Financial stewardship is a key concern for the two Republicans seeking the District 2 seat on Bartholomew County Council.
The seat is currently held by Council President Greg Duke, who was voted into the role by Bartholomew County Republicans in November 2020 after former councilwoman Laura DeDomenic resigned. Duke is a deputy sheriff in Brown County and previously served as a deputy with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department for more than 20 years, retiring from the role in August of 2019.
Duke’s opponent is fellow Republican Leah Beyer, who currently serves as Taranis Ag’s vice president of marketing but will join Corteva Agriscience as their U.S. digital marketing leader this month.
When asked to describe one major issue they hoped to address if elected, Beyer and Duke pointed to financial management as an area of focus.
Beyer noted that the county has the “unique opportunity” in its large rainy day fund, which exceeds $10 million.
“This provides a challenge to the county council on how to provide strategic financial management while so many see this as an open checkbook to say yes to every proposal,” she said. “Putting together strategic priorities to support our county is key. As our costs raise to provide protection, roads and bridges, and employees to provide services, we must also help ensure our assessed valuation continues to grow with more business and industry to the county.”
For Duke, financial stability is the “single most vital” issue when it comes to planning for the county’s future.
“The quality and range of services provided to the public are largely dependent on this single factor,” he said. “Government that lives within its means is a government that can meet the needs of the public now and in the future. It is a government that can support community growth and enrich the quality of life for all.”
Q: What strengths do you bring to this position?
Duke: A frank and often skeptical outlook regarding the conventional thinking that in the recent past (before I was on the council) permitted a tax increase and a failed (only just failed) attempt to raise the property tax. I spent the largest part of my life serving Bartholomew County as a deputy and as the captain of detectives. That experience instilled in me a commitment to the quality of life we enjoy and the safeguarding of the interests of all citizens. My leadership on resisting new tax obligations and having the largest rainy day fund ever is proof of that commitment and passion.
Beyer: I bring several strengths to this position. First and foremost, I reside outside of Columbus. This helps to make sure most of my district that is outside of Columbus has a voice. Second, Bartholomew County is not the only place I have lived. I have experienced the good and bad approaches to the government in other Indiana counties as well as in Illinois. Finally, I have experience working on local policies issues all the way to federal issues with both elected officials and government employees.
Q: Do you think that the county is spending and allocating its COVID relief funds wisely?
Duke: Frankly, I have mixed feelings about some of the spending. I have voiced those doubts in public meetings. The money that went to volunteer fire departments is an example of money well spent because COVID diminished their ability to raise money. The fact is that while we hope COVID is completely behind us, our luck in this area has not been good. In my judgment we would be well served by focusing on programs and projects that will help make the community more resilient to future crises. The federal monies dedicated have time lines for expenditure and the federal government made the county commission the final authority for its use and not the council.
Beyer: I think the intentional nature of how they are spending the dollars is a good thing. Using the funds to improve heating, cooling, and ventilation at the jail as well as supporting the county fairgrounds are both capital improvements that would potentially be problematic in the future if not addressed. In addition, using the funds to help non-profits who lost revenue helps our community. With that being said, we also need to be sure we are saving to be prepared for another coronavirus outbreak and have funds available to support testing, vaccination, and other methods of prevention and recovery.
Leah Beyer
Greg Duke
