Jody Slabaugh is a lifelong LaPorte County resident, small business owner, and straight-shooting problem-solver known for doing the homework others skip. As the lead researcher behind Make LaPorte Great Again—a watchdog platform followed by thousands—he’s spent years digging into public records, budgets, and government decisions that affect taxpayers. With more than four decades of experience fixing complex systems, running a small business, and helping residents cut through confusion, Jody has built a reputation for honesty, accuracy, and results—not excuses.
Jody has called LaPorte County home since 1966. He grew up here, attended local schools—Springfield Elementary, Crichfield Elementary, Boston Jr. High, and LaPorte High School—and learned early that your word and your work are what define you.
Jody was raised in a working-class household. Both of his parents were lifelong union members, and he learned early the value of hard work, fair wages, and standing by your commitments. From a young age, their example shaped his values: showing up, doing the work, telling the truth, and finishing what you start. LaPorte County isn’t just where Jody lives—it’s where he built his life, raised a family, and invested nearly everything he’s done.
For more than four decades, Jody has worked in roles where fixing problems wasn’t optional—it was the job. He started in technical trades, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree, and shifted into computer systems long before technology became mainstream.
In 1990, he launched his first tech business in Denver, building and repairing computer systems and networks. In 1995, he brought that business home to LaPorte County, where he continues to run a repair and technical support shop that has served thousands of local residents and businesses.
Whether diagnosing a failing system, managing operations, or cutting through the confusion of bureaucratic decisions, Jody approaches every challenge the same way:
Get the facts, find the problem, and fix it—no spin, no shortcuts.
These skills translate directly to county government, where taxpayers deserve clarity, accountability, and decisions based on data, not politics.
When the City of La Porte began aggressively annexing county property, many residents felt steamrolled and unheard. Jody stepped in and founded Citizens Against Annexation to organize homeowners, document the process, and push back.
During that fight, residents repeatedly asked for county-level support or intervention. None came. With no elected officials willing to step in, the effort remained entirely grassroots—neighbors organizing, documenting, and standing up for themselves when no one else would.
Over several years, he helped residents navigate annexation law, organized meetings, gathered public records, and challenged decisions made without meaningful public input. The work was largely self-funded and driven by the belief that government should not expand at the expense of the people it serves.
That fight shaped Jody’s approach to public service: ask questions, follow the facts, and don’t back down when residents are ignored.
For years, Jody has been deeply involved in holding local government accountable. He researches public records, attends meetings, and breaks down complex decisions so residents can understand exactly how their tax dollars are being used. His work is known for being fact-driven, sourced, and thoroughly documented.
A watchdog platform followed by thousands, MLGA is where Jody publishes documented research on city and county issues. Residents rely on his breakdowns to understand budgets, contracts, and decisions that are rarely explained publicly.
Grassroots response when government wouldn’t engage
Founded during the City of La Porte’s annexation push, CAA helped residents organize, share information, and push back collectively. What began as neighbors looking for answers became a coordinated, grassroots response when no institutional support was available.
Across LaPorte County, Jody has earned a reputation for showing up, requesting and reading the documents, and asking the questions others won’t. His focus is straightforward: to shed light on the decision-making process and ensure that residents receive the complete story.
Jody believes county government should work for the people—not insiders, not special interests, and not those who treat public office as a personal benefit. His focus is simple: make local decisions transparent, protect taxpayer dollars, and restore integrity in how government operates.
After years of researching public records, attending meetings, and helping residents navigate complicated issues, Jody’s commitment hasn’t changed: speak the truth, follow the facts, and make sure county government serves the community that funds it.
Outside of his public work and community involvement, Jody relishes spending time with his family, engaging in practical projects, and providing straightforward assistance to neighbors in need. He believes strong communities are built on honesty, connection, and showing up for one another—values that continue to guide his work today.
