St. Joseph County Council has three contested primaries; candidates lay out positions

The Tribune is partnering with the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area and the American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend to publish candidates' answers to questions on the issues. The League, with local help from the ADP, operates Vote411.org, a website with information about the candidates and their positions on key issues.

The Tribune has agreed to run candidate answers unedited, meaning any spelling, typographical or grammatical errors are the candidates' own. If there is no photo of a candidate, it's because the candidate did not provide one. The Tribune is publishing only some of the questions from contested races. Additional questions and answers, including from candidates who have no opponent in the primary, are available at Vote411.org.

The St. Joseph County Council is the legislative body for the county. Most other counties in the state have a mix of districts and at-large members, but St. Joseph County has nine districts. Council members are elected to four-year terms. This year, Districts D, F, G and I are up for election. District G has no contested races in the primary. District D has a contested Democratic primary and Districts F and I have contested Republican primaries.

Candidates in contested races appear today in The Tribune online and print editions. To see candidates in uncontested races, and answers to additional questions, visit vote411.org.

District D

Jason PiontekOccupation: Assistant business manager, IBEW Local Union 153Education: Bachelor's in labor studies, IUSB; Masters in professional studies, Penn State UniversityEmail: jpiontek@ibew153.comCampaign phone: 574-485-7154Website: www.jason4sjc.comFacebook: facebook.com/jason4sjc

Jenn ShabazzOccupation: PrincipalEducation: BS in education; Masters in curriculum and design; School administrator certificateEmail: jenn2477@gmail.comCampaign phone: 574-261-1007Website: votejenn.comFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555723701424

District F

Randall L. FiggOccupation: County Council memberEducation: BS in business administrationEmail: rfigg@juno.comCampaign phone: 574-299-9371Website: www.figg4council.com

Kris VerashOccupation: 6th grade science teacherEducation: BS in elementary educationEmail: kris@krisverash.comCampaign phone: 574-229-3289Website: krisverash.comFacebook: facebook.com/verash.for.district.f.county.council

District I

Kent HizerOccupation: National sales managerEducation: Some college, attended PurdueEmail: kenth1691@gmail.comCampaign phone: 574-850-4118Website: hizerforcouncil.comFacebook: facebook.com/hizerforcouncil

Andy RuttenOccupation: Professional engineerEducation: Master's degree in mechanical engineering, Notre DameEmail: andy@voteandyrutten.comCampaign phone: 574-607-7014Website: voteandyrutten.comFacebook: facebook.com/voteandyrutten

What experiences and skills qualify you for county council?

Piontek: I have regularly attended County Committee & Council meetings for last two years. For the past 4 years, I have served as a citizen member on the South Bend Public Works & Property Vacation Committee, and Mayor Mueller appointed me to the South Bend Area Plan Commission, which I have served for the past 3 years. From an educational perspective, I have a bachelor’s in labor studies from IUSB and a master’s in professional studies (Human Resources/ Employment Relations with a concentration in Labor and Labor Law) from Penn State University. As the Assistant Business Manager for IBEW Local Union 153, I have developed personal and professional relationships with the elected officials in South Bend and many at the county level. I am also an honorably discharged veteran, having served 6 years in the U.S. Army and 20 years as a volunteer coach.

Shabazz: I bring a diverse set of experiences and skills that I believe uniquely qualify me to serve our community effectively. In 2008 I was hired as the regional field director for Organizing for America, I have continued to volunteer and work to help elect democrats. I have a proven track record of leadership in both professional and volunteer capacities. I have successfully led teams, managed projects, worked with parent-teacher groups, and managed major crises at my schools while keeping a calm, focused demeanor. I possess strong written and verbal communication skills, allowing me to articulate complex issues clearly, listen actively to diverse perspectives, and communicate with constituents.I am deeply committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of governance to ensure every voice is heard.

Figg: I was the Financial Coordinator for the Solid Waste Management District for 19.5 years. After retirement the opportunity arose for me to run for the council. I was asked since I understood county government.

Verash: My diverse background equips me for effective county council service. With almost three decades of teaching and coaching experience in the Penn Harris Madison School District, I possess a broad knowledge base, highly refined organizational skills, and the ability to coach and be coached. As a sports photojournalist at Fox 28 Elkhart, I managed interviews, press conferences, and stories adeptly. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, I'm skilled in critical thinking. Entrepreneurial experience as Rudy’s Barn Wood owner refines my business acumen. Government roles in Penn Township Advisory Board and Grimes Ditch Association have provided me with insight into the workings of local government and prepared me to represent the interests of our community effectively on the county council.

