3 GOP candidates seek St. Joseph County Commissioners Dist. 3 seat, share views on issues

The Tribune is partnering with the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area and the American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend to publish candidates' answers to questions on the issues. The League, with local help from the ADP, operates Vote411.org, a website with information about the candidates and their positions on key issues.

The Tribune has agreed to run candidate answers unedited, meaning any spelling, typographical or grammatical errors are the candidates' own. If there is no photo of a candidate, it's because the candidate did not provide one. The Tribune is publishing only some of the questions from contested races. Additional questions and answers, including from candidates who have no opponent in the primary, are available at Vote411.org.

The Board of County Commissioners is three people elected to four-year terms to serve as the executive branch of county government, sort of the mayor of the county. This year, two of the seats on that commission are up for election. District 2 has no contest in the primary, but District 3 has three candidates in the Republican primary. There are currently no Democrats running in District 3.

Tony Hazen is the incumbent, having recently been selected by the party to complete the term of retiring commissioner Deb Fleming. He's opposed for a full term by Maggie DeMaegd and Tom McCormick.

Maggie DeMaegd

Occupation: Finance Division Compliance Assistant/ Accounts Payable University of Notre Dame; Board of Directors, The Res

Education: San Diego City College

Email: maggiedemaegd@gmail.com

Campaign phone: 574-229-6051

Facebook: facebook.com/maggiedemaegd.16

Tony Hazen

Occupation: Saint Joseph County Commissioner 3rd District

Education: Mishawaka High School, Indiana Police Acadamy, Police Executive Leadership Acadamy, FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development School

Email: tony@hazen4commissioner.com

Campaign phone: 574-276-6993

Website: Hazen4Commissioner.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Hazen4Commissioner

Tom McCormick

Occupation: Electrical contractor/CEO...firefighter

Education: High school graduate; electrical trade school

Email: tom@mccormick4commissioner.com

Campaign phone: 574-876-8831

Website: McCormick4Commissioner.com

Facebook: facebook.com/McCormick4Commissioner

What experiences and skills qualify you to be a good commissioner?

DeMaegd: I served four years on the Mishawaka Common Council, at-large, during that time, I learned to not only listen to my constituents but to take an active role in making their voices heard --- I posted a monthly criminal activity report. I aided in the formation of the successful West End Neighborhood Watch program, whose members demanded things be done to alleviate the crime/drug issues which plagued their neighborhood. In the 40 years of working in the private sector --- publishing, horticulture, a two-year posting with the US State Dept. in New Delhi, India (Embassy Security) and working for the University of Notre Dame in the Finance Division ---and many years of volunteer work, I’ve learned that discussions, facts, asking questions and making the often time difficult decision takes a combination of what I have, experience and compassion.

Hazen: With a rich background as a former Chief of Police, Mishawaka councilman, and local business owner, I offer proven, level-headed leadership to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. My lifelong commitment to our community drives my mission to enhance safety, support economic development, and improve infrastructure. My diverse experience—protecting our streets, advocating for our city’s growth, and navigating business challenges—equips me with a balanced perspective essential for fostering a thriving, secure St. Joseph County. Vote for dedicated service and vision.

McCormick: My original background was in farming, where I learned that success comes from hard honest work. I know the importance of customer service. I started McCormick Electrical Services in 1999 which serves homeowners in a 5-county area including St Joe County I have had the honor of being a Firefighter of Liberty Township for the past 35 years. I know what it means to put others first at a moment's notice. I hold my faith in God and give thanks to the Lord each day. I am a member of The Vineyard Church in Mishawaka My passion for serving the taxpayers of this county as a commissioner goes back to as early as 1993 when I worked a short time for our County Highway Department.

What would be your top two priorities as a commissioner?

DeMaegd: First, is to keep the county’s budget in check. Governments, local, or otherwise, do not produce an income. The money spent on public safety, salaries, roads, etc comes from us, the tax payer. It is vital to have commissioners who will be able to rein in unnecessary spending in the interest of the County and its citizens, while providing the necessary funds to keep the County competitive and moving forward. My second priority would be to work with other County offices on identifying and solving the problems that arise surrounding our water, soil and natural resources of St. Joseph County. A large part of our county relies on the preservation and conservation of parklands, farms, other natural open spaces and wildlife. I will work on making sure these precious resources are protected.

