OP-ED: VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCILMEN JAMES RABEN Cites Leadership and Fiscal Responsibly

OP-ED: VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCILMEN JAMES RABEN Cites Leadership and Fiscal Responsibly

OCTOBER 16, 2022

I am the Republican candidate running for re-election this November for Vanderburgh County Council in District 1.  I have served as the Vanderburgh County Council Finance Chairman for 20+ years and served as President for 4 years. I have a reputation for being fair and fiscally conservative. I have a proven track record of holding down the cost of county government by spending your tax dollars wisely, while still providing all necessary government services and an environment that nurtures economic development and job growth. I am a proud supporter of our law enforcement and have served as the Vanderburgh County Sheriff Liaison for the past 3 Sheriff’s Administrations.

I am a lifelong westside resident of Vanderburgh County.  For over 40 years I was a Partner/Operator of Raben Tire Company and was elected to serve on the Tire Industry Association Board of Directors as the Governmental Affairs Chairman of North America.  As a 36-year member and Past President of the West Side Nut Club, I was elected to serve on the WSNC Board of Directors from 2011-2021.  

I have been married to Judi (Canterbury) Raben for 38 years, and together we are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  We have two sons, Jordan (35) and Alex (31), and are the proud grandparents of 1 granddaughter and 3 grandsons. 

I want to share a few of our most recent accomplishments at the Vanderburgh County Council within the past year:

• The County Council along with the County Commissioners approved a $10 million partnership with AT&T for countywide broadband coverage, paid for by American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to be completed in 2023.
• The County Council approved and funded the County Commissioners’ unprecedented $7 million road re-paving plan to be completed in 2023.
• The County Council approved funding $15.2 million towards jail expansion to address the overcrowding issues and camera systems at the Confinement Center, and $1 million for a mental health wing. 
• The County Council approved $4.5 million from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds for additional court space for Vanderburgh Superior and Circuit Courts. This is necessary to increase the speed of the judicial process, decrease delays in court hearings, and to reduce the jail population.

All of this with no impact on Vanderburgh County taxpayers’ property taxes.  

Tough decisions and a sound plan require not only leadership but also a keen understanding of county finances.  My many years of experience as Finance Chairman provide me with the financial expertise to help direct the tough decisions, which is critical for the many challenges facing county government today.

I appreciate your vote on Tuesday, November 8^th.

FOOTNOTE:  THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT OPINION, BIAS, OR EDITING.