Candidate Ratings: 2010 Contested General Elections

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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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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 3:

Charlie Brown (POLITICAL HOG)

John A. Schick (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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 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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): If elected to the Indiana House, you can count on me to work hard to promote economic growth, cut taxes, slash government waste, and promote and defend conservative family values. After 40 years creating jobs around here, it’s pretty clear to me what we need to do in the legislature to turn things around. Deliver property tax relief, fight wasteful spending and cut job-killing 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: 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. RECORD (From Website): I am seeking the opportunity to take my experience and passion for the community to the Indiana House. I am a fiscal and social conservative Republican and strong believer in the constitution, limited government, and the free enterprise system. Please know that I will aggressively work for common sense, responsive leadership in Indianapolis while seeking opportunities to expand and grow job opportunities right here in Northern Indiana. If you want a Representative who will fight to lower your taxes, create jobs and work for fiscal responsibility, then I ask you to vote for me in the upcoming election on November 2nd.
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 (Taxpayer Friendly)
2622 N. Shawnee Trail
LaPorte, IN 46350
Phone: (219) 380-3070
E-mail: arwolf@arwolf.com 
Website: http://www.voteandywolf.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: I support the Constitutional Amendment. I am concerned, however, that the General Assembly is not addressing true property tax reform. Indiana's property tax system is broken, and all of our legislators have known for many years that reform is needed. They've tried several fixes, but all have been short-term solutions, and none have resulted in a "uniform and equal rate of property assessment and taxation" as required by the Indiana Constitution. I support the 1-2-3 caps for short-term relief for individual taxpayers and small businesses. Taxpaying residents and businesses are being buried by an extraordinary number of state taxes and licensure fees. Providing relief is not only the right thing to do, it is also necessary. Taxpayers are going under at an alarming rate. More and more businesses are closing their doors every day. We're losing jobs, and the State is doing nothing to reverse this trend. Capping property taxes will slow this decline. Unless spending is reduced, however, the caps will have little long-term effect. The result will be higher local income and sales taxes and the implementation of local option income taxes. The State will continue to bury taxpayers as a result. To solve the problem, our officials need to take a hard look at the current property tax structure. Too many types of property are assessed and taxed at different rates. Only if we enact a real "uniform and equal" system of property taxation will true long-term relief be realized.
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: Another income tax increase is not the answer. Taking more money out of the taxpayer's pocket will reduce economic activity and reduce revenue. A review of priorities is in order. Cuts in spending are needed. Medicaid spending is out-of control because health care costs are out-of-control due to overwhelming government regulation and because of systemic inefficiency and fraud. Our seniors and poor will not suffer from reductions in Medicaid if the State streamlines the program. In addition, the State needs to reevaluate its income streams. We've lost track of promised revenues from various schemes. For example, what happened to the revenue from the lease of the toll road, and where is the money from the lottery going? The State needs to audit itself and devote these monies solely to their intended purposes. In the long-term, the State needs to stop its reliance on the federal government. When Washington dangles money in front of Indianapolis in exchange for the State passing legislation the feds want, we need to be strong enough to tell Washington, "No!" When we accept federal money, we give control of our state's affairs to the federal government, and we increase the burden on Indiana taxpayers.
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 will work against any type of captive tax increase.
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: All public-private agreements, including those that create and maintain pseudo-public agencies, should be reviewed and considered by
the General Assembly and subject to legislative vote.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.

State Representative District 14:

Catherine Campbell (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 2151
Elkhart, IN 46515
Phone: (574) 295-7659
E-mail: fish@dwightfish.com 
Website: http://www.dwightfish.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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): When property taxes are capped, assessments must remain fair. No end runs.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): 5% health care premium tax credit for small businesses motivates businesses to provide coverage and hire new employees. No more public education cuts, especially when the federal government is providing education funding. $100 tax credit per family with children for school supplies. $250 tax credit for college loans (balance >$15,000) if they stay in state. 4. Protect teacher and first responder pensions and health care plans; fully fund all state retirement plans. Create a Hoosier Rail train system connecting all urban areas of the state and expanding industrial design and manufacturing jobs. Instead of laying off teachers, all state employees should be required to take 5 unpaid days off per year. Utilize Indiana prison labor for civic improvement and taxpayer savings. Mandate a minimum amount of community service time for prisoners. Tax credit for gun and ammunition safety devices and products. The state needs to provide adequate funding to localities to enable libraries to meet these needs.
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: 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.

Benjamin Jarvis (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Let’s save money and practice compassion by no longer throwing drug addicts in jail. What our state government can do to encourage economic development by reducing tax burdens and making common-sense regulation reforms. RECORD (From IndyStar.com 2010 Voter Guide): State spending needs to be cut along with taxes in order to generate economic growth and ensure government stability. There isn't one single solution to the problem of reducing spending. Instead, many different programs need to be evaluated and, ultimately, either reduced in size or cut altogether. In addition to spending cuts, Indiana should reform its property tax code so as to encourage development in the state.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): I want to be your next State Representative from District 21 in the Indiana General Assembly. I’m currently a 20 year old full-time student at IUSB and I’ve lived in District 21 since I was in the first grade. My political values center around individual liberty and individual responsibility. I’m looking to promote small-government at the state level.

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 (Taxpayer Friendly)
1231 Pike Street
Wabash, IN 46992
Phone: (260) 563-5237
E-mail: thom@post.com 
Website: http://free22.yolasite.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.
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 am not concerned about replenishing the reserve funds. I am OPPOSED to increasing the income tax. Cuts in spending must be made. I propose allowing educational choice, which can reduce the amount of money for education. State parks can be ran by private organizations, without taxpayer expense. Reforming the criminal justice system can dramatically cut expenditures. Legalizing medical marijuana, and gaming can increase revenues. As far as Medicaid, that is a federal program; therefore, if the federal government wants Medicaid in Indiana; then the federal government should provide all of the funding.
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: The governor should not have the power to make such decisions; only the General Assembly should decide such things.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: As declared in the Declaration of Independence; the purpose of government is to secure our rights. I want the government to secure our rights, and to stop trying to run our lives. A return to securing our rights will greatly reduce the size & cost of government.

