The following is information obtained and put together by the League of Women Voters Brown County. The Democrat is deeply appreciative of our partnership with the League and happy to present to voters an in-depth look at the offices and candidates on the ballot this May.
Race: Brown County Recorder
Description: The County Recorder is elected for a four year term by vote of the county at large and is prohibited from serving more than eight years in a 12 year period. The chief function of the recorder is to preserve records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, articles of incorporation, military discharges, bankruptcy notices and other documents. The Recorder manages the process of keeping and indexing specific documents. The Recorder receives a fee for recording instruments and certificates. The fees are county property and are paid to the county treasury.
Candidates:
Sandra Pool
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Occupation: Brown County School Bus Driver, Office Administrator at a local church
Campaign Phone: (812) 360-4172
Campaign Mailing Address: 277 East Pool Road Morgantown IN 46160
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Brown County High School Graduate
Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/818088383670194
Questions:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications and why are you running for this office?
A: I bring with me a business mind set with a background in real estate and government experience. I am entering my 8th year with the Jackson Township Trustee Advisory Board. With my life experiences I understand budgeting, public relations, and the need for accuracy, time management and leadership.
Q: 2. What are the biggest challenges for the Recorder’s office and how would you address these?
A: The biggest challenge is managing the records. An eye for detail and good organization skills are a MUST for this position. It is important to communicate well with the public as well as the office staff in order to effectively hold this position.
Q: 3. Briefly describe the Recorder responsibilities and how it benefits to the community.
A: The recorder is responsible for keeping track of public records, such as deeds, mortgages, contracts, easements and liens. This allows for title companies to search and ensure what, if any, liens are on the property. This is a benefit to the title companies because they rely on the accuracy of these records as well as county residents because it allows for documentation of chain of title to protect them when buying and selling property.
Q: 4. What is your wish list to improve resources for the Recorder’s office and how would this benefit Brown County?
A: The Recorder’s office must follow state statue so a “Wish list” is limited. However, I would strive to make the records more user friendly for the public and offer a GREAT working environment for ALL staff. This will be done by having the proper training and office equipment available.
Mary Smith
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Occupation: I am the current Brown County Recorder. I have worked for Brown County Government over 20 years. I was the Brown County Treasurer from 2013 to 2020.
Campaign Mailing Address:
Education Background: I graduated from Indian Creek High School in 1999. I have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University.
Questions:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications and why are you running for this office?
A: I am proud to say I have over 20 years of employment in county government. It has gone from a part-time job I had during college to a career I love. I love the people of Brown County and enjoy working with them. I have served two terms as Brown County Treasurer and I am in my 4th year as the current Brown County Recorder. The recorders office has furthered my education in the workings of county government.
Q: 2. What are the biggest challenges for the Recorder’s office and how would you address these?
A: The biggest challenge for the recorder’s office is to continue the work of getting all old recorded documents from 1873 forward organized, indexed, and digitized so they are available to the public online. We are currently back more than 50 years, which is a big milestone. It helps title searchers and the general public search without the need to make a physical trip to the office. This project was started before I became recorder and will continue on after I am out of office.
Q: 3. Briefly describe the Recorder responsibilities and how it benefits to the community.
A: The county recorder function is to maintain permanent public records involving a wide variety of instruments. These documents detail transactions involved in: real estate, mining, personal property, mortgages, liens, leases, subdivision plats, military discharges, personal bonds, etc. {IC 36-2-11-8}. Generally, all of these instruments are recorded either for giving legal public notice of their existence or for safekeeping and future reference.
The recorder is also a member of the county commission on public records, which has the authority over the preservation or disposition of all public records maintained by the county. {IC 5-15-6}.”
Q: 4. What is your wish list to improve resources for the Recorder’s office and how would this benefit Brown County?
A: – no response –
Race: Brown County Council at Large
Description: Members of the county council are elected to serve staggered four-year terms. Three council members at large are elected by the voters of the entire county. Four council members are elected from separate districts, chosen by the voters of their district alone. Council districts must be redrawn every 10 years and may be done in any odd-numbered year. The financial powers of a county are placed in the county council, which serves as a check on the Board of Commissioners and Board of Finance. The County Council has fiscal control over all county officers, boards and commissions and appropriates funds used by the county and its officers. Powers and duties include, but are not limited to, the following:· Approving annual operating budgets of all county offices and agencies, including establishing salaries and other compensation· Fixing property tax rates, establishing levies, establishing rates for the county adjusted gross income tax (CAGIT); county option income tax (COIT), county economic development income tax (CEDIT), excise surtax and wheel tax· Authorizing the borrowing of money through bonds or notes· Authorizing purchase or sale of certain county property· Making appropriations of public funds.
