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General Assembly & Governor Ratings Candidate Ratings: 2010 Contested General Elections
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General Assembly & Governor Ratings
NOTE #1: Candidates in selected contested Indiana General Assembly general elections are listed below by District Number. You need your State Representative and State Senator District Numbers to locate candidates for the November 2, 2010, general election. You can go to Who's Your Legislator? at http://www.in.gov/apps/sos/legislator/search/ to find your Indiana House and Indiana Senate District Numbers.
NOTE #2: Unless asked to do so by the incumbent, Watchdog Indiana will NOT participate in the 2010 General Elections of State Representatives in Districts 1, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 62, 63, 65, 66, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, and 100.
Information from the Candidate Questionnaire below, together with the Indiana General Assembly & Governor Ratings and other information sources (such as public comments during legislative sessions and campaign platform statements), have been used to rate each of the General Assembly candidates in the November 2, 2010, contested general elections as either Taxpayer Friendly, Uncertain, Taxpayer UNfriendly, or POLITICAL HOG.
Taxpayer Friendly candidates are results-oriented, compassionate, and fiscally conservative to the point where they are not expected to increase the state and local tax burden of Hoosier working families.
Some candidates have an Uncertain rating because of a limited or mixed public record.
Taxpayer UNfriendly candidates believe the greatest good is served when the fist of government is shoved ever deeper in the wallet of ordinary working families.
A POLITICAL HOG is a Taxpayer UNfriendly candidate who also voted himself or herself a perpetual pay increase that is 20% more than the typical Hoosier working family earns during an entire year. POLITICAL HOGS care more about feeding at the public trough than they do serving the needs of Hoosier working families.
Candidate Questionnaire for the November 2, 2010, General Election:
1. BACKGROUND: Voters statewide have the opportunity on
November 2, 2010, to amend the Indiana Constitution to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment?
2. BACKGROUND: To achieve a balanced budget with ZERO
funds in reserve on June 30, 2011, the state is using $1.9362 billion in federal
stimulus money, $1.3770 billion in reserve funds, and $2.5642 billion in
spending cut reversions. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
3. BACKGROUND: Homeowners rely on the following assessed value deductions
to control their property tax burden: (a) the Homestead Standard Deduction is
the lesser of $45,000 or 60% of the home's gross assessed value, (b) the
Homestead Supplemental Deduction (after subtracting the $45,000 standard
deduction) is 35% of the first $600,000 of net assessed value plus 25% of any
net assessed value that exceeds $600,000. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change?
4. BACKGROUND: Under current law, the Governor, the Indiana Department of
Transportation, or an operator, may approve
without the consent
of the General Assembly a public-private agreement to establish a tollway on I-69 between I-64 and Martinsville.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website?
State Representative District 2:
Earl L. Harris (POLITICAL HOG)
Kenneth R. Stevenson
526 Siebert Drive
Schererville, IN 46375
Phone: (219) 545-4623
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 3:
Charlie Brown (POLITICAL HOG)
John A. Schick
1254 Dogwood Drive
Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: (219) 629-1037
E-mail: johnthenomad@comcast.net
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 5:
Ronald R. Cenkush (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
55100 Cedar Trail
Osceola, IN 46561
Phone: (574) 876-3464
E-mail: info@cenkush2010.com; rcenkush@hotmail.com
Website: http://cenkush2010.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: Property tax is the worst kind
of tax we have. You could own your home outright, but if you become destitute
and cannot pay your tax the County will take it from you. Last year in St.
Joseph County we had 4500 notices in the South Bend Tribune of people who owed
property tax. We can and should do better. I will
propose replacing property tax with sales based tax on services. This
type of tax can be avoided by the poor. If the legislature does not like that
idea, I am open to others and I request they bring an Idea forward. Property tax
caps are not good enough, now they just adjust your assessed value.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER:
We may have to consider sweeping cuts in spending,
education should be cut the least, but when everyone is feeling the pinch of the
tightening economy the government must also tighten its budget. We have to get
spending under control, major projects may have to be placed on hold, we're
going to have to get creative, but raising taxes in a down economy cannot be the
answer.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
Please see the answer to the first question. Lets eliminate property tax and let
Hoosiers keep their family home.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: It seems like the General Assembly should have a say so in an event of
this type, I would need to check the Indiana Constitution to make sure.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am running against a 22 year incumbent Democrat as a Libertarian with no
Republican challenger. I think its time we had a across the board discussion on
term limits. I promise to limit myself to two terms if elected. I would also
like to work on removing barriers created by the state that discourages people
from starting small businesses. Please check my website and give me the chance
to earn your vote. Thank you!
Craig R. Fry (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
State Representative District 6:
B. Patrick Bauer (POLITICAL HOG)
Duane Beals (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3445 Creekwater Lane
South Bend, IN 46635
Phone: (574) 271-7416
E-mail: duanebeals@comcast.net;
info@duanebeals.com; bealsd@bethelcollege.edu
Website: http://www.duanebeals.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I
support the Constitutional amendment of the
property tax caps.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER: The question is confusing.
What about the 2011-2012 budget? I am a fiscal conservative. Mitch Daniels
and his friends in the State House have done a good job giving what
they had to work with (a debt six years ago). I would be in
favor of maintaining essential services (Medicaid, education, etc.) to the level
that is possible while developing a balanced budget and maintaining a
surplus. Indiana must maintain its fiscally responsible leadership among the
other States, first for our own good, and secondly as an example to others.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
Homestead standard and supplemental deductions
should be maintained. We need to lower property taxes at all levels
so that business and industry will come to Indiana, and so that workers can
afford to buy homes.
4. QUESTION: Do you
support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Toll ways, etc., -- in fact any such expenditure -- should only be
possible when approved by the General Assembly. We need a Fiscally conservative
general assembly that will work with the governor.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DO YOU WANT LOWER TAXES AND MORE JOBS IN SOUTH BEND? If so, vote for DUANE BEALS
on November 2, 2010. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) exists
to help businesses and companies locate or expand in Indiana. IEDC helped 150
new businesses or companies come to Indiana in the last 12 months (South Bend
Tribune, Thursday, July 1, 2010, p A7). NOT ONE OF THOSE 150 COMPANIES CAME TO
SOUTH BEND OR ST. JOSEPH COUNTY! WHY NOT? Because our city and county are not
business friendly. Businesses in our county pay higher property taxes than those
in 90 other Indiana counties; your property taxes are higher also. Higher taxes
drive businesses and companies away. And who is responsible for that? B. Patrick
Bauer and the Democratically controlled Indiana House of Representatives. B.
Patrick Bauer does not represent you. He makes you pay higher taxes, and drives
business away. Bauer is not looking out for you! According to a June 19, 2010
Wall Street Journal article, Indiana was the number one State for job creation
during January through May of 2010, creating 10% of all new jobs in the US in
those five months. How many new businesses or companies came to South Bend/St.
Joseph county during those five months? NONE! How many new jobs did they bring?
NOT ONE! 40 years of Pat Bauer and Democratic policies have had a negative
impact on business, manufacturing, and the quality of life in our city, county,
and state! We've had enough! STOP THE MADNESS! On November 2, 2010 elect DUANE
BEALS as your Representative to the Indiana House.
State Representative District 8:
Ryan M. Dvorak (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Richard Pfeil (Uncertain)
51707 Oakbrook Court
Granger, IN 46530
Phone: (574) 286-8400
E-mail: tmiller@roselandtech.com
Website:
http://www.pfeilstaterep.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 9:
Scott D. Pelath (POLITICAL HOG)
Andrew R. Wolf
2622 N. Shawnee Trail
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 380-3070
E-mail:
arwolf@arwolf.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 14:
Catherine Campbell
578 Jefferson
Gary, IN 46402
Phone: (219) 882-5112
E-mail: ccampbell14th@hotmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? ANSWER: Yes I would vote to keep SJR
1 intact.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for
Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: I support
the Constitutional amendment for the 1 per cent tax cap.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7,
2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax
increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to
decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm,
Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease
into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier
homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy
income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION:
Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales,
and other taxes? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced
without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm).
QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total
revenues for the next biennium? DID NOT RESPOND.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a
one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead
Deduction for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the
average homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be
continued beyond 2007? DID NOT RESPOND.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of
Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTIONS: Should
the state pay for full-day kindergarten? If YES, where should the state
get the funds needed for full-day kindergarten? DID NOT RESPOND.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road
("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to
pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration
Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout
Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to
be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges.
QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next
ten years? DID NOT RESPOND.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new
terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million
Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures
be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain
I-69 extension without state tax increases? DID NOT RESPOND.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a
toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION:
Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69
extension? DID NOT RESPOND.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 2,
2004, General Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget. DID NOT RESPOND.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. DID NOT RESPOND.
