Thomas J. Pennington is running for Wayne County Council District 4 as a Democrat candidate in the 2026 general election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: I have an MBA in healthcare administration, I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and an AAS in computer information systems, I am a certified teacher in English as a second language, I worked in industry for 28 years and I was a therapist for 23 years, I have been a manager, supervisor, and front line mental health and addiction provider.
Reasons you ran: I wanted to run for office in order to give people a choice. Too many positions in county government are decided by only 20% of the electorate, which is very lopsided and unfair. The second reason is to bring attention to the voting system in Indiana. The primary system has been hijacked, and we need to get rid of straight ticket voting and institute something similar to rank choice voting so we can get the most qualified people for the job.
Top priorities: My top three priorities would be making county government more transparent, especially in financial matters, holding landlords responsible for their property, and addressing the growing homeless population.
Specific skills: I ran a small real estate business for 30 years, so I’m a good manager, an excellent money manager, and I have worked hard for a living, so I know how hard it is to stay afloat in this day and age and try to raise a family. It’s tough. I have a lot of concerns about what young people are facing today, and I want to help them.
Should continue: I think the relationships with the local colleges and the park system in Wayne County is excellent, and one of the most understated aspects of the county. These two features could be an economic draw if marketed the right way outside of the county.
Needs to change: I think we need to work on beautifying the area in a way that makes it attractive for people to want to move and live here. The parks and colleges could be show-cases for that.
Accept election results: I have been a poll worker three times and I can say without a doubt that our elections in Wayne County are safe, secure, and accurate. I will absolutely accept whatever result we get on election day.
Funding strategies: Revenue is something that needs a major overhaul in this county. There are ways to use resources to generate revenue, but that takes imagination and realistic thinking, both of which are in short supply with our current county government. I would evaluate our resources, involve the public and the people already working hard with the structures within our community, and come up with some legitimate ideas for revenue growth that are NOT tied to taxes. That is a starting point. I would also put a grant writing task force into motion, I would seriously examine the downtown revitalization project and look for ways to bring entertainment venues into the county.
Engaging the public: I would like to see more feedback online in a forum that is monitored and kept civil so that ideas can be readily and easily shared rather than the cumbersome way we ask for input currently. For in-person meetings I think we need to hold them at times when working people can attend, not just at 9am.
Other comments: Vote for the Person, NOT the Party! People before Profits! It should be illegal for anyone to rent a place they wouldn’t live in, something that isn’t safe or sanitary!
If a community cannot find a way to bring a homeless person into the community, then it is not really a community at all.
We need every government official to dedicate themselves to 100% employment for every citizen living in their community.
A version of this article will appear in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.