YLNI THE VOTE 2018 ELECTION CANDIDATE ALLEN COUNTY INFORMATION.
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YLNI THE VOTE 2018 ALLEN COUNTY ELECTION CANDIDATE INFORMATION.
About YLNI the VOTE
YLNI the VOTE was created in 2007 by Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana (YLNI) as
a way to inform YLNI members and the general public about candidates in the City of
Fort Wayne’s 2007 November elections. YLNI has continued to produce a non-partisan
informational candidate brochure which provides information needed for voters to make
an informed decision. YLNI believes in an informed, educated membership; and YLNI the
VOTE serves as an excellent way to encourage emerging leaders to vote.
Each year candidates are asked to provide general background information and to answer
questions pertaining to their desired elected office in 175 words or less. The YLNI the
VOTE committee reserves the right to edit an answer due to space limitations. With the
exception of editing for length, all answers are presented in this brochure as written.
If a candidate responded to the request but chose not to disclose a piece of information,
you will see it indicated by “No Response”. If a candidate chose not to accept the invitation
to participate and return a response in the requested manner, you will see it indicated by
“Did Not Respond.” If you have questions about YLNI the VOTE, please contact vote@
ylni.org.
ABOUT YOUNG LEADERS OF NORTHEAST INDIANA
YLNI Mission: To attract, develop and retain emerging leaders through community,
professional and social engagement.
YLNI is an empowered group of young professionals who are engaging our community
head-on and making a positive impact on the places in which we work and live. YLNI
impacts developing leaders by:
• Growing leadership skills through leadership development programs such as Leadership
Institute and View from the Top;
• Demonstrating skills though community impact activities such as Community Engage-
ment and Advocacy, Candidate Bootcamp and YNLI Farmers Market; and
• Providing social networking opportunities such as monthly Hot Spots and volunteer
opportunities.
YLNI the VOTE Candidates’ Night
The meet-and-greet forum is your opportunity to meet and speak with the candidates one-
on-one in a social atmosphere.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
5:30-7:30 p.m. at Club Soda
VOTING INFORMATION
ELECTION DAY
• The polls will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 6, 2018.
• Bring photo ID - All voters will need to show a government-issued photo identification
before casting a ballot
REGISTER TO VOTE
Deadline to register to vote is 27 days (October 9, 2018) before the election. To find
locations to register, visit the Allen County Election Board website at www.allencounty.us/
election-board.
VOTING LOCATIONS AND SAMPLE BALLOTS
Your ballot is based on your precinct and its associated political districts. You can view the
sample ballot for your precinct by going to the Allen County Election Board website (listed
above).
VOTING ABSENTEE AND EARLY VOTING
If you are unable to vote in person on November 6, 2018, you may vote in person begin-
ning 27 days before Election Day at the Allen County Election Board Office or one of five
satellite locations. For qualifications to vote absentee and additional information, please
visit http://www.allencounty.us/election-board.
Additional resources
Visit www.indianavoters.com to check your registration and polling place.
VOTE EARLY
Early In-Person Voting
VOTE EARLY AT ONE of FIVE LOCATIONS in ALLEN COUNTY
2018 GENERAL ELECTION
Mon.- Fri., 10/10-10/30: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat. 10/27: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon. 11/5: 8:00 AM - Noon
Rousseau Centre - 1 E Main St.
Wed.-Fri., 10/31-11/2: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat. 11/3: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Indiana Wesleyan University - 8211 W Jefferson Blvd.
Ivy Tech Northeast - 3800 N. Anthony Blvd.
Manchester University - 10627 Diebold Rd.
Public Safety Academy - 7602 Patriot Crossing
Rousseau Centre - 1 E Main St.