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. DID NOT RESPOND.
4. Additional Comments. DID NOT RESPOND.
Vernon G. Smith (POLITICAL HOG)
State Representative District 21:
Dwight Fish
P.O. Box 2151
Elkhart, IN 46515
Phone: (574) 295-7659
E-mail: fish@dwightfish.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Benjamin Jarvis
57024 Copper Terrace
Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: (574) 206-6122
E-mail: jarviscampaign@gmail.com;
carolaj@mac.com
Website:
http://bjarvis.tumblr.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Timothy Wesco (Taxpayer
Friendly)
59771 Red Bird Ct.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 220-3696
E-mail: tim@timothywesco.com
Website: http://www.timothywesco.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER: I will not raise taxes. K-12 education should remain the
state's first priority. Maintaining a reserve is wise.
3.
QUESTION: Do you pledge
to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
YES
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? YES.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Please visit my website for more information.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. POSITION (from Website): I believe lower taxes and
less government create economic growth. We must keep taxes low so Hoosiers can
keep more of their hard earned dollars and to give entrepreneurs a greater
incentive to succeed. However, we cannot lower taxes without shrinking
government. We need to increase efficiency at all levels of government, from the
townships to the state. I believe the best way to cut taxes is to cap and limit
spending at both the state and local level.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 22:
Thom Cox
1231 Pike Street
Wabash, IN 46992
Phone: (260) 563-5237
E-mail:
thom@post.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Allen "Big Al" Dunnagan
519 Elm Street
Wabash, IN 46992
Phone: (260) 569-1024, (765) 491-0996
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - May 2, 2006,
Primary Election
1. What will be your guiding principles for the 2007-2009 biennium
budget? Specifically, what mix of spending cuts, tax increases, and/or reserve
depletions will you support? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. What are your opinions regarding homeowner property taxes? Specifically, do
favor freezing all property taxes and funding budget increases through both
individual and business income tax increases? Or, do you favor a mixture of
income tax, sales tax and meals tax increases to reduce property tax growth
while providing additional revenue to local governments? DID NOT RESPOND.
3. Considering the "Major Moves" legislation passed by the General
Assembly this year, do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases
the next ten years? DID NOT RESPOND.
4. What is your position regarding the construction of an interstate from
Indianapolis to Evansville? Specifically, should the $500 million Next
Generation Trust Fund that is part of "Major Moves" be used
exclusively for a new terrain I-69 extension so as to avoid state gas tax
increases? DID NOT RESPOND.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you
have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
Rebecca Kubacki
1401 E. Northshore Drive
Syracuse, IN 46567
Phone: (574) 457-4458
E-mail: info@rebeccakubacki.com;
ewiggins@warsaw.in.gov
Website: http://www.rebeccakubacki.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Michael (Mike) B. Ridenour
2867 N 200 W
Wabash, IN 46992
Phone: (260) 563-1393
E-mail: lewisjsue@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate
Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? ANSWER: Yes, I do plan on
voting to amend the caps into the constitution.
2. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
No, thank you.
State Representative District 25
Jeb Bardon (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Dan Pool
P.O. Box 825
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Phone: (765) 362-5803
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 43:
Clyde Kersey (POLITICAL HOG)
Alan Morrison (Uncertain)
3998 Country Wood
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Phone: (812) 208-2338
E-mail: alanmorrison2010@yahoo.com
Website: http://electmorrison43.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from
Website): I support the proposed property tax cap.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from Website): Treat the state budget
like a household budget…do not spend more than we have.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 46:
Bionca D. Gambill (Uncertain)
951 West Sutliff Drive
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 898-2394
E-mail: bionca.gambill@gmail.com;
donate@bioncagambill.com
Website: http://www.bioncagambill.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
Bob Heaton (Uncertain)
3255 E Dallas Dr
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 299-3275
E-mail: bob.heaton@verizon.net
Website: http://www.bobheaton.com:80/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from Website): While we are all
tightening our belts we should expect our government to do the same. The
excessive spending needs to end in order to reduce the tax burden we all face.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4,
2008, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? ANSWER: If elected in Nov. 2008, I
pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1
that passed in 2008.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
State Representative District 54:
Rex Bell
17059 State Road 38
Hagerstown, IN 47346
Phone: (765) 489-5363
E-mail: rex_bell@msn.com
Website: http://www.electrexbell.com/;
http://rexbell.blogspot.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? ANSWER: While I am sure the intentions of SJR 1 are
good, I have serious reservations
about it's ability to protect Hoosiers from the effects of arbitrary
re-assessments, and the inherent unfairness of property taxes, which in effect
prevent people from ever really owning their home. I pledge to continue to
work for the complete elimination of property taxes. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race):
No. The Constitution should be amended to eliminate property taxes. In the
interim, property should be taxed on an equal and decreasing formula.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7,
2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax
increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to
decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm,
Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease
into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier
homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy
income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION:
Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales,
and other taxes? ANSWER: I will work to reduce and eventually eliminate
both property and income taxes. Once government is reduced to it's proper size,
necessary functions should be funded by sales tax and user fees. I can see
circumstances where local governments could have control over those user fees,
depending upon the services offered.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced
without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm).
QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total
revenues for the next biennium? ANSWER: YES.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a
one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead Deduction
for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the average
homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be continued
beyond 2007? ANSWER: This question assumes a desire to tweak and maintain
property taxes as a source of funding for the state. I have no such desire, but
I am in favor of giving property owners as much relief as possible until those
taxes are eliminated.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000
kindergartners would cost $210 million in 2009. QUESTION: Should the state pay
for full-day kindergarten? ANSWER: NO.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road
("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to
pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration
Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout
Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to
be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges.
QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next
ten years? ANSWER: Only if our legislators continue to spend the revenue from
gas taxes on projects that have nothing to do with transportation.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new
terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million
Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures
be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain
I-69 extension without state tax increases? ANSWER: New
terrain I-69 should be scrapped in favor of the 41 route.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a
toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION:
Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69
extension? ANSWER: YES.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
NO RESPONSE.
Bruce Gaylor
126 Tara Lane
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone:
(765) 521-2016
E-mail: gaylorforstaterep@gmail.com
Website: http://brucegaylor.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Thomas E. (Tom) Saunders (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
State Representative District 55:
Sarah Jordan
2022 East Old St. Rd. 122
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone:
(765) 993-7639
E-mail: sjordan@purdue.edu
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Tom Knollman (Uncertain)
David Moeller (Uncertain)
6796 W. Coletrane Road
Glenwood, IN 46133
Phone:
(765) 679-5071
E-mail:
mojaxcow@aol.com
Website:
www.moellerfordistrict55.org
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: I’ve
not made my mind up yet on this proposal. I
just read the Watchdog Indiana thoughts on the website. Conceptually I don’t
like different percentage caps for different classes of property owners. I am
afraid that it may be a “band-aid for a system that has gangrene”. I want to
completely eliminate property taxes. I think they are inherently unfair as the
evaluations cannot be objective and uniform from one taxing district to another
and they must be paid whether the taxpayer has income or not. The tax is also a
very costly one to administer. Look at all the overhead to determine the amount
and collect the tax. Ninety-two county assessors, many township assessors and
lots of hired consultants are needed to just develop the evaluations. Add the
activities of the County treasurers and Sheriffs to collect the tax and you have
a tremendous cost. On the second part of the question, if we cannot eliminate
the Property tax then we must have exemptions for homesteads.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: Also not sure yet. I do not think that the rainy-day fund needs to be
completely replaced. I would want to review all the states expenditures and make
cuts somewhat across the board. I think education should be one of the top
priorities of state government and we should be very careful in cuts for
educational funding. As a businessman I know there are creative ways of reducing
costs without sacrificing essentials and I’d like to get into the details to
find them.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: If we cannot eliminate property taxes across the
board then I would not vote to change the Homestead
Exemption in any way!
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am employed at Standens Inc. of Indianapolis as their manager of US Sales. My
wife Sandy and I own and operate Glenbrook Farm raising purebred beef cattle. I
am a past president and director of the American Murray Grey Association and
have marketed breeding stock throughout the US. Sandy and I have lived in
Franklin and Fayette counties for the last 35 years and have been active
participants in community life. I served on the Franklin County Council, Area
Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Economic Development Commission and
PTO President at Laurel Elementary. Sandy is on the Orange Township Advisory
Board. I am a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in education. I went
to work at Mt. Vernon School Corporation after graduation teaching English and
Social Studies and coaching Football and Wrestling. In 1974 I went to work at
Detroit Steel Products in Morristown, Indiana and held several management
positions. From 1985 to 1991 I was General Manager of Franklin Casket Company. I
returned to Detroit Steel as General Sales Manager and held that position until
the operation closed in 2007. Sandy and I have 4 grown children and 11
grandchildren and are members of St. Mary Parish in Rushville. I am a fiscal
conservative that believes all levels of government
must live within their means. If citizens want government to do
certain things then they must be willing to pay for it, be it fight a war or
build a road! If we have problems
then we must address them not leave them for the next administration or
generation. I am glad to learn of Watchdog
Indiana and your activities to help protect the taxpayers here in Indiana. I’m
sure I share your overall goals but we may differ on some specific policies.