Candidates:
Diana McDonald Biddle
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Council responsibilities? Please explain.
A: -no response-
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Council can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: -no response-
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years and how might you address these challenges?
A: -no response-
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: -no response-
Michael J. Magner
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Council responsibilities? Please explain.
A: -no response-
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Council can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: -no response-
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years and how might you address these challenges?
A: -no response-
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: -no response-
Patrick Nielander
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: MSM-Business Management, BS-Healthcare Administration, Minor-Criminal Justice
Occupation: Retired-Law Enforcement (about 38 years) Healthcare
Campaign Mailing Address: 796 Harrison Ridge Rd. Nashville IN 47448
Campaign Phone: (317) 908-2510
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Council responsibilities? Please explain.
A: Cooperation is a very valid most important role for the county council. Everything has cause and effect. Planning, development, and resources for both entities relates to governance in an efficient manner for all.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Council can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: Solicitation of the public to attend County Council meetings is the most efficient way to involve the public. First hand information is always the best.
A motivated public is an informed public. The concerned interested public will attend to give their input.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years and how might you address these challenges?
A: Inflation is a financial challenge for government and families. Both governments and people feel the current tight insufficient monetary resources. We should explore to find ways to create income without injuring families including businesses. We need driven to creating services that generate income without an additional tax burden for the people.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: Affordable housing is a very complex topic. There is no simple answer. The topic must first be absolutely defined. It has not yet been done. Affordable is a definition that is relative to individuals and circumstances. I am open to that discussion. That is why electing people with the education, knowledge, and experiences is so vital. That’s why I am a candidate.
Judith “Judy” Swift Powdrill
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Many years of experience working in county government and several classes through AIC on budget and finance for local government.
Occupation: Retired from local government 31 years
Campaign Mailing Address: 3431 State Road 45 Nashville“IN“47448
Campaign Phone: 8123208798
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Council responsibilities? Please explain.
A: While the town is a separate entity from county government, I do support working together and cooperatively as needed.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Council can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: Allow public input in our meetings. Making agendas available 1 week in advance of meetings via public spaces, and on website.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years and how might you address these challenges?
A: We have many challenges. Our Emergency Services is one of our biggest funding challenges for our community. Finding a way to support Emergency Services via different avenues other than our local tax base. Such avenues though are legislative in nature. Keep pursuing those legislative avenues. Maintenance of our buildings and infrastructure of buildings. Managing our health care benefits and trying to navigate the best we can can afford without breaking the bank and keeping the employees in mind. Building our county cash reserve funds. Having a new financial advisor and a plan is the right direction.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: That is a difficult question to answer. We have many challenges to address. This isn’t solely a council issue. It’s multifaceted with many agencies to be involved.
Scott Rudd
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Education Background: Indiana University, School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Occupation: Small business owner
Campaign Mailing Address:
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Council responsibilities? Please explain.
A: The county seat of Brown County plays an important role. It is the county’s government seat, main commercial center and most densely populated area. With that said, it’s also a very small town, and has fewer resources than the county. The resources it does have, however, are very important.
Those resources include a water and sewer system, a road system, and the ability to provide attainable housing with those utilities. The entertainment, shops and food provide a quality of life that is somewhat unparalleled in other rural counties, and contributes to people wanting to continue to live in the county. These are all important resources in reducing the county’s brain drain. Cooperation within the county is essential to improve housing.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Council can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: The council is required by law to ensure an open, fair and transparent process in all of its proceedings and decision making. The public entrusted the council with this responsibility and its part of the oath that we take as council members and our duty. In my role on County Council I will continue to uphold the open door laws, advertising and posting of meetings, and provide opportunity for public input on important decisions. I consider this to be a minimum operating standard for the council.
In addition, the council can do things like post our meetings online, increase our engagement with the public in our decision making processes, and provide for ample input on any issue that is important to taxpayers.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years and how might you address these challenges?