Allen "Big Al" Dunnagan (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I am a fiscal conservative. We have got to put a stop to spending money we don't have. As we do in our personal lives, we stop spending when the money is gone. Government needs to do the same.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): My priorities are strengthening our business climate, fiscal responsibility, improving our schools, and uniting small communities for stronger representation in Indianapolis:

Michael (Mike) B. Ridenour (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
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 (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: DID NOT RESPOND. 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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (from Website): Treat the state budget like a household budget…do not spend more than we have. Tax credits should be implemented for established and up and coming industry. I will champion an unemployment insurance tax cap for individual business. Tax revenue should be increased by increasing job growth and tax base, not tax rates.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): I value family, education, individual freedom and limited government as major components for success.

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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I fully support the extension of unemployment insurance for men and women in Indiana who have lost their jobs in these tough economic times. Township officials have been a vital part of Indiana government since statehood and are even more important in these difficult times. Local, grassroots government exists because the state cannot efficiently provide for our rural communities. RECORD (HeraldTimesOnline.com Keys to the Candidates): The 250 million dollar bailout of the Indianapolis sports stadiums with tax dollars, along with the 200 million dollars lost in the attempt to privatize FSSA, would have been more than enough to prevent the cuts to public schools and even compensate for the loss of tax revenue. Provide tax incentives to small business that locate here in Indiana and hire those Hoosiers who are currently unemployed, penalize companies that hire illegal immigrants, and give preference to in state contractors for public construction projects.
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: 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. RECORD (HeraldTimesOnline.com Keys to the Candidates): As township trustee and former township assessor, my experience in local government has prepared me to serve District 46 as its next State Representative.
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 (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD: Candidate Heaton, together with State Representative Candidate Borders and State Senate Candidate Waterman, prepared a political ad strongly supporting a YES vote on the Constitutional 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: DID NOT RESPOND. 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. Being a small business owner and a taxpayer, I understand the need to be frugal with our state dollars and the need to lower 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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I'll agree that an amendment is necessary, and something that we should continue to work for. There can be nothing fair about a tax that places an arbitrary value on your home or business, tax it at an arbitrary rate, and then take your home or business if you find yourself unable to pay. We can do better; please see http://electrexbell.com/?p=497.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From IndyStar.com 2010 Voter Guide): We should create a business friendly environment by eliminating property taxes and loosening regulations on businesses that provide jobs. We need to replace property taxes with sales taxes and user fees would more equally distribute the cost of necessary government services, and return non-essential government services to the private sector. Pension funds should be off limits to politicians. All employees should have the ability to control their retirement if they choose, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund those pension funds twice, as they are when government misuses those funds.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): A few years ago I realized how expensive and intrusive our government had become. Our property taxes had increased 450% since we purchased our home, and any attempt by our legislators to lessen those taxes only resulted in higher taxes elsewhere. As a small business owner I also saw first hand the crippling effect of over regulation. I joined the Libertarian Party because I believe that personal freedom and personal responsibility are what made this nation great. I also believe that abandoning personal freedom and personal responsibility, and expecting the government to provide for our every wish, want and need, will be the downfall of this great nation.
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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): A free and equal opportunity for an education for all citizens is essential to a democracy. This can only be accomplished by adequately funding schools and having state standards that all must meet. Local government must control their own funding without fear of unplanned cuts to provide an environment that is both safe and attractive. Funding of government services and schools must be locally controlled. A source of income to local government which is both stable and fair must be found, if we are to attract the type of businesses we need.
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: 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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND.

Thomas E. (Tom) Saunders (Taxpayer UNfriendly)

State Representative District 55:

Sarah Jordan (Uncertain) 
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.

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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): While I am in complete support of the idea of keeping a balanced budget and not spending beyond our means, I believe public safety is an area that should be cut as an absolute last resort. The Daniels administration and his supporters have a record of cutting services in our rural communities and small towns and hoarding resources in Indianapolis.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain) 
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.

