Meet the Candidates: Justin Kunz
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: Justin Kunz (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: Over the past two years, I have made a consistent effort to stay engaged and informed on the County Council’s operations. I have attended many County Council and Sunshine meetings in person, and when I am unable to attend, I make it a priority to watch the meetings online afterward. This has allowed me to better understand current issues, budget considerations, and how decisions have been made. I have intentionally focused on gathering information firsthand by listening, observing, and reviewing discussions myself, rather than relying on secondhand opinions. In addition, I have spent time listening to residents and learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing our community. I believe preparation for this role comes from being informed, engaged, and willing to put in the time to understand how local government works so I can contribute effectively from day one.
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 believe elected officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves with professionalism, respect, and a focus on serving the public. Disagreement is a natural and healthy part of government, but it should be expressed in a constructive and respectful way that moves discussions forward rather than creating unnecessary conflict. For myself, I will come prepared, stay focused on the issues at hand, and approach decisions with a solution oriented mindset. I believe meetings should be productive, organized, and centered on clear communication so that residents can have confidence in how their government operates. For the council as a whole, I expect collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect. Questions and concerns are important and should be encouraged, but they should be raised in a way that promotes understanding and progress. Our role is to work together to solve problems and deliver results for the community, not to create division or delay.
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 priority is making meaningful progress on school facility improvements without increasing the burden on property taxes. If cash reserves are available, and we can clearly demonstrate that using those funds will not put the county at fiscal risk, then we should be willing to invest them back into our community, especially in ways that strengthen our schools and help retain and attract families. Second, we need to establish clear standards and effective tools to support responsible economic development. This means creating a framework that helps local officials attract businesses that align with the long-term interests of our community while also providing those businesses with a predictable and supportive environment. Third, improving efficiency within county departments must be a continued focus. With the long-term impacts of SB01, departments will need to adapt how they operate. This includes embracing innovation, utilizing available technology, and making better use of existing tools to deliver services more effectively and responsibly. Ultimately, every decision should balance fiscal responsibility with strategic investment to move our community forward.
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: Vigo County becomes more attractive to employers when we align strong infrastructure, workforce readiness, and quality of place. Employers are looking for communities where they can grow with confidence, this includes reliable infrastructure, a skilled workforce pipeline, and a community where employees want to live. That ties directly to the strength of our schools, housing options, and overall quality of life. My role on the Council would be to support responsible investment in these areas, ensure resources are used strategically, and help create an environment where smart growth can occur.
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 support tax abatements when they are used thoughtfully and deliver clear value to the community. They should not be automatic, they should be earned.
Abatements should be tied to measurable outcomes such as the number of jobs created, wage levels, and the extent to which investment supports local businesses. There should also be accountability to ensure commitments are met over time. I am also open to more innovative approaches. For example, instead of traditional abatements, the county could explore models where businesses pay taxes in full and receive performance based rebates tied to workforce training, employee retention, and quality-of-life investments. Those funds should be directed specifically toward employees living and working in our community. Abatements should be structured to strengthen Vigo County long-term, ensuring both the community and the employer benefit.
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: While our schools have served the community well for many years, it is clear that we need to take the next step forward. Our high schools were built in a different era, and today’s students and educators require modern, technology-ready environments to succeed. The good news is that our community has already been engaged in this conversation, and there is a strong foundation to build on. Moving forward, I believe we have an opportunity to come together, make thoughtful decisions, and invest in facilities that better support education, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and position Vigo County for the future.
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 support the Vigo County Oversight Board as an important layer of fiscal accountability. Large investments in school facilities require transparency, careful review, and a long-term perspective. The board helps ensure decisions are thoughtful, data-driven, and in the best interest of the community. I believe it plays a valuable role in building trust and ensuring county resources are used responsibly.
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: Yes, I support the County playing a role in investing in our school facilities. At the same time, I believe any funding decision should be guided by the work and recommendations of the Oversight Board. Their evaluation will help ensure that any investment is thoughtful, fiscally responsible, and aligned with the long-term needs of the community. I look forward to reviewing their findings and supporting a path forward that makes sense for Vigo County.
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: County officials should clearly demonstrate what funds are available for use and ensure that any investment will not put the County at fiscal risk. Transparency and a responsible financial plan are essential before moving forward.
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 strongly support its focus on regional collaboration. Vigo County has an opportunity not only to participate, but to lead these efforts by setting a strong example in workforce development, infrastructure, and economic growth. By working with neighboring counties, we can better position the region to attract employers, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and improve overall quality of life. At the same time, we must remain focused on making Vigo County as strong and competitive as possible. Embracing the regional efforts, we naturally elevate the entire region and help drive broader success across West Central Indiana.
