Steven R Nation  - R

Email: steve@nationforcouncil.com
Website: www.nationforcouncil.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationforCouncil

Occupation:  Former Hamilton County Prosecutor and Hamilton Superior Court No. 1 Judge
​
Public Service Experience:
  • Served two years as the appointed chief trial deputy prosecutor
  • Hamilton County Prosecutor for 4 terms
  • Hamilton County Superior Court Judge for 4 terms
  • Appointed to and served on many State and local committees and task forces
 
Policy Positions:
  1. What is (should be) the county’s role in economic and workforce development?

    The county’s role in workforce development should be comprehensive and consider each stage of work needs in our county. Because of the various studies conducted on our workforce, and Hamilton County as the recently established 21st Century Talent Region, we now have the ability to prepare our county in a way that is intentional, precise, and cohesive. This will require us to be intentional about deciding what types of businesses we should attract, work with schools to prepare Hamilton County students for future job opportunities, and enable schools to have their own career centers to help children get meaningful job prospects right here in our own community. We must look at incentive programs to create a healthy climate for businesses to want to move to or remain in Hamilton County by forming partnerships with the residents and with the public and private sectors.

  2. Where are opportunities for deeper cooperation and collaboration between the County and our Cities?

    The goal of the county and our cities should be to provide residents with their needed services to keep them healthy and thriving. Each of the cities and towns in our county have specific responsibility to their citizens and our county must work with each city and town so together, our County and its various communities can each reach their highest potential. As prosecutor, I was in charge of criminal prosecution for everything from minor health code violations to serious criminal violations. During this time, I was proud to work with many people in the different areas of our County to find solutions to the present needs and to take steps so as to prevent the same issues from arising in the future. It cannot take just the prosecutor and it cannot take merely county government, but it requires constant conversation and cooperation to make services effective and efficient.

  3. As our cities become more urban and their needs evolve, how should the County’s role evolve to meet these needs:

    As our county grows and changes, we must always be ready to listen to the needs of our citizens and to attempt to find solutions together to help and assist our growing cities and towns. This will require after these discussions that, as county officials, we must review our comprehensive plans for the future of our county and to examine the various departments in Hamilton County and, when needed, adapt so we can best serve the citizens of our county. Each of our cities and towns have their own needs which require them to develop special ways to serve their citizens. The County should always be ready to attempt to work with the cities and towns to help them fulfill their plans to better not only their communities but in doing so better our whole County.

  4. What is your vision for our northern communities of Sheridan, Cicero, and Arcadia?  What is the County’s role in the growth and diversification of these communities?

    When I was prosecutor and judge, it was my responsibility to serve all residents of the county regardless of their urban or rural location. When it comes to a member of the community needing services, they should be able to receive the same service whether they live in Cicero or Fishers. This example is precisely why I initiated cooperative agreements across the county to ensure a baseline of service. I have always worked and will continue to work with all community members to make sure both urban and rural residents on either side of SR-32 or 146th St can both benefit from advances in Hamilton County and receive the immediate attention needed when it comes to safety and security. This includes the way county government responds to emergencies, provides services, and the way roads and bridges are structured.

  5. How would you characterize/prioritize the role of the County in public safety?

    One of the County's top priorities is that we have the responsibility for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department and Jail. Our public safety officers deserve the best in training, equipment and facilities. As they protect us and our communities, we should be sure that we have done everything to also protect the men and women who serve us. As we have seen with COVID-19, Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMTs are no longer restricted to just fighting crime and fighting fires. These men and women respond to accidents and medical emergencies together many times, thus, they should have the option to train together. The need for coordination and cooperation will be more readily seen as we develop a comprehensive mental health plan for our County and as paramedicine evolves in the various Cities and Towns of our County. By this approach, we will be able to provide more benefits and services to our citizens and make our communities safer.

  6. What are your top three infrastructure priorities?  How can the County best support our cities and towns with their infrastructure needs?

    1. Understanding how our area hospitals fit into a comprehensive, county-wide mental health plan.
    2. Creating a training facility to provide top-notch training and services to our public safety officers and first-responders
    3. Anticipating road and bridge needs for the flow of traffic as businesses move to Hamilton County.

    Government is least effective when it decides to “govern determined by crisis.” By helping cities and towns to proactively plan road projects and anticipate community needs, we can avoid many crisis situations and can encourage a well-planned and efficient use of county resources.

  7. Many Hamilton County residents are unfamiliar with the role of County Council. Statutorily County Council primary role is the appropriating body. How can this responsibility be best used to continue the advancement of the county and each of our cities and towns?

    ​When I coached football in Noblesville, I could not imagine going into a game without first preparing for it. Just like in football, the County Council must work with the commissioners and our cities and towns to prepare for the future needs of our county. By having a comprehensive and cohesive plan across the county, the County Council can fund meaningful and effective measures for residents. When we work to advance the entire County not only will we advance each of our cities and towns but we will help each of our citizens to reach the highest potential for their lives.