Yesterday, restaurant owner and real estate investor Steve Hammer officially filed as a candidate for Vanderburgh County Commissioner Thursday.

Hammer said the idea started four months ago when political and business leaders asked him to run.

His campaign focuses on being business friendly, creating more tax income for the county, and creating wealth in the private sector.

The first-time candidate is excited to take this symbolic step.

The District 2 seat is currently held by Bruce Ungethiem.

Mr. Hammer told the many supporters that attended his official announcement that as a first time candidate, it’s humbling and gratifying to see friends standing with you.

Almost four months ago, a group of Evansville business and political leaders asked me to consider running for this seat. It’s a soul searching endeavor to decide to subject yourself to public scrutiny, and one I don’t take lightly. If I wasn’t the right person for the job, we all wouldn’t be standing here today.

As a real estate investor and restaurateur in our community, I’ve been fortunate to have a successful career in the private sector. I’m prepared to devote my skills and experience to better our County in the public sector.

Here are three things I will do…

Make government business friendly. Economic growth creates more tax income for government in the public sector and more jobs and wealth in the private sector. They go hand in hand. Make it easy to do business in our community and everyone wins. It’s that simple.

Surround yourself with talented people. I will appoint the correct and appropriate men and women to our community boards and commissions, people who want to serve the community, not themselves.

Be conscientious in your decision making. I will find creative and innovative solutions to our problems and make responsible business-like financial decisions

That is what business people like me do every day and that is what government should be doing more of. I’m committed to our community, I care about my fellow citizens and I’m the most capable candidate for this office and we need more of us in public service.

Thank you all for your time.

Campaign Centered on Experience, Focused on Community

Yesterday, Mike Duckworth made a formal announcement declaring that he has officially filed as a Republican candidate for District 2 Vanderburgh County Commissioner. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters Duckworth reiterated his commitment to serving the residents of Vanderburgh County.

“I will collaborate with other public officials and other key decision makers and I will always be accessible to hear all sides of an issue, AND, rest assured I can and I will make decisions.”

Duckworth stated that his lifetime of experience working with local leaders to better our community makes him uniquely qualified for the position of Commissioner.
“As a lifelong resident of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, I bring to this race over 40 years of relevant work experience in government and community service.”
“In the coming months, you may hear others say, ‘We need a fresh set of eyes’ and ‘experience doesn’t matter’ in this role. And I’ll tell you, if I didn’t have experience I might say the same thing, but MY relevant and specific public service experience is critical in this role.”

Duckworth is a life long resident of Vanderburgh County and has worked to better his community his entire working life. He served 17 years as a Sheriff’s Deputy and has 21 years of service on the School Board (5 times as its President). He has spent 35 years as a Coach and Commissioner of Evansville Youth Baseball. He has served on the Board of Directors for Freedom Fest and was the 2003 President. He’s served as Executive Director for the Department of Transportation, Superintendent of the Highway Department, Superintendent of the Evansville Water Department.

Duckworth held an announcement party at the F.O.P. Lodge 73. Gathered among the 50 plus guests were County Councilor and former Commissioner Joe Kiefer, State Senator Vanetta Becker, current GOP County Chairman Wayne Parke, many small businessmen, friends, and former officers who served with Duckworth at the Sheriffs office.

Mike Duckworth is a 1974 Graduate of Bosse High School. He earned both a Bachelors and Master Degree from the University of Southern Indiana. Mike and his Wife Traci have 3 Children and 1 grandson.