Primary candidate Q&A: Tippecanoe County commissioner
Primary candidate Q&A: Tippecanoe County commissioner
Republican Jeff Findlay is challenging Tippecanoe County Commissioner David Byers for the District 2 seat in the May 7 primary.
This is part of a series of Q&As with candidates in contested races in the May 7 primary in Tippecanoe County.
Tippecanoe County Commissioner David Byers, a dairy farmer running for a fifth term as commissioner, faces a challenge from Jeff Findlay, retired owner of Findlay Drilling Co., in the May 7 primary.
The seat represents District 2, which covers much of the western portion of Tippecanoe County. County commissioners oversee county policies and the day-to-day operations of county government. The candidates appear on ballots across Tippecanoe County, not just District 2.
Libertarian Steven Mayoras also has filed for the position and will be on the November ballot. No Democratic candidates have filed for the position on the three-member board.
Early voting started April 9.
Here, the candidates running for Tippecanoe County commissioner in District 2 discuss their approach to the position.
For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.
Why do you want this job? Why are you running now and in this particular race for political office?
David Byers: I appreciate working alongside of Mayors Tony Roswarski and Erin Easter, Purdue University and the citizens of Tippecanoe County to improve our community and watching the county become one of the greatest communities in our state. I also believe it is important to bring in new employment opportunities into our community while preserving those which are well established. Additionally, I aim to improve the quality of life for everyone. I am honored to be a part of this team effort.
Jeff Findlay: While working full time and operating my family’s local well drilling business for 50 years, I served as a volunteer fireman for Shadeland’s Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years. Then I served on Shadeland’s Town Council for 24 years – most of that time as president. Needless to say, I have always been an essential leader for the community. Though I retired, I have since become a very active and concerned citizen over Tippecanoe County’s issues and want to put myself in a position where I can have a stronger influence. Once elected, I will show what proven leadership abilities are about by using my passion and my experience, as an elected official, to make a significant difference in the government affairs of our local community. As a grass roots citizen, I know what the people want, and I want to serve the people of Tippecanoe County. I am coming out of retirement for the sake of our community.
Steven Mayoras: I'm a West Lafayette resident more than 22 years. I've bought my first home here, started a small family here, opened a small business here. It's beautiful and unique. Short-sighted community planning and self-interested buddy to buddy favors threaten this community. An example is the housing shortage. This was a predictable problem, with reasonable solutions that could have been implemented 10 years ago. I have leadership background in small business, manufacturing and healthcare. I bring a well-rounded résumé to an otherwise one-sided Republican race. In November there will be traditional conservatives on the ballot, and there's me – a better representation of what our community stands for across both sides of the political spectrum on many issues.
Name two of your top priorities for this position. And how will you handle them to get them accomplished?
David Byers: 1. Protect our natural resources! As a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau Water Policy Board, we are creating policy to educate all state legislatures on the importance of water rights and local control. 2. Managing juvenal detention and possibly creating a juvenal detention facility. The current cost of sending our children to other facilities is becoming cost prohibitive. This will allow our deputies to remain working here at home, not transporting these individuals.
Jeff Findlay: A) Stop IEDC and the state from taking our local water resources. Water is truly our most valuable resource and I believe is the key to Tippecanoe County’s future. I believe in responsible economic development and don’t want to see our water squandered for short-term greed. We need to protect the Teays aquifer and make wise decisions about how we use it for future residences of Tippecanoe County. B) Return home rule and stop the state from preempting. Both issues will probably require the county to fight for them in court, but I am willing to fight for our rights!
