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Education
International Business College and Georgia MLS
Current Employment
Bailey Realty Group and Klopfenstein Homerooms
Political Experience
I serve on the Safe Housing and Building Oversight Committee and Precinct Chair for Precinct 459. I worked on numerous political campaigns. This is my first time running for a political office.
Facebook
Nena Bailey for Allen County Council At-Large
Campaign Phone
260-702-1349
My biggest budget concerns are the cost of the new jail and how to add initiatives that will reduce recidivism. The answer is not to build bigger jails, but to address mental health and substance abuse issues within the criminal justice system.
Another budget concern is how can we as a community address the homeless crisis within our county. It is not just an inner city crisis, it affects the entire county.
I am also concerned about the disconnect of the 311 system. Many times there is not a clear path for the callers concerns. It is not always clear who will handle the situation, whether it is the city or the county’s issue. There are areas of our county that are not being taken care of because of the lack of jurisdiction over that area
The criteria that I will apply when voting on specific line items will be based on the true needs of the county. I will base my vote on the goals that we are trying to accomplish and how it will affect the constituents. Too often decisions are made by council members who are disconnected from the general public. I will vote against wasteful spending and appropriate funds where there is truly a need. I will stand up for what is right and will make sure that our county resources are available to all.
As an Allen County Council member I will vote to appoint individual's that reflect our diverse community. I was recommended to the Safe Housing and Oversight Committee by Michelle Chambers. For years I had applied without a single call to say yea or nay. Without a diverse fiscal body, to often different segments of our community will go unheard and unanswered. I will work to be the voice of change and inclusion for all.
Education
PhD Student, Organizational Management - Indiana Tech; MS, Organizational Leadership - Indiana Tech; BA, Relational Communication - DePaul University Chicago
Current Employment
General Manager, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
Political Experience
N/A
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/electcardelli/
Campaign Phone
2605807338
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/natecardelli
Revenue Stability. The stability of revenue streams, such as taxes and grants, is crucial for budget planning. At the same time, it is our duty as a county to ensure that residents are not overburdened by their tax bills, especially our senior and disabled populations often living on fixed incomes. Further developing earned revenue streams through user fees and grants will allow Allen County to grow without overburdening our hardworking taxpayers.
Additionally, our County Council representation must work with the County Administration to ensure that the budget coming to the council table comprehensively addresses our community's priorities.
I will assess whether the proposed budget changes align with the county's strategic priorities and goals, as well as how the proposed changes would impact the delivery of services to residents. It is crucial to prioritize funding for programs and initiatives that have a significant positive impact on the community while ensuring that essential services are adequately funded and maintained.
I will also prioritize transparency and accountability in the budgeting process by thoroughly reviewing each budget change request and ensuring that the reasons for the budget change request are clear and apparent.
Ensuring that appointments to boards and commissions reflect the demographics of the community is essential for fostering inclusivity, representation, and equitable decision-making. As an Allen County Councilman, I will actively engage with diverse community groups, organizations, and stakeholders to encourage participation in the nomination process for boards and commissions. Additionally, I will advocate for a transparent and inclusive selection process for appointments to boards and commissions, ensuring that the criteria for selection are clear and publicly accessible.
Lastly, I will support mentorship programs to build confidence, provide guidance, and facilitate networking opportunities for aspiring leaders.
Education
B.S. in Chemistry Education from Taylor University
Current Employment
Educator
Political Experience
*Democratic precinct committeeman for precinct 456 - Elected May 2018 and re-elected May 2022 *Democratic State Convention delegate elected in 2018 and 2020 and 2022 *Democratic nominee for a state representative district in 2016, 2018, and 2020 *Democratic nominee for County Commissioner in 2022 (nominated countywide since all 3 county commissioners are elected countywide)
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/CandidateFernandez
Campaign Phone
260-267-5760
The current jail proposal would be one of the biggest capital projects in Allen County history. I think it is very important that county council as the fiscal body holds county government accountable on this as a check-and-balance. I think it is highly unlikely the current financing arrangement could withstand legal scrutiny based on the available information to me (including that received as a result of my petition to have the DLGF state agency take a closer look at it). Potential litigation over that & whether county council decides to hand over county courthouse to an entity that it is unclear if it is even public or private will affect what will be decided then.
(Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and not authorized to give legal advice)
I think the first thing is to make sure what request is for is legal and not of too questionable legality. (I don't think the county was well served by the outside contracted attorneys working on jail financing issue.)
I think the second thing is reducing conflicts of interests & expecting more than 1 opinion on major financial decisions (e.g. w/ jail proposal).
