Vanderburgh County Council At-Large

Marsha Abell* (R), Real Estate Sales Associate, FC Tucker Emge Realtors 

1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

 Budget. HEA 1001 capped property taxes which was good for homeowners but the cap also meant a cap on spending money to run government. My goal as a candidate is to know as much as possible about the ramifications of this bill and as an elected officeholder my goal is to live within the budget we establish. The DLGF nor the state elected officials completely understand this bill. I have attended workshops and invited the representatives from the Associations of City and Towns an Indiana Counties to come to Evansville and conduct a joint workshop for the city and county councils, which they did. In the next two to three years this process will be crucial to the advancement of Vanderburgh County.

Fund new projects. We are currently looking at several projects which will require substantial funds: i.e. old jail renovation, security for all of civic. center, new holding cell for inmates appearing in court, refresh program of computers. The county does not currently have a grant writer on staff. I propose working with GAGE to secure the services of a grant writer to investigate the possibility of securing grants for funding in part are wholly these projects.

Update salary ordinance. The salary ordinance was established to provide proper payment of salaries and reduce the possibility of political involvement in that process. However, over the years different departments have been "gifted" with discretionary funds from state or federal sources. Many of the officeholders have used these funds to reward their employees by not adhering to the salary ordinance and paying these select people payments from this funding source. The entire ordinance requires review and rewriting

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

I am in favor of unifying the physical workings of local units of government. The city and county already have many departments that are jointly funded and staffed that work extremely well. This joint venture has reduced duplications. There are other areas where we can make this necessary step as well. I have had some discussions already with the Mayor regarding some shared responsibilities to minimize operating costs. Above that, we are exploring the possibility of staggered work days to provide the greatest service to the public at a lesser cost. Some departments function well on a 4 day 10 hour work week and if we see a cost savings, we will go forward with that plan. Also, offices would be much more efficient if county employment was based on education, training and experience rather than political affiliation. Well educated and trained employees can do more work in less time than those that are obviously not well suited for the job they are performing.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

Companies large and small do not want to be located in an area wherein government is always in an economic crisis. Vanderburgh County has in the past and will continue to be economically sound and conservative in spending. As elected leaders it is our job to provide this marketing tool to the economic development arms of our county to bring in new business and assist current business. Tax phase in is a good economic tool but only when properly used and when the companies obtaining the relief report regularly and are expected to maintain the promises made when receiving the tax incentive. Watching these items is the job of the county council and the proper support for business. I do support continuing financial support of the EDSCI. However, I am not interested in funding an agency; any agency; that spends sums of money traveling to remote locations and fails to be successful in securing any business. I will continue to vote in favor of this funding but I will also closely watch the expenses and return on the investment.

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

I do support the concept of the County Assesor being the only assessor and eliminating township government. It is, in my opinion, a layer of government we no longer need. I also support the idea of a single county executive but I am not sure in reality it can be accomplished. The salary would have to be great enough that a qualified person would be interested in it. Giving up a career track with a company to become the county executive might be too risky for many people to become involved. Although it is not perfect the way it is, the “part time” position does allow for any citizen to run for county commissioner or councilman. I have offices being appointed. I have no problem with one legislative body. I do have a problem with almost all county offices being appointed. I disagree with the report indicating that the county council should appoint the county assessor. I do not think the person mainly responsible for the tax base in the county should be appointed by the very people that budget that money. I think  the election office should be split from the county clerk and that office should be a joint venture by the two or in the future three political parties in conjunction with voters registration. I think the county clerk, which is officially the clerk of the circuit court, should be appointed by the judicial staff and serve at the pleasure of the judges. I think the county sheriff should always be elected but the recorder, surveyor, treasurer and auditor could be appointed. The treasurer and auditor should always be separate to make certain money is properly distributed.