Steven Mayoras: The obvious is LEAP. Given my background, and an unwillingness to cave to a bad deal, I will exhaust every option to stop this unpopular move. The others in this race will have to play along with their party leaders. I won't. Second is the growth. Smart community leaders make smart plans. I won't let our county get so far behind on something as important again. Third is preserving our uniqueness. We are on track to become another concrete desert like Indy. Protecting our wilderness and agriculturally significant areas, while proposing forward-thinking and sustainable community planning will be at the top of my list. Bring fresh eyes to a worn-out leader. I'm all for term limits, so Byers' 20 years serving in this role is unacceptable to me. Improve office functions and efficiencies for all areas I manage. I'm a responsible change agent. The cloud hanging over any government office is that they are inefficient, clunky and out of touch. I fix that problem, it's what I've always done. I have a proven record of success in multiple industries that I'll apply in this role as well.
County commissioners have a temporary moratorium on high-volume wells and some water transfers, as defense against the leap pipeline concept. Should that moratorium be extended? Or is there an additional or better way to approach this situation?
David Byers: Until the Indiana Finance Association (IFA) report is published, patience is needed. We can easily call an emergency meeting to extend the moratorium. I have been a steadfast guardian against unsound economic ventures that threaten to transfer Tippecanoe County’s water without scientific assurance of its safe return. My stance is unwavering: sharing resources for mutual benefit is one thing, but permitting unchecked usage that depletes our reserves is off the table.
Jeff Findlay: The moratorium was a good stop gap measure and should definitely be extended until we can pass an ordinance to permanently stop IEDC from taking our water resources. Recall the moratorium was written as a stop gap measure until the state Sen. Spencer Deery/ Rep. Sharon Negele bill could be passed. Everyone thought their bill would stop the pipeline, when in fact, it enabled it. We need protection from the overreach of the IEDC, both short term and long term.
Steven Mayoras: Yes, pull out all stops until we get full unrestricted oversight of our community water usage. A dream would be to own our water rights to protect and use responsibly well into the future, pun intended.
Grade the county’s current approach to managing residential and commercial growth beyond the city limits of Lafayette and West Lafayette. What could be done better?
David Byers: Recently a comprehensive usage plan for Tippecanoe and Wabash Townships has been completed, resulting in a balancing between the ratio of agriculture, residential and business. Additionally, I plan to study infrastructure needs: roads, bridges, drainage and sewage are a challenge of a growing community. Combining all of this together in a structured strategic plan to prepare for future growth.
Jeff Findlay: I believe the county has done an admirable job on growth and development, and I would like to push for responsible, deliberate and transparent growth. Perhaps we need to establish criteria, such as water consumption, for candidate selection. We should be bringing in companies that complement our community long term.
Steven Mayoras: Fair - they've been successful in growth and partnerships. They failed in making sure the community wellness is their priority over corporate/state interests. We are the top executive role in the county. If commissioners don't have their community's best interest in mind who will? Result? Rampant poverty, increased crime and impossible living costs for our working families. I find this to be unacceptable.
Gateway to Hope, the county health department’s program that includes a syringe exchange, is authorized by county commissioners. Are you in favor of supporting or expanding support for that service?
David Byers: I support this program. Users are coming to the facility seeking treatment, resulting in successful results of recovery, and needles are being safely exchanged. Currently I do not see a need to expand this program.
Jeff Findlay: Stopping the spread of disease is always a good thing, but stopping addictions would be more powerful by stopping the spread at the source. Many addicts that go to rehabilitation quickly return to the streets because that is their familiar path. If we had a “stepping stone” program where these citizens were provided basic provisions (shelter, food and health care), a job and support, we might have a decent chance of instilling self-worth and pride to keep them off the street.
Steven Mayoras: In favor, when done correctly you can't argue with the benefits to those afflicted by substance use disorder, as well as the ROI compared to higher cost enforcement options. Stigma around addiction is understandable but needs to be educated away. As an elected official we need to do what's best for all of our community members and this is one way to help everybody in one way or another.
Do you agree with the way the county has offered financial incentives to attract economic development projects? Is it too much, too little, just right? And what, if anything, would you change?
David Byers: There are times when incentives are necessary in the competitive business world. There are several new companies arriving in our county and existing companies are expanding. For example, our county is able to offer job training funds as a financial incentive. New companies are responsible to show proof of training in order to receive reimbursement.