2018 Allen County
Candidates
US Senator State Representative – Aboite, Adams, Cedar Creek,
Mike Braun (R)** District 83 Eel River, Jackson, Jeffer-
Lucy Brenton (L)** Christopher Judy (R)** son, Lake, Madison, Marion,
Joe Donnelly (D) Maumee, Milan, Monroe, Per-
State Representative – ry, Pleasant, Scipio, Spring-
US Representative - District 3 District 84 field, St. Joseph, Washing-
Jim Banks (R) Bob Morris (R)** ton, and Wayne Township
Courtney Tritch (D) Curtis Nash (D) Trustee & Board Member***
Secretary of State* State Representative – Wayne Township Assessor***
Jim Harper (D) District 85
Connie Lawson (R) Dave Heine (R)** Grabill Town Council***
Mark Rutherford (L) Christopher Rex (D)**
Huntertown - Town Clerk -
Auditor of State* Prosecuting Attorney* Treasurer***
Tera Klutz (R) Karen Richards (R)
John Schick (L) Huntertown - Town Council
Joselyn Whitticker (D) Circuit Court Clerk* Member***
Danielle Andersen (D)
Treasurer of State* Christopher Nancarrow (R) Leo-Cedarville - Town
John Aguilera (D) Council Member***
Kelly Mitchell (R) County Auditor*
Nicholas Jordan (R) Zanesville Clerk -
State Senator - District 14 Treasurer***
Dennis Kruse (R) County Recorder*
Anita Mather (R) Zanesville - Town Council***
State Senator - District 15
Elizabeth Brown (R) County Sheriff* EACS Board Member -
Kathy Zoucha (D) Phillip Davis (D) District 1R***
David Gladieux (R)
State Representative – EACS Board Member -
District 50 County Assessor* District 2E***
Jorge Fernandez (D) Stacey O’Day (R)
Dan Leonard (R)** EACS Board Member -
County Commissioner – District 3E***
State Representative – District 2
District 52 Theresa Brown (R) FWCS Board Member -
Martha Lemert (D) At Large***
Ben Smaltz (R)** County Commissioner-
District 3 FWCS Board Member -
State Representative – Richard Beck (R) District 1***
District 79 Grant Walmer (D)
Matthew S. Lehman (R) FWCS Board Member -
County Council- District 1 District 4***
State Representative – Kimberly Doster (R)**
District 80 Sharon Tucker (D) NACS School Board Member
Phil GiaQuinta (D) - At Large***
County Council- District 2
State Representative – Thomas Harris (R)** NACS School Board Member
District 81 Ben Schoch (D) - District 3***
Martin Carbaugh (R)**
Kyle Miller (D) County Council- District 3 SACS School Board Member
Joel Benz (R) - District 1***
State Representative –
District 82 County Council- District 4 SACS School Board Member
David Abbott (R) Larry Brown (R) - District 2***
Mike Wilber (D)** * Race not Covered ** Candidate Did Not Respond to Survey
***Visit www.indianavoters.com for your complete ballot
• Secretary of State The Secretary of State oversees the formation of new business and filings of ex- isting businesses, the registration of trademarks, monitors the securities and auto dealership industry, and authorizes notaries public. • County Auditor The auditor is responsible for tracking and dispersing all county funds, maintain accurate financial statements throughout the year, and issuing payroll for county employees. The Auditor also tracks all transfer of real estate and adjustment to property information in the GIS system. Additionally, the auditor calculates and collects the property tax and special assessments for all properties in the county and distributes the funds to all other government units within the county. The auditor serves as the secretary to the County Council and maintains the records of the County Council business. • County Recorder The county recorder is responsible to maintain permanent public records for business completed throughout the county. The county recorder processes thousands of documents a year and maintains millions of documents for public inspection. These documents range from transfer of property between owners, property deeds, mortgages and liens.The recorder’s Office holds neighborhood covenants, military discharge records and business name filings. • County Assessor The county assessor is responsible to determine the market value of every prop- erty in the county. The assessor oversees property reassessments and serves as the county’s inheritance tax appraiser. • School Board School boards are responsible for setting the vision and goals for the school dis- trict, adopting policies to set direction and achieving the goals, hire and evaluate the superintendent, adopt the annual budget, and manage employee contracts. The school board approves contracts with outside vendors and construction proj- ects while paying attention to the academic priorities. • Township Offices Services provided through township offices vary based on the services provided by other government bodies in the township. The primary role of township offices is to administer emergency assistance programs within the township. Townships may also have a role in fire protection, cemetery maintenance, township parks, community centers, and weed
ABOUT US SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congress is the legislative body of the federal government and consists of two chambers – the US Senate and the US House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members (two from each state) and the House is fixed at 435 members (population of a state determines the number of Representatives that state is allotted). Indiana currently has nine Representatives. Senators are elected to six year terms and Representatives are elected every two years. There are no term limits for members of Congress. Congress has the power to enact laws, approve the budget, and amend the constitution. The House of Representatives have the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills, impeach the President, and elect the President in the case there is no majority in the Electoral College. The Senate has exclusive power to ratify treaties, confirm federal appointments, and trying of impeachments. ABOUT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Indiana’s legislative branch is referred to as the General Assembly. The General Assembly is a bicameral legislature that consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives with 100 members and the Senate with 50 members. Represen- tatives serve a two-year term and Senators serve a four-year term. The General Assembly has the power to enact laws, levy taxes, and create a budget. ABOUT ALLEN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners is the executive and legislative branch of the Coun- ty. Duties of the office include administering the county’s business; enacting ordi- nances that primarily affect unincorporated (not within a city or town) areas of the county, and receiving bids and authorizing contracts. Each Commissioner serves a four-year term with no term limits. Commissioners are elected on a staggered basis by district. There are three districts in which the candidate must reside in the district, but are elected at-large by all County voters. ABOUT ALLEN COUNTY COUNCIL The County Council is the fiscal body of County government with duties including adopting the County budget, appropriating funds, and setting the County’s annual property tax levy. The Allen County Council has seven members including four District seats and three At-Large seats. Each member serves a four-year term with no term limits. Council members are elected on a staggered basis. All four District seats are up this election.