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

Similar  to my response to question 3, I feel that our main role is to create a stable economic climate for business to grow in our area. Along with that, the four counties in this area need to start marketing themselves as one area with a substantial population. If the two major hospitals depended only on Vanderburgh County residents, we would probably have only one and not the two outstanding ones we currently have. We draw from a wide area and need to capitalize on that. As a councilman, I should know and be able to work with the commissioners and councilman from Warrick, Gibson and Posey County. To a great extent, I do know them and have worked with them. In fact, we invited all of them to our seminar on HEA1001. I think we should consider things such as asking the adjoining counties to allow a percentage of their COIT or LOIT to be sent to the City of Evansville to assist in the building of the new stadium. This would require action from the State Legislature but it has been done in Indianapolis and it  could be done here. People from all three counties will enjoy the attractions at a new stadium. Other forms to progress in Evansville benefit the adjoining counties. And, sometimes the progress in adjoining counties benefits Evansville; such as Toyota in Gibson County.

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Tammy Barnett (D), President, T.R. Barnett & Associates

1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

A. Work with the county council members to implement sound fiscal practices for county government.

Explore creative approaches to streamline county government and reduce waste to ensure a balanced budget while providing the quality of services that make this county a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Encourage the growth and development of innovative businesses that offer good jobs in the community and are good citizens, emphasizing training and growth opportunities for their employees and exploring green building and processes. To do this, the county must strengthen its tax abatement process to ensure that our taxpayers’ dollars are well spent for jobs that provide a living wage and benefits to our residents.

B. Develop collaborative community initiatives for an attractive and healthier community.

Ensure the main gateways to our county reflect a welcoming, positive image. Also, collaborate with community organizations to extend greenways and biking pathways and other outdoor activity areas so that our county is known as a walking and biking friendly community.

C. Promote an open and accessible county government.

Ensure convenient and accessible council meetings that enable greater attendance and participation by the community. Use the county’s website and other easily accessible venues to provide more information on the workings of county government, including advanced detailed agendas and use of the website to facilitate more pre and post meeting input and feedback from citizens.

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

I can understand voters who state that they are concerned that consolidation would result in their representatives being yet another step removed from them.
I can certainly understand their concerns. However, often the local units of government overlap functions, making it more costly to provide services and more confusing for residents to know how to navigate the system to meet their needs.

Voters who have experienced the confusion of differing ordinances meant to address the same problems (as we saw with the smoking ordinance) state that a more unified county/city model would result in consistent policies that would be easier to promote and enforce.

I believe city and county leaders must examine the process of streamlining functions of government in a way that makes the best sense for our community. In addition to the resulting savings from a more efficient streamlined government, instituting some of these recommendations would result in a more unified county/city model of government that would make it easier to pursue economic development opportunities in a more consistent and efficient approach. I believe this is particularly important given the tax shift and resulting budget crunch from the recent passage of the property tax bill.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

Our county is fortunate to have fine higher educational institutions and to be home to the corporate headquarters of leading regional and national companies that are leaders in their respective industries. I would like to see county leaders focus on strengthening partnerships with educational institutions and business and industry. We need to be more intentional in leveraging these relationships to pursue growth and expansion of current industries in the area, as well as attracting new ones, especially in the high tech and environmental sectors.

Currently, the majority of the state’s economic development funding goes to the communities around the IU and Purdue campuses. If we work with our college and universities, we should be able to collaborate on projects with local industries to ensure more of the state’s grant funds go to our community. Vanderburgh County residents pay their share of state taxes, and we must do everything we can to ensure we’re receiving our fair share of the funding our tax dollars support.

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

Yes, I support the continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana. This coalition is an important factor in building relationships with our neighboring counties to combine resources to attract new business and industry to locate their operations to our region.

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

I support examining the recommendations put forth in the Kernan-Shepard Commission. As the report states, there is no “one-size-fits-all solution.” Clearly, the counties in Indiana are as diverse as the people who live and work there. Thus, what would work for one county might not work well in another county. I agree with that sentiment and believe that Vanderburgh County – its leaders and its citizens – must work to find out which particular model of unified government will work to best meet the needs of our community. I am confident that our community has the resources and talent and combined working spirit to do what’s best for our citizens.

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

If elected, I view my role on county council as a part of a team that must facilitate strengthening regional relationships by encouraging the continued development of initiatives that pool together resources and strategies. I will work with other county council members to build leadership in the council to ensure our county’s increased visibility and stature in the region.

