Sanders Seeks Another Term on Council
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Staff Report-
“Recently when ordering new yard signs, I had to decide whether to use the word ‘elect’ or ‘re-elect’ on my signs. The tendency of some voters seems to be that incumbents need to be defeated and sent home,”said Sanders.
“I have a different view. Our county government is a big business when you consider we have a $19.3 million budget. According to the 2011 Indiana Farm Bureau Report, Kosciusko County has the fifth lowest tax rate in the entire state. We consistently hear that other Indiana counties are jealous of our county’s stability, diversity and sound financial position. So my view is, why would you throw out those people who obviously have been running our county government so successfully?”
Sanders has served on the county council for the past eight years.
“I consider myself a fiscal conservative, and am proud of the solid financial position of our county. I decided to run again out of a genuine, deep concern. In 2011, two new councilmen were sworn in. With the passing of Councilman Kinsey, another new person will soon be added. It truly takes time to learn the mechanics of county finances, and I feel it is my duty to run again and share the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Sanders also said there is confusion on the duties of the county council.
“Some folks mistakenly think the county council has the same powers as Warsaw’s common council. The county council does not make signage, zoning or recycling ordinances; that is the job of the commissioners,” said Sanders. “The council can be better compared to the controller of a company. The council approves department budgets and appropriations, adopts tax rates, and establishes tax levies. The council knows the amount of funds it has to work with, and then disburses it to the various departments based upon the approved budgets and any additional appropriations requested by the commissioners.”
Sanders said he also knows what lies ahead for counties.
“Unfortunately, each year we receive less and less money from the state and federal governments. The property tax cap and decreasing home values are also affecting the amount of tax dollars we have available to pay our bills,” said Sanders. “I believe my county government experience, as well as operating my own business for 33 years, can help Kosciusko County during these tough economic times. I pledge to keep our taxes low and look for every opportunity to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”
Sanders has been a resident of the county since 1979, moving here from Indianapolis. He is the president and co-owner of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc., along with his wife, Sharon. The couple reside near the Barbee Lake Chain, and together has three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He is an Air Force veteran, a Rotarian and a Mizpah Shrine Club member. Sanders has been involved with numerous civic and charitable organizations, and was recognized as “Man of the Year” in 1998. He currently serves as the council’s liaison to the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, the policy board of the Michiana Area Council of Governments, Lakeland Regional Sewer District and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
“Recently when ordering new yard signs, I had to decide whether to use the word ‘elect’ or ‘re-elect’ on my signs. The tendency of some voters seems to be that incumbents need to be defeated and sent home,”said Sanders.
“I have a different view. Our county government is a big business when you consider we have a $19.3 million budget. According to the 2011 Indiana Farm Bureau Report, Kosciusko County has the fifth lowest tax rate in the entire state. We consistently hear that other Indiana counties are jealous of our county’s stability, diversity and sound financial position. So my view is, why would you throw out those people who obviously have been running our county government so successfully?”
Sanders has served on the county council for the past eight years.
“I consider myself a fiscal conservative, and am proud of the solid financial position of our county. I decided to run again out of a genuine, deep concern. In 2011, two new councilmen were sworn in. With the passing of Councilman Kinsey, another new person will soon be added. It truly takes time to learn the mechanics of county finances, and I feel it is my duty to run again and share the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Sanders also said there is confusion on the duties of the county council.
“Some folks mistakenly think the county council has the same powers as Warsaw’s common council. The county council does not make signage, zoning or recycling ordinances; that is the job of the commissioners,” said Sanders. “The council can be better compared to the controller of a company. The council approves department budgets and appropriations, adopts tax rates, and establishes tax levies. The council knows the amount of funds it has to work with, and then disburses it to the various departments based upon the approved budgets and any additional appropriations requested by the commissioners.”
Sanders said he also knows what lies ahead for counties.
“Unfortunately, each year we receive less and less money from the state and federal governments. The property tax cap and decreasing home values are also affecting the amount of tax dollars we have available to pay our bills,” said Sanders. “I believe my county government experience, as well as operating my own business for 33 years, can help Kosciusko County during these tough economic times. I pledge to keep our taxes low and look for every opportunity to use taxpayer dollars wisely.”
Sanders has been a resident of the county since 1979, moving here from Indianapolis. He is the president and co-owner of Bodkin Abstract Co. Inc., along with his wife, Sharon. The couple reside near the Barbee Lake Chain, and together has three children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He is an Air Force veteran, a Rotarian and a Mizpah Shrine Club member. Sanders has been involved with numerous civic and charitable organizations, and was recognized as “Man of the Year” in 1998. He currently serves as the council’s liaison to the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation, the policy board of the Michiana Area Council of Governments, Lakeland Regional Sewer District and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092