US Senate
Candidate
US Senator
Joe Donnelly (D)
Education: J.D., Notre Dame Law School
Current Employment: US Senator
Political Experience: US Senator, US Repre-
sentative, and former school board member
Political Website: www.joeforindiana.com
If elected, what is your top priority you would like to accomplish this
term?
My top priorities are jobs, health care, and addressing the opioid crisis. As I
travel around the state, Hoosiers tell me that their biggest concern is jobs. Far
too often we’ve seen companies close and jobs move to foreign countries,
devastating communities and families. I’ve tackled this issue head on by in-
troducing the End Outsourcing Act, which would create new incentives to stop
companies from sending jobs to foreign countries. I also hear about access
to health care. Fifty-nine Hoosier counties are considered underserved for pri-
mary health care, and we know just how important access to a family doctor
can be when it comes to attracting businesses and families into an area. The
lack of health care access also impacts our ability to respond to the challeng-
es of the opioid epidemic.
If elected, how would you balance the needs of Hoosiers and the needs
of the county?
My role is to listen. I am succeeding as your Senator when I take your ideas
to Washington and fight for them. Every year for the past four years, I have
traveled to all 92 counties, meeting with Hoosiers, hearing their ideas, their
hopes, and sometimes even their frustrations. Since 2014, I have hosted
nearly 50 “Donnelly Days,” in which I work alongside Hoosiers to see their
jobs up close and gain greater understanding of the issues most important
to them. I have trained with firefighters, spent time in a Head Start teacher’s
classroom, worked on the grounds crew of the Fort Wayne TinCaps, and
operated an electronic milker on a dairy farm. On each Donnelly Day, I speak
to workers and their employers about the challenges they face, the issues
affecting their day-to-day lives, and what they think we should fight for. These
conversations stay with me, drive my work in the Senate, and I keep them in
mind as I work every day for all Hoosiers and their families.
US Representative
District 3
US Representative - District 3
Jim Banks (R)
Education: MBA Grace College; BA Political
Science, Indiana University
Current Employment: U.S. Representative
Political Experience: Whitley County Council
2008-2010, Indiana State Senate 2010-2016,
U.S. Representative 2016-current
Political Website: www.jimbanks.us
If elected, what is your top priority you would like to accomplish this
term?
During my time in Congress, I have focused on three main priorities - rebuild-
ing our military, ensuring our veterans receive the care they deserve, and
growing our economy. A strong national security is a long-term investment,
and I’m proud to have played a role in passing vital bipartisan legislation that
helps address our readiness crisis to keep America safe. I also supported
a bill that gave our service members their largest pay raise in eight years. I
serve on the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and have worked with my col-
leagues on dozens of bipartisan bills to expand the GI Bill, allow veterans to
receive services outside the VA medical system in their home communities,
and improve the services at VA facilities. I have supported numerous pro-
growth policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and rolling back harmful
regulations. These pro-growth policies have resulted in economic growth
above 4 percent and unemployment at historic lows, which is why our econo-
my is booming today. If re-elected, I will continue to focus on these three key
priorities.
If elected, how would you balance the needs of Hoosiers and the needs
of the county?
I make it a priority to travel across the district frequently and meet with as
many northeast Indiana residents as possible to hear directly from them. I
meet with Hoosiers in a wide variety of settings, in small communities, on
farms, on factory floors, and in the downtowns of our larger cities. I do this so
I can be your voice in Washington and best represent our region in Congress.
Some of the best legislative ideas I have pursued have been the direct result
of ideas I received from constituents. To the extent the needs of our district
and the country might conflict, I always fall back on the Constitution and con-
servative principles I pledged to uphold when I first ran for office. I will always
follow those principles and be a consistent voice for limited government, free
enterprise, and a strong national defense.
US Representative
District 3
US Representative - District 3
Courtney Tritch (D)
Education: B.A., Indiana University; Marketing
Strategy Certificate, Cornell University
Current Employment: Courtney Tritch Con-
sulting
Political Experience: No Response
Political Website: www.tritchforcongress.com
If elected, what is your top priority you would like to accomplish this term?
I will make it my duty to fight for healthcare for the people of Indiana’s 3rd Dis-
trict. No one should be bankrupted because of a medical illness, and those with
pre-existing conditions should never be denied coverage or limited by lifetime
caps. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly called Obamacare, enabled mil-
lions of Americans to have healthcare coverage. It was an important first step that
now must be improved upon, not repealed and replaced just to win some partisan
game. My top priority will be to defend healthcare at the federal level and work for
all possible legislative action to drive down costs for the most vulnerable among
us. This is both an economic issue and a moral issue, and we must treat it as
such: when Hoosiers live in fear of an illness or an accident wiping out their life
savings, we lose productivity. Healthy workers are productive workers, and that is
good news for America’s bottom line.
If elected, how would you balance the needs of Hoosiers and the needs of
the county?
