Candidate Ratings: 2010 Contested Primary Elections

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NOTE #1: Candidates in the contested Indiana General Assembly primary elections are listed below by District Number. You need your State Representative and State Senator District Numbers to locate candidates for the May 4, 2010, primary 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 Primary and General Elections of State Representatives in Districts 1, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 57, 58, 59, 62, 63, 65, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 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 May 4, 2010, contested primary 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 May 4, 2010, Primary 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 $1.0447 billion in federal stimulus money, $1.3294 billion in reserve funds, and $2.6236 billion in spending cuts. 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 3:

Charlie Brown (POLITICAL HOG)

Bryan K. Bullock (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
7863 Broadway, Ste. 222
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 472-1546
E-mail: attybullock@yahoo.com 
Website: http://electbullock.com/default.aspx 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): I am also AGAINST amending the state constitution to set business property tax caps at 3%.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 6, 2008, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote for Senate Joint Resolution 1 in 2009? DID NOT RESPOND. RECORD (www.indystar.com/2008race ): Constitutional amendments should not be taken lightly. Although I am in favor of reduced property taxes for citizens of our state, I am not sure that I can endorse a 3 percent cap on industry since this cap may deprive particular communities of much needed tax revenue.
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 8:

Richard Pfeil (Uncertain)
51707 Oakbrook Court
Granger, IN 46530
Phone: (574) 286-8400
E-mail: tmiller@roselandtech.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Mark Schaeffer (Taxpayer Friendly)
51744 Inverness Dr.
South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: (574) 272-5127
E-mail: markschaeffer@comcast.net  
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 support the constitutional amendment to cap property taxes. However to fully protect Hoosier families, business and farms we must enact measures to control assessments going forward to prevent unfair increases in the assessed value of property. Also the assessed value and tax rate for farm land must reviewed and re-classified as residential at the 1% rate.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: My background is business, so I will simply answer that the necessary cuts in spending must be made to balance the budget without tax increases. There can be no untouchable budgets; waste and excess must be removed from all state budgets.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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, toll roads and "temporary taxes" never seem to go away, even after their reason for existence no longer exists.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I am running because I feel that Northern Indiana and St. Joseph County are headed in the wrong direction. We need to return common sense and accountability to state government. We need to create a business friendly environment that will attract business and jobs to Northern Indiana. I believe in low taxes and small government that serve the people.

State Representative District 21:

Timothy Wesco (Uncertain)
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 - May 4, 2010, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. 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: 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.

Dave Wood (Uncertain)
3421 Wild Cherry Ridge W.
Mishawaka, IN 46544
Phone: (574) 254-1304
E-mail: david.a.wood@att.net    
Website: http://davewoodstaterep.com/ 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): Over-taxation prevents Hoosier families from realizing their dreams. I know that when families get to keep more of their hard earned money we are all better off. In the State House you can count on me to eliminate wasteful government spending, cut duplicate costs, and to ensure more of our tax dollars end up where they belong - back in our pockets.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

State Representative District 46:

Randy G. Carter (Uncertain) 
8208 W. Stine Street
Stinesville, IN 47464
Phone: (812) 855-9541
E-mail: info@randygcarter.com   
Website: http://randygcarter.com/default.aspx  
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Kal Ellis (Uncertain)
417 Wabash Ave.
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 234-9000
E-mail: EllisForStateRep@aol.com    
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Bionca D. Gambill (Uncertain)
951 West Sutliff Drive
Terre Haute, IN 47802
Phone: (812) 898-2394
E-mail: bionca.gambill@gmail.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Ron Fusselman (Taxpayer Friendly)
3099 W. 600 N
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 224-7209
E-mail: nextcdv@yahoo.com 
Website: http://www.ronfusselman.com/ 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): After the House voted on the Indiana Constitution Property Tax Cap Amendment on Monday, January 11 2010, a vote that passed by a margin of 75-23, the Indiana State Republican Party issued a press release criticizing Democrat Trent Van Haaften’s No vote. What the State Republican Party failed to do was bring attention to Republican Dan Leonard’s same No vote. To highlight the hypocrisy of the State Republican Party’s attempt to minimize Rep. Leonard’s vote and to “protect their own”, I issued a statement using the identical language used in the party’s press release. I replaced my name for the Republican candidate and Rep. Dan Leonard’s name for the Democrat. Protecting taxpayers is fundamental to strong, representative leadership. It is disturbing to hear that Rep. Dan Leonard voted against providing this basic protection. What concerns me the most is that this action indicates that he is not interested in hearing taxpayers’ opinions on the property tax cap legislation; otherwise, he would have allowed the issue to be put before a referendum. By permanently capping property taxes, we position Indiana to attract new homeowners, and ultimately new businesses. Seeing protection from excessive taxing could be the deciding factor for numerous individuals and companies looking to relocate to Northeasten Indiana. At the end of the day, property tax caps help position us as a viable, attractive community for more families and growing businesses, and that’s what our community needs 
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): By signing the Americans for Tax Reform’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge, I am only reassuring the voters of the 50^th district of my commitment to keep taxes low, reduce spending and to minimize the reach government has in our lives.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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. POSITION (from Website): From my opponent's votes to increase his salary and benefits to being only one of 23 representatives to vote against putting property tax caps in the Indiana Constitution proves he is out of touch with his constituents and chooses his own interests and the interests of the lobbyists over the people he is supposed to represent.

Daniel J. (Dan) Leonard (POLITICAL HOG)

State Representative District 55:

Glenn E. Bailey (Uncertain)
25225 Bullfork Road
Oldenburg, IN 47036
Phone: (812) 663-3632
E-mail: gbailey16@ivytech.edu 
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: Support.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: Reserve funds should be replenished eventually. I feel top end administrators should take cuts and more responsibilities to save.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes, as I understand it today.
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, very strongly. Whatever the people paid for they should retain ownership of.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I will stay in touch with the people of District 55 by writing articles for local newspapers and personal visits to events.

Tom Knollman (Uncertain)

Randy Lyness (Uncertain)
3478 N. Dearborn Road
West Harrison, IN 47060
Phone: (812) 637-5127
E-mail: csunroom@fuse.net 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

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 - 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.        

Lynn A. Sheets (Uncertain)
2820 W. SR 44
Liberty, IN 47353
Phone: (765) 458-0295
E-mail: lsheets@uc.k12.in.us  
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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 60:

Steven R. Hogan (Taxpayer Friendly)
8992 Ella Street
Nashville, IN 47448
Phone: (812) 360-3743
E-mail: srhogan1972@gmail.com   
Website:
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot? ANSWER: I absolutely support an amendment to cap property taxes.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: Education and local governments cannot continue to expand their spending as if there were no problem with the economy of the private sector. In education the first place to cut expenses is not in the classroom. Building programs, new supplies and technology and in-service and travel expenses should be put on hold and those funds used for the kids, first. As happened this year, it is more important that we have teachers and class rooms than new buildings. Medicaid spending will be an even greater problem with Obamacare. I am not sure what can be done except to protect ourselves from an intrusive federal government passing the responsibilities for funding t us. I do not support any increases in income taxes or other taxes for that matter. The citizens of Indiana cannot be expected to come up with extra money from their pay checks when their incomes are decreasing and people are losing jobs. All government entities need to cut back to operate within expected revenues. It is important that we maintain a reserve account. This reserve account is what will protect us from our federal government. The length of this recession is unknown and if Indiana is to come out of it strong in the future, we must be well prepared.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: Yes, I support the Homestead Deductions without change.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: I support building I-69. In order to get this project completed I would support making it a toll road if that were the only way to get it done. To require approval of the General Assembly to make that happen is probably impossible.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: We have serious economic problems right now in large part because of the government meddling with what should be "free enterprise." The suggestion of new regulations for banks, wall street, etc. have only shut down banking for the little guy. Nationalizing car companies and special deals for unions have taken the notion of competition out of the picture. Public-private partnerships are special relationships that exclude competition and keep entrepreneurs from entering the picture (unless they are the one to secure the favor). Government jobs are not sustainable jobs. Private business making informed investments and hiring individuals to help provide a service or produce a product should be the only definition of economic growth and real jobs.