State Representative District 56:
Brad Hyatt
129 N. 29th St.
New Castle, IN 47362
Phone:
(765) 465-2438
E-mail: bhyatt5150@hotmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Phillip Pflum (POLITICAL HOG)
State Representative District 60:
Steven R. Hogan (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8992 Ella Street
Nashville, IN 47448
Phone:
(812) 360-3743
E-mail: srhogan1972@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: I absolutely support an
amendment to cap property taxes.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: Education and local governments cannot continue to expand their spending
as if there were no problem with the economy of the private sector. In education
the first place to cut expenses is not in the classroom. Building programs, new
supplies and technology and in-service and travel expenses should be put on hold
and those funds used for the kids, first. As happened this year, it is more
important that we have teachers and class rooms than new buildings. Medicaid
spending will be an even greater problem with Obamacare. I am not sure what can
be done except to protect ourselves from an intrusive federal government passing
the responsibilities for funding t us. I do not support any increases in income
taxes or other taxes for that matter. The citizens of Indiana cannot be expected
to come up with extra money from their pay checks when their incomes are
decreasing and people are losing jobs.
All government entities need to cut back to
operate within expected revenues. It is
important that we maintain a reserve account. This reserve account is what will
protect us from our federal government. The length of this recession is unknown
and if Indiana is to come out of it strong in the future, we must be well
prepared.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes, I support the
Homestead Deductions without change.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: I support building I-69. In order to get this
project completed I would support making it a toll
road if that were the only way to get it done. To require approval
of the General Assembly to make that happen is probably impossible.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
We have serious economic problems right now in large part because of the
government meddling with what should be "free enterprise." The
suggestion of new regulations for banks, wall street, etc. have only shut down
banking for the little guy. Nationalizing car companies and special deals for
unions have taken the notion of competition out of the picture. Public-private
partnerships are special relationships that exclude competition and keep
entrepreneurs from entering the picture (unless they are the one to secure the
favor). Government jobs are not sustainable jobs. Private business making
informed investments and hiring individuals to help provide a service or produce
a product should be the only definition of economic growth and real jobs.
David W. (Doc) Murdoch (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
5557 Lanam Ridge Rd.
Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: (317) 443-3186
E-mail: vote4doc@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I DO
NOT support this Amendment. Capping property taxes is a stop-gap
measure at best. I foresee assessments being significantly raised to make up the
difference and increase our taxes even more. I believe during the last
assessment period many "assessed" values of residential real property
increased just for this purpose. Regarding the homestead reduction, I don't
believe there should be ANY exemptions or deductions for taxes. The tax system
provides these deductions and exemptions to benefit special interest groups.
This creates loopholes, which establish an environment of corruption and
cheating. These deductions and exemptions also complicate the system
unnecessarily. The only real answer to our tax "problems" is to a)
Repeal property taxes, b) Repeal ALL other state taxes which are not
specifically listed in the Constitution of the State of Indiana, c) Completely
reform the state tax system so it is simple and fair for all. I currently favor
a version of the Fair Tax as a replacement for our current system. Completely
eliminating the very many separate hidden taxes and the visible taxes would
delete the need for the agencies currently involved in the collection,
accounting, and disbursement of all these separate taxes. That means smaller
government and a lower total budget. The Fair Tax is the best way to ensure all
pay their way, as long as it's done with NO LOOPHOLES OR EXEMPTIONS. Government
would be physically and fiscally smaller. Tax code could be simplified into
"common language" as legislation is required to be by the Constitution
of the State of Indiana. Any created exemptions would again mean loopholes, an
environment of corruption, legislation to close these loopholes and open others
for special interest groups, and return us to the same complex tax system we
have now.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: I believe we need to go back to basics and learn our State
Constitution and also study the reasons for the subject matter within it. That
is the beginning for deciding ANY and ALL actions taken to ensure the Indiana
State government operates as designed. First, Medicaid and all other
"entitlement" programs must be eliminated. These programs are only
justifications for the State to extort money from one group of people and
give it to another. Before all these entitlement programs were created, most of
the same functions were performed by private charities, religious charities, and
community charities. This method of helping people worked fine. As it is, people
just give less to these "non-government" charities because a) We don't
have as much money left each week after the government extorts / steals what it
determines it needs and b) The government is forcing us all to contribute to
certain charitable programs instead of letting us decide for ourselves where our
money is going. Nobody has a moral or ethical "entitlement" to the
fruits of anyone else's labor. There is the legal entitlement because of
government legislation, but legal doesn't mean right. The deletion of these
programs would also delete a HUGE portion of the government bureaucracy
significantly reducing government both physically and fiscally. We all have more
money to give to those groups we choose to. Also, more of the money would
actually reach the people intended. Studies have shown that when the government
steals our money in the form of taxes, almost 70% is burned up in government
overhead. Second, the Constitution of the State of Indiana specifically lists
the authorized sources of income for the funding of our schools. The
Constitutional parameters should be adhered to. The State should remove
itself from the business of mandating curriculum, teaching methods, establishing
standards, etc. These things should all be done at the local level by the
parents of our children. The curriculum should NOT consist of moral and ethical
"training" but should focus on core skill subjects. Let the parents
decide if a nice, new building is more important than students having new,
updated, correct textbooks. Let the parents decide if building a multi-million
dollar sports complex is as important as transportation to and from school or
enlarging the library. This state is the only state I've lived in that actually
charges "rent" for textbooks. If changes were made books, pens,
pencils, paper could all be provided at no cost ("rent" or otherwise)
to the student's family. Getting the State out of the "government
school business" would greatly decrease size of government both physically
and fiscally. An added bonus would be decreased costs to families of school-age
children and increased parent participation in the education process. Third, I
will NEVER support a statewide tax increase for ANY reason. An increase in ANY
tax just means the elected officials of this state are only interested in
increasing the number of state programs, or increasing the size of existing
programs. Both of these increase the size of government, both physically and
fiscally, and gives more power to the state by taking it from the citizens.
Government has proven it NEVER does ANYTHING efficiently and taxes are
government authorized theft of citizens' property. Property rights should be of
paramount concern to every freedom loving citizen. Fourth, reserve funds should
be replenished and could easily be if the above actions are taken. Most of these
issues could be fixed with a stroke of a pen. The reason they aren't fixed is
because a) the system has been made so complex that it's actually difficult to
understand how different government programs and entities operate and b) fixing
these problems would take power away from the elected, career government
officials and give it back to the citizens.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
No, I do not. Keeping these deductions
"as is" means not reforming the State tax system itself. Making this
"pledge" means agreeing that the system is not broken, and we all know
it is. The only correct thing to do is FIX IT, and FIX IT again...over and over,
always looking for ways to simplify the system while decreasing the physical
size of the government, ensuring government operates within the parameters of
the State Constitution, and decreasing the State budget by deleting inefficient
"programs".
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: I do support changing Indiana Code
to establish required approval of the General Assembly. Most of all I support
repealing much of the Indiana Code that is inefficient, expensive, and is
outside the parameters of the Constitution. The most perfect session of the
General Assembly would be entirely used to repeal past legislation and delete
established programs and governmental departments which do nothing but cost us
money. I do support privatization of many current government functions. As
stated above, government does NOTHING as efficiently as private enterprise.
That's the way our government is designed. The founders knew that a government
that figures out how to "do things" by initiating the "you
scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" system will grow out of control and
take power away from the citizens and use that power to become oppressive.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
As you can tell from my responses above, I believe in personal liberty and
property rights. These were just as important to those who created our
governments, both State and Federal. The farther we stray from those simple
values, the more oppressive our government becomes, and, the more reliant upon
government it's citizens become. That is the process that brought us to our
current situation. I'm more than happy to answer questions anyone may have
regarding my thoughts on any issue. Please email me your questions and I will
answer them in the order I receive them. Please understand I'm a "one man
operation" so there may be a time lag between your sending your questions
and me answering them, but I will answer them. I also have a Facebook
"Group", VOTE4DOC. In order to get a more complete understanding of my
beliefs regarding government and my candidacy, please request a copy of my basic
bio and an explanation of my governmental philosophy. I ask you to please vote
for me, to make me your elected representative to the Indiana General Assembly
for District #60. Allow me to inject integrity into our state government.
