Primary candidate Q&A: Tippecanoe County Council, the Republicans
Primary candidate Q&A: Tippecanoe County Council, the Republicans
Five Republicans and five Democrats are looking for nominations to be on the November ballot, going for three at-large seats on the Tippecanoe County Council. Here’s a look at the Republican field.
This is part of a series of Q&As with candidates in contested races in the May 7 primary in Tippecanoe County.
Five Republicans, including three incumbents, are competing in the May 7 primary for three slots on the November ballot for at-large seats on the Tippecanoe County Council.
The three top Republican candidates on May 7 will face the winners in the Democratic primary, which includes Katy Bunder, Ben Carson, Amanda Eldridge, Joe Mackey and Wendy Starr.
The county council oversees the county’s budget and other fiscal matters.
Early voting started April 9.
Here, the Republican candidates running for Tippecanoe County Council 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?
John Basham: I believe I’ve done a good job of working with the other six County Council members, the three County Commissioners and the several department heads within county government. I am willing and eager to continue holding the line on unnecessary spending, while making certain county taxpayers’ needs are provided and that our county is known as a safe and secure one.
Paige Britton: I'm running for county council because I noticed changes in our community that I didn't understand or fully support. This prompted me to seek involvement and understanding in shaping our community's future. As a member of the younger generation, I recognize that the future of our community directly impacts my own. Being informed and actively participating in planning is essential to ensure that the community evolves in a way that aligns with our collective vision and values.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: I want this job because Tippecanoe County is and always has been my home, the place I love. I care about all of its citizens and want them to love Tippecanoe County like I do. I see a need in good decision making for the county, specifically towards the budget. My diversified years of work have prepared me well to keep in mind all aspects of a councilman’s job.
Kevin Underwood: I want to continue to bring a sound common sense approach to county government. I want to provide opportunities for our community to grow while protecting our county’s natural resources from undue harm and overuse that will prevent their use and productivity for our community in the future. I want to do this for the county that I’ve called home for all my life.
Name two of your top priorities for the elected position. And how will you handle them?
John Basham: My top priorities are focused on: 1) keeping our law enforcement officers and first responders equipped with every tool they need to maintain public safety; and, 2) Allocating funds only for necessary needs on behalf of taxpayers.
Paige Britton: 1. Sustainable Development Initiatives: Promote and support sustainable development practices that prioritize long-term community well-being over short-term gains. These initiatives recognize the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors, aiming to foster development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. 2. Community Engagement and Outreach: Allocate resources towards community engagement and outreach efforts to ensure that residents' voices are heard, and their input is integrated into decision-making processes.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: It is of utmost importance to be a good steward of taxpayers’ dollars. It is also a priority of mine to not raise taxes. This is done by doing whatever is necessary to stay within the budget.
Kevin Underwood: 1. To provide adequate funding for the infrastructure needs of Tippecanoe County to continue to provide a good living to all the people living in our county. 2. To provide adequate funding for the safety and security of residents in Tippecanoe County through proper levels of funding for our Sheriff’s Department and related agencies so that our people are safe where they live, work and relax in our community.
What’s one thing you believe the county underfunds now? Why? And how would you propose to change that while keeping a balanced county budget?
John Basham: I will continue to watch the level of spending for (as I have stated) law enforcement and first responders. I believe there are requests for funding unnecessary spending. We need to be focused on specific needs of our county citizens.
Paige Britton: One area where the county may currently be underfunded is future planning. Given our community's continual growth, it's crucial for the council to collaborate closely with commissioners to develop strategic plans for the future. Long-term growth initiatives are essential for balancing the budget and maintaining fiscal responsibility. To address this, I propose allocating more resources to comprehensive planning efforts. By investing in proactive planning, we can anticipate and accommodate future needs efficiently, ultimately saving costs in the long run. This approach not only ensures responsible financial management but also fosters sustainable growth and development for our community.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: Additional services in mental health is very much needed. Positive mental health can eliminate many of the issues any county faces. We can do this through grant opportunities or any additional funding that is made available to us.
Kevin Underwood: I don’t believe that any one area is massively underfunded but perhaps certain positions and individual areas within departments and agencies are underfunded. Those positions and areas often have to do with areas within our county’s public safety and security systems. The Council has been working hard with the appropriate elected officials and department heads to use our county’s public safety funds to help make the needed changes where they are needed. For example, In the last couple of years, we have convened a committee to consider funding in those areas and have made changes that have had a very positive impact in employee attraction and retention within the jail and other public safety agencies.
County commissioners have a temporary moratorium on high-volume wells and some water transfers, as defense against the LEAP pipeline concept. Is that the correct approach for the county to take? And, as a council member, would you vote to pay for legal fees to fight pipeline construction, and to what extent? Is that a winnable situation?
