Tony Kassissieh (Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3, Indiana, candidate 2024)

Tony Kassissieh

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Democratic Party

Candidate, Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 7, 2024

Education

High school

Edgewood High School

Bachelor's

Indiana State University, 1993

Personal

Birthplace

Terre Haute, Ind.

Profession

Broadcasting

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Tony Kassissieh (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3 in Indiana. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.^[source]

Kassissieh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Tony Kassissieh provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 10, 2024:

• Birth date: October 26, 1969
• Birth place: Terre Haute, Indiana
• High school: Edgewood High School
• Bachelor's: Indiana State University, 1993
• Gender: Male
• Profession: Broadcasting
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Focused on Vigo County
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• LinkedIn

Elections

General election

General election for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3

Tony Kassissieh and Mike Morris ran in the general election for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Tony Kassissieh (D)
	Submit photo	Mike Morris (R)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3

Tony Kassissieh ran in the Democratic primary for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Tony Kassissieh

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3

Mike Morris ran in the Republican primary for Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Mike Morris

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kassissieh in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Tony Kassissieh completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kassissieh's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For more than 30 years I have been a member of the local news media. I’ve listened to our residents’ concerns, and the issues brought in front of local government, but I was never in a position to do anything. I’m tired of playing show-and-tell. I don’t want to sit back and hope someone else steps up. I’m ready to do my part in making Vigo County a better place to live and work.

I was born here, graduated from college here, and I am now raising my children here. From childhood memories at Deming Park to Saturday night lights at Memorial Stadium, this community has shaped me into the person I am today. I've walked the same streets, breathed the same air, and felt the same pride in our county's rich history and vibrant culture. This is my home, and I am connected to its people and its needs.

But my connection to Vigo County runs deeper than just geography. I've worked alongside you, volunteered with you at community events, and fought alongside you to overcome the challenges that face our community. I've celebrated our victories and mourned our losses, because this isn't just a place where I live—it's a place that I love. I am genuinely invested in the future of Vigo County, and committed to the long-term well-being of the community, not short-term political gains.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I will prioritize policies and initiatives that benefit Vigo County over the long term, and I understand what matters most to residents. I have been walking door-to-door for the past 6 months, and have spoken to thousands of residents. I feel confident that if elected I can accurately prioritize and represent the needs of Vigo County residents.
• I will effectively communicate my vision and platform in a way that resonates with local values. I've seen firsthand the power of our community when we come together with a common purpose, and I'm committed to harnessing that power to build a better future for all of us. But let's be clear: this election isn't about me—it's about us. It's about the future of Vigo County and the kind of community we want to leave for the next generation. It's about ensuring that every resident, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed right here in Vigo County.
• I have been attending Vigo County Commissioners meetings for the past 18 years. In that time, as a member of the audience, I have listened to the concerns that residents have brought to the meetings, and many times I have not agreed with the way the commissioners have responded. For example, the people protesting the CO2 project come to EVERY meeting. And every week I watch the commissioners roll their eyes and tell them there is nothing they can do. I disagree! We might not be able to overrule the state's decision, but the commissioners are elected officials, who owe their voters respectful responses to their concerns. If we can't stop it, we at least need to make sure residents feel safe and prepared.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Our new jail is already overcrowded, our community corrections program lacks needed resources, and the juvenile center is understaffed and overwhelmed.

I am also committed to advocating for quality education, affordable childcare, and programs that empower our youth to succeed.

Affordable housing is a major need in this community. We can't bring high-paying companies and attract quality jobs if we don't have adequate housing.

I strongly back making significant and strategic investments in Vigo County’s infrastructure through the targeted use of federal and state dollars. Better transit options mean better access to good-paying jobs.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh. He was a great listener, he didn't just talk to hear himself talk. He taught me that you learn more with your mouth shut. He is an example of a politician who always came across as kind and compassionate man, and I believe we could use more people like him in this world.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Communication is key- we have to listen to our constituents. Effective communication allows officials to keep the community informed, explain their decisions, gather feedback, and foster transparency and trust. I believe in open communication with the public through regular meetings, social media, or town halls, making it easy for residents to express concerns and provide feedback. Collaboration is also important- you need to inspire and mobilize others, guiding the community toward common goals. An elected official must be accountable for actions and decisions, with a willingness to own mistakes and correct them. Especially at the local level, an elected official must be involved in local issues, actively listening to residents, and understanding the diverse needs of the entire community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Strong Communication Skills: I ask questions, and I search for answers. I am an active listener, which means I would understand the needs and concerns of the people in my community, and I would respond effectively.

Collaboration: I will work effectively with other elected officials, government agencies, and community organizations to achieve common goals.
Resilience and Adaptability: I have more than 30 years of working under extreme deadline pressure. I have experience staying composed and focused during crises, setbacks, or challenges, and I can easily adapt to changing circumstances. I am confident I have the stamina to deal with the pressures and demands of public office.
Commitment to Public Service:

Genuine dedication to serving the public, rather than personal or political gain. I have a passion for making a positive impact and improving the quality of life for the people I would represent.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

County Commissioner is one of the key elected officials responsible for managing and overseeing county government operations. They oversee and maintain county buildings, parks, and infrastructure like roads and bridges. They ensure the efficient delivery of essential services such as public safety, waste management, and road maintenance. While the County Council typically handles budget creation, County Commissioners oversee how funds are allocated for various departments and projects. Commissioners are responsible for awarding contracts for public projects and purchasing goods and services for the county. Commissioners frequently collaborate with the County Council, the Sheriff’s Office, Assessor, and other elected officials to ensure county operations run smoothly.

What legacy would you like to leave?

After meeting me I want people to say they met an honest elected official that breaks all the political stereotypes. That I voted with my heart and my head, and always kept the best interest of the residents as a top priority.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I can remember was when I was 16, sitting in class watching Sally Ride take off in the space shuttle Challenger, and then seeing it explode 73 seconds after take off, killing all seven astronauts on board.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was a dishwasher at the Elk's Lodge. I was 16, so it was a summer position. Then I was a landscaper for the next three summers, and a material handler at a diaper factory. That's a fancy way of saying I boxed diapers!

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Imagine" by John Lennon.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

100% financial transparency. I believe people should know how we spend money. I believe that every dollar of taxpayer money should be spent responsibly and in a way that benefits the public. This means ensuring that county budgets and expenditures are fully accessible and understandable to the public. I support regular audits and detailed financial reports that are easily available online, so residents can see exactly how their tax dollars are being used. I also believe in creating a culture of accountability, where any mismanagement or misuse of public funds is addressed immediately, and those responsible are held accountable. I think it's crucial that all elected officials, myself included, are held to the highest ethical standards. I’m committed to ensuring open communication between government and the public.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Vigo County Commissioner Board District 3

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