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LWV questionnaire: Putnam County Commissioner District 3
With contested races in the Republican primary for Putnam County Commissioner District 3, three Putnam County Council At-Large seats, Putnam County Auditor and Putnam County Coroner, the Greencastle League of Women Voters recently asked the candidates for these six spots to answer sets of three questions.
Each of the six candidates for District 3 Commissioner responded to the questionnaire, with their answers printed below. Although the District 3 commissioner must reside in southern Putnam County, the entire county elects the position.
Responses from candidates in other contested races will also be appearing on www.bannergraphic.com and in upcoming print editions of the Banner Graphic.
The 2020 primary election has been delayed to Tuesday, June 2 due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, all voters may choose to cast a ballot by mail in the upcoming primary. Voters may apply to vote by mail online at https://indianavoters.in.gov/.
With the delayed election, citizens may also register to vote at that site until May 5.
In-person early voting will take place on the second floor of the Putnam County Courthouse beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26. Voting will be open from Tuesday through Friday of that week, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., as well as from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 30. The last day of early voting will be Monday, June 1 from 8 a.m.-noon.
On Election Day, Tuesday, June 2, polls will be open from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. at three vote centers in the county: Putnam County Courthouse, Cloverdale American Legion and Bainbridge Community Center. Registered voters from anywhere in Putnam County may cast their ballots at any one of these three locations.
For more information, contact Putnam County Voter Registration at 653-1538.
Questions
1. Why do you believe that you are the best choice for Putnam County residents in this election? (150 words)
2. Do you support the County’s decision last year to take over responsibility of providing ambulance service to Putnam County residents? Please elaborate. (100 words)
3. What is the greatest impact a county commissioner can have on the day-to-day quality of life of a Putnam County resident? (100 words)
Tom Burnett
Education: Ivy Tech Skill Trades Electrician and Machine Repair, Started Associate Degree in Fire Science
Experience and Qualifications: Chairman and Board Member, Allseasons Credit Union; Assistant Chief, DTFD: Responsible for $500,000, 20 pieces of equipment, 100 Volunteers
Community Involvements: Jefferson Township Fire Department, Putnam County Bee Keepers
Answers
1. My past experience of working with budgets and planning for the future. I wrote the five-year and 10-year plans for Decatur Township Fire Department as chairman and board member, I saw the credit union through the trying times of 2009 through 2012. We had to budget our money to allow us to send money to the association to bail out bigger credit unions. This all takes planning and getting a focus on where you want things to go. Planning is key to good results.
2. The residents of Putnam County are lucky that they had researched what happens when you have a private ambulance service and what you have with a county-operated service. I have been in EMS for over 40 yrs. I have seen what happens when you have a private ambulance service. Years ago a private service went to Mooresville, Ind., and told them they would put a paramedic ambulance in their fire station at no cost to them. Of course, the council stated this was great to what they could offer their community. Six months later they pulled out — didn’t make enough money. So now the town had no medic and no ambulance service in their town. Ambulance services have a hard time making profit. With Medicare and Medicaid and insurance company wanting to pay less on bills, it’s not a money making service. A lot of people could care less until they call 911 and want an ambulance. The commissioners now have three ambulances in service.
3. I always look to get more bang for my buck. At DTFD when I started we had only one 1,000 gpm pumper and no budget to buy another. I saw IFD were selling (an) old pumper through an auction for little money. People thought I was crazy but turned out that the truck we would wind up buying was used by Beech Grove FD while their engine was being repaired. So for $1,000 we had a pumper to feed our big pumper at the time. Later on I talked to my chief and he was in meetings with the public safety official in Indy and because he stated they wouldn’t get much money out of an old rescue truck they sold it to DTFD for $1 and we used it for several years Hazmat and fire investigation. These are examples of how I save money and get the job done. You don’t always need new shiny equipment to get job done.
Tom Helmer
Education: High School Graduate (IPS Attucks High School). Taken courses at Purdue. Graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the Marion County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Academy
Experience and Qualifications: Former private ambulance service owner, law enforcement officer from 1979-2018–1979-1981 Marion County Sheriff’s, 1981-2018 served with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, four years as sheriff, 11 years as chief deputy, retired as captain on June 28,2018. Since 2011, I have been the director of Putnam County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).
Community Involvements: Member of the EMA Board, member of the Local Emergency Planning Council (LEPC), board member of Putnam County Operation Life Ambulance Service, board member of the Putnam County Health Department, member of the Putnam County Safe-Schools Committee, member of the Putnam County 911 Advisory Board.