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Eric Cake (R), Journeyman Mailer, Evansville Courier Company

1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

First I'll work hard to find new ways to reduce the cost of government.  While I believe that the current council is doing a good job, I plan to work hard to find innovative solutions to current and future problems.

Second, I'll push for more economic development.  We must take advantage of the I-69 project to sell Southern Indiana.  We must continue to strive to bring in good businesses and good paying jobs.  Also, we must work hard to keep improving our infrastructure.

Finally, I'll work to make government more people friendly.  We must work to simplify government and to reduce the need for people to go downtown by making things more available online.

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

We must always look for new ways of doing things.  For example, we need to look towards ways of getting away from gas  on school busses and other government vehicles that only run for limited periods of time in order to reduce our shortfalls due to gas fluctuations.  Also with the current technology we should be able to cut out allot of paper and allow people to do more online in order to improve efficiency.

While unifying local government is inevitable  in the future, I don't believe that we are at that point yet.  We must first handle bill 1001, which deals with property taxes and elimination of most of the township assessors.  Only after that, can we know where we stand in order to move on to other changes.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

We are actually very lucky.  With I-69 being built, it will make us more attractive as a complement with I 64, the Ohio River barges, our railroad system, and the Evansville airport.  This will make it easier and cheaper to move goods and services in and out of Vanderburgh County.  We must also keep a tight grasp on government spending in order to ensure low taxes.  We are also blessed to have two growing colleges in Vanderburgh County.  We must continue to support them in order to provide a strong local work force.  Therefor, Vanderburgh County is in a great position for the retention and expiation of local companies.

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

I still prefer an organization to oversee economic development on a regional scale in order to keep all regional governments on the same page and make it easier for all of us to work together.

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

I am not against the restructuring of local government.  If it can make things more efficient, cut costs, and make it easier to hold those people responsible for their actions, I'm for it.  The majority of township assessors are already under the county assessor and I believe that after the elections this November the rest will be also.  This will make it easier to assure equal assessments through out the county.  Also this will allow workers and equipment in the assessors office to be moved around as needed to improve efficiency and cost.

One issue I do have with the Kernan-Sheppard report has to do with their idea of appointed positions.  This allows for officials to place friends and supporters in important positions instead of allowing the voter to decide. (ex: recorder, treasurer, clerk, sheriff)   I do believe the media needs to do a better job of informing people about the candidates for some of those positions. 

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

Vanderburgh County is the main hub in Southwestern Indiana.  We provide employment, entertainment, and travel (Evansville Airport) for many of the people of the surrounding counties.  Everything we do will affect them also, so we must show leadership and work hard to keep Southwestern Indiana growing and a place where people want to move to and stay.

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Ed Bassemier (D), Safety Chief, Evansville Regional Airport

1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

My three priorities as a candidate are public safety, economic development and fiscal responsibility. To ensure a safer community, we need to work closely with the public safety
departments such as the Vanderburgh County Sheriff, local
emergency management agencies and the fire departments

I have always been a strong supporter of economic development and infrastructure. In bringing new businesses to the area, it will create more jobs and help lower property taxes.

The County Council is the fiscal body that over sees a budget in excess of a million dollars. The county has only so much money to work with and as a councilman one has to make the tough decisions on what cuts you have to make without hurting the efficiency and daily operations of the county government

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

I think that all duplications of services in local government should be eliminated. Care needs to be exercised to be sure that only real
duplication or inefficiencies are being eliminated and not just
perceived problems. There should not be a knee jerk reaction to cut
costs but we should have a process of assessment and then action.

