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, Republicans Kent Fisk, George Plisinski II, John Jessup and Robin Lowder will be running in the primary election. Democrats Carol Pearson, Linda Robinson and Frank G Rock Jr. are also running.
Some answers may be edited for grammar, punctuation or length.
Name: Kent Fisk
Age: 61
Party: Republican
Office sought: County Council at large
Occupation: President of Fisk Waste Removal and a current Hancock County Councilman
Political experience: served 10 years on the Greenfield Central School Board and currently served the last 11 years on the Hancock County Council
Family: wife Kim; daughters Jessica, Kelsey and Mackenzie; six grandchildren
Why are you running for this position?
I have served the people of Hancock County for the past 40 years in different capacities. First, I was sworn in as a Hancock County Reserve Deputy by Sheriff Malcolm Grass at the age of 21 and served as a Deputy for 10 years, then I was elected onto the Greenfield Central School Board where I served for another 10 years, then I was elected onto the Hancock County Council and am serving the last year of my third term. With all that being said, I wish to continue serving our county at the age of 61. I feel my experience and knowledge makes my participation in our local government as important now as it has ever been.
How are you qualified?
Along with past experiences in Government service, I have a business degree from Ball State University and am the owner and operator of a local business for the last 40+ years.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
The most pressing issue our local Government is facing now is the overwhelming population growth of our County. Matching the additional needs our Government has maintaining our present quality of life is very challenging and takes great cooperation from all Government offices working with what additional unspoken-for funds we get. The State of Indiana has Hancock County capped normally at 4% growth even though we have recently grown as much as 10% to 20%. The fact that the State controls how much funding we get may not be of common knowledge to everyone, and as a growing County we have needs unmet which creates the challenge.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
Maintaining and securing our Safety and quality of life is the ultimate goal of our Government. One way of making our County better is providing an educational opportunity for our students along with persons seeking additional trade skills. For the past 3 years, the construction of an education facility that emphasizes job skills and trades that are desperately needed in our local economy has been underway. With the support of all of our local government officials and all school officials, this project is moving forward and I hope to be able to help it across the finish line during my next term. Also, as our population in the County increases there is a need for more Green Space. I hope to help increase the amount of recreational area throughout our County that everyone can enjoy at the same time securing and protecting our water aquifers.
Name: John Jessup
Age: 49
Party: Republican
Office sought: County Council at large
Occupation: Business owner
Political experience: six years on county council and the past eight years as county commissioner for District 1
Family: wife Paula
Why are you running for this position?
I want to be a part of keeping Hancock County on the solid financial path we are on. It is my hope to see through projects that have been started here in the county, namely the Innovation Center for our students.
How are you qualified?
I have served Hancock County in leadership roles for the past fourteen years. I have a unique perspective having served on the fiscal body as well as the executive. I will bring this experience to the table and make sure our county continues in the right direction.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
I will be focused on continuing to fund the needs of our public safety. I am very proud of the progress we have made in making sure all of our public safety departments regardless of size have the tools and equipment they need to serve the people of Hancock County.
I am also excited to complete the innovation center so our A+ schools have a state of the art vocational school to send our students to.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
I would like to work along side the Commissioners to make sure our continued building program is funded to meet the growing needs of our constituents and employees.
I would also like to use the funding mechanisms available to us to make sure we have the best equipped and trained first responders in the country.
Name: Robin Lowder
Party: Republican
Office sought: County Council at large
Political experience: Hancock County Auditor from 2009-18, county council at large since 2021, Center Township Board, various other boards
Family: husband Jeff; children Michelle, Scott, Chris and Jen
Why are you running for this position?
The reason I am running for County Council is simple. I love this County and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I want our children and grandchildren to feel the same way. We need good affordable housing, more infrastructure, amenities, shopping, entertainment and more parks. I do think we are on are way to these things. I also want us to continue to be fiscally sound and stable. I would like to see the County continue to make these good fiscal choices.
How are you qualified?
