2010 Brown County Election Guide

Electionfocus Poll Locations Election Issues Candidate Forums Voter Information Meet the Candidates Published by Brown County Democrat Brown County Election Guide October 2010 1

Vickie Payne Van Buren Twp. Trustee

Tina McCormack Hamplen Twp Bd of Dir.

Ronda Barnes Jackson Twp Bd of Dir.

Sue Rogers VanBuren Twp Bd of Dir.

Mari Miller Assessor

Glenda Stogsdill Auditor

Jerry Pittman County Council Dist. 3

Jim Milnes County Council Dist. 1

Brad Stogsdill Sheriff

Deb Noe Clerk

Gary Davidson Washington Twp Bd of Dir.

John Price Jackson Twp Bd of Dir.

Please join with us to help energize and support the future of Brown County.

VOTE REPUBLICAN.

Phil Stephens Hamplen Twp Trustee

Lanny Rossman Hamblen Twp Bd of Dir

Ben Miller VanBuren Twp Bd of Dir.

Rob Ayers Coroner

John Kennard Commissioner Dist. 2

Ben Phillips VanBuren Twp Bd of Dir.

Art Knight County Council Dist. 4

Donna Lutes Washington Twp Bd of Dir.

Jim Kakavecos Jackson Twp Trustee

Jim Roberts Prosecutor

Brian Gabriel Washington Twp Trustee

Lynda Sereno Washington Twp Bd of Dir.

Judy Swift County Council Dist. 2

Larry Gardner Jackson Twp Bd of Dir.

Paid for by the Brown County Republican Central Committee, Deb Noe, Treasurer.

2 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

Freida Milnes Hamblen Twp Bd of Dir.

NOE clerk

I will revise the budget and streamline expenses to help lower your tax dollars.

I will establish policies to better accommodate the public.

I plan to utilize my business experience to run the Clerk’s Office more efficiently, effectively and tax payer friendly.

Please remember in November,

Say YES to NOE! Paid for by the Committee to Elect Deb Noe, Norm Noe, Treasurer.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 3

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Deb Noe, Norm Noe, Treasurer.

VOTER INFORMATION POLL LOCATIONS: Hamblen 1: Hamblen Township Volunteer Fire Deptartment, 4650 Sweetwater Trail Hamblen 2: Unity Baptist Church, 7361 Spearsville Road Hamblen 3: Church of the Lakes, 8844 Nineveh Road Jackson 1: Faith Full Gospel Church, 6881 State Road 135 North Jackson 2: Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Department, 5200 State Road 135 North Jackson 3: Helmsburg Elementary School, 5378 Helmburg School Road Jackson 4: Helmsburg Elementary School, 5378 Helmburg School Road Van Buren 1: Van Buren Elementary School, 4045 State Road 135 South Washington 1: North Salem United Methodist Church, 7781 State Road 46 East Washington 2: Parkview Church of the Nazarene Family Center, 1750 State Road 46 East Washington 3: New Life Community Church, 1450 State Road 135 North Washington 4: County Office Building, 201 Locust Lane Not sure what precinct you live in? Check with the county clerk’s office by calling 988-5501, or go online to www.indianavoters.com.

ABSENTEE VOTING: Absentee voting is under way in the county clerk’s office in the Brown County Courthouse.

Dates and times for in-person voting, in advance of the Tuesday, Nov. 2 general election day, are: Mondays-Fridays through Oct. 4– 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 23 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 30– 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 1– 8 a.m. to noon Voters who would like to absentee-vote by mail can submit applications, available through the clerk’s office or the secretary of state’s website, www.in.gov/sos/elections/2403.htm, until Monday, Oct. 25.

Thursday, Oct. 21 marks the first day that voters with disabilities, confined voters, or voters caring for a confined person can vote absentee in front of a traveling absentee board. For more information, call the county clerk’s office at 988-5510.

PHOTO ID LAW: Voters must present valid photo identification at the polls and when voting absentee in the county clerk’s office.

The ID must: -Display the voter’s name, and the name must conform with the name on the voter registration record; -Display the voter’s photo; -Contain an expiration date, and either be current, or have expired after the date of the last general election, Nov. 4, 2008 (includes military ID with an expiration date of “INDEF”); and -Be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government.

In most cases, an Indiana driver’s license, Indiana photo ID card, U.S. passport or military ID will suffice. If a voter does not possess ID meeting these requirements, the law requires the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue an Indiana ID card free of charge, as long as the voter is able to present sufficient identifying documentation.

Voters should note that an expired ID that is othewise valid would fulfill the photo ID requirement as long as it expired within the deadline. Also, voters should note that the photo ID law does not contain a requirement regarding the voter’s address.

The law does provide exemptions for voters who are unable to afford costs associated with obtaining a free ID; those with a religious objection to being photographed; and those who are residents of state-licensed facilities that also serve as the voter’s polling place.

Voters who are unable or unwilling to present a photo ID at the polls will be asked to cast a provisional ballot.

The voter will then have 10 days to follow up with the county election board and either present a valid photo ID or affirm that one of the law’s exemptions applies to them.

QUESTIONS? For more information on voting in Brown County, call the clerk’s office at 988-5510.

4 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

Assessor...........................................................13 Auditor............................................................... 11 Coroner..............................................................13 County Clerk.....................................................14 County Commissioner.....................................16 County Council . ..............................................16 Prosecuting Attorney....................................... 11 Sheriff..................................................................6 Town Council....................................................19 Township Trustee.............................................20 The Brown County League of Women Voters composed the questions for the candidates in each race, and sent questionnaires to each candidate. The answers appear in the candidate’s own words. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization.

Candidate Forums

Hear about the backgrounds & viewpoints of candidates for local offices.

Tues., Oct. 12, 7 p.m., County Office Building: Candidates for county offices (except Sheriff & Prosecutor) Wed., Oct. 13, 7 p.m., Town Hall meeting room: Candidates for town council Thurs., Oct. 14, 7 p.m., County Office Building: Candidates for Sheriff and Prosecutor WATCH LIVE ONLINE on the Brown County Democrat’s Web site, bcdemocrat.com Forums sponsored by the Brown County chapter of the League of Women Voters and Farm Bureau

League of Women Voters of Brown County Vote November 2.

Vote May 4 Primary Your only chance to elect the School Board Your Vote is Your Voice Join The League Voter Service Health Care Environment Government Ethics Local Issues Redistricting Join•988-7378•Bluejayhill@att.net Democracy is not a spectator sport!

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 5

Sheriff

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. Would you give your opinion on any current and future problems in the sheriff’s department?

3. Do you have any specific plan for improving the sheriff’s department?

4. If elected, how do you plan to prepare yourself for the duties and responsibilities for this office?

Rick Followell (D)

1. I started my career in the Brown County Community Corrections Department in 1990, working as a corrections officer, managing the road crew, work release and house arrest programs.

While being a corrections officer I was also a Nashville city reserve officer, and later during this time a Brown County Sheriff’s reserve officer, and became a full-time merit deputy in 1995 where I am continuing my career. Working as a deputy sheriff, I have attended numerous schools and training seminars, which has trained me to lead our department. Currently, I am the only certified police instructor specializing as a firearms instructor for the department. I am certified in handgun, shotgun and patrol carbine instruction. I have held this title since 2006. I am certified in standardized field sobriety testing as well as a certified breath test operator with numerous drunk-driving arrests made every year. I am certified in the Reid and Associates interview techniques, the advanced Reid interview techniques and a graduate of the Reid street crimes program. I have completed active shooter schools, which train officers on how to deal with school shooting situations. I have completed the Caliber Press street survival ’99 school. I have attended ongoing training in domestic violence and have been voted domestic violence officer of the year for numerous years by the Brown County Domestic Violence Task Force. I am current on all mandatory yearly officer training such as domestic violence, CPR, first aid, hazmat and SID’s training. I have been awarded two life-saving awards: The first for pulling a man out of a pond who was drowning, early in my career, and the second for pulling a man from a burning home

in 2009, in which I was voted the 2009 County Police Officer of the year by the Indiana Sheriff’s Association.

