Welcome to the Annual Candidates Forum presented by:



Candidate Questionnaire Responses

A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors for this evening:



2016 La Porte Jaycees Board of Directors



President……………………………………………………………Carrie Campbell Management Vice President……………………………………..Ross Ratliff Community Vice President……………………………………………Joy Zigler Membership Vice President………………………………….Andrew Gesse Treasurer………………………………………………………………..Melissa Odle Secretary………………………………………………………………….Allison Frye Resident Agent..……………………………………………………….Kim Snyder State Director…………………………………………………………Sarah Brown Newsletter Editor………………………………………….Elizabeth VanHook La Porte Jaycees Membership Jennifer Agate, Jason Brown, Sarah Brown, Carrie Campbell, Nikki Dohner, Anita Freels, Bryce Freels, Allison Frye, Andrew Gesse, Kathryn Goodwin, Kristy Hahn, Julia Harris, Ashley Hawkins, Katelain Henderson, Brad Hindsley, Izzy Huffman, Derek Johnson, Kathi Jones, Jim Jozaitis, Mark Jozaitis, Lindsay Kobat, Peggy Loza, Kristian Metcalf, Josh Meyers, Shannon O’Neill, Melissa Odle, Ross Ratliff, Brad Rauschenbach, Jake Revere, Angela Ruiz, Erin Snyder, Kim Snyder, Maddie Spoljoric, Cassy Swanson, Elizabeth VanHook, Danielle Veverka, Jeff Weston, Joseph Wilk, Libby Wilson, Joy Zigler











Candidate Forum Guidelines and Format



To ensure non-partisanship and fairness to all of the candidates, the following guidelines will be strictly adhered to during the Candidate Forum.

● Please refrain from distributing any campaign materials in or near the Auditorium prior to, during, or preceding the forum. This includes, but not limited to, campaign buttons, campaign t-shirts, any item referring to or endorsing a candidate. ● A pamphlet containing information provided by the candidate submitted to the La Porte Jaycees will be distributed at the door for members of the audience. The information for these pamphlets should be submitted online prior to the forum date with a deadline of 10/21. ● Questions will be submitted by the members of the La Porte Jaycees and the audience. ● Questions submitted by the audience will be screened by a panel prior to being asked to eliminate mudslinging.

During the forum: ● Candidates will have two (2) minutes for opening comments ● Candidates will have two (2) minutes to respond to written questions ● Candidate will have one (1) minute for closing comments. Depending on time, candidates may be offered an additional minute for closing comments, and this will be communicated as such on the day of the forum.

About the La Porte Jaycees The La Porte Jaycees is a non-partisan organization dedicated to providing leadership training opportunities for its members through the projects and programs the members, plan, organize, and conduct in both the community and the chapter. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 are eligible to be members. The Jaycees are able to focus on individual development while helping their community. The Jaycees is a national organization that continues in more than 4,000 communities, allowing members to develop personal and professional skills, along with helping their community.

Candidate Questionnaire Submissions



Each candidate was sent a letter inviting them to attend our candidate forum. Inside the letter was a request for responses to four questions, and an opportunity to provide a headshot to include in this pamphlet. The following pages include the answers provided to the La Porte Jaycees from each respected candidate. Please note that the responses are printed exactly as they were submitted and no edits were made to the responses.

Each candidate was asked the following: ● ● ● ●

Describe your experience for this office. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Describe your goals if elected. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community.



List of Candidates for the General Election: State Senator District 8: State Representative District 20: (Vote for One) (Vote for One) -Maxine Spenner (D) -Karen Biernacki (D) -Mike Bohacek (R) -Jim Pressel (R) -Aurea Torres (L) Circuit Court Clerk (Vote for One) -Kathleen A Chroback (D) -Deborah E Vance (R)







County Auditor (Vote for One) -Joie Winski (D)

County Recorder (Vote for One) -Barbara A. Dean (D) -Earl Cunningham (R)







County Treasurer (Vote for One) -Lynne F. Spevak (D)

County Coroner (Vote for One) -Sean Fitzpatrick (D) -Bob Cutler (R)







County Surveyor (Vote for One) -Anthony Hendricks (D) -John T. Saylor (R)





County Commissioner District 3 (Vote for One) -Vidya Kora (D) -Dennis Metheny (R) -Mike Walker (L)



County Commissioner District 2 (Vote for One) -David L. Decker (D) -Richard Mrozinski (R)

County Council Member- At Large (Vote for Three) -Jeff Santana (D) -Michael Beebe (R) -Lois Sosinski (D) -Adam J. Reed (R) -John P. Sullivan (D) -Dan VanSchoyck (R) -Gregory D Kelver (L)