John Basham: I am TOTALLY opposed to the LEAP project. One historical factor is that we did have 100 years of available water, flowing beneath Tippecanoe County. In Arizona, Saudi Arabian companies convinced state government officials that they would help expand Arizona’s economy if they (the Saudis) were allowed to use water sources to irrigate crops they then would ship back to Saudi Arabia. At the time the government was convinced to allow this tapping into Arizona’s water supply, they also had a 100-year supply. Now, after only a short amount of time, the state has only a 10-year supply of water, with no means of obtaining a new source. Arizona residents are leaving the state in droves in order to secure their families’ future. And the Saudis remain there, using the limited water reserve. I don’t want to see this happening in our county and state. If necessary, yes, I would vote to pay for legal fees to fight the pipeline construction … to whatever extent is necessary. For our county residents, yes, that is a winnable situation.
Paige Britton: The county's response to the LEAP pipeline concept, including a temporary moratorium on high-volume wells and water transfers, is a prudent step to protect our community's interests. As a council member, I support measures to safeguard our resources and environment. Regarding legal fees to oppose pipeline construction, I believe it's necessary to defend our community's rights. However, I advocate for a balanced approach, ensuring legal actions are pursued judiciously and effectively. Collaborating with the state government is crucial to ensure projects like LEAP benefit all communities involved. I view this as a winnable situation if we prioritize community well-being and leverage legal strategies strategically. These strategies must be fiscally responsible and focused on achieving tangible outcomes for our community.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: I am in favor of following commissioners’ actions in the moratorium and support legal actions to defend the water that is in our community, not transferring it out of the county.
Kevin Underwood: I believe that the moratorium in the best approach until the Indiana Legislature has weighed in on the issue related to water use in our state. What precedent is set here will likely be used as a model for how other water shortages may be addressed in other parts of Indiana, so I’m confident that the issue will need to be addressed in some fashion at the state statute level. If the state executive wants to overreach beyond its constitutional bounds in the future sometimes that kind of legal action is the only recourse to put said state agency back within its proper confines. In that kind of situation, I would be in favor of paying for legal fees and I believe that if is a question of the legitimacy of a state agencies authority to do such action it is a winnable fight.
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?
John Basham: I will leave the answer to the above question in the hands of the County Commissioners, since they are the executive and legislative arm of county government.
Paige Britton: The county's current management of residential and commercial growth beyond Lafayette and West Lafayette shows commendable progress in community expansion and opportunity creation. However, I believe there's room for improvement. Emphasizing strategic planning is crucial: we should prioritize long-term community well-being over short-term gains. It's essential to thoroughly understand the financial needs of these growth projects and plan budget allocations accordingly, ensuring a balanced budget over time. This approach enables us to address infrastructure, service, and environmental needs sustainably as the community expands. By enhancing strategic planning efforts, we can better anticipate challenges and opportunities, fostering balanced growth that benefits all residents and businesses in the county's extended areas.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: It is important that we be proactive in our county investments. We need to be sure that any decision made is a sustainable one that will allow for responsible, conservative growth.
Kevin Underwood: I would give it no better than a C. I think that too much focus is often given to the easy path of growth and the attitude that productive farmland is just vacant land doing nothing but waiting for a higher and better use for it. Aiming for reuse of areas already developed and designing development towards areas of the county with less prime farmland would be ideal. In addition, once a plan has been put in place the overuse of exceptions to the plan creates outcomes for the community that are not ideal in terms of utility use and placement, traffic patterns and ultimately coverage by public safety agencies.
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?
John Basham: As a Council, we carefully investigate all requests for tax abatements and other incentives dealing with economic development. If the project is worthy, then we have approved such incentives, so long as our taxpayers are not impacted negatively. Economic development, to some extent, is governed by state laws and regulations. I see no reason for our Council to try and change them.
Paige Britton: As a prominent community within the state, it's vital to persist in promoting and attracting economic development that uplifts our residents. Ensuring transparency and community involvement in decisions regarding financial incentives and project support or rejection is crucial. Regarding the county's approach to offering financial incentives for economic development projects, I believe it's essential to strike a balance. We should assess whether the current incentives are adequate or excessive based on their effectiveness in fostering sustainable growth and benefiting the community. If elected, I would advocate for thorough evaluations of incentive programs to ensure they align with our community's needs and values. Additionally, I would prioritize enhancing transparency and opportunities for public input to ensure that community voices are heard and considered in economic development decisions.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: I strongly believe that our county government does a thorough job in assessing each individual request and responds appropriately based upon the merits of each request.