My allegiance is to every Hoosier in northeast Indiana, but the core principles of
my campaign address the needs of people everywhere. I believe in economic
efficiency, investing in our future workforce, and working for the common good
of all Americans. I envision a country where poor and wealthy alike can receive
quality healthcare and obtain an excellent education, reviving the middle class
so everyone can achieve the American Dream in an equal and inclusive society.
Balance will come from working with colleagues, regardless of party, to pass bills
that will benefit the residents of Indiana’s 3rd District as well as every other Amer-
ican, such as ensuring that everyone has access to affordable healthcare, strong
public schools, and high-wage jobs. During my time at the Northeast Indiana
Regional Partnership, I worked with individuals from different backgrounds and
beliefs to improve our downtowns, attract new businesses, and lay the infrastruc-
ture for continuous economic development across an eleven county region. Now,
it’s time we take this collaborative attitude to Washington to create real change
for all Americans.State Senator
District 14
State Senator - District 14
Dennis Kruse (R)
Education: I.U. Bachelor’s Degree 1970
Current Employment: Indiana State Senate
Political Experience: 29 Years in the IN
House & Senate
Political Website: N/A
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
1. Funding Public Education 2. Funding Workforce Development 3. Funding
for he Opioid Crisis 4. Funding for roads and bridges 5. Funding for prisons 6.
Funding for state parks and trails 7. Funding for needy families and children
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
1. Grant economic incentives for new employers to locate in Northeast Indi-
ana 2. Allow for grants to current employers to stay and grow in Northeast
Indiana 3. Create a climate for workers to want to locate in Northeast Indiana.
Examples: Better parks and trails for recreation, improve downtown river-
front, advance the Electric Works. 4. Have workers receive the proper training
for the unfilled good paying jobs. 5. Use the talents of veterans upon their
return to private life. 6. Continue to provide for new and affordable downtown
housing.State Senator
District 15
State Senator - District 15
Elizabeth Brown (R)
Education: University of Notre Dame, B.S.;
University of Iowa, J.D.
Current Employment: Indiana General As-
sembly, state senator; Mediator
Political Experience: Fort Wayne City Council
member
Political Website: lizbrown.us
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
As ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and alternate to
the State Budget Committee, I know first hand how important it is to appropri-
ately fund our K-12 schools, as well as higher ed. However, we now realize
this means better funding CTE for all students, including those who may
be looking for something other than a 2 or 4 yr degree after high school. In
addition, we must address the serious issues with DCS, an agency currently
challenged not only by the opioid crisis, but also with significant changes in
leadership. Systemic process changes must made. Finally, as a member of
the Health Committee, we are always looking at making sure all Hoosiers, to
the extent we as a state are involved, are receiving appropriate health care.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
Indiana faces a crisis of undereducated workers, whether a skills gap, or an
education gap, or both. In order to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars, we
need to ensure that all workforce development programs, secondary educa-
tion programs, and other CTE programs are reaching the people intended
and delivering the skills and services expected. Where appropriate, through
traditional infrastructure, broadband, and regional development incentives,
we as a state need to make sure that every corner of the state can sustain
21st technology and talent.
ut contributing to it.State Senator
District 15
State Senator - District 15
Kathy Zoucha (D)
Education: BA Science & Humanities; Indiana
Wesleyan University Transition to Teaching
Current Employment: FWCS
Political Experience: IPFW Student Body
President; Windsor Fountains HOA
Political Website:
www.KathyZouchaforIndiana.com
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
Education (K-12) is my top funding priority. The national average of dollars
spent per pupil is $11,009. Indiana spends an average of $8,000 per pupil.
Hoosier schools are hurting due to a lack of adequate funding. In addition,
the American Counseling Association recommends a one counselor for every
225 students ratio. Indiana has the third highest teen suicide rate in the
country. Adhering to this recommendation could save lives. Since our state
standards require students to already know how to read prior to entering kin-
dergarten, funding pre-k for all children is important.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
Hoosiers make 80 cents for every dollar workers in the rest of the country
make. Many of the young Hoosiers I know and work with must work more
than one job in order to pay bills and pay off student loans. If you want to
retain new talent, then pay them a decent wage. Even though Des Moines,
Iowa, has a similar housing market, residents of Des Moines make 26 per-
cent more per year! That’s a lot of buying power! Why are Hoosiers so under-
valued?State Representative
District 50
State Representative – District 50
Jorge Fernandez (D)
Education: B.S. in Chemistry Education from
Taylor University
Current Employment: Independent Tutor
Political Experience: Allen County Demo-
cratic Precinct Committeperson and two time
State Convention Delegate, Indiana Latino
Democratic Caucus Steering Committee, Allen
County Young Dem Executive Board Member
Political Website:
www.facebook.com/Fernandez4House
