Contested race candidates answer LWV questionnaire

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Putnam County Sheriff

1. Why are you the best choice for Putnam County voters? (100-word limit)

2. What do you think the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department needs to do to maximize its resources, financial and otherwise? (150-word limit)

3. What are the three most pressing law enforcement issues facing Putnam County? (150-word limit)

Jerrod Baugh - Republican

1. I have prepared my whole life to be sheriff. I observed my father’s leadership as Putnam County sheriff, have served 25 years in Putnam and surrounding counties as a State Excise officer, and have worked with all county agencies in law enforcement activities. My diversity in local leadership from the FOP, 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator, Church Safety Training and many other Putnam County organizations have prepared me for leadership in our community. Based on my expertise, I observe a loss of focus on serving critical community needs. I am focused on the safety and well-being of Putnam County citizens.

2. The Sheriff’s Office had a number of high-profile leadership issues in the past that the current administration addressed with policies and procedures. While I support those necessary changes, I believe the current sheriff’s singular focus has compromised community policing and county coverage. I plan to maintain the high ethics of the Sheriff’s Office and address this coverage gap in three ways. Firstly, comprehensively and cost competitively use fully trained volunteer reserve deputies and reorganization of roles within the current department. Secondly, institute school resource officers to address school safety and anti-drug messaging. And thirdly, create a joint task force with other local police agency focused on drug interdiction and investigations. Additionally, many grant opportunities are available to law enforcement that I plan to utilize to increase the pro-active work of the agency with increased drug investigations, school resource officers, and more reserves patrolling the entire county.

3. The three issues can be seen in the pages of the Banner: illegal drug use/overdose incidents, alcohol-related crashes in rural areas and need for a school resource officer. These issues have increased due to a lack of focus on community policing. My administration will focus on illegal drug issues by assisting with and encouraging rehabilitation programs for those in need and increasing enforcement focus on county drug dealers with a multi-agency task force. To address the 75 percent increase in drunk and impaired driving crashes, I will increase patrols of well-trained active and reserve units which will identify and address drunk drivers making county roads safer. With a qualified and trained school resource officer designated to Putnam County schools, my plan puts an officer inside the schools who will mentor the students, provide safety training to school faculty, and deliver a student focused anti-drug message.

Scott Stockton - Republican

1. In 2014, I brought 28 years of professional experience with the Indiana State Police to the Sheriff’s Department. I assumed leadership of an agency with numerous internal challenges and a very damaged public image. We have brought order within the department by implementing Professional Standards of Conduct. I have insisted that our employees live by the philosophy that we serve the public, they do not serve us. It has been my practice to not only educate the deputies in the essential basics of policing, but also instill in them the core values of ethics, integrity, professionalism and service to others.

2. We continue to utilize reserve officers in a responsible manner, with a reasonable ratio between reserves and merit deputies. Reserve officers are dedicated unpaid citizens, who are most often not academy trained. These officers serve when their schedules allow and deserve to have an academy-trained deputy available when circumstances dictate.

In a continued effort to save money and provide additional services to our citizens, we have partnered with the Indiana State Police to be the primary point of contact for any SWAT operational needs and the Indiana Conservation Officers for water rescue operations. In the last three and a half years, we have only needed the Indiana State Police SWAT team once and the Indiana Conservation Officers in a few instances. These partnerships have saved the Putnam County taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars and allowed our deputies to be available for essential services such as school safety.

3. The lack of mental health services and treatment centers is one of the biggest challenges we are facing, not only at the county level, but as a nation. By not having mental health services available when officers are faced with a mentally ill individual, the only option is incarceration, when jail is often the last place they need to be.

Another issue is opiate abuse of prescription medication and illicit drugs. This abuse is at an all-time high and affects public safely as those dependent on opiates often commit crimes to satisfy their dependency. This epidemic has a direct correlation to the lack of mental health services as dependency can be life altering, adversely affecting family dynamics.

Lastly, ensuring the safety of our students and faculty is of paramount concern. Partnering with our schools and conducting random patrols, reduces the chance of acts of violence being carried out.


Putnam County Council, District 3

1. Why should voters choose you? (100-word limit)

2. What is the greatest impact a county council member can have on the day-to-day quality of life of a Putnam County resident? (150-word limit)

3. What are the most important challenges facing our county and how to propose to address them? (150-word limit)

Danny Wallace - Republican

1. I have spent the last 30 years in Putnam County serving as a deputy sheriff and I am well-known by all residents, so I have a personal interest in this county. With many years of experience, I have also learned how the county operates financially. Being fiscally conservative, I will be cautious when it comes to spending tax dollars. I will use taxpayers’ concerns to make decisions regarding the county budget each year and do my best to keep property tax rates low.

2. The greatest impact is delegating how the residents’ income and property taxes are used in the county budget. With this, I would focus on specific areas of concern for residents. Public safety, road conditions and tax rates are the biggest issues effecting residents on a day-to-day basis and these items need addressed. Having a platform as a councilman will give me the resources to make the changes needed.

