Candidate Q&A: Bradley Wood

Bradley Wood of Greens Fork is running for Wayne County Council District 2 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 primary election.

Bio highlights: In March 2026, I earned my MBA from Butler University’s Lacy School of Business with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I also hold a B.S. from Taylor University in Computer Science, New Media, and Systems. For over five years, I have worked as a developer in the financial industry, additionally I have experience in startups, consulting, city government, and higher education. For over a decade, I have owned and operated Farmer Brad LLC, raising pastured poultry and grass-fed lamb with my family. This blend of technical, business, and hands-on experience shapes my practical, data-driven approach to decision making.

Reasons you ran: The wheel tax discussion showed me that speaking during public comment alone isn’t enough to create meaningful change. I’m running to have a seat at the table where decisions are made and to bring a more transparent, informed approach to those decisions. I also want to better inform and engage voters by making facts and data easier to access and understand. Residents deserve clarity on how their tax dollars are used. My goal is to support open conversations, advocate for responsible spending, and ensure Wayne County residents receive real value while building greater trust between local government and the community.

Top priorities: If elected, my top priorities would be improving transparency, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and focusing government efforts where they are most effective. Residents deserve clear, accessible information about decisions and how their money is being spent. I also believe we should be thoughtful about where the government is involved, minimizing it where it adds unnecessary cost while strengthening it in core areas like infrastructure and public safety. Finally I will prioritize fiscal responsibility by carefully evaluating spending, questioning assumptions, and making sure every dollar delivers real value to Wayne County residents.

Specific skills: I bring accountability and practical problem solving, helping residents stay informed and ensuring their concerns are turned into real solutions. I believe transparency is essential so people understand how decisions are made and how they affect daily life. My approach focuses on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and working toward solutions that are realistic and effective. My experience across technology, business, and agriculture allows me to evaluate challenges from different angles and find balanced outcomes. This diverse background helps me bridge gaps, consider long-term impacts, and make decisions that serve the best interests of Wayne County residents.

Should continue: One aspect that is working well is the dedication of the county employees who show up every day to serve the community. From maintaining roads to supporting public safety and other essential services, there are many hardworking individuals making a difference behind the scenes. That commitment is a strong foundation and should continue.

Needs to change: One area that needs improvement is how financial decisions are communicated and evaluated. Too often, residents see outcomes without a clear understanding of the tradeoffs, or decisions are made quickly with incomplete or unclear estimates. I would push for more consistent financial analysis, including clearly outlined costs, expected benefits, and long-term impacts before decisions are made. Slowing down the process when needed to ensure accuracy and transparency will lead to better decisions, stronger accountability, and greater trust from the community.

Accept election results: Yes, I will accept the results of the election. Trust in the process is essential to our representative democracy, and Indiana ranks in top 10 for election integrity. Regardless of the outcome, I respect the will of the voters and remain committed to supporting a fair, transparent, and trusted process.

Funding strategies: As state and federal funding becomes more limited, it creates an opportunity for Wayne County to be more strategic and collaborative. One approach is strengthening partnerships with community organizations already doing impactful work. For example, the Reid Foundation’s SNAP matching program at local farmers markets helps families access fresh food while supporting local producers. We should actively pursue grants and regional partnerships to offset funding gaps before introducing new taxes. Wayne County is fortunate to have strong local organizations, including churches, food banks, youth and senior programs. By better connecting residents to these resources and working alongside them, we can maintain essential services while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Engaging the public: During the campaign, I’ve focused on making local government easier to understand by creating infographics and web tools that help residents quickly digest information. I would continue that effort in office while encouraging the county to improve how information is shared. For example, many resources such as district maps are basic PDFs that make it difficult to see which district someone lives in. That’s why I built a tool allowing residents to enter their address and instantly see their districts and candidates. My goal is to meet residents where they are and make participation more accessible and informed.

Other comments: I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know everything, but I show up ready to listen, learn, and put in the work every single day. Farming has taught me that when something needs done, you don’t walk away when it gets inconvenient. You see it through. That same mindset is how I will serve Wayne County and District 2. I will do the research, ask the right questions, and follow through on the responsibilities voters expect. You may notice the chicken on my campaign sign. It’s not just because I’m a farmer, it represents something bigger. It’s a reminder to not be afraid to stand out, to challenge the status quo, and to bring a fresh perspective. I’m running to bring transparency, focus on the facts, and deliver practical solutions that respect the hard-earned money of Wayne County residents.