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: http://hoganforindiana.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (HeraldTimesOnline.com Keys to the Candidates): Over the last 30 years, government, at all levels, has had annual increases in their revenue simply because our economy has grown annually. Tax revenues have sharply declined because of the number of people out of work and the general population is not spending their money. Tax revenues will continue to decline until people feel secure and we come out of this recession. Raising taxes to fund government at the present levels is not a responsible action. The government, including schools, has to prioritize spending and make cuts where services are less essential. Keeping Indiana government operating in the black and maintaining a surplus without raising taxes, will make our state attractive to new businesses and entrepreneurs, and protect existing businesses large and small from further layoffs. Business has to feel secure with their future costs in order to make investments in facilities and equipment and to make commitments to future employees. We do not need more taxes, we need more tax payers. RECORD (From Website): More of the monies budgeted for education have to follow the children. It seems ridiculous that we have funds to build new buildings and buy hardware but we are laying off teachers and taking money out of extracurricular activities. Funding formulas have to be changed to put more money into the classroom. We must have smaller class sizes and reward teachers who put forth significant extra effort. Extras like Art, Music, Band, Choir, and team sports are a significant part of creating well-rounded individuals and should have a higher priority. Like most enterprises, school systems need to recognize and reward excellence. Merit pay for excellence and making it easier to get rid of teachers who do not perform, is a start. Creating competition for excellence by creating a voucher system, where parents have more choices where their children will go to school, would force higher standards. Lessen the role of unions in text book selection and curriculum development and allow teachers to bargain for their own jobs. Twenty five years ago Governor Orr created the A+ program that made it illegal to have elementary class sizes greater than 19. I don’t know what happened to that program but it should be re-instituted. The legislature must not increase the tax burdens on individuals or businesses. We must continue to operate within the limits of the revenue the state receives and maintain a surplus at the same time. Three local government reform measures that I support are (1) transfer of administering the duties of the auditor, treasurer, recorder, surveyor to the county executives; (2) elimination of only the smallest Township Trustee/Advisory Boards and transferring their duties to the County; and (3) consolidation of emergency public safety dispatch and oversight of public safety services at the County level.
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: 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. RECORD (HeraldTimesOnline.com Keys to the Candidates): I have been a small businessman for 40 years. I understand what it takes to employ people and meet a payroll. RECORD (From Website): Please see my Economic Plan and Stance on Taxes at my website.
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 to 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 (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: DID NOT RESPOND. 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: DID NOT RESPOND. 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: 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. RECORD (From indianapublicmedia.org): I am not pro-I-69, but I am resigned to its construction. I don’t think you should stand here and say "No, no, no. We don’t want this highway." It’s coming. It’s already being built. The federal government’s already mandated it.  What we should do is get actively involved in determined how it comes. What it looks like. What benefit it has for Bloomington. So in the long run we the people have a voice what’s going on in our city.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Please see my Plan of Action & Milestones for Job Growth in House District 61 on my website.

State Representative District 64:

Kreg Battles (Taxpayer UNfriendly)

Ken A. Beckerman (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): We need to promote competitiveness in education. Public schools and their methodologies have been unchallenged until recent years. Charter schools, private schools, home schooling, and virtual learning, all should have a seat at the education dinner table. There is also room for specialty schools that promote work force development and the development of life skills. As we replace antiquated school structures, let’s design buildings that have multiple uses. Why not design them in such a way that they can be used for adult learning, exercise centers, community centers and centers for business development.
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: 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.

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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Some of the ways to facilitate job growth are tax incentives and getting the bypass constructed. Regarding tax incentives, I fully support granting them to attract businesses -- but with strings attached. If they leave the state or country, we should have the ability to come back and get those tax rebates back. I don't think it's fair for a business to move to another state or country having had all those benefits from Indiana. We must find better ways to attract new business and find better incentives that allow our existing businesses to expand. Tax breaks and industrial parks are important tools, but they aren't as effective as they once were. As your State Representative I intend to focus on those quality of life issues that are fast becoming the best ways for areas to distinguish themselves. If elected, restoring education funding and ensuring our schools can provide our children a world class education will be a top priority of mine. RECORD (From courier-journal.com 2010 Voter Guide): I seek to improve and expand workforce training programs in our communities. Our small community schools need flexible local control over funding to ensure that they can continue to provide a high quality, achievement-based curriculum for our children. I don’t believe kicking people while they are down is the “Hoosier Way” and cutting benefits for unemployed Hoosiers is doing just that. There won’t be any easy solutions in the 2011 budget, but we must reduce the size of our state government, reasonably and responsibly. We must not raise taxes, not even a penny--this would only increase the burden for Hoosier families and force our economy farther down. We must introduce targeted incentives for small businesses focused on job creation. 
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: 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.
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. Medicaid faces an estimated 300,000 more eligible members under the new Healthcare Reform Act recently passed by Congress. This is huge burden to our state budget, but we can manage it. First, we can funnel more of the cigarette state excise tax that is being used in the Healthy Indiana Insurance Plan to the IN Medicaid program. Personal responsibility  in the form of low premiums or affordable co-pays on services will offset some costs and discourage unnecessary visits. I would view increasing state income taxes as a last resort to balance the budget. We should enact policies that encourage economic growth and recovery.  This is the only sustainable way to both balance our budget and replenish reserve funds over the next few years. Indiana leads our neighbors and we should do everything we can to make sure we remain a leader by allowing business growth to continue.
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 73^rd 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. Medicaid faces an estimated 300,000 more eligible members under the new Healthcare Reform Act recently passed by Congress. This is huge burden to our state budget, but we can manage it. First, we can funnel more of the cigarette state excise tax that is being used in the Healthy Indiana Insurance Plan to the IN Medicaid program. Personal responsibility in the form of low premiums or affordable co-pays on services will offset some costs and discourage unnecessary visits. I would view increasing state income taxes as a last resort to balance the budget. We should enact policies that encourage economic growth and recovery. This is the only sustainable way to both balance our budget and replenish reserve funds over the next few years. Indiana leads our neighbors and we should do everything we can to make sure we remain a leader by allowing business growth to continue.
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 73^rd 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.

Sue Ellspermann (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: Yes, I agree voters should have the opportunity to vote on 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 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 will be very difficult if we cannot increase employment levels significantly.  That said, I am an Industrial Engineer accustomed to looking for cost savings opportunities. Our governor is very good at that as well. We should continue to streamline state government.  The Kernan Shepard report offers a number of recommendations which should continue to be considered, refined and pursued, among others. And, we should identify ways that Hoosiers can help their own communities and our state save money.  These actions will make us stronger for the future.
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 support the current Homestead Standard Deduction and Supplemental Deduction. 
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: New I-69 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. I am very pleased with the Governor’s accelerated schedule for the Evansville-Crane portion. I will continue to actively support legislation that encourages the completion of I-69 across Indiana.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I believe in small government, low taxes, and quality education to enable our citizens to be productive and innovative. 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. We should continue to increase educational opportunities for citizens to ensure and attract high value industry in our rural district. And, we must make Indiana a hotbed of entrepreneurism, particularly in emerging areas such as biotechnology, alternative energy, and nanotechnology. A vibrant, sustainable economy is Indiana’s best way to ensure low taxes and a high quality of life for Hoosiers.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Eric Bradner Article): Hoosiers in Southwest Indiana deserve leaders who will listen to and trust the opinion of voters.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. 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. RECORD (From city-countyobserver.com): Affordable education opportunities for those displaced from such plant closings need to be available within our community college system at IVY Tech.
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: 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.

