Meet the Candidates: Devan Allen
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: Devan Allen (D - 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’ve prepared in a few ways. Through my career, I work with municipal finance, including administering municipal bond accounts, so I understand how long term financial decisions impact taxpayers. I regularly watch county council and commissioner meetings to stay current on local issues and how decisions are actually made. I’ve also followed topics like Senate Enrolled Act 1, local income taxes, the Oversight Board, and public safety funding. Beyond that, I’ve spent time meeting with local officials and talking with residents across the district. I think preparation is understanding the numbers, the process, and the people you represent.
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: I expect professionalism, preparation, and respect from myself and others. Meetings should be organized and focused, with members coming in prepared and understanding the topics before decisions are made. I believe in listening first, asking thoughtful questions, and keeping discussions productive, even when there are disagreements. As an elected official, my role is to represent constituents responsibly, understand the financial and operational impacts of decisions, and work collaboratively with other local units of government. It’s about being accountable, staying levelheaded, and treating the position with the seriousness it deserves.
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: My top priorities would be investing in schools, maintaining and improving roads and infrastructure, supporting skilled workforce and business development, and enhancing our county parks and quality of life amenities. Schools are one of the best long term investments we can make, directly impacting workforce readiness and our ability to attract and retain employers. Roads and infrastructure are core responsibilities that support daily life and economic activity. I also believe in being intentional about developing a skilled workforce and supporting businesses that provide quality jobs. Finally, parks and community spaces play an important role in quality of life, which is increasingly a factor in economic growth. When it comes to cash reserves, I believe in maintaining a healthy balance for stability while strategically using funds for one time investments that strengthen the county’s long term position.
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: To be more attractive to employers, Vigo County needs strong schools, affordable housing, and quality of life amenities. Good schools are critical for developing a skilled workforce and helping businesses recruit and retain talent. Affordable, attainable housing ensures workers at all income levels can live in the community they work in. I also believe parks and recreational amenities play a bigger role than people sometimes realize. Quality parks, trails, and community spaces help attract and keep talent, especially younger families and professionals. They make a community somewhere people want to live, not just work. As a member of the County Council, I would support thoughtful investment in these areas while ensuring we’re using resources responsibly and planning for long term growth.
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: I’m not against using tools like tax abatements, TIF districts, or public/private partnerships. They can be effective when used the right way. But they should be the exception, not the rule. My main concern is making sure we’re being fair to all taxing entities and, ultimately, to taxpayers. When an abatement is granted, it doesn’t just impact the county, it can shift the burden to schools, libraries, and other local services that don’t always have a seat at the table. When appropriate I support using PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) or LDA (Local Development Agreement) alongside abatements, so those entities aren’t left behind. I also think we need to be honest about what we’re getting in return. Any incentive should have clear expectations, measurable outcomes, and accountability if those expectations aren’t met. At the end of the day I’m open to economic development tools, but I believe they should be used carefully, transparently, and in a way that benefits the entire community.
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 don’t believe our current facilities are adequately meeting long term needs. Many buildings are aging, inefficient, and not designed for modern education or workforce preparation. That impacts students, teachers, and the community as a whole. At the same time, I understand these projects come with significant costs, so it’s important we approach them thoughtfully and responsibly. I support finding solutions that improve learning environments while being mindful of taxpayers, and I believe strong oversight and collaboration will be key to getting it right.
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: When the county is contributing tax dollars to a project of that size, there should be clear oversight to ensure accountability and transparency. It also helps address the mistrust many residents have in local government by adding another layer of visibility. Done right, it builds trust and supports responsible investment. I also think the board has done a good job taking the time to gather information, listen to presentations, and ask questions. That level of engagement is important to making informed, responsible decisions and building public confidence.
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: I support the county committing funds toward a new high school, provided it’s done responsibly. Modern school facilities are a key factor in economic development. When businesses evaluate where to locate or expand, the quality of local schools and the ability to attract and retain talent matter. We’ve heard concerns that outdated facilities make it harder to recruit employees and can even cost us opportunities. Investing in a new high school is an investment in our workforce pipeline and overall competitiveness. With proper planning, transparency, and oversight, I believe this is a smart, long term investment for both our students and our local economy.
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: Before committing county funds, I would want a clear understanding of the total project cost, long term operating impacts, and how it fits within the county’s overall financial position. That includes maintaining healthy cash reserves, ensuring debt levels remain manageable, and confirming the investment won’t negatively impact core services like public safety. I’d also want transparency around funding sources and a well defined plan from the school corporation, including if a referendum would still be necessary and the contingency plan if it were to fail. If those conditions are met, I believe the county can responsibly support a project that benefits both students and the broader community.
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: I think regional collaboration is important and can create opportunities to attract talent, share resources, and strengthen the overall economy. At the same time, I believe Vigo County needs to make sure we’re operating as effectively as possible internally first—making sure our own planning, communication, and priorities are aligned. When we have a strong foundation at home, we’re in a much better position to partner with neighboring counties in a meaningful way. I’m supportive of collaboration where it makes sense, especially on workforce development, infrastructure, and economic development efforts, as long as it benefits our residents and keeps Vigo County well positioned for long term success.