Jeff Findlay: Tax abatements and improved infrastructure are in my opinion the best incentives to attract new businesses. The county’s past approach to economic development seems quite adequate, but we just need to make sure that potential businesses are a good fit for our community. We want economic development to be a win-win for both parties involved. All projects should be reviewed to determine the adequacy of incentives and economic gains to the community. Without scrutiny, we may be misleading ourselves by not be receiving the return on investment that we thought we were.
Steven Mayoras: No, too much. Purdue is a major partner and we are a relatively safe and attractive county. Business will come. We can't fill the job vacancies we already have. I can't justify giving millions to a corporation when we have individuals struggling with their own taxes and living expenses. There are two ways to spark growth and they're doing it the more damaging way in my opinion.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponent and why those matter.
David Byers: 1. I understand business of county government. I am endorsed by Mayors Roswarski and Easter and the Builders Association of Greater Lafayette to name a few. 2. Since 1836 my family has lived in Wabash Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. This is home, and I believe our agriculture community needs representation.
Jeff Findlay: A) Having spent over 50 years drilling a substantial amount of wells in Tippecanoe County, I am the most qualified to lead the fight in our biggest challenge – overreach of the IEDC trying to take our water resources. It doesn’t make sense to allow harm to the livelihood and investment of current and future constituents for the sake of short-term greed. People who need a job won’t fight for what is right, but those who know me know that I am all in! B) The other challenge we have is our state constantly preempting our home rule. This needs to be stopped and home rule returned. I truly have no allegiance to outsiders / lobbyists / big business / etc. I just want to do what is right for the citizens of Tippecanoe County. In summary, I have worked hard all my life. I am coming out of retirement to insure the job gets done, not to fill the position. This is a critical time for Tippecanoe County and I want to keep it strong and viable without making sacrifices that we will later regret.
Steven Mayoras: It's MAGA candidates, or me. I believe wholeheartedly our community believes in a more practical approach to politics that the GOP can no longer back in its actions. Hate and fear politics are overplayed and disingenuous. We want leaders that let us prosper in our own way, and feel government should be limited to the protections it can provide versus becoming a bloated-budget nanny state. Government has no place in our families, or our beliefs, but also should be reasonable in its stewardship of taxes entrusted for our use. Leaders should be able to stand on a solid background of hard work and ethical standards. I build up people to their full potential. Our current options build up tax revenue at all costs. We are very different leaders.
Candidate bios
David Byers
Party: Republican
Age: 63
Occupation: Grain & Livestock Farmer, Tippecanoe County Commissioner
Education: Harrison High School and Purdue University
Previous elected positions: 12 years, Tippecanoe County Council; 15 years, Tippecanoe County commissioner; vice president, Tippecanoe County Farm Bureau
Community boards/leadership/service: 44 years 4-H volunteer and leader; Roy Whistler Foundation: Local Emergency Planning Committee: Indiana Farm Bureau Water Policy Board; Tippecanoe County Historical Association
Family: Wife of 43 years, Julie, and daughter Elizabeth
Campaign site: https://www.facebook.com/votedavidbyers
Jeff Findlay
Party: Republican
Age: 72
Occupation: Businessman
Education: Jefferson High School
Past elected positions, if any: Shadeland Town Council
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Shadeland Parks Department and Shadeland Volunteer Fire Department
Immediate family: Wife, 2 children, 6 grandchildren
Your campaign site online: Facebook, Elect Jeff Findlay for Tippecanoe County Commissioner District #2
Steven Mayoras
Party: Libertarian
Age: 40
Occupation: Director
Education: BS, Purdue University; SHRM-CP
Past elected positions, if any: Party-affiliated only as chair of the Librarian Party of Indiana elected 2019. Ran in 2016 Congressional District 4 against Todd Rokita (R) and John Dale (D).
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Riggs Community Health Center - local non-profit healthcare organization 501(c)(3); member and volunteer Niches Land Trust 501(c)(3).