State Senator Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)





Mike Bohacek



Position Seeking: State Senator District 8 Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

Maxine Spenner



Position Seeking: State Senate, District 8 Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: I am am an intelligent and caring person with a lot of common sense, and I would work for the good of all Hoosiers. As a woman and a senior, I believe I have a perspective to bring to the Legislature that is often overlooked. I have 32 years experience teaching business at the high school and college levels, equipping young adults for jobs in our area. Teachers are resourceful. We know how to get things done. I was Founder and President (first 4 years) of the LaPorte County Literacy Coalition; Commander of the US Power Squadron in Michigan City (1 year -- active 30 years); President of the LaPorte County Extension Homemakers (2 years); active 26 years with the American Legion Auxiliary. Throughout my life I have volunteered with numerous organizations through my church, 4H, and other educational and veterans' groups. I would work across the aisle to get things done on behalf of our district and the entire state. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. LaPorte residents, not unlike our neighbors across the state, are concerned about quality-of-life issues like: 1. Good schools for our children. 2. Public safety, including safe roads and bridges. 3. Good jobs--jobs that pay a livable wage. 4. Good and affordable higher education--college and technical training--to equip young people for good jobs and keep our young people in the area. Describe your goals if elected. The following priorities are important for the LaPorte area and beyond. 1. Funding for infrastructure--roads and bridges--is important for public safely. 2. School funding needs to be evaluated immediately, and equal funding set for all students in public and charter schools. (This session they plan to work on that; I know I have the knowledge to address the problem.) 3. We must do everything we can to improve the economy in our area. Programs to train and educate individuals for good, livable-wage jobs is essential. 4. I will work for laws that protect the rights of all Hoosiers, including women, seniors, and members of the LGBT community. It's good business and it's the right thing to do. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The Jaycees provide a vibrant, nonpartisan backbone to the spiritual and economic wellbeing of our community. Jaycees are cheerleaders, role models, idea people, and roll-up-your-sleeves doers. From the Back Pack Drive, to the Easter Egg Hunt, to the unique and indispensable July 4 events, the various projects of the LaPorte Jaycees provide much of the uplifting "feel-good" that makes our community home.



State Representative Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)



Karen Biernacki



Position Seeking: State Representative District 20 Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: In 1991, the La Porte County CASA Program was created with a budget of $14,000 and now Family Advocates has four programs in three locations and a budget of $600,000. I have been successful managing private and public money wisely and creating cost effective programs with positive outcomes for children and families. Over the last 25 years, I have had the opportunity to sit on several local committees, strategic planning Task Forces, the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission, and statewide commissions that work towards improving the lives of Indiana families. I have the ability to work across the aisle to facilitate positive results for the constituents of District 20 and Indiana. As the Public Relations Chair of the GAL/CASA Advisory Commission to the Supreme Court, I created CASA Day which brings over 350 CASA Volunteers to the Statehouse each year educating legislators on children’s issues. I have had the opportunity to help draft legislation, meet with legislators on proposed legislation and testify at legislative committee hearings. I worked within our state legislative system and I am prepared to advocate for what is in the best interest of District 20 and Indiana.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. I have never run for a political office before but felt compelled to enter this race for several reasons: 1) Public schools are losing funding and more of our tax dollars are diverted to for-profit charter schools. Teachers are struggling to have supplies for their classrooms and school corporations are forced to pass referendums for additional taxes to keep their schools open. The testing system is a failure, the current teacher evaluation system does not provide for a fair evaluation of their skills. For all of these reasons, Indiana is losing teachers and our children are not receiving the education they deserve. 2) Our community and our state are facing an opiate and heroin epidemic that needs to be addressed. Solving this problem will require accessible and affordable access to treatment, support of law enforcement and policies regarding opiate prescriptions. (continued on next page)

Karen Biernacki



Position Seeking: State Representative District 20 Political Party: Democratic 3) Indiana ranks 46th for Quality of Life issues and La Porte County has one of the highest infant fatality rates in the state. We must increase the minimum wage so that hardworking Hoosiers can work 40 hour work weeks and not qualify for food stamps. Creating a strong middle class creates strong economies, strong communities and strong families. 4) We need a long term plan for infrastructure that does not require an increase in taxes or add additional toll fees every time we need to repair roads.