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
I said this when I first ran in 2016 and it still rings through: “Children are my top budget
priority. That may be a broad brush, but I have stated before in order to reach our full
potential as a state, we have to invest in the children of this state. By doing this, we can
do more than create high quality jobs in the future: we can create admirable communities
Hoosiers can be confident living in and creating in right now. If our state is to be success-
ful, we cannot settle for the minimum possible number of Department of Child Services
caseworkers or for spending valuable resources on dubious programs, while students sit
in large and inadequately resourced classrooms. If we are going to create and retain talent
in Northeast Indiana, supporting families is key.” Additionally, working with federal gov-
ernment to create more affordable health care, funding mental health care and reducing
prisoner recidivism, decreasing infant mortality, and improving treatments of the disabled
and veterans, and improving public safety pension benefits will be priorities.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
The way you get people to operate differently is to understand where they are coming from
by communicating with them. Making Northeast Indiana a more welcoming place is critical
to sustaining talent here. Many of Indiana’s current legislators (both state and federal)
and those close to them have either embraced a President that demeans people that are
different or stayed silent on this conduct. When elected legislators like State Senator Andy
Zay of Huntington County say that “racism is not real”, it exemplifies this problem. And the
legislators don’t just say things that indicate a devaluing of other people; they put it into
practice by failing to implement independent redistricting reform and sustain others includ-
ing having one of the earliest poll closing hours in the country, requiring a reason to get an
absentee ballot, and having one of the earliest voter registration deadlines of 30 days in
advance of elections. I would be part of changing this by making voting more accessible
and recognizing the plight of the marginalized in the community.State Representative
District 52
State Representative – District 52
Martha Lemert (D)
Education: Vassar College, AB; Case West-
ern Reserve University, JD
Current Employment: Burt Blee Dixon Sutton
& Bloom
Political Experience: First time candidate
Political Website: www.lemert4staterep.com
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
Public schools. We need to stop the damage being done to our system of
public education in this state by stemming the flow of tax dollars to voucher
schools, getting rid of the property tax caps stifling transportation funding and
reinstating full bargaining rights to teachers. We can’t grow Indiana without an
educated workforce. Another funding priority is working family friendly policies
such as paid parental leave and child care support.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
It is not enough to just be a cheap place to live or a good place to raise a
family. Fort Wayne and Indiana need to pass laws that make it more welcom-
ing to transplants. The lack of a hate crimes law, the lack of full protections
for the LGBTQ+ community give Indiana a reputation of backwardness that
discourage people from relocating here. Tax breaks alone will not get com-
panies to locate headquarters and high paying jobs here in Indiana. Where
are most corporate headquarters located? The west and east coasts. Which
states all have more progressive and stronger laws protecting workers. In
terms of local efforts, we need to foster more unique, fun activities for young
adults in Fort Wayne. I’m proud to be an original member of the curling club
here in town as I think it’s a great winter activity for people of all ages to get
connected into the community. We need more of this.State Representative
District 79
State Representative – District 79
Matthew S. Lehman (R)
Education: AS in Aviation Technology
Current Employment: Bixler Insurance Inc. -
Agent/Principle
Political Experience: 10 years in the Indiana
House of Representatives and 14 years on
Adams County Council
Political Website: www.mattlehman.com
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
Workforce development. We need to continue the effort to make available
to both employer and employee the tools that will move Indiana from a state
that exports college graduates to a state that attracts high wage employment.
We need make sure we are wisely investing in programs that generate the
greatest return.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
Beyond the dollars invested by the state we need to continue to create an
environment that helps all communities compete for top notch jobs. This
includes investing in communities that create a better place to live, work
and raise a family. We need to have a long term infrastructure plan for both
above ground and our aging underground utilities. We need to have safe and
accessible parks and recreation areas. We need to have affordable housing
and creative dining experiences. Most of all we need solid sources of educa-
tion both public and private. If you create a strong sense of community you
will be able to compete for top tier employers.State Representative
District 80
State Representative – District 80
Phil GiaQuinta (D)
Education: B.A. Indiana University
Current Employment: Account Manager Fort
Wayne City Utilities
Political Experience: Wayne Township 2002-
2006; Indiana State Representative 2006-pres-
ent
Political Website: N/A
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
Education spending is my top priority. We’ve seen tremendous success with
the pre-k program in the 10 county pilot project. I’d like to see the budget
provide the necessary funds to take the pre-k program to all 92 counties.
