Campaign Phone
7654048908
Education
Harrison High School / Purdue University
Experience in Leadership and Management
Grain/ Livestock/ Farmer/ Vice President of Farm Bureau/ 12 years County Council/ 15 years Commissioner
Campaign Video
Safeguarding Water Rights: Our community's lifeblood is its water. As your Commissioner, I've been a steadfast guardian against unsound economic ventures which threaten to transfer Tippecanoe County's water without scientific assurance of it's safe return. My stance is unwavering: sharing resources for mutual benefit is one thing, but permitting unchecked usage that depletes our reserves is off the table.
Commitment to infrastructure: With an expansive network of over 800 miles of roads, the same in regulated drains, and 220 bridges, prudent fiscal planning is my cornerstone. I prioritize the balance of sustaining current infrastructure while judiciously integrating new development, ensuring our county's framework supports our community.
Tippecanoe County has just completed a comprehensive study on Wabash and Tippecanoe townships. Balancing development with preserving Tippecanoe County's unique character is essential. This study reflects this, advocating for measured residential, agricultural, and business growth. New businesses have been encouraged to look at sustainability practices to protect our natural resources.
Increasing safety and mental health care is a priority. We have bolstered community corrections to better address substance abuse and mental health, integrating counseling and medical treatment. By partnering with Valley Oaks, we are enhancing their community presence. Additionally, we are equipping our Health Department with the necessary resources, staff, and space to effectively serve our citizens' health needs.
Addressing housing challenges involves creative thinking. As a farmer who values our farmland, I prefer seeing new homes built up rather than out. We are collaborating with local planning authorities and cities to ensure development is strategic, prioritizing vertical expansion to conserve land. Infrastructure is a key focus from the concept. We are encouraging developers to diversify housing options and exploring the potential to repurpose vacant big-box stores into affordable housing solutions.
Tippecanoe County is recognized statewide for exemplary intergovernmental cooperation. We set the standard for collaboration, not just among commissioners and council members, but also with the leadership of our two cities, and in partnership with Purdue and the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF). Our approach- regular meetings and open communication- has yielded substantial progress in economic development, infrastructure, job retention, and community promotion. I'm honored to have the endorsement of both mayors, other commissioners and the county council which underscores our collective commitment to working together for the greater good.
Education
Lafayette Jefferson High School
Experience in Leadership and Management
Owned and Operated Findlay Well Drilling for over 50 years, Served on the Shadeland Town Council as a Councilman and President for over 24 years, Served on the Shadeland Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years, Offers air support to different law enforcement agencies, Member of TEMA
Number 1: Protect the county's water rights. It's going to take a team effort between cities, the county and all residents to stop LEAP.
Number 2: Look at all aspects of the position and see where improvements can or need to be made.
Any business that comes to
Tippecanoe County must be beneficial to the county in more ways than jobs. We want businesses that support the community like Subaru and Caterpillar. We invite businesses and industries that are environmentally friendly to the community. We also hold business and industries accountable for cleanup and preservation of the environment.
Tippecanoe County has a lot of great things going for it! There is always room for improvement. We look at what we have and how to make it better.
Safety- I am a firm believer in supporting law enforcement. It will take a team effort to improve safety. This would involve working with law enforcement to assess their needs. Then we need to look at how we attract more qualified people to local law enforcement.
Mental Health: Mental health's a serious issue. It's going to take teamwork to make any kind of headway in this area. It will be important to work with the organizations that already have a presence here along with law enforcement to evaluate programs already in place and help meet the needs that they have.
There is a crisis with housing across the country right now due to the economy. On the county level, our hands are tied in many areas. We can build more neighborhoods, but many people can't afford a mortgage due to interest rates. More apartments aren't necessarily the answer because we want to attract residents who will invest in the community. Rushing to solve this issue would only create more problems. This is an issue that will take collaboration at the city and county levels.
Having worked with city and county departments in the past, I have seen nothing but great collaboration. It's going to take more of this. It comes down to communication, collaboration, cooperation and sometimes compromise from all entities
