent budget management, prioritize infrastructure project, and foster open communication by providing my personal cell phone number (219-508-7152) and many other ways to reach me (email, facebook and other social media sites). I'll work collaboratively to address these priorities and deliver meaningful results for Porter County.
Ensuring transparency, accountability, and access to Council proceedings is vital for building trust and collaboration in our community. To achieve this, I'll prioritize accessible information, including regular website updates and live-streamed meetings. Active engagement, through social media and community forums, will ensure every voice is heard. Upholding transparency, I'll adhere to ethical standards and our state's open records policy, making all meetings available online. Together, with these efforts, we'll keep building a Council that's committed to serving our community's needs.
Ensuring easy access to my office for county residents is crucial. Providing my personal cell phone number, 219-508-7152, ensures direct communication and eliminates barriers. I make sure to return calls and messages, aiming to address concerns promptly.
Additionally, I maintain an open-door policy, welcoming residents to contact me anytime so setup a meeting or phone call. Leveraging technology, I utilize email and social media to broaden accessibility. Together, we'll foster transparency and open communication to build a stronger, more inclusive community
Addressing affordable housing in Porter County is a top priority. I focus on collaboration with nonprofits, supporting affordable housing initiatives, and promoting economic development. I maintain fiscal responsibility to keep taxes low while investing in community infrastructure like parks. By tackling these challenges comprehensively, we aim to ensure all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Our role isn't pivotal, but we can certainly contribute. As the financial arm of county government, we prioritize investments in technology that benefit our environment. By supporting initiatives that promote sustainability and reduce carbon footprint, we contribute to environmental conservation in Porter County and Northwest Indiana.
I'm proud to share that, alongside a dedicated team, we've raised Porter County's debt rating to 'AA', signifying our commitment to financial stability. This upgrade benefits county residents by ensuring lower interest rates on bonds, saving taxpayer dollars and enabling more investment in essential services like infrastructure, education, and public safety. Your support is crucial as we continue this progress together. Communication is key to effective representation, and I'm dedicated to being accessible. Feel free to reach out to me directly at 219-508-7152. Let's work together for a stronger Porter County!
First and Last Name
Michael Brickner
Campaign Address and Email
bricknerm31@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
2194053572
Social Media and Website Links
N/A
I have served PC residents in one capacity or another for 37 years. I have served on the Council into my 4th year and I am currently council president. I am familiar with the needs and challenges.
1. Ambulance service for rural residents.
2. Road, bridge and stormwater funding.
3. Bond management for Highway garage and jail upgrades.
All meetings are public and recorded. Decisions regarding spending of tax payer money are discussed in open meetings.
My email and personal cell number is available.
Porter County is desirable place to live. The responsibility of the council is to provide the needed services to our residents and spend tax payers money wisely.
The council appoints the most qualified individuals to specific boards to represent our environmental goals and needs.
Serving is a privilege. I understand the issues and we have challenges ahead of us. Decisions are going to be made and I bring experience and wisdom to the council.
First and Last Name
Michelle Harris
Campaign Address and Email
friendsofmichelleharris@gmail.com 2102 Monaghan Avenue Valparaiso, IN 46385
Campaign Phone
2194779937
Social Media and Website Links
www.friendsofmichelleharris.com https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089949963999
I have lived in Valparaiso for over 15 years and I am an English teacher at Valparaiso High School. I am a graduate of Ball State University and Valparaiso University. I also serve as the Valparaiso High School Student Council Sponsor and the Freshman Class sponsor. I am an active member of my Temple and serve as the Temple Israel Board Secretary. I am married to Chuck Harris, the Porter County Recorder. My role as a teacher demonstrates my ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and to lead and organize groups. My desire to expand my outreach and serve the people of Porter County in a broader capacity highlights my commitment to public service and making a positive impact on our community.
My top three priorities are public safety, addressing infrastructure needs in a fiscally responsible manner, and increasing government transparency. A careful analysis of our compensation, benefits, training, and equipment for our safety personnel to ensure that we are competitive with area departments and able to continue to attract the best candidates to our first responders. I would like to find more effective avenues for communicating with citizens and making it easier for them to obtain useful information and access county and community services. We need to maintain our infrastructure in a fiscally responsible manner before we have to overspend by replacing and rebuilding.
Regular Communication Channels - Implement regular communication channels such as newsletters, email updates, and social media platforms to inform constituents about Council proceedings, upcoming meetings, and important decisions. Accessible Meeting Information - Providing up-to-date and accessible information about Council meetings, agendas, and minutes on the County Council's website. Public Outreach and Engagement - Actively engaging with constituents through public forums, town hall meetings, and community events to gather feedback, address concerns, and discuss important issues facing the community. Access to a transparent government and government information allows citizens to make informed decisions about their lives.
I would like to find more effective avenues for communicating with citizens and making it easier for them to obtain useful information and access county and community services. I believe that building trusting relationships with the people in our community is key. It is our civic duty to respond to questions and concerns from the people of Porter County in a timely fashion. My job is to listen to the people of Porter County and give all of our citizens a voice. Much like being available to my students and their parents, I will be available by phone, email, and or in-person to hear community concerns.
The housing study makes clear that this is an issue in Porter County. I think continuing to build and support relationships with nonprofits is key. Our county government gives a considerable amount of funding to local nonprofits as a means of assistance. However, we could maximize those benefits by making sure residents in need understand the available resources. For many years I was a single mom and I fully understand how important it is to have affordable and safe housing. I don’t know that there is one right answer to this question, but I am willing to research, learn, and help develop more options for our community.
I believe that the County Council has a responsibility to prioritize environmental protection efforts and work collaboratively with stakeholders to safeguard the natural resources, ecosystems, and quality of life for current and future generations in Porter County and the NWI region. I will advocate for environmental education programs and initiatives that raise awareness about local environmental issues, empower residents to take action, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. I recognize that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration and partnerships across sectors, including government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and residents.
My decision to run for a County Council seat is because of my passion to be a part of something bigger and serve the people in our community on a larger level. I have the drive and desire to make Porter County the best that it can be! I think that it's crucial to elect candidates with both strong qualifications and genuine intentions. I believe it is crucial to possess honesty, a proven history of tackling challenges, and a dedicated record of serving the community with the primary goal of making a positive impact on people's lives.