Describe your goals if elected. I will work toward bringing back respect to our public teachers who are professionals dedicated to educating our children and institute the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission. I believe that public school should offer free text books and pre-school opportunities for all children. I believe that programs like the A.K. Smith Career Center are important for career readiness and job training for those students who do not choose to go to college and would support continued funding and expansion of these programs. As CEO of Family Advocates, I see every day the effects of heroin and opiate abuse to families. Our young people are dying, families are being torn apart and it is an economic strain on our tax dollars. I would support an in-treatment facility in La Porte and continued support of out-patient programs. I would propose that all of the 7 cent sales tax we already pay at the gas pump go to road and bridge repair and a nonpartisan committee be established to create a long-term plan for not only repairing but improving our roads and bridges. It is time that Indiana move forward into the 21 Century by increasing in the minimum wage to $10.10 and ensuring women get equal pay for equal work. I support a state that is welcoming to all people and everyone has equal protection under the law.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. As the CEO of Family Advocates that recruits over 80 volunteers, I understand the impact that volunteers have on our community. I appreciate the commitment of the Jaycee volunteers who organize events that raise money to better the lives of those less fortunate and provide us with the best 4th of July Parade in the state. It is clear that the Jaycee members strategically plan how they can make the best impact on the community and have been successful with their projects such as the Roof Sit and many others.

Jim Pressel



Position Seeking: State Representative District 20 Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I’m not a career politician. I have been a small business owner for over 24 years. I am proud to say it has gone from being run out of my basement to a company that now has 7 full-time employees. I believe I have the know-how and understanding to see our communities thrive.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. We need a permanent and sustainable road funding solution not only for the state but at the local level. Economic Development is another key issue. It is important to get more jobs into LaPorte and Starke Counties. Too many people are underemployed. We need more employment opportunities. A ready workforce is needed in order to attract new jobs and the expansion of existing business.

Describe your goals if elected. Work diligently to get a road funding solution that addresses sustainable road funding, not only for the state, but also provide tools for local government to function better and faster. Work to get more vocational education in our schools. We need to provide more opportunities to our youth and help them become a ready and hirable workforce. Work to make our communities more attractive to business development that can provide job growth.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. I can't say enough good things about the LaPorte Jaycees, from the work they do with the Deserving Children Shopping Tour, to the 4th of July celebration. The Jaycees are deeply involved in making our community a better place in every way possible. Groups like the Jaycees make LaPorte a great place to live and be a part of.

Aurea Torres



Position Seeking: Indiana House of Representatives, District 20 Political Party: Libertarian

Describe your experience for this office: Living and working in this community for 34 years, I have followed our state house since Tom Dermody was elected. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN. Currently I work as a Senior Technician for Whirlpool Corporation in Service Engineering, but have extensive experience in Accounting and Business Management having worked in the gas and oil industry for Exterran and the cell phone tower industry for Nello Corporation. I volunteer my time where possible to projects like Habitat for Humanity, United Way and the Libertarian Party of La Porte County. If elected, I would work to maximize freedoms, while also bringing the services to our area for the amount of taxes we pay. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. La Porte's main issue is and has been for some time now, a lack of high paying blue collar jobs and business opportunities. There are many factors that play a role in this issue but I feel that the infrastructure in our area is a huge deterrent for businesses wanting to come here. Therefore, a main priority for District 20 is our Roads and Sewer Systems. We have all paid our taxes and I feel it is a slap in the face that we have to impose wheel taxes on our citizens in order to get funds from the state for road repair while the state touts a $2.5 Billion reserve. Describe your goals if elected. TRUE FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: A Government Of the People does not pat itself on the back for having a surplus let alone a billion dollar reserve fund while simultaneously raising taxes amid crumbling infrastructure. Currently, our state level government has ended the fiscal year with $215 million surplus. Great! We should all be getting checks back, right? But Mike Pence is touting 2.5 Billion Dollars of our tax dollars in a “Reserve” account that was a result of holding back a mere 4.5% of state government budgets. Now any fine household accountant knows that having a “Rainy Day Fund” is smart. But they are not giving us billions of dollars worth of services that WE HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR while much of the state has outdated sewer systems and crumbling roads. This is fiscally irresponsible government. We should be able to cut state operational costs by at least 5% year over year with today’s current technology and a hard examination of the Budget. And my idea of success at the government level is cutting taxes and fees ie: Wheel Tax, Book Rental while collecting the RIGHT amount of taxes for the Public Services you receive! (continued on next page)

Aurea Torres



Position Seeking: Indiana House of Representatives, District 20 Political Party: Libertarian Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The La Porte Jaycees is vital in our community because of the way they get young people involved in the community. From putting together our 4th of July Parade and fireworks display, to the Deserving Children's Shopping Tour, the Jaycees work all year to make our community a better place. No matter what your political affiliation, we can all agree that a group that does these sorts of activities for a community is a huge blessing and bonus.



