Candidate Q&A: Barry Ritter

Barry Ritter is running for Wayne County Council District 2 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.

Bio highlights: Vincennes University, Associates Degree in Criminal Justice; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy; FBI National Academy Graduate

Retired from the Richmond Police Department in 2007 after twenty years of service, holding positions as patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant, and deputy chief. Following my law enforcement career, I served as Wayne County’s 911 director for five years before being appointed Executive Director of the Indiana Statewide 911 Board. I am currently co-owner of Ritter Strategic Services LLC, a public safety consulting firm responsible for managing critical public safety projects for local governments.

Reasons you ran: Four years ago, I ran for County Council because I wanted to be part of the conversation and decision making that shapes Wayne County as a great place to live, work, and raise our families. That commitment remains a priority. This time, however, my candidacy is focused on the fiscal responsibilities facing Council over the next several years. Through SEA 1, the State has placed additional responsibilities on county councils that will affect other taxing units and ultimately, taxpayers. I want to use my experience to help ensure we make thoughtful, responsible decisions that consider the fiscal impact on everyone.

Top priorities: Fiscal responsibility. As Wayne County begins to experience the impact of Indiana’s changes to property tax calculations and the restructuring of local income taxes, council will face difficult decisions.  These changes will create both challenges and uncertainty as we work to maintain essential services throughout the county.

Collaboration. As county leaders we must strengthen collaboration with townships, towns, city, schools, libraries, and others to address the challenges facing our communities. The County recently hosted its first Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce (MUST) meeting, as directed by the legislature, to begin discussing issues related to local income taxes. This collaboration will remain a priority as we move forward.

Strategic Planning Effective planning requires the County to align its strategic priorities with the initiatives and investments being considered by our public and private-sector partners. Developing a coordinated strategic plan that incorporates the priorities of key stakeholders, we can better support projects and maximize available resources that enhances our economic development opportunities.

Specific skills: Budget & Management. My background in developing and managing public budgets is rooted in my work with government agencies at both the local and state levels. Serving on the county council has been especially valuable as we navigate an unprecedented shift in revenue collection. Working cooperatively with elected officials and department heads to develop a strategic plan for capital projects is critical as we maintain the financial stability of the county.

Should continue: The 2027 budget process has demonstrated the commitment of our department heads and elected officials to fiscal responsibility of taxpayer dollars. The collaborative environment, professionalism, and mutual respect among our county leaders create an atmosphere where we can have open, transparent, and constructive conversations regarding the responsibilities of each office and the support our employees deserve. The teamwork among county leaders allows us to prioritize projects when available appropriations are insufficient to fund them all.

Needs to change: The county council currently lacks a comprehensive set of policies and procedures to guide its operations. While the council has long functioned successfully by relying on tradition and precedent, this approach is not sustainable moving forward. I believe it is time for the council to take the initiative and develop a formal policy manual that will provide clear guidance for elected officials, department heads and council.

Accept election results: Yes. Wayne County has a demonstrated history of fair elections and I anticipate this election will occur in the same manner.

Funding strategies: The landscape of local government finance has changed significantly with the passage of SEA 1. As a council member, I have worked to understand how these changes will affect our revenue sources and to ensure I am prepared to make informed financial decisions. Wayne County has taken a proactive approach by engaging a financial consultant to help us understand the changes, navigate the challenges ahead, and develop a responsible, sustainable financial plan for the future. I believe it is important that we utilize the consultant’s expertise as we evaluate these changes and make decisions that protect the county’s financial stability while continuing to provide essential services to our residents.

Engaging the public: The County Council meets twice each month to conduct its responsibilities, with meetings recorded and readily available for taxpayers to watch. Most significant issues considered in partnership with the Commissioners, elected officials, and department heads are discussed over multiple meetings, providing taxpayers opportunities to ask questions, share concerns, and offer input before decisions are made. Social media also provides an additional avenue for communication and engagement between taxpayers and their elected officials. Transparency, accessibility, and meaningful public input are important to me as a council member.

Other comments: I want to thank the citizens of Wayne County for giving me the opportunity to serve as your District 2 Council Member for the past four years. It has been a privilege to work with residents, county employees, and elected officials on issues that are important to our community. The experiences and knowledge gained during this time have prepared me to continue serving Wayne County. Effective leadership requires experience, collaboration, and a commitment to making informed decisions. I encourage everyone to learn about the issues, participate in the process, and exercise their right to vote. I would be honored to have your support and vote for another term.