Meet the Candidates: Chase Nattkemper
Candidates for the Vigo County Council and Commissioner primaries completed the following questionnaires. The responses have not been edited in any way.
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is committed to fostering a strong business climate and a thriving community in Vigo County. As the County Council and County Commissioners play a critical role in shaping the fiscal and policy environment that affects businesses, residents and quality of life across our region, the Chamber believes it is important for voters to understand where candidates stand on the issues that matter most.
The following questionnaire has been developed to help Chamber members and their employees evaluate candidates seeking seats on the Vigo County Council and those running for Vigo County Commissioner. We appreciate each candidate's willingness to participate and encourage thoughtful, specific responses that reflect their vision, experience and priorities for Vigo County's future.
Name: Chase Nattkemper (R - District 4)
Question: What steps have you taken to prepare yourself for the position for which you are running? (This could include reviewing Robert’s Rules of Order, participating in the West Central Indiana Civic Engagement series, attending and/or watching applicable meetings, etc…)
Answer: I have reviewed Robert's Rules of Order multiple times, and I have watched every meeting available on the Vigo County YouTube channel since the beginning of 2025.
Question: What expectations do you have for yourself or for others as elected officials, especially as it pertains to how meetings are to be conducted, your role in state/government functions and overall professionalism?
Answer: We need to work together, and all have the same general goals in mind. There is too much in-fighting on the current Council, and that cannot continue.
Question: As a member of the County Council or as a Commissioner, what are the top 3-5 community priorities would you consider in how to best utilize the County's resources, including its cash reserves.
Answer: 1) Helping fund the school project after the Oversight Committee concludes its research. 2) Improving roads and transportations services throughout the county. 3) Community corrections, providing mental health services, and supporting our law enforcement
Question: Are you familiar with the See You in Terre Haute Community Plan and its vision for our future?
Answer: Yes
Question: Do you believe Terre Haute–Vigo County has improved over the past five years?
Answer: Not Sure
Question: What do you feel could make Vigo County more attractive to employers compared to other regions around the state and what role could you play in bringing these ideas to reality as a member of the County Council or as a Commissioner?
Answer: Providing improved amenities around the city that make day-to-day life for those who want to invest in our community, such as better school facilities, easier transportation, and more local business.
Question: Do you agree with granting tax abatements to Companies as an enticement to attracting more business and jobs to our community?
Answer: Yes
Question: Why do you agree or disagree with tax abatements? And what stipulations/parameters would you like to see included?
Answer: If there is a clear return on investment, and strict accountability, then yes, I think a tax abatement to help a business get started is a no-brainer. However, too many times have we been one-up-ed after granting an abatement, so we must set those clear stipulations.
Question: Do you believe the current school facilities in Vigo County adequately serve students, teachers and the broader community?
Answer: No
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding school facilities, including any additional information you would like to know.
Answer: The schools, especially the high schools, are in awful condition. Things frequently don't work, pests invade, and mold forms. That is not a safe environment for students or teachers, and this henceforth affects the rest of our communities.
Question: Do you support the existence of the Vigo County Oversight Board as a mechanism for fiscal accountability?
Answer: Yes
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding the Oversight Board, including any additional information you would like to know.
Answer: The Oversight Board is doing amazing work, and I am excited to see what they conclude with.
Question: Do you support the Vigo County Council committing funds towards a new high school?
Answer: Yes
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding the County committing funds to a new high school.
Answer: Despite many people saying we do not have the funding, I firmly believe we do. We are not committing to fund a majority of the project, only less than 20%. We are also doing this without raising taxes, which is why we have the Oversight Committee.
Question: What financial benchmarks or conditions, if any, would need to be met before you would support committing County funds to the school corporation for this project?
Answer: I will not support any plan that raises property taxes on Vigo County residents.
Question: Are you familiar with the West Central Indiana Regional Plan and its priorities?
Answer: Yes
Question: West Central Indiana communities (Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties) are increasingly working together to strengthen the regional economy, attract talent and improve quality of life. What opportunities do you see for Vigo County to collaborate with neighboring counties to strengthen the regional economy?
Answer: Many business propositions or economic developments could be done with the help of the rest of the WCI communities. I think all counties benefit when a local county succeeds.
