HANCOCK COUNTY – Leading up to the May 7 Primary Election, the Daily Reporter asks candidates running for office some background information and why they chose to run to help inform voters who is on the ballot.
For the three open seats on county council, Democrats Carol Pearson, Linda Robinson and Frank G Rock Jr. will be running in the primary election. Republicans Kent Fisk, George Plisinski II, John Jessup and Robin Lowder are also running.
Some answers may be edited for grammar, punctuation or length.
Name: Carol Pearson
Age: 48
Party: Democrat
Office sought: County Council at large
Occupation: Senior Compliance Analyst for a corporate benefits firm
Political experience: I have a masters degree in international relations and was an officer in religious council at Ball State University from 1994-1997.
Family: My parents (who also live in Greenfield), two brothers and their families. As for who lives with me, I have an 18-month-old dog.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to give families in Hancock County a voice. I have experience working with diverse groups of people and, with the increase in population in the county, we need people who can communicate effectively with those of different backgrounds.
How are you qualified?
In addition to my masters in international relations, I have a bachelors in mathematical economics. I can communicate effectively with a wide range of people because of my background in improvisation and having lived in Chicago for 11 years.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
While I understand business is important, I do not believe we should sacrifice the needs of families and individuals for the sake of companies that are not hiring locally or are only going to stay as long as a tax break lasts for them. I believe we need an approach to growth that benefits all moving forward, not just the companies wishing to build warehouses.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
Encourage planting of natural vegetation, which can help the environment, review property tax rates to see if we can make those fairer for families that are struggling, and review current infrastructure plans to see how to grow in a way that will be least damaging to the environment and is more beneficial to those residing in Hancock County.
Name: Linda Robinson
Party: Democrat
Office sought: County Council at large
Occupation: I am currently retired from The Capital Group. I also worked for Conseco for 15 years as a Customer Rep, IS Analyst and IT Manager. I also worked at Crossroads Bible College as an Admin Assistant and Financial Aide Counselor.
Political experience: I have run for office in McCordsville. When I win in 2024, it will be my first time holding office. However, I believe that makes me stand out from the current council. Hancock County is in need of new people who will listen and work for the entire county.
Family: My husband (Claude Robinson Sr.) and I live in McCordsville for the past 23 years. We have been married for 46 years. I also take care of my 93-year-old mother. I have three adult children, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Why are you running for this position?
To ensure transparency in the county, there should be more communication and a better communication process. With the rapid growth in the county, I would like to initiate ways to promote programs that our citizens want and incentives that matter to our growing county, especially for our youth and seniors, initiate semi-annual forums to hear and act on the concerns of our community. Roads, snow removal, new communities, and better communication with our citizens and towns are needed to stop the ‘he said, she said,’ which I have been hearing between the towns and community. Ensure our schools have the resources they need to thrive and keep up with the growing communities. Crime, our police and fire departments, and ways our community can help them help us.
How are you qualified?
I have worked in finance for over 30 years. I am currently and have been for 20 years the hospitality director for a state not-for-profit organization, and I am also the scholarship chair for a local not-for-profit organization. Also, my faith guides me to do the right thing.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
Transparency in local government, schools, roads, better communication, diversity and inclusion in local government and taxation for warehouses
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
To ensure transparency in the county by more communication and a better communication process. With the rapid growth in the county, I would like to initiate ways to promote programs that our citizens want and incentives that matter to our growing county, especially for our youth and seniors. Initiate semi-annual forums to hear and act on the concerns of our community. Roads, snow removal, and new communities, as well as better communication with our citizens and towns, are needed. To stop the he said, she said, which I have been hearing between the towns, cities, and communities. Ensure our schools have the resources they need to thrive and keep up with the growing communities. Crime, our police, and fire departments.
Name: Frank G Rock Jr.
Age: 70
Party: Democrat
Office sought: County Council at large
Occupation: USAF Veteran & Retired from U.S. Department of Defense, Financial Manager
Political experience: Previous Candidate for District 2 Hancock Council 2022, Pass Elected Federal Union Council President, Local President, and many other various elected positions in Unions & Organizations.
Family: wife Lynette Rock and five children: Nathan, Marcus, Chris, Lena and Stephan
Why are you running for this position?
To add professional financial experience, integrity, transparency, honor, trust and diversity to Hancock County Council.
How are you qualified?
Over 30 years of financial management, accounting and auditing experience, and have managed multiple million-dollar accounts & contracts for the federal government.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
Better and inclusive responses to all of Hancock citizen needs, council members transparency, positive economic improvement along with job growth and improvement of workers’ salaries — that are not pipe dreams that does nothing for the majority of Hancock County citizens, like those warehouses that were built with most being empty after being in the county for at least two years.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
Better roads to accommodate the need for economic developments and housing growth in the county, elimination of food deserts in Hancock County, and addressing every year increase of property taxes on citizens, especially homeowners. Development of a county budget that addresses county needs and benefits the county, and not just the special interests of some individuals.