3. The most important challenges that we need to address are the security of our schools and the county-wide drug epidemic. Finding available federal and state grants to subsidize our county budget in these areas will be my main focus.

Jay Fogle - Republican

1. Voters should choose me because I have a demonstrated history of working well with others, including previous service on the council. At the same time, I speak up when I see something that needs a different outcome or approach. I also have a long history of service including a career in the U.S. Air Force, and as a volunteer in religious and community organizations. Additionally, I listen and can empathize with others because I have shared many of the same challenges that others face. I am able to leverage those life experiences in solving problems.

2. The primary duty and best opportunity for a council member to impact the life of county residents is by providing responsible stewardship over taxpayer funds. Council members should also continuously talk with and listen to taxpayers. They should then carry forward what they learn from those interactions to inform Commissioners and influence them in setting policies and executing functions of the county. Council members should also use their office on behalf of taxpayers in a similar manner to communicate with members of the state legislature. Council members should also be accessible to taxpayers by attending and/or participating in activities around the county. And yes, two of my favorite types of activities are either 4-H related or have phrasing that includes the words “dinner” or “pancake breakfast.”

3. Two main, near term challenges facing our county are substance abuse and a need for more space for county government. Substance abuse is devastating families, the core of our society. If we have less of a problem with this than other counties, this fact is lost on any impacted family. This scourge also strains the capabilities of community support agencies and services. We must ensure that those support providers and law enforcement agencies have adequate resources to carry out their missions. Second, the need that county officials have repeatedly expressed for additional space will eventually result in moving forward with a solution. We need people experienced with construction projects to represent the interests of taxpayers. Having just finished participation in a five-year mega-project I have the experience necessary to engage in those conversations. I ask for your vote and thank you for reading my responses.

Kyle Nobles - Republican

1. I have lived in Putnam County for 15 years and have a personal desire to see our county thrive. I believe with my background and education in business, I have the knowledge and skillset to provide a great perspective on what our county needs. I will work alongside my council members and the leaders of Putnam County in order to make positive steps to continue the quality of our county.

2. The greatest impact I could have on the quality of life of a Putnam County resident as a county council member, is assisting with the growth of Putnam County. We have made tremendous strides to make Putnam County a great place to live but there are always areas that continuously need improvement. I will be an advocate for the residents of Putnam County and do everything within my capabilities to continue the greatness of our county. Council members are voted in by the residents of Putnam County so we need to do what is best for our county.

3. I believe one of the most important challenges Putnam County faces is drug use. I know of countless individuals that have either been directly or indirectly impacted by the use of drugs. Whether it is a friend, loved one or their own doing, drug use could lead to criminal or violent behavior. I believe we can work with our public health and safety groups to come up with ways to mitigate the negative impact drugs are having on our county.


County Recorder

1. Why are you the best choice for Putnam County voters? (150-word limit)

2. Please describe your qualifications. (150-word limit)

Tracy Bridges - Republican

1. I believe I am the best choice for recorder because I am deeply rooted in Putnam County. I have seen Putnam County through the eyes of a mother, wife, child, daughter, athlete and concerned citizen. I’ve watched it struggle with the closing of IBM, then turn around and come back as strong as ever. I believe in this county and the people who live in it. This community has a “never-say-die” attitude that makes me proud to call it home. I am dedicated to growing the community and continuing to serve the citizens of Putnam County.

2. I bring to the office a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology and over 16 years of county government experience. I have also served two years on the Indiana Recorder’s Associations Board of Education.

During my last three years in office I have continued to grow the office by implementing electronic recording of documents. In doing so, we have been able to provide same-day recording services to banks and title companies throughout the United States. In my next term I promise to move forward in the area of technology, provide timely, efficient service and keep the office Putnam County friendly.

Rhonda Chaney - Republican

Did not respond to the questionnaire


Putnam County Commissioner, District 2

1. What motivated you to seek this position and what sets you apart from the other candidates? (100-word limit)

2. What is the county commissioners’ role in county planning and regulating county growth? (150-word limit)

3. If you could accomplish only one thing during your term, what would it be? (150-word limit)

Kim Hyten - Republican

1. I have always been interested in government, since my senior year of high school government class. I believe my 20 years working for Putnam County Commissioners proves to be a solid background for the Commissioner position. During this time I was director of the following Departments Planning, Zoning, Building Codes, Facilities Maintenance, Emergency Management. I actually created all the agencies except Facilities Maintenance from scratch. I received over $4.5 million in grants to the county and all incorporated areas from the Federal/State Homeland Security. I helped get state law changed to build Emergency Operations Center from tipping fees.

2. The Commissioners role in land use planning is of the highest level. The Commissioners appoint both Planning Commission and Zoning Board members. They approve all administrative documents to the two ordinances that regulate the subdivision control and zoning ordinances. They approve (if see fit) rezoning amendments after recommendation by Plan Commission. They appoint the Planning Department director of which by county job description must have a BS degree in urban studies. This is not currently being enforced by the Commissioners and creates a negative impact on the due to this position needs to understand land use planning and how to administrate ordinances. This is how all our property values stay equal and do not decrease due to a neighbor operating a non-permitted use. Commissioners should also take a pro-active role in looking for state and federal grants for improving essential services (water or sewers) highly dense non-incorporated areas.

