Three seek at-large seats

A Portland City Council member is hoping to retain his seat.

Two others are hoping to be successful in their first runs for office.

Three candidates — incumbent Democrat Dave Golden and Republicans Ashley Hilfiker and Larry Nuckols — are vying for the two at-large seats on Portland City Council.

Golden is retired from teaching at Jay County High School and works part-time for Cook’s Nursery. He is a 1972 graduate of Portland High School who went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University. He finished second behind Janet Powers in a three-way race for the two at-large council seats in 2019. (Janet Powers, who led the 2019 race, chose not to run for re-election.)

Hilfiker is a GPS facility coordinator for the Indiana Sex Offender Management and Monitoring program. She graduated from Jay County High School in 2007 and earned her associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Community College in 2011 and bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University – East in 2021.

Nuckols is retired after a career as a paramedic for Jay Emergency Medical Services who served four years in the U.S. Army and 16 years in the National Guard. he is a 1990 graduate of Blackford High School who went on to EMT training and also took classes through Ivy Tech Community College.

The candidates were asked to respond to a questionnaire from The Commercial Review. Their answers follow.

Two of the issues most discussed at Portland city council meetings over the few years have been the golf cart and trash collection ordinances. If elected, how would handle both of these issues? 

Golden: I believe the golf cart ordinance that we amended this year is now functioning well for local residents and visitors. Regarding trash collection, I asked my fellow city council members during our August 21 meeting to schedule a work session for the express purpose of rectifying the trash collection ordinance. The consensus of the other members present at that meeting was to wait until after the upcoming elections to address this issue. I do believe the newly elected mayor will have plans/proposals to amend the trash collection ordinance. I look forward to that discussion.

Hilfiker: I agree with the golf cart ordinances that citizens have a permit and are registered with the Portland Police Department. An annual fee of $10 should stand as well. The future of the golf cart ordinance should be reassessed for those coming to our town to pay an increased price for a special event. Currently, there are designated days and areas to dispose of excess trash. Residents also have opportunities to dispense trash free at the landfill. Having at least one day where excess trash is picked up at the citizens homes needs to be revisited.

Nuckols: I agree with the standards the golf carts must meet. I would like to look more into the fees the city collects. Maybe a better rate for citizens of the city versus out of town and special events. For the most part, I'm happy with our trash collection. I would like to see heavy trash day fixed so that older citizens do not have to transport items to a location from their homes. I also would like to look into our recycling process and see if there is a better, easier way than having to get bags from the city.

Downtown revitalization — improving buildings, attracting new business — is frequently identified as a key to economic growth. What would you do to help improve Portland’s area? 

Golden: I totally agree with this statement. I believe that city council’s greatest achievement in the last four years is the ongoing Meridian Street flood mitigation project; knowing that our downtown business sector is safe from flooding hopefully encourages downtown Portland investment. I specifically thank Travis Richards and Jodi Hayes at Jay County Development Corporation who have been instrumental in bringing Tractor Supply Company and Wendy’s to Portland. They have also worked tirelessly to utilize EDIT funds, OCRA grants, TIF monies, federal, state programs/grants to help local business entities to grow/locate here in Portland. 

Hilfiker: Portland has made strides in improving the downtown area. There are several businesses along with organizations that are assisting with that improvement. Besides attracting more individuals to open businesses in our town, festivals are vital to economic growth. Showing surrounding counties why Portland is the place to visit. An example would be having an Octoberfest and more frequent events at the Hudson Family Park amphitheater.    

Nuckols: I would like to give business owners more freedom to update and remodel their buildings. Help them with funding to do just that. Promote community clean-up events. Invest in more city-wide artwork and attractions to draw interest in what our city has to offer. Our residents need more access to quality entertainment and recreation. We need more opportunities for our young people to enjoy their free time. Better quality of life and happier citizens will promote a city that people want to live in.

Other than those discussed above, what is the most important issue facing Portland and how would handle it?

Golden: A recurring concern I hear from citizens is the dog control ordinances. What are they? Do they need updated/amended? I believe these are legitimate topics and we should address them as a city council in 2024.  

Hilfiker: The most important issue currently would have to be the empty downtown buildings. Economic growth cannot occur without businesses or individuals who want to invest. People are afraid to make a business opportunity a reality as they feel it’s too difficult. With education and guidance we can assist those making their ambitions a reality. 

Nuckols: Portland needs better quality and higher paying jobs. We need to attract more industry and businesses to our great community through investing in them in the form of tax abatements and other incentives to attract them to our city. Better paying and quality jobs to promote more interest in our young people, to stay and work in our city.

What makes you the best candidate for city council? 

Golden: I have the experience of an incumbent. I essentially want to do the most good for the most people.

Hilfiker: I would represent a younger generation that wants to help our community thrive. It’s imperative for our generation to become more involved as we chose to raise our children in Portland. I pride myself on serving my community and have the tenacity to make the best candidate for city council. 

Nuckols: I am a regular person. I grew up in a low-income family. I know what it's like to struggle and have to work for a living. I can relate to the average citizen of Portland. But I also have real-world experiences. I have learned how to remain calm in tough situations. Not one person can know everything, and I believe we need more elected officials that will take the time to hear the concerns and ideas of our citizens. I want to be the citizens’ voice and help make our city a great place to live.