Kevin Underwood: Economic incentives are a reality of how the game is played, however, overuse of such incentives at the detriment of our already existing businesses needs to be assessed and balances. I don’t know that I would change much other than keep those incentives in check and within reasonable balance with the new growth that is gained with them.
Name two specific things that separate you from your opponents and why they matter.
John Basham: Not all of us (the current County Council members) have taken extensive courses in accounting and finance. As stated previously, I have taken such courses when I was studying the field of banking and then served several years on the board of directors for a local bank. I suppose I could say, “I’m good with numbers.” The County Council must study numbers and manage available funds to benefit the taxpayers. I can do that.
Paige Britton: Distinguishing factors from my opponents include a fresh perspective and a desire to question the status quo. Offering a new lens to problems, I bring innovative solutions and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. While others may accept limitations, I approach challenges with a "Why not?" mindset, fostering creativity and openness to new possibilities. This mindset is crucial in addressing complex issues facing our community, as it encourages exploration of uncharted paths and ensures we don't settle for the ordinary. My ability to question norms and offer alternative viewpoints provides voters with a candidate who is committed to pushing boundaries and pursuing novel approaches for the betterment of our community.
Dan Dunten: Did not immediately reply.
Barry Richard: My experience with every facet of Tippecanoe County including nearly four decades in law enforcement, my extensive work with youth and elderly of our community, work with subsidized housing, work with city and county council, and serving you as your county sheriff. I understand the utmost importance in public safety and smart budgeting.
Kevin Underwood: I am a lifetime resident of Tippecanoe County and educated here at our own Purdue University. I have raised a family and spent my entire career in agriculture here serving the community, area and state in various levels of leadership in everything from my local church, local 4-H to state agricultural organizations.
Candidate bios
John Basham
Party: Republican
Age: 77
Occupation: Retired, currently serving on Tippecanoe County Council (At Large). Recently left the business we owned since the summer of 1981
Education: Graduated from Southwestern High School in Tippecanoe County; graduated from several banking/investing classes
Past elected positions, if any: In fourth term on Tippecanoe County Council
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Served for several years on the Colt World Series Executive Board; served for several years on the Board of Directors for Lafayette Community Bank; my wife and I contributed three continuing full scholarships at Purdue University and also donated funding for the Indoor Tennis Courts on Purdue’s campus – which our community is granted access; my wife and I have made a major contribution to Camp Tecumseh; my wife and I contributed a major gift to the Lafayette YMCA.
Immediate family: Daughter Gretchen (one sister, three nieces and three nephews)
Your campaign site online: None
Paige Britton
Party: Republican
Age: 30
Occupation: Project Coordinator for Solinftec North America Division
Education: Purdue University, Bachelor of Science
Past elected positions, if any: None
Community boards or other community leadership and service: American Legion Post 492 Hoosier Girls State Chairmen
Immediate family: Tyler Britton (husband), Jim and Vicki Pearl (parents)
Your campaign site online: https://m.facebook.com/paigeforcouncil
Dan Dunten
Dunten worked with the 4-H program for 24 years, then worked for the DNR and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, before retiring from being director of the Lilly Nature Center and the Celery Bog Nature Area in West Lafayette.
Barry Richard
Party: Republican
Age: 66
Occupation: Executive Director, Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club; County Council; retired police officer
Education: Indiana Police Academy
Past elected positions, if any: Lafayette City Council, Sheriff of Tippecanoe County, County Council
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Boy of the Year (1974), House Parent Cary Home (1978), Lafayette Police Officer, House Manager Thompson House (1980), Case Manager for Elderly (1984), Manager Triangle Park, developed and supervised (1986), Lafayette City Councilman (1887), “George Award” recipient (1987), Started Lafayette DARE program (1999), Chapter Advisor Phi Delta Theta Purdue University (2000), President’s Award (2007), Executive Director Lyn Treece Boys and Girls Club (2009), Sheriff Tippecanoe County (2015), County Council (2020)
Immediate family: Cindy (wife of 44 years), Clayton (son), Casey (daughter), Taylor (daughter)
Kevin Underwood
Party: Republican
Age: 56
Occupation: Farmer, grain and livestock farm
Education: Agricultural Economics BS, Purdue University, School of Agriculture
Past elected positions, if any: Tippecanoe County Council At-Large
Community boards or other community leadership and service: Indiana Farm Bureau, Board of Directors; INFB Chair of Compensation Committee; INFB Chair of AgElect PAC; Member of INFB Executive Committee; Tippecanoe County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Chair; Crestview Community Church, lifelong member Chair of Board of Elders
Immediate family: Wife: Sherry, three adult children and spouses and one grandson
Your campaign site online: n/a
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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