Joyce B. Poling (Uncertain)
2656 E. Second Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
Phone: (812) 336-1813
E-mail:  
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Shawn B. Fields (Uncertain)
5662 N Co. Rd. 10E
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 663-2457
E-mail: shawnfields@yahoo.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Randy Frye (Uncertain)
4704 S. US 421
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 662-9665
E-mail: randy@bluerivertele.com 
Website: http://www.randyfrye.com/ 
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: At this time I don’t support the Constitutional Amendment due to the problem with the formula for assessing farm ground. I firmly believe we need to do all we can to keep taxes low and allow Hoosiers to keep as much of their money as possible. However, I feel the property tax assessment for farm ground hurts Hoosier farmers and is unfair.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: The state must live within its means. A balanced budget can be obtained by reducing spending, becoming more efficient, and using creative ways to add to the state’s income. I strongly support K-12 education. However, we may have to cut certain programs if funding doesn’t allow. Certain extra curricular actives may need to be cut. Sending school busses across county’s for sports events is an area we can cut without decreasing the teacher student ratio. Increasing technology in education will make education more cost effective. We must continue to fund Medicaid. Controlling cost may possible through better doctor, pharmacy, and patient relationships. I oppose a state wide income tax increase. The state operates much like a business. As a business owner one must have a reserve fund available for difficult times. We can and we must replace our surplus when the economy recovers. Indiana ’s economy will begin to grow only when Indiana business and residents are able to keep more of their hard earned income through business retention, recruitment, and development. As business begins to receive orders and make a modest profit, money is invested in other businesses. Companies expand operations, develop new products, replace old equipment, hire new employees, and train existing ones. Workers begin to believe their job will be secure and with an increase in consumer confidence sales go up. 
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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 believe government should be for the people by the people. I feel the General Assembly as a representative of Indiana residents should be allowed to vote on I-69 as a toll road between I 64 and Martinsville .
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: “I want to be your next State Representative because I have the experience and vision to make the tough choices needed at the Statehouse.” As a farmer, business owner, and professional fire fighter I bring a diverse lifetime of experience needed to bring our Hoosier economy back. We must put Hoosiers back to work. We can do so by holding the line on taxes and stopping deficit spending. The Federal Government has failed us with a so called economic bail out. With a multi trillion dollar budget deficit and less revenue coming in, the burden on the tax payer in increasing. Add a tax on business for health care and cap and trade and the economic recovery slows further. Only when the American business and American citizen is allowed to keep more of their hard earned money will the economy begin to grow again. I stand for lower taxes, smaller government, and more freedom.

