My extensive background in grant management directly translates to the responsibilities of a County Council Member.
In my grant management roles, I was responsible for developing deep project knowledge to submit thoughtful funding requests. Once awarded, I managed complex budgets and ensured rigorous reporting to funding sources, which were primarily federal agencies. In this position, maintaining success and fiscal accountability was essential to securing future funding.
This experience aligns directly with the duties of a County Council Member, who must responsibly oversee budgets and allocate public funds in a knowledgeable, thoughtful, and accountable manner.
I have strong concerns regarding the recently passed SB-1 bill.
While proponents claim this bill will save taxpayers money, it will likely lead to an increase in local taxes. Reductions in state-level funding will force our local communities to make up the difference if we want to maintain crucial services, such as adequate funding for public schools and first responders.
I believe local voters need to be made aware of the potential negative impact this legislation will have at the community level.
If elected, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and a new voice to ensure we make the best decisions for our local community.
My top priority will be responsible spending that maximizes benefits for our residents.
I have always been a philanthropist guided by a simple principle: help your fellow man and treat others as you would like to be treated.
My commitment to our community is reflected in my actions:
I dedicate significant time to my Kiwanis Club, completing service projects and fundraising to improve the lives of local families and children. When SNAP benefits were abruptly canceled last November, I helped our club's initiative to provide weekend food packets to deserving students.
I have volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace since 2020. This non-profit builds and delivers beds to children in need.
Above all, I want you to know that I will always stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
I believe my position must reflect the priorities of local constituents. Throughout this campaign, I've learned the clear consensus from residents is strong opposition to a data center in Warrick County.
Residents have raised several concerns, including environmental and light pollution, potential increases in CenterPoint utility bills, impacts on local wildlife, unfulfilled promises regarding local job creation, and risks to our first responders.
I would advise strict safeguards before considering any support. Specifically, I would request environmental studies, a binding financial bond to guarantee local employment commitments, site selection that prevents disruption to local residents and dedicated funding for first responders.
I am in my 10th term as Councilman bringing years of experience at the job. I have been through good times and helped us work out of hard times. I was involved in establishing the Rainy Day Fund which has a healthy balance. Our Cash balance is healthy and meets state standards. Good things are happening in Warrick County with a quality of life that attracts people to live and work here. We have among the lowest unemployment rate in the state. Our Per Capita income ranks 3rd in the state. Kaiser has expanded and our medical district continues to grow. We have Housing, business, and retail growth. There are new bike and hiking trails across the county that continue to expand. Friedman Park and Event Center stays busy and is an asset
The most important challlenge facing Warrick County is Continuing to meet our public safety services at the high quality we experience now, during times of less revenue. We have been able to keep a balanced budget and continue county services by holding the line on our budgets, limiting new employees and moving some of our public safety employees out of the property tax general fund into the Public Safety Income Tax fund. We watch and limit any additional appropriations requests to hold the line on spending.
My goal is to continue improving our quality of life and public safety while keeping a balanced budget with low taxes. I am always available to our constituents via phone, email or in person. I frequently attend various county committees and meetings to stay informed of the needs of our community and our county departments. That won't change if I am re-elected. I like doing that. I enjoy conversing with the people I meet at local businesses discussing any issue on their minds and updating them on anything important to them that is going on in the county. I am a good listener. Listening and helping when I can is a very important part of being a councilman and what I do.
I can't narrow it down to one thing with all of my experiences. I have lived in Warrick County for all of my life, People who know me can tell you I am transparent, visible, honest and am available full time since I am a retired public-school teacher. I love our community. I have visited all 50 states in my lifetime and there is no better place to live, work, and raise a family than Warrick County in my opinion. I correct people when they either seriously or jokingly refer to me as a politician. I am NOT a politician. I AM A PUBLILC SERVANT! That is what all elected officials should strive to be.
The County Council does not have a vote that makes the rules or accepts or denies Data Centers. The County Commissioners have that final determination. If a Data Center comes to the County Council and asks for a Property Tax Phase-in Incentive that we offer companies to bring in a large number of high paying jobs to Warrick County, I will NOT support a Tax Phase- in incentive for them. There are 2 reasons for my decision to NOT suppport a Tax-Phase in: 1. The state has already given them plenty of tax breaks. Data Centers will NOT have to pay sales tax on buliding supplies and equipment. 2. A Data Center doesn't bring a large enough workforce beyond construction (construction jobs are temporary) to meet our Phase-in qualifications
