(This article first appeared in the May print edition.)
The Republican primary for Henderson County Judge-Executive pits an experienced incumbent touting the county’s achievements versus a newcomer who believes current leadership does not have a public servant’s mindset.
Current County Judge-Executive Brad Schneider said he doesn’t believe his challenger, Timmy Dunn, is ready for the job.
“I respect Timmy Dunn for running. I’m sure he’s good man,” Schneider said. But he’s “vastly underqualified for the position.”
Schneider said that Dunn began running only because of the renewable energy issues in the county and does not have much to say about other topics related to the job.
“I think it would be a very, very difficult thing for him to succeed in this job,” Schneider said.
Dunn, however, disagrees. He said ‘yes,’ when asked directly if he could do the job. He pointed to the businesses he currently runs, Dunn Window Tinting and the restaurant First Fruits, both in Newburgh, and says that the experience of running them, managing a payroll and dealing with the day-to-day problems offer experience.
“I think some of that translates,” he said.
He said he’d be lying if he said he thought he’d come in on day one and “be awesome” at the job, but said the passion he feels for it will make it easier to learn. He further pointed out that Schneider was with Kyndle before being appointed to the position in 2016, and he remembered the current judge-executive’s quotes that he had big shoes to fill (after the death of former Judge-Executive Hugh McCormick) and that he had lots to learn.
Dunn did agree that renewable energy issues pushed him into the race, but said other concerns led up to that.
“It wasn’t the only reason I ran, but it was the final straw,” he said.
Dunn said it’s difficult to open and run a business in Henderson County. Dunn Window Tinting was located here until 2020 when Dunn said he needed to expand. He said he was able to find a less expensive location in Newburgh.
Additionally, he said he wants to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start a business and thrive.
“I think it’s crazy how hard it is for somebody to own and run a business,” he said.
Schneider, meanwhile, touted the positives that have come to Henderson in the past several years, and he said Henderson County Government had a hand in those achievements, though the county can’t take credit for all of it.
“If we had not participated, it would have jeopardized these projects,” he said.
He pointed to about $1 billion in investment for local projects that the county has been a part of. He said the achievement comes from cooperation between the county, the city of Henderson, Henderson Economic Development and private businesses. Projects include Pratt Paper, I-69, Hydro Aluminum and Tyson, among others.
Connected to the investment, Schneider also said that county has been a part of bringing 800 jobs to the community. Specifically, he mentioned Henderson County Mine and Pratt, both employers that pay workers well.
Another positive is county government’s current financial shape, which includes about a $45 million reserve fund, he said.
The large reserve fund allows the county to pay for projects without having to bond them, which allows for a quicker turnaround, Schneider said.
“We don’t have to jump through hoops,” he said. “We are operating from a position of strength.”
Schneider predicts that growth will occur because of I-69. He said more homes will be built along the U.S. 60 corridor and hopes that they could attract Evansville residents to move over to Henderson for the lower cost of living and easy access back over the river. He also said retail development should occur at the future I-69/U.S. 60 interchange and possibly at the Ky. 425 interchange and Ky. 416 interchange near Robards. And he believes more industry can come with the access provided by the interstate
One of Schneider’s goals is to fill the one million square foot build-ready pad currently at the Four Star Industrial Park.
Despite the economic accomplishments, Dunn said trust has been lost with local governments, including the county.
“I’d like to repair that relationship,” he said. And the first piece of that is to prove to voters an intention to be a public servant, which starts with language used. He said when politicians start using political jargon, the “common man is like, ‘Here we go.’”
“And they associate that with lies,” he said.
Dunn also said—in connection to starting businesses—that Henderson is in decline. Dunn, also a touring musician and country singer, said he talks to franchise owners who tell him they don’t want to try in this community.
Dunn said he wants to get with local codes and planning and look at ways to make businesses easier to get started. He wants to first help local businesses improve, and along with easier methods of getting started, then begin to bring outside businesses here.
Regarding the current wind energy conversion systems (wind farms) debate, Schneider said he expects continued vigorous public hearings. He said that the ordinance that the planning commission writes and then recommends will be approved by Henderson Fiscal Court.
He said fiscal court during his term has never disagreed with a planning commission recommendation.
“I would not anticipate that changing with this issue,” he said.
Regarding renewable energy, Dunn said the will of the majority of the people has not been followed. He, however, said that he wasn’t against renewable energy on the whole, adding that the country will need all forms of energy going forward—“It just has to be done the right way,” he said, adding that the way solar energy has come to Henderson County was not the right way.
Dunn said he’s ready to step away from touring and playing music if he were to win the election. He said as he’s grown older and developed a closer relationship with God, the music industry and the positions it puts you in have become less appealing.
Dunn said that Schneider has not treated residents with the respect they deserve. Dunn said elected officials need to understand they work for the people, and even if someone may come at you, “You have to deal with it kindly.”
“I feel like people deserve to be treated better than they’ve been treated,” he said.
Schneider, who has gone through three elections, said this election season has been the most controversial and mean-spirited he’s seen, describing some comments as “almost slanderous” and much of it coming via social media.
Schneider often responds, and according to Dunn, it’s not always respectful.
Schneider said, “If I have, it was a mistake. I try to be very factual.” He added that the rhetoric on social media can be hateful and targeted.
“It’s unfortunate to me that this is what our community is going through,” he said, adding that he hopes residents can get back to working together after the election is over.