Purdue Fort Wayne is off to a strong start. I want to make sure the 2019 bud-
get fully funds the Fort Wayne campus, as well as our local Ivy Tech campus.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
To attract and retain talent in NE Indiana, we must continue to find ways
to assist local communities in developing their downtown and surrounding
areas. Young people are looking for place value: where they can work, live
and play. In 2009 I authored the bill that funded our local Capital Improve-
ment Board. The CIB has been responsible for several development projects
in downtown Fort Wayne. More recently, I supported the Regional Cities
initiative. NE Indiana was one of three regions awarded several million dol-
lars used to invest in the area. More of these type of programs, including TIF
legislation, will be needed as we look for ways to enhance and improve NE
Indiana, which in turn will attract and retain employees.State Representative
District 81
State Representative – District 81
Kyle Miller (D)
Education: Homestead High School
Current Employment: Asphalt Maintenance
Service
Political Experience: None
Political Website: No Response
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
In the Indiana legislature in recent years, there has been an emphasis put on
saving money at all cost. The Indiana State Auditor announced that we are cur-
rently operating with an almost $2 Billion surplus, essentially, we’re taking in more
tax dollars than we are spending. The problem comes from what we have had
to cut in order to reach that surplus. Public schools have been underfunded for
years, the Department of Child Services is in near shambles because of funding
cuts, and we’re not spending nearly as much as we should on essential mental
health and opioid addiction treatments. There is a difference in being thrifty and
being cheap. You get what you pay for. I am all for looking to save money where
we can, but I am not willing to underfund necessary services to get that done. My
funding priority is not one single issue, but rather to change the culture of being
cheap at the detriment of essential services that benefit hard working Hoosier
families.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
If you look at cities that have reinvented themselves and are attracting top talent,
they all have one thing in common: a forward thinking identity. In South Bend,
Mayor Pete Buttigieg has grown his city, not by looking back and trying to attract
citizens that have left South Bend, but by looking forward and thinking about what
kind of community does the next generation want to live in. As a State Represen-
tative, my job would be to work with the City of Fort Wayne and find funding for
whatever projects they see fit to attract talent. Another area we must address is
wages. Indiana sits near the bottom of the nation in wages. We’ve put an empha-
sis on attracting large companies to headquarter in Indiana. What we have not
done is to make sure that those jobs that are being created are good paying jobs.
We must raise wages and keep the cost of living down in order to make sure that
Fort Wayne is a city that families can live, work, and play.State Representative
District 82
State Representative – District 82
David Abbott (R)
Education: 3 years Indiana University. 4 years
Tool and Die Vocational
Current Employment: Indiana State Repre-
sentative District 82
Political Experience: 27 years President
Rome City Town Council and 2-1/2 years No-
ble County Commissioner
Political Website: https://www.facebook.com/
David-Abbott-For-Indiana-State-Representa-
tive-169433053779390/
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
Economic development of our State. I believe we need to focus on greater
commitment to attracting new businesses into our State, supporting and in-
centivizing existing businesses and workforce development for skilled trades.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
I believe attracting and retaining talent is almost entirely driven by job oppor-
tunities for our young adults. Equally important is the availability of affordable
housing and quality of life amenities and activities for young families to enjoy.
I have seen firsthand with my own family that in order to get high paying qual-
ity jobs has required relocation out of state.
I will support fair legislation to help develop a business friendly growth en-
vironment to attract new companies into our state and to help existing busi-
nesses grow within our state.
I will also support legislation that helps high school students not only to pre-
pare for college but in addition provides opportunities for them to choose a
skilled trades alternative through a vocational school of their interest. I believe
the Governors Graduation Pathways Program is a promising mandate.
Other areas or improvement are affordable housing and more recreational
activities. I have been involved with the development of the trails in Northern
Indiana and would like to see a network of trails connected to each other.State Representative
District 84
State Representative – District 84
Curtis Nash (D)
Education: M.A. IPFW
Current Employment: IPFW
Political Experience: None
Political Website: https://www.facebook.com/
Curtis4Congress/
In 2019, the General Assembly will be crafting the biannual budget.
What is your top funding priority?
1) Safety and security, affirming requests by State and local police and fire
officers for raises, also increasing budget for training in forensics and rehabil-
itation. Also increasing budgets to reform prisons, never privatize them. 2)
Infrastructure, in regard to transportation by aggressively moving to begin
intrastate passenger rail service throughout Indiana, and in the energy grid by
moving from coal-powered plants to renewable sources of power. We need
to be better stewards of our citizens and our people. 3) Education, in that we
need to compete for the most qualified educators, giving them a reason to
stay in Indiana with competitive benefit packages. We also need to reserve
public tax money for public education, less money for vouchers, especially
less to those private entities and curricula not approved by our education
experts. In this area, politicians need to be enablers--hire the experts who
would serve our children and the common good the most, and get out of the
way.
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our
community faces in growing the economy. Please describe your
thoughts on how to attract and retain talent in Northeast Indiana?
I would like to see Indiana fight to keep its citizens. One way would be to
create a tax credit for home-grown Indiana residents who elect to remain in
Indiana, or to give preference to these persons when hiring for public employ-
ment. This tax credit could even be structured to increase with the addition
of community service to the community of origin, or to designated areas.
Appealing to outside residents with no Indiana identity or connection would
create a mobile professional class--one that moves with the highest bidder,
and only takes from Indiana without contributing to it.County Commissioner
District 2
County Commissioner – District 2
Therese M. Brown (R)
Education: BSM, ABA
Current Employment: Allen County Commis-
sioner-2nd District
Political Experience: 2 term Allen Co. Audi-
tor; 2 term Clerk of Allen County; completing
2nd term Allen County Commissioner
Political Website: No Response
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our commu-
nity faces in growing the economy. Please describe your thoughts on how
to attract and retain talent in Allen County?