Immediate family: Partner, Holly
Your campaign site online: will not be hosting website, but will be active through my Facebook page – SteveMayorasforCountyComissioner. LPIN.org has party information.
ABOUT THE MAY 7 PRIMARY
Early voting ahead of the May 7 primary election started April 9 with contested races on Tippecanoe County ballots for governor, U.S. House, several Indiana General Assembly seats, Tippecanoe County commissioner and Tippecanoe County Council at-large seats. A few things to know:
The candidates and races: For a look at all the candidates who will be on Republican and Democratic ballots in the May 7 primary in Tippecanoe County, check here.
Voter registration/ballots: To check your voter registration and to see candidates who will be on your R or D ballot, go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.
Early voting sites: In Tippecanoe County, registered voters may cast their ballot at any vote center.
Starting April 9: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette. Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays (April 9-12; April 15-19; April 22-26; April 19-May 3); 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4; and 8 a.m.-noon Monday, May 6.
April 25: Black Cultural Center at Purdue, 1100 Third St., West Lafayette. Hours: Noon-6 p.m.
April 27: West Point Fire Station, 4949 Indiana 25 South, West Point; Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill; and Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 E. Oxford St., Otterbein. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 30-May 4: Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God Church, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South, Lafayette. Hours: noon-6 p.m. April 30-May 3; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4.
Election Day vote centers: Voting on Tuesday, May 7, will be 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may choose any of these sites.
Lafayette
Evangelical Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St.
Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road
Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave.
Lafayette Community Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St.
Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South
Tippecanoe County Historical Association History Center, 522 Columbia St.
Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South
West Lafayette
John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road
Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.
West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.
Outside Lafayette/West Lafayette
Wabash Township Fire Station No. 1, 2899 Klondike Road
Tippecanoe Township Fire Station No. 2, 448 W. County Road 650 North
Battle Ground Fire Station, 112 North St., Battle Ground
Dayton Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton
Shadeland Town Hall, 2584 Indiana 25 West
On the ballot: Here are candidates who have filed or have indicated they plan to file in Tippecanoe County races ahead of the May 7 primary.
Tippecanoe County
Commissioner, District 2: David Byers* and Jeff Findley, R; Steven Mayoras, Libertarian; Wissam Nour, Independent
Commissioner, District 3: Tom Murtaugh*, R; Jaime Ortiz, Libertarian
County Council, at-large (3): Republicans: John Basham*, Paige Britton, Dan Dunten, Barry Richard* and Kevin Underwood*. Democrats: Katy Bunder, Ben Carson, Amanda Eldridge, Joe Mackey and Wendy Starr.
Coroner: Carrie Costello*, R
Treasurer: Yadira Salazar*, R
Surveyor: Zach Beasley*, R
Judge, Circuit Court: Sean Persin*, R
Judge, Superior Court 6: Michael Morrissey*, R
Statehouse races
House District 13: Matthew Commons and Sharon Negele*, R; Ed Moyer Jr., D
House District 26: Chris Campbell*, D; Jim Schenke, R
House District 27: Sheila Klinker*, D; Oscar Alvarez, R
House District 38: Heath VanNatter* and Jason Gossard, R
House District 41: Mark Genda* and Joe Sturm, R; Dan Sikes, D
Statewide
Governor: Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill and Jamie Reitenour, R; Jennifer McCormick, D
Federal
U.S. House, District 4: Jim Baird*, Charles Bookwalter and John Piper, R; Rimpi Girn and Derrick Holder, D
U.S. Senate: Jim Banks, R; Valerie McCray and Marc Carmichael, D
Townships
Shadeland Township Board: Michael Kuipers, Pamela Luenz, Robert Morrison Jr. and Josh Shives, R.
Shadeland Clerk-Treasurer: Charlene Brown, R
The general election also will include these, with filing deadlines this summer …
School boards: Lafayette School Corp., three at-large seats; Tippecanoe School Corp. seats in District 4, District 5, District 6 and District 7; and West Lafayette Community School Corp, four at-large seats.
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