Mike Goebel (Uncertain)
389 S. Alvord Blvd.
Evansville, IN 47714 
Phone: (812) 204-4453
E-mail: goebelforrep@gmail.com
Website: http://www.goebelforcouncil.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): My focus will be working to promote fiscally responsible measures that provide for the general good of all Hoosiers, particularly those in Southern Indiana. My priorities as your State Representative will include protecting taxpayers from unnecessary expenses while providing funding for necessary services and balancing the state budget, encouraging long-term development plans that promote economic growth while making Southern Indiana more attractive to businesses that will create and retain good paying jobs, support for maintaining and improving our educational systems, and encouraging transparency in government activities. The state must commit to make education a top priority, the future of our children, our communities, and our Hoosier values lay in the balance.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): As evidenced on the County Council, I am fiscally conservative and proud that my votes have helped the County government balance its yearly budget. The county remains fiscally sound even with a lower revenue stream. Vanderburgh County’s 2010 budget was crafted with lower spending than in 2009. The high level of public safety and service our taxpayers have come to expect has been maintained. I will continue to work to protect our taxpayers from unnecessary expenses.

State Representative District 76

Bob Deig (POLITICAL HOG)

Wendy (Mac) McNamara (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I am interested in hearing taxpayers' opinions through the referendum on the property tax cap legislation.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): A better-educated workforce coupled with low taxes for working families and businesses will allow for job creation. I support legislation that keeps taxes low for businesses, as well as, legislation that encourages businesses to create and retain jobs in the District 76. I will work to keep taxes low for business and working families, as well as ensure a fiscally responsible budget is passed for the State of Indiana . School districts need to be given the flexibility to be innovative. 
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: 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 80:

Phil GiaQuinta (Uncertain)

Jonathan Moosey Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Facebook): My platform will include lowering the tax burden on businesses and individuals so that there is the chance for economic prosperity for Hoosiers in all walks of life.
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: 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 83:

Kathleen Heuer (Uncertain)
P.O. Box 512
Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone: (260) 609-2802
E-mail: kathy@kathyheuer.com; 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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I believe in less government regulation with the minimum amount of taxes necessary to deliver essential services. I want to fight to help keep more of your hard-earned money in your pockets, to continue to cut spending, to keep taxes low and to help eliminate duplication of services. I support extended infrastructure for high speed Internet to accommodate relocating businesses. I support our local EDC's and encouragement for strengthening their coordinated strategies. We need to take a hard look at the Kernan-Shepard report. Its ideas may make sense for large metro areas, but not for more rural areas. I believe our township trustees perform a valuable service in our counties and should not be eliminated. Schools should be encouraged to work toward less administration while allocating more of their dollars to teaching.
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: 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.

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. I don’t claim to have done this alone. I had a talented, hard working committee, and, when that committee made their case for the work, they earned the support of both GM and the UAW. I believe there is no other candidate in Indiana running for the legislature with my track record for working to produce and maintain high quality jobs in our state. No candidate is likely to say that they want to raise taxes. Neither do I. As a result I will fight the failed policy of giving Indiana work to companies from outside the state. This administration has given control of our roads to foreign countries, our Unemployment offices to Ohio, and our Family and Social Services Administration to Texas. Not only has this resulted in poorer service, but in the case of the Family and Social Services debacle cost 1.3 BILLION dollars and actually resulted in the DEATH of a Hoosier cut off from the services she needed and should have to received. I believe that Indiana tax dollars should be spent to KEEP control of necessary services in the hands of capable Hoosiers—not be paid to out-of-state firms that have other no interest in Hoosiers other than making a profit. And there are hidden costs, too. If Hoosier companies had been contracted to perform these services the property taxes, income taxes, COIT taxes and wheel taxes of all the company executives and staff would have come into Indiana tax coffers—not to foreign countries and states like Texas, Ohio, and now, with Ft. Wayne’s recent decision to outsource the school’s janitorial service, to a company in Michigan. Indiana works best when HOOSIERS, not foreign countries or other states, perform the work. We get better service, keep tax money in state, and generate many more jobs than outsiders will ever do. This administration has behaved as though they don’t trust Hoosiers to do the work. I believe the problem lies with the government—not with the hard working people of Indiana!
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. When I was 12 my father died. That next year in eighth grade I was the ONLY child in a class of nearly twenty-five students without two parents. Nowadays there are as many children living in single parent homes as are living with Mom and Dad. We must find a way to support our teachers AND our children. Charter schools are often held up as examples of how to do this. The fact is that they are simply another profit making group at taxpayer expense. Charter schools get to choose their students, have much smaller class sizes, and often longer school days. Give our teachers those same conditions and test scores would rise all over the state! And, we wouldn’t be paying for some CEO’s new boat, but preparing our children for life in a difficult world. Let’s elect state representatives who believe that Hoosiers can do the work, need the jobs, and are ready to stop the steady bleeding of outsourcing Hoosier jobs and tax dollars to other states and countries. Let’s ensure that when we pay for a service we get that service, and let’s support our public servants properly. Our lives, the lives of our families and the future of our children depend on their dedicated service. Much, if not all, of this can be accomplished, not by raising taxes, but by putting the jobs, the leadership and the future of our state in Hoosier hands—not those of outsiders. I will listen, I will learn, and I will lead. Elect me to the statehouse in District 83. PROTECT HOOSIER JOBS AND TAX MONEY!

