Meet the Candidates: Tim Fears
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: Tim Fears (R - District 3)
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: As a practicing attorney for over 35 years, with a background in municipal law and real estate development, I have participated in a number of council meetings (both city and county), attended committee meetings and presented in front of local and state agencies. I am familiar with the workings of the Council and their statutory obligations.
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: Meetings should be organized and conducted with a professional degree of decorum.
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 the fiscal making authority for the County, it is important for the Council to set clear priorities for the allocation and expenditure of County funds. Some of the critical areas in which the County can help support community activities would be allocating funds for the continued support of new and existing county businesses, review and support public/private partnerships for our schools, and to support all county government offices and agencies as they work in the best interest of the community.
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: A strong and supportive local government that supports business development and community engagement
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: Tax abatement is a statutory tool available to all 92 counties in the State of Indiana. It should be used by the County, as necessary, to attract new and existing 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: The local schools are outdated and have the need for updates to give students and staff the best possible educational opportunities. New school facilities can provide a positive environment for students and staff and make the learning experience that much more enjoyable.
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 was created by statute and should be utilized to its fullest extent.
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 would support the County appropriating public funds for the development and construction of a new high school and the rehabilitation of other school facilities. A strong and state of the art school system is a key component to the growth and development of a 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: The Council should consider all options presented to them and I would support, if available, the use of County funds for the development of a new high school.
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: Cooperation with neighboring communities is vital to the growth and development of West Central Indiana. The County should participate in any opportunity presented to them to support and strengthen the regional and local economy.