Peggy Welch (POLITICAL HOG)
State Representative District 61:
Matt Pierce (POLITICAL HOG)
Kevin Suddeth (Uncertain)
402 W. Saidah Road
Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812) 384-7181
E-mail:
Website: http://kevinsuddethfor61.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from
Website): I support permanent property tax caps.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from Website): I will work to keep
K-16 funding at the highest levels the state budget allows. If schools are
forced to make cuts, then those cuts should come from administration areas, not
the classroom. As state tax revenues continue to decrease, we must be prudent
with our taxing decisions. Tax cuts in a recession should be carefully weighed,
but no new taxes. As part of my commitment to NO new taxes, I have signed the
Americans for Tax Reform, Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a commitment to voters
that I will "oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase
taxes."
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 64:
Kreg Battles (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Ken A. Beckerman
304 Logan Avenue
Hazleton, IN 47640
Phone: (812) 431-5078
E-mail: drkab1@verizon.net
Website: www.KenABeckerman.com
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November
2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 73:
Ryan D. Bower (Uncertain)
106 W. Wendy Lane
Salem, IN 47167
Phone:
(812) 883-2272
E-mail:
bower.ryan@gmail.com; votebower@gmail.com
Website:
http://www.votebower.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
Steve Davisson (Taxpayer
Friendly)
PO Box 341
Salem, IN 47167
Phone:
(812) 883-2751
E-mail:
daviss@blueriver.net
Website:
http://www.stevedavisson.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I
support the Constitutional Amendment to Cap
property taxes.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: The challenge will be great to
provide a balanced budget for 2012-2013. I believe that like hard working
Hoosier families, our state must sit down and make the hard decisions about
revenue in and expenditures out. We have to make our education dollars work
harder with evidence-based reforms. Presently, many schools waste money with
excessive administration staff, money that could be put in classrooms.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
I pledge to retain
Homestead deductions without change.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: I
support changing that Indiana Code to require a General Assembly majority
approval to create a Toll Road project, regardless of who has
negotiated it. A toll would affect all Hoosiers and their voices should be heard
regarding anything as major as tolling Indiana transportation routes.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am running for State Representative because Indianapolis is sick, and has
forgotten the needs of southern Indiana for too long. With radicalization of
Washington DC, Hoosiers depend on state government to protect them from federal
abuse. I have experience in business as a pharmacist. I have a great perspective
on the current healthcare bills, and what they mean for you and me. I will serve
as a statesman for southern Hoosiers, represent their views and concerns
passionately, and respond to them quickly. Voters can count on me for dedication
and service. If my constituents trust me with their health, they can trust me to
cure what’s wrong with Indianapolis. I welcome
comments or concerns about our state or the 73rd District.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: I
support the Constitutional Amendment to Cap property taxes.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER:
The challenge will be great to provide a
balanced budget for 2012-2013. I believe that like hard working Hoosier
families, our state must sit down and make the hard decisions about revenue in
and expenditures out. We have to make our education dollars work harder with
evidence-based reforms. Presently, many schools waste money with excessive
administration staff, money that could be put in classrooms.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: I
pledge to retain Homestead deductions without change.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: I
support changing that Indiana Code to require a General Assembly majority
approval to create a Toll Road project, regardless of who has
negotiated it. A toll would affect all Hoosiers and their voices should be heard
regarding anything as major as tolling Indiana transportation routes.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am running for State Representative because Indianapolis is sick, and has
forgotten the needs of southern Indiana for too long. With radicalization of
Washington DC, Hoosiers depend on state government to protect them from federal
abuse. I have experience in business as a pharmacist. I have a great perspective
on the current healthcare bills, and what they mean for you and me. I will serve
as a statesman for southern Hoosiers, represent their views and concerns
passionately, and respond to them quickly. Voters can count on me for dedication
and service. If my constituents trust me with their health, they can trust me to
cure what’s wrong with Indianapolis. I welcome comments or concerns about our
state or the 73rd District.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4,
2008, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? ANSWER: Yes, I
would vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I believe SJR 1 is a safety net for home owners across
Indiana, but I am also inclined to work in the future for even greater tax
breaks for homeowners, farmers and businesses. I believe it is important that we
complement this legislation with spending caps and make sure that state and
local governments live within their budgets just like every Hoosier family does.
State Representative District 74:
Sue Ellspermann (Uncertain)
212 E. 25th St.
Ferdinand, IN 47532
Phone:
(812) 489-0737, (812) 998-2084
E-mail:
sue@sueellspermann.com
Website:
http://sueellspermann.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER (April 28, 2010): Yes, I
agree voters should have the opportunity to vote on the property tax caps.
I do believe there will and should be continued legislation development to
fairly assess and balance these taxes among taxpayer groups.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER (April
28, 2010): The intermediate answer is to focus on growing jobs attracting and
helping companies start and expand in Indiana. Getting unemployment back
to 5-6% would solve many state budget problems. The next biennial budget, at
least in the first year, will be very difficult. I am an Industrial Engineer
used to looking for cost savings opportunities. Our governor is very good at
that. The Kernan Shepard report should be utilized for further local government
reform. And, we should continue to streamline state government and learn to do
“more with less” as K-12 and higher education have been asked to do. We must
make it not only the government’s job, but ask Hoosiers to help identify and
participate in cost savings programs.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge
to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER (April 28, 2010): It would be
irresponsible for me to say “without any change” without knowing if there
are potential circumstances which would require
the Homestead deduction review.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER (April 28, 2010): I don’t have enough
information on what Indiana Code says today. New I69 will provide a great
economic benefit to SW Indiana, for which I have supported and fought for while
a board member of the Chamber of Commerce of SW Indiana for many years.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER
(April 28, 2010): I believe small government, low taxes and self-determination
are paramount. Beyond that, I am a problem solver who will look for innovative
solutions and continuous improvement in all government spending. More efforts
should be placed on leveraging the IEDC and OCRA to enable economic and
community development at the local and regional level. And, we should work hard
to participate in, within reason, federal programs which fund the re-engineering
of our current services, such as Race for the Top in K-12 Education.
Russ Stilwell (POLITICAL HOG)
State Representative District 75
Ron Bacon (Uncertain)
10300 Meadowlark Hill Road
Chandler, IN 47610
Phone: (812) 867-3227
E-mail:
Website: http://www.ronbacon.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from Website): Government should, like
the citizens it serves, live within its means. I will only support those budgets
that spend no more than we receive in revenues. I am a Fiscal Conservative and
will oppose raising taxes as a solution to government overspending.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Mike Goebel
389 S. Alvord Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47714
Phone: (812) 204-4453
E-mail: rgelarden@insightbb.com
Website: http://www.warrickdemocrats.com/mike_goebel.htm
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 76
Bob Deig (POLITICAL HOG)
Wendy (Mac) McNamara
8971 Waltz Road
Mt. Vernon, IN 47620
Phone: (812) 985-7823
E-mail:
Website: http://www.wendymac2010.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 80:
Phil GiaQuinta (Uncertain)
Jonathan Moosey
6404 Bristol Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Phone: (260) 456-4205
E-mail: moosey80th@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 83:
Kathleen Heuer
P.O. Box 512
Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone: (260) 609-2802
E-mail: kathleenheuer@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.kathyheuer.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Wray McCalester (Uncertain)
5828 N Center
Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone: (260) 691-3786
E-mail: puravida@mchsi.com
Website: http://www.wrayforstatehouse.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I cannot
support the amendment as it stands. I do support maintaining the homestead
property tax deductions, but feel they must be separated from the other issue. A
flat rate cap that allows no provision for changing circumstances is a poor
substitute for the common sense that should be used by the legislature/local
government in making such decisions. I am no fan of paying taxes, believe me,
but I oppose the 1,2,3% caps.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER: I would like to be more
specific on this, but I cannot be without knowing what the situation is at the
time. I can say that I would rather see money used to balance the budget rather
than to rebuild the rainy day fund. Education is the largest portion of the
budget and will always be the elephant in the room. We will best solve our
funding problems by working to improve the state economy, not by raising taxes. Every
candidate is stating the obvious: We need jobs! I not only understand the
problem, but I understand the causes and solutions. When General Motors made a
corporate wide decision to outsource all sequencing of parts, thousands across
the country lost jobs. No GM plant in the country kept that work—except one. I,
as the representative responsible for insourcing work, led negotiations at the
Fort Wayne plant. I planned the strategy, the committee worked hard, and in the
end GM agreed to build a 300,000 square foot addition to the plant. That created
an estimated 140 new jobs and saved another 200. But
the story doesn’t end there. When, GM was looking for a truck plant to add a
third shift, they chose Ft. Wayne. Why? For the high quality truck produced
there, certainly, but also because of the flexibility the addition I negotiated
brought to the plant. The result? Another 900 jobs added to this area.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
Yes. (finally
an easy one!)