Efficient government requires a continuous monitoring. What may be efficient one day is not necessarily efficient the next. This is not a periodic event but an on going process.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

The best way to attract new businesses and retain existing businesses is to provide an educated, motivated work force, have the kind of community that successful families would like to call home and have an efficient government that provides the services required by the community at a reasonable tax rate

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

I support the Regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana. I feel we can pool our resources and work together to have a much greater impact on economic development. In order to participate in the coalition, all members must do their part to make sure this area is more attractive to economic
development. This should not be a free ride for anyone, all must work toward a common goal

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

I believe that government in Vanderburgh County, including Evansville, should operate as efficiently as possible. If reforms and restructuring improves the efficiency of local government without sacrificing the desired services to the taxpayers, I am all for it. We should always strive to eliminate duplications of services. If local government can be streamlined that will be just one part of our
economic development

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

I think that elected leaders in Vanderburgh County should take the lead in issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana. We should include the local counties in planning and other activities through the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana. We should provide any support to them that will benefit them without harming Vanderburgh County. If the regional area is successful, Vanderburgh County will benefit

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Joe Kiefer (R), Executive VP / Associate Broker, Hahn Realty Corp

 1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

Work to ensure an efficient and cost-effective operating and capital budget for Vanderburgh County so to minimize the tax effect on local citizens.

Work to establish Vanderburgh County as a local government that meets or exceeds the highest standards in best practices.  We will need to benchmark ourselves against the highest rated local governments.  Our goal should be rated as “world class” in Best Practices of local governments.

Implement government accountability programs such as CitiStat.  See answer number 2, below.

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

I would like to see local government implement a program similar to CitiStat which is being used in municipalities such as Baltimore, MD and Chatanooga, TN.  CitiStat is a government efficiency program that works in cooperation with local government employees to set goals, objectives, and measurements to assure the highest quality for the lowest costs.

I wholly support looking at ways to make government work for its citizenry in the most cost efficient method while maintaining or improving services.  Additionally, I support a government that improves representation, provides efficient and excellent services, and helps us compete in economic development so we grow our local economy.  I am very supportive of the recommendations made in the Kernan-Shephard Commission Report.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

We need to utilize tools such as tax phase-ins (abatements).  Additionally, I would call for the county acquiring EPA air pollution credits so we could use these credits to attract new manufacturing.  I would also like to work more closely with state government to attract high tech businesses to SW Indiana.  I also believe implementing the answers given in question number 2 above would be highly beneficial.

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

Yes

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

Yes.  See answers to Question number 2, part B,  above.

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

First, I think it is important to work as a cheerleader for our region.  Secondly, we must recognize that we are not isolated by ourselves as an individual city or county.  We must work together with the other local governments and elected officials.  Additionally, when it comes to economic development and other regional important issues, such as transportation, environment, quality of life, we need to strive to work in a nonpartisan effort to achieve improvements for our region.  Finally, it’s important to work with the private sector and organizations such as our local chamber to in handling issues of regional importance.

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Mike Goebel* (D), History Teacher and Football Coach, Mater Dei High School and Vanderburgh County Council At-Large Member

1. What are your top 3 priorities as a candidate for office?

Priority #1: My first priority is to work to continue to fund all of the Vanderburgh county governmental services, with particular emphasis upon public safety and quality of life programs, while remaining ever-watchful for unnecessary expenditures.  As every Hoosier knows, the financing and operation of local government is undergoing fundamental change.  The Vanderburgh County Council must continue to help the government operate effectively and efficiently within the funding mechanisms that are in place.

Priority #2:  Quality job creation and job retention are paramount to the future of our county and necessary for sound economic growth.  I remain committed to supporting strong economic development within Vanderburgh County and our region.  The county council must continue to coordinate measures with other government entities, our local educational institutions, and the private sector to offer the incentives and the vision necessary to attract sound and responsible business growth.

Priority #3:  The Vanderburgh County Council must continue to help improve roadways and infrastructure.  While not a glamorous issue, this is a very important responsibility of our local government.  The various federal, state, and local road construction projects should be better coordinated to ensure that residents experience minimal inconvenience.  Vanderburgh County residents, students, businesses, and workers must have safe and efficient means to travel throughout our community.  Providing a modernized infrastructure will enhance our quality of life and promote economic growth, thus making Vanderburgh County a more attractive place to live, visit and to do business.

2. With the ongoing discussions of budget shortfalls, how can municipalities ensure efficient and cost-effective measures at the local level?  To alleviate taxpayer burden and streamline leadership, would you be in favor of unifying local units of government? 

The Indiana General Assembly implemented legislation this year to ease the financial burden placed upon Hoosier property taxpayers, particularly homeowners.  I support this legislation.  The ensuing revenue shortfall for local governments is causing the obvious impact.  Vanderburgh County Council must complete its budget with up to $600,000 less funding in 2009 and up to $1.2 million less in 2010.  The exact amount has not been determined because other factors, such as the current housing crisis, fuel costs, inflation, and other economic determinants are not certain.

I feel confident that the council can operate within the current financial framework without cutting services and without cutting jobs or benefits of county employees.  As a method of ensuring cost-effective and more efficient county government, Vanderburgh County Council requested the help of every department head to hold their budgetary lines on spending and help the council make responsible cuts. I have been impressed with their cooperative efforts and the results.  While there will be increases in expenses beyond the control of the council, such as fuel and utility costs, the budget will be completed and our county services will be funded.

am open to studying any method of relieving the burden placed upon our local taxpayers. I will address the local units of government in response to question number 4.

3. As economic development becomes increasingly competitive on the regional and state level, how best can our local leaders assist in the attraction of new business and retention and expansion of local companies?

I feel Vanderburgh County and Southwestern Indiana are currently in a very unique window of opportunity, perhaps the greatest in our region’s history.  With the construction of I-69, the addition and expansion of several large industries, our proximity to the Ohio River, our productive workforce, and our excellent facilities of higher education, our area is primed for economic expansion.  We must continue to develop a united long range vision that will allow economic growth utilizing all of these resources.  We must also work with our neighboring communities to continue to develop Southwestern Indiana as a regional force.  Our leaders have taken active steps in attracting new businesses with the creation of the Economic Development Commission of Southwest Indiana.

As a member of Vanderburgh County Council, I favor of tax phase-ins for companies seeking to locate or to expand in Vanderburgh County when those companies meet the criteria established.  Granting these incentives to deserving companies pays huge dividends in job creation and job retention over time.  These incentives allow our county to attract the very types of corporations that will serve as responsible community partners and make Vanderburgh County a more desirable place to live and work.

As a follow-up, do you support continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana?

Yes, I favor continued financial support of the regional Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana.  The need for a regional voice and vision seems obvious to me.  When businesses locate or expand into any of the Southwestern Indiana counties, the positive impact ripples through to the other counties as well.  Subsidiary businesses and job creation are not limited to the county in which a business locates.  All counties in our area benefit.

4. In 2007, the bi-partisan Kernan-Shepard Commission made numerous recommendations to reform and restructure local government in Indiana, such as creation of a single county executive and legislative body, as well as transferring the responsibilities of townships to the county level.  Do you support implementation of these recommendations? 

I have the greatest respect for Governor Kernan and Chief Justice Shepard.  I believe that any proposals that bear their names must have merit.  Therefore, I am open to studying the recommendations of the commission.  I attended the local hearings held by the commission and I remain impressed with their recommendations.  My belief is that the changes we have witnessed in local township government as legislated by the General Assembly this year are just the beginnings of changes to come.

Honestly, I must further study the possible impact of the proposal to move county executive from a three member commission to a single commissioner. Most levels of government have a single executive and that structure seems to work well in our country. Using the same rationale, most levels of government utilize councils that hold legislative powers and that structure has worked well for Americans.  If, for instance, the county council would be eliminated or altered, and  that change is determined to be in the best interest for our community and is the will of the people, then so be it.  In the end, I feel Hoosiers should have a voice in these proposed structural changes through the referendum process.

When the General Assembly enacted legislation this year transferring some township assessor duties to the county level, it was done in a hurried and incomplete manner.  Vanderburgh County still has three townships with independently elected assessors.  The future of these three assessor offices will be determined by referendum vote in November.  The movement to eliminate some township assessors and allow some to remain, while it may prove best in developing uniform assessment tools and perhaps increase efficiency, has been chaotic at best.  I believe that all townships should be handled in uniform manner.  So, under the current circumstances, I favor placing all assessment duties within the realm of the Vanderburgh County Assessor’s Office.

5. As a municipal leader, how do you view your role in handling issues of regional importance to Southwest Indiana? 

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