State Representative District 84:

Bob Morris (Uncertain)

Evan Smith (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Facebook): I appreciate the value of education for our nation's future, the need to support teachers and schools, and the importance of putting students first. Job creation relies especially on promoting our many small businesses. I propose this be done by building on the job creation rewards the state of Indiana offers, such as the EDGE tax credit, which rewards businesses for relocating to Indiana, and the federal Work Opportunities Tax Credit, which promotes hiring people such as disabled veterans and disconnected youth. In this troubled economy, we must go further. Businesses that are already here, many of them owned by our friends and neighbors, should also receive tax credits for adding any jobs to their payrolls. I support offering tax credits for hiring new graduates directly or for creating jobs that match their major degree programs. By making it easier for new graduates to find work, Indiana can avoid the dreaded “brain drain” and equip itself with the leaders of a new economy. I propose that Indiana invest in new, clean, efficient forms of energy and technology. Already Indiana receives federal grants to create green jobs. The state offers a tax credit to vehicle manufacturers for investing in alternative fuels, an issue championed by Senator Dick Lugar. We can go further by rewarding all businesses for going green, whether that’s through solar energy, recycling or some other step.
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: 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 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 (Uncertain) 
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I believe in lower taxes especially property and income taxes. There is no such thing as owning our own property as long as there are property taxes. I am for less taxes and less regulation on businesses. 
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: 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 95

John Bartlett (Taxpayer UNfriendly)

Ray G. Shearer (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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 99

David Blank (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): We spend almost half of Indiana’s general fund on K-12 education, yet only 60 cents of every educational dollar is spent in the classroom. We need to streamline redundant administration and hold educational systems accountable. RECORD (From IndyStar.com 2010 Voter Guide): Lower taxes and streamline red tape for new business start-ups, and make it easier for existing businesses to expand and prosper. But we also must find all other options that are being used successfully in other states to develop a program here in Indiana that suits our children's needs best. Each district should have options available so they can create a local system that works best for the students in their schools. We also must hold teachers and administrators accountable for failing systems.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): As a husband, a father, a doctor, and a small business owner, I have what it takes to bring jobs to our community, to make government more efficient, and to champion the highest quality education for our kids.

Beth Hayes (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
1244 N. Illinois St. #311
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: (317) 635-8732
E-mail: haybeth2010@yahoo.com   
Website: http://www.haybeth.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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website) I urge everyone to vote no on the referendum on the ballot in Indiana on property tax caps. Do not put it in the constitution! Prop 13 in California led the way.....This will have the same affect as it did in California. They are now so deep in debt I wonder if they could shovel their way out of it ever. I am for fair taxes not gutting the state so that it can't function! We can talk about it and figure something out.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.

John Meuser (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: I do have some reservations about amendment. Having most of the burden fall on commercial property results in the tax becoming an invisible sales tax and harms Hoosier farmers' competitiveness in the world market. The fact that the amendment does nothing to prevent abuse of assessment values and exempts school capital improvements means that a determined county government will be able to get around the limits if they wish. However, all that said, having some protection is better than nothing, so I ultimately 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: Just like Hoosier households must tighten their belts when times are tough, so should the Indiana government. As we have seen in the recession, having a reserve fund is very important to prevent lapse of essential services in the lean times. The State government needs to replenish its surplus fund, but not on the backs of the taxpayers.
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 believe that the Homestead exemption is important to help protect homeowners from losing their homes to overbearing property taxes, especially those on a fixed income. My only concern is the fact that it is based on fixed dollar amounts. A $100,000 house today is not the same as the same dollar amount house 50 years ago or 50 years from now. Modifying the exemption to be automatically adjusted for inflation would prevent a subtly hidden tax increase over time.
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: This is honestly an issue I haven't looked at in depth. My gut instinct is to be against such unilateral decision making, but there are some decisions best made outside the partisan rhetoric of the legislative process. I have not looked at the pros and cons of this particular issue yet, so I cannot say how I feel about it one way or the other.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Not at this time.
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 (Unknown)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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 4:

Shawn Olson (Taxpayer Friendly)
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: I support the Constitutional Amendment, even though I feel the real percentages should be a straight 1%. I’m not much a fan of personal property taxes on the individual. I would like to see the eventual elimination of taxes collected by the state on Personal Property. I would like to add one thing capping the property taxes is good and all but are we going to ensure the counties don’t just over assess the property to any over inflated prices they feel like? (Watchdog Indiana note: see http://www.finplaneducation.net/property_tax_assessment.htm.) 
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: You see I’m a small business owner. Working with budgets and being an executive of several private business boards you learn how to watch the money very carefully and one thing you learn is that any department with a fairly good leader can easily cut any budget by 10% without affecting production or the final product. Even in a fiscally sound budget 10% is an easily obtained amount. More the waste in spending the higher the amount can be cut without much effect to the production and product. Using your numbers above Indiana will be broke in June 30^th 2011. Therefore we either need to raise taxes by 13.3% or cut taxes by 13.3%. Why is this you may ask first because the federal stimulus is a one time shot there could be more but we cannot bank the future of our state on it being there. Besides the federal government can only print so much money before we will have to start factoring in inflation, which means an even higher increase in taxes! Second we will have gone through our reserves and once the reserve is gone it is gone. Medicaid this is going to be a very hard subject in a couple of years. Lets right now forget the aging population that will be on the increase over the next couple of years. (Yes the aging population is an important factor to look at but there is a bigger factor looming overhead.) Lets look at this very large factor that nobody is talking about. The Health Care bill that just passed by the federal government will put at the minimum an increase of 25% to the state Medicare budget. How do we deal with the new federal healthcare requirements? K-12 education currently our state spends over 50% of our taxes collected for k-12 education. We have to look at the budgets closely and cut any unnecessary overhead and waste to ensure our tax dollars actually make it to the classroom. Well at this time the reserves were for a rainy day and well its raining! I know there will be more rainy days ahead and we need to ensure our state has a back up plan incase of times like we are having right now but replacing the money shouldn’t be top priority. It will be replaced when we are financially sound by cutting back on government waste and balancing the state budget within the means of the taxpayers. 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: Yes! Anyway we can help lessen the tax burdens on homeowners I’m for it. Like I said above I’m not much a fan of Personal 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: I lean yes but need more info. I would rather see the people who are affected by this vote make the decision through a referendum. Either way it affects the people living there they have to stop and pay a toll or they will have to pay more in taxes so they are the ones who should be best to decide. If it were I, I would say the people who use it should pay for it.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: This upcoming year our budget will need major changes like it or not. Luckily Indiana is one of 2 states that are still in the black. If we do nothing the next few months this statement will not be true any longer. We have to ensure that Political Hogs and the Tax and Spenders can’t stop the necessary budget cuts. Lets create the climate that businesses will decide to come to Indiana. How? By keeping taxes low, keeping the size of government in check, and full and open disclosure of all tax payer money ensuring a complete transparency to guarantee tax payer money is protected and not wasted.