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes,
another easy one.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
My website should be updated and ready by Sept. 4 or 5. I encourage
visitors/comments. Sometimes I am buried and answers are delayed, but I reply to
all but rude emails as soon as I am able. Some
politicians rail about how policemen and women, firemen and women, and teachers
don’t do enough and are overpaid. I believe that when police and fire
department workers stand willing to give their LIVES for us, we should be ready
to give them all the support they need—including good wages and insurance. I
also know that while it may be fashionable to bash teachers, they are some of
the hardest working people in the state—and often the most caring. They take
home work every night; grading papers, planning projects and doing classroom
preparation. I do not believe that the problem with our schools can be laid at
the feet of the teachers alone. We all must bear some responsibility for the
problems in school.
State Representative District 84:
Bob Morris (Uncertain)
Evan Smith
4507 North Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Phone: (260) 246-2755
E-mail: smith_evan2010@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 90:
Mike Speedy (Taxpayer
Friendly)
4733 Moss Creek Terrace
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone: (317) 787-0280
E-mail: mike@mikespeedy.com; m.speedy@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.mikespeedy.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER: Will not support income tax increase. We should always
endeavor to live within our means, and as such reserve funds should be
replenished with the strengthening of our economy. Spending cuts should always
be the first approach to balancing the state budget.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
I see no need for any changes that increase
property taxes or otherwise circumvent the tax
caps.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Inclined to Support but would like to know more.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Not at this time.
Kevin Vail
5727 Yucatan Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone: (317) 258-4986
E-mail: kevin@vail.org
Website: http://www.kevinvail.us/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 95
John Bartlett (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
Ray G. Shearer
P.O. Box 36517
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Phone: (317) 696-0865
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID
NOT RESPOND.
State Representative District 98
William A. Crawford (POLITICAL HOG)
Briane M. House
2064 Gallery Court
Indianapolis, IN 46229
Phone: (317) 894-3442
E-mail: bhouse@ncs-law.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Representative District 99
David Blank
4551 Sylvan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46228
Phone: (317) 329-8462
E-mail: blankdocs@comcast.net
Website: http://www.voteblank.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Beth Hayes
1244 N. Illinois St. #311
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 635-8732
E-mail: haybeth2010@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
John Meuser
3305 Decker Ridge Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46258
Phone: (317) 644-6128
E-mail: meuserj@gmail.com; john@johnmeuser.com
Website: http://www.johnmeuser.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in
2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in
2008? ANSWER: Yes. RECORD
(www.indystar.com/2008race): I
will always prefer repeal over the capping amendment, but would vote for the cap
if it came up to vote when I am in office.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your
candidacy? ANSWER: I do have some reservations about SJR1/HB1001. I believe that
it is a mistake to have a subjectively measured tax on what is essentially debt
for many citizens. I would feel much better about the amendment if it removed
the subjective assessment process and replaced it with an objective measurement
such as square footage. I am also disappointed that repeal was not given more
serious attention by our legislature. My other concern about SJR1/HB1001 is that
a close reading of the Indiana Constitution reveals that as of now there is no
constitutional support for a tax on non-commercial property and this amendment
seems like a Trojan horse to add that support. However, despite all of these
concerns, I feel that this amendment is a very important step in the right
direction of providing lasting property tax relief and will support it if I am
elected.
Vanessa J. Summers (POLITICAL HOG)
State Senate District 1:
Frank Mrvan, Jr. (Taxpayer Friendly)
David B. Spudic
259 Lawndale Street
Hammond, IN 47401
Phone: (219) 765-0880
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Senate District 4:
Shawn Olson (Uncertain)
5307 4th Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 464-7090
E-mail: Info@Olson4Senate.com
Website: http://www.olson4senate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. RECORD (from Website): Taxes have a purpose,
for paying for what is necessary. Count on a NO vote for anything that will
increase Indiana Property, Sales, and Income taxes. All of us are already
burdened with increased inflation and a depressed economy. As a nation we have
always prospered with a free market system with hard working individuals as the
back bone. Lets not put anymore burdens on the backs of our fellow Hoosiers.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Karen Tallian (POLITICAL HOG)
State Senate District 6:
Charles E. Barman
7451 W 121st Ave
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 226-3400
E-mail: charlesbarman@lakelpin.org
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Sue Landske (Taxpayer Friendly)
Jim Metro
14822 Wicker Ave.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303
Phone: (219) 374-7610
E-mail:
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Senate District 11:
Catherine Fanello
18441 Summer Wind Lane
South Bend, IN 46637
Phone: (574) 277-9774
E-mail: cfanello@comcast.net; fanelloforsenate@gmail.com
Website: http://www.fanelloforsenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Joseph C. Zakas (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 15:
Jack Morris
1034 Wingate Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Phone: (260) 417-6177
E-mail: jack@morrisforstatesenate.com;
bpmjl@verizon.net
Website: http://www.morrisforstatesenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Thomas J. (Tom) Wyss (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 19:
Robert Couse (Taxpayer
Friendly)
705 S Water St
Jonesboro, IN 46938
Phone: (765) 618-6013
E-mail: couseforsenatedistrict19@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I
support making the property tax caps permanent.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER:
I unfortunately do not have a good answer for this issue.
I do know that Indiana statue requires that the budget be balanced. If funds
continue to shrink, more than likely across the board cuts will have to be made.
I would hope that through cuts the State of Indiana could avoid tax increases.
Here again I am not sure
that budget cuts will be enough. With the economic times being the way they are
I truly do not know what the best answer will be especially two years out. I
fully understand that this is not the answer everyone wants to hear, but I also
know from my experience on the Jonesboro City Council that financial situations,
especially in the climate that we are in currently, require the ability to be
flexible, creative, and proactive.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
Yes.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I have a facebook group page under Robert Couse for Indiana State Senate
District 19. I would like to say that out of all the current candidates I am
probably the one the best understands the issues that face every day Hoosiers.
Other candidates have probably faced issues along the way but their families and
careers grew before the current economic times that we are in currently. My
family and I face trying to grow during this time of
economic hardship. I understand what it is like not being able to find a job
that matches my skill sets. I'm currently employed as a janitor despite my
multiple degrees from Purdue University and despite the fact that I'll have
completed my Masters this coming February. I really understand the fears that
parents have when it comes to
education here in Indiana My children are only starting to enter into the local
school systems, and in the next two years, I will have a child in 1st grade,
kindergarten, and preschool. I know the hard balance of finding time for the
family despite both my wife and I having to work just to be able to pay the
bills and have a little extra to do things as a family. From my position on the
Jonesboro City Council, I know and understand the impact of budget cuts and I am
forced to make decisions that impact the livelihood of individuals whom I have
to see and interact with on a daily basis. I will say that I do not fault any
candidate for achieving the level of comfort that they have, because I myself am
striving for, and will one day achieve that for my family and I. However, I can
say that other candidates will legislate from what they think the everyday
Hoosier needs, where as, I will legislate from what I know the everyday Hoosier
needs, because I live the life that the majority of Hoosiers are living today.
