The board of commissioners consists of three elected individuals elected from separate districts in which they must reside, but elected from the county at large. Their term is 4 years, elected on a staggered basis. Their duties include controlling, maintaining and supervising county property; supervising construction and maintenance of roads and bridges; contracting with private people or corporations for ambulance services; establishing solid waste districts and serving on the district boards; making appointments to boards, commissions and other agencies as provided by law; and providing zoning and planning for the county.The commissioners must hold monthly meetings, must furnish and maintain a courthouse, jail and public offices for the elected county officials. They must audit the books of the county treasurer and county auditor.The county commissioners appoint the following boards and commissions: merit board, health department, park board, highway department, plan commission, weights and measures board, hospital board, capital improvement board, drainage board, redevelopment commission and building commission.
Education
MBA - Indiana Tech, MS Psychology - Saint Francis, BS - Personnel - IPFW
Current Employment
Small Business Owner - Founder and President of Harris Human Resources Group, Inc., and ActionCOACH- Business Coaching Franchise. Previously - served as the HR Director for Allen County Government, Director of HR for Fort Wayne Community Schools.
Political Experience
Served as Allen County Councilman since 2011 - 14 years. 3 Times as President. Served as St. Joe Township Board Member previously.
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Tom Harris for County Commissioner Campaign
Campaign Phone
260-704-7333
The County growing as fast as it has and will continue to grow, is our biggest overall challenge. This growth will require focus on areas that include; housing, roads and infrastructure, judicial system adequately meeting the needs of citizens, encouraging companies to locate and/or stay in Allen County, additional focus on qualities of life as our County grows - parks, schools, childcare and safety for our citizens...to mention only a few, keeping taxes low and government responsive and effective, and overall making the services of our County government efficient for the tax payers of Allen County.
Being President of County Council last year during the intensive deliberations of the jail has made me uniquely qualified to manage and control costs that were identified and negotiated during the passage of this project. I was responsible to assure that the language in the construction agreements had a cap on how much the project can exceed as well as a "not to exceed" amount too. My experience and leadership that I've gained in my career and in working in local government, prepares me as the best to manage and control these potential costs.
I was able to speak with numerous community organizations, citizens, elected officials and leadership and the Allen County Judicial system about ways to reduce or manage costs going forward.
Over 5 years ago, Allen County Council provided funds to assist in the opioid crisis. These funds were a direct result of Council wanting to assist in the aid of this epidemic. The State is now providing additional funding that is going to our judicial system as well as our Board of Health. We have worked closely in the last several years in assisting our Judges to tackle these issues with alternative sentencing and providing medical programs as discussed recently in our recent County Council meetings.
From a Commissioner's role, I will continue to build and maintain effective communication with the various organizations in our community to meet the growing needs that they have identified. These will be areas that require State funding
In my 14 yr. years of experience on Council, and previously serving as the HR Director for Allen County, I have a strong record of effectively working with employees and constituents successfully. My responsibility as an elected official has been and will continue to be to listen to anyone and at anytime to gain an understanding of issues that are brought to me. I will create Commissioner's Round Table format that will develop and maintain ongoing communication with citizens, communities and leaders throughout the County to gain input on issues of importance to the County. The Commissioner's role is to continually have an open door... for all citizens, on all issues and at all times. I will have a continual process of communication.
Education
Bachelors - Indiana State University; Doctor of Jurisprudence - Indiana University
Current Employment
Ambassador Enterprises - SVP and Executive Director of the Doden Legacy Office
Political Experience
Current elected member of the East Allen County Schools Board of Trustees; Current Precinct Committeeman and ran for Indiana State Senate in 2022
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Ron Turpin for Commissioner
Campaign Phone
260-460-7619
Instagram
@ron4allen
The lack of dialog and respect among units of government, and the people they serve, throughout the County is an issue we must address. Making sure government works collaboratively, transparently, and is accessible to the citizens of Allen County in addressing the needs of our community is of paramount importance to me. The working relationships between different units of government is today strained at best and is risking disfunction. We don't need "politics as usual", we need a transformer who is willing to work with others, be transparent, and be accessible to all citizens. If we work together, we can reduce the cost of government and accomplish more for the citizens of Allen County.
As a CPA and the only person in this race who has a deep finance background, I am committed to financial transparency, both in bid process, and in the construction. We also need to have a community conversation about what is causing the jail to be overcrowded and how we deal with these issues proactively, rather than reactively. With the answers to this in mind, we need to look at the new jail as not just a facility, but as a "restoration campus" where people do their time AND are getting the help they need for addiction and mental illness. We need to change our focus from just spending more on the criminal justice system, to how we can help marshal the public and private sectors together to help our fellow citizens and reduce cost.
By collaborating and listening to those most involved in the issue around our county. Too often we see elected officials listen to a handful of people and make decisions in a vacuum. With these funds we have a chance to help transform lives; we need to put in the effort to educate ourselves on the issue and work with others to find the best solutions.
First and foremost, you have to be willing and open to listen to your constituents You also have to be accessible, accountable, collaborative, and transparent. Many people feel discouraged today because they feel government is too remote and unresponsive to them and their needs. I want to be visible in the community (all communities throughout Allen County) and have an open door to citizens in the county (both in person and electronically).
