Published: April 30, 2008 10:25 am         

Terry Rodino cites his track record

Incumbent Republican Terry Rodino, 3rd District Elkhart County commissioner of Elkhart, cites his track record of delivering on commitments he made when first elected four years ago.

“I have proven that I am committed to make Elkhart County a better place for all to work and live,” Rodino added.

He is opposed in Tuesday’s Primary Election by challenger Robert Pedzinski. All county voters choose commissioner nominees, but the candidate must reside in the 3rd District.

“I have accomplished quite a lot in the first four years. There is a lot more to accomplish,” Rodino said of his decision to run for a second term. “Originally I thought I would be four years and out, but I have really enjoyed what I am doing and find myself working with two extremely talented commissioners and the finest county administrator anyone could ask to work with.

“We make an extremely strong board,” he said.

Included among the county issues Rodino sees as important are growing budgetary and consolidation concerns.

“We are faced with some tough decisions with regards to budgets and consolidations,” Rodino said. “With my business background and leadership skills, it makes sense that I continue to lead in this direction.”

A big part of those budgetary concerns center on property taxes and county corrections, Rodino said. He added that the past four years have done much to bring him up to speed with the cause and effect of many of the decisions relating to these issues that will need to be made by the board in the coming months.

In addition, with property tax legislation passed by the General Assembly capping property taxes at 1 percent for homeowners, 2 percent for rental properties and 3 percent for businesses, local governmental officials are being forced to find new ways of raising revenue.

Rodino indicated his support of the recent decision by the General Assembly to increase the state sales tax by 1 percent as a way to make up some of that lost revenue.

“Everyone we spoke to had no problem raising sales tax. No one wanted to raise income tax,” Rodino said. “I think the newest legislation does what people asked to be done. There are still a few unanswered issues, but time will tell what affect they will have.”

As for future issues regarding Elkhart County infrastructure, Rodino cited plans for the construction of a new Sheriff’s Administration Building and a new juvenile detention center as among the biggest projects currently on the county’s radar.

“We are currently working on the plans for the administration building and a new juvenile center,” Rodino said. “After this happens we can empty the old jail. It is unsightly and needs to be leveled.

“Goshen will be a happy town when that happens. What a difference it will make on the landscape of downtown Goshen,” he said.

Rodino, a small business owner and lifelong resident of the county, lives in Elkhart with his wife. They have two children.