Election forum introduces candidates to voters
Commissioner, council clerk, and township assessor featured at Oct. 4 event
Today’s article is brought to you by Marvin’s Auto Repair and Service. Located at 111 E. Gano St., Marvin’s is ready and able to repair vehicles of most makes and models, affordably and professionally. They also can provide service to your vehicle, from oil changes to tire rotations. To schedule a repair or service appointment, call 765-553-7074.
The 2022 election season is in full swing, and candidates for local offices to took the stage on Oct. 4 to make their cases to the voters. A forum was held at Indiana University Kokomo, which featured candidates for Howard County Commissioner, Howard County Council, Howard County Clerk, and Howard County Assessor.
The forum was organized by the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, the Kokomo Tribune, and the Howard County League of Women Voters. The candidates for county commissioner were asked a short series of questions at the forum, while the other candidates were given time to introduces themselves to voters. Following are brief highlights from each race.
Howard County Commissioner
Jeff Lipinski, Republican candidate, on the issue of renewable energy:
“I think the most important thing with solar and wind is that it be controlled locally. Whether we want to admit it or not, solar, wind, and renewable energy is coming to Indiana. By 2025, 40 percent of new energy will be renewable. We have to embrace it and help people to understand it.
“Whether you want it or not, it’s coming. If it isn’t controlled locally, the state or someone else will take control, and we won’t have a say-so. I think the commissioners put in a great ordinance and worked with citizens to make it happen. Some people fear it. All issues have to be considered, but local control is the most important thing.”
Lisa Washington, Democratic candidate, on food deserts and transportation needs:
“We know there is talk of food deserts and transportation. Those two things, in combination, are a top concern. We have residents who live in a food desert who don’t have regular access via a vehicle to get to a grocery store or doctor’s appointments. There are people who require medical care outside of Howard County, but it is very difficult for them to get to their appointment.
“Those are things that the commissioners together could take a look at. When we care for the community, we should look at it as a team approach. It’s not a one-person approach.”
Center Township Assessor
Tanner Heady, Republican candidate
“I have gained experience in teamwork and professionalism in an office setting. I believe that a new set of eyes that are willing to grow and change will be beneficial to not only the office itself, but to the taxpayers’ experience.
“Getting the chance to work alongside party leaders have helped shape my view of the importance of public service. It has motived me to take this leap in the public eye and put myself out there and really try this. I am someone who likes to help others and to listen more than I speak, to gain as much knowledge as I can from those who have experience and wisdom. I am confident in my abilities, and I believe I have what it takes to run the Center Township Assessor’s office efficiently.”
Sheila Pullen, Democratic candidate (incumbent)
“I served nine years on the Kokomo Common Council, where I was the first woman to serve and the budget chair. I know the importance of the assessed values reported to local units of government.
“Indiana requires all assessments to be fair and equitable. I believe I have the knowledge, ability, expertise, and designations to accomplish that. I’ve never missed a deadline. I am a Level 3 Indiana assessor and appraiser. I was among the first in Indiana to acquire that designation.
“I work with our developers and industrial facilities to avoid costly appeals to the county. I have also audited all the abatements to ensure correct reporting. I’ve always worked across the aisle. I was a member of the team that brought $23 million in tax dollars to Howard County units of government in the Chrysler bankruptcy. Other entities only got 10 cents on the dollar.
“When the township assessors were put on the referendum for elimination, I was kept in this office by a 63 percent margin of victory. I am always available to the taxpayers of Center township, and I hope you will continue to support me.”
Howard County Clerk
Annette Milam, Democratic candidate
“I do have a lot of experience. I have spent the last 38 years serving under three county clerks. I have served 10 years in the office and 16 years training and supporting judges, clerks, prosecutors, probation officers, juvenile detention centers, and law enforcement through software for local and county offices in the judicial division
“This showed me many different things with the legal system, which is one of the areas I love the most. It gives me the opportunity to bring new ideas that may pertain to what we do. I was able to train many of these people and help design the program our Indiana folks use.”
Debbie Stewart, Republican candidate (incumbent)
I have been employed in the Howard County Clerk’s office for 26 years. I served 14 years in the support finance office, eight years as chief deputy, and the past four years as clerk. I have worked with the election process for 20 years.
