Steuben County Commissioner Andy Laughlin, a Republican in his first term, officially announces his re-election bid for 2026. Laughlin represents the North District as a resident of Lake Pleasant, rural Fremont. “I often get asked if I like the job, and I sincerely do. I am grateful to the voters for putting me in this position. I want to continue to be available to residents, and I feel there is so much more I can still contribute.”
Laughlin notes many accomplishments from his first three years in office and takes pride in having created efficiencies that save tax-payers and improve services. A Facilities Director now coordinates maintenance across multiple properties, including the new judicial center, streamlining budgeting and reducing costs by sharing staff in a way that has allowed for more in-house repairs and less outside contracts. The highway department now has a consolidated superintendent and engineer role. EMS has restructured operations to improve communications and to fully staff three trucks for the first time since 2020, ensuring availability in emergency situations.
In addition, a new salt barn and fuel center were completed this spring. Buying fuel in bulk for county fleet vehicles has been a huge cost savings, according to Laughlin. “The Sheriff’s department, highway, parks, everyone fills up there versus having credit cards for use at local fuel centers.” Residents that had concerns about sediment build-up can also expect an elimination of sand on most roads during winter weather events since salt can now be stored in the county.
Completing the new Judicial Center under-budget also stands out. “While I wasn’t a part of the planning process, I was glad to be there for the construction process, minimizing costs in change-orders and final details, while still getting the modernized facility and space we needed.” Laughlin credits his past construction and facility management experience in being a valuable contributor to this project.
Past parks and recreation experience also led to a seat on the Sheets Family Park committee where collaboration across various departments and non-profits has led to a fully-funded community space that is now nearly complete.
Commissioners are the executive body and stewards of the county property, including the responsibilities of overseeing construction, bids, contracts, payments, employees, economic development, and maintaining facilities, properties, roads, equipment, and housing standards.
When considering future needs, Laughlin mentions the jail, which is now over 30 years old, and getting proper planned maintenance in place to prolong the life of the facility and save constituents in the long-run. “I’ve established great working relationships with our other elected officials. We’ve already been proactive in tackling some roof and HVAC needs at the jail, and I look forward to partnering with our next Sheriff on their facilities,” said Laughlin.
The county park at Crooked Lake is also a place where Laughlin has goals of keeping both amenities and fees in-line with similar campground facilities. He wants to keep a desirable destination for residents while ensuring users from outside of Steuben County contribute at a fair market rate. “It’s my job to make sure the campground is self-sustainable and not a burden to our budget,” Laughlin said. Continuing to maintain a top-rate 4-H fair facility and Event Center at the park are also important.
Work also continues on Steuben County infrastructure needs. Securing natural gas and electricity for current customers, along with availabity for future growth, is an ongoing issue with multiple discussions taking place with Nipsco and leaders at the state level.
Laughlin has served on the Region 3-A northeast Indiana regional development board throughout his first term, and was also elected to the Indiana Association of County Commissioners board in his first weeks of holding office. These positions have further allowed Laughlin the opportunity to bring Steuben County utility concerns and other county needs to Governor Braun and state legislators in Indianapolis.
Commissioner Laughlin is the current president of the county drainage board and has served on both the Crime Stoppers board and Council on Aging board at the Heritage Club. He also regularly attends the regional Mayor – Commissioners Caucus to garner insights from neighboring communities.
Laughlin is married with two children who attend Fremont High School, where he is also a varsity football coach. He currently serves as vice president of the Lake Pleasant Homeowners Association. He and his family are members of Peace Lutheran Church and the YMCA of Steuben County. In their spare time, the Laughlins enjoy taking advantage of all that Steuben County has to offer, “from boating and fishing right in our back yard, to local events and great independent restaurants, we’re truly fortunate to live here.”
Laughlin has roots in the county with his mother’s family hailing from rural Fremont's Jamestown settlement, near Lake George, and notes his history in the county spans his entire life. "My mother was born here at Cameron Hospital in 1952. I was raised in East Allen County, but spent my entire childhood visiting Steuben County and frequenting our lakes in the summers, as did my wife and her family. I bought my first house here in rural Orland in 1997. I asked Kara to marry me on Lake Gage in 2004, and our children were later baptized there. We have owned our current Lake Pleasant property since 2009. I am proud to call Steuben County 'home'
Commissioners are the executive body and stewards of the county property, while County Council is the fiscal body according to state statute. "The structure of county government in Indiana diversifies power among officeholders to create a system of checks and balances. Power is diversified to prevent corruption and make county decision making inclusive." For more on the job description, visit the Indiana Association of County Commissioners:
