First and Last Name
Nicole Baker
Campaign Address and Email
nlwayman@yahoo.com
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556663222581&mibextid=hu50Ix
I have an engineering degree with a business minor and 20 years of experience in civil and structural engineering work. My work experience includes doing the civil and structural design work for buildings, bridges, and roads, managing large and small projects, reading, and drafting technical reports, writing, and reviewing proposals, reviewing bids, and construction administration work with clients and contractors. These projects have been commercial and industrial in nature, so I have a vast array of
experience with several types of projects. I also have excellent working relationships with all my coworkers and clients. My experience will help assist County Agencies in effective planning for the maintenance of county infrastructure.
My priorities are in line with the role of the County Council. As a citizen and taxpayer, I would like to help ensure that our tax dollars are utilized in the most efficient and frugal manner possible to ensure that we are investing for a maximum rate of return. Having spent the last several years attending meetings and watching the Council struggle to find solutions to the issues we face, I would like to become more involved in assisting with
effective planning. The county faces significant challenges in keeping our roads maintained during the next ten years. My experience and abilities will be helpful in these challenging problem areas.
I have spent the last several years attending meetings and if I could not, I have watched video recordings or read the minutes. I would like to have these meetings livestreamed as much as possible. I also would like to have more information available in the agendas before the meetings. I have looked at agendas for recent meetings and seen things as simple as “second reading” without any information about the topic. I would like there to be links in the online versions of the agendas that direct to pertinent
documents. Social media is an excellent way to keep constituents informed, but that only works for the people who are on social media and follow agencies. I pledge to answer emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
The easiest way to ensure access is publishing email and phone numbers for either email, text, or phone conversations.
Affordable housing does not fall into the responsibilities of the county council directly, but utilizing our tax dollars in the most efficient and frugal way possible will help keep taxes at reasonable rates and should translate into housing that is more affordable than would otherwise be possible
As a citizen raising a family in Porter County, I am obviously very concerned about environmental protection. I believe in using a common sense approach in addressing environmental issues with more serious issues given higher priority over unachievable
less serious issues that are based on junk science with unrealistic and unobtainable politically driven targets. A large part of any Civil Engineering project are environmental impact assessments and statements.
The role of the county council is fiduciary in nature and should be non-partisan. The primary is closed, so obviously this is not applicable to the primary election, but for the general election, democrats can feel comfortable voting for me. We all want low taxes and an efficient, transparent government. We as citizens should all want the most qualified and most motivated people steering the county into the future. Qualifications should to my mind preferably reflect ability and pertinent work experience.
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
Bob DeRuntz
Campaign Address and Email
46 Sager Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383 bob.deruntz@gmail.com
Campaign Phone
219-465-3883
Social Media and Website Links
www.BobDeRuntz.com
I have a Masters Degree in History and have been a history teacher at Chesterton High School for 29 years, where I was named the Indiana Outstanding History Teacher of the Year last year by the Daughters of the American Revolution. I also serve as the co-President and Chairman of Negotiations for the Duneland Teachers Association, where I have worked to increase the starting Duneland teacher’s salary from one of the lowest in the county to one of the highest in the state. Additionally, I am a legislative liaison for the Indiana State Teachers Association, working with our state legislators to advocate for public education and fight for collective bargaining rights for the Region’s labor unions.
As your Porter County Councilman, I will focus on good policy for the betterment of our entire community. I will work to maintain public safety by providing the County Sheriff with the resources needed to keep our communities safe. I will prioritize quality roads, safe bridges and stormwater management while keeping a healthy balance between our infrastructure needs and lower taxes. I will ensure that professionalism guides Board appointments to ensure well led county government agencies. I will work to establish a dedicated funding source for our Porter County Parks as a social infrastructure investment. I will continue to emphasize competitive pay for our county employees because county government is only as good as the people who run it.
I have learned in my leadership roles that it is essential to listen and be responsive to people’s concerns. Solutions are found when we talk to each other, not at each other. While we may not always agree, it is important that people can express their thoughts. As a Porter County Councilman, I will make myself available to speak to my constituents, as well as share my contact information so people have the ability to ask questions and receive a thoughtful response.
I will make myself available to speak to constituents at Porter County Council meetings, as well as share my contact information with constituents so they always have the ability to reach me as their Porter Council Council representative. My email address is bob.deruntz@gmail.com, and my phone number is 219-465-3883.
For the last 15 years I have worked to help build affordable housing in our community by volunteering with Project Neighbors. I want Porter County to be a place that the working men and women of our community can afford to live in. I will be thoughtful about the decisions that I make on the County Council regarding possible TIF districts, tax abatements and how we work with the Redevelopment Commission to ensure that the decisions we are making are designed to positively impact the people of Porter County, including ways in which we can create an environment for people to have access to attainable housing.
I think it is important that every level of government takes appropriate actions to protect our environment from pollution and its inherent environmental consequences.. As a County Councilman, I will work to promote a healthy balance between the industrial engine of our economy and smart environmental regulations that are enforceable to help to protect Porter County’s air quality, soil, water and natural habitats, both for today and into the future.
I am running for the Porter County Council because I think it is essential that we elect leaders in our community who are honest, well qualified, and have a proven track record of working to make a positive difference in people's lives. That is what I have done for the last 29 years as a teacher, volunteer, union leader and in county government on the Board of Directors for the Porter County Parks and Recreation. I look forward to the opportunity to help lead on the Porter County Council to move Porter County forward together, because we are better together. Visit www.BobDeRuntz.com to learn more about my campaign.
First and Last Name
Sylvia Graham
Campaign Address and Email
graham4reel@comcast.net
Campaign Phone
219-928-0637
I lived my entire adult life in Porter Co. and raised a family here. I received my AD degree in Nursing from IU. I received my BSN in Nursing from Purdue. I was the first FNP on medical staff at Northwest Hospital (Porter). I was the Porter Co. 4-H leader for 11 years. I was elected to 4 terms to serve on Porter Co. Council. I serve on the PCACS board and the Recycling & Waste District for 15 years and the Juvenile Detention board for 8 years. I am liaison to 15 county departments. I am a founding member of the Porter Co. Charitable Foundation. I feel my work is not done and I have the energy, experience and desire to continue serving. I listen and I am accessible to the public. For these reasons, I am running for reelection.
My three top priorities are:
1. Safety initiatives. I will continue to support the Sheriffs, Highway, Stormwater and Bridge departments resource needs to insure safety and safe conditions for travel throughout the county.
2. Promoting sound planning and maintenance for job growth, keeping taxes low. Over 16 years, we have been fiscally responsible, maintaining low taxes and improving our bond rating, allowing us to bond for major projects, such as the highway garage.
3. Protecting our ecosystem. Double tracking on the South Shore provided additional funding for major projects including new sewer lines in the town of Porter, extending in to the National and State parks and preventing water and soil contamination.
All council meetings are live streamed, as they are occurring. All county council meetings are recorded and available on the county website for viewing. Local newspapers publish 10 days in advance the agendas of all public meetings. All county records are available on county website. Questions can be asked via the portal on the county website. I am active on Facebook and by word of mouth. I make certain my constituents are aware of good and bad news in their areas. All of my contact information is available through my office, on Facebook and the telephone directory. I can be reached via office and home phones, email, internet and Facebook and I spend time participating in community events.
For the past 15 years, my constituents have contacted me through emails, phone calls and the council office. Many times over the years I have been thanked for returning constituents calls and emails. I will continue to remain available by whatever means, to listen, to act and find answers to their inquiries.
Supply and demand continue to be a problem throughout Porter Co. Currently, there are 3 subdivisions being planned for Hebron. I am told beginning house prices begin at $325,000. We need to come up with creative ways to get more assistance to first time home buyers. Offering grants through the Economic Redevelopment Commission, to first responders, nurses and educators, would be a creative way to provide a step up to these first-time home buyers. Model homes can be discounted as a further incentive.
We must do all we can to protect planet Earth. I sit on the Porter Co. Recycling & Waste Board that is supported by a tax levy that household residents pay. We have collection sites open all week and Saturday for leaves, yard waste and other waste products and recyclables. Mulch is a by-product of the natural waste and is available to residents. There are several scheduled Hazardous Waste Material drop off sites throughout the county. Recently, China has stopped buying our recycled glass and plastic. Hobart and Portage have halted curbside recycling pickup. What we must do is reach out and investigate new ways of breaking down and repurposing disposable materials. We must continue offering recycling options throughout the county.
These are challenging times. I have worked hard, listening and interacting with my constituents. I am the only woman presently on the council. I am retired and do not want to see taxes increased. The county has one of the lowest tax rates in the state and I will work hard to keep it that way! I am asking for your support and your vote in the primary and general elections, for I feel my work is not done. Thank you!
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.
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First and Last Name
Nate Uldricks
Campaign Address and Email
www.nateuldricks.com and nate@nateuldricks.com
Campaign Phone
2198146283
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/nateuldricksportercountycouncil
YouTube Video
I am a 3rd generation county citizen raising my own young family here–I am deeply vested in its long-term success. I serve as the Pine Township Board Chair, the township's fiscal body; a Volunteer Firefighter; and on the Parks Foundation Board. Previously, I served in finance and management roles at the US Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget. In my day job, I help run a small business that builds digital technologies for small to mid-sized businesses and non-profits. Now we’re building an app to help survivors of human trafficking. I am a graduate of Portage High School and have a BS in Engineering from Purdue University, MA in Government from Johns Hopkins University, and a MBA from the University of Virginia.
As Porter County Councilman, I would like to craft a long-term, forward-looking vision for the county that sets the course for us to build a place that we love and that we can be proud to leave to future generations. 1. Build a strong, innovative, high-wage economy–this is how we will afford everything else while keeping taxes low. With our deep history in manufacturing, I want us to be the “Workshop of America” of the 21st Century. 2. Strengthen and broaden public safety in fire protection, law enforcement, first response, and safety on roads and rails. 3. Build the safest, nicest, and cleanest roads in the state by reducing traffic accidents, improving traffic flow, increasing “Adopt a Road” clean-ups, and quickly fixing potholes
Being a Councilman means you’re obligated to listen fairly to all sides, to make decisions based upon facts and data, and to have the courage to publicly explain your rationale. That is how I have run my Township Board and will continue to operate as Councilman. We give every citizen who attends meetings the time to give remarks and have learned a great deal from them and have taken their comments seriously. As Councilman I want to de-mystify county spending and outcomes. I want to use simple data visualizations to easily show where their tax dollars are being spent and the return on investment. Ultimate transparency and accountability lies in being able to see if your elected officials are doing a good job based upon true results.
One of my favorite things about being an elected official serving the people is to regularly meet with citizens and help solve their problems. As Councilman, I will maintain an open-door policy and offer citizens my email and cell phone. We can set-up a formal meeting or something less formal like a coffee to talk through the issues of the day. The best ideas and solutions to problems often come from the citizens themselves, so I would like to create regular workshops, brainstorm sessions, and opinion surveys to solicit feedback, suggestions, and ideas from the citizens. That said, my email address is nate.uldricks@pinetownshipin.org and my personal cell phone number is 219-814-6283.
When I think of the American Dream, I think of a family owning its own home. Porter County needs to be–above all else–a great place to raise and support a family, and that means being able to afford and own a home. As mentioned above, my top priority is to grow our economy with innovative, high-paying, family-sustaining jobs so that people can afford a home that they love while also enjoying top shelf amenities and great roads. In addition, we should redevelop and repurpose abandoned buildings to something productive, including housing (where safe). As Councilman, I will collaborate with not only the county but also the municipalities to explore all options to safeguard the American Dream in Porter County.
For over a hundred years, Porter County (and NWI) have had to strike a balance between its industrial economy and its natural beauty and resources. As an Industrial Engineer as well as a Master Naturalist, I deeply appreciate this balance. I believe as a county we can have both and maintain that balance. In my work as the Chair of the Pine Township Board, I’m helping with efforts to clean-up the coal ash from the NIPSCO power plant to ensure township safety. In addition, my family and I adopted a county road and are on the hook to clean it 2-3 times a year. As Councilman, I will find creative solutions–such as increasing Adopt-a-Road projects–to protect our beautiful natural environment while striking a balance with our industrial economy.
I love this county. I consider myself blessed to grow up here and now raise my own family here. I love that we can drive for five minutes in any direction and be on some county road in the middle of cornfields, or that we can awe at the colossal industrial might on the county’s north end, or stroll along cool little downtowns and shops, or take in the beautiful lake and sand dunes. Very few people in the country have what we have. However, without farsighted leadership, we are a few bad decisions away from losing it. This is why I’m running for Porter County Council: to provide a long-term vision that sets us up for generational success. I want us all to get in the same boat and row in the same direction and build a great future together!
First and Last Name
Erik Wagner
Campaign Address and Email
ewagner0021@gmail.com 225 N Bailey Dr Porter IN 46304
Campaign Phone
2194060021
Social Media and Website Links
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556806739199&mibextid=sCpJLy
With nearly two decades of local political involvement, including serving on the Porter Town Council, Porter County Council, being a liaison to police, fire, and and public works department. I have a background in political science from Purdue University, I bring a wealth of experience and education to the County Council. My dedication to our community, combined with personal characteristics such as integrity and empathy, uniquely qualify me to represent Porter County residents effectively
Economic Development: Empowering small businesses promoting entrepreneurship and attracting new industries to diversify our economy and create prosperity.
Public Safety: Strengthening community-police relations to promote transparency and accountability.
Prioritizing crime prevention through education, job training, and social services.
Environmental Economics: Maximizing economic opportunities by leveraging our natural treasures, like the National Park, for tourism and outdoor recreation. Supporting local businesses to thrive in the growing environmental tourism sector.
I'm committed to transparency and accessibility. I'll ensure access to Council proceedings through live streams, online agendas, and social media updates. If there is interest, I would recommend holding regular bipartisan town hall meetings to provide direct engagement with constituents, keeping them informed and involved in local governance.
I'll establish regular office hours, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Additionally, I'll maintain open lines of communication through phone, email, and virtual meetings to address concerns promptly
As a county councilman, I recognize the pressing need for affordable housing in Porter County. My priorities include advocating for policies that incentivize the development of affordable housing units, collaborating with local stakeholders to identify suitable locations for housing projects, and securing funding to support affordable housing initiatives.
As a County Council member, I am deeply committed to environmental protection efforts within Porter County and Northwest Indiana. I believe it is our responsibility to safeguard our natural resources for future generations. My position is to advocate for policies that promote sustainability, preserve green spaces, and mitigate environmental impacts. This includes supporting initiatives to reduce pollution, conserve water and energy, and promote responsible land use practices. I will work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that prioritize environmental stewardship while fostering economic growth and community well-being
Hello, Porter County voters! I'm Erik Wagner, and I'm running for County Council to bring positive change to our community. With nearly two decades of local political involvement and a commitment to transparency and accessibility, I'm ready to serve you. My platform focuses on crucial issues like public safety, economic development, environmental stewardship, social services. I'll work tirelessly to ensure your voices are heard and your needs are met. Let's build a stronger, more resilient Porter County together. Remember to support our unions, believe in our community, and vote Wagner!
