Jake Bohlander is seeking the Montgomery County at large seat. The following Q&A was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County. Other candidates in June’s primary election will be featured.
Jake Bohlander
Montgomery County Council at large
Address: Crawfordsville
Occupation: Owner Pinnacle Ag Solutions LLC Seed, crop insurance sales and grain farmer
Education: North Montgomery High School 2011 ; Purdue University B.A. Agriculture Economics 2015
Community Involvements: Pheasants Forever Coal Creek Chapter Member; Montgomery County Soil and Water Board
Party Affiliation: Republican
What do you think is the most important issue facing Crawfordsville/Montgomery County in the next four years?
To continue to move forward or go backwards, the county has made a lot of progress in the last few years.
We have water and sewer east of Crawfordsville which welcomes business and residential opportunities. Ivy Tech is offering growth for educational degrees that are relevant to our work force locally. Mayor Barton was able to attain the Stellar grant which helped fund Pike Place, Fusion 54, and the Rails and Trail Head. Crawfordsville also has a few new restaurants in Crawfordsville as well as new residential expansions.
There is a county plan for expansion for positive business growth. It is important that we utilize the ground work in place and build off of it, if we don’t continue the momentum all of this will have been in vain.
If elected, what would be your primary goal for the first year?
Support county departments with funds to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
What professional experience do you have that is relevant to the office you seek, and what specific skills do you possess that make you qualified for the position?
I am a small business owner. I make financial decisions daily. I understand a budget and how to operate within its parameters. I have been involved in leadership positions through the college Gran Prix Board as head sales and marketing; Farm House Fraternity, vice president head of recruitment; Ag Futures of America Leadership Team; and Big Brothers Big Sisters. It is important to be involved in leadership and am currently serving on our county Soil and Water Board. If elected, I will be the youngest member serving on our county council but offer a perspective and level of energy that is important in helping retain the next generation.
An elected office provides the opportunity to proactively lead by placing new ideas on the agenda for consideration and development. What are some specific ideas you intend to pursue if elected?
I believe it is important to focus on the retention of the next generation. This hasn’t been an area of focus. The old messages of you have to go to college and move away to get a job is not a positive one for our community or our youth. We have great opportunities in our community and need to keep our eye on new ones. We also need new homes to welcome our youth who want to come back to our community. I am 27 and the county’s population has been relatively stagnant in my life span. In both business and communities if you do not grow you die. That is something our community really needs to consider.
Describe your priorities for this term in office and your specific qualifications to address those issues effectively.
I do not have specific agenda. I want to serve my community and promote smart and efficient growth for the county. I support good ideas. I do believe we need more homes and businesses in the community as we are short of both. I am a small business owner I focus on vision rather than a reaction I believe this is important in government as well. It is important to have a plan as a community and decide the best way to get there rather than having to make rash decisions due to circumstances at hand.
Because the council serves a wide constituency, how can the council balance the needs and interests of both Crawfordsville and Montgomery County?
Team work — It is not one or the other. The city cannot prosper without a healthy county. Thus, Crawfordsville will struggle to move forward without a healthy rural community. It is a team effort, focus needs to be on working as a team so county, city and commissioners can develop community goals together.
What can Crawfordsville and Montgomery County do to reduce its carbon footprint?
I do not have the background or any experience to answer this question scientifically. However, as with any project a team could be initialized to investigate the proper approach. It does seem smart growth would include green space, amenities within walking distance and bike paths.
What is the greatest concern that you hear from residents?
They want more local opportunities to spend their discretionary income and honest and trustworthy government officials.
All cities and counties face fiscal challenges, how would you address balancing the budget and the needs and wants of the community?
I believe it is important to grow the tax base. Without additional homes and businesses paying in to our county it will be impossible to maintain the same level of services we utilize today. If we do not attract others to community the burden will be passed to current residents. The county is great! We should share it with others.
What can Crawfordsville and Montgomery County do to encourage businesses to locate here?
It is hasn’t been a level playing field for businesses to come to the county in the past. There hasn’t been infrastructure, a plan or tax abatements available that competing counties offer. I am a proponent of implementing these to attract business and residents to the community. Growth is vital for our county. Not ramped growth but smart growth that attracts the right businesses and right homes for our community.
During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, what will you do, if elected, to help the recovery of our business community?
Most restrictions have been implemented by the state; I support the standards that are in place to keep the spread from happening. The county council has limited resources available however; I am open to any suggestions that will help relive distress to our county from COVID-19.
