Four Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination to the three at-large seats for Porter County Council.

The Democrat candidates include one incumbent, Dan Whitten, a Porter Township resident who has a law practice in Portage. Also running is Laura Shurr Blaney, a Porter Township resident who previously served on the council; Sylvia Graham of Center Township who was a candidate in last year’s race for 4th District State Representative; and political newcomer John Steffen of Chesterton.

The three winners of the May 6 Democrat primary will face the three Republican winners in the November general election.

The main responsibility of the county council is to approve county government budgets, with the ability to grant ongoing budget transfers and additional appropriations. A new state law requires county councils to review and make non-binding recommendations on the budgets of other local government units.

Council members are paid $12,895, with the council president making $2,000 more. At-large candidates are voted for countywide.

The candidates were asked to answer the following questions. Their answers are printed as submitted, unless they were shortened to meet a 100-word limit.

1. What are your qualifications to serve on the Porter County Council?

Blaney: “My qualifications for serving on the County Council vary. I have served on the Council previously, so I have experience. I’m also a business owner in Porter County. Surprisingly, I think my educational background in the sciences is my most important qualification. It has taught me to think critically and do the necessary research when making assumptions or decisions. Before I cast a vote on the Council, my homework will be done. Finally, I’m a lifetime Porter County resident and I have a good feel for what’s important to our residents.”

Graham: “Educated at Purdue Calumet University (BSN, and Family Nurse Practitioner, Certificate of Advanced Studies) and Indiana University Northwest (AD in Nursing), with 35 years nursing experience, chosen twice to set up departments at regional medical centers, where I developed skills in management, planning, budgeting and supervision. My nursing experience allowed me to work throughout Porter and Lake counties, providing me with a real insight on county and regional needs. I am serving my second term on the Porter County Tourism board. I understand the environmental, economic and day-to-day living needs of our community.”

Steffen: “I am a lifelong resident of Porter County, a graduate of Chesterton High School and Valparaiso University with a degree in political science. I have always had a strong interest in local government, and now seek to participate in our representative democracy. I respect the tremendous quality of life we share here in Porter County and it would be an honor to help continue and improve upon that tradition.”

Whitten: “I am currently serving on the County Council. During my tenure, I have served in the capacity of President of the council. I believe that through my experience on the council, and through my expertise as a municipal attorney, I am able to grasp the difficult and complicated issues surrounding the budget process. As president, I was able to assist and lead the council through the rigorous task of the budget sessions while holding the line on property tax increases.”

2. Why are you running for county council?

Blaney: “I’m running for office in Porter County because I bought into my 6th grade teacher Phil Bickel’s lessons on civic duty. Porter County has given so much to me and my family and I’d like to give something back. A little more selfishly, what happens in Porter County is very important to me in light of the fact that I have four children. I want to be one of the people who make decisions that will affect them now, as well part of the force that will shape the future of the county they call home.”

Graham: “I want to be a voice for all residents of Porter County, especially in regards to tax burdens and representing the issues we face every day. Also, I want to see the county implement methods and standards for evaluating what our needs and priorities are so we do not waste time, money or human resources, using taxpayer dollars to the best advantage. I want to assist in providing efficient budgeting at the county level.”

Steffen: “Over the last several years it has become abundantly clear to me that the interests of the people are being neglected. Communities throughout the state are suffering and it's time that elected officials start acting in the best interests of those that placed them in office and not powerful, corporate interests, it is not only their obligation, it's their duty.”

Whitten: “I am running for the same reasons I ran last term. It is not my intention to become a career politician. I want to continue my efforts to reduce government spending, and control the outrageous financial burden increase to taxpayers. I have taken the hard stand against the income taxes. I also believe that organized growth should be encouraged and maintained in the county. I agree with development, but only if it is organized and fits with the county zoning plan. Therefore, I want to continue to make a stand regarding organized and planned growth.”

3. What should be done with the proceeds of the sale of Porter Memorial Hospital?

Blaney: “Proceeds of the hospital sale should be safely invested. For now, I would like to see the interest monies used to offset property taxes. If the tax caps work and property taxes drop drastically, perhaps we can be a little more creative with the interest money. One idea would be to invest in creating shovel ready sites to attract businesses with good jobs close to our municipalities. Another idea would be to use the money to get our County more advanced technologically – which would also attract high-end jobs.”

Graham: “It is my understanding the money is well invested and drawing interest. I think the principle amount should not be touched. The interest on the money is accumulating and at some point will be open for discussion of usage. I believe the bulk amount of interest money should be used for further taxpayer relief. Some of the interest money might possibly be used by awarding grants to promote county worthy projects. Whatever is eventually done with the revenues and resources developed from the hospital, the focus should be on making certain the needs of the county residents are fully met.”