2. Our jail needs to house more Department of Correction inmates to lighten the tax burden on our residents. This has been a real loss to the taxpayers and something that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. Failure or inability to work together with the county council can no longer be accepted. A sheriff must be willing to work with and sometimes compromise for the greater good of the community. Employees should want to come to work and not fear their supervisor’s public wrath on a bad day. Officers need to know that if they are right in their decisions their department WILL back them. They, nor we, as a county, can afford for officers to secondguess themselves in a stressful situation.

3. I will surround myself with qualified, competent people that are good at what they do, and give them the authority to do their jobs.

4. I have been preparing myself for the past 20 years as a county sheriff’s deputy.

This county is my home and I have chosen to live here and serve. I have been trained in policing and I am good at what I do. My statistics are as good or better than other officers in our department. I work well with our prosecutor and court system. I treat people as I would want to be treated and I believe that most of the people that I have arrested and dealt with over the years would say that I have, and still do, treat them with respect.

William R. Staples (I)

1. I became a police officer in Portage in 1981. In Portage we were evaluated on a quarterly basis. I am proud to say that I always earned the rating of “excellent” officer. I was always at or near the top of our entire department in felony, DUI and narcotic arrests. I have received letters of commendation for undercover work and for serving with a K-9, and some of these awards can be seen on my website, www.StaplesForSheriff.com. In Portage we had monthly inspections on the condition and appearance of each officer as well as our vehicles, firearms and other equipment. In over 80 inspections I never received a single demerit. As a police officer, I was proud to be a public servant. I

6 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

will bring an attitude of public service to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

I have been self-employed for much of my adult life. I have owned K-9 Instruction Studio and The Good Shepherd Kennels since 1979. I am experienced in every aspect of running a business. This business expertise is one thing the citizens of Brown County liked about Debbie Guffey’s campaign for the sheriff office in the primary. This sheriff’s department should be handled like a business. The citizens of Brown County are our customers and we should serve them well. As your sheriff, I will do this while staying within the constraints of the budget. We will regain the trust and respect of our citizens as they see and appreciate our new attitude of public service.

2. The foremost problem currently facing the sheriff’s department is its obvious lack of leadership. I have often said that our deputies spend too much time parked in Nashville. I heard one citizen refer to McDonald’s as the Brown County Sheriff’s Department East Annex. We’ve all seen the vehicles parked there for up to two hours at a time, but the reason I bring this up is because this is a leadership issue. I cannot believe that Sheriff Buck Stogsdill, Deputy Chief Mike Adams and Lieutenant Brad Stogsdill allow this to go on. This is also one of the reasons our response times are so high. Deputies are not out in the county when the calls come in. In my administration, deputies will be held to a 30-minute lunch break and any calls not answered promptly will be explained to me.

Our reserve unit is small and underutilized. I have plans to seek out qualified men and women to expand the unit. Both our patrol division and jail will benefit greatly from the added manpower. Both of my opponents mention expanding the reserves; however, neither has done anything about it prior to this election. Again, this is a leadership issue. The severe lack of fundamental leadership qualities and vision has prevented this from being accomplished over the last eight years.

I understand that there are times, usually during hunting seasons, when we have only one deputy on duty for the entire county. Once again, this is poor leadership. The current leadership within the department should not have allowed this. It may not be popular, but under my administration, I will not allow deputies to take vacation in numbers so large that public safety is in jeopardy.

Another significant problem currently facing the department is morale. I consistently hear complaints of nepotism and unfair promoting within the current administration. I often wonder if the current practices are the reason the sheriff’s department does not have any full-time female deputies. If elected, I will be writing policy regarding fair and equal promotions. I will do all I can to encourage women to apply as full-time deputies. Departments across the nation have been involved in lawsuits regarding unfair hiring and promotions. I will avoid costly lawsuits in the future by ending the current favoritism and promoting in a fair and equal manner. Simply put, I will find the best person for the job.

In the future, the biggest problem facing the department will be financial in nature.

Departments across the nation are being called upon to find ways to cut spending.

The national average is 2.3 sworn officers for every 1,000 citizens (fbi.gov). The average in Brown County is about half of that, including the Nashville city officers.

In my administration, I will carefully examine the current spending and positions within the department. Wasteful and inefficient use of time will be eliminated.

My lieutenants will have more important responsibilities than delivering routine process papers. A full day’s work for a full day’s pay.

3. As a citizen of Brown County, I am

concerned with the response times of the sheriff’s department. As I mentioned, I believe our deputies spend too much time parked in Nashville. As your sheriff, I will assign deputies to patrol specific zones.

This will result in deputies patrolling less traveled secondary roads. Citizens will appreciate seeing deputies working in their neighborhoods. However, the greater benefit will be a radical reduction in response times.

As I mentioned above, I have plans to expand our reserve unit. Deputies will be assigned new members and they will be scheduled to work in the times most needed. Reserves will also be scheduled to work in the jail in conjunction with our current jailers. It has been estimated that as much as $630,000 per year can be brought in by housing low- and medium-security prisoners. This extra revenue would allow us to hire desperately needed personnel and purchase equipment.

As your sheriff, I will work hard to rebuild the department’s image. I will expect everyone within the department to take part in this. I will also evaluate the entire staff and performance levels. Currently, the department’s rules and regulations are either ineffective or unenforced. I will be upgrading departmental procedures to raise them to standards set by departments across the nation.

Up to this point, I have spoken nega-

tively regarding our sheriff’s deputies’ performance, but I want to be clear. We do not have bad deputies. We have poorly supervised deputies. I want to be clear about where I place the blame. Under my administration, if a deputy is wrong they will hear from me and I will take the appropriate action. Similarly, if a deputy is right, I will fight to the end for them. As a citizen, I appreciate seeing an officer awarded for meritorious service. As a sheriff, it would be an honor to present the award.

4. If elected, I would like to begin the process immediately after the election to ensure a smooth administrative transition.

Shortly after taking office, I would like to meet with all the employees of the sheriff’s department in order to introduce myself and to advise of some policy changes.

I would be open to ideas for improvement.

Additionally, I would like to institute an open door policy to all employees. In an effort to learn how each deputy performs, I would like to ride along with deputy. I would also like to get to know them personally.

We have some very talented personnel.

Some of them I already know, and I am eager to meet those I do not know. If elected sheriff of Brown County, I will encourage all employees to take ownership and personal pride in the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE! Vote “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC

No More Taxpayer Bailouts!

•If the Brown County Community Foundation won’t support the needs of the CRC-- WHY SHOULD YOU? •The BC Community Foundation still has $1,291,000.00 of Lilly Foundation grants to support the CRC through the year 2025!

•Don’t pay $875,000.00 in New Taxes!

• Protect your home and your family!

Vote “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC. Paid for by the Student Education Coalition of Brown County, E. A. Werling, CPA and Chairman.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 7

Duncan Adams (L)

1. Business management. Previous business owner. I don’t lie; I’m brutally honest.

I don’t cheat on my wife. Previous personnel management. Fifteen years’ public contact interaction. I can read, comprehend and follow the state and U.S. constitutions. I can use a gun, safely.

I can say no if asked for improper favors. I am not part of the good old boy “blue suit” system; therefore, I can be quite impartial.

I am not related to half the county and/or friends with the other half. Again, I will be unbiased. I will not watch Internet porno at the sheriff’s department. No nepotism.

2. Current problems: No comment here.

I will address this verbally in a public forum.

Future problems: Unable to answer; my crystal ball is in the shop. I’ll deal and solve them as they arise.