Hizer: • 19+ years in law enforcement. • Command staff on Federal Disaster Team • 35 years managing local businesses. • Four terms on the Penn Township Board. • Exposed the criminal activity of the Penn Township Trustee in 2011. • Transformed the Penn Township Fire Department to a full-time department. • Established the Penn Township ALS (Advanced Life Support) • I negotiated with the Town of Osceola to create the Penn Township Fire Territory • Built the new Penn Fire Station for less than 1/2 the cost of a nearby station. • Penn Township has the 3rd lowest taxing district out of the 31 total taxing districts in St. Joseph County. • 40+ years of developing budgets in both the private and public sectors. • Over 32 years’ experience of experience as a first responder on the local and federal level.

Rutten: First and foremost I am a resident of district i in St. Joseph County, and have lived in our community for almost 30 years. The primary responsibility of a council member is to represent the voters in their district - to listen to concerns, seek answers to questions and ensure the county is responsive to voter needs. I feel I bring valuable experience to this role. I have a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Notre Dame, a professional license from the State of Indiana and worked as an engineer for almost 30 years. This background will be helpful in understanding concerns such as building code, property surveying & zoning, infrastructure, roads & public works, water conservation & drainage. I also have experience as an army medic, EMT and firefighter which will provide valuable insight towards health and public safety.

What are your top two priorities as a county council member?

Piontek: The top two priorities I would address if elected to the county council would be supporting and promoting public safety initiatives and being a voice for the working class. Our St Joseph Sheriff’s Department is critically understaffed, needing approximately 50 new, experienced officers in the jail and another 20 for patrol. Addressing and incorporating much-needed mental health initiatives will ease the burden on the Sheriff’s Department and the community. Rebuilding the Health Department also has to be a priority; I believe that governments at every level have some responsibility to care for those who cannot care for themselves—as for protecting and being a voice for the working class, increasing affordable housing opportunities, protecting worker's rights, and promoting local workers and responsible bidding needs to be prioritized.

Shabazz: Over the last two years, we have seen our county government dismantling the systems we need to support our people. My top priority is to bring back a community that works together for everyone. I will stop the dismantling of our health department. I will work with the department to fully support programs and grants that help poor neighborhoods and promote equity in healthcare. Our communities are dealing with real health crises and playing politics with words while neighbors are struggling is unacceptable. I will work with the city and community to support community needs such as the low-barrier shelter and long-term care facilities like Portage Manor. We have to be looking forward to what our needs will be in ten years instead of trying to close or sell so many of our community assets.

Figg: Safety and employment opportunities for our community. This is the purpose of government.

Verash: If elected, my top priorities would revolve around enhancing road maintenance and ensuring fair compensation for county officers, both crucial for the well-being and efficiency of our community. Maintaining roads is essential for safety, aesthetics, and local businesses, while fair compensation is vital to retain skilled officers. I'll engage stakeholders to devise road maintenance strategies, push for additional funding, and seek innovative solutions. Additionally, I'll address fair compensation through surveys and discussions, striving for competitive packages and alternative perks. Together, we can elevate safety, convenience, and overall quality of life while valuing our hardworking county workforce.

Hizer: My top priority is public safety. The County Police, to include the County Jail staff are undermanned and undercompensated in comparison with other local agencies. We need to establish a pay and benefit platform to attract and retain good people. This needs to be competitive with local agencies to stem the tide of lateral transfers of county officers to other agencies. My second priority would be attracting good paying jobs. Our community will thrive if our residents have access to good jobs that come with great pay and benefits. We can only attract these types of outside investments if we have the infrastructure like schools, roads, parks, and low taxes. These are all intertwined to create a community where the total quality of life makes it a place where companies want to do business and people want to work and live.

Rutten: Feedback from my district has consistently highlighted these three as main areas to focus on: Promoting fiscal responsibility each year is essential for the county to maintain low tax rates without deficit spending to provide efficient basic services such as road maintenance and police presence that the community expects. Protecting freedoms is as important now as ever and includes examples such as constitutional rights, a parent’s right to raise their children, an individual’s right to make their own health & medical choices and property owner rights. Preserving safe, family-friendly communities is something all residents need each and every day. Stories about chronic crime in large cities make me feel grateful for our community. Whether it’s a household of ten or just a single person, each family is welcome and should feel safe.

