The seven-member council appropriates all funds for county use, adopts the county budget, fixes the county tax rate, and has exclusive power to borrow money for the county.The 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. {IC 36-2-5-7}● Establishing salaries, wages, per diems, and other compensation for all county officials and employees. {IC 36-2-5-3}● Fixing tax rates and establishing levies on all county property for the purpose of raising funds to meet budget requirements in conducting county business [IC 36-2-5-11}, as well as authorizing the borrowing of money in the form of bonds and notes. {IC 36-2- 6-18}● Appropriating public funds, i.e., authorizing the expenditure of county money by particular officials or departments for specific purposes. {IC 36-2-5-11 and IC 36-2-5-12}● Authorizing certain purchases or sales of county owned land. {IC 36-1-11-3}
Campaign Phone (Include area code)
765-273-3355
Education (degree/year/where)
High School
Occupation
Firefighter/ EMt
Experience and qualifications
Firefighter Lieutenant, Director of Operations for IAFF Local 4416, Former Structural Steel and Bolted Connections Inspector with Patriot Engineering
Community involvements
Volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and Muncie Soup Kitchen
Incumbent?
No
Previously sought/Held offices
None
As a member of the Delaware County Council, I would be committed to being an accessible advocate for our constituents and a proactive problem solver for our community. I will focus on developing creative, revenue generating strategies within established boundaries to ensure our county departments and public needs are funded. My goal is to achieve this by building stronger connections between multiple entities that provide communities and residents with better access to essential resources and information to assist in community growth.
2
Tax abatements are an essential tool for economic growth, but history suggests they must be used cautiously. Some industries may exploit these incentives, particularly in communities perceived as desperate for employment, only to relocate once the abatements expire. While these measures can drive development, we must ensure they are not used to take advantage of our local resources.
The passage of SEA1 has significantly altered the strategies counties use to budget for departments and community needs. While this legislation makes county-level budgeting more complex, Delaware County can still leverage specific components of the new law to our advantage. I have begun consulting with experts on this topic and will continue these discussions in the coming months. It is vital that the Delaware County Council remains fully informed to proactively protect our community from the potential drawbacks of this legislation. By doing so, we can identify creative and flexible ways to secure resources and generate funds that foster local growth.
While each of these issues is significant, as a County Council Member, it is important that I do not concentrate on any single one in isolation. In this role, I must collaborate with fellow council members and community leaders to ensure constituents have the space and opportunity to express their needs, allowing us to prioritize them effectively and holistically.
4
I strongly support maintaining the three separate economic development “arms.” This system allows voices from different backgrounds to be heard, ensuring that the needs of communities of different sizes are best represented. I do, however, believe that it is best for the community if these three “arms” collaborate and work together to find solutions for community members. This will allow for shared resources, developing a team environment, and working together to foster healthier, stronger economic growth.
As a County Council Member, I would not be responsible for TIF Districts as a means of economic development.
No. I am not in favor of moving the remaining offices in the County Building to the new Justice Center on S. Tillotson. The current building is centrally located, easily accessible, and close to local transit. This accessibility is vital for the public to reach county resources. Moving these offices would create unnecessary barriers for those with the fewest resources, making it harder for them to voice their concerns and access essential services.
