Rick Probst
5214 Wilmington Pike, Aurora, IN 47001
Office Sought: Dearborn County Commissioner, District 3.
Incumbent: No
Employment: Semi- Retired
Education:
– St. John Lutheran School – 1965
– Aurora High School – 1969
– Indiana University – BA Sociology and Forensic Studies, 1973
– U.S. Army Professional Development Training, 1973 – 1993
– Indiana Public Official Training 2012 – 2017
Background:
– Born and raised in Aurora. Parents, Eddie and Evelyne Probst operated Probst Milk Company in Aurora and Lawrenceburg. Personally delivered milk to local schools and homes.
– Entered the U.S. Army in 1973 from Indiana University ROTC.
– Served as a Military Police Officer at various duty stations; specialized in Criminal Investigations, Chemical/Nuclear Weapons Security, Force Modernization and Contingency Planning. Retired as a Major after 20 years of service.
– Returned to Aurora in 1993 to live on the family farm.
– Worked in various positions of responsibility in the community including, Manager, Tom’s Home Center; Sales Leader, Ande Chevrolet and Lawrenceburg Chevrolet; and, Security Lieutenant and Security Director at Grand Victoria Casino.
– Family. Married to Sharon for 49 years. We are proud of our 3 daughters (son-in-laws), 1 son and 5 grandchildren.
Local Service:
– Member, Aurora Rotary Club.
– Member, Aurora Lions Club.
– Member, St John Lutheran Church, Aurora.
– Republican Poll Worker.
– Member, Center Township Advisory Board, 16 years.
– Dearborn County Clerk of Courts, 5 years.
How can people contact me:
– Phone: 812-926-0311
– E-mail: Probst.Commissioner@yahoo.com
Why are you the best person for this office?
In January, when I retired from the Clerk’s Office, I told Governor Holcomb that “I look forward to future opportunities to serve”. The commissioner position is my opportunity. Commissioner is not fulltime; but it is more than part time. The commissioners must be available to represent the county. They must prepare for and research the increasingly complex issues addressed before, during and after board and commission meetings. To effectively and efficiently administer county business requires time and commitment – I have both and am dedicating them for the next four years; or more. My Army and management background provide me with a broad range of knowledge that allows me to evaluate problems and situations, integrate the complex government criteria, and determine the best procedure for positive impact within Dearborn County. My general philosophy of government is that the least intervention into private and business activities is best; however the overriding factor is a safe environment for all. The commissioners must exercise their authority with appropriate concern for the efficient and effective use of tax dollars. My record is proven as the County Clerk; federal funds were used in lieu of county funds where available, federal funds were used to reimburse county general funds for expenditures, state grants were used to improve election processes and security; every year the Clerk’s Office operated below the approved budget and returned tax dollars to the general fund. The Odyssey Case Management System was implemented for Dearborn County Courts; this improves information flow and saves over $20,000 in county funds annually. Over $400,000 was saved by deferring election system changes to 2024. My qualifications are clear; I am a proven fiscal conservative with leadership qualities and positive Republican values.
Yes, Rick Probst is now and will be in November the best choice.
Thank you for your consideration, your support and your vote!
What will be top priorities if elected?
– Receive and send information. Listen to citizen concerns. Ensure that commissioner actions are clear and information is available to Dearborn County citizens. Essentially ensure that lines of communication are open. I will improve accessibility for the public that I serve.
– Evaluate ways to make Dearborn County friendly. The services that the county provides depend on tax revenue. This means we need an environment to promote successful and new businesses, new and additional citizens, tourists, and general economic growth. Support responsible development of infrastructure and commercial and residential opportunities. Maintain tax friendly environment. We have to be tax friendly but still improve infrastructure to promote growth – a complex process.
– Resist state intervention. Recent state initiatives have involved eliminating small townships, eliminating township government, reducing local judicial discretion, and mandating intrusive programs that use or restrict county resources. Some legislators have promoted removing riverboat funds from local control. Programs that are appropriate in urban centers of Gary, Fort Wayne, Evansville and Marion County do not necessarily fit in Dearborn County. I will work to maintain and improve our county autonomy and independence.
– Explore alternatives allowing the county to be proactive toward school safety, school security initiatives and the drug crisis intervention.
I will close with a few thoughts. I supported Jeff Hughes as the Republican Candidate for Commissioner. Unfortunately family circumstances forced the Hughes family to move out of state and Jeff to withdraw his candidacy. My best wishes to Jeff & Jennifer; my family moved 8 times during our Army service. Any family move is a challenge. Subsequently the Dearborn County Republican Caucus selected me as the Republican candidate for Commissioner. The Republican leadership has placed their trust in me as their candidate. I sincerely and humbly ask for voter support across all demographic and party lines. This has become detailed and lengthy – this gives you some insight into my tenacious nature to seek facts and rationally evaluate situations. No sour grapes, no hidden agenda, no wild speculation; I am asking for your vote to allow me to represent all as your County Commissioner.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Rick Probst