Profession: Founding director of the University of Southern Indiana’s Center for Applied Research. Since its inception, the Center has completed over 100 projects for southwest Indiana and the state including Spencer County’s Tourism Impact Study, Tell City’s Economic Development Plan, Perry County’s Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Strategic Plan, and Dubois County Area Development Corporation’s Strategic Plan. Sue also serves on Indiana’s HomeTown Competitiveness Resource Team and serves as the Ferdinand FHTC Site Coach.

Family: Married to Jim Mehling, Assistant Principal of Forest Park High School. They have a blended family of four daughters: Lauren Ellspermann, 23, a graduate of Purdue and science teacher in Louisville; Laura Mehling Wirthwein, 22, recently married and a business major at the Community College of Southern Nevada; Grace Mehling, 20, a junior at the University of Southern Indiana with a career goal of helping children with disabilities through horse therapy; and Kara Ellspermann, a certified EMT and a student majoring in biomedical engineering at Purdue University.

Organizations: Sue and Jim are members of St. Ferdinand Parish where they serve on the Strategic Planning Committee. Sue and her girls were 20 year members of Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Evansville where Sue served on the Parish Council and the Stewardship Commission and served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector.

Why Running: I have an unusual background. I am a female engineer. I was the owner of my own consulting firm for almost 20 years. I have traveled internationally to serve my clients. I became a single mother of two at 40 and I became an academic at 45.

So why am I now running for office? Because I have long believed that you cannot make change from the outside. It must come from within. As a lifelong Catholic, I have served my diocese and parishes to do just that. Human institutions are not perfect. However, convicted people can make them better.

I believe there has never been a more important time to have strong public servants with the problem solving and consensus-building skills to lead our state through these turbulent times. I don’t bring a single set of answers and positions, but the ability to think through and lead others in the diligent process of identifying and then solving problems effectively.


I hold strong conservative values: low taxes, small government, pro-business climate, world-class education, sanctity of life and strong families. I believe these are the values of my fellow Hoosiers and, particularly, of southwest Indiana.

Top Issue Beliefs: Economic Development

I will focus on growing and attracting high tech, high value industries. These industries bring high quality jobs which allow opportunities for our skilled and educated young adults: engineers, technicians, IT professionals, managers to name a few.
I will encourage, support and nourish entrepreneurship by proposing, for example, a tax credit on profits for the first 1-3 years in business and exploring ways to make healthcare affordable and accessible to an entrepreneur during his/her first years.
I will seek out and support programs and engagement processes that will help our small towns build thriving community development.
Education

I will support our best and brightest by proposing, for example, partial loan forgiveness to those who gain degrees in these STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and math) careers and make Indiana their home upon graduation.
To increase the number of post-secondary degrees in the region, I will ensure every high school has access to an alternative school and/or programs which provide an avenue for a troubled or challenged youth to gain a high school diploma. I will pursue programs, collaborations, and campuses that will provide District 74 adults access to the professional degrees and certifications needed in a strong workforce.
Business and Industry

I will work to reduce the constraints placed on employers regarding who they can hire. Indiana has a strong pro-union heritage. However, that heritage is not working as we just saw 1100 union jobs leave SW Indiana with Whirlpool. I will work to make employment easier, not harder for the employer and ensure potential employees have access to as many available jobs as they can.
I will work to ensure the enforcement of existing state and federal laws before creating new hurdles for businesses; immigration and environmental being two key areas. Every new regulation increases the cost for an employer to do business in Indiana. This is good, not only for existing Hoosier businesses, but it can be a successful tool for attracting new industries to our state.
Sanctity of Life

I will promote the sanctity of life by working to strengthen laws that ensure Hoosier medical professionals are not “forced” into unconscionable acts and to ensure that our state tax dollars do not fund abortion.
I support a culture that respects life, including those with disabilities and the elderly. I believe we must continue to dialogue and problem solve with those of all perspectives so that we can be proud of the care and support provided within our borders to all Hoosiers.

Profession: Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in his first attempt at public office in 1996. His fellow caucus members elected him to be their House Majority Leader in 2002, a position he still maintains today.

Family: Married to Joanna Stilwell – 36 Years
Twin Sons – Matt and Lisa Stilwell and Ben and Amy Stilwell
Six Grandchildren – Taylor, Kailyn, Cole, Joey, Sloane, Blair

Organizations: Member, Farm Bureau
Life Member, Veteran’s Foreign Wars (VFW)
Member, American Legion
Member, Disable American Veteran’s
Member, Elks Post Lodge
Member, UMWA Local 1189
Member, Alcoa Community Action Board (CAB)
Former Little League coach and Board Member
Former Junior League Football coach and Board Member
United Methodist Church

Experience: A third-generation coal miner, he was drafted into the U.S. armed forces shortly after his high school years. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1969 after serving in a combat infantry unit in Vietnam. After returning home from Vietnam and following a couple bouts with Malaria, Russ began work as a coal miner in Warrick County. While working the evening shift at the mine, Russ returned to school under the G.I. Bill where he earned his B.S. degree in Political Science and Social Science from the University of Southern Indiana.
Stilwell continued working in the coal mines until he was promoted to a position representing coal miners for his union in the early 1980's. He retired from Mineworkers after a 35-year career. He was the union’s national Political Coordinator overseeing several states upon his retirement.