Circuit Court Clerk Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)



Kathleen A. Chroback



Position Seeking: Circuit Court Clerk Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: I currently serve as a Deputy Clerk in the La Porte County Clerk's Office, a position I have held since January, 2012. I bring a great deal of experience, knowledge and organizational skills to the Office of Clerk. Most recently, I served the City of La Porte as Mayor for 8 years and previous to that position I served as La Porte City Councilwoman for 8 years. I have more than 13 years experience in the legal field working as a legal assistant for former Mayor Dennis Smith in his law office and I have more than 21 years experience working in the public sector. I am very familiar with the Court system and the duties of the Clerk as I already perform many of those duties, including the processing of Civil and Criminal cases, on a daily basis. The Circuit Court Clerk is also responsible for overseeing the Federal, State, County and Municipal election process. As a precinct person for more than 20 years, I have worked within the polling places on election day and have overseen the election process at the precinct level during primary and general elections. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. As a Deputy Clerk, I see the magnitude of work that is handled by the Clerk and the office staff. I believe experience is absolutely necessary to effectively manage the office and I have the knowledge of the many duties of the Clerk and the staff; as well as a great deal of experience in working with the public. Citizens should be treated with respect and kindness. It's important that the staff is not only knowledgeable and helpful but that some amount of cross training take place to cover duties of those absent from the office so that citizens can be served as quickly as possible. With the high volume of case load that is processed through the Clerk's Office on a daily basis better organization of the filing system is also key. Describe your goals if elected. Visiting the Clerk's Office should be a pleasant, informative and helpful experience. Quality customer service has always been my number one objective. The Clerk and staff process a high volume of documents on a daily basis. Since implementing the Court Management System, Odyssey, in 2012, the Clerk's Office continues to document all new cases in the on-line court system, in addition to recording all older cases and bringing the records up to date. I will continue to expand the Odyssey program until all cases, new and old, are entered, updated and scanned allowing the public better access to their Court files. Working more closely with the Courts to bridge the gap between the Courts and the Clerks Office is also one of my objectives so that court cases flow through the system more efficiently. (continued on next page)

Kathleen A. Chroback Position Seeking: Circuit Court Clerk Political Party: Democratic Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The La Porte Jaycees has contributed much to our community over many years. The membership has worked with the youth of our community in developing their leadership skills. The Jaycees has raised funds over the years for many projects and activities in La Porte, most importantly, the Deserving Children's Shopping Tour and the 4th of July Celebration. The Jaycees has also participated in many community-wide projects and activities such as the Ghost Walk on Halloween and the Easter Egg Hunt at Easter. In addition, the Jaycees has also contributed to and worked with our City Park and Recreation Department.



Deborah E. Vance



Position Seeking: Circuit Court Clerk of LaPorte County Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I have more than 25 years experience serving the public. I have worked with The Salvation Army and other organizations within my community helping to provide services to those in need as well as providing a safe and caring environment for children and adults within the programming at The Salvation Army While employed at a local community college, I gained experience working with a diverse population by serving people from seven different counties over 4 different campuses and within 15 different programs. I have more that 14 year experience in an office setting, whether it was gained while working as a clerk or in office management. I researched, planned and created a Family Readiness Group for the 1538th Transporation Company of the Indiana Naional Guard. This included creating a committee to provide services to spouses and families of the deployed soldiers as well as researching and following regulations to ensure that things were done according the state and federal law. I have great communication skills, learn tasks quickly and know a great deal about working with technology and various platforms and software for data entry. I am an active member of the Republican Party, the League of Women Voters and have served as a poll worker and a precinct chairperson.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. There are several issues that I would like to tackle when I am elected to the office of County Clerk. I bellieve the top three are organization, office management and customer service.

Describe your goals if elected. If elected, I plan to lead by example and work with others within the clerk's office to make the office better organized, more efficient and more customer-friendly. By doing this, the clerk's office will run more smoothly and provide a better service to the people of LaPorte County.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The Jaycees noble goal of making a better community through it's youth is admirable and effective. I have experienced this in a small degree myself as each year that my husband and I have participated in the Deserving Children Shopping Tour, we have seen the joy and happiness it brings to the children participating.

County Auditor Candidate (Listed Alphabetically)





Joie Winski



Position Seeking: County Auditor Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.



County Recorder Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)



Earl Cunningham



Position Seeking: La Porte County Recorder Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: *Retired business law/business math teacher with over 35 years in education and coaching experience. Seven of those years were as the assistant athletic director. Tournament Director for 14 IHSAA events. *Seven years as the customer relations manager at La Porte County's only Honda automobile dealership. While there, the dealership was ranked number 1 in the nation with over 1,500 dealers. *Eight years as a fiscally responsible County Councilman, with motions that have already saved taxpayers over $500,000 and should continue well into the future.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. There are numerous issues that are important for the La Porte Community, but the Recorder's office has little authority regarding most of them. Fiscal responsibility for every taxpayer dollar should be expected of every elected official and that will be my top priority.

