Dear Editor:
Altman
Election to public office at any level is both an honor and a commitment to serve your community. Those who seek election to public office should do so based on that commitment of service, have a record of community service, have support from the community, and most of all have the experience and qualifications to effectively do the job.
When Mitch Daniels first ran for Governor, I had the privilege of introducing him at the county combined Chamber of Commerce luncheon. In my introduction I noted that voter selection should be based on the candidate’s resume. Running for office should be considered a job interview. A candidate should be able to articulate why they are qualified to serve, what their vision is for the community they wish to serve, and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Unfortunately in the current bombastic world of politics many candidates run based on negative campaigns rather than a platform of their accomplishments and qualifications.
Based on an “Opinion” piece recently generated by Matt Milam’s campaign, it appears that my opponent believes that he will be more successful with a negative campaign of attacks, innuendo, and incomplete information rather than basing his candidacy on his accomplishments, experience, or qualifications.
As in past elections I will run on my experience as an accountant, attorney, and business person, my past and current service both as an elected official and as a community volunteer, and my vision for the future of Hamilton County.
Hamilton County and our cities and towns are nationally recognized as one of the safest and best places to live in the country. Positive growth and recognition have not come by accident but rather from the hard work of county government, mayors, city councils, town boards, school boards, library boards, townships, plan commissions, zoning boards, and the multitude of citizens who volunteer on boards and not-for-profits that build and strengthen our community. The success of Hamilton County is dependent on experienced and enlightened community leaders working together making thoughtful and strategic investments with public and private dollars.
While I don’t intend to put on my waders and get in the mud with my opponent, I do feel compelled to share accurate information. In Hamilton County we choose not to make the office of County Commissioner a full time position even though it does take a majority of our time to serve. As such we three commissioners continue to be active in our professions. I am proud to be the legal advisor for many clients, most of which, including Wayne Township, I have represented for over 30 years. In the event of a conflict of interest, I disclose the conflict and do not vote on the issue. Government moves on.
I am also proud to have an ownership interest in Carmel’s first library building, formerly City Hall, and now leased to a long-term tenant. By lease all costs of the building are born by the tenant, including taxes. My tenant overlooked mailing the November tax payment, I reminded him, and he promptly paid the taxes plus the 10 percent late charge.
Finally, I have invested in the Hamilton County Tax Sale. Anyone can – it is a public auction. The bidding is very completive, which is a good thing. The county receives all past due taxes, assessments, penalties, and costs of collection the day of sale. Owners of the property have a full year to redeem and retain their property. The county invests the overbids during the redemption period. Tax sales assure that seriously delinquent taxes are paid and it returns properties to the tax rolls for the benefits all taxpayers.
I am proud to call Hamilton County home and am thankful for the members of our county who actively work to make it a great, interesting, and inviting place. My pledge is to continue to serve with integrity. I hope that you, the voters, will review my resume and will retain me to serve another term. We have many projects in the works to keep our county safe, secure, and an enjoyable place to live and work.
Christine Altman
Hamilton County Commissioner, District One
Interesting that Ms. Altman completely ignored the 9 engineers who are major campaign donors to her. Let’s just come out and say it: What do they want in return for their money? Do they want what’s best for Hamilton County or what’s best for their businesses? Altman should avoid the look of pay to play and simply tell voters what the engineers want, especially if it’s for the good of the county.
Awesome response. Thank you for asking it. Christine, this gentleman is not part of Matt’s highly uncompensated campaign of three. I am stating that here so you don’t think we are “astroturfing”. We don’t have enough money to do that, but his sentiments are partly why Matt is running.