We need a vibrant community and, as a Commissioner, I have helped create a
climate that encourages and invites business to locate and expand in our County
through incentives, and land that has a majority of infrastructure improvements
already completed. During my tenure, we have created opportunities for industry
to leverage our shell building program through our redevelopment commission.
This program allows for varying carrying costs to be deferred to the County to
strengthen the potential options for developers in attracting a variety of business-
es to our unincorporated areas of the County. Road infrastructure is critical to not
only business, and our constituents but to those that are considering relocating
to our area. By investing the recent increase in gas tax into many of our failing
roads as well as roads that are gravel/chip and seal, I believe we are signally that
we are on board with creating a quality of place for everyone.
How do you propose to strengthen relationships and collaborate with your
elected counterparts and community leaders within the region?
I, along with Mayor Terry McDonald of New Haven, launched the Northeast Indi-
ana Mayors and Commissioners Caucus. This Caucus includes every county in
northeast Indiana as well as Kosciusko County. Over the last 5 years we have
been able to show the Indiana State Legislature that we are a cohesive-collabo-
rative region. We unanimously embraced the opportunity of the Regional Cities
Initiative, created a region wide Regional Development Authority (RDA) and
influenced a variety of legislative items at the State House. Collaboration is key,
not only the success of Allen County but to the Region as well.County Commissioner
District 3
County Commissioner- District 3
Richard E. Beck (R)
Education: Masters in Science in Manage-
ment
Current Employment: STAR Financial
Political Experience: None
Political Website: www.richbeck.us
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our commu-
nity faces in growing the economy. Please describe your thoughts on how
to attract and retain talent in Allen County?
To attract and retain the talent and get them to relocate and stay in the Allen
County area we must create a Quality of Life Place. First of all we must de-
termine exactly what Quality of Life amenities we need. Once we know the
amenities required, we then partner with the Private Sector employers seeking
these employees and begin to develop and finance those amenities. This will
take time, but must remain a significant focus for years to come, it is a long term
initiative. If we do not create the environment they will not come or stay. Another
initiative running concurrently is to focus on identifying the industry sectors of the
workplace with the most critical need for employees. Determine the educational
and skill levels required for the next 10-20 years. Where are those individuals
today? High Schools, Junior High Schools, Skilled Trade Schools, Colleges and
Universities. In conjunction with the Employers start aggressive recruiting pro-
grams, internships, mentoring, job shadowing, work and learn programs. Fo-
cused on creating an awareness of what is available.
How do you propose to strengthen relationships and collaborate with your
elected counterparts and community leaders within the region?
No one individual can get the job done by themselves, it takes an ongoing col-
laborative effort on the part of all stakeholders. Sitting down together addressing
the issues at hand and seeking common ground for a resolution. I am a strong
proponent of meeting face to face with other stakeholders to deal with the issues
and seek a mutually agreeable solution. I am pragmatic, I do not have all the
answers. I look at issues through the lens of a private sector business person
and I am in pursuit of the best resolution to the issue. I seek understanding,
collaboration and answers. I listen and stay engaged. Currently, I am meeting
with Elected Officials, Department Heads, Judges and other Key individuals. Not
to be presumptuous, but to shorten my learning curve, in the event that I win the
General Election in November. I am leaving each meeting asking for an open
door policy agreement, in the event we have an issue we will meet face to face
and work toward an amicable solution.County Commissioner
District 3
County Commissioner- District 3
Grant Walmer (D)
Education: Associates - Therapeutic Massage
Current Employment: Massage Therapist /
Business Owner
Political Experience: Indiana Democratic
State Convention delegate (3x), Young Demo-
crats of America Convention delegate, Deputy
precinct committeeman
Political Website: www.electgrantwalmer.com
Attracting and retaining talent is one of the greatest challenges our commu-
nity faces in growing the economy. Please describe your thoughts on how
to attract and retain talent in Allen County?
We need to attract and retain the kind of talent that flock to our universities and
then leave for bigger cities. Our youth want and expect walkable and bikeable
communities. We need to support projects that do that across our county, like the
East Allen Alliance. We need to leverage our advantages against bigger cities.
We have more open natural spaces. Open natural spaces aren’t just nice to look
at, they add their own value when used as parks or trails. Youth care about the
environment, so we need to let our natural environment shine. We also have a
low cost of living, so we need to make sure to keep up with housing, low income,
subsidized or otherwise. We need to support entrepreneurship and small busi-
nesses. Often, county and city governments support entrepreneurship organiza-
tions like Start Fort Wayne, and their co-working Atrium. We need to do the same.
To get and retain the youth of tomorrow we need quality of life improvements, a
nice environment, and to be seen as a center of innovation.
How do you propose to strengthen relationships and collaborate with your
elected counterparts and community leaders within the region?
One of my key issues is transparency. I’ve been to town and city halls all around
the county and I’ve been surprised by how little our governments trust each other.