Karen Tallian (POLITICAL HOG)

State Senate District 6:

Charles E. Barman (Taxpayer Friendly)
7451 W 121st Ave
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 226-3400
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: 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: The budget should be balanced by taxing casinos and racinos more, and using more of the state's lottery money. Medicaid spending should be pushed back to the federal government - the current House and Senate want to change the health care of this country - let the federal government pay for that. School vouchers should be given to all parents, including home school parents, and this would reduce taxes by lessening the urge to build gigantic schools where children learn nothing. Reserve funds should be replenished without a statewide income tax increase.
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 I do.
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 am against I-69 becoming a toll road because the toll company will raise the toll and nobody will use I-69. Instead, they will use local roads to avoid the tolled portion of I-69 resulting in damage to those local roads. Therefore, I do support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I wish to stop the Illiana tollway to avoid future flooding in Lake County.

Sue Landske (Taxpayer Friendly)

Jim Metro (Uncertain)
14822 Wicker Ave.
Cedar Lake, IN 46303 
Phone: (219) 374-7610
E-mail: metroforsenate@gmail.com
Website: http://metroforsenate.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): We need to be focused on funding schools and spurring job creation, not sending millions of dollars to mismanaged facilities in Indianapolis. I pledge to fight any provisions in the next budget that would divert money away from critical government services. We must be committed to fully funding our public schools. Indiana can no longer balance the budget on the backs of our children and state leaders must be held accountable for doing so. A school corporation should be allowed to transfer up to 50 percent of the capital projects fund to its general fund with no stipulations. Full-day kindergarten should be provided to every Hoosier child. Individuals should be allowed to donate part or all of their state income tax refund to a fund benefiting an Indiana public school corporation or public education foundation by a check-off box on their tax return form. Eligibility for an existing tax credit program for donations to private school scholarship funds should be expanded to Indiana public education foundations. In 2009, the Indiana General Assembly approved a tax credit for 50 percent of each dollar contributed to organizations that grant scholarships to children attending private schools. By expanding the credit to individuals and corporations that donate to public education foundations, Hoosiers have more options and more students can benefit from private donations. The current cap of $2.5 million in tax credits available each year would remain. There are more than 50 public education foundations in local communities throughout Indiana. Public education foundation membership includes parents, educators and business leaders who collaborate on the local level to provide funds for innovative educational programs that motivate, recognize and appreciate students and teachers. I support the Indiana Open Government Initiative which includes specific proposals within three primary areas of focus: (1) the Indiana OpenGov web site providing one-stop public access to state budgets, spending and contracts; (2) corporate accountability laws for state economic incentives, including “clawback” provisions for companies that receive tax breaks then fail to make the investment or create the jobs promised; (3) ending “pay to play” in state contracts to ensure that they are awarded based on qualifications, not political contributions. Open government initiatives can save millions of taxpayer dollars through more efficient government operations, more competitive contracting bids, fewer manual information requests, and lower risk of fraud. Transparency also allows states to track how well subsidies and tax incentives deliver results. Coupled with corporate accountability laws and greater public input, transparency allows the state to recoup funding from underperforming projects and programs and reinvest those dollars into more successful programs. To restart our economy we must put unemployed Hoosiers back to work by providing tax breaks for businesses that hire new employees and end the red tape that holds back small businesses by creating a fast-track permitting process to move job creating projects forward. By finding common sense solutions in these tough economic times, we can ensure that our emergency personnel and first responders will continue to receive the funding, resources and training necessary to serve and protect.
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: 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 11:

Catherine Fanello (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): We should be worrying about fully funding kindergarten, providing textbooks and discussing student achievement gaps, not diverting money to cure funding problems in Indianapolis like the Marion County Professional Sports Development Area. While job creation is imperative for our communities to thrive and grow, we must also focus our energy on ensuring that not one educational opportunity is lost for our children. Indiana must improve its transparency so that Hoosiers can have easier access to monitor our government’s spending. My goal is to work with lawmakers to come up with an online, searchable database that provides residents with information on annual state spending. A transparency website can save millions of dollars as a result of providing more efficient government administration. The largest savings reported may come from the prevention of fraud and wasteful spending. This website would also allow the government to track the performance of state subsidies and target underperforming programs to reinvest funding into successful programs. I believe a good economy starts with a strong work ethic and empowering our working families by keeping taxes low, assisting small business owners, providing a business friendly climate and investing in education and a skilled workforce. Education must also be a top priority, next to job creation and economic growth. Without a strong education, Hoosier children will not be able to compete in today’s increasingly tough job market. I believe in providing an appropriate level of public school funding for our children while at the same time ensuring that school systems operate as efficiently as possible. Additionally, I support extending full-day kindergarten to every Hoosier child, providing funding for early childhood education and offering professional development opportunities to teachers. I also support providing adequate state funding to public universities to allow every Hoosier access to affordable, quality higher education. I support a fair and equitable system of taxation and am committed to keeping taxes low for Hoosiers. Additionally, state government must work to reduce unnecessary spending while providing the most critical services to citizens at a fair price they can afford. I support providing adequate funding for state provided pensions for public safety personnel, fully funding Indiana’s law enforcement and emergency responder training facilities, providing state assistance to returning military personnel in securing employment and education opportunities, and fully funding Homeland Security efforts in all Hoosier counties.
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: 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.