After the EV battery plant was announced last year, more companies showed interest in commercial development near New Carlisle. How should the county weigh potential job growth versus some residents' concerns for preserving their small town and its rural character? What specific actions do you propose to promote and retain good jobs there and elsewhere in St. Joseph County?

Piontek: The county's recent economic progress is highly encouraging and holds great promise for the future. However, it is essential to ensure that the development is governed responsibly, taking into account the welfare of the entire community. While I appreciate the concerns of some of the local residents, I believe that economic growth can be achieved without compromising the environment and by providing sustainable, high-paying jobs to our community's workforce. To this end, I recommend these specific measures: reinforcing our responsible bidder's ordinance to incorporate more robust apprenticeship language and addressing tax abatement administration and code enforcement governance.

Shabazz: The duty of the county council is to promote a safe, healthy, strong community. We need to be good stewards of our lands but also have an eye on attracting good jobs that will let our residents live good lives. When we work to bring in new developments, we need to make sure they are environmentally sound and that they display good governance for the betterment of our community. Specifically, we should provide incentives for companies to contract with local businesses where possible, ensure they have the connections and input with local schools and labor groups to get the workforce they need, and develop a program for promoting the county as an amazing place to live and work.

Figg: The western boundary of the IEC should not be expanded. I do want to keep the small town feel to New Carlisle. I supported the Tax Abatement rule change for an easier process. This would have helped economic opportunity for St. Joseph County. Unfortunately, it failed by the vote of 5-4.

Verash: It's great to see the interest in commercial growth near New Carlisle, especially after the EV battery plant announcement. Balancing job growth with preserving the town's rural character is key. Aligning new developments with community values and promoting smart growth can help. This includes partnerships for skills training, incentives for businesses in line with the community's vision, and involving residents in decision-making. With collaboration, we can support job opportunities while preserving the area's charm and quality of life.

Hizer: As with all economic development, the first test should be “Will this make our community better”. Residents should and do always have a voice. That is the basis for our representative democracy. This form of government allows citizens to vote for representatives that will handle matters of government on their behalf. When considering all projects, large and small, a thorough consideration of all impacts which include residents’ concerns along with cultural, economic, environmental, and infrastructure requirements among other things. It is incumbent to bring people to the table with expertise in all those areas to formulate a plan of action. To protect their interests, the residents always have the ultimate authority in the form of the ballot box.

Rutten: Weighing job growth versus preserving neighborhood character is difficult. Industrial areas aren’t very compatible with residential ones. Metrics like employment rates, housing shortages and farmland preservation can help provide insight. The county should provide transparency and easily accessible public hearings so that all sides of this debate can participate and try to find common ground. A good option is to simplify the county tax abatement process which provides temporary relief of taxes while a new business venture is started. The current process has all kinds of regulations that increase regulation and business expenses. Mishawaka, though smaller, has experienced strong, responsible growth with a simple abatement procedure. Another option is to improve housing shortages by updating the county Comprehensive Plan.

How well did the county do in evaluating and handling the closure of Portage Manor as the county home for people with disabilities and mental illness? Is there anything you could do differently today?

Piontek: The closure of Portage Manor raises severe concerns about the County's negligence in maintaining the facility. At the same time, several solutions were presented to the County Council, which made no decision. For years, families and residents were repeatedly assured that the home would not close and that a new facility was being built. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased volunteerism, decreased availability of beds, and loss of revenue from the farmland lease. Despite public objection, the County Council voted 5-4 to close the facility. Residents were forced out in 45 days, the minimum time required by Indiana state law. Sadly, not all residents were placed in safe and appropriate housing, as promised by the County. The County's failure to meet its obligations has left concerns about the welfare of residents and their families

Shabazz: The county did not put in a serious effort to evaluate the manor and try to support our vulnerable community members. The task-force that was put together to find alternatives to the closure proposed three different options, which the commissioners never even permitted public presentation. It was disgraceful how they treated our Portage Manor neighbors. Portage Manor served our community for 116 years. It needed a lot of work in upgrades, but to replace the facility will cost twice as much. We also know that we will need more of these facilities in the future, not fewer. The cost to replace Portage Manor was estimated at over twice the cost of renovations, so selling the property and forcing out our community members was wrong. It was handled badly, and with a pretense of community involvement while they ignored community feedback.

