Q: Many don’t know the difference between a county commissioner and a county council member. Briefly explain the difference in responsibilities, and what you hope to accomplish as a commissioner if elected.
A: The council is responsible for setting tax rates and budgets for all county departments, such as the sheriff’s office, or the county highway department. The commissioners act as the county executive. They’re responsible for the daily management of the county’s business. They also act as the legislative branch, creating or amending ordinances. One of the many things I love about the office, is that it’s made up of three people, so no one person has unilateral power. They must work together to reach agreement on issues. This appeals to me, as I believe in consensus building. As commissioner, I will work to bring a fresh approach to the business of Bartholomew County. As we have seen through the pandemic, technology has become vital to delivering and receiving information and services. I will bring an understanding of the efficiency and value of embracing new technologies. Also, I would work to expand our incredible veteran’s office to create a true outreach to our military heroes.
Q: One remark often heard from first-term elected county officials is that they had no idea how much time the job required until after being sworn into office. What have you learned to be the lesser-known responsibilities of a commissioner, and are you confident you’ll be able to make the necessary time commitment?
A: I have had many in-depth conversations about the responsibilities of the office with the current commissioners, and I have a strong grasp of the time commitment. Along with the scheduled meetings, there are work sessions, board appointments, and special meetings that I will attend. I also know that there will be citizens who will need some of my time as issues arise. I not only understand the commitment, I look forward to it. I have spent my entire life looking for ways to help others, and I have given freely of my time when it was needed. Also, having been a business owner for 30 years, my staff is quite supportive of the idea that I won’t be in the office as often, which I’m not quite sure how to take.
Q: If city and county officials had agreed last winter to a proposal to become a Second Amendment sanctuary, local governments could have claimed the right to refuse to cooperate with any state and federal firearm law they deemed unconstitutional. Did you agree or disagree with the proposal introduced in January to become a Second Amendment sanctuary?
A: I fully support the Second Amendment, and a person’s right to protect themselves. I would not, however, vote for sanctuary status for several reasons. First, due to Indiana’s limited home rule status, commissioners, who are the keepers of home rule powers, do not have the authority to pass laws that are in conflict with state law. Second, our fore-fathers, in their infinite wisdom, anticipated these types of challenges, and vested the third branch, the courts, with the power to determine the constitutionality of laws. And third, in my opinion, the most important thing an elected official must understand is the limit to the authority of their office. I believe declaring sanctuary status of any kind, and saying there are laws we will not enforce, is government overreach.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Tony London ” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 52
Education: Columbus North High School Class of 1986. Received bachelor of arts degree in political science, history and religious studies from Indiana University in 1990.
Career: Founder and president of the Tony London Co. since 1991.
Community activities: Columbus Area Planning Commission; Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals; Columbus Area Career Connection Board of Advisors; Taylorsville Bears/Bartholomew County Bears Youth Football and Cheer Board; Columbus Indiana Scottish Festival.
Family: Wife, Amy. Son, Charlie, 16 and daughter, Kate, 12.
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