Describe your goals if elected. My goals for the office are really quite simple: To have the most fiscally responsible office in the county; to have the most customer friendly office in the county and to have the most transparent office in the county.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The La Porte Jaycees are most known for hosting the 4th of July Parade, making La Porte the state's Capitol for a day and bringing thousands to the parade route. However, their influence is far more wide reaching, working tirelessly for 365 days a year to make La Porte a better community. Personally, I feel their biggest contribution is taking young citizens and making them community leaders of the future.



Barbara Dean Position Seeking: County Recorder Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: worked in Auditor's Office from 1988 to 1993 Auditor's Real Estate Deputy 1994-2000 County Recorder 2001-2008 Present County Recorder

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. County Officials must cooperate, respect, seek to understand and have empathy for each other and the jobs needed to be done. Each office has it's own laws and responsibilities. County residents must seek and be allowed to meet with and voice opinions to elected officials upon request.

Describe your goals if elected. More information regarding old land records will become available on website. Old records will be stored in the cloud saving expenditures for computer servers. Improved reviewing or documents avoiding recording errors.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. Jaycees portray the kindness of the community. The constant assistance given to children such as the backpack drive, Christmas shopping trip and the wonderful parade on the 4th of July are the Crown Jewels of their endeavors This Organization is a wonderful asset to La Porte County



County Treasurer Candidate (Listed Alphabetically)



Lynne F. Spevak



Position Seeking: County Treasurer Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

County Coroner Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)





Bob Cutler



Position Seeking: La Porte Co. Coroner Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I am a licensed Funeral Director in the State of Indiana. A member of Indiana and National funeral Director's Assoc., I owned and managed Cutler funeral Home for over 40 years. My entire life has been devoted to the Death Care Industry and my knowledge is extensive. I served over 6 years as a deputy coroner in La Porte Co. I've served as chairman of the La Porte Co. EMS Advisory Board for over 15 years. I'm Vice President of the La Porte City Police Merit Commission.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. 1. There are way too many senseless deaths among our young people. This office can make a huge impact on our youth. 2. We need to work closely with our police forces and assist them as needed; and determine a cause of death in a timely manner. 3. We need to be sympathetic and accessible to family members that have lost a loved one.

Describe your goals if elected. Get into our school system and talk about drugs, suicide, and alcohol. Currently our community has an excellent DARE program which also deals with bullying, depression and making right choices. This office can partner with them as they enter the classrooms. We want to work alongside our local policing agencies and be available as we are called. This will be my full time job...not behind a desk. Thanks for your support. I'll work hard for you.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. As a past director and now Exhausted Rooster with the Jaycees...I can't say enough about these men and women. I know how hard they work for our community and much is done behind the scenes. This organization is a character builder and a building block for life. I'm proud to have been among the ranks. ..."and service to humanity is the best work of life"



Sean Fitzpatrick Position Seeking: County Coroner Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: I'm a Certified Medicolegal Death Investigator which you have to be in order to an appointed Deputy or an elected Coroner and investigate deaths in the State of Indiana. I'm a current Deputy Coroner with LaPorte County Coroners Office. I'm also an Autopsy Technician, I assist board certified Pathologists in the performance of autopsies and I've assisted with well over 800 in my career.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. We have lost far too many individuals in our community to drug addiction and ultimately overdose death. The risks of use and abuse need to presented from the perspective of someone who deals with this problem first hand when all else has failed. We have to encourage treatment, discourage our youth from getting involved and never give up one those who fall victim to this epidemic.

Describe your goals if elected. If I'm elected I will continue working with the Drug Free Partnership and going into the school systems to help insure that our young people are aware of the dangers of drug use. I will standardize our operations across the county and hold all deputies accountable for their conduct providing uniform professionalism and compassion wether its myself or the newest deputy responding. I will continue looking for ways to improve our efficiency, as a deputy I have already saved the county over $1000 per autopsy by recruiting a Pathologist for our forensic cases in addition to savings for X-rays. I will continue to provide unbiased service to Laporte County Residents at their greatest times of need.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The community wouldn't be the same without the LaPorte Jaycees, their efforts span generations and will continue strengthening our community for generations to come.



County Surveyor Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)



Anthony “Tony” Hendricks



Position Seeking: County Surveyor Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.