I think third is making sure due diligence was done (e.g. they should have looked more into issues w/ proposed jail site before purchase (or even soon after)).
I think fourth thing is avoid defects in vendor performance and avoid poor vendor track history (e.g. problem of flawed Jail Feasibility "Study" that was produced but continued use of that vendor).
And there are more...
My understanding:
County council doesn't have a lot of appointments under current rules, and often appointments it does have to important boards are ones where one other entity has the majority of the appointments. For example, the Allen County Redevelopment Commission has 3 appointed by county commissioners and 2 by county council. With that said, there are specific requirement for certain county council appointments including sometimes the appointee has to be a member of county council, so me being Latino would open up possibility of appointing a person from underrepresented group there. I also hope to reach out to groups representing underrepresented groups to get recommendations of individuals for other appointments.
Education
Attended IPFW
Current Employment
Listed above
Political Experience
Elected Sheriff in 2006 and 2010. County Council November of 2018
Campaign Phone
(260) 414-1642
Obviously the cost of the new jail has to be at the for front of our concerns. When I look at spending the taxpayers money I always ask myself if this is what we should spend our money on to provide the best service
I believe we have department heads and elected officials in these positions that are experts in their fields. I want them to bring us their needs to provide the service they provide, not their wants.
We should take as many qualified applicants for these positions as possible, to get more viewpoints from users, providers and those that may be affected by the board’s decisions. We need more people to get involved.
Education
BSBA in Accounting, National Board Certification in Health and Wellness Coaching
Current Employment
SAHM
Political Experience
Grassroots Leader and Community Advocate
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077933644896&sk=about_profile_transparency
Campaign Phone
260-414-8134
Instagram
vote4hammond
The costs associated with the new jail is a huge concern. This project is already at the high end of the spectrum and extra scrutiny will be needed to watch for going over budget as it is built. It will be imperative to keep a close eye on this project to prevent it from costing the taxpayers even more than it already is. Another concern is inflation driving up expenses for the county. If home values start to drop due to the economy, high interest rates and increased availability of housing options; resulting in lower tax revenue, while spending continues to rise, the council could be put in the position of either having to cut the budget or increase tax rates to generate more revenue.
My approach to all county spending would be the same. The government doesn’t generate its own revenue, they spend the people’s money and need to be good stewards of it. I would ask the following questions:
• Is the spending within the constitutional boundaries of county government?
• Is this something the government should be using the People’s money for?
• Is there a community solution to use rather than government?
• Is there an alternative way to pay for this or another place to pull the funds from?
• What is the cost/benefit to the taxpayers?
• Regarding public/private partnerships, tax abatements, TIF districts and government subsidies; what is the ROI for the taxpayers?
It's time we tighten the government's belt!
I believe this begins with having open lines of communication with the community and regularly engaging with them. I would work with people within the community to compile a list of names. Then evaluate them to determine which candidate would best serve Allen County residents in the appointed position. Bringing the community to the table is an integral aspect of leaders centered around the people they serve.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice-Indiana Tech 2010. Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership-Indiana Tech 2013. Graduate of the FBI National Academy, 233rd Session-2008. Graduate of the FBI National Crisis Negotiation Course-2008.
Current Employment
I am a Captain with the Fort Wayne Police Department and have 35 years of service.
Political Experience
I previously ran for Allen County Sheriff in 2022, and am currently a Democratic Precinct Chair.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/KevinHunterForCountyCouncil
Campaign Phone
260-385-0283
Instagram
@Hunter4Council
My biggest budget concerns for Allen County for the next several years is construction of the new Allen County Jail. This is a significant project estimated to cost $316 million. While there is no doubt that we need a new jail based on the current federal lawsuit, this is a great opportunity to create a new Criminal Justice Center. This Criminal Justice Center must include a section to focus on mental health treatment and substance use disorder treatment. Many of the inmates in the current jail suffer from mental health and substance use disorder, this is an opportunity to create a facility that helps address these issues and properly treat people who need help.
I will make sure to meet with the department heads to discuss the needs of each department. By meeting with the department heads, I will have a better understanding of their needs and any projects that might need funded. I will also have to balance the needs of each department with the needs of the community, and how much money is available so that we maintain a balanced budget.
Collaboration is key to ensuring proper appointments to boards and commissions. I currently serve on several boards and know the value of having the proper people serve on a board. I would want to properly review each board or commission appointment application and understand their motivation going forward. I would want to make sure that each board or commission appointee was there for the right reasons and would want to know that they are willing to put the time and effort in that each board or commission requires.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