Tony Goodrich (Uncertain)
1301 Kiowa Trail
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 527- 2751
E-mail:  
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Dale Jones "2 Tall" (Uncertain)
1516 N. Fort Wayne Rd.l
Rushville, IN 46173
Phone: (765) 938-5655
E-mail:  jjcatserve@hotmail.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Martin W. (Marty) Voegele (Taxpayer UNfriendly)
3254 S. County Road 850 E
Greensburg, IN 47240
Phone: (812) 852-4097
E-mail: martinwvoegele@aol.com
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - November 4, 2008, General Election
1. QUESTION: Do you pledge to vote in 2009 for the exact same version of Senate Joint Resolution 1 that passed in 2008? ANSWER (10/08/08 by phone): As we discussed on the phone earlier, I do not support the constitutional amendment to the Indiana Constitution on the current legislation to "cap" the property tax at 1%, 2%, or 3%. My objection to this legislation is partially due to it being at odds with our constitution. Article 10 Section 1 reads in part; "The General Assemble shall provide by law, for a uniform and equal rate of property assessment and taxation...."  Please note the wording "uniform and equal." I also believe this is a smoke and mirror gimmick being used for political reasons. My understanding is that the cap is on assessed value. I am concerned that is is to easy to increase the tax rate to raise property taxes. Five or ten years from now we will be burdened by increased taxes while the current administration will be long gone. If legislators wish to truly cap property tax, they could cap the tax as a percentage of the sale price of the property. This amount is true market value, not some evaluation decided by a bureaucrat who has vested interest in increasing tax revenue.
2. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: I Am concerned by rising taxes on the citizens. I am fiscally conservative and strongly believe in a small but effective government. There needs to be a solution to the ever growing tax burden. But most of all taxes must be fair, uniform and equal.
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: YES. But only with voter approval.
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: Reliance on property tax should be eliminated but would require replacement by sales and/or income tax.
4. BACKGROUND: Mandatory full-day kindergarten for all of Indiana's 75,000 kindergartners could cost $210 million in 2009. QUESTIONS: Should the state pay for full-day kindergarten?  If YES, where should the state get the funds needed 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: Unknown. Mass transit will prove extremely important in the future and state gas taxes would be used to finance it.
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: All $3.7 billion from the Indiana Toll Road Lease should be invested into a Next Generation Fund and only returns exceeding the rate of inflation should be withdrawn and used. The New Terrain design of the I-69 extension should not be built. I-70 and US 41 should be upgraded and be funded by this fund. An I-70 and US 41 upgade will save taxpayer money.
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. Any future toll road will probably be put on the block to the highest bidder. I oppose the privatization of public infrastructure.
8. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? My campaign is self funded and I will represent the people of the district not a political party or special interests.

Tami D. Wenning (Uncertain)
3289 W. CR 1000 S.
Westport, IN 47283
Phone: (812) 591-2037
E-mail: twenning64@hotmail.com 
Website: http://electwenning.com/ 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Cindy Meyer Ziemke (Uncertain)
2014 Shrine Road
Batesville, IN 47006
Phone: (812) 216-8584
E-mail: clziemke@aol.com  
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Ryan D. Bower (Uncertain)
106 W. Wendy Lane
Salem, IN 47167
Phone: (812) 883-2272
E-mail: bower.ryan@gmail.com   
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

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 - 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.

Douglas C. Leatherbury (Uncertain)
201 N Main
Salem, IN 47167
Phone: (812) 883-2291
E-mail: doug@leatherburylawoffice.com    
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Henry H. (Hank) Taylor (Uncertain)
119 Mt. Zion Road
Henryville, IN 47126
Phone: (812) 294-3623
E-mail:      
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Sue Ellspermann (Uncertain)
212 E. 25th St.
Ferdinand, IN 47532
Phone: (812) 489-0737, (812) 998-2084
E-mail: sue@sueellspermann.com 
Website: http://sueellspermann.com/ 
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - 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.

Angela Sowers (Uncertain)
419 E Maple St
Boonville, IN 47601
Phone: (812) 897-3404
E-mail:
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Jim Banks (Taxpayer Friendly)
238 S. Eagle Glen Trail
Columbia City, IN 46725
Phone: (260) 248-8406
E-mail: http://jimbanks.us/contact/
Website: http://jimbanks.us/ 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): I will support efforts to stop the alarming growth of government through property tax caps and other restrictions on government spending.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): I will vote against wasteful government spending in the state budget just as I have done on the Whitley County Council. I will vote to direct more of our tax dollars to the classroom and less toward administration in public schools. I signed the Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge on February 1, 2010, promising to never support tax increases if I am elected to the Indiana General Assembly. 
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Tom Wall (Uncertain) 
1359 W 200 S
Huntington, IN 46750
Phone: (260) 468-2533
E-mail: tom.wall@huntington.in.us; tom@wallsmh.com   
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

State Senate District 26:

Kevin J. Barrett (Uncertain) 
301 S. Walnut St., Apt. 203
Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: (765) 717-2636
E-mail:
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Lewis R. (Papa Lou) Coulter (Uncertain)
2513 Oliver Dr.
Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765) 212-7364
E-mail:   
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questionnaire - 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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
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? HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? Do you have an E-mail address? Do you have a website? HAS NOT RESPONDED.