John T. Saylor Position Seeking: Surveyor Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I have over 40 years experience employed in land surveying work. I received my land surveying license for Indiana in 1988 ( 28 years ago) and I am also licensed in South Dakota, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee. I started Saylor Land Surveying and have been self-employed for 25 years. I have been licensed 18 years longer than my opponent.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. The most important jobs of this office are mentoring and supporting the existing staff, perpetuating the original section corners and serving with the Drainage Board and Plan Commission.

Describe your goals if elected. I plan to mentor and train the existing staff. Most of the current staff has been employed in this office for at least 20 years. I know that at least one of the members desires to become a land surveyor and others should have been encouraged and helped to become licensed. Most of the achievements that my opponent boasts about have been put in place by the current staff on their own accord and started back when James Keil was the county surveyor. All of the sections corners in LaPorte County should have been marked by now and I want to help and empower the current staff to expedite the monumentation of these corners. Everyone including land surveyors has benefited from advances in software and equipment over the years. Don’t be fooled by my opponent’s claims and promises. The LaPorte County GIS system was started back when James Keil was the County Surveyor, I did the survey and Schneider Corporation created and operates Beacon nation-wide.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The Jaycees are an important nation-wide organization that does projects and programs in the community while providing leadership training for members.

County Commissioner District 2 Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)





David L. Decker



Position Seeking: LaPorte Co Commissioner District 2 Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: I was elected as LaPorte Commissioner in 2012 and have served for 3 year 9 months. I previously was elected Westville Town Board member and also served as President of that board. As a proud union member of USW Local 12775 I served on many committees and chaired the Community Services Comm. I retired from NIPSCO as a Lineman with 34 1/2 years of service. I volunteered many years with the Westville Pumpkin Fest and with the Pioneer Village in the Blacksmith shop at LP Co Fairgrounds. I was a Charter member of Westville Jaycees and worked on many of their projects. I am a Navy Veteran and a Member of the Westville American Legion Post 21, I am a lifelong resident of La Porte County. I was appointed to the Indiana State Board of Corrections by Gov. Evan Bayh, Gov. Frank O'Bannon, & Gov. Joe Kernan serving 18 years. I served as a member of Swanson Center board for 12 years, Casa/Harmony House board for 12 years, and the La Porte County Tourism Board for 13 years Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. A big priority is to continue working on job creation along with our great Office of Economic Development, an example of the success we have had is helping to land job creation projects like Helena Chemical, JBC Rail and Hickman Williams. Also continuing to ensure that vital services that are needed by our residents are provided and we protect quality of life is also very important. Getting water and sewer under I-94 to creat development along US 421. Describe your goals if elected. Complete Kingsbury Industrial Park! When Dr Kora & I came into office the project was dead in the water. The 2 main rail served customers were fighting each other and the main rail user, Green Express, was dead in Florida and Indiana. We also found out that no easements in the park were secured. After 3 1/2 years we are at the point where everything is starting to fall in place, KIP is moving forward again. In my next term I would like to see 1000 to 2000 jobs created in the county. Also I would like to see more green space created for recreation purposes such as expanded parks, Bike trails, skiing. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The impact of Jaycees on any community is involving young people in their city and towns. Through Jaycees you learn about the importance of organizing, leadership and helping other young people to get involved. As a member of the Westville Jaycees I was urged to run for the Westville Town Board. I won and it started my involvement in my community and government for the rest of my life. I am sure that there are hundreds of other stories the same as mine. The Jaycees give their members the tools to be successful for the rest of their lives in all communities.



Richard Mrozinski Position Seeking: County Commissioner Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I served on the LaPorte County Council for 8 years, and have been appointed or elected to several important positions of various organizations.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Economic Development The Heroin problems in the county Road repair and maintenance code enforcement

Describe your goals if elected. Re-form the Economic Development Alliance that brought much progress to the county and personally get the inland logistics project at KIDC back on track and working again. I will never miss an opportunity to get free money for road projects or to join our fellow county's in projects that will benefit our county. Enhance the code enforcement program to get rid of junk cars and abandon buildings.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. I can remember hearing about the Jaycees since I was a child. They have always been an important part of the community, and their biggest accomplishment has always been the 4th of July parade.

County Commissioner District 3 Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)





Vidya Kora



Position Seeking: County Commission District3 Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: I have served two terms as the County Coroner, one term as a member of the Michigan City School Board. One term as county commissioner.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Economic Development and Job Creation. Improve Infrastructure especially transportation. Improve Quality of life. Decrease traffic congestion in downtown Laporte. Improve access to Thomas Rose Industrial park.

