Meet the Candidates: Jodie Akinbo
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: Jodie Akinbo (R)
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 taken several proactive steps to prepare myself for this position. I have spent time reviewing Robert’s Rules of Order to better understand proper meeting procedures, governance structure, and effective participation in formal decision making settings. In addition, I have reviewed archived recordings of local government meetings to gain insight into how discussions, motions, and votes are conducted in practice. Beyond that, I have made an effort to attend meetings in person whenever possible, including school board meetings and school oversight board meetings, in addition to traveling across the county engaging in conversations with people in the community. These experiences have helped me develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing our community, as well as the responsibilities and expectations of those serving in these roles. Together, these efforts have strengthened my readiness to contribute thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively in this position.
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: Hold high expectations for both myself and others as elected officials, particularly when it comes to professionalism, conduct, and the responsibility we carry in serving the public. I expect all meetings to be conducted in a calm, respectful, and structured manner, with a clear focus on the topic or decision at hand and the work that needs to be accomplished in service of the community. There should be no room for disrespect, raised voices, or personal attacks. Disagreements are a natural part of governance, but they must be handled professionally and constructively, without allowing emotions to take over. The focus should always remain on the work and on carrying out the will of the people we represent. For myself, I am committed to listening carefully, engaging respectfully, and contributing in a way that supports productive dialogue and effective governance. I believe maintaining professionalism and mutual respect is essential to building trust and ensuring that meetings and government functions are carried out with integrity, purpose, and a clear commitment to the community.
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: As a member of the County Council or as a Commissioner, my top priorities in utilizing the County’s resources, including its cash reserves, will center on transparency, fiscal responsibility, common sense decision making, and putting the people of Vigo County first. First, transparency must be the foundation of good government. Vigo County residents deserve open dialogue, accessible information, and leaders who truly listen. Taxpayers should always know how decisions are being made and how their money is being spent. I will work to ensure county government operates in a way that is open, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves.
Second, I believe strongly in fiscal responsibility. Every dollar counts, and the people of Vigo County deserve leaders who carefully manage public funds. This includes ensuring that funds are verified before commitments are made, clearly reporting how tax dollars are spent, and making thoughtful decisions about the use of cash reserves. Those reserves should be protected and used strategically for true needs, long-term stability, and emergencies; not spent without careful planning and justification. Third, I will advocate for common sense decision making. Major projects and long-term investments must be based on solid financial footing, not hope or assumptions. When taxpayer dollars are involved, the voice of the people should never be removed from the process. Residents deserve meaningful input in decisions that affect their community and their finances. Fourth, my focus will always be on people first. County government should serve taxpayers, not agendas. Vigo County must continue to support both new and existing businesses so our local economy can grow and thrive. At the same time, fairness matters. New businesses should contribute and pay taxes just like the local businesses that have long supported our community. Finally, I am committed to listening to all residents of Vigo County and making decisions that reflect the needs, priorities, and values of our community. By focusing on transparency, responsible stewardship of resources, and community-centered decision making, we can ensure that county funds are used in a way that benefits everyone.
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: To make Vigo County more attractive to employers, we have to focus on creating a community that is both economically competitive and supportive of the people who live and work here. That starts with a strong foundation: a skilled workforce, responsible use of tax dollars, and a community where families can afford to live and thrive. With my background in education, I believe one of the most important factors in attracting employers is investing in workforce development. Employers are looking for communities where they can find reliable, well prepared workers. That means strengthening partnerships between schools, career and technical programs, and local businesses so students and adults alike have clear pathways into good paying jobs right here in Vigo County. At the same time, we must be mindful of the financial realities many of our residents face. High taxes and low incomes can make it difficult for families to stay here, and that directly impacts our workforce. I believe we need to prioritize fiscal responsibility and evaluate how county resources are used so we are not placing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers. A community that is affordable for its residents is also more attractive to employers. Infrastructure and quality of life also matter. Safe communities, well maintained roads, and access to essential services all contribute to an environment where businesses want to invest. These improvements must be approached with common sense decision making, ensuring projects are financially sound and truly benefit the community. As a member of the County Council or as a Commissioner, my role would be to ensure transparency in decision making, advocate for responsible budgeting, and support policies that encourage sustainable economic growth. I would work to bring people together, including educators, business leaders, and community members, to make sure we are making decisions that reflect the needs of our workforce and our families. Ultimately, attracting employers is not just about incentives. It is about building a community where people want to live, work, and stay. If we focus on supporting our residents, managing our resources wisely, and preparing our workforce, Vigo County will naturally become a more attractive place for businesses to invest and grow.
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: As a potential County Commissioner, I believe it is important to first clarify that tax abatements are granted by the County Council, not the Commissioners. That said, Commissioners still play a role in shaping the broader economic environment and ensuring that any incentives align with the best interests of the community. My position on tax abatements is that it depends on the specific circumstances. I am not generally in favor of them, particularly when they shift the tax burden onto residents who are already struggling. However, I recognize that in certain situations, a carefully structured abatement may be appropriate if it brings clear, measurable benefits to Vigo County. If tax abatements are considered, I believe they must come with strong stipulations and accountability. First, there should be clear requirements for job creation, including the number of jobs, wage levels, and whether those jobs are full time and accessible to local residents. Second, there should be defined timelines and performance benchmarks to ensure that commitments are actually met. If a company does not follow through, there should be provisions in place to recover the benefits granted. Transparency is also critical. The public deserves to know what is being offered, what is expected in return, and whether those expectations are being fulfilled. Additionally, I believe there should be a focus on fairness. Existing local businesses that have supported our community for years should not be placed at a disadvantage compared to new businesses receiving incentives. Ultimately, any decision related to tax abatements should be guided by fiscal responsibility, common sense, and a commitment to putting the people of Vigo County first. Incentives should never be automatic. They should only be considered when there is a clear and demonstrated benefit to the community as a whole.
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: There is no question that school buildings must be safe, well maintained, and updated where necessary to support continued learning. Those repairs and upgrades are important and should be prioritized. However, buildings themselves are not what drive student success. The most meaningful impact on student outcomes comes from strong teaching, supportive environments, and access to opportunities. Based on available research and what has been presented, I have significant concerns about the proposed reorganization plan, particularly Option 6. This plan includes constructing a new high school with an estimated cost of $222 million for the building alone. That figure does not include the cost of land acquisition, infrastructure, expanded seating, or specific athletic facility components such as turf. It also does not account for the cost of renovating existing schools that will still require investment. When all factors are considered, the total cost is clearly much higher. Additionally, I have concerns about how projected cost savings have been presented. From my research, estimated costs per building per year for preventative maintenance do not appear to accurately reflect typical maintenance costs amongst other discrepancies in information that has been presented to the public. It is critical that financial data is accurate, transparent, and clearly communicated so the public can fully understand the true cost and benefit of any proposal. From an educational standpoint, combining two high schools that already serve more than 1,400 students (according to the IDOE website) each into a single school approaching 3,000 students raises serious concerns. Larger schools do not automatically lead to better outcomes and can, in some cases, negatively impact student achievement. I am particularly concerned about the potential for increased inequity, especially for economically disadvantaged students who may already face barriers to access and support. There are also broader impacts on student experience and community involvement. Moving into larger athletic conferences would increase travel time and distance for families, reduce the number of available spots on teams, and create a more competitive environment that limits participation opportunities for many students. Decisions of this magnitude must also be grounded in responsible fiscal management. You should never begin a project without having a clear and realistic plan to fund it from start to finish. Large scale projects require full transparency regarding total costs, long-term financial impact, and how they will be sustained over time. Equally important is taxpayer input. The people of this community ultimately bear the financial responsibility for these projects, whether directly or indirectly. Even if property tax rates are not raised outright, taxpayers still feel the impact through increased assessed property values, local income taxes, food and beverage taxes, and other revenue streams that are used to support bond payments. If the majority of residents oppose a project, it is not appropriate to move forward without their support. While facility improvements are necessary, the focus must remain on what truly serves students. We need solutions that support learning, maintain opportunities, ensure equity, respect taxpayer input, and reflect responsible stewardship of public funds.
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 correct Answer would be yes and no. I do support the existence of the Vigo County Oversight Board as a mechanism for fiscal accountability. It is important to have an added layer of review and transparency when it comes to major financial decisions, especially those that impact taxpayers on a large scale. From what I have seen, the Oversight Board has been working hard to explore potential ways for the county to support the school corporation and to better understand the financial landscape. However, in order to have a truly accurate picture of available funds, I believe there needs to be a much deeper and more comprehensive review of the county’s financial health than what can realistically be accomplished through the Oversight Board alone. Recent issues involving funds being allocated that were not actually available raise serious concerns about how financially sound and responsible current fiscal management has been. That underscores the need for stronger financial oversight, accurate reporting, and full transparency moving forward. I also believe it is important to clearly define the role of county government. The county has a legal obligation to fund essential services such as roads, bridges, public safety, and the jail system. While collaboration between the county and the school corporation is important, I do not believe it is the county’s responsibility to fund large scale capital projects for schools. The school corporation, like any entity, must operate within its means. That includes making responsible financial decisions, prioritizing needs, and planning appropriately with the resources available to them. Fiscal accountability applies to all levels of government, and taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being managed carefully and responsibly. In the end, I support the Oversight Board as a tool for accountability, but I also believe more thorough financial analysis, clearer boundaries of responsibility, and stronger fiscal discipline are necessary to ensure long-term stability and trust.
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: While I strongly support quality education and recognize the importance of modern, well-maintained school facilities, I do not support the Vigo County Council committing county funds toward the construction of a single new high school that combines North and South Vigo. County government has a primary responsibility to fund essential public services such as infrastructure, public safety, and the jail system. These obligations must remain the top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Redirecting county resources toward a large-scale school capital project would extend beyond the traditional and appropriate role of county government. I do believe in collaboration between the county and the school corporation, particularly when it comes to shared community goals. However, the responsibility for funding and managing school construction projects ultimately lies with the school corporation itself. Like any public entity, it must operate within its means, make strategic financial decisions, and plan appropriately based on available resources. Additionally, recent concerns about the accuracy of available financial data further reinforce the need for caution. Before any major financial commitments are made, there must be a clear, comprehensive, and reliable understanding of the county’s financial position. Strengthening financial oversight, improving transparency, and ensuring accurate reporting should come first. While I support the goal of providing strong educational facilities, I do not believe county funds should be used for this purpose. Maintaining fiscal responsibility, respecting the proper role of county government, and ensuring long-term financial stability must remain the priority.
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 do not believe county funds should be used for this project under normal circumstances, as school construction is the responsibility of the school corporation and the county must prioritize essential services like public safety and infrastructure. However, if this were ever to be considered, several strict conditions would need to be met. First, there must be a clear, independently verified understanding of the county’s financial position, with accurate and transparent reporting of all available funds. Any commitment would need to be based on clearly available current funds, not projected or future revenue, and there must be enough funding identified to complete the project from start to finish. Second, funding this type of project could not come at the expense of core county responsibilities or long term financial stability. Third, there would need to be a well defined plan demonstrating that the school corporation has exhausted its own funding options and is operating responsibly within its means. Finally, a project of this magnitude must have strong and clearly demonstrated community support before any commitment is made. Without broad public backing and full financial clarity, I would not support committing county funds to the project.
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: Vigo County has a real opportunity to play a leadership role in strengthening the regional economy by working more closely with neighboring counties in a few key areas. One of the most important opportunities is building a stronger regional workforce pipeline. Employers across West Central Indiana are facing similar challenges in finding and retaining workers. By coordinating efforts between schools, training programs, and local industries, Vigo County and surrounding counties can better prepare residents for in demand jobs and make the region more attractive to new businesses. Another area for collaboration is infrastructure development, particularly broadband, transportation, and utilities. These systems do not stop at county lines, and a coordinated regional approach can improve connectivity, support business growth, and make rural areas more competitive. Working together also strengthens the region’s ability to secure state and federal funding for large scale projects. Housing is another shared challenge that presents an opportunity for partnership. Communities across the region need a mix of affordable and workforce housing to support growth. By aligning strategies, counties can better meet demand, attract new residents, and support employers who need a stable workforce. There is also value in taking a more unified approach to economic development and business attraction. Instead of competing with one another, the counties can market the region as a whole, highlighting its combined strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, education, and logistics. This kind of collaboration makes the region more competitive when pursuing new investment and job creation. Finally, quality of life initiatives such as parks, trails, arts, and community development offer another way to work together. Enhancing these shared assets helps attract and retain talent, which is critical for long term economic success. Altogether, Vigo County can strengthen the regional economy by collaborating on workforce development, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and quality of life improvements. A regional mindset allows communities to pool resources, reduce duplication, and compete more effectively while still maintaining their individual identities.