“I am seeking reelection to ensure the proper operations of the clerk’s office will be efficient, professional, and reliable, and to keep the election process effective, as it has been in past years. I respect the office of Howard County Clerk, and I will be dedicated to completing that which is required of the office and to go above and beyond to ensure the public’s trust will be earned.”
Howard County Council Dist. 1
Gary Rhinebarger, Democratic candidate
“If you have been listening to the voices on the far right and far left, we have nothing in common, and the other side is wrong. I’m here to tell you that is nothing more than a lie to divide. We have more in common than we have differences.
“We can all agree today that we want good, safe schools for our children. We can all agree that we want a thriving community with affordable housing, good roads, and our tax dollars spent wisely. We can agree that we want a safe community with fully staffed, trained, and equipped law enforcement and firefighters. What I bring to the table is a no-nonsense, roll-up-your-sleeves approach. I will reach across the table and solve our problems together. Let’s stand together and bring politics back to the people.”
John Roberts, Republican candidate (incumbent)
“My wife and I served on the Indian Heights Community Association for 25 years, and for 10 years, I was the president. In my leadership role, we went from six streetlights to 41 streetlights.
“We understand the pressures on small business. We owned and operated our own business from 1986-1994, profitably and honorably. People think if you own your own business, you’re making a lot of money. If you own a business, you’re working really hard, and you keep what’s left over.”
(Roberts’ comments were cut short by moderators due to an established time limit.)
Howard County Council Dist. 2
Frank Faulkner, Republican candidate (incumbent)
“My purpose for serving on the council is three points. First, provide thoughtful and dedicated service to all the people of Howard County. Practice good governance to keep Howard County moving forward. And analyze county government needs very carefully.”
Michelle Martin, Democratic candidate
“If elected I hope to continue the fine job that our local public servants have been doing for years. All new members bring their experiences, priorities, and new visions to these jobs. I would like to ensure transparency to taxpayers, take care of our county employees who do such an excellent job for us, and to plan ahead for the future. As the budgeting arm of the county, it is our responsibility to plan ahead for future needs and to anticipate any changes in our income and lessen the impact of any shortfalls.”
Howard County Council Dist. 3
Tim Cuthbert, Republican candidate
“I have been fortunate in most of my career to be left with a very large budget to determine what needed to be done, with a two-fold result. We want to do the best for the customer and the owners’ investment.
“We are very heavily invested, financially and emotionally, in our community. If I am elected, I’m going to do everything I can to make this place a better place than it was for my children and grandchildren.
Donnie Haworth, Democratic candidate (incumbent)
“I am one of the most accessible public officials in recent history, and I always make time to talk to citizens and address their concerns even when they don’t live in my district. As a county councilman, I will follow the same approach. I will not be bullied or pressured into voting for something that isn’t in the best interests of the voters I represent.
“Being responsible for the finances of local government is a very important responsibility. It is something that I am proud to have a lot of experience with. I wish to continue to work with the county council to make Howard County the best place to live, work, and worship in this state.”
Howard County Council Dist. 4
Bryan Alexander, Republican candidate (incumbent)
“Over the last four years, we’ve certainly had some challenging times. In 2020 we faced a little thing called COVID. Many businesses were closed. Many people lost their jobs. Incomes were down, but bills still had to be paid. That was the same with the county. Our revenue was down, but we still had essential services that needed to be provided.
“We worked very closely with the county commissioners and department heads, and we were able to come through it with all essential services provided. In the past two years, we have rebuilt strong. We are once again in a very strong financial position. That is experience we will take forward over the next four years. Certainly, we will have challenges. We know what some of those are. It will take an experienced team to work through those things.”
Cindee Ward, Democratic candidate
“Although politics is new to me, there are certain things I just happen to have a knack for. My dad used to tell me that I needed to be a lawyer, and that my card should say, ‘Have mouth, will travel.’ It is nothing for me to speak out and say what needs to happen and when it has to happen.
“Although I don’t have experience with the county council yet, I do have experience with balancing budgets. There isn’t room for mistakes or yes-men. When it comes to how your money is spent, you should be well-informed and know that things are being handled right.”