Describe your goals if elected. Economic Development and job creation working through the office of County Economic Development. Improve infrastructure by attracting grants 90/10 or 80/20 matches,which help to use the taxpayer dollars efficiently. Keep the County's financial condition on a solid footing with on time tax billing and working with the council to spend the tax revenues efficiently. Complete the master agreement for the Kingsbury Industrial park and realize it's full potential by gaining control of the access and easements. Address the problems of opioid abuse and low birth weight babies. Improve the Quality of life indicators and make the county attractive for young families to move in.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. It is a force for good for the community. It encourages community participation. Organizing the Fourth Of July parade is the highlight.

Dennis Metheny



Position Seeking: LaPorte County Commissioner District 3 Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: I am retired and will devote full time in the commissioners office, as the elected trustee in Coolspring Township I spent 40 to 60 hours a week in an office requiring only 15 hours per week being open, and will do the same as the commissioner elect. I am knowledgeable in the budgeting process, 30 years electrical construction experience, 6 years NIPSCO construction management experience, an Associate degree from Ivy Tech, a Real estate license, Private Pilot license, LaPorte County Health board and Ethics board member, Investment club and Masonic lodge treasurer. I am open to public input, enjoy helping people, believe government should work for the people not against them and will spend whatever time needed to resolve issues. Elected to Coolspring Township Trustee working at the first level of government with people in need of help. This office allowed me to work with the St. Anthony CNA employment agency, Coolspring Fire Department, many apartment managers, several employment agency's, Cemetery repair agency, state and federal agencies, county offices and our most valued people the clients in Coolspring Township.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Road repair including stripping, proper rebuilding of road beds and correct berming for public safety. Economic Development which includes advertising and interviewing Chicago area businesses as well as East coast companies to bring high paying jobs ($20) and up to LaPorte County due to their states increased taxes on business. Generate a plan and implement ED without another study, as a fiscal conservative I will not waste taxpayers money as is done now by the incumbent commissioners through studies. Many property owners are against the additional GLB Railroad route as well as eminent-domain in LaPorte County, I will defend any and all property owners and with your help we will win your battles! My motto's are "No New Taxes" and "Results, Not Excuses" the residents that will get my help are against one more tax or the continued runaround when seeking answers from government. If residents want answers I will get you answers with the buck stopping at (me) the commissioners. (continued on next page)

Dennis Metheny



Position Seeking: LaPorte County Commissioner District 3 Political Party: Republican Describe your goals if elected. I expect to have a goal of 100 miles of roads paved per year, stripe and berm the roads for public safety by using CAGIT tax , Budget and Riverboat money, and State Grants which we will apply for every grant available. Bidding will be done in a fair manner and not given to the same contractor or not allow a contractor to bid on a project. The county highway department will trim intersections of brush so as to make visibility for vehicles at corners safer to cross. Economic Development will be expedited by given a deadline to accomplish goals, we will no longer get promises but action ( Results Not Excuses) because with your help we will run it like a business not a government. I will be accessible and accountable to the public daily, open to ideas from the public, open meetings with your questions answered, answer the phone in the morning and solve morning questions in the afternoon, I will review ordinances in the morning while answering the phone to see if LaPorte County has duplicate ordinances and it is time to remove ordinances that harm our citizens as well as prohibit business growth. I will work for and with the cities and taxpayers of LaPorte County to make this a better county to live and work in for the children and home owners.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. I appreciate the Jaycees involvement with younger people in the communities doing fund raising for projects, leadership skills for our youth, community project involvement, conducting surveys for candidates running for office as well as holding forums to educate the public before voting, and service to seniors, the environment and recreation as part of your platform. With these goals and direction, you have created a better place to live, enjoy the area and promote volunteerism for a better Quality of life in LaPorte.

Mike Walker



Position Seeking: County Commissioner District 2 Political Party: Libertarian

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.



County Council At Large Candidates (Listed Alphabetically)



Michael Beebe



Position Seeking: County Council At Large Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

Gregory D. Kelver



Position Seeking: LaPorte County Council - At-Large Political Party: Libertarian

Describe your experience for this office: Personally, I was born and have lived most of my life in LaPorte County. After graduating from Purdue, I worked for a few years with a large contracting company and returned to LaPorte County in 1986 with my wife Vickey to live, work, raise our family here. Since 1988, I have worked at our small family business, Thermo-Cycler Industries Inc.in Union Mills and currently serve as President of the company. Over the years, I have been involved with several community organizations including a 2012 appointment to the LaPorte County Ethics Board. I have been an active member of the Libertarian Party for over 15 years and have served in multiple positions within the organization. Professionally, I am a registered Professional Engineer with lifetime experience in the successful management of construction and manufacturing businesses. I believe that my engineering and business management experience, coupled with independent political experience, would be very useful as a member of the County Council

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. I believe that Economic Development and Quality of Life are two intertwined issues that are important to residents of LaPorte County. I think it is important to improve the overall economic climate for small business to grow in LaPorte County by reducing government activities and taxation levels that hinder small business growth and development. Although government should not be directly involved in economic development, sensible spending on infrastructure necessary for economic growth should be supported. I think it is equally important to support sensible proposals that can improve the quality of life for LaPorte County residents without increasing government interference in their lives or putting additional burdens on local taxpayers.

