Register, Make a Plan, Vote on or before November 5, 2024
A Michiana resident for almost 30 years, service to others has always been important to me. I joined the National Guard at age 17, completed Army Basic Training while still in high school and went on to serve for 12 years. In addition, I worked as a firefighter & EMT for several years.
After completing a bachelor's degree in engineering at Winona State University, I moved to Michiana in 1997 for a career opportunity in manufacturing. In 2001, I received a Master's degree in mechanical engineering from University of Notre Dame and continued to work in local manufacturing. In 2022, I obtained my Professional Engineer license.
My wife Elisabeth and I met at church and were married in 2002 at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend. We currently attend New Life Church in Osceola. Elisabeth graduated from Bethel (College) University in Mishawaka in 2002 with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. She is a Labor & Delivery nurse and has cared for countless babies in our community! We have three children: Joey, a recent 2022 Penn High School graduate now attending Bethel University, Matthew, and Ellie.
I feel fortunate to live and raise a family in a community like ours. I believe strongly in collaboration between citizens and government, and often participate in county & local school meetings where community feedback is needed on issues such as education, infrastructure and health. I would be honored to serve the people of District I as your representative on the County Council.
After I authored a formal APRA complaint, formerly secretive Penn Harris Madison DEI meetings were made public so that parents could attend.
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/local/2022/03/14/p-h-m-open-diversity-meetings-after-public-access-law-violation-penn-harris-madison/6998408001/
I wrote supporting individual liberty during the Covid-19 pandemic entitled, "Individual Liberty is a Public Health Need."
As an example of how transparency & fiscal responsibility can work….. for 2023 PHM Public Schools planned a property tax rate increase on our community but this was not properly communicated to the public. At a public hearing I made this public and asked that they not raise the rate. To meet this request, PHM cut the 2023 rate instead. At this year's public hearing they affirmed this lower rate will be carried over to 2024 also!
My testimony and PHM's response regarding transparency and financial policy from the February 12, 2024 and February 26, 2024 public hearings.
I have spoken out clearly and consistently against divisive CRT, which uses shame to encourage unequal racial treatment. CRT crept into our government agencies during the extended covid restrictions when many, including some elected leaders, were distracted.
Along with other parents, I was successful in preventing a speaker who openly promotes CRT from providing professional development for teachers.
Trust that I will continue to be transparent and stand up against these kinds of 'Woke' politics.
I'm committed to going door to door to meet as many of my neighbors as possible. This is how I learn what is important to our community to promote a transparent, responsive St Joseph County government.
This video was originally published on my Facebook page and is a summary of my conservative efforts over the years.
I believe in protecting life while supporting mothers.
I have fought divisive CRT and other inappropriate political agendas in our public schools and will do the same in our county government.
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Copyright © 2024 Andy Rutten for St Joseph County Council - All Rights Reserved.
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