Meet the Candidates: David Thompson
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: David Thompson (R - District 1)
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 am a current Vigo County Councilman and have been since 2019. I have served on several community boards, Chairman of the council budget committee and as President last year. I am seeking my 3rd term.
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: My expectation of myself is to be the leader of the council. I have experienced many hot topics in the past 7 plus years and experience does matter. I have been part of the new jail project, the growth of the southern industrial park, volunteer fire dept. updates and better county employee pay, to name a few. When I took office in 2019 Vigo County had an approximate $17 million operating balance, last year it was approximately $31 million. We have made some great budgeting decisions and without cutting any county programming. I bring the most experience to the council.
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: Schools, Quality housing, Community Corrections, Improved infrastructure
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: Yes
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: When talking to business people about our community issues, more times then not it is the condition of our schools. I’ve heard this from numerous people. I think improved schools will help bring better paying jobs and opportunities to our area. Popular companies leadership has a history of not locating in our community due this issue. I also believe cleaning and fixing the infrastructure along major access points in our community. When I travel out of town there is a certain feeling I get when driving through or into unfamiliar areas that is based on what you see. Vigo County can do a better job at improving its image.
Question: Do you agree with granting tax abatements to Companies as an enticement to attracting more business and jobs to our community?
Answer: Not Sure
Question: Why do you agree or disagree with tax abatements? And what stipulations/parameters would you like to see included?
Answer: I could not say yes or no to the above answer and appreciate the opportunity to explain. My answer is both and depends on many factors. If there is currently infrastructure (Streets. sewage, utilities, Etc.) located at the site and no real cost to taxpayers and creates local work and eventually local jobs, then more than likely , yes. I have voted yes on several that meet this criteria. If there is a substantial cost to the community with what would account to several years after the abatement expires to profit it from, then more than likely, no. Each request brings unique questions and concerns.
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: I believe this is the number one issue facing our community. This is a hot topic and would live to explain in person.
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: I believe the oversight board is essential in moving forward. Vigo County has a history of voting down school referendums and the oversight board provides important information, county financial outlooks and all financial streams that can help fund to lessen the future burden of our taxpayers.
Question: Do you support the Vigo County Council committing funds towards a new high school?
Answer: Not Sure
Question: Please explain your answer regarding the County committing funds to a new high school.
Answer: Any school funding is not the responsibility of the county. With that said, modern school facilities will benefit the entire county. If the county can have a limited roll in funding without raising taxes and cutting current county programs this would be a deeper discussion to greatly consider.
Question: What financial benchmarks or conditions, if any, would need to be met before you would support to commit County funds to the school corporation for this project?
Answer: What can the County sustain without cutting into future county projects?
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: There is no reason Vigo County shouldn’t be the hub of these communities. This would bring more jobs, more people and a greater financial gain.
