Respecting the history and character of Whitley County. | Ready to work for our future. 🌿
Experience that works for Whitley County.
A LEADER WHO LISTENS
My name is Tena Woenker. I'm an independent voter running as a Democrat because I believe in values like "the economy should work for everyone." I bring more than 30 years of community and economic development experience and am ready to put it to work for Whitley County as a Commissioner.
Through open, practical and forward-thinking leadership, I will help build a stronger future for all of us.
- MY PRIORITIES FOR WHITLEY COUNTY -
Responsible Growth
I'll support business development and housing growth while preserving our rural character and natural resources.
Excellent Infrastructure, Facilities and Services
Making smart investment in roads, utilities and county facilities is critical to our future. So is supporting County employees with the tools and training they need to keep providing excellent services.
Local Economic Opportunity
Let's encourage entrepreneurs and existing business and take advantage of programs and projects that can move Whitley County forward.
Community Partnerships
My experience has taught me that strong communities are built through collaboration. I'm ready to build partnerships that further our momentum and protect what we value for Whitley County’s future.
STAYING CONNECTED
Let's talk about the issues.
Bridging the Divide
All year I've been on a listening tour and often hear comments that refer to sharp divides in Whitley County issues. For example, I've heard from people strongly for or against solar energy, split between growing municipalities over losing farmland, torn between fertilizing agriculture vs. lake preservation issues and, of course, unwaivering Republicans versus solid Democrats. I have been an independent voter and will work toward finding common ground when finding solutions for our local issues. We need to hear a variety of voices and encourage input across all our sectors so we have a balanced and successful local economy.
Growth
It's said of communities that if you're not growing, you're declining. I am for responsible growth that respects property rights, considers our rural character and is guided by long-term planning. Young adult residents in our county tell me we need more affordable housing, which is affirmed in housing studies. Whitley County's growth has been from local business success and we need to continue encouraging entrepreneurs to create jobs for the future. Let's be open to opportunity.
Data Centers
The Plan Commission had its regular August meeting and put forward an ordinance for a moratorium on data center applications. This will give them time to propose new zoning regulations for any proposed development in the future. There are no applications at this time.
Planning officials are looking at the different kinds of data centers from small rooms of servers in businesses to mega centers like the one in Allen County. My opinion is that we don’t have the capacity with utilities nor should we give up water resources to have a mega center, but we should consider centers that support local needs and jobs with closed loop water systems, as suggested by our Board of Health.
Without defining “data center” in our zoning, we have little control over requests for developments. I’m grateful for our proactive Whitley County staff, Plan Commission members and Commissioners for moving this process forward with a moratorium and ordinance drafting underway.
VOTE
10/6/26 - 11/3/26