3. Well, I will have to be very honest with you there would never be a thought for just accomplishing one thing. There are many issues this county is facing and there is no room for just one. However, since the question is to be addressed by just one I would have to say information technology. I would like to see the county have the ability to keep all documents and minutes of all meetings on a website that is kept up to date. I would like to stream over the internet in live time and be able to hear citizens thoughts and concerns. There are some people who would like to participate but just cannot come to a meeting. I would make sure that certain departments phones roll over to a director/superintendent county-provided cell phone during weather-related events. This should already be done but is not.

Rick Woodall - Republican

1. Running for Commissioner is something I have wanted to do for several years and four years ago was that time. I have a vested interest in this county as a lifelong resident and most of my family still residing in Putnam County. What sets me apart is the drive and compassion to research, investigate and make sure that the decisions that are made are in the best interest of the county and the taxpayers.

2. Our role in the growth of the county is determined by the decisions that are made by the planning and zoning to which the Commissioners oversee. I am very curious to see the 2020 census and find out how much our county has grown. The permits issued for new housing has grown each of the last few years.

3. The goals that I set for myself in the first four years have mostly been reached and I believe good progress has been made by the Commissioners in the last three years with Technology, Insurance Benefits (premium decrease with same coverage for 2017), Reorganization of the Planning & Zoning Dept. and implementing a 7 year road plan.

If elected to another term as your Commissioner the focus of the next four years will be on four main items: 1. Technology updates (sorely needed) for the county 2. Studies of the Courthouse and whether or not the county needs an annex now or down the road. 3. Our County roads will always to be a priority 4. Making sure the county employees have the best most cost effective Health Insurance.


Indiana House of Representatives, District 44

1. Why are you the best choice to represent District 44 in the Indiana House of Representatives? (100-word limit)

2. What issues are you hearing from district residents that you feel are pressing matters for the state and how will you address them? (150-word limit)

3. How will you maintain communication with your constituents? (150-word limit)

Beau Baird - Republican

1. As a lifelong resident of District 44, I believe that it is important that we continue to send dedicated public servants to represent us in the statehouse. Over the past several years, we have maintained strong, conservative, common-sense leadership in this district and I believe that I am the only candidate that can continue the progress that we have made and help take Indiana to the next level. With my educational background, business experience and public service, I believe that I have a unique background and skill set that will benefit the residents of this area.

2. As a rural community, one of the most prevalent issues that I see in our district is the access to broadband. We have long since entered the age where access to the internet is a necessity, not a luxury. This issue not only plagues the constituents of District 44, but Hoosiers in communities all across Indiana. Without reliable access to the internet, our smaller and more rural communities will continue to experience issues bringing in new businesses and expanding their populations. As a state representative, I would work with shareholders to find solutions that would allow Indiana to work toward solving this problem and any other issues that prevent our rural communities from moving forward.

3. As a representative of the constituents of District 44, I would continue to maintain an active role in our community. Residents will be able to communicate with me, just as they always have, whether it be via phone, email, or in line at the local coffee shop. I would also attend regular community meetings throughout the district so that I can continue to stay informed on the issues that matter most to the residents of this area.

Jess Norton - Republican

1. I am the best choice for state representative in District 44 because the voters will find a rare combination of qualities in me which do not often present themselves in a candidate running for office. I am intimately acquainted with the concerns of the poor and working classes. I have worked on the farms and in the factories of Central Indiana for most of my life. But I am also well educated and have seen something of the world which enables me to better stand as a advocate for my constituents and to articulate their concerns in the public forum.

2. Probably the most prevalent concern which I hear at this time is the safety of our children while they are at school. I would address this by creating a voluntary program through which all school employees could be certified as safe and responsible with firearms similar to that which is used for the police. Those who are able to pass the training and be certified would then be permitted to carry arms on school property. I would highly publicize this program and require that every school post a sign stating that personnel may or may not be armed. Then a school shooter would not simply be able to choose a school where there happen to be no armed staff, but at each and every school, the person considering such an act would have to guess whether or not the staff he will encounter are armed and dangerous.

3. It will not be difficult to maintain communication with my constituents. My telephone number (765-376-0972) is published, as is my email address (committeetoelectjesslnorton@gmail.com). They may also write to me at (13493 N. CR 275 W. Roachdale, IN 46172) or on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/electjessnorton). I also tell everyone that they are welcome to stop in at my home if they feel as though they cannot reach me in another way. I live in the town of Raccoon in the gray house which has a white front porch and black shutters. Anyone who has a concern may stop by and visit. An elected official is an employee of the people and if I am elected, I will do my best to remain accountable to every one of my constituents. If a politician becomes unreachable, they are no longer qualified for the office.

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