Joseph C. Zakas (Taxpayer Friendly)

State Senate District 15:

Jack Morris (Unknown)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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 pledge to create an online checkbook view of the state budget to assure transparency. The goal is to make the state budget transparent. I believe this issue is important if we are ever going to assure our government functions appropriately and our officials are held accountable. I will be fighting for properly funded education. A comprehensive, searchable online database of state spending and contracts would be an important step in transparency. An online site with the details on state spending, state service cuts, contracts, and how job creation awards are being used, allows taxpayers to hold politicians accountable and gives us all greater confidence that government is serving us as it should. Hoosiers are not careless spenders and will use an open site to not only hold elected officials accountable, but will provide great feedback and ideas. Open government initiatives can save millions of taxpayer dollars through more efficient government operations, more competitive contracting bids, fewer manual information requests, and lower risk of fraud. Transparency also allows states to track how well subsidies and tax incentives deliver results. Coupled with corporate accountability laws and greater public input, transparency allows the state to recoup funding from underperforming projects and programs and reinvest those dollars into more successful programs. Our politicians must protect our schools from funding shortfalls. We must review all aspects of our state’s spending to find a proper way to fully fund education and avoid crisis reductions. In addition to establishing full and consistent funding for our schools we must also find a way to provide early childhood funding. Providing adequate state funding to our public universities can keep tuition low and teaching quality high. Making more financial aid available guarantees that middle class families can access higher education opportunities for their children. Policies to spur the development of clean energy resources could position Indiana as a natural leader in producing renewable energy, income, and jobs, and would export homegrown energy to other states. Failure to progressively pursue clean energy jobs affects Indiana’s security, prosperity, lasting jobs, and our environment. Rethinking these opportunities can improve our security by significantly reducing our dependence on foreign oil and provide a positive impact on Indiana’s prosperity. We, the people of Indiana, don’t want government to do everything for us but we do want a government that cares and works for the people.
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: 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.

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 (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I do not support raising taxes. While I will not sign a no tax pledge for any reason, I will not support raising taxes unless there is a critical reason to do so. What that reason is I cannot tell you because I haven't seen it yet. 
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: 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 22:

Ron J. Alting (Taxpayer Friendly)

Michael J. Oxenrider (Uncertain)
105 Leslie Avenue
West Lafayette, IN 47906 
Phone: (765) 577-5627
E-mail: michael@oxenriderforIndiana.com 
Website: http://www.oxenriderforstatesenate.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): I will work to award our public/private contracts to Indiana companies first, reward Indiana companies that do business with other Indiana companies, leverage the power of our universities to become leaders in new industries, attract green jobs by promoting a Renewable Portfolio Standard for Indiana, invest in new agricultural technologies for the next generation of Hoosier farms, protect the family farm and property values by controlling urban sprawl, and improve the ability of our foreign trade offices to sell Indiana products overseas. It's time to re-evaluate the tax code and funding structure for education so that we can balance the state's budget without opening our schools to the risk of an unstable economy. I will work to provide more incentives for those seeking careers in education, overhaul the way we balance the budget and fund our schools, streamline our schools and school corporations, and relieve schools and classroom teachers from unfunded mandates. I will work to promote arts districts as enterprise zones to attract new businesses, enhance our creative economy to promote tourism and keep talent in-state, and bring resources home to make our districts a major point-of-interest for inter- and intra-state travelers.
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: 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 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 (Uncertain) 
9600 Smoky Row Rd.
Greens Fork, IN 47345
Phone: (765) 886-9955
E-mail: don.crossley@yahoo.com     
Website: http://doncrossleyforsenate.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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Property taxes are too high at 1% and we can work without them. I feel that it is a crime for a person to work into their 70's, save all of their life, pay for their home...miss paying $450 in property taxes, then the State confiscates their home and sell for a profit.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Indiana has been proactive in cutting expenses but they haven't done enough to cut taxes. I want the State of Indiana to cut expenses further so the tax payers pay less in taxes. I support Fine Arts and I will fight hard to keep financial cuts away from the Fine Arts.
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: 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. RECORD (From Website): We need to cut the Toll Road from Indianapolis to Evansville and turn that money into a promotion of Indiana small businesses.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): My plan for creating and keeping stable, good-paying jobs will offer tax credits to businesses that hire unemployed workers, help small businesses expand with incentives and other assistance, invest in emerging industries that will provide the jobs of tomorrow, ensure our workers have world-class training opportunities, recruit companies that are a good fit for Hoosier workers and communities, explore “green” jobs (such as wind, solar and biomass opportunities), hold companies accountable that receive tax dollars but do not create promised jobs. I will find ways to help our schools have adequate funding and resources to keep our students in a positive learning environment and teachers in the classroom. I will fight for more funding for full-day kindergarten to give our children a jumpstart that has proven to be beneficial later in life and study ways to offset the costs of textbook that continue to increase at an alarming rate. I support limiting potential increases in college costs and will explore innovative ways to offer additional assistance and scholarships to students. I will also focus on our state’s literacy rate to make sure everyone has a chance to obtain a good job and improve his or her quality of life. I will never vote for a budget that hurts our children, and I oppose the huge state funding cuts that are resulting in teacher layoffs, larger class sizes, and reductions in programs. We should pursue measures that will make property taxes fair, predictable and timely. I am also committed to working out the inequities and uncertainty that has resulted from the recent property tax reform measures adopted at the Statehouse. I support increased transparency that would result in a greater accountability from state government. I support common-sense reforms to streamline government and potentially save taxpayers millions of dollars, but I also know that a one-size-fits-all approach is often not the best for each local community. I will take steps to address infrastructure that is aging and deteriorating in some areas as well as new construction that needs to occur in the growing northern areas of our district. We also must find ways to reduce congestion on our roadways with common-sense mass transportation plans to take into account the needs and wishes of all people across central Indiana, not just those in certain areas.
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: 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.
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 (Uncertain)
115 W Washington St Ste 1165
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 231-7121
E-mail: sheriff4senate@gmail.com
Website: http://sheriff4senate.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From IndyStar.com 2010 Voter Guide): I think we need to constantly evaluate what businesses need – from large corporations to small businesses – and tailor specific initiatives around those needs. I also think it’s important in the jobs discussion that we include renewable energy. That’s why I support expanding net metering, rather than restricting it. At the same time, we must be comprehensive in how we look at mass transit. People need to get to work, so let’s be sure we don’t make cuts that hurt our workforce, rather than help them. Education should be the last thing we cut, not the first. If we continue to cut education, our kids won’t be able to compete in a global economy. That’s why I think school districts need flexibility and local control. We can’t take a “one size fits all” approach because each school district is different, with its own set of complexities and challenges. What works in an urban or township district in Indianapolis may not work in Switzerland County.
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: 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.