Describe your goals if elected. As a member of the council, I would support efforts to reduce the property tax burden on LaPorte County residents and businesses through careful oversight of the LaPorte County budget and department spending. Although Assessed Value is significantly lower than 8 years ago, General Fund spending has increased. I believe that with careful oversight by the Council, the general fund spending can be reduced by 3-5% per year over the next four years. I will support proposals that increase transparency at all levels of the LaPorte County Government budget and departments. (continued on next page)



Gregory D. Kelver Position Seeking: LaPorte County Council - At-Large Political Party: Libertarian I will look at many issues from a slightly different viewpoint than those who may approach them from a position typically associated with either the Democratic or Republican Parties. I will generally look for solutions outside of the small box and probably will question whether it is something government should be doing or if there may be better alternatives than simply more government spending. As one of 7 council members on the County Council, if elected to office I would be the only Libertarian on the council and would do my best to represent the voices of independent voters who no longer feel they are well represented by either of the major parties.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. As a Libertarian, I believe that solutions to community problems and community improvement are much better addressed by community service organizations like the Jaycees than by government agencies. Those types of voluntary community service organizations can generally be much more effective at much less cost than trying to fix community problems with government programs and funding.

Adam J Reed



Position Seeking: County Council At Large Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

Jeff Santana



Position Seeking: County Council At Large Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

Lois Sosinski



Position Seeking: LaPorte County Council Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: As far as my experience or qualifications for the job of a County Council person, I would not only site my past experience serving in County Government, but I would like to point out that I bring a solid background of private sector accounting experience to the position as well. I am currently employed as a Controller at Blank Management Group in Michigan City. I have over 35 years of accounting and budget experience, which includes prior employment with 2 different accounting firms.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Since the Council is the Fiscal Body of County Government, it is my priority to continue to balance the wants versus the needs of departments that come in front of us with requests for funding. We have just recently brought LaPorte County out of the red and into the black in respect to the delayed tax billings. LaPorte County has a lot to catch up on, such as maintenance issues, space limitations, roads and employee compensation and benefit items to name a few. Economic Development is vital. We need good paying jobs and opportunities to grow our home owner tax base.

Describe your goals if elected. Providing the taxpayers with quality services by the most economical means possible. I will remain vigilant on expenditures in an environment of decreasing home ownership which creates tax based challenges and economic downturn. My goal is to make LaPorte County a place for our children to want to stay, or come back to, after they have gone off to college or are coming back from their military service. We need them to bring back their knowledge and skills to LaPorte County. But to do that, we need to have something to offer them, be it a clean, crime and drug free community, or GOOD PAYING jobs with benefits and opportunities, so that they will be able to prosper, become LaPorte County homeowners and provide for their families.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. The LaPorte Jaycees provide leadership and training for young professionals, business, and community leaders. As a civic organization, it also reaches all members of the area it services by providing or organizing community events that the public can enjoy or gain education on. This helps promote the City of LaPorte for incoming business, that in turn also promotes Economic Development.

John P. Sullivan



Position Seeking: County Council Political Party: Democratic

Describe your experience for this office: Budget experience with running a grain farm and running Coroners Office budget for multiple terms. Good decision maker. Works well with others.

Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. Jobs, railroads, County Home, roads, drug addiction.

Describe your goals if elected. To work with other council members politely and effectively for the betterment of our county residents.

Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community. A very great impact on our community as they strive to make LaPorte a better community for future generations. Many hours of service and dedication are performed by its members. Its a very worthwhile organization.

Dan VanSchoyck



Position Seeking: County Council At Large Political Party: Republican

Describe your experience for this office: No response received by deadline. Describe what issues are important for the La Porte Community in this race. No response received by deadline. Describe your goals if elected No response received by deadline. Describe the impact that the La Porte Jaycees have on our community No response received by deadline.

The La Porte Jaycees would like to thank you for attending this event. We hope that you have had an engaging and informative evening.

We would also like to thank the candidates who attended our event. Thank you for your interest in serving our community!

Another special thanks goes out to our sponsors for this evening’s event! We greatly appreciate your generosity!





Election Day is th Tuesday November 8 !





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