Hazen: If re-elected as St. Joseph County Commissioner, my top priorities are public safety and responsible economic development. Public safety is foundational; without it, communities cannot thrive. My experience as a former Chief of Police underscores my commitment to ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and secure. As a small business owner and former Mishawaka councilman, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities in our local economy. Supporting businesses, creating jobs, and fostering a vibrant economic environment not only improves our standard of living but also secures a prosperous future for St. Joseph County. These priorities reflect my dedication to a community where safety and prosperity go hand in hand.

McCormick: You are asking for two but my focus will be and needs to be on three at all times... I call it my 3-Win Philosophy. 1st the Taxpayers must win while we would all love to see lower taxes the better answer is maybe the county needs to provide better more efficient services for the tax dollar it is receiving. 2nd the Employees of the County must win. Yes, the County has decent wages and benefits but it is not just about wages and benefits it's about empowering and retaining the talent we already have so we can train and teach the next generation of employees versus losing seasoned employees to the private sector and spending money on continually training new people 3rd the County must win. The county has to stay financially solvent and continually look at ways to be the most efficient for the Taxpayers and the Employees of St Joe County.

How well did the county do in evaluating and handling the closure of Portage Manor as the county home for people with disabilities and mental illness? Is there anything you would do differently?

DeMaegd: The Portage Manor closure was, I am sure, a tough decision for all involved – residents, families, employees and the County’s elected officials. I wasn’t privy to the meetings and other discussions held between County officials concerning the disrepair of the 100-year old facility and how best to care for and relocate the residents. Is there anything I would have done differently? I don’t know, I cannot make an informed statement without first having all the facts.

Hazen: The handling of the Portage Manor closure highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. While efforts to find solutions for residents were made, the process underscored the need for a more proactive, transparent approach to significant transitions. If faced with this today, I would advocate for earlier- broader engagement with stakeholders to include residents, families, and disability advocates and to explore all options thoroughly and transparently. Investing in a comprehensive plan for alternative care facilities and support services from the outset would be key. Ensuring that transitions are managed with the utmost care, dignity, and respect for all affected individuals would be my priority, aiming for solutions that not only meet immediate needs but also enhance long-term support and care for our community's most vulnerable.

McCormick: I feel the issues surrounding Portage Manor should have been dealt with continually over the past 20 years verse it getting dumped on in complete dismay and leaving the Commissioner's no real choice for the benefit of the residents and the taxpayer's to have to close the building. My heart goes out to the resident and families but after touring the building I would not have left on of my loved one to live in that facility.

How committed are you to conducting the public's business transparently so residents can offer meaningful feedback before decisions are made? How will you solicit resident feedback, and do you commit to follow guidance from Indiana's Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records?

DeMaegd: In my four years as an at-large Mishawaka Councilwoman, I consistently encouraged my constituents to be involved with their local government ----to attend and voice their concerns at public meetings, ask questions and demand answers of their representatives and other local officials. Every Friday, prior to a Council meeting the following Monday, I would post the upcoming meeting agenda so that my constituents would know what their Council would be discussing and voting on. To solicit feedback, you must first engage the people by listening, not necessarily always agreeing, but showing respect and giving those who wish, appropriate time to have their say. I commit to follow what was laid out in the recently enacted (effective 7/1/2024) IN HB 1338. Bill Text: IN HB1338 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled | LegiScan

Hazen: I am deeply committed to transparency in conducting the public's business, ensuring residents have ample opportunity to provide meaningful feedback before decisions are made. I have already addressed this issue with a language change that I proposed in February, and it was passed unanimously. We now allow input from the public BEFORE a vote is made on an issue. We additionally allow an unlimited number of people to speak on privilege of the floor at the end of the Commissioner meetings. I firmly commit to following guidance from Indiana’s Public Access Counselor on open meetings and public records, ensuring our processes meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Open, honest communication is the hallmark of my tenure, ensuring decisions reflect the will and best interests of our community.

McCormick: I am for complete transparency. My slogan for my campaign is "Wanting what's best for you" So what that means is we have to communicate. I want you to talk to me and I want to talk to you. I am asking for the voters to hold me accountable for my actions. In all honesty I would like to learn more about "Indiana's Public Access Counselor"

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: DeMaegd, Hazen, McCormick answer questions on issues facing county