During my tenure as County Auditor I took courses in County Government Budgeting and Finance | & II, Legal & Ethical, Internal Controls, Legislative Affairs, Leadership, Communications and Economic Development. I received certifications in these and other courses. I served on the Auditor’s Legislative Committee for two years. One of our main focuses was benefits for our Veterans! The courses equipped us to maintain and manage budgets efficiently. This is an important tool to have because the County Council is the Fiscal Body of the County. I also have many years of experience in County Government.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
We always need to stay focused on Public Safety. Police, Fire, EMS and E911. Lives depend on all of these services. I always remember if we get this wrong someone could be injured or possibly die. We cannot fail in funding public service. We need to include the Courts and Prosecutor. Through the work of the County Council and the Redevelopment Commission we were able to help finance much needed Firefighters for Buck Creek Fire Department in the last few weeks from the RDC. This was made possible by our Legislators changing the law so the Redevelopment money can be used for Operating Expenses not just Capital Expenses for Sheriff, Fire and Schools.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
We need to be sure we have good financial management. We need to make good conservative fiscally sound decisions for our major funds. Top priority is funding our public safety. We must keep our citizens and our protectors safe. Competitive pay for Sheriff Merit Deputies. A balance of growth with business and residential. Once again, we need good affordable housing and infrastructure along with it.
The infrastructure must meet our needs now and plan for our future needs. This is why our Budgets are so important. We need to do long term Budgeting. We must always be planning for the future! I work for you! Decisions that I make must be based on what is best for our County.
Name: George Plisinski II
Age: 43
Party: Republican
Office sought: County Council at large
Political experience: Greenfield City Council from 2019-2023, serving as the Budget Chair/Co-Chair in 2022-2023, and additionally on the Utilities Committee each year. Currently on the Greenfield Redevelopment Commission via appointment from Mayor Titus, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Shelby County Economic Development Boards, past Board member of Leadership Hancock County, and involved in numerous philanthropic and business organizations throughout Central Indiana.
Family: wife Joyce, sons George III and Alek
Why are you running for this position?
Although only recently ‘stepping away’ from the Greenfield City Council at the conclusion of my term and did not seek reelection in order to complete my MBA, I still possessed the desire, drive and willingness to serve. With my studies to be completed in November of this year, the opportunity arose to continue utilizing my passion, skills and dedication to serving my community. My decision to run for Hancock County Council At-Large is rooted in a genuine desire to serve the citizens of Hancock County. I am dedicated to fostering positive change, addressing key issues facing our community and working collaboratively to build a stronger, more vibrant Hancock County.
How are you qualified?
Having spent the better portion of my life developing plans for utility infrastructure in Hancock County, and more-generally East-Central Indiana, I have witnessed the effect of these efforts to enhance residents’ quality of life and place, particularly in the broadband-space. Doing so at a not-for-profit cooperative has provided me much more insight and connection to the community than I would have been afforded elsewhere in my professional career, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities this community has provided for both me and my family. Beyond experience in infrastructure and my educational background, the defining characteristic or trait I possess is grit, which to me is a combination of passion and perseverance, coupled with tenacity and resolve.
What are some of the most pressing issues you plan to focus on?
I believe there is a simple strategic formula for our county’s success and prosperity in line with the purview of the county council and that is Infrastructure + Public Safety + Amenities = Prosperity.
Infrastructure for a growing community is fundamental to sustaining its development and enhancing residents’ quality of life and place. Thoughtful planning and investment in infrastructure is imperative, including the development and maintenance of transportation networks, utilities, educational facilities and healthcare services. Well-designed and resilient infrastructure not only supports the current needs of the community but also lays the groundwork for future growth, fostering economic prosperity and creating a sustainable and vibrant living environment for all residents.
Public Safety for a community is paramount in fostering a secure and thriving environment. It involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses law enforcement, emergency response, community engagement, and proactive crime prevention strategies, including ensuring adequate staffing.
Amenities for our county are essential to nurturing a high quality of life and place. As our community expands, it becomes imperative to invest in recreational spaces and cultural facilities that cater to the diverse needs and interests of residents and involves developing parks, community centers and other communal spaces that encourage social interaction, physical activity and engagement. Adequate public amenities contribute to the overall health and happiness of the community, fostering a sense of belonging and community pride.
What are some goals/plans you have if elected?
I am excited about the opportunity to engage with the residents of Hancock County and listen to their concerns, ideas and aspirations for our community. One item in particular I would like to see studied in conjunction with the various fire territories is potentially the county’s involvement in a multi-township/jurisdictional fire station and sheriff’s department substation in the general area of 600N/200W (where four townships meet) to improve emergency response times at the peripheral of the growing townships of Vernon, Buck Creek and Center. Beyond that, ensuring our transportation infrastructure keeps pace with development and truly listening to the residents and being their voice. Ultimately, together, we can build a shared vision for a better future and work towards achieving our common goals and truly providing quality of place in Hancock County.