Steffen: “I think the county needs to take a very cautionary approach to how these funds are handled. I think it's pertinent that we not rush into finding different ways to spend this money as quickly as possible, and as a matter of fact, I tend to like the idea of our county having a bit of a cushion given the current state of the economy. The truth is, the interest income alone could insulate Porter County from the budgetary challenges currently faced by other communities.”

Whitten: “I was involved in the sale of the hospital ... as president of the council. There were varying views as to exactly what the source of the hospital proceeds were (medical care, taxpayer money or private donations). In the end, I believe it was all three. The principal should remain intact... We do not need to tap into that resource like a bunch of drunken sailors. As for the interest, I would advocate a portion to property tax relief and a portion to attracting medical research into the county. As such, the taxpayers would benefit directly through the tax relief, and the medical care aspect would be served through ensuring the best medical care opportunities for our residents.”

4. Porter County's taxing units are projected to lose an overall $9.6 million in 2010 due to the state's new tax caps. How should local government respond to the revenue loss at a time when the county's growth is placing more demands on police, jail, courts, and other services?

Blaney: “I would first question is where the 9.6 million dollar number came from. I really don’t think the shortfall will be as great as the projections because I don’t think the number takes things like trending into account. Further, I believe lower property taxes will cause our area to grow and the tax base will expand. Also, the state will be taking responsibility for some education expense and welfare. We just don’t know how it will all shake out yet. Finally, if there is still a shortfall, we will have to tighten our belts. We’ve done it before.”

Graham: “The county is in good financial shape. These figures mentioned above are projected estimates and not fact. Also, the state has now assumed all costs to schools and welfare. However, the council must provide a cost efficient budget. I believe all county employees should participate in a cost-efficiency time study. The results of this study would give the council a baseline on how all departments are functioning, what staffing patterns are optimal, and what needs are priorities. Sheriff Lain, Pam Fish, County Clerk and John Scott, County Assessor have already agreed to have their departments participate.”

Steffen: “In my opinion, this question relates directly to question #3. A budget shortfall of $9.6 million would have a devastating effect on Porter County and without a new source of funding to compensate for that, services may have to be cut across the board, and further tax increases may have to be considered. One way to avoid that is to utilize the investment income derived from the proceeds of the sale of the hospital. As a community, we are fortunate to have this option, and it places Porter County in a far better position to deal with the effects of the new property tax caps.”

Whitten: “I am not sure that I agree with the numbers included in this question .... Notwithstanding, as for the county government’s part, I have shown an ability to tighten the belts and prioritize the varying budgets .... Often government makes the mistake of wanting to live outside its financial constraints to get everything now, without regard for budgetary planning. We already have two income taxes in our county, one of which funds the RDA, both of which I oppose. We do not need another income tax. We need good responsible and planned government spending, living within our budgets.”

5. What area of county government is in need of more attention, and what would you do to make the needed adjustments?

Blaney: “I think we need to improve enforcement of codes and regulations. Both the Health Department and the Plan Commission inspectors are overwhelmed. The number of restaurants in the County has increased greatly over the last several years causing the frequency of inspections in each restaurant to decline. Also, we have made great strides with new codes and regulations within the Plan Commission, but they are useless unless we have the ability to enforce them. Both of these departments need additional help with enforcement.”

Graham: “Delivering our tax bills in a timely manner is a must. I would help identify problem areas involved, assess what is needed and assist as best I could to help with a solution. However, it should be noted, Porter County does not stand alone with tax billing problems. Almost all Indiana counties are having problems with getting their tax bills out efficiently. All of Porter County leaders are actively involved in working diligently to iron out these issues. I want to make certain our taxes are collected efficiently and spent wisely.”

Steffen: “I think it's clear that the late tax bills are truly a fiasco and must be straightened out as soon as possible. I also question the wisdom of spending over $140,000 to hire consultants to resolve this issue with no guarantees of success. At this point there may not be an alternative, but there is no excuse, and it's an issue that should frustrate all Porter County residents.”

Whitten: “....I would continue to stand my ground at budget time to living with our financial means. I believe that residential and commercial growth is an area of concern. Spot zoning can not be tolerated. Notwithstanding, positive developments, both residential and commercial should be encouraged. As county officials, the answer cant always be no. However, we have to be willing to take a long look at development like the RDA and the South Shore and perform a cost benefit analysis whether it is good for our county, or whether its just a boondoggle for the benefit of a few.”

Posted 4/24/2008