Vanderburgh County Commissioner District 2
The Commissioners are the executive leaders of county government for Vanderburgh County. The three commissioners live in different districts in the county and are elected countywide. Districts 1 and 3 are elected in Presidential election years and District 2 is elected in Presidential mid-term election years.The three officials who comprise the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners are elected from and represent separate districts for a term of four years. In general, the Board of Commissioners is responsible for the administration of county business. The commissioners may enact ordinances to meet local conditions and exercise other authority vested in the board by the legislature. Key duties for the Board of Commissioners include operating and maintaining all county facilities and properties, negotiating contracts, permitting purchasing and claim payments, receiving bids for construction projects and maintenance of roads and bridge, making appointments to certain board and authorities, overseeing certain election functions, and preparing the annual county budget.
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Justin Elpers
(Rep)
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
What are your top two priorities as Commissioner if you are (re)elected in 2026?
The City of Evansville’s Complete Street policy was signed into law in October 2021. As it pertains to Vanderburgh County, how will you ensure there is a range of safe, affordable, and dependable transportation options for people who choose to or must walk, bike, and/or ride public transportation to where they need to go?
What specific recommendations do you have to ensure Vanderburgh County has affordable, accessible housing options for people of all ages and abilities, whether with new construction and/or supporting home rehabilitation and repairs?
The changes in Property Tax Revenue will have an impact on County Budgets. What actions do you think the County should take to continue to provide services to the residents?
I have fourteen years’ experience as a high school social studies teacher, seven years in petroleum sales, seven years on Evansville City Council, and currently serving my fourth year as Vanderburgh County Commissioner. Through these experiences, collaboration and compromise have been key to achieving a successful outcome for others.
My priorities as Vanderburgh Co. Commissioner are putting the economy first, supporting our public safety, and continuing to improve upon our quality of life in the county. These priorities will ensure families have good paying jobs while feeling safe in their community.
The complete street policy should be flexible in its application. The County Road infrastructure is different compared to the City of Evansville. For example, in the County if a school, shopping center, park, or housing is nearby, then yes, walking and bike paths would be recommended in the street design. If no such things are nearby, then walking & bike paths may not be in the street design.
When it comes to public transportation, the Vanderburgh Co. Commissioners continue to renew the METS bus route for U.S.I. students. In addition, in 2025 the Vanderburgh Co. Commissioners helped finance a regional feasibility study with the City of Evansville, City of Henderson, and Warrick County to better understand our public transit needs.
My vision for housing and smart land use in Vanderburgh County is a balanced approach. The balance is protecting existing neighborhoods while continuing to lessen the burden of regulations on the developer. With this approach, the developer will have better options to build, and costly regulations will not have to be passed onto the consumer.
Tax revenue will look different for Vanderburgh County after the passing of Indiana Senate Bill 1. Since being in office, I have worked closely with City Council, the Mayor, and County Council on several measures to stretch the tax dollar. If elected, I will make sure tax dollars are spent prudently & public services are not interrupted.
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