A: The biggest 5 year challenge for the council is balancing the county budget. Thoughtful financial planning will be essential to our success and will allow the county to spend within taxpayer’s budget. The county needs to continue to identify and pursue the numerous grants that are available to the county through various sources, and increase our capacity to track and account for new funding. This will avoid the county having to pursue new taxes, and bring in funding for previously identified needs that are currently unfunded. Utilizing best practices for public input and transparency will be important so that taxpayers can be involved in the process. After all, every penny of the county’s budget is taxpayer funded.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: Improving housing of all types in Brown County is clearly an issue that we need to address. I played a vital role in one of the most important housing related projects in the county’s history, by securing a significant investment in broadband to thousands of homes across the county, just before the pandemic arrived. This investment ensured that not only people living here could continue to do so, but also allowed our family members and friends to move home, and work from home, thus improving income potential and new job opportunities for residents. The community rallied to support the cause and was able to accomplish something everyone said was impossible. We did it with a comprehensive community approach. Vote Scott Rudd for Council!
Race: Brown County Commissioner District 1
Description: Commissioners are elected for four year terms on a staggered basis. The Board of Commissioners consists of three elected officials who must reside in separate districts but are elected by the voters of the county as a whole. Commissioner Districts must be redrawn at least once every 10 years.The Board of Commissioners is the executive of the county and shares legislative powers with the County Council. It enacts ordinances and administers all county business. Powers and authorities include but are not limited to:· Controlling, maintaining and supervising county owned property including the Courthouse, jail and offices; auditing county books· Establishing township boundaries· Supervising construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges· Developing and administering personnel policies for county employees· Establishing precincts, providing polling places and election equipment, administering elections in conjunction with County Election Board· Establishing minimum housing standards, building regulations, fire prevention ordinances, contracting ambulance services; regulating food establishments, assisting community mental health centers, assisting public transportation facilities, carrying out poor relief duties· Selecting and appointing members to fill positions on boards, commissions, committees and appointing certain department heads· Establishing parks and recreation facilities, war memorials, historical markers, maintaining county forests· Establishing solid-waste districts and serving on the district boards which are responsible for 20 year plans for disposal, recovery and reduction of solid waste
Candidates:
Tiffiany Ardnt
Party: Democratic
Biographical Info:
Campaign Mailing Address: 7522 Eagle Dr. Nineveh IN 46164
Campaign Phone: (812) 219-6428
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Travel Nurse
Education Background: Bachelor’s Environmental Policy and Management, Purdue. Graduate Practical Nursing, Ivy Tech, Currently Pursuing Master’s Public Administration
Website: www.arndtforbrowncounty.net
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Commissioner responsibilities? Please explain.
A: The County Commissioners conduct the county’s business and can act as both the executive and legislative branches. Our stakeholders are affected by the decisions made by the town and county political officials, and both entities should work together to ensure all those affected by our choices are confident we are working for all the county residents.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Commissioners can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: Providing an inclusive environment for the county’s stakeholders is important to me. Aside from allowing public comments as permitted by law, we need to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to have their voices heard. Doing things such as using technology to allow residents to attend public meetings online and making commissioners personally available is important. Additionally, allowing constituents to suggest other forms of communication that they feel comfortable with and then pursuing the use of these suggestions makes sure everyone has a voice they can be assured is heard by their leaders and others in charge.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years, and how might you address these challenges?
A: One of the biggest is school funding. In order to ensure our children and grandchildren’s future we must provide the schools and teachers with the funding they need. Passing the Brown County School Funding Referendum would be an important first step in meeting funding needs.
It is also important to make sure that funds received from all tax and income sources are used responsibly in a way that benefits all stakeholders and that those stakeholders have a say so in the way their money is spent.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: I have researched and written on this subject in my graduate program and believe the county has a remarkable resource in the number of vacant units we now have within the county. Using that resource to attract new families to the area would allow the tax base to increase and provide benefits for all county residents. In order to do this, we must take advantage of the grant programs and other financial incentives available to the county for assisting lower and moderate-income residents with home ownership and making sure we advertise the resources the county has available to those who need and will use them.
Kevin Patrick
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Campaign Mailing Address: 2124 Twinlake Road Morgantown IN 46160
Campaign Phone: (765) 346-4642
Email: [email protected]
Occupation: Self Employed/Retired
Education Background: Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Engineering
Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086328515413
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Commissioner responsibilities? Please explain.
A: All local and municipal government should strive to work together to achieve what is best for the county, which includes working with the Town of Nashville when there is a common goal. This would mean engaging with the Town on a regular basis so that we all have a clear understanding of each other’s challenges and opportunities of where we can work together today and in 5 years.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Commissioners can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: The Commissioner meetings are one forum for engaging but given the limited time and topics covered in those meetings, I believe the best way to engage is to have one on one or small group discussions with your elected officials.
Prior to being elected and if elected, I will welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone and discuss any topic that is related to the responsibilities of the Commissioner.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years, and how might you address these challenges?
