Campaign Phone
812-375-4174
Education Background
Indiana Wesleyan University – Business Administration College for Financial Planning – AAMS®, AWMA®, CRPS® Coach U. Graduate
Occupation
Managing Partner, McAvoy Kemp Wealth Management, LLC
Serving the past 45 months as your County Councilman has been a valuable learning experience. When I took office in 2023, I committed myself to understanding the full scope of county government and the responsibility of managing taxpayer dollars. I begin by studying Indiana State Statutes, Title 36, along with the oversight roles of the Department of Local Government Finance and the State Board of Accounts. I have also worked extensively with the state’s Gateway reporting system to better understand the county’s financial structure of more than 170 funds that track receipts and over 750 line items that account for expenditures. Equally important has been learning the annual costs and funding sources for all 26 county departments.
My purpose is to serve the taxpayers by making sound financial decisions that ensure stability, efficiency, and long-term prosperity. I am committed to the following principles: Striving to achieve and maintain the highest Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA. Providing adequate funding for county government while managing expenses at or below the rate of inflation measured by Consumer Price Index. Reducing or stabilizing both property tax and county income tax rates to protect taxpayers. Strengthening the county’s financial position by increasing cash reserve balances from primary funding sources. Thus, reducing and eliminating the need for both short-term and long-term debt financing.
It is unlikely that an organization would seek to build a data center in Brown County, particularly given the county’s lack of essential infrastructure, including adequate power, water and sewer capacity, and available land. However, if such an opportunity arose, I would evaluate it objectively and rationally, relying on facts while fairly considering all perspectives.
Like everyone else, my time and energy are limited. In my role as a councilman, my primary focus is fiscal policy. I am always available to answer questions related to county fiscal matters and welcome ideas that help increase public awareness and understanding of local government fiscal policy. All Council Meetings can be viewed by going online to: youtube.com/@BCG-INMeetings
If community stakeholders are serious about increasing the county’s housing inventory, the conversation must begin with how to secure the capital investment to build the infrastructure required to support additional housing units.
Campaign Phone
812-837-9323
Education Background
BA Elementary Education, History; MA Administration and Supervision
Occupation
Retired
I have worked in a variety of positions that require focus and cooperation with others. These include teaching, contract negotiations as union president, and, in my home district school board member. I am especially pleased that we were able to recover from a time of cuts, to finish with successful referendums, doubling the size of the school, remodeling the old part with AC, internet, etc., and leaving the district with a surplus. Meanwhile, my wife was on the village board. I watched and learned as she dealt with water and sewerage issues, development, etc. Together, we were on the church session, helping the congregation operate and expand church facilities. After my wife's passing, I served on the village economic development board.
Changing and diminishing traditional sources of county income from the state is a major concern. In the short-term, frugality and finding alternate sources of income are needed. I would explore whether inter-governmental meetings could help solve problems, avoid duplication of efforts, and see where joint buying were possible. Working with state and federal officials may help alleviate some of the cuts that are harmful to the people of Brown County. I wonder, where services are constricted, as with the county surveyor, can savings be found? Conversely, I am concerned about salaries paid to County workers. Talent and dedication should be rewarded with salaries at least comparable to surrounding areas.
I am absolutely opposed to data center development. With the noise, water usage, heat, and no long-term benefit to employment, I believe a data center would be an obscenity to beautiful Brown County.
I believe, the county council has a responsibility to allow and hear public input, especially on important issues. Input can be orderly, potentially with time limits, etc. I believe, the council serves the people best by listening and learning to help solve the County's complex issues.
Generally, I believe, moderate priced homes, townhomes, etc. should be available in the county. Brown County workers should be able to afford to live here.