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 - 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:

B. Jeff Ellison (Uncertain)
7400 E. McGalliard
Muncie, IN 47303
Phone: (765) 212-4537
E-mail: jeffellison64@gmail.com   
Website: http://bjeffellison4senate.ning.com/ 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Sue Errington (POLITICAL HOG)

State Senate District 29:

James Litton (Uncertain)  
9041 Colgate Street
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: (812) 521-2672
E-mail: littonj@gmail.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Robin Shackleford (Uncertain) 
4964 Potomac Square Way Unit 4
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: (317) 328-4921
E-mail: rshackleford1@comcast.net    
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Ron Boger (Uncertain) 
1518 College Avenue
Vincennes, IN 47591
Phone: (812) 887-0810
E-mail: bogeysan_1@hotmail.com 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? 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.

Lindsay Patterson (Uncertain) 
1145 Main Street
Brookville, IN 47012
Phone: (513) 313-3220
E-mail: 
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Ron Groomes (Taxpayer Friendly) 
3104 Autumn Green Way
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 282-6108
E-mail: r.grooms@insightbb.com 
Website: http://rongroomsstatesenate.com/ 
Watchdog Indiana Candidate Questions - May 4, 2010, Primary Election
1. QUESTION: Do you support or oppose the Constitutional Amendment on the November 2, 2010, statewide ballot? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. 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: HAS NOT RESPONDED. 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: 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.

Lee Ann Wiseheart (Taxpayer Friendly) 
222 Spickert Knob Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone: (812) 572-2483
E-mail: lawiseheart@sbcglobal.net   
Website: http://www.teamwiseheart.com/
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: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): My priorities as your State Senator would include making property tax caps permanent and assessments more accurate.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED. POSITION (from Website): My priorities as your State Senator would include watching over budget proceedings to ensure government efficiency and promoting innovation by investing in our colleges and universities. I am running for State Senate to serve as a strong voice for lower taxes and government efficiency.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
4. QUESTION: Do you support changing the Indiana Code so approval of the General Assembly is required before I-69 becomes a toll road between I-64 and Martinsville? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: HAS NOT RESPONDED.

Jim Tomes (Taxpayer Friendly) 
9412 Hwy 66
Wadesville, IN 47638
Phone: (812) 985-5473
E-mail: jmtomes@pngusa.net    
Website: http://www.jimtomes.com/index.html 
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. 

Andrew Wilson (Taxpayer Friendly) 
PO Box 130
New Harmony, IN 47634
Phone: (812) 457-9909
E-mail: Andrew@hoosiers4wilson.com; andrew@wilsonauctions.com     
Website: http://www.hoosiers4wilson.com/ 
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, and the voter referendum on the November 2, 2010, ballot.
2. QUESTION: How should the 2012-2013 state budget be balanced? ANSWER: The Indiana General Assembly should balance the 2012-2013 budget with a mindset towards accurate and realistic revenue forecasts. We must control our spending on Medicaid administration; focus efficient funding towards the classroom in K12 public education; and avoid any tax increase. Absolutely every effort should be made to replenish reserve funds, and we must promise Hoosiers that we will be fiscally responsible.
3. QUESTION: Do you pledge to maintain both the Homestead Standard Deduction and the Homestead Supplemental Deduction without ANY change? ANSWER: I will pledge to maintain a homeowner’s control of their property tax burdens.
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 the General Assembly, and representation of the constituents of Indiana on approval of public-private partnerships regarding Interstate 69.
5. QUESTION: Do you wish to make some additional comments about your candidacy? ANSWER: Please visit our campaign website to learn more. I look forward to meeting you on the campaign to discuss the issues that matter to Hoosiers!

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This page was last updated on 11/04/10 .