3. Make sure all personnel are following the constitutions when involved with the public. Arrest as few people as absolutely necessary. Put priority on crimes that have

victims: theft, assault. Victimless crimes get lower priority, if any (i.e., “Click It Or Ticket” programs). Re-interview ALL employees — see who they are, what they need and who needs to be rewarded and who may need discipline. Reduce the impact of the federal government upon the sheriff’s department.

4. First, review the paperwork and procedures at the office of the sheriff, if the current sheriff will allow it. Second, if possible, school with ex-sheriff Richard Mack from Arizona (http://sheriffmack. com/index.php/biography), one of the few constitutional sheriffs in the country, author of “County Sheriff: America’s Last Hope” (www.callingallsheriffs.info/ AmericasLastHope.pdf).

Brad Stogsdill (R)

GLENDA

STOGSDILL for AUDITOR

“Fair, Honest, & Experienced”

15 Years in Brown County Government Paid for by the Committee to Elect Glenda Stogsdill Auditor, Glenda Stogsdill, Treasurer

8 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

1. Since 1973, at the age of 5, I have been exposed to the Brown County Law Enforcement Community watching my father advance in his own law enforcement career. After graduating from Brown County High School in 1986, I studied law enforcement at Vincennes University for two years. In 1989, I was hired at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office as a full-time jail officer and reserve officer.

I became a merit officer in 1992 and graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1993. Since then, I have worked my way through the ranks from corporal, sergeant and now lieutenant, which equates to 11 years in a leadership/supervisory role. Since 2005, I have held an administrative position as lieutenant.

During my 18 years as a merit officer, I have completed numerous hours of law

enforcement training. I have been a certified instructor in basic law enforcement, defensive tactics and standardized field sobriety. I have completed drug interdiction training and several drug enforcement schools. I have also completed numerous hours of domestic violence training. The state mandates law enforcement officers to receive a minimum number of certified training hours per year, and I have always exceeded the minimum requirements.

2. For more than the last decade, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s number of merit officers has not increased.

In order to be more proactive, we need to increase our number of officers on the road.

This would greatly increase public safety.

We have also experienced a high turnover rate in both jail and dispatch positions.

Most have left the department for better paying positions elsewhere. Coverage becomes an issue as well as additional costs when considering funds needed for overtime, training and uniforms.

3. In working with the county council, I would seek to increase employee salaries to address our turnover issues. I would hope that employees would see the Brown County Sheriff’s Department as a “career” versus a “job,” thus decreasing the expense turnover causes. To offset this cost, I plan to continue with the DOC inmate housing program. This program can bring in approximately $150,000 a year to the county general fund.

I plan to research additional training opportunities for the employees of the sheriff’s department. I also plan to have our office be more community involved, especially with the school system.

4. As detailed in question No. 1, I have been preparing myself for this job my whole life — especially the past 21 years, learning county government and how the Brown County Sheriff’s Office operates. As lieutenant, I have been supervising six merit officers and two merit sergeants, as well as being responsible for the reserve division.

I have been fortunate to have served during four different sheriffs’ administrations, which has provided me the opportunity of being exposed to different leadership styles.

I have also been attending Indiana Sheriff’s Association meetings and educating myself on legislative issues involving the sheriff’s office and the jail. If elected sheriff, I plan to attend the Indiana Sheriff’s Association School for newly elected sheriffs. I believe my transition to sheriff will be the smoothest in Brown County history.

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                                             

Lt. brAD StoGSDILL For

S H e r I F F

                                                                                                          

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff. I trust brad and mike to keep the professionalism and progress continuing into the future. this is the only team that has ANY LeADerSHIP AND ADmINIStrAtIve eXPerIeNCe in the Brown County’s Sheriff’s Office.” Sheriff Buck Stogsdill.

63 Years Combined Law enforcement At All Levels

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www.bradstogsdill.com

                                           

eXPerIeNCe DoeS mAtter!

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

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Brad Stogsdill Sheriff, Glenda Stogsdill, Treasurer

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 9

Rick Followell, as Sheriff and Jeff Deckard as Chief Deputy are a team of professional police officers with a true passion for their community. Jeff and I bring a combined 56 years of experience ranging from uniform, investigative, and supervisory experience to the department. We are hard working members of our departments and are committed to the safety, professionalism, and accountability that will make the Brown County Sheriff’s department a better place for employees to work so that they want to be better police officers for the community in which they live.

As sheriff I expect from Brown County’s officers, administration, and myself: COMMITMENT TO THE SAFETY OF BROWN COUNTY TO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF THE TAX PAYERS MONEY SUPERVISORS WHO ARE LEADERS AND MOTIVATORS WHO LEAD OTHERS BY EXAMPLE TO BE APPROACHABLE, FAIR, AND HONEST TO ALWAYS KEEP THE PEOPLE OF BROWN COUNTY’S BEST INTEREST IN MIND.

VOTE RICK FOLLOWELL FOR SHERIFF FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE

WWW.FOLLOWELLFORSHERIFF.COM Paid for by the committee to elect Rick Followell sheriff Kay Followell treasurer

10 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

Prosecutor

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. It was mentioned at the council budget hearings the need for an investigator in the prosecutor’s office. Do you think this is needed, and why?

3. What do you see as the biggest challenge, now or in the future, in the prosecutor’s office?

Jim Oliver (D)

1. I have served as your Brown County prosecutor for the last 12 years. Prior to that, I was an Indiana Deputy Attorney General, working in Medicaid fraud investigations and prosecutions and administrative prosecutions of the licenses of healthcare professionals. I was a deputy prosecutor in Marion County for four years, where I worked in specialized drunk driving, domestic violence and major felony drug offense units.

During my time as prosecutor, my office effectively prosecuted major cases, including murder, armed robbery and child molesting cases. We forfeited property of meth cooks and put them in jail. I instituted new programs such as victim advocacy, community mediation and juvenile traffic court. Our child support division collected well over a million dollars every year for struggling families. I purchased equipment and provided training for our police officers. And I did it with less Brown County tax dollars than my predecessor by using funds generated by grants and from offender fees, not taxes.

2. I requested seed money in my 2011 budget so that I could pursue grant funding for a prosecutor’s investigator. Our police departments often lack the manpower to complete the follow-up work that I need to successfully prove a case in court. My deputy and I often follow up on leads that come into the office after a case is filed, which is not the most efficient use of attorney time. An investigator would chase leads, serve subpoenas and track down deadbeat parents for child support. My investigator will not be tax-funded, but will be funded through grants and user fees.

3. At last count, 70 percent of people on probation had a diagnosed substance abuse addiction. Over the last decade, pre-

scription drug abuse has claimed a larger and larger share of those diagnoses. According to the Brown County coroner, 90 percent of the local overdose deaths over the last five years were from pharmaceuticals. We’ve seen morphine sold in our junior high school and hydrocodone in the high school. We have to stop this epidemic. That is why I co-sponsored programs in the high school that reached every teen with the anti-drug message, and I will be back again this year. I work with other community leaders to provide education and safes to parents to lock up their prescriptions. I worked with the sheriff and solid waste director to organize a prescription drug take-back day in September to get unused prescription drugs out of homes where they serve as a dangerous temptation to young people and a target for burglars. I am a leader among prosecutors on this issue and speak at statewide prosecutor conferences on investigating and prosecuting prescription drug crimes.

James T. Roberts (R)

1. I am an attorney and a Certified Civil Mediator. I have served as a federal prosecutor, Brown County’s first elected prosecutor, county attorney, attorney for the Town of Nashville, and public defender. I have tried over 100 civil and criminal trials in state and federal courts. I am admitted to practice in the Indiana Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. I serve as a director of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.