Why Running: Stilwell said he has worked his entire life for the betterment of working families and hard working Hoosiers. Throughout his career with the mineworkers, he championed issues that make life better for hard working Hoosier families. During his first term in the legislature in 1997, Russ showed his independence by refusing to vote for a budget of his own party until issues important to Hoosier families were addressed. And they were.
"I believe that you must care about issues folks in your district bring to you. I believe that you must address every phone call, every email and every concern just like you would want someone to do for you or your family. I have done my best to serve you and your family. I hope I have earned your trust. I ask you for your support in the November 2010 election."

Top Issue Beliefs: Equitable state funding for Hoosier communities
Strong schools
Successful agriculture
Economic and community development

Profession: Boyer served for more than three years in the United States Army in Germany, came home and served a four-year apprenticeship at George Koch & Sons in Evansville. He later worked 27 years at Alcoa, where he was responsible for mechanical work, building maintenance, truck shop and roll shop apprenticeships.
“I have had experience with multi-million dollar budgets. When I retired, I was the area supervisor of 75 men and unit supervisors.”

Family: Boyer and his wife of 50 years, Betty, have two children, James L Boyer, Jr. who is retired from the United States Air Force and Teresa Gordon, a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. They have three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A fourth is due in May.

Organizations: He attends Mt. Zion Methodist Church and was in one of the first classes to graduate from the Spencer County Leadership Academy. He has a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology and a master’s degree in human-resource development.

Experience: Boyer is serving his fourth term on the South Spencer School Board of Trustees and pointed to several accomplishments, including renovation of Luce Elementary School and assisting teachers and staff in accomplishing the many improvements in our elementary and high school academic achievements.
“I was a part of starting our FFA program and I have worked very hard for the people in our district, promoting honesty, integrity and I'm always there to help if I can,” he said. “I have only missed one meeting (regular and executive) in 15 years.”

Why Running: Looking at county government, Boyer said he sees several pressing issues, including cuts to state funding.
“I believe our most pressing issue is the reduction of state and local revenue due to the economy,” he said. “We must be innovative in our use of funding by looking for ways to maximize our funds.”
Boyer said communities are deteriorating because of older housing, junk cars and overall appearance. “Our young people are seeking their futures elsewhere because we do not have jobs, affordable housing or the infrastructure to promote confidence in our communities. The response: Promote the development of our area communities to improve jobs, housing, business climate and retention of our young people. “Many families are struggling financially, some are on the verge of losing their homes,” he said. “ If we are to prosper and grow, we need jobs and business growth.”
Boyer said the county’s two school systems are doing excellent jobs of education children and their success will help the county in the future. “Both school systems are winning many state awards for excellence. We need to invest in those areas that will provide a future for our children,” he said.
By keeping our eye to the future, Boyer said local leaders “must develop pride in our communities, manage our budget wisely, support law enforcement and create a better business environment. As I drive through the area that I have lived in for many years, I see many homes that are deserted or in poor repair. Junk cars are parked everywhere and the roadsides are littered with trash. I think the answer is being able to work and have disposable income. Have pride in what you are and do. The council and the commissioners can help by providing guidance and financial assistance. I believe the Luce Township Sewer System, the Luce Elementary School renovation and the improvement of our economy will cause housing development and therefore an increase in population. I am honest, hardworking and dedicated to improving Spencer County. I will be available to you by phone or in person.

Profession: He is employed by Farm Bureau Insurance in Rockport.

Family: He and his wife, Lou, have five children.

Organizations: Winsett is a member of several local boards, including plannign and zoning, solid waste and community corrections. He is also active with Masonic Lodge 112, Shriners, Scottis Rite and is a member of Bloomfield Wesley Chapel, Emmaus Community and Chrisney Optimist Club.

Experience: Seeking a third term on the council.

Top Issue Beliefs: “Not knowing the amount of revenue the county will receive. Spencer County is fiscally sound. The challenge is to keep it that way,” he said.

Profession: Sara J Arnold, 49, of Mariah Hills is currently serving as county assessor and is seeking re-election.
She was twice-elected county auditor before being elected assessor.

Family: Arnold and her husband, Neil, have two children, Eric and David Neumann and two grandsons, Tyler and Evan.

