DUTIES OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL (From the LaPorte County Website)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 agenciesEstablishing 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).
Occupation/Background
Informatics Professor at Valparaiso University / Foundation President
I have the ability to work with people from across many different flieds and occupations in order to achieve purposeful and shared goals. I do this daily in my work as an informatics professor as well as my role as President of the Say No To The LaPorte Corridor Foundation. I have deep roots in this county. My 3rd great-grandfather arrived here in 1827. There wasn't even a "LaPorte County" offically at that time. My family still lives upon the land that he settled. I am proud of that and it is part of what drives me to work, serve and protect the best interests of my fellow citizens.
To encourage economic growth we must keep our infrastructure up to date as well as address the housing issues in LaPorte County. We want to seed growth while at the same time protecting our vital natural life that makes LaPorte County unique and appealing to not only residents but newcomers and vistors. I am not a fan of anything that takes away farmland or threatens the homes of our citizens. I support the work that our County Commissioners have been doing to regulate the locations of data centers. The same with Solar projects. No one wants to wake up one moring and find such structures in their backyard. Progress is essential but must be done so with respect to the good people that call LaPorte County home. As a member of the council this will be my firmest intention.
Communcation and transparency are key in all working relationship and state and local government are no exception.
As founding member and president of the Say No To The LaPorte Corridor foundation I have worked with several members of the opposite party through the course of the last few years. Despite the great political divisions prevalent in our comtemporary culture we worked well together. I tend to do more listening then talking. As a member of the council I will do the same.
Occupation/Background
Foundation Director
Campaign phone
2192109089
Building on my prior experience in Town government with long-standing dedication to LaPorte County, overall, I bring a practical approach to public service.
After serving more than a decade on the Trail Creek Town Council, including 8 years as the Council President, I understand how government funding works and how local government decisions can affect every day life. I carry that perspective into my role on the County Council.
I serve as a liaison to the LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission (RDC), which gives me insight into how these projects take shape. While the Council doesn’t run economic development, I trust the LaPorte County Economic Development office to bring the expertise and data we need. My role is to ask the right questions and make sure decisions are responsible and in the best interest of our community.
I believe LaPorte County can work better when we stay connected and communicate openly with our state and local partners.
That means picking up the phone or sending an email, sharing information when possible, and working together on priorities like infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth.
When we’re on the same page, we can bring more resources into our community, avoid duplication, and solve problems faster. At the end of the day, it’s about communication, respect, and keeping the focus on what’s best for the people we serve.
I believe we do our best work when we’re willing to work together. I’m always open to listening, having honest conversations, and finding common ground—even when we disagree. This role isn’t about personal agendas—it’s about serving LaPorte County.
I’m committed to setting aside differences, staying focused on shared priorities, and making decisions that put our community first.
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