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).
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Occupation/Background
Private Investor
Campaign phone
219-363-7485
I worked as a Federal credit union examiner out of college. I am a former two-term La Porte City Councilman, and served as Auditor of La Porte County (the chief financial officer) for 4 years from 2021-2024. I have a B.S. in Accounting from DePaul University (1990). I am a professional money manager and have been a private investor for the last 35 years. I am well versed in business, finance, accounting, and auditing. I am thrifty and protective of my own money, and the public's money. Public accountability, honesty, and integrity are fundamental to me, and I have shown a deep-seated commitment to fighting against corruption and self-dealing in my governmental service, including taking great personal risks to confront and root out self-interested players.
Public integrity is fundamental to getting outside investors to be willing to locate here. We similarly should not be "giving away the store" with tax abatements, etc., to business interests, as a reflection of "desperation." Our way of life in this county is precious and special; it is also a strength that is supposed to ATTRACT businesses. We need to protect both our natural environment, and architectural environment (especially in the cities) so that we can remain that stable, charming place business wants to locate in. Solar Farms and Data centers need to be highly regulated, from a zoning standpoint, and put in places where they will not disturb the lives of existing residents. Quality infrastructure is fundamental to a willingness of businesses to invest here.
That is a difficult question to answer, as far as "changes." Relationships between county officials, and our area state reps and senators is fundamental. The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) is an important liaison between the counties and state, and I have been an active participant in that organization's events/trainings in my prior 4 years of service as county auditor. The state puts in too many "top down" mandates upon the counties and municipalities. They like to cut taxes for residents, which leaves local officeholders having to figure out how to "re-raise" the money that has been lost, which makes us look like the bad guy. This must stop.
I don't accept the form of the question. I don't have self-interest in my public service. I love to collaborate. And I do what I think is right and best for the people. I can readily disagree with other public officials, in good faith, without being disagreeable, except in the case where a public official is seeking to violate the law to feather his or her own nest, or is otherwise engaging in self-dealing or corruption. That kind of behavior needs to be confronted and exposed. And it does exist in LP County, sadly. "What I may want" is almost never important...unless I want it for the right reasons, which is because it is what I truly believe is best for the county, and our people. I don't have any ego needs when it comes to public service. Service transcends awareness of self.