2. When I served as Brown County’s prosecutor from 1971 through 1978, I had an investigator on my staff. His service was invaluable in maintaining communication between law enforcement agencies and in assisting me in preparation for trials. For some reason, this important position has been neglected by my successors in office, including our current 12-year incumbent. In reviewing the current prosecutor’s budget and salaries paid by taxpayers into that office, I see over $380,000.00 going into the prosecutor’s office each year. I believe the in-

vestigator’s position could be filled on a part-time basis without additional appropriation simply by trimming some of the administrative “fat” out of the budget.

3. The challenge of any public office, and, especially, the prosecuting attorney’s office, is to serve the public well and effectively. The prosecuting attorney has judicial discretion as to the filing, trial and sentence recommendations in criminal cases. That discretion must be exercised in a manner that treats all citizens with respect and fairness and which guarantees that there are appropriate and substantial consequences for those who break the law. The prosecutor’s job is the toughest job in the courtroom. He must be prepared, knowledgeable and articulate. He must be fair and firm. The police risk their lives to enforce the law. Judges and juries strive to be fair. The prosecutor must not be in the “weakest link” in the law enforcement system.

Auditor

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. In your opinion, what are the most important duties performed by the auditor’s office?

3. What do you see as the primary challenges in the auditor’s office?

Barbara Bock (D)

1. I feel that at this point in my life that life experiences themselves are a large qualifier for the diverse elected position of auditor. I’ve also raised children, which has taken me though some painful times but also some really wonderful times. Now I have grandchildren and get to watch their parents develop life experiences of their own. Seriously though, I believe that the desire to do the job the very best you can is the No. 1 qualifier.

In the real estate world, to be successful, one must develop communication skills and have a determination to go to work every day and be the best you can be. To become a surgery technician (the person who passes instruments to the surgeon during surgery) takes focus, attention to detail, time management and honesty.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 11

Once you become a tech those qualities are still all necessary to perform in every surgery you “scrub in on,” as they say. As a pharmacy technician, attention to detail and focus are vital in order to deliver the right medication to the right customer or patient. My past experiences in the medical field required a level of personal integrity high enough to be able to police my own actions so that I could stay within the boundaries of safety and the scope of my training. These qualities, to some extent, are required in every job, only the skill level changes. Because the auditor’s office is the hub of county government and involves employees and taxpayers, these skills are vital. When I earned my associate’s degree it was explained to me that the degree itself was just a piece of paper, but that the time and effort that it took to earn it broadened my horizons. (Thanks, professor.) At this point in my life, I would have to agree with him. I think I am qualified to do the job, that I am the best candidate for the job, and I would ask you to please vote for me in November.

2. I believe first of all that the office should be committed to giving coworkers, taxpayers, Realtors and the general public the respect that they would like to receive when they seek to gain information and help from the auditor’s office, even if it is someone looking for a genealogy link. I think that if it is employee payroll, vaca-

tion time or the transfer of property ownership, the importance of accuracy cannot be stressed enough. Sometimes that takes follow-through time also. The other very important duty involved in the everyday job is to realize the need to be a cooperative part of network that makes up the county government. In other words, creating a positive work atmosphere where teamwork between the auditor’s office and the other government offices and elected officials is the everyday norm. The individual party preferences should have no bearing on the work in the trenches. The reality is that the auditor’s office serves the public. I am also a taxpayer.

3. It seems to me that communication is always the hardest task to master. But I think it is the key to productive county government. An honest and up-front approach in the everyday interaction with taxpayers in person or on the phone is a must. I believe the office must be able to adapt to new legislation and that we must keep current with computer programs used in the performance of our jobs. I believe that the communication link up the chain to the state level is also important because much help can be gained at the state level.

I also believe that it can be a challenge to provide the support needed by the staff in the auditor’s office to aid them in the performance of their jobs as public servants.

Glenda Stogsdill (R)

1. I have accumulated more than 20 years in banking. I have spent most of that time in a supervisory position. I have learned to provide service and friendship to the people that I have come in contact with. I was elected to the county council where I spent six years before running for recorder. I had eight years in that position and I really loved it. Then I ran for county council once again and have been there for a year and a half. I felt like I had been around county government long enough to qualify me for yet another task.

I think I can give the auditor’s office a fair, experienced and honest job. I think that the taxpayers of Brown County need to be treated fair and I will give them the best of my abilities to fulfill this promise.

2. I think all the duties are important in the auditor’s office. I feel that the biggest order I would be tackling is the parcel numbers. We have to be sure that we can track the property of the taxpayers. The auditor is also responsible for preparing tax duplicates showing the value of property and taxes assessed. We also distribute funds to the governmental units. The audi-

PHIL STEPHENS

Republican For Hamblen Township

TRUSTEE

If you believe in: Conservative values.

Fiscally responsible balanced budget government.

Government representing the people and not special interests or other nations.

True Democracy that supports the sovereignty of the United States.

Personal Biography: Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University.

Thirty three years of business experience working in Fortune 500 corporations.

Resides in the Cordry-Sweetwater Lakes area with wife Marie.

Experienced Precinct Committeeman/Center Township/Indianapolis.

Associate Member Fraternal Order of Police.

Sons of the American Legion Member.

Vote for America – Vote GOP 2010 Paid for by the Committee to Elect Phil Stevens, Phil Stevens, Treasurer.

12 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

tor is also secretary to the commissioners and the county council. Of course, paying the bills of the county and preparing the payroll is also a vital job. I’m not sure if I could say one of the jobs is more important than the other. All the business of the county runs through the auditor’s office.

3. I believe that the primary challenge is to keep the parcel numbers with the right property and to help the assessor and treasurer’s offices keep the property taxes current. The taxpayers of Brown County deserve the very best job that we can offer.

Everyone must work together for the good of the county. I promise to give the taxpayers and property searchers the best service that is possible.

Assessor

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. The assessor’s office is now upto-date and even running ahead for the upcoming reassessment. What steps will you take to continue the trend?

3. Do you have any specific changes in mind for the assessor’s office?

Rhonda Hardin Kelp (D)

1. I have worked in the recorder’s office for over 11 years, working with the public and their real estate.

I have sat in the assessor’s office when they have gone to meetings and/or training. I have completed the Level I and Level II AssessorAppraiser courses that are required.

2. I will work with everyone and continue keeping informed with the state and their deadlines, making sure parcels have the correct data so things can continue to move forward.

3. I would like to work with the recorder’s office and put the instrument number and/or book and page of the property owner’s deed on the Property Record Card and on the GIS system. It will help all the offices when you can pull up the Property Record Card or go to the GIS and see the transfer history information.

Mari H. Miller (R)

1. I am finishing my second term as auditor and I am a Level II assessor. The assessor and auditor work in the same tax

software program and the two offices work closely together in the many steps leading up to the mailing of the tax bills. I am already familiar with many of these processes.

2. Since the auditor’s office was a partner in the successful progress that has been made, it shouldn’t be too difficult to continue the pace.

3. I will make changes as necessary after gaining experience in that position.

Coroner

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this office?

2. Explain your philosophy on being coroner, particularly how it relates to dealing with grieving families, investigators and others involved.

Tim Alward (D)

1. I graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1971 with an M.D. degree. I did a one-year internship at The Montreal General Hospital

the following year and then fulfilled my two-year military service obligation in the National Health Service Corps. I have been practicing medicine in Nashville since 1976.

2. I fundamentally believe in such things as honesty, fairness, availability and openness whenever possible and appropriate. Forty years of practicing medicine has provided me with a great deal of experience in dealing with the difficult issues related to death and dying. Nine years

as Brown County Coroner in the ‘80s and many years of experience caring for inmates in the Brown County Jail (especially years ago when Brown County had Democrat sheriffs who called upon me for this service) and as medical director at the Monroe County Correctional Center from the ‘90s and into this century has provided me with a wealth of experience interacting with law enforcement folks.

Rob Ayers (R)

1. I previously was a deputy coroner for six years, serving two different coroners. I attended the Death Investigation Course as was offered at the time of my service. I became involved in the medical services field in 1985, obtaining my still current status of EMT-B. I have over 18 years’ experience as a reserve deputy for law enforcement, serving in Brown County. I have been a firefighter serving the fire service field since 1970 in which I still remain an active firefighter for the Indianapolis International Airport. I have worked extensively in the emergency response field for nearly 40 years, working with the living as well as investigating death scene situations of various cause

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vote WeDDLe for Jackson Twp. Trustee

Paid for by the committee to Elect Malinda “Mindy” Weddle, Mindy Weddle, Treasurer.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 13

and manner scenarios.

2. Respect, caring and communication — a coroner has many responsibilities when a death occurs in his/her county.

But, first and foremost, a coroner becomes the "living" representative for the individual who has died. A coroner must maintain a professional attitude as well as appearance at all times during their investigation, yet never lose sight of the family members and their feelings as they are coming to grips with the most devastating news one ever faces in life. One of the ways a coroner can be most effective in how they help the grieving process for family members is to perform the most thorough and detailed investigation into the cause and manner of the loved one’s death, and then present it to the family in a clear and thoughtful manner. This is not solely accomplished by the coroner, however, but in conjunction with the other emergency responding agencies who play vital roles in the death investigation, whether it be law enforcement, EMS, fire or first responders. Having a genuine respect for these various agencies and their members brings continuity to the successful completion of any death investigation.

vote November 2, 2010

Clerk

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. Several communities have experimented with centralized voting places on election day with good results.

Would this work, and is it a good idea for Brown County?

3. Just how easy is it for the general public to look up old records in the clerk’s office? Do you see a need for improvement in this area?

Beth Mulry (D)

1. The voters of Brown County demonstrated their confidence in my abilities to serve as clerk of the Brown Circuit Court by electing me to the position in 2006. I have worked in the clerk’s office on a full-time basis since 2000, with the last three years being your elected clerk. Having 10 years of experience in the clerk’s office has given me the ability to perform every function of the clerk’s office. I ask the voters to exhibit that same confidence in me again by re-electing me on Nov. 2, 2010.

As a result of my experience and posi-

tion as clerk, I am on multiple committees with organizations such as the Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Department of Child Services, Association of Indiana Counties and the Association of Clerks of Circuit Courts of Indiana. I am also a member of the county election board and Local Public Records Commission. My vast experience has given me the expertise to represent Brown County at both the local and state level.

I have attended numerous hours of training relating specifically to the duties of the clerk. I also possess knowledge gained by working in private law firms for five years prior to coming into the clerk’s office.

When re-elected, I will continue to provide Brown County with an experienced clerk who is committed to performing the duties of the office competently, efficiently and courteously.

2. The concept of vote centers, which provide voters with the opportunity to vote at any polling location within the county, has proven to provide positive results for the counties that have participated in the pilot project allowed by the State of Indiana. Unfortunately, our state legislators have not expanded the law to allow other counties to explore this type of voting yet.

The Association of Clerks of Circuit Court, of which I am a member, is actively working to expand this project as an option for all counties in Indiana.

Vote centers would allow Brown County

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE! Vote “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC

No More Taxpayer Bailouts!

•Nearly 1,000 properties were listed for tax sale.

•The CRC and BC Community Foundation received $5,800,000.00 from the Lilly Foundation.

•The BC Community Foundation still has $1,291,000.00, that it wants to keep- and wants the residents of Brown County to Pay $875,000.00 MORE in New Taxes!

Vote “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC. Paid for by the Student Education Coalition of Brown County, E. A. Werling, CPA and Chairman.

14 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

to reduce the quantity of voting machines leased, polling locations and poll workers necessary to conduct elections. If implemented, vote centers could not only save money, but could also improve voter accessibility to the polls on election day. As an example, we currently have three polling locations within Nashville. With vote centers, we may be able to reduce that to one location. Should the law be amended to allow Brown County to consider the vote center concept, we should do so.

3. Most of the older records maintained by the clerk are kept in book and paper form. Members of the public frequently access these records in my office. The records are kept by date created and include alphabetic indexes making searching the records easy. My staff and I assist customers on a daily basis in accessing these records.

I have focused heavily on microfilming and digitally imaging the older records maintained by the clerk since being elected. This will help to not only improve the access to the records, but will help to preserve the original. Having recently completed this process with the older marriage licenses, I intend to explore the possibility of posting the images to the Internet for online access. This would allow the public much greater access to those records.

While preservation of the records maintained by the clerk is one of my primary

goals, I intend to explore opportunities to improve record access. I manage the clerk’s office with the mindset that there is always ways to improve every aspect of the office. When re-elected, I will continue to focus on constant improvement in all areas.

Deborah Noe (R)

1. Twenty-two years ago, I helped create a successful consulting firm. Many counties and municipalities employ my firm to assist them in saving money with large infrastructure projects in Indiana and the surrounding states. I have been instrumental in the growth and success of this company.

As owner, vice president, public relations director and chief accountant of this company, I have acquired extensive experience in the fields of accounting, budgeting, sales, specification development and project management during thousands of projects.

I believe that public service is important. My “people skills” and experience in public relations, accounting, and working with counties and municipalities during the past 20-plus years will be an asset to

the citizens of Brown County and to the county clerk’s office.

2. It is understandable why large counties with hundreds of precincts would consider voting centers. Many precincts share the same ballot. One must consider the number of registered voters in Brown County and the ease of getting to the polling locations.

We only have 12 precincts with 11 locations and a maximum of up to 1,200 to 1,500 voters per precinct. Yet, there is still a need to separate precincts because of ballot options due to officeholders’ districts (council districts, town districts, township districts, school districts). And, more importantly, election results must be reported by precinct.

Yes, there could be a savings with respect to the number of voting officials required. The law does allow us to eliminate poll workers that represent each precinct (inspector, judges, clerks and assistant clerks) if precinct locations are combined.

There will be a savings on the number of voting machines if the voting machines allow for cumulative choices for precincts on the same machine. We need to keep in mind that each machine must generate reports for each individual precinct.

Voter accessibility has always been a concern. We need to make voting more convenient.

We must evaluate cost savings while

Vote for Mari Miller

Your Conservative Republican Candidate for Assessor

. Currently finishing 2nd

term as Auditor . Part of team to bring Brown County’s tax bills back on schedule . Hard working and efficient . Fair, Honest and Ethical Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mari Miller Assessor, Mari Miller Treasurer

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 15

considering the ease of voting.

3. This area is evolving and needs constant updating. I think it is important that the staff offer all possible assistance in locating documents through the clerk’s office. To locate the documents within the office or in storage is the beginning.

The clerk’s office is responsible for many documents and keeping them accurately so that they can be located and accessible to the public.

Online access to public documents is evolving and I support this fully. I am aware of two online services where public documents can be obtained: mycase.in.gov and doxpop.com. Mycase is provided by the state and is offered at no cost to the public. Doxpop is available by subscription only. With access to these online sites, the public can locate cases and the documents that are related to the cases. Doxpop has about 51 counties participating. As these sites expand, documents will become even more accessible to the public.

I will do everything I can to make it as easy as possible for everyone to locate and access public documents in the clerk’s office.

Commissioner Dist. 2

1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. What is your opinion on the value and retaining of the county resource manager?

3. Economic development is always a concern for county officials. What do you see as the commissioners’ role in attracting good Brown County-type development?

4. What, in your opinion, is the best use of the old jail site?

Ronald A. Sanders (D)

1. I have lived here most of my 52 years; currently Jackson Township trustee; business owner; married to my wife for 25 years; property owner; taxpayer; communityminded.

2. The position can certainly be a benefit.

However, the job pays more per hour than

some full-time elected officials. There may be a place for a county resource manager at a reduced rate.

3. It is very important that the commissioners play a role in attracting good Brown County-type developments, but it is also very important that the commissioners play a role in retaining the businesses that are already here.

4. It would be used for county offices, such as the prosecutor and other offices in the courthouse.

John B. Kennard (R)

1. Management degree from Mississippi State; direct management experience with small and large companies; 11-plus years with the Brown County Health Department; additional classes in business communications, organizational development, planning and strategy development.

2. I am for the position if the proper direction, goals and objectives are outlined and the benefit of the position can be provided to the county.

3. The commissioners have to be heavily involved and at the forefront to address the type of development that fits with Brown County.

4. Additional parking until some acceptable alternative is found or the lot is sold.

County Council

1. List the occupations, training and experience that qualify you for this office.

2. There will be a referendum on the November ballot requesting a onecent property tax per $100 valuation increase, to help secure the continuation of the adult education Career Resource Center. This would cost the taxpayer $2.63 a year on a house valued at $100,000. Do you support the referendum?

3. What is your opinion on the value and retaining of the position of county resource manager?

4. What are your ideas on what to do with old jail site?

16 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

DIST. 1 Ray A. Guffey (D) No responses.

James A. Milnes (R)

1. I am a graduate of Helmsburg High School; I am a U.S. Navy veteran; I am a former Brown County School Board member. I am presently the vice president of Brown County Farm Bureau Inc. I am presently vice president of the Brown County Council. Besides the council, I serve on a number of boards and commissions in the county. I am also active in my church.

I have a B.S. in mechanical engineering; I was a liaison engineer, a design engineer and manager of mechanical engineers with RCA (Thomson Consumer Electronics). I am retired from Thomson. My experience includes scheduling, tooling and designing. I also had to watch these things in relation to costs of the product.

I am certified as a Level II Indiana Assessor-Appraiser; I served on the appeals board for Brown County. I am very much aware of the burden taxes can place upon our people in the county.

2. Taxes, taxes, taxes — people like to talk about "it's only a small sum of money on each person;" however, little taxes add up to a substantial sum when all is done.

Yet, I am for education, and I believe the Career Resource Center is valuable to Brown County. Thus, I will vote for the one-cent property tax in November. I do caution those who are in charge of the money to use it wisely. I also encourage our young people to get their education at high school through the12th grade in our Brown County High School and not to rely on taxpayers funding two educational systems.

3. I believe an astute county resource manager can save the county money overall by coordinating the purchasing of equipment and supplies needed in our county offices. Quantity buying is generally cheaper. An assessment should be made occasionally to see whether it is cost effective to have a county resource manager.

4. The old jail site is situated very near our historical society's territory. I envision the old jail site to be a beautiful, well-kept park that county residents as well as tourists can enjoy. It can be a place for all of

our fire departments or other organizations to utilize for fish fries or other fun activities.

DIST. 2 Cindy Steele (D)

1. I have served as county council member for the past fouryear term. As council members we often face tough decisions that require quick action. I try to be fair and listen to opposing viewpoints while weighing the costs and benefits of each option. I ask a lot of questions in our meetings. My colleagues have respected me enough to make me the council president this year.

I run a business that produces Our Brown County and INto Art magazines from my home in Helmsburg. I have a degree in business administration from Indiana University’s School of Business. Prior to starting the magazines I worked for two Fortune 500 companies and a newspaper group as a computer software analyst/support person, installing and supporting accounting software.

2. As I speak to others on the topic of a tax levy solution to the CRC’s financial problems, I hear varied opinions. There are

concerns about how the money gets spent.

The amount of tax money from an individual’s standpoint is not significant, but the CRC must recognize the obligation to prove that it is worthy of every single cent.

If the public votes for the referendum and they later feel the CRC hasn’t met their promises, they can vote against the renewal of the tax when it comes up. I would like to see more accountability from the CRC, but I don’t want to see it dissolve. This tax by referendum would keep some of the CRC’s accountability on a local level.

3. When some state and federal government money became available for shovel-ready county projects, the county resource manager (Holly Catron at that time) helped collect a list into a regional database. I suggested storm drain improvements in Helmsburg because a resident had described to me the deteriorating condition of the pipes there. The project was not shovel-ready because we didn’t know many engineering details. Later, the project was deemed worthy for Disaster Recovery money relating to the 2008 flood. Through the resource manager’s efforts and with the support of the commissioners, we got nearly a half-milliondollar grant to do phase one of the project in Helmsburg. Other grants were successfully acquired.

I don’t care for the term “resource manager,” but I do feel that the commissioners

need administrative help with managing contracts and special projects. Most counties have staff to support commissioners in addition to the county auditor. The value of the county resource manager position depends on the direction from commissioners. Some of the resource manager’s time could possibly be spent more wisely and the duties might overlap with some other county employee duties.

4. The circuit court is not meeting some accessibility requirements. The clerk’s office has storage issues. And the building that houses the prosecutor’s office is deteriorating and lacks adequate storage.

It seems logical to consider adding to the courthouse to accommodate those needs.

The design of such an addition must compliment the historic nature of the courthouse. We are in the midst of a recession and pursuing a large capital investment at this time probably isn’t feasible. We can be reviewing design options as we wait for the appropriate timing. Let’s make a pleasant green space for government employees and visitors to enjoy in the meantime.

Judy Swift (R)

1. Twenty-two years of budgeting experience for the county health department. I deal with multiple budgets for the health department each year, which include grants. I understand the process completely. I have attended many council

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE! Vote “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC

No More Taxpayer Bailouts!

•$1,631,000 exists to fund the CRC through 2025.

•With $1,291,000.00 “Invested” at the BC Community Foundation for the CRCWhy pay $875,000.00 in HIGHER TAXES? •Keep your hard-earned money. Protect your home!

VOTE “NO” New Taxes for the School Corporation’s CRC. Paid for by the Student Education Coalition of Brown County, E. A. Werling, CPA and Chairman.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 17

18 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

meetings throughout the 22 years I have been an employee for the county.

2. I support the referendum. Let the taxpayers decide; it is their decision to make.

3. As a department administrator for 22 years, some of the day-to-day functions of my job are now being done through the resource manager.

(Example: Filing worker’s comp/injuries) I have always filled out the information, gathered the facts, kept a copy of the report, faxed to carrier, turned over to payroll clerk in auditor’s office. Now, I still gather the facts, keep a copy. The resource manager receives a copy, files with the carrier and auditor at a higher rate of pay than the department heads receive.

Example No. 2: I have always taken care of phone issues within my department or the clinic. Now it must all go through the resource manager. It has been a mess since it was turned over to the first resource manager. Because I am not the one who set it up and tracked it, I am out of the loop in the mess. Again, this position is being paid for a job that was already in the job description of the department heads.

It was originally to be a position to secure grants for the county and secretary to the commissioners.

Securing certified grant writers who take their 10-20 percent from the top of the grant they write is more efficient than paying someone this higher rate of pay to do jobs that were already done by department heads.

The secretary to the commissioners is the auditor. I feel the commissioners ran for the position and they should do their job.

Retaining this position, in my opinion, is not good financially.

4. Tear down. Investigate cost of building an area for record/data storage and possible extra office space.

in recent years that the position is probably a good idea. Care must be taken so that the duties of elected officials are not duplicated unnecessarily. A detailed job description for the position should be developed and reviewed periodically by commissioners and council.

4. Parking is always at a premium at the courthouse. A parking area would be my first choice for the present, with an eye to future expansion of the courthouse building for related departments, such as the prosecutor’s office.

DIST. 3 Stephen W. “Steve” Gore (D)

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. In your opinion, what is now the most pressing issue facing the Town of Nashville?

3. What do you hope to accomplish during your term on town council?

1. Brown County Council member, eight years; Brown County assessor, four years; independent business owner, accounting and taxes, 25 years; Brown County real estate broker, 10 years.

2. Yes. 3. The complexity of local government operations has increased to such a degree

Jerry L. Pittman (R) No responses.

DIST. 4 Ron Fleetwood (D) No responses.

Art Knight (R)

1. I have been in business for 32 years. I have served on the council for 10 years.

2. I support the referendum and would like to see more requests on property tax increases put to a vote by the taxpayers.

3. No comment. This position is under the supervision of the commissioners.

4. I foresee that we will have to upgrade our courtroom and courthouse in a few years to comply with state codes.

Nashville Town Council DIST. 1 Charles B. King

1. Over 33 years as field engineer (un-

derstand mechanics of town operation). Several years on both APC and BZA (working knowledge of laws and zoning. Eight years as town council member (I know what we did right and wrong).

2. All issues are pressing and all are important and they include water and sewage cost, street repair and snow removal, as well as supporting the many civic groups who come to us with special requests. We must try to balance these requests with the concerns and needs of both the citizens of Nashville and business owners. We work for everyone and do our best as a council to do the right and best thing at any given time.

3. The council as it stands now is a cohesive and well balanced group. I feel that we do now have the support of many and I will strive to maintain forward thinking, fine tuned and well advised decisions based on input from all of you. Time and experience are on our side as we look forward to the many challenges we will face.

Jerry Lee Terrill No responses.

AT LARGE Sadie Crum No responses.

Bob Kirlin

1. I have served the Town of Nashville for the past eight years as vice president of town council. Before that I served on the Development Review Commission.

Presently I am on the town Mainstreet Committee, Brown County Solid Waste Management, Safety Board of Nashville, Salt Creek Trail Committee and CEO of the Brown County Community Foundation. I believe that my many years as a public servant qualify me to continue to serve on town council.

2. I believe the town should continue to improve our village district for our visitors, and at the same time strive to keep our quaintness and improve our natural beauty and charm, working together with residents, business and community leaders.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 19

3. Continue to upgrade and improve our utilities, work harder on high speed Internet for the town, and continue to look for high-quality, affordable housing, like the Willow Manor Senior Apartments.

Arthur Omberg No responses.

Township trustee

1. What occupations, training and experience qualify you for this position?

2. How important do you feel are the opportunities for training by the state to perform the duties of the trustee?

3. Many now feel the job of trustee has outlived its usefulness. How do you respond to this statement?

HAMBLEN Stephen Arnold (D)

1. In the recent past, I have served in various positions, both elected and appointed, in local government. Among these include a term on the Hamblen Township Advisory Board and as secretary/treasurer of the Hamblen Township Fire Protection District. In both these positions I worked closely with others, including the township trustee who helped me become familiar with the responsibilities of the office.

2. Training in any position in government and out is very important. If elected Hamblen Township trustee, I will take full advantage of any opportunities offered by the state to improve services provided to township citizens.

3. I believe that the office of township trustee is still useful to its citizens because it is the most basic, “grass-roots” governmental unit in the county. This “first link” between the citizens and their local government is still vital to providing those who need it with assistance. It is still the case that the township trustees contract with local volunteer fire departments to provide protection to township citizens. This is also very important to the well-being of all who live in townships. Shifting trustee responsibilities to others at the county level, I believe, would provide an additional burden

to any existing county office and would lead to inevitable delays and longer waiting periods in services to the township citizen.

If elected trustee, one of my goals will be to work with area employment agencies in helping people find much-needed work in these hard economic times.

Phil Stephens (R)

1. I possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana University and 33 years of experience in Fortune 500 America holding marketing and management positions.

I know the meaning of deadlines, follow-up, objectives and budgets.

I am honest, hardworking and believe that any elected official should serve the people and not special interests. I am good in dealing with people and know how to listen with sensitivity. I am a proud resident of Brown County and want it to be known as a beautiful and safe place to live, raise a family and retire.

2. I’m a big believer in education and ongoing training of any type for any position. Trustee would be no different.

3. I believe the trustee position is a critical link between primary county government and township constituents. The position of trustee takes government to a more personal level. A local trustee should be someone that is extremely familiar with their townships, gets to personally know constituents and is sensitive to their concerns. It is one very good tool I think should be utilized to take government to a micro level.

currently as president. As well as managing a business and a home, my past work experience has included positions in customer service and retail sales and also as an artist for a monument company where each project is individual but ALL must work within a budget, a timeline and meets the needs of the customer. The office of township trustee requires many of these same abilities. My children are the eighth generation to call this township home. I have a vested interest in serving the needs of family, friends, neighbors and fellow residents of Jackson Township as their trustee.

2. Any opportunity to learn to do one's job better or more efficiently is, in my opinion, invaluable. It is essential to take advantage of the training and information provided by the state to be prepared for the inevitable audits by the State Board of Accounts. It is important to keep the office of the trustee operating effectively and efficiently.

3. The trustee is the closest representative of government to the people. A trustee must be available to provide many services to the residents of a township. Administering township assistance and contracting fire protection are the two most noted services that the trustee must provide. However, these are not the only duties of your trustee.

He or she must also provide a budget, receive and disburse township funds, provide cemetery maintenance, keep complete and accurate records of all township funds — these are just a few more examples of the duties of the township trustee. In a rural community like ours, I feel it is essential that the trustee be an advocate for YOUR interests, YOUR tax dollars, and provide these services with the spirit of community and cooperation.

JACKSON Jim Kakavecos (R) 1. As a corporate Malinda “Mindy” Weddle (D) 1. In January 2010, I was appointed to the Jackson Township Advisory Board. This opportunity has given me first-hand experience and knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of the township trustee. During this time I have become familiar with the resources, budgets and funding issues of the township. I have owned and operated a small business in Brown County since 2003. I have been a member of the Brown County Studio & Garden Tour and have served as vice president and

20 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

project manager, one of my many duties was control of the projects’ budgets. I developed, submitted, authorized payments and tracked expenses. My experience also includes previous budgetary and operational knowledge of both townships’ fire departments (Fruitdale and Jackson Twp). Throughout my service with the departments, I was involved in operations, training and held leadership positions. In addition, I participated in fundraising activities and have experience in grant writing.

William R. Staples for

Brown County Sheriff Since beginning my campaign, I have listened to citizens expressing concerns regarding the current state of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. Based on my experience in law enforcement, and the concerns of the people, the following are the most important issues facing the department, as well as my plans to address each one.

Response Times Our response times are unacceptable. Our deputies spend too much time parked in Nashville. If elected, I would divide the county into zones. Each shift deputies will work an assigned area. As a result deputies will be patrolling roads and neighborhoods not normally patrolled. With deputies covering assigned zones, calls coming from all areas of the county can be answered in an acceptable and timely manner. Calls not answered in a timely manner will be explained to me.

Image Years ago, when I first moved to Brown County, I was surprised to find such a strong disdain for the sheriff’s department. However, it soon became apparent to me that the sheriff’s department had lost the respect and trust of the citizens. Regaining this trust and respect is of utmost importance to me. I believe we are public servants and we will serve the people of Brown County as such.

Getting More Out of Our Budget Departments across the nation are being called upon to cut spending. The national average is 2.3 sworn officers for every 1000 civilians (fbi.gov) The average in Brown County is almost half of that, including officers with the Nashville Police Department. If elected, I will carefully examine the current spending as well as positions within the department. My lieutenants will have more important things to do than deliver court process papers. Wasteful and inefficient use of time will be eliminated. Staff on station, including myself, may be scheduled to patrol. The safety of citizens and deputies must come first and I will ensure a fully staffed patrol division Supervisors Each of the above issues could have been resolved long ago, It is clear that the leadership within the Brown County Sheriff’s Department has failed its citizens. If elected I will meet regularly with division leaders. Heads of division will provide reports detailing department activity and those divisions underperforming will be addressed. I will be an active, hard-working sheriff. Everyone in a supervisory position within the department will be expected to work equally as hard. A full day’s work for a full day’s pay.

For a complete list of issues, visit my website at www.staplesforsheriff.com.

Campaign donations are appreciated and may be sent to P.O. Box 33, Nashville, Ind., 47448.

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Wiliam R. Staples for Sheriff, Mable Emberton, Treasurer.

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 21

2. I believe all opportunities to increase one’s job knowledge are useful. If elected, I plan to take the training offered by the state and will apply the knowledge I gain to the task of trustee.

3. It is my understanding, the trustee must complete specific tasks for their township; the township voters require a level of service from by the trustee; and the trustee is directly accountable to the voters in their township for their performance in office. If there is a way to keep these factors in place and reduce the size of government, I am for smaller government.

VAN BUREN Nettie Walls (D)

1. I have been Van Buren Twp. trustee for 24 years. I was able to get a Level II certification while the trustees did the assessing work. I put in many extra days with no pay, while helping to get the last reassessment done. Joan Collins and I saved the county $750 a day doing paperwork that Nexus would have had to do. Eighty-seven days, to be exact, is the number of extra days I worked for free.

I learned firsthand how the taxation system worked, as well as how the assessing of houses and land worked.

I have worked with many people in township assistance, letting them work for me or my husband personally, and paying them out of our money, so that they could pay their own bills and not have to continue assistance.

I have worked diligently with the Van Buren Fire Department for the past 3 1/2 years.

I have attended every monthly meeting I possibly could. I have served on the finance committee and the fundraising committee, and am presently one of the board members. I have helped scrub the kitchen for fish fries, helped purchase the fish, etc., donated gas and friers and fried fish. I also worked in the ice cream booth at the fair. I also did all the paperwork, etc., to get the cumulative fire fund started.

We are in the process of purchasing new radios, hoses, chainsaws, SCBAs and other equipment that will help the firefighters be safer, and will benefit the whole community. I am very proud of the progress that our fire department has made in the past 3 1/2 years. We now have adequate training, better trucks and some very dedicated firefighters who vowed to make a difference.

2. I believe it is very important that we get as much training as we possibly can. I also

believe that there should be more training for just the job of trustee. There have always been continual classes for the assessing part, which we no longer do, but not much for dealing with cemeteries, or fire departments, or just the ordinary bookkeeping that is required.

The appropriation book that we use is not a simple ledger. It is complicated because of the different funds that we have. I was never taught how to use that book properly, because I took over for a trustee who had passed away, and I was given the book, and had to figure it out myself. Therefore, I have made several mistakes — not intentionally, but mistakes just the same. I have learned more about the book just this year, thanks to my advisory board, than I knew before. I think it would be helpful to have a class just on how to deal with that book.

3. I do not feel that the job of trustee has outlived its usefulness, if for no other reason than the township assistance. Especially in this present economy, there are many people who just need a little help until they can get on their feet — people who just need an electric bill paid because their work has been cut so drastically, or a mother who has been abandoned with a couple children to take care of. Yes, there is help out there for her, but the kids might get very hungry and very cold while they are waiting the 30 days for the help to kick in. I do have office hours, but they are just a formality. I answer my phone no matter what day it is, or what time of the day it is. I have taken calls on holidays several times. Trustee help is meant to be an emergency type of help. It is not to be an ongoing thing. There are other programs for that.

Most trustees know their townships, and can keep check to make sure the cemeteries are taken care of, and that every veteran in them can be in a well-kept cemetery.

It is also for the trustee to keep well-informed about the fire department, to know what they need, and try their best to help them along the way. It is, for me, a personal thing.

Vicki Payne (R)

1. My husband and I have been in business since 1978 where I have done most of the accounting for our business. Before this I had done the accounting at Cummins for the Facility Maintenance Dept. and worked at Farm Bureau Insur-

ance.

2. I would take advantage of all avail-

22 Brown County Election Guide October 2010

able training offered by the state. The state performs an audit on each trustee, so I feel it would be very important to learn what is expected of the trustee.

3. I feel the need for a local trustee still very important. The trustee is responsible for township assistance, fire departments and cemetery maintenance. I feel our township would get lost in big government. The more we can keep local, the better off our township will be. I feel a township resident would have a better understanding of its township’s needs than an outsider.

WASHINGTON Paul D. Hardin (D) No responses.

Bryan Gabriel (R)

1. I am qualified for this position for several reasons. I currently own and operate my own small business.

This has allowed me to handle crucial financial decisions and interact with various customer personalities to maintain a successful business. I've taken time to mentor and allow job shadowing of high school and college students for training in my industry.

Helping educate and helping individuals become employed is an important way to give back to the community.

2. The opportunity to be trained by the state is very important. The state created the position of trustee and they are the ultimate authority of how the trustee should conduct business. The training creates a great template of how the job should be performed. After being trained by the state, it will also be important to tailor that training to be more effective in the local community.

3. The job of trustee is still useful. Any position that can provide a direct channel to those truly in need is an invaluable asset to the community. The ability of the trustee to help persons in need and maintain their township is valuable because it creates accountability to a single person as well as an additional board. This structure allows matters to be addressed and resolved in a timely, fair manner. It is impossible to replace hands-on, grassroots knowledge of a community.

12 YEARS IS LONG ENOUGH !

THE CURRENT PROSECUTOR HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR 12 YEARS! HE HAS BEEN PAID OVER $1.2 MILLION IN TAXPAYER $$$$. HAVE THE CITIZENS (TAXPAYERS) OF BROWN COUNTY GOTTEN $1.2 MILLION WORTH OF EFECTIVE PROSECUTION OF CRIMINALS? DO WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE IT 16 YEARS?

“I will use my skill and experience to give Brown County the best Prosecutor’s Office ever.”

Jim Roberts

VOTE

TIME FOR A CHANGE IN THE PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

ROBERTS

REPUBLICAN FOR PROSECUTOR VOTE EXPERIENCE PAID FOR BY TIME 4 A CHANGE – JIM ROBERTS

Brown County Election Guide October 2010 23

10 2i0 c Ca

crat o m e D

ndidate s

GENERAL ELECTION NATIONAL

U. S. Senate Brad Ellsworth U. S. Congress, Dist. 9 Baron Hill

STATE

Secretary of State Vop Osili State Treasurer Pete Buttigieg State Auditor Sam Locke State Representative, Dist. 60 Peggy Welch

JUDICIAL

Prosecuting Attorney James R. Oliver Cricuit Court Clerk Beth Williamson Mulry

COUNTY

County Auditor Barbara Bock County Sheriff Rick Followell County Coroner Tim L. Alward County Assessor Rhonda Hardin Kelp

County Commissioner, Dist. 2 Ronald A. Sanders County Council, Dist. 1 Ray Guffey County Council, Dist. 2 Cindy Steele County Council, Dist. 3 Steve Gore County Council, Dist. 4 Ron Fleetwood

TOWNSHIP

Trustee, Hamblen Twp. Stephen (Steve) Arnold Trustee, Jackson Twp. Malinda (Mindy) Weddle Trustee, Van Buren Twp. Nettie P. Walls Trustee, Washington Twp. Paul D. Hardin Township Board, Jackson Richard (Rick) A. Bond Amy Kelso Couch Barb Foley Township Board, Van Buren James I. (Jim) Bush Kathi S. Hendrick Smith Donna White Township Board, Washington Stefanie Binkley-Gore Mark Imhoff Gerald (Joe) Miller

Parid for by Brown County Democratic Central Committee, Maxine J. Bailey, Treasurer

24 Brown County Election Guide October 2010