Meet the Candidates: Dustin (DUSTY) Havens
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: Dustin (DUSTY) Havens (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: For several years, I have been an active participant in County Council meetings, contributing public testimony and maintaining a rigorous study of council procedures, legislative processes, and statutory duties
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: As a man of humility and respect, I believe all elected officials should maintain professional interactions, even when we disagree on specific projects. My own approach is guided strictly by objective facts, a focus on the big picture, and a deep commitment to the opinions of the taxpayers we serve.
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: Vigo County’s growth depends on a strong foundation. To attract new businesses and families, we must prioritize: Safety & Cleanliness: Enforcing laws against littering and irresponsible pet breeding & abandonment to clean up our neighborhoods. Infrastructure: Maintaining the high-traffic roads & corridors our workers rely on every day. New Housing: Expanding the supply of quality, affordable homes by supporting initiatives like Homes for the Future that revitalize our neighborhoods. Future Investment: Supporting our schools and tackling crime to prove we are a safe, smart place to call home. When our roads are safe and our streets are clean, we eliminate the barriers keeping businesses from moving here.
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: While I believe land availability near I-70 and competitive tax incentives are vital for attracting new industry, we must also prioritize the 'quality of life' infrastructure that sustains growth. This includes completing major road and railroad overpass projects, enhancing code enforcement to manage litter and overgrown vegetation, expanding pet population control programs like Project Fix-Em, and fostering family-friendly retail hubs to serve our growing community.
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: While I currently support using tax abatements to remain competitive in attracting new business, I would favor a nationwide ban on them. Eliminating these incentives across the board would create a level playing field and prevent the long-term tax burden from shifting onto our current residents.
Question: Do you believe the current school facilities in Vigo County adequately serve students, teachers and the broader community?
Answer: Yes
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding school facilities, including any additional information you would like to know.
Answer: In light of current enrollment trends, I advocate for the strategic renovation of our existing high schools rather than consolidation. This approach supports smaller class sizes and preserves the identity of THN and THS. To ensure fiscal responsibility, a forensic audit of the district’s finances should be a prerequisite for any long-term facilities plan. Public sentiment is clearly aligned against the construction of a single east side high school.
Question: Do you support the existence of the Vigo County Oversight Board as a mechanism for fiscal accountability?
Answer: No
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding the Oversight Board, including any additional information you would like to know.
Answer: While I respect the individuals serving on the school oversight committee, I question the necessity of the committee itself. It appears the decision to pursue a consolidated east high school was predetermined, with athletic interests seemingly outweighing the actual priorities or wants of the majority of the tax-paying public. Furthermore, I wonder if State Senator Greg Goode, who authored the enabling legislation, has reservations about how the process is unfolding today?
Question: Do you support the Vigo County Council committing funds towards a new high school?
Answer: No
Question: Please explain your Answer regarding the County committing funds to a new high school.
Answer: Stated in prior responses.
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: None. See prior responses.
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 believe this question is more geared toward the commissioners versus council members.