A: All elected officials and department heads need to work together to secure our financial house by keeping spending under control, better understanding our revenue, and effectively managing our personnel, assets, and capital infrastructure. Establishing internal controls upon which the county is run would be instrumental.
Developing and regularly updating a five-year plan would be essential so we can be proactive in preparing for budgetary concerns and take advantage of grants that we are aware of.
Commissioners are fundamental to proactively managing and planning in these areas and many of their responsibilities significantly impact the County’s financial health and wellbeing.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: Having a longer-term strategic plan may help address this topic but that means it takes not only local government but the community. Commissioners can contribute here by making sure we have appointed the best candidates to boards, have a clear capital improvement plan, solid comprehensive plan, and a robust long-term strategic plan in place.
Race: Brown County Commissioner District 3
Description: Commissioners are elected for four year terms on a staggered basis. The Board of Commissioners consists of three elected officials who must reside in separate districts but are elected by the voters of the county as a whole. Commissioner Districts must be redrawn at least once every 10 years.The Board of Commissioners is the executive of the county and shares legislative powers with the County Council. It enacts ordinances and administers all county business. Powers and authorities include but are not limited to:· Controlling, maintaining and supervising county owned property including the Courthouse, jail and offices; auditing county books· Establishing township boundaries· Supervising construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges· Developing and administering personnel policies for county employees· Establishing precincts, providing polling places and election equipment, administering elections in conjunction with County Election Board· Establishing minimum housing standards, building regulations, fire prevention ordinances, contracting ambulance services; regulating food establishments, assisting community mental health centers, assisting public transportation facilities, carrying out poor relief duties· Selecting and appointing members to fill positions on boards, commissions, committees and appointing certain department heads· Establishing parks and recreation facilities, war memorials, historical markers, maintaining county forests· Establishing solid-waste districts and serving on the district boards which are responsible for 20 year plans for disposal, recovery and reduction of solid waste
Candidates:
Tim Clark
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Occupation: Retired
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Bachelors, Masters Degree Public Administration, Masters Strategic Studies
Campaign Mailing Address: 676 Town Hill Road East Nashville IN 47448
Campaign Phone: (8120 345-1833
Website: TimJClarkforCommissioner.com
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Commissioner responsibilities? Please explain.
A: Nashville has identified its desire to serve as a driver of regional tourism. From an economic standpoint, the county is funded primarily by property and income tax. Tourism accounts for about $12.1 million in total wages. The taxable income of all county residents is over $425 million. All county taxpayers cover the additional costs of tourism expenses associated with services and infrastructure.
I support needed updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan to identify a vision for tourism and development that enhances the quality of life of all residents. This reinforces the insight from Andy Rogers, who remarked: “Country is what we sell…. We need to maintain that. Once you destroy that, it won’t come back.”
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Commissioners can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: I am an advocate for public forums to address issues, and debate proposed policies that can affect everyone in the County.
In 2017, the county received a Hometown Collaborative Initiative (HCI) grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Volunteers unanimously chose leadership as an area of need.
This resulted in the development of the Brown County Leader Network (BCLN) in 2019, which offers proven methods and tools for supporting fact-based and collaborative decision-making.
Legendary Brown County storyteller Hank Swain once remarked that a good idea in Brown County can take 8 years to be accepted. We have a few more years to improve the BCLN concept and determine if it is a good idea.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years, and how might you address these challenges?
A: 2023 was a wake-up call for the county’s finance and budget management system. Historically, the focus was on one-year budgets without performance assessments and longer-term planning. Annual budgets underestimated revenues and expenses, and county officials scrambled throughout the year to make ends meet.
In 2023, we had approximately a $1.4 million dollar budget shortfall. Fortunately, our financial consultants were able to find the revenue, which reinforces the need for improvement in internal controls. The county has selected a new consultant that supports five-year comprehensive financial planning that includes goals and objectives and monthly budget reviews. A needed first step in a long road to financial sustainability.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: I first became involved in learning more about the affordable housing issue in 2016 when I read comments by Then-School Superintendent David Shaffer in his justification for the referendum. He stated, “Declining enrollment is likely due to the lack of affordable housing and competitive-paying jobs that attract young families.”
Since then, regional and local studies have been conducted. Enrollment has continued to decline, affordable housing is still a challenge, and our economic base remains relatively unchanged.
The lack of affordable housing is a systemic issue. A resolution requires a comprehensive review of what has been and is being done in order to develop the best options for Brown County.