Travis Holdman (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 21:
James R. (Jim) Buck (Taxpayer Friendly)
Chuck Sosbe
1715 S. Courtland Avenue
Kokomo, IN 46902
Phone: (765) 438-8293
E-mail: chuck@sosbe.net; chuck@sosbeforsenate.com
Website: http://www.sosbeforsenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Senate District 22:
Ron J. Alting (Taxpayer Friendly)
Michael J. Oxenrider
105 Leslie Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone: (765) 577-5627
E-mail: michael@oxenriderforIndiana.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Senate District 25:
Brian S. Jacobs (Taxpayer
Friendly)
8975 S 800 W
Pendleton, IN 46064
Phone: (317) 485-3117
E-mail: bjacobs@healthmatch.com;
brian@votejacobs.com
Website: http://votejacobs.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: I
support the Amendment as written because the level
of property taxation reflected by the 1-2-3% caps is a ceiling above which
property tax cannot rise while leaving the General Assembly free to reduce
property taxes further as they see fit.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER:
Let's start by laying out some boundaries of what we
shouldn't do: (a) We shouldn't raise taxes. This will simply drive business
investment away from Indiana when we desperately need to get Hoosiers back to
work. Such an irresponsible act would hurt Hoosier families for decades. (b) We
shouldn't count on federal stimulus money. This money is not "free";
it is simply going on the tab of our children. Besides, if states
become dependent on federal dollars it will further erode the foundations of
federalism which is central in the Constitution and vital to our liberty. Now
for what we MUST do. We must cut spending. There are two general
principles for finding the spending cuts needed to balance the budget. First,
and most obviously, we should eliminate programs that are wasteful, unnecessary,
or things that could be done by the private sector. This is the low hanging
fruit that almost everyone would agree on...but there isn't enough of this in
Indiana to keep the budget balanced. The second principle is we must make cuts
where all the money goes. In Indiana, this means two things, Medicaid and
education. There are two ways to reduce Medicaid spending without affecting
health outcomes. First,
eliminate payment for services considered
optional by the federal Medicaid program
such as chiropractic care. Average Hoosier families
should not be asked to sacrifice more to provide optional services even for the
poorest Hoosiers. Second, Medicaid suffers from over-utilization because the end
users have no "skin in the game." People consume more units if there
is no additional marginal cost to them for such usage; this is called Moral
Hazard. We can reduce Moral Hazard in Medicaid in a couple of ways. First,
we can expand Indiana's creative pilot programs
in Medicaid Health Savings Accounts. These have
been shown to substantially reduce costs to taxpayers. Second, we can introduce
co-pays, particularly for the most expensive types of care, like the ER. And we
can electronically link those co-pays to other forms of public assistance. For
example, if a Medicaid beneficiary goes to the ER and does not have the $20
co-pay, we won't turn them away, but we will deduct that $20 from other public
assistance they might receive, such as from welfare checks. This will deter them
from casually consuming more than they need and will encourage them not to use
the ER for convenience instead of making a far less expensive (to the taxpayer)
appointment with a primary care physician. The second place we must cut is
education. We have no choice, as about 50% of the general fund is spent on K-12
education and another 13% on higher education. With regard to higher education,
let's let students pay for more of their
own education instead of burdening taxpayers further. This has a couple of good
effects: (a) People value things more if they pay for them. (b) Isolating people
from the costs encourages over consumption. (c) It is easy for universities to
beg the General Assembly for more money but it is difficult for them to justify
tuition rises to students and parents. Perhaps this will encourage universities
to find operational efficiencies (which they have not done in decades) instead
of simply seeking more revenue. In K-12, results aren't about money. During the
downturn, K-12 was pared, and yet I-STEP scores went up. We can save money and
get better results by concentrating on the basics: English, Math, and civics.
American schools of 100 years ago performed better without spending nearly as
much. We should allow broader use of participation fees for student activities
outside those basics. We should rely on competition through charter schools,
vouchers, or even home-schooling. Competition breeds excellence and efficiency,
monopoly does the reverse, even if that monopoly is state K12 education.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
While I don't favor govt using the tax code to foster social policy, I
don't see changing the homestead credit as feasible or desirable
unless part of a wholesale reform of Indiana tax policy. And there is always the
problem of changing the rules mid-stream.
4.
QUESTION: Do
you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Toll roads and other user-taxes can be an efficient and fair means of
paying for such projects. In general, I support such efforts in lieu of broader
taxation of non-users. The General Assembly could always act in specific cases
to prevent such agreements. So no, I don't believe such
a change is necessary.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Overspending and overtaxation at the federal level is threatening the future of
my children and is what prompted me to get involved. I believe we need to get
Hoosiers back to work, and we can do that by making Indiana the most business
friendly state in the nation. We need to rely less on government and more on the
creativity, common sense, and work ethic of everyday Hoosiers. More government
isn't the answer...not in the economy, not in healthcare, not in education.
Frankly, we've had enough of "change you can believe in." It is time
for Change that Believes in YOU!
Tim Lanane (Uncertain)
State Senate District 26:
Doug Eckerty (Taxpayer
Friendly)
10200 W. River Rd.
Yorktown, IN 47396
Phone:
(765) 744-6364
E-mail:
gdeckerty@comcast.net
Website:
http://dougeckerty.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: FULLY
SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER:
My first choice is to make further cuts to higher
education......not k-12. Mayoral elections should be shifted to normal election
cycles ...saving $22 million every four years. Next, do away with township
government and trustees or at the very least consolidate them to half their
current numbers.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
I can live with no changes to the current assessment system. However, the entire
assessment system must be addressed ASAP to avoid falling into the same old
trap........CAPS do us no good if assessments run wild. It is entirely possible
that we may see 10% inflation or more again.......which would put us back in the
same bad position with property taxes.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes, the General Assembly should
have the final vote. I would even go for a voter referendum on this issue.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Thank you for allowing me to participate in this survey.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: I fully support
placing property tax caps into the constitution.....without
any reservation.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: With respect to Medicaid. Currently in Indiana Medicaid accounts for 13%
of the states budget. With unemployment likely to continue at historic
levels we will continue to see a surge in Medicare enrollment. My understanding
is that the states share of Medicaid funding is Federally mandated
(another unfunded mandate from our friends in Washington). Bottom line is that
it appears little we can do as a state to avoid this enrollment surge. We will
have to continue to cut aggressively in other places in the budget as well as
shift priorities. Changing mayoral elections to the even years will save the
state $22 M every four years ....and the elimination of one entire layer of
local government is a must. I could go on but time does not permit.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: I fully support retaining the
standard homestead supplemental deductions...........but also feel we need to go
further to place some sort of CAP in place for overall property
assessments. If we don't CAP assessments then Property Tax CAPS will become
meaningless at some point and property tax payers will be victimized once again.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: I'm not in favor of setting up any toll roads
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Property tax CAPS are critical to Indiana's future and especially the creation
and retention of jobs. Ball State University just released an economic impact
study assessing the impact property tax caps will have on jobs in Indiana.
Their findings were that property tax caps will likely produce 97,000 jobs in
Indiana as well as stimulate wealth creation for homeowners. If you wish to
research my credentials further please feel free to contact Chris Hiatt of the
CDCPTR in Muncie. Chris knows me well. Feel free to contact me at anytime:
Sue Errington (POLITICAL HOG)
State Senate District 27:
Donald Crossley
9600 Smoky Row Rd.
Greens Fork, IN 47345
Phone:
(765) 886-9955
E-mail: don.crossley@yahoo.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I will do the questionnaire soon. But, I don't like yes or no answers. Property
tax, no I don't support it...it is better than it was I will say #1 Property
taxes should be lower I prefer none at all, some states have $0
property tax and do fine. #2 No matter how you look at how low it is now...A
retired person that has worked all of their life to pay off their home, they are
now 78 years old, they miss a paying their taxes in the fall, Indiana
could confiscate their home and sell it for a profit and boot them out. Its not
a "yes" or "no" answer to me. Personally The state blows to
much, like there is a ton of it. They are planning on spending $2 Billion more
in 2011 ouch! They better have 600,000 jobs coming in the next 6 months!
Allen Paul (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 29:
Mike Delph (Taxpayer Friendly)
Robin Shackleford (Uncertain)
4964 Potomac Square Way Unit 4
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone:
(317) 328-4921, (317) 201-3403
E-mail:
rshackleford1@comcast.net
Website:
http://www.shacklefordforsenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
State Senate District 31:
Frank J. Anderson
115 W Washington St Ste 1165
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 231-7100
E-mail: kmurray@fbtlaw.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Benjamin Hale
8527 Honeysuckle Way
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone: (317) 698-3418
E-mail: halebenw@gmail.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
James W. Merritt, Jr. (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 38:
Ed Gluck (Taxpayer
UNfriendly)
628 Ash St. Apt. 53
Terre Haute, IN 47804
Phone: (812) 235-0412
E-mail: Ed@ElectEdGluck.com;
edgluck2@yahoo.com
Website:
http://www.electedgluck.com:80/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: Oppose.
You mentioned in a previous reason why the amendment must be passed, that other
taxes were already planned. Voters must vote out Democrats and Republicans and
support good candidates rather than corrupt parties. Good candidates would pass
a similar amendment without crushing the working and the children. Don't support
the global agenda!
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER: Medicaid spending: Spend 100% of Federal money allotted, 0%
coming from state government. K-12 education: The
Indiana Constitution has a fund for this. Follow the Constitution. (As a
representative I must!) We can also consider state funding only K-6. Statewide
income tax increase: Do not attack the worker. If income is defined as dividends
and capital gains on stocks, then perhaps we can increase the % as long as taxes
on wages and tips is ended. I do not see this as a revenue generator. Reserve
funds should be replenished to at least $2 billion. Tough times are ahead and
this phony stimulus federal money must dry up.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
These values should probably be raised ($45,000 and
$600,000) since the price of housing is still in bubble mode. I agree this
progressive taxing looks fair and I certainly would NOT raise it. (Now I would
have to visit an assessor, but I think a decimal pt. is missing - perhaps .35%
plus .25%.) Allow me to tell you my philosophy: If they can tax it they can take
it, if they can take it, you don't own it.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes I approve changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required. I understand the tolls will be used to build Pacific side
ports for Mexico and China. Indiana tolls should be used for Indiana roads.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I will support a U.S. amendment limiting corporations and their contract with
the state. Corporations are not people, therefore have no free speech rights.