Answers
1. Experience. During the course of my career with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Emergency Management Agency, I have worked with local, state and federal officials, school officials and members of the public, in fulfilling duties, as expected by members the Putnam County community. I have worked with all emergency services providers in the county to assist them in their duties. I have the knowledge of supervision of employees, with 15 years in the administrative section of the sheriff’s department. I have the knowledge of completing and adhering to annual budgets. My biggest asset, working with members of the community, along with city and town officials as we continue to make Putnam County and great place to call home.
2. Very much so! Being a member of the Operation Life Board it became obvious that due to funding, Operation Life could not continue to serve Putnam County. Over the years the county has subsidized OL operations and the ambulances are owned by the county. Reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid could increase due to being a government agency. To continue the patient care that members of the public expect, to bring stabilization and benefits for the employees and to maintain a great asset for the county, it was a good move.
3. Listening to the concerns of members of the community and attempt to address their concerns. Work with our city and town officials, along with school officials in performing services i.e. public safety issues, (police, fire and EMS) along with roads, bridges. Commissioners have to promote the county in a effort to attract industry and businesses to the county to assist in our tax base and additional employment opportunities. Work with our legislatures to secure additional funding for our roads and maintenance thereof.
Shawn McCammack Sr.
Education: Cloverdale High School
Experience and Qualifications: Business owner, professional truck driver, farmer.
Community Involvements: Ride coordinator, American Legion Post 281 Cloverdale; state officer, American Legion Indiana.
Answers
1. Being a lifelong resident of southern Putnam County, I am familiar with the needs and concerns of our local residents. I am an outdoors person and not a politician, and I am not afraid to get out to meet with people and talk over their concerns and do my very best to remedy any situation.
One of our biggest concerns in the southern region is the conditions of our roads. I have an excellent working knowledge of the proper procedures for repairing and maintaining our county roads. Also good working knowledge of most all equipment involved.
I also have a good working knowledge of budget stemming back to my experience as a business owner.
I’m ready to take a hands-on approach to better training our people to operate equipment safely and efficiently and acquire more training if necessary.
I am looking forward to sitting down and looking over the county budget and making corrections as needed so the taxpayers of Putnam county get their honest dollar’s worth.
2. As a former EMT for Putnam County Operation Life, I believe this ambulance service is vital to the county as a whole.
By having the support of the entire county and not just relying on the income from the patients transported, I believe the service as a whole will have more stability.
With the backing of the county and not just a private contractor the ability of the service can grow faster with the needs of the community. As state grant money would be more readily available for more training, equipment upgrades, pay for personnel and the expansion to other areas of the county not just centrally located.
3. First of all, I believe any politician should have an open-door policy to his or her constituents the ability to people to access the person they have put in office to do their work is vital to the work being done as the people wish it to be.
I also believe by getting out in the county firsthand observing the day to day operations and not just sitting in an office will better serve the people of Putnam county.
When a commissioner or any other political figure spends time in the field seeing first hand how the taxpayers’ money is being spent it will be easier for him or her to explain where the money is going.
Ernie Sheldon
Education: Purdue University--Ph.D. in agricultural safety and health--1995; Purdue University--M.S. in agricultural safety and health--1992; Purdue University--B.S. in agricultural economics--1982; South Putnam High School--1978
Experience and Qualifications: 1995-current--Indiana State University professor of occupational safety management; 1978-current--farmer in Putnam county; 1997-2014--Putnam County 4-H Fair Board member (president 2003-2004)
Community Involvements: Volunteer 4-H leader; Fair Board member; Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council member; South Putnam FFA volunteer
Answers
1. I have lived in Washington Township for over 50 years and graduated from South Putnam, then earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue before returning home to our family hog farm. I later returned to Purdue and earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in agricultural safety and health. I represented Washington Township on the Putnam County 4-H Fair Board for 17 years, serving on the executive committee for 14 of those. As president and then past president of the board, I was instrumental in evolving the organization from one that relied heavily on county funding to an entirely self-funded entity. I worked with people from all over the county for those years. For 25 years, I have been a professor of occupational safety management at Indiana State University. Through my experiences as a farmer, educator and community volunteer, I have learned to cope with adversity, cherish prosperity and respect the work required for success.