Jerry Lee Pittman
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Occupation: Farmer, Entrepeneur
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Brown County High School (National Honor Society). Cincinnati Bible Seminary, B.S.
Campaign Mailing Address: 6168 State Road 46 E Nashville IN 47448
Campaign Phone: (317) 966-1724
Website: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063651384304
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Commissioner responsibilities? Please explain.
A: The County Commissioners are the Executive branch of County Government in Indiana. Since I have been Commissioner, I have worked to improve the cooperation between us and the Nashville Town Board. Brown County and Nashville are almost synonymous in the eyes of our tourists. A good relationship and cooperation will benefit everyone in the County. We both can benefit by working together on the upcoming Stellar Program that the State is offering.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Commissioners can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: I would like for the Commissioners to schedule a public meeting time for discussion, when important and/or controversial issues are being contemplated. Our monthly regular meetings are not the place for open discussion. They are where we do the County’s business. I do value everyone’s input and transparency is always valued, but some issues have to remain confidential by law. My door has always been and always will be open to any questions that my constituents may have. My contact information is everywhere.
Q: 3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge(s) for Brown County this year and for the next five years, and how might you address these challenges?
A: The County must have a balanced budget. I believe our current County Council is doing a great job of controlling expenses and looking for additional revenue without raising taxes. Commissioners and Council have hired a new financial consultant who I believe will advise us in the right direction. We are developing a five year plan that will be updated annually. The County’s finances experience many of the same challenges that we all do at home. Prices keep going up for almost everything, but the income lags behind. Therefore, we have to ask about every expenditure; is this a want or a need?
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: “Affordable Housing” I have always believed that it meant that young people could save some money for a down payment and obtain a loan which they could afford to repay without undue hardship. Today, young people may have to rent for a time and for that we need rentals they can afford. Currently, many homes have been converted to Tourist Rentals and are off the market to rent or buy. I believe we need more apartments for people starting out who want to live here. Then we need single homes on small lots that are able to be purchased by these starters. In both cases there must be infrastructure. Everything, including water, sewer, power, and internet. I support the Housing Partnership and investors who would build more rentals.
Justin P. Schwenk
Party: Democratic
Biographical Info:
Occupation: Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Social Studies Teacher
Campaign Mailing Address: 4568 State Road 135 South Nashville IN 47448
Campaign Phone: (812) 878-5759
Questions:
Q: 1. What role, if any, does working with the Town of Nashville play in County Commissioner responsibilities? Please explain.
A: The partnership between Brown County and the Town of Nashville is absolutely critical for the long-term sustainability of our community. It is a symbiotic relationship that can not exist without one another. Municipal and county governments have complex roles and relationships, but we must foster an environment of collaboration if we want to achieve the growth that our community needs. As a Commissioner, I would actively seek out opportunities to partner with the town and innovate ways to drive economic sustainability and growth. In order to continue to move forward, any commissioner candidate should possess the important competency of driving innovation through partnerships.
Q: 2. Please explain what, if anything, the County Commissioners can do to facilitate public input into important County decisions.
A: A government that excludes the voice of its constituents limits the collective power of the community to find solutions. Multiple innovations can easily be adopted to make county decision-making more accessible to drive engagement & input. Good leaders welcome input, not hide from it. What is required are leaders who can integrate & advocate for new outreach methods. It is critical that your Commissioner not only listens but ensures that you are empowered to participate in the process. Passively making yourself available to people or engaging on social media is insufficient today. Actively seeking out public opinion, embracing innovative technologies, & ensuring that meetings are transparent & held at accessible times are my priorities.
Race: Brown County Surveyor
Description: The surveyor is a constitutional officer, elected for a four year term by the voters of an entire county. There is no restriction upon eligibility for re-election. The surveyor responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Survey and keep records of all section corners throughout the county, maintain a legal survey record book showing maps of each section, grant, tract, subdivision, GIS mapping
Candidates:
Tim Allen
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Mailing Address: 8759 N Lick Creek Rd. Morgantown IN 46160
Occupation: Professional Land Surveyor and auto CAD Draftsman
Education Background: Bachelor in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering from Purdue University
Campaign Phone: (317) 403-8912
Questions:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications and why are you running for this office?
A: I am a Licensed Professional Land Surveyor with bachelor degrees in Land Surveying and Civil Engineering from Purdue University. I have been surveying since graduating in 2002. I obtained my Professional Surveyors License in 2007 and managed Independent Land Surveying’s, Columbus office from 2010-Nov 2021. I want to become more involved in the community, my education and work history makes this position a good fit.
