Rockwell, Gibson running for council

Two Jay County natives will be competing for the District 4 seat on Jay County Council.
Incumbent Mike Rockwell, a Republican, faces Democrat Joshua Gibson in the campaign to represent a portion of Wayne Township and all of Madison, Pike and Noble townships.
Both Portland residents and graduates of Jay County High School, Rockwell is the owner of Rockwell Door Sales Inc., while Gibson teaches physical education at East and Bloomfield elementary schools.
Gibson currently sits on the Jay County Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Advisory Board and United Way of Jay County Board of Directors. Rockwell is finishing his first term as a council member, and serves on the Jay County Development Corporation board, Jay/Portland Building and Planning Inter-Local Board and Jay County Plan Commission.
Both candidates responded to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.
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What prompted you to run (or run again) for a seat on the council?
Gibson: The main reason is that I love this community. This is home, where I work and where my children will grow up. We need to focus on how we spend our money and to see why we continue to spend more than projected. I want to be the one to bridge the gap between generations to help Jay County continue to thrive as it is now and has in the past.
Rockwell: My motivation for running for re-election remains the same as when I ran originally four years ago. I want to ensure that Jay County taxpayers’ hard-earned money is not being wasted. Councilmen should act as stewards of their neighbors’ tax money. Every government service should be delivered in the most efficient way possible. As a small businessman I pay a lot of taxes.
There isn't much I can do about federal taxes besides voting. But on the local level, I chose to get involved and try to insure that tax money is used wisely.
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What, if anything, should be done to change the county’s current confined feeding regulations?
Gibson: First and foremost, Jay County is an agriculture community. It is a pillar of our workforce and county income. I am in favor of what they are currently doing, which is doing the study to close the loopholes in the CAFO ordinance.
Rockwell: We cannot have one-size-fits-all regulations. Large corporate mega complexes should not be regulated the same way as a farmer who wants to build one small livestock building. Regulations need to be progressive with the size of the operation. One option is making it necessary for the operator to get the property rezoned to build a large complex. The regulations we have must balance the rights of a farmer to utilize his property responsibly and the rights of nearby homeowners to enjoy their properties.
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What do you see as the most important issue facing council in the next four years?
Gibson: I see the issue of our budgeting and spending. With the unpredictable nature of Indianapolis, we need to understand and have strong leadership to give input on how changes made will impact us. Great ideas in Indianapolis aren't always great for Jay County. Lastly, staying within our budget is very important.
Rockwell: Keeping JEMS (Jay Emergency Medical Service) adequately funded is one important issue we are facing right now. The council recently had to transfer $400,000 from the rainy day fund to JEMS to keep them out of the red through next year. We also recommended to the commissioners that they raise the rates for runs and do away with the ambulance replacement fund. Replacement funding will now be taken from infrastructure funds. JEMS has made great improvements in collections in the past couple of years, but the new director will need to be as sharp in their business management skills as they are in their medical skills.
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What makes you best suited or skilled for the position?
Gibson: I am here to better Jay County and continue its rich history of growth and prosperity. Working together has always put us ahead of the game, and I am here to dig in and do the right thing together. I am not here for the insurance or for an agenda. I am here to learn from our current leaders that have made such amazing progress over the years and carry that into the future. My family and I are invested here and intend to be here for years to come. I want a prosperous Jay County as we have now.
Rockwell: I am a proud life-long citizen of Jay County, and I have played many roles in our community during that time. I have spent 15 years as a full-time grain and livestock farmer, 12 years as a mail carrier and am currently in my 21st year as a small business owner. I have also played the role of a student, earning my bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010. The most recent role I have played in our community is county councilman. With almost four years on the council, economic development board, planning commission and inter-local board, I have learned more about local government than I ever imagined. I hope to be given the honor of continuing this role by being reelected to the county council this November.