For Mishawaka dentist Dr. Deb Fleming, serving as a local dentist and St. Joseph County Commissioner go hand in hand. Both involve improving lives.

“St. Joseph County is home,” said Dr. Fleming. “I was raised here and my dad instilled in me a keen interest in improving my community. When I was asked to assume the final year of a former commissioner’s term, I thought, ‘This is my opportunity to make a difference.’” A year later, she was elected to a full four-year term.

Dr. Fleming said that one of her goals was to bring transparency, accountability and efficiency to county government. She led an effort to improve the county’s energy efficiency, which produces $750,000 in annual savings. She also upgraded the county’s website and IT platforms.

Many of her ideas came from talking to the county’s department heads and volunteer committees. “It is easy for elected officials to get caught in the status quo and overlooking opportunities to innovate and improve,” she noted.

A key consideration for dentist colleagues who are considering public office? Patience.

“In my dental office, I make business decisions and it’s done. The county commission doesn’t work that way. It’s sometimes frustrating to see how long change takes, but we’re making a difference. County services are improving, as is the local economy. That’s very gratifying.”

Dentist colleagues who would like to support her in her contested election for a second term are encouraged to send contributions to: Friends of Deb Fleming; P.O. Box 364; Mishawaka, IN 46546, or visit www.drdebfleming.com.