Q: 2. Briefly describe the Surveyor’s responsibilities and how it benefits the community.
A: The County Surveyors office is responsible for section corner perpetuation and maintaining a legal survey book, which must contain a record of all legal surveys made in the county. The surveyors office also maintains the GIS website for the county, and also maintains record information such as benchmarks, USGS topo maps, Flood Zone Maps, Survey Records and historical Aerial photography. Making this information readily available should reduce surveying costs for the public.
Q: 3. What is your wish list to improve resources for the Surveyor’s office and how would this benefit Brown County?
A: I want to make Benchmark information, legal surveys, original survey notes, and section corner information available on the county website. This includes both the old section corner ties and new corner ties. Providing this data online would help utilize the surveyors office staff’s time more wisely and should help constituents with getting surveys completed.
David Kimberly Harden
Party: Democratic
Biographical Info:
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Mailing Address: 2497 Country Club Rd. Nashville, IN 47448
Campaign Phone: (812) 345-9004
Questions:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications and why are you running for this office?
A: I have been the County Surveyor since March 2007 and associated with the County Surveyor’s office since March 1983.
Q: 2. Briefly describe the Surveyor’s responsibilities and how it benefits the community.
A: The county surveyor is responsible keeping a legal survey record book, oversees the GIS department and references county section corners each year, all information benefits the community.
Q: 3. What is your wish list to improve resources for the Surveyor’s office and how would this benefit Brown County?
A: Have a county wide RTK network with fiber optic capabilities at each elementary school
Aaron D. Harden
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Campaign Mailing Address: Nashville IN47448
Occupation: Land Surveyor assistant.
Education Background: IUPUI
Questions:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications and why are you running for this office?
A: I have worked in land surveying for over 20 years and under a few different county surveyors such as Bob Allen, John Rudd, and David Harden.
Q: 2. Briefly describe the Surveyor’s responsibilities and how it benefits the community.
A: The county surveyor is responsible for keeping a legal survey record book, oversees the GIS dept, and a section corner reference guide whereas 5% are found and referenced in a year. This benefits the community by making it easier for determining property lines between neighbors.
Q: 3. What is your wish list to improve resources for the Surveyor’s office and how would this benefit Brown County?
A: To have a county wide RTK network using the fiber optic capabilities at each elementary school.
Race: Brown County Treasurer
Description: The treasurer is a constitutional officer, elected by vote of the county at large for a term of four years, but prohibited from serving more than two terms within 12 years. The treasurer duties include but are not limited to the following: Collect, retain custody of and disburse county funds. Send annual statements to each taxpayer of tax owed; collect state and local general property taxes, including delinquent taxes, inheritance taxes, innkeeper’s tax and taxes on certain capital stock and bank deposits. Work closely with the auditor to ensure balancing of ledgers and accounts Serve as a member of the county board of finance
Candidates:
Andy Vasquez Bond
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Campaign Mailing Address: 1050 Upper Schooner Rd. Nashville IN 47448
Occupation: Brown County Treasurer
Campaign Phone: (812) 720-0516
Email: [email protected]
Questions:
Q: 1. Please describe the occupations, education/training and experience that qualify you for this office.
A: I have 15+ years of experience in the Treasurer’s office. In 2008 I started as a part-time employee and in 2010 I accepted the full time Deputy Treasurer position. In 2013 I accepted the Chief Deputy
Treasurer position working alongside Mary Smith. I took office in 2021 as Treasurer. I have experienced each position through the years, so I am well diverse in the daily operations of the Treasurer’s office. I have attended multiple Treasurer conferences over the years, where I have learned valuable information and skills that we have implemented in the daily operations of the office.
Q: 2. Why are you running for this office/position?
A: I am running for County Treasurer because I enjoy working for the taxpayers of Brown County. I have lived in this beautiful county for all 45 years of my life. It would be my honor to be able to continue to give back to my community by continuing to be a servant to the taxpayers of Brown County.
Q: 3. Please identify the major areas of responsibility of treasurer and address what internal controls you believe are critical to success and accountability.
A: The Treasurer has many major areas of responsibility. I think the largest responsibility is that they are the Chief Financial officer of the county. The Treasurer oversees investing funds according to state statute. Another major responsibility for the Treasurer is collecting property, innkeeper and dog taxes. Some taxpayers may not realize that mobile home transfers and moving permits start in the Treasurer’s office.
One of the most critical internal controls in the Treasurer’s office is the daily balancing of funds with the Auditor’s office. In the Treasurer’s office there are multiple steps to closing out our business day. Each employee has a hand in the daily closing. Procedures like this are in place to keep our internal controls stron
Q: 4. What do you see as challenges in this office and what improvements do you hope to implement?
A: A challenge that came to light after I took office in 2021 was training new employees and getting them up to speed on the daily operations of their position. I currently have fairly new staff; one is full-time, and the other position is part-time. I would like to have two full-time positions in the future so I can better train my staff and help them become more comfortable in their positions. In the meantime we will continue with education and training available to us.
Race: Brown County Circuit Court Judge
Description: Judges are elected by judicial circuits in elections held every six years. These elections are usually partisan elections, except in Vanderburgh County, where the elections are non-partisan. Generally, before an individual can be elected as a Circuit Court judge, the person must be licensed to practice law in the state of Indiana and be a resident of the circuit. Brown County Circuit Court is the 88th Judicial Circuit. The Indiana court system consists of 91 judicial circuits. There is at least one Circuit Court in each of the state’s counties, except for Ohio and Dearborn counties. These counties are a joint circuit, and they share a combined courthouse. Indiana Circuit Courts are jury trial courts with unlimited trial jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases heard in the state. Typically, Circuit Courts hear cases that are outside the jurisdiction of other courts. These types of cases include: Cases involving felony charges and any lesser offenses included in a felony charge. Misdemeanor and ordinance violation cases (Circuit Courts handle these types of cases in counties that do not have Superior Courts)General civil claims beyond the jurisdiction of the other trial courts in the state (In counties without Superior Courts, excluding Marion County, Circuit Courts also handle small claims cases)Civil equity cases. Domestic relations cases. Juvenile matters (Circuit Courts share jurisdiction with Superior Courts over some types of juvenile cases, such as termination of parental rights, juvenile delinquency, child abuse, and child neglect cases)Mental Health and probate cases (Circuit Courts share jurisdiction with Superior Courts in these types of cases)In addition to this, Indiana Circuit Courts also have appellate jurisdiction over decisions rendered by the state’s City and Town Courts. There are over 110 Circuit Court judges in the Indiana court system.
Candidates:
Mary Wertz
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Campaign Mailing Address: Nashville IN 47448
Education Background: Juris Doctorate 1990- Indiana University, Bloomington Bachelors Degree 1987- Indiana University, Bloomington
Occupation: Attorney
Questions:
Q: 1. Please describe your qualifications and why you are running for this office.
A: I have been the Judge of the Brown Circuit Court since January 2019. Prior to taking office, I served as a deputy prosecutor for 24 years, with 16 of those years as the Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Brown County. I also have four years experience as a Deputy Attorney General and attorney for an Indiana State Agency. Through my years of experience as an attorney and judge, I have acquired the knowledge and experience required to be the Judge of the Brown Circuit Court. I am running for reelection so that I can continue to serve Brown County by treating all people who come before the Court fairly and by ensuring that the laws of the State of Indiana and the United States are followed.
Q: 2. What is your general judicial philosophy?
A: I believe that all people deserve to be treated with respect and that that rule of law must prevail. The law provides the framework for all judicial decisions. The law also provides a court with some discretion within that framework to do what is appropriate under the circumstances. I see people at some of the worst times of their lives. Sometimes this is due to circumstances that they cannot control and sometimes this is due to circumstances of their own making. Either way, they deserve to be heard and treated fairly.
Q: 3. How will you work to ensure equitable treatment for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom?
A: Equitable treatment is achieved by following the law and treating all people fairly and with respect. I am able to patiently listen and make decisions based on the law and the facts of each case.
Q: 4. What alternatives to incarceration might you support?
A: Brown County Community Corrections is now under the supervision of the Court. Community Corrections programs provide the Court with alternatives to incarceration such as home detention with electronic monitoring. Community Corrections also supervises a work release program so that those persons incarcerated in the Brown County Jail can continue to work to support themselves in their families. Before placing a person in alternative program, the Court considers an evaluation that
includes a risk assessment. The Court has also ensures that persons placed on probation comply with orders that are specifically designed to rehabilitate the person.
Category: State Upper House
Race: Indiana State Senate District 44
Description: The Indiana Senate includes up to 50 members chosen by popular election from legislative districts to serve four year terms. Half of the 50 senators are elected every two years. Those seeking election to the Senate must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Indiana for at least two years, and an inhabitant of his or her district for at least one year. Senators must be at least 25 years of age when elected. The Indiana Senate and the House of Representatives make up Indiana’s General Assembly. The General Assembly has broad powers to enact laws that directly affect the daily lives of Indiana citizens.