I would make sure that all bridge repair and upkeep is well documented and
available for towns, cities and residents to look at, to help ease distrust between
the towns, cities and county governments. Being as transparent as possible will
help make it easier for towns, cities, and regional partnerships to justify collab-
oration. I want to do more outreach, and I want to make it easier for people to
give their input. I want to set the meeting time for the board of commissioners
to a more convenient time. To increase community input, I would push to have
a Facebook page for the Board of Commissioners that is updated and links to
pages for neighborhoods that might be affected by decisions made in upcoming
meetings. I would reach out to the township trustees to see what local issues
they might be having.County Council
District 1
County Council- District 1
Sharon Tucker (D)
Education: BA - Management
Current Employment: Insurance Agent
Political Experience: Elected Official - 3.5
years
Political Website: https://electsharontucker.
wordpress.com/
If elected, what would be your top priority for this term?
My top priority reminds the same as in the past, making sure every effort is taken
to pass a sound budget that helps promote development and growth.
As the fiscal body of the County, what is your primary proposal to facilitate
efficient government spending?
Efficient government spending involves asking the right questions that help get to
the root of any given request. Many times when departments or business owners
present their request for increases or abatement they tend to only share the posi-
tive side of their outlook. I ask tough questions that require more than a yes or no
answer, thereby shining light on additional facts. This allows Council to decide if
supporting the request is a wise use of county dollars.County Council
District 2
County Council- District 2
Ben Schoch (D)
Education: College No degree
Current Employment: A+ Computer
Political Experience: National Delegate,
Volunteer
Political Website: https://www.facebook.
com/Ben-Schoch-for-County-Coun-
cil-205417660208621/
If elected, what would be your top priority for this term?
My top priority would be making sure our tax dollars are being used efficiently. I
believe there are steps we can take as a county to limit spending while still pro-
viding the services required.
As the fiscal body of the County, what is your primary proposal to facilitate
efficient government spending?
I would like to have a independent review of department spending. Currently
office are allocated a set about. Each department rations their money to make
sure they have enough through the year. The problem is at the end of the finan-
cial year they try spending as much as possible to make sure they get the same
amount or more the following year. I would like to find ways to allow spending
throughout the year so the work is also done efficiently along with spending.County Council
District 3
County Council- District 3
Joel Benz (R)
Education: MBA - St. Francis, Bachelor of
Science - IPFW.
Current Employment: Owner, Heritage Prop-
erty Management. Paramedic for Parkview
Samaritan and TRAA
Political Experience: Current Allen County
Council President.
Political Website: www.VoteBenz.com
If elected, what would be your top priority for this term?
County Council is the fiscal body for all county departments. My top priority is to
make sure those departments are being fiscally responsible and living within their
means, so that we can keep taxes as low as possible. Additionally, when projects
come along that have potential to make Allen County a better place to live and
work we are able to afford them without borrowing to make others pay for them in
the future. In short, being fiscally responsible is my top priority!
As the fiscal body of the County, what is your primary proposal to facilitate
efficient government spending?
Improving technology continues to be one of the best ways to facilitate spending.
By finding ways to better use that technology, whether its GPS, kiosks, or getting
more departments online technology has the ability to streamline operations,
reduce costs, and provide better accessibility for all residents of Allen County.
Providing IPADs to sign in for voting is a recent example of spending that allowed
a department to reduce manpower needed, while still providing the same service.County Council
District 4
County Council- District 4
Larry Brown (R)
Education: No Response
Current Employment: Contractor
Political Experience: About 23 years total,
7 @ Ossian Town Council, 6 @ Wells Coun-
ty Council, 10 @ Allen County Council all of
which was/is watching the taxpayer’s money.
Political Website: No Response
If elected, what would be your top priority for this term?
As always, watching the Taxpayer’s money. Trying to make sure tax dollar are
spent wisely. Trying to stay informed on upcoming expenses, like the added local
cost resulting from HB1006, the felony reform bill, planning and budgeting for
same.
As the fiscal body of the County, what is your primary proposal to facilitate
efficient government spending?
Those of us who live in Allen County are fortunate to have well educated and
experienced County government elected officials who know their job and do it
well. In a lot of areas, Allen County is a leader across the State. Fiscally, County
Council needs to continue to support Departments needs while questioning past
as well as future expenses as necessary or not.VOTE EARLY AT ONE of FIVE LOCATIONS in ALLEN COUNTY
2018 GENERAL ELECTION
Mon.- Fri., 10/10-10/30: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sat. 10/27: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mon. 11/5: 8:00 AM - Noon
Rousseau Centre - 1 E Main St.
Wed.-Fri., 10/31-11/2: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sat. 11/3: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Indiana Wesleyan University - 8211 W Jefferson Blvd.
Ivy Tech Northeast - 3800 N. Anthony Blvd.
Manchester University - 10627 Diebold Rd.
Public Safety Academy - 7602 Patriot Crossing
Rousseau Centre - 1 E Main St.
ELECTION DAY
• The polls will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 6, 2018.
• Bring photo ID - All voters will need to show a government-issued photo
identification before casting a ballotYou can also read