2. In the interest of guaranteeing continued top-quality ambulance service throughout the county, I support the decision for the county to assume responsibility for providing ambulance service. Too many communities have gambled on contract providers only to have those services fall victim to profit-and-loss decisions, sometimes leaving those areas without adequate reliable EMS coverage. By having the ambulance service under the county’s umbrella, and its staff be county employees, the residents of our county may rest assured that when they need ambulance assistance, the help is close by.
3. The responsibilities of county commissioners extend far beyond managing road repairs and now ambulance service. The commissioners provide support and oversight to all county government entities. As your commissioner I aim to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely and dispersed throughout the county. Of course a priority is to improve our infrastructure. Roads and bridges impact every citizen of our county. Those roads and bridges must provide safe, reliable access to all parts of the county. Roadwork must be done efficiently. Above all, my goal will be to make every resident proud to say, “I’m from Putnam County, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world!”
Donald Walton
Answers
1. Veteran U.S. Army, 1962-64
Self employed brick layer and contractor owned Don Walton Builders and Stove Sales, 35 years
Strong interest in upgrading our many miles of county road and bridges. Will continue working with our legislature on getting more monies for roads
Strong interest in agriculture and family farms
Advocate of well-planned economic development in the county and cities and towns
Continue working with our senior citizens in Putnam County with getting grants if needed
Strong interest in planning programs for the youth of our county
2. Yes, I support the County Council and Commissioners’ decision to take over responsibility of providing ambulance service to Putnam County residents. There is money in the EDIT. Hopefully we will be able to keep monies for the upkeep of the building and wages and insurance on the employees and vehicles. I appreciate the good service of the personnel. Thanks to Rick Woodall for his service in getting things worked out. I have spent several years as a board member. We have been thankful for the service of everyone.
3. Mr. Walton said that he feels that working with the people and his experience as a contractor and bridge builder are the best assets for the job as county commissioner. The county highway department will have a lot of road work and bridge construction taking place the next four years.
Putnam County and Russellville awarded county road funding: $1 million Community Crossing Grant. Russellville will receive $128,367.
The Putnam County Highway Department involved a little more than 12 mile being resurfaced: Roads included Bainbridge-Roachdale Road, West Walnut Street Road, Lone Star Road from Manhattan Road to bridges, County Road 1100 South – Golf Course Road from 42 to Meridian Line Rd, County Road 1100 South to 600 Jefferson Township.
In Russellville the plan is to resurface Public R=oad to Jessie Ave.
Several of these roads have been in need of repair for several years.
Greg Williams
Education: South Putnam High School 1980, Indiana State University 1984-Construction Management and Architectural Technology, Purdue University 1993-Civil Engineering
Experience and Qualifications: Local business owner and professional land surveyor since 2001. I have been surveying Putnam County and the surrounding counties for over 35 years.
Community Involvements: Past youth league baseball coach, past Cloverdale Music Booster President, past Boy Scout of America Pack 93 Cubmaster, currently assistant scout master Troop 93, Venture Crew associate advisor Crew 93, Wabash Valley Eagle Scout Board of Review, board of directors/treasurer Camp Friend, Greencastle. Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Answers
1. As a Putnam County small business owner, professional land surveyor and active community volunteer, I have a life-long commitment to serving Putnam County. I grew up in Putnam County and graduated from South Putnam High School. My familiarity with the people and culture of Putnam County as well as knowledge of the local towns and businesses provides me with the skills I will need to fully represent the citizens in our great county. My background and experience working the the City of Greencastle, small towns and county planning and zoning boards for the past 28 years will allow me to be a great asset to the Putnam County Commissioners.
2. At first glance, I did not think the county should have taken over the responsibility of the ambulance service; however, my opinion has changed. It appeared Operation Life was often requesting additional monies from the county to cover the shortfalls in their expenses, possibly due to having issues with collections. I believe the county will have greater leverage with collections and better management of the operational expenses. Additonally, the emergency service employees will be able to obtain county benefits, which in turn could improve the retention of talent in the service and create a deeper loyalty to serving Putnam County.
3. Commissioners should be responsive and respectful with the residents of the county, listening to their concerns and offering assistance when possible. An important role of a Putnam County Commissioner is to protect the residents’ investment in Putnam County by managing county finances responsibly. Another key task is to understand and guide the desired direction of the county. In doing so, the commissioners need to identify those issues obstructing the county’s progress and implement the strategies needed to obtain the desired outcome. In whole, a commissioner’s actions while serving the residents of Putnam County impact the lives of each individual.