Topics facing Putnam County were at the forefront of a candidates forum held Thursday night at DePauw University.
Four of the five Republican County Council at-large candidates were in attendance, as Amanda Brown, Chad Colvin, Kerry Williams and incumbent Stephanie Campbell all took part. Daryn Clifford was absent due to a prior commitment that was set up well before the forum.
The question of whether the county council should provide financial assistance to businesses impacted by the 231 construction generated quite a bit of response from the candidates.
"I believe the boards we have now between the county commissioners, county council and the new current mayor in the city of Greencastle are working towards to improving not just the city or the county, but are working together as a team to improve things as a whole. I would think if there was a need to help detour extra traffic around, that we could. To help with signs to show there are businesses in the downtown district are open, the county would help," Campbell said.
Williams said it was his hope recommendations would come from the mayor or the state and be brought before the council.
Colvin said it was critical to talk to businesses and find out what they are truly up against.
"Then we've got to see if that is even feasible to help them with. We only have so much money. If it's something that we can help them with, then we have to because we need our businesses functioning for our taxes and such," Colvin said.
Brown said it was important to examine how the county could help the businesses.
"We are coming off post Covid-pandemic. We saw them really struggle during the pandemic and now we are fixing the roads. Road repairs are important, but to do these road repairs we are going to have to limit access to these specific areas. It is hard because to give money, you have to have money to give. We are working with Putnam County as a whole, and it is important to work with different towns. We are Putnam County proud and able to support our own in these times, but we do have to talk with them and see where their need is to address it," Brown said.
In addition, the candidates were asked what their highest priority was and how they would achieve their priority.
Williams said it was important to highlight the current businesses and go to extra lengths highlighting what is there with the goal of bringing in other businesses.
Colvin said it goes back to talking to current businesses and see what they are up against. In addition, he touched on the talk of a housing shortage in Putnam County.
"Our town is going to move away to other counties where they can get housing and then we are not going to be attractive to businesses if they can't get homes," Colvin said.
Brown said the highest priority is Putnam County has to change with the times and getting more of a presence.
"We do have people and businesses leaving our county. When you hear businesses are leaving our county because times are changing, those are people we need to stand behind and support," Brown said.
Campbell said people and businesses from Hendricks and Vigo counties, as well as Terre Haute are coming to Putnam County currently.
"We need to change with the times and update things. There is a housing study that is being down between the city and the county so we can grow and develop. Cloverdale is working on developing and growing. We need to keep changing with the times," Campbell said.
In addition, candidates were asked what role taxpayer dollars should play in private sector development.
Brown said when it comes to taxpayer dollars, it is a "very tense subject."
"Everyone thinks they know what the money needs to go to. Unfortunately, what I say isn't necessarily what is going to happen. I will say how I feel the money should go is making our community liveable," Brown said.
Campbell said she would do a survey to see what the needs are of residents and business owners. Williams said it is a "slippery slope," much like tax abatements.
Colvin said it has to be a business that adds to the community as a whole.
"You have to have your priorities in line. You have to make sure our communities are safe, get our roads right and when we get done with that, we can see what we have left and how we can help businesses that would help our community," Colvin said.
When it comes to what the greatest impact a council member can have on the day to day life of a resident, the answers varied.
Campbell said the greatest impact centers around making sure first responders are taken care of with equipment, staff and salaries that they need.
"If we don't do that, they can't do their jobs," Campbell said.
Williams said the concerns need to be brought before a transparent board, and that retaining employees needs to be addressed. Colvin a balanced budget needs to be the number one impact.
"We also have to get our roads in shape, and keep our first responders and police," Colvin said.
Brown said the greatest impact is presence.
"I am not a career politician. I didn't see my life taking this turn, but I felt the need to make a change and be a part of this change. It is huge to say eight years ago, I had no idea who was a commissioner or a councilor and I was really surprised to hear they had regular meetings," Brown said.