Corporations must be limited in life, (the past practice of 10 years under good
behavior seems a maximum). Owners will be liable for losses. On
the other side, I will not leave losers penniless. Indiana bankruptcy law is
unconstitutional (Indiana Constitution). The equity allowed in your house under
bankruptcy in Indiana has moved from $13,000 in the 1990s to $15,000 today. I
propose moving that to $120,000 or higher. I do see many medical bankruptcies in
the near future. I will be for a tenth amendment
resolution to keep Indiana from bailing out other states and other nations. I
will support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution if the resolution is
ineffective.
Timothy Dale Skinner (POLITICAL HOG)
Bill Webster (Taxpayer
Friendly)
5191 S. Coxville Road
Montezuma, IN 47862
Phone: (765) 569-2385
E-mail: bill@webstersenate.com; patriotsforwebster@gmail.com
Website: http://www.webstersenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: SUPPORT.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: We should live within our means. I will not
vote to raise taxes. K-12 is always a high priority. Yes, reserve funds should
be replenished.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
YES!
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: YES!
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
Please join us on Facebook Bill Webster State Senate and
visit our Website.
State Senate District 39:
Steven M. Thais
205 Nicholas St.
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 886-6676
E-mail: steveforsenate@live.com
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2, 2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - November 7,
2006, General Election
1. BACKGROUND: Effective December 1, 2002, the Indiana sales tax
increased from 5% to 6% with a promise that the proceeds would be used to
decrease homeowner homeowner property taxes by 16.3%. As summarized at http://finplaneducation.net/betrayal_incompetence.htm,
Indiana General Assemblies and Governors have turned the promised 16.3% decrease
into a Pay 2007 property tax increase of 20.3% for the average Hoosier
homeowner. Local governments are now pushing for more flexibility to levy
income, sales, and other taxes under the guise of property tax relief. QUESTION:
Should local Indiana governments be allowed to impose additional income, sales,
and other taxes? DID NOT RESPOND.
2. BACKGROUND: The state's budget the last two fiscal years has been balanced
without fund transfers for the first time since 1998-99 (see http://finplaneducation.net/indiana_cash_flow_data.htm).
QUESTION: Should the state's total budget expenditures be no more than total
revenues for the next biennium? DID NOT RESPOND.
3. BACKGROUND: The state's current budget is balanced with the inclusion of a
one-time increase from $35,000 to $45,000 in the state-paid Homestead
Deduction for Pay 2007 property taxes. This decreases property taxes for the
average homeowner by 6%. QUESTION: Should the $45,000 Homestead Deduction be
continued beyond 2007? DID NOT RESPOND.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of
Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost up to $150 million. QUESTIONS: Should
the state pay for full-day kindergarten? If YES, where should the state
get the funds needed for full-day kindergarten? DID NOT RESPOND.
5. BACKGROUND: The $3.7 billion proceeds from leasing the Indiana Toll Road
("Major Moves") will be used to establish a Bond Retirement Account to
pay off bonds selected by the Indiana Finance Authority, an Administration
Account, an Eligible Project Account for highway improvements throughout
Indiana, and a $500 million Next Generation Trust Fund to
be used exclusively for the provision of highways, roads, and bridges.
QUESTION: Do you anticipate the need for any state gas tax increases the next
ten years? DID NOT RESPOND.
6. BACKGROUND: "Major Moves" projects include $694 million for a new
terrain I-69 extension from Indianapolis to Evansville as well as a $500 million
Next Generation Trust Fund. QUESTION: Should the "Major Moves" expenditures
be combined with the Next Generation Trust Fund proceeds to build a new terrain
I-69 extension without state tax increases? DID NOT RESPOND.
7. BACKGROUND: The 2006 "Major Moves" legislation authorizes a
toll road for an I-69 extension between Martinsville and Evansville. QUESTION:
Do you favor legislation that removes the toll road authorization for an I-69
extension? DID NOT RESPOND.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy?
Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? DID NOT RESPOND.
John Waterman (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 41:
Chris Roller
921 Princeton Dr.
New Whiteland, IN 46184
Phone: (317) 691-7028
E-mail: chrisroller77@yahoo.com;
voteroller2010@yahoo.com
Website: http://voteroller2010.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Greg Walker (Taxpayer Friendly)
State Senate District 45:
James (Jim) Lewis (POLITICAL HOG)
Jim C. Smith
6103 Welsh Landing
Charlestown, IN 47111
Phone: (812) 207-6278
E-mail: smithforsenate@gmail.com
Website: http://jimsmithforsenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
State Senate District 46:
Charles "Chuck" Freiberger
7011 Brenlee Drive
Georgetown, IN 47122
Phone: (812) 923-3711
E-mail: cfry@insightbb.com
Website: http://chuckfreiberger.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Ron Groomes (Taxpayer
Friendly)
3104 Autumn Green Way
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone:
(812) 282-6108
E-mail:
r.grooms@insightbb.com
Website:
http://rongroomsstatesenate.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: Yes,
I support the amendment.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: The 2012-2013 State Budget should be balanced without any tax
increases. Reserve funds should be replenished. Medicaid spending can be reduced
to bare essentials. K-12 education spending should be maintained at current
levels. Further spending cuts will be needed in departments such as Natural
Resources, Transportation and State Elected Offices. The State may have to ask
private citizens and state businesses and corporations for donations or
prepayment of future taxes. Volunteer groups may be called on to offer help with
essential state services. Retired citizens may be called on to help in schools
and health facilities. Perhaps we need an “Indiana Volunteer Corps” to get
us through these tough times. The State Legislature will have to focus on
maintaining health, education and public assistance. Almost everything
else will require reduced spending.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
I pledge to maintain both deductions without any
changes.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: A toll road is a user fee. User fees
should be approved by some board or agency or regulatory commission. I
would support changing the code to require approval by the General Assembly
before I-69 becomes a toll road, between I-64 and Martinsville. The
decision should not be made by one person.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I have over 35 years experience as a community pharmacy owner and businessman. I
have served almost 20 years in grassroots local government as a city council
person. I have been a pharmacist in Indiana for 43 years and a resident of my
Senate District for 42 years. I bring to the office, common sense from real
experience and conservative values. Legislation,finance and budgets and job
creation are not uncommon to me.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. POSITION (from Website): I support
giving voters the right to choose by voting for or against an amendment to the
State’s constitution to make the property tax caps permanent and a
part of the Constitution.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. POSITION (from Website): I suggest that school
corporations work through the State’s Department of Administration to purchase
most goods and services. This will save taxpayers millions of dollars by
using the state’s buying power to negotiate the lowest possible price for
everything from office supplies to fuel to computers. Providers and vendors
would have the option to participate at state pricing levels. The state funding
available to school corporations for Full-Day Kindergarten should continue to
increase.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
DID NOT RESPOND.
State Senate District 47:
Ted Metzger (Taxpayer
Friendly)
1433 Mt. Gilead Road
Boonville, IN 47601
Phone: (812) 897-7969
E-mail: HoosiersforMetzger@juno.com
Website: http://www.tedmetzger.net/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: Yes, I
support the Constitutional Amendment. However,
I would like to abolish property taxes all together and replace them with a flat
tax/fair tax system. Which will allow Hoosiers to truly own their property like
our founding fathers intended.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished. ANSWER:
I would oppose any increases
in taxes. I believe a balanced budget should be accomplished by simply living
within our means. I would favor budget cuts across the board, some items (like Medicaid)
more then others (like infrastructure). If and when the State starts producing a
surplus in the budget, then the reserve fund may be replenished or tax cuts
issued which ever Hoosiers prefer.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
I do pledge to maintain both Homestead Deductions.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes, this brings our state back in
line with our republic principles.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I am a self-employed small business owner of a 30-year-old commercial contract
cleaning service. I was born and raised here in southern Indiana and have
resided in Boonville, for the last 23 years. I have been happily married to
Melissa for 36 years and have one son. I am a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and
a long time member of the American Legion Post #200. After my military duty I
returned to school under the G.I. bill where I earned my Associates Degree in
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology. This will be my first
elected office. I have no formal political experience. Yet I am exactly the type
of individual our founding fathers intended to hold office, the average citizen.