Figg: After I was caucus in, I visited every department within our county. Portage Manor was one of the first visits. I knew the financial person who was a former auditor. Mike gave me a tour. I was stunned at the condition of the building. The employees were great, but the building did not meet the needs of the residents. After the tour, Mike showed me plans for a new building. I was excited that they were going in that direction. However, when I asked him how this would be funded, he didn’t have an answer. It would have been a large tax increase for the people of our county. Since there were other companies that provided the service the residents needed, I felt the county, like most of the other counties, should not be doing this. I attended many meetings trying to find another solution. It has been my hardest vote.

Verash: The county showed commendable diligence in handling the closure of Portage Manor, ensuring the well-being of individuals with disabilities and mental illness during the transition. However, I believe there's room for improvement. I would aim to advocate for greater transparency, collaboration, and proactive communication with stakeholders, including residents, families, and community groups if such a situation were to present itself again. Additionally, I would prioritize enhancing support systems and resources to ensure a smoother transition for affected individuals, meeting their needs with compassion. While the county's efforts were commendable, I would be committed to ongoing improvement for the best outcomes in similar situations.

Hizer: Candidate did not answer this question.

Rutten: My understanding is the county spent significant time and resources evaluating the 100 year old Portage Manor. Feedback from an initial public hearing was to extend this effort and investigate additional options, which the county did. In the end it was determined that Portage Manor could not be used in its present form, nor was it cost effective to invest in upgrades. Those few residents still remaining were transferred and are likely to find better care in more modern facilities elsewhere in our community.

How committed are you to conducting the public's business transparently so residents can offer meaningful feedback before decisions are made? How will you solicit resident feedback, and do you commit to follow guidance from Indiana Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records?

Piontek: If elected, I will commit to transparency by being as open and accessible as possible while performing the duties of a county councilor. Transparency is instrumental to building and establishing trust with the citizens of St. Joseph County while giving the constituents a greater sense of participation and engagement. My strategy to promote citizen engagement is to allow the public an opportunity to provide feedback during meetings and through online platforms, attend community events, and collaborate with other community leaders. Lastly, I will commit to following guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor by adhering to Open Meeting Laws, maintaining transparent responses to public requests, staying informed by keeping open lines of communication with the PA Counselor and staff, and ensure compliance with all laws and ordinances.

Shabazz: I am an organizer at heart, and that requires constant feedback and community engagement. I will make sure to continue to be accessible in public, have phone and email available for people who have a concern, and try to hold myself to a 48 hour response time to get back to people. I support public comment and open meetings and will strongly oppose any attempts to limit public input on county council decisions. I’ll even lend you my megaphone if you’re having trouble getting people’s attention.

Figg: I am 100% committed to hearing feedback. I read every email and take phone calls from our citizens. Yes, all government should follow the Indiana Public Access Counselor.

Verash: I am committed to conducting public business transparently and ensuring that residents have ample opportunities to offer meaningful feedback before decisions are finalized. My advocacy for an open and inclusive decision-making process actively seeks input from constituents. I will use various channels like town hall meetings, community forums, and online platforms to engage with the community and gather diverse perspectives. In addition, I wholeheartedly pledge to adhere to Indiana's Public Access Counselor's guidance regarding open meetings and public records. Upholding these standards is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability. My commitment is to ensure that my constituents feel assured that their voices are heard and valued and that they play an essential role in shaping positive outcomes for our community.

Hizer: All county government activities should be completely transparent except for those that may be protected by law. This could include some personnel actions with county employees as an example. In my first year in office on the Penn Township Board, I donated my salary to the township to establish a township web site that was used to post meeting dates, agendas, meeting minutes and township financials for the public to see. I have supported this from my first day in elected office and will continue to do so in the future. I offer my full commitment to continue to follow the Public Access Guidelines concerning open meetings and public records with my pledge for full transparency.

Rutten: I will 100% commit to meeting Indiana’s Public Access laws to ensure transparency and accessibility. The PAC advises government agencies and private citizens on accessing government public meetings and documents. Resident feedback is gained through electronic communication and public meetings. For my district, public hearings held only at the downtown county-city building can be inconvenient. Having a virtual meeting attendance option, giving advance notice, multiple meeting location options and posting meeting videos online helps. I have personally submitted two successful PAC complaints: one on St. Joseph not providing records from a 3rd party contracted to enforce county law, and another addressing secret meetings at public schools. These rulings apply to the entire state of Indiana. Government by the people, for the people!

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Democrats and Republicans each have primary races for county council