Meet the Candidates: Mark Clinkenbeard
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: Mark Clinkenbeard (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 owned and operated Mark Clinkenbeard Construction since 1996. Owning a small business, and specifically a construction business, has prepared me for the duties of County Commissioner. From budgeting to job supervision, to working with and collaborating with numerous sub-contractors, I have hands-on experience with many of the day-to-day functions of the position of county Commissioner. In 2022, I won election as Vigo County Commissioner, District 1 and I'm now in my 4th year on the job. Over the last 3 years, Vigo County has seen great progress. I look forward to build upon that success if elected for a second term. Over these past 3 years, I have taken the initiative on multiple projects, and I have presented to our County Council and City Council numerous times. I have also advocated for Vigo County in Indianapolis and Washington DC. I believe these experiences make me uniquely well qualified for the position of Vigo County Commissioner.
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 myself and others to be prepared and educated on all issues that arise. I treat everyone with respect and dignity and listen to all sides of an issue. I have made sure over these past three years to be transparent and accountable to my constituents in all that I do.
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 County Commissioner, we are the executive branch of local government. We put forth policies and procedures and work with the Council on funding of priorities. As Commissioner, we are responsible for 826 miles of county roads and over 200 bridges. We are also the caretakers of all county buildings, including the Courthouse, annex, highway garages, county jail and numerous other buildings. We review and sign contracts and work with all other elected officials in operating county government. We are also very involved in economic development and job creation. Most recently we have looked at ways that our county government could responsibly help with addressing our deteriorating high schools. I believe that new modern high schools are one of the biggest things holding our community back and should be a priority moving 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 is well positioned for growth in the future. We have rail, an interstate, an airport and 4 institutions of higher learning. Continuing to invest in infrastructure improvements and demonstrating a pro-growth mindset are keys. Our proximity to Indianapolis also makes Vigo County a desired location for business expansion. I believe that a new east side high school and a renovated West Vigo would be a huge benefit in retaining and attracting talent.
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: Abatements should be looked at on a case-by-case basis and have been successful in recent years in attracting ENTEK, Zinkpower and keeping businesses like Steel Dynamics and Saturn Petcare. Moving forward, I would like to see the Commissioners more involved in discussions with prospective new businesses.
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: Our high schools are outdated and are not adequate for today's teaching and learning needs. We routinely hear from businesses that our high schools are hurting us with retaining and attracting families and young professionals. As County Commissioner, I have helped lead the effort in advocating for new high schools. If re-elected, I will continue leading that fight.
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 oversight board is key in looking at every possible funding source for building the new east side high school. Our hope is and has always been that this school could be built with funding already in place, as opposed to raising property taxes with a referendum. This is a tool that we fought for at the Statehouse and I'm incredibly grateful to the Chamber and Senator Goode for helping make this possible.
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: If the oversight board finds that the county is in a position to help fund a new high school, while making sure Vigo County is in solid financial shape, I am definitely in support of the Council committing funds. VCSC is one of the largest employers in this county and a thriving school corporation is critical to a successful community.
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 would like to make sure that we keep at least 25% of our budget in reserve. We now have around 55% in reserve. I would also like to make sure that we will still be in a good position after SEA1 takes effect in 2029.
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: Regional partnerships are becoming more and more important in our state. The Statehouse looks favorably on this collaboration, and it truly is the path moving forward. I believe that Vigo County has a great opportunity to work with neighboring counties and I fully support this initiative. As they say, a rising tide lifts all ships.