For the last ten years I have been fighting in the trenches on a local level as
a grassroots activist working to restore our liberties. I have received the
Defender of the Constitution award for my staunch support of the Bill of Rights.
I have also received recognition from the Institute for Legislative Action for
my grassroots efforts. My campaign has received the endorsement of The
Independence Caucus, a conservative grassroots caucus comprised of
liberty-minded individuals from across the nation. I believe our elected
officials have lost their way and no longer represent the people. I am a
conservative, constitutionalist, Republican from the working class. I have
learned to live within my means and believes it’s time for the government to
live within its means. I will work for Hoosier families to reduce taxes and
eliminate wasteful spending. I believe in the sanctity of marriage and am
Pro-Life. I understand the importance of keeping the first and second amendment
intact. I am now ready to take my grassroots efforts to the next level as your
state senator. I will be a strong voice for the people of southern Indiana at
the State Capital in Indianapolis. I will work tirelessly to defend our family
values, our American traditions, and our children’s freedom at the state
level.
Richard D. Young, Jr. (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
State Senate District 49:
Patty Avery
11400 Big Cynthiana Road
Evansville, IN 47720
Phone: (812) 455-4231
E-mail: patty.avery@insightbb.com
Website: http://pattyavery.com/
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Jim Tomes (Taxpayer
Friendly)
9412 Hwy 66
Wadesville, IN 47638
Phone:
(812) 985-5473
E-mail: jimtomes49th@gmail.com;
jmtomes@pngusa.net
Website:
http://www.jimtomes.com/index.html
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2010,
General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the November 2, 2010, Constitutional Amendment to (a) make the
1% - 2% - 3% property tax caps permanent and (b) protect homestead property tax
deductions from legal challenge? ANSWER: Yes.
I would have liked to see a 1% cap for all categories, though.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
Please address such issues as Medicaid spending, K-12 education, the possibility
of a statewide income tax increase, and whether reserve funds should be
replenished.
ANSWER: Medicaid, Family Social Service Administration, Education and
many other agencies throughout Indiana have budgets that are questionable and in
some cases suspicious in my opinion. As a state senator I would like to examine
the budgets and spending conducted by many of these agencies to see if their
operation justifies their spending. We must corral the wastefulness of taxpayers
money that has become a routine way of doing business, before any discussion
about raising taxes or inventing a new tax. I firmly believe if we start at that
point of addressing state budget proposals we will have a much more realistic
picture of our financial status.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change to help homeowners control their property tax burden? ANSWER:
Yes!
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville?
ANSWER: Yes!
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
My wife and I have always lived within our budget. We are working class people
who are now retired. I understand the value of a dollar and what it means to
live within your means. If you don't have money in hand, then you don't buy it.
We save up for what we want and all the folks in our circles live the same. I
don't think it's expecting too much for government to operate the same, ( at one
time it did). We need legislators who are a little more frugal and can be
trusted to be good stewards of the peoples money and trust. I would be such a
servant.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010,
Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you
support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010,
statewide ballot? ANSWER: Yes,
I support the amendment.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced?
ANSWER:
I'm holding a report in my hand of a Indiana state reserve statement
released June 30, 2009 showing an estimated Medicaid Reserve of 57.6 million
dollars and tuition reserve of 425 million dollars. But after reading down the
entire list of expenditures and balances it appears the budget is still going to
be 60 million dollars short by June 30, 2011. Increasing
income taxes, in my opinion will only throw us in more of a tail spin. We must
get control of the enormous spending that goes out on projects that are simple
not urgent at the moment. Just like a household that cannot restrain from
spending far beyond it's income neither can state government. Irresponsible
administration and lack of frugality in the educational sector is one
example. There is not enough time here to cover all the aspects on this
monumental issue, but as a tax payer and retired on a fixed income I can assure
you that there is absolutely a solution to our money problems and it does not
require increasing taxes.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain
both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction
without ANY change? ANSWER: ABSOLUTELY!!!
Beyond that, as a state senator I intend to examine why there is such a
disparity among property values in homes that are in the same proximity that
simply defies logic. I'm concerned about the qualifications of individuals
charged with the duty of assessing.
4.
QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General
Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between
I-64 and Martinsville? You can bank on that. This is another example of where
we have traded a Republic for a Democracy. Matters such as this and others like
it ought to and should be decided by the citizens by
virtue of their elected representatives.
5. QUESTION:
Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER:
I first ran for office in 2004 for state representative in District 76. I didn't
get elected then and things have not improved all that much since. I've decided
to run for state senate in District 49 for the same reasons as last time. We
must get legislators from the general population who understand icy clear
what the Constitution prescribes and that government is bound to operate within
limits and to the expectations of the citizens and in a manner of integrity.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 2,
2004,
Primary Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget. Those
on fixed incomes, small businesses and working class citizens of which I’m
one, live on budgeted incomes. Some are very limited incomes and must live
accordingly. Should we not expect our state
government to live within its means as well? First
we must plug the leaks, check wasteful spending.
I would like to see a complete housecleaning of every
agency (housing authorities, FSSA, BMV, etc.) in our state to eliminate the
absolute wasteful spending. We can’t keep adopting every new “feel
good” program that comes along, including those from the Federal level that is
dangled in front of us with the promise of some start up money and then Indiana
has to come up with a way to keep paying for it from there on. Indiana needs to
structure its budget and the way it operates on its ordinary income, which are
mainly tax revenues. The practice of relying on riverboat wagering revenues and
settlements from lawsuits such as the tobacco settlement for setting budgets is
risky because of unforeseen shortfalls that could occur. Careful spending based
on known income would likely lead to a more stable government operating
environment and any monies from other sources could be used to build a surplus
once again and perhaps result in the elimination or reduction in existing taxes.
I understand that government relies on taxes to fund it's
operation and the many services that it provides but I feel that citizens have
come to accept taxes and tax increases too willingly in exchange for a
larger government that most say they do not want. I am just not
one who welcomes new and more taxes with open arms.
I still say the solution to our dismal fiscal
situation is cut waste.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. There has been talk in the past of
dropping the property tax which I support wholeheartedly. I don't want to
exchange that tax for another form of taxation. I don't believe it realistic to
think that the legislature will eliminate the property tax which is one of their
main sources of revenue until Indiana regains is financial stability. If our
runaway spending were brought in check we could still maintain the services
those agencies provide and ELIMINATE the property tax and not trade off for one
under a different name.
3. Position on Indianapolis to Evansville Interstate. I-69 appears to be
a "done deal." I personally don't think it will ever be completed in
my life time. If the residents are willing to accept a new tax such as an
increase in a gasoline tax that should be up to them in a vote. I don't
support a toll road because the delays caused by stopping at a
toll booth would cancel what little time travel this new road is supposed to
afford.
4. Additional Comments. In my opinion the most pressing issue is why
are jobs and businesses leaving Indiana. Is it too many regulations or taxes,
such as the inventory tax? We must insure that the jobs and industry currently
existing in our state stay here. It’s better to keep and improve what we have,
which will in turn entice new businesses to set up in a state that has a history
of long established market place. With all the recent international trade
arrangements now in place labor and management must work together to exist.
It’s vital that workers in this Country have incomes that will allow them to
maintain a standard of living that in turn keeps our economy healthy. Companies
that provide fair and equitable pay and benefits in turn acquire employees who
display good work ethics. This combination is what produces the best products
and services in the market place. With your support and your authority, I would
like to bring state government back to where it belongs, in the hands of its
citizens.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2004,
Primary Election
1. Guiding Principles for 2005-07 Biennium Budget. Our
state needs a complete overhaul, agency by agency, to cut out wasteful spending.
Two comes to mind quickly, BMV and State Police's program in the way they
conduct background checks for gun purchases. Absolutely
no more tax increases. If we check this runaway spending we could
lower taxes or in some cases probably eliminate them.
2. Opinions on Homeowner Property Taxes. I would
like to eliminate property tax and choose not to replace it with yet another
tax. I still think a close and honest inspection of how fast our state spends
carelessly could result in property tax elimination.
3. Exempting gasoline sales from the sales tax and increasing the gasoline tax
by another 5 cents. I know that state government relies on taxes of some sort
for revenues. I think we now pay 38 cents per gallon not counting sales tax in
taxes on gasoline. I still prefer to get ahead of this snowball by examining
spending.
4. Tax increases to build an interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville. With
being a billion dollars in debt right now I don't think
we can afford the interstate from Indianapolis to Evansville. I think
Indiana needs to do what working class have to do, that is try saving money back
for awhile.
5. Additional comments. I'm an average working class taxpayer. I think it's time
we have someone like me who knows the value of a dollar. Who knows right from
wrong. When to say yes and when to say no.
Watchdog
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