Benjamin Hale (Uncertain)
8527 Honeysuckle Way
Indianapolis, IN 46256
Phone: (317) 698-3418
E-mail: halebenw@gmail.com 
Website: http://benhale2010.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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): As a Libertarian, I believe in being served by a small, non-intrusive government that is financially responsible, administratively competent and socially tolerant. 
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: 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.

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. 

Steven M. Thais (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: 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.
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.

Chris Roller (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Trying to find a fair and equal way to distribute funding to schools is an issue I take very seriously. 
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: 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.

Jim C. Smith (Taxpayer Friendly)   
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: I do support a Constitutional Amendment for property tax "Caps". I do not support treating taxpayers differently. I believe that once the Caps are in place that we (the Legislature) should work to move these Caps lower and eventually eliminate 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: This is an amazingly difficult question to answer in a paragraph. I do not support ANY increase in taxes. I support tax decreases and continued reduction in State Spending. Reserve Funds are simply "taxes" that are being stored with the Government and are thus not in the hands of the taxpayer - so, I do not support replenishment of the State "Reserve Fund".
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, I pledge to maintain the Standard and Supplemental Homestead 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: Yes, I support changing the Indiana Code that would require the approval of the General Assembly for any toll road.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I am a committed conservative (both Fiscally and Socially) who believes in smaller government and less government control and involvement in our lives. Please visit my Facebook Page: "Jim Smith for State Senate" and You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycQK1H0SOmA.

Charles "Chuck" Freiberger (Uncertain)
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): Allow a school corporation to transfer up to 50 percent of the capital projects fund to its general fund with no stipulations. Allow individuals to donate part or all of their state income tax refund to a fund benefitting an Indiana public school corporation or public education foundation by a check-off box on their tax return form. Expand to Indiana public education foundations eligibility for an existing tax credit program for donations to private school scholarship funds. The current cap of $2.5 million in tax credits available each year would remain. I support a new government transparency plan aimed at bringing greater accountability in state budgeting and spending. Hoosiers deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent, and a comprehensive, searchable online database of state spending and contracts would be an important step in greater transparency. By creating a one-stop service for information on state spending, state service cuts, contracts, and how job creation awards are being used, gives us all greater confidence that government is serving us as it should. I support corporate accountability laws for state economic incentives, including “clawback” provisions companies that receive tax breaks then fail to make the investment or create the jobs promised. “Pay to play” in state contracts should be ended to ensure that the contracts are awarded based on qualifications, not political contributions. 
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: 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.

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)

Patty Avery (Uncertain) 
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: DID NOT RESPOND.
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: DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (From Website): We can create jobs by targeted capital project spending to rebuild Indiana’s aging and deteriorating infrastructure –our roads, bridges, sewers, and communications systems. This creates high paying construction jobs and makes Indiana more competitive. Our tax structure is archaic and regressive and needing reform. It was developed to respond to political pressure and the demands of lobbyists. It needs to be fair to the taxpayer, sensitive to the needs of local and state government, and responsive to the economics of the marketplace. To ensure that our children can compete in the global economy, it’s not enough to just prioritize education in the budget. We need to reconsider the way the state divides up education funding and be fair to all school districts, recognizing that many costs remain the same whether a classroom has 25 students or 30. Unfair funding formulas shortchange USI, Ivy Tech, and many of our area K-12 schools. I will promote fair formulas that ensure our kids, college students, and adult learners receive the education they need to build their futures and compete in the new economy. I will fight to keep our children and investment in the future a top priority. Incentives for small business and investment in education from kindergarten through college will equip Hoosiers to create innovative business models and products. Taxpayers have a right to know how their money’s being spent – and where cuts are being made. Governor Daniels’ continued refusal to share specific information on budget spending has highlighted the need for increased transparency. Across the country, states have created websites where residents can easily access information on the state’s spending. On a centralized site, they can search by topic, project or even by the vendor who’s been paid. This level of transparency has resulted in savings in many states through improved efficiency in coordinating purchasing and by exposing duplication and waste.
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: 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.

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. 

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