Top Issue Beliefs: “Spencer County was the first county in the state to achieve compliancy for both Assessor and Auditor 2010 data. Taking over the nine township trustee/assessor duties in 2008 has increased the workload but makes for uniform assessment throughout the county,” she said. Reassessment officially starts July 1, 2010. Parcel reviews and inspections began last year. It will be a challenge to complete the reassessment by March 1, 2012 but I believe it will be done on time. I have a terrific staff and you can be assured we will do what is necessary to get the job done.
Arnold is curently president of the Association of Indiana Counties, is Democrat vice county chair and serves on the Lincoln Heritage Library Board and on the finance board of St. John’s Lutheran Church.
“ I am a Level II Certified Indiana Assessor/Appraiser.
Making sure assessments are appropriate for market values in Spencer County is the number one priority for my office. Through my work with the AIC I have been working with legislators to address concerns with property tax caps, counties being able to provide adequate services while revenues decline and local government reform.

Profession: Shelton has been auditor since January 2007 and previously worked as a real-estate abstractor and paralegal, administrative assistant and manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Family: Shelton and her husband, Michael, have two children.

Organizations: She serves as treasurer of the Spencer County Public Library and is active at Baker Chapel United Methodist Church, where her husband is the pastor.

Experience: She pledges to continue working for the betterment of the office and community. Since being elected, she has returned Spencer County to on-time billing for property taxes and said she met or exceeded all data compliance requirements set by the state.
“I have worked hard to make the auditor’s office a place where taxpayers and county employees feel comfortable coming in and asking questions,” she said. “We’ve worked hard to keep the public informed of important issues that affect the county. I will continue make the office a place where concerned citizens and county employees can have their voice heard.”

Profession: Worked for more than 35 years at Alcoa.

Family: Rininger and his wife, LaVon, have three children.

Experience: Dan Rininger is seeking his fourth term as county commissioner in District 1.
He lists as accomplishments the upgrading of more than 50 miles of roads in District 1 alone, retained the CEDIT road plan, negotiated the U.S. 231 overpass near Heritage Hills, assisted in the building of the new state-of-the-art county garage, and “most importantly, I have responded in a timely manner to the needs of the taxpayers of the county when they are in need.
Looking ahead, Rininger identifies several issues he said will need to be ad-dressed by local leaders, including funding the needs of the county.
“With the poor economy as it is, funding streams are drying up. An example is the highway department funding has been cut by $600,000 the last two years, mandated by the state. What has resulted is a hiring freeze and a significant reduction of new equipment purchasing, not counting new methods for employee work days and methods for ongoing maintenance of roads and ditches. The district road funding from the state gas tax has gone down to a 1997 funding level for our 2010 costs and needs,” he said. “That means approximately $40,000 per district to maintain 260 miles of road and 520 miles of road ditches. Other significant funding problems are ongoing health-care costs, unfunded mandates from the state, and high costs for purchasing of replacement goods.”
Job creation and retention, he said, are also crucial, as is promoting pride in communities. “Making the litterers understand that putting trash in its proper place is the right thing to do would improve our visual presence. We are all creatures of habit, so teaching pride in our county is a must if we hope to move on to the next visual level of improvement,” he said.
Rininger said his experience makes him the right choice for another term.
“My experience over the last 11-plus years allows me to have a unique perspective of the commissioners job.

Top Issue Beliefs: As I have moved through the last 11 years the county needs have changed from, what are the best methods of road improvement, or, how do we put in place employee screening processes to keep and improve their health, to, how can we maintain the services the county provides in the current funding climate?” he said.
“My ongoing crisis-management experience for the county helps me make good, informed decisions. Lastly, I do not have any agenda other than improving Spencer County both now and in the future. The measurement has traditionally been, is Spencer County better now than when you took office, I can confidently say, in my opinion, yes it is.”

Profession: With a background in welding, mechanics and equipment operation, Toler began working at American Electric Power in 1984 and later started his own business, Sceptre Mechanical. The company now employees 52 employees.

Family: He said 95 percent of those are Spencer County residents. He and his wife, Wanda, have been married for 40 years and have three children and 12 grandchildren.

Why Running: Toler is making his first run at political office. Pressing issues for the county, he said, continue to be making sure tax dollars are appropriated for the growth of the county and that no unnecessary spending occurs. He said county leaders should review economic growth potential for the county, concentrating on expansion of small business and recruiting new businesses. “We need to establish a construction and maintenance program short and long term for county roads, bridges and ditches,” he added.
Toler said the county needs to work with towns and townships in promoting better infrastructure, which he said is important to growth. He also wants to project Spencer County on a national level. “We need local business in this county to prosper and grow, no temporary companies from out of state to come in and set up to prosper and then leave,” he said. “We need the new coal-gas project to be approved by state, local and federal standards with the highest technologies available to produce clean-burning gas for Indiana customers at a lower price than market price.”
Toler said he brings 33 years of leadership, management, administrative and physical hands-on experience.
“Trust is always considered when choosing a a candidate. You must trust your candidate to do what’s best for the community and county.”