Candidates:
Eric Koch
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Campaign Phone: (812) 279-6367
Campaign Mailing Address: 2013 Circle Court“P.O. Box 372 Bedford IN 47421
Questions:
Q: 1. What policies and plans do you have to address the challenges of pollution as it affects community health, the climate, and the environment?
A: – no response –
Q: 2. Should all schools that receive state funds be held to the same standards of fiscal transparency, academic standards, and accommodations that public schools are subject to? Please explain your answer.
A: – no response –
Q: 3. What are your priorities on reproductive health and access to obstetric health care?
A: – no response –
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Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: – no response –
Q: 5. What policies on gun safety do you support?
A: – no response –
Category: State Lower House
Race: Indiana Representatives District 62
Description: The Indiana House of Representatives includes up to 100 members chosen by popular election from legislative districts to serve two year terms. All 100 members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years. Those seeking election to the House must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Indiana for at least two years, and an inhabitant of his or her district for at least one year. Senators must be at least 21 years of age when elected. The Indiana Senate and the House of Representatives make up Indiana’s General Assembly. The General Assembly has broad powers to enact laws that directly affect the daily lives of Indiana citizens.
Candidates:
Dave Hall
Party: Republican
Biographical Info:
Questions:
Q: 1. What policies and plans do you have to address the challenges of pollution as it affects community health, the climate, and the environment?
A: -no response-
Q: 2. Should all schools that receive state funds be held to the same standards of fiscal transparency, academic standards, and accommodations that public schools are subject to? Please explain your answer.
A: -no response-
Q: 3. What are your priorities on reproductive health and access to obstetric health care?
A: -no response-
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: -no response-
Q: 5. What policies on gun safety do you support?
A: -no response-
Thomas Horrocks
Party: Democratic
Biographical Info:
Campaign YouTube URL: www.youtube.com/channel/UC41ZPatbt6GTtONqZK_lSaA
Campaign Mailing Address: PO Box 1443 Bloomington IN 47402
Campaign Facebook: www.facebook.com/horrocksforhoosiers/
Campaign X (formerly Twitter): HorrocksForIN62
Campaign Instagram: www.instagram.com/horrocksforhoosiers/
Occupation: Pastor and Military Chaplain
Email: [email protected]
Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Master of Divinity
Website: www.horrocksforhoosiers.com/
Campaign Phone: (317) 440-5078
Questions:
Q: 1. What policies and plans do you have to address the challenges of pollution as it affects community health, the climate, and the environment?
A: U.S. News and World Report has ranked Indiana 50th in “Natural Environment.” Our waterways are the most polluted in the country and our air is the third most polluted. For those reasons, I would support a State Environmental Action Plan that seeks to reduce pollution across all sectors. That plan should include increased state funding for conservation, mitigation, and restoration. It should also include both incentives for promoting environmentally friendly policies and practices as well as penalties for polluters. That plan should also require an environmental impact report on all proposed legislation and, ideally, major developments.
Q: 2. Should all schools that receive state funds be held to the same standards of fiscal transparency, academic standards, and accommodations that public schools are subject to? Please explain your answer.
A: Funding for public education is a direct investment in our future and, as such, should be a top priority for our state. In order to ensure fiscally and socially responsible investment, any school that receives public education dollars should be subject to the same standards and accountability as traditional public schools. Schools that wish to be exempt from those requirements should not receive state money.
Q: 3. What are your priorities on reproductive health and access to obstetric health care?
A: As of 2022, Indiana had the third highest maternal mortality rate and the seventh highest infant mortality rate in the country. Furthermore, 25 percent of Indiana’s counties are maternity care deserts, and this is likely to get worse as OB-GYN’s flee the state in response to the legislature’s drastic overreach. It is imperative that we prioritize the full spectrum of reproductive health by both rolling back the state’s abortion bans and working to increase the accessibility and affordability of obstetric health care across the state.
Q: 4. What actions, if any, would you take to address the need for affordable housing?
A: I would support measures that incentivize both county and municipal-level governments to invest in and promote mixed-income housing developments. I would also support subsidies for new housing developments to help offset the costs of infrastructure, so long as those cost savings are passed on to the buyers and/or renters in order to lower the barrier to entry. Finally, I would support measures that enforce habitability standards and protect the rights of low-income tenants.
Q: 5. What policies on gun safety do you support?
A: I support universal background checks on all firearm purchases without loopholes, restrictions for people with dangerous histories and other red flag laws, secure storage